Landmannalaugar Hike & the Valley of Tears from RVK & Selfoss

Landmannalaugar plus the Valley of Tears is a smart way to see Iceland’s highlands in a single day, without needing a plan for remote roads. I love that the trip is built around Landmannalaugar’s geothermal highlights, and I love the small group size (max 19), which makes it feel more like a guided adventure than a cattle call.

The tradeoff? It’s a long day, and you’ll spend serious time in a vehicle on rough gravel roads. Also, lunch is not included, so you’ll want a snack plan to keep your energy up.

Key points worth knowing before you go

• Geothermal payoff is real: you finish the hiking part with time to soak in the natural hot pool, plus cold-plunge options when conditions allow.
• Small-group pace: the group size tops out at 19, so the guide can actually manage timing and keep you together.
• Off-road drive comfort matters: the vehicle is air-conditioned and has Wi-Fi, but the route still includes bumpy gravel stretches.
• Multiple scenery stops, not just one: besides Landmannalaugar, you’ll also visit Sigöldugljúfur and Hjálparfoss.
• A hike with some steep moments: it can be very doable, but don’t assume it’s a flat stroll.
• Bring swim gear and layers: hot springs are the highlight, but wind and cold can hit fast even when the water is warm.

Why this Landmannalaugar and Valley of Tears day trip is such a good use of time

If you want Iceland Highlands scenery, the hardest part is usually getting there. This day trip solves that problem. You start early in Reykjavík area, ride out into the highlands, hike around colorful rhyolite terrain, then end with Iceland’s famous thermal soaking and dramatic waterfall scenery in the Valley of Tears.

I like that the itinerary is not just “drive, hike, leave.” It’s drive, hike, soak, then keep going. You also get built-in guidance on what you’re seeing, including geology and local context, so the colors and formations feel like more than a backdrop.

One more practical win: with pickup included, you don’t have to wrestle with navigation or timing for roads that are not exactly relaxed. That matters because the best part of the day is the time on the ground, not the time arguing with a GPS.

Reykjavík pickup and the gravel-road reality check (7:30 am start, long drive, Wi-Fi comfort)

Expect an early start. The tour begins around 7:30 am, and pickup can come from Reykjavík, with an option to pick up in Selfoss on the South Coast. Pickup windows can be tight, and you should plan to be ready ahead of the scheduled time.

A big part of your experience will be the drive. The bus is air-conditioned, and it has Wi-Fi, which is nice when your phone battery and patience are running the same race. You’ll also have a mobile ticket, so you are not stuck printing anything.

Here’s what to be ready for. This route includes gravel roads and off-road sections, and even when you’re comfortable inside the vehicle, the ride can get jostly. One of the most common practical complaints is that the road time is long, especially on the rough stretches. So I suggest treating this as an “Iceland day” with a proper start, not something you’ll squeeze into the middle of your plans.

Also, pickup logistics in central Reykjavík can be tricky. Larger vehicles may not be able to reach every street, so you might get directed to a nearby dedicated pickup stop. If you want to avoid stress, make sure you have a working phone number during pickup time, even if you think you’re already confirmed.

Landmannalaugar hike: rhyolite colors, photo stops, and the hot springs reset you came for

Landmannalaugar is the reason most people sign up, and you can see why fast. This is where Iceland’s geothermal power and volcanic geology show up in the most eye-catching way. The ground is colorful, the terrain feels wild, and the air has that highland openness where your photos look better than your sense of direction.

The hike itself

Your hike out of Landmannalaugar is typically around a bit over two hours at a group-friendly pace, with time for photos and guiding stops. The guide sets expectations, and the goal is to keep the group together so you don’t miss later scenery.

Fitness-wise, it’s not a stunt. But it is not a flat walk either. Some sections can be steep, and weather can change what steep feels like. Rain, sun, snow, and strong wind all show up on the same type of itinerary depending on the day.

If you’re slower or you need rests, you’ll usually be okay as long as you communicate and keep moving when asked. One of the most useful things to know is that timing is real. The guides are clear that everyone needs to stay on schedule so you can see all planned stops and still have time at the hot springs.

Hot springs payoff (and how to handle it like a pro)

The hot springs are not an optional side quest. They are the emotional finish line. You should bring a swimsuit and towel. The natural hot pool is the best place to thaw out and reset your body after the hike.

There’s also a very practical detail that helps a lot. There may not be changing rooms next to the baths. In practice, you should plan to get changed in the bathroom building and then head straight to the water. If you forget this, you’ll still have a great soak, but you might spend extra time awkwardly handling wet layers in windy air.

Expect temperature variety in the experience. Many people love the combination of warm soaking and a cold plunge option at the end. Even when the air is chilly, the hot water flowing in keeps you warm once you’re in.

Finally, don’t underestimate the weather part. Wind can be annoying, but the hot water helps. Still, having a dry layer to put on after the soak makes the experience more comfortable.

Small-group tip that saves time

If you want to hike at your own pace, this tour can support that. Some guides offer an alternative loop option for quicker hikers, so you can return earlier and hit the geothermal baths sooner. It’s not something you should count on every day, but it’s worth asking your guide if there’s a loop option on your route. If you do go that way, confirm you understand where you’ll meet back up.

Sigöldugljúfur and Hjálparfoss: your break from hiking, with real Iceland drama

Between Landmannalaugar and the final Valley of Tears stop, you’ll hit standout scenery that keeps the day from feeling like one long hike-only loop.

Sigöldugljúfur stop: canyon and river textures

Sigöldugljúfur is one of those places where the highlands show their power through shape and flow. Even if you only get a short stop, it’s worth taking it seriously. The point is to step out, look around, and let the geology sink in. This is also a good time to use the smaller moments of the day to catch snacks if you need them.

The main drawback here is simply time. You will not get hours at each stop. The tradeoff is that the day stays packed and you see multiple highlights.

Hjálparfoss: a waterfall that feels like a bonus

Hjálparfoss is treated like a meaningful extra, not just a quick photo stop. You’ll get views of the waterfall during the drive and breaks, and it’s a favorite add-on for many people.

I like this kind of structure. Instead of one single big waterfall moment, you get several “wow” flashes across the day. That makes it easier to stay excited even if the weather changes.

Valley of Tears: the final waterfall stretch that earns its name

By the time you reach the Valley of Tears, you’re usually tired, warm from soaking, and ready to be impressed again. The payoff here is waterfall scenery and dramatic viewpoints, with the whole area feeling like it was built for photography.

This part of the itinerary works well because it balances your physical energy. You did the steeper effort earlier, then you get scenery that lets you stand, look, and take in waterfalls in a more relaxed way.

One thing to remember: if you had a stormy or windy start to the day, the late daylight and viewpoints matter even more. The Valley of Tears can feel jaw-dropping when the clouds break, and it can still feel special when they do not. Either way, build in time to walk a little for better angles, without trying to sprint away from the group.

How hard is the Landmannalaugar hike for most people? Pace, steep bits, and weather

Most people can participate, but “most” does not mean “anything goes.” This is a highlands hike, and conditions can be wild. You might hike through wind, rain, and cold depending on the day, so plan for changing weather.

A few practical realities:

• Some parts can be steep, and older travelers or anyone with limited mobility should be ready for careful footing.
• Your pace may be set by the guide, and not every group break is guaranteed to feel long enough if you like frequent pauses.
• Water breaks are not guaranteed in a way that matches a long, slow stroll. So I recommend keeping your own water and snacks ready as a backup.

If you’re active and you enjoy a challenge, this is a very enjoyable day. If you’re nervous about steep sections, choose the pace you can sustain and focus on stability, not speed. You’ll enjoy the scenery more when you’re not rushing your breathing.

Also, do not assume you’re hiking on a clearly marked, flat path the whole time. Terrain can be uneven, and visibility can drop in weather. Good shoes help, and keeping a steady rhythm matters.

What to pack for this day trip: swimsuit, towel, layers, and a lunch workaround

Because lunch is not included, your snack and food plan is not optional if you want energy for both hiking and hot springs. Some people arrive and eat sack lunch on site, while others grab what they can from small snack options at Landmannalaugar. The reality is that food choices are limited out there.

Here’s what I’d pack as the “comfort and sanity kit”:

• Swimsuit and towel for the hot springs pool
• Warm layers for wind and quick weather changes
• Water and quick snacks, since food options are limited
• A light rain shell or waterproof outer layer
• Solid hiking shoes with grip for steep or uneven spots
• A small dry bag or zip bag for wet gear after the soak

One detail that matters more than you’d think: bring something dry to change into after the hot springs. Even when the water is warm, you can get chilled once you step out.

Price and value: what $199 buys you on this Reykjavik to highlands day trip

At $199 per person for about 11 hours, this is not a cheap casual outing. The value comes from how much remote driving and guiding you get without doing the planning yourself.

You are paying for:

• Round-trip transit from Reykjavík (and the option of pickup in Selfoss)
• An air-conditioned vehicle with Wi-Fi
• Guide time and on-the-ground navigation through remote terrain
• Multiple highlands stops, not just one hike
• Access to the geothermal experience at the end, with time to soak

If you tried to DIY this using your own car, you’d still face the hard part, the remote road timing and the fact that you likely need extra preparation for gravel conditions. Even if you have a car, you might spend more time figuring logistics than enjoying the scenery.

So the value is best if you want a guided route, want to see multiple highlights, and you don’t want the stress of driving yourself through rough stretches. If you love solo exploration and you already feel confident with remote Iceland roads, DIY might be tempting. But for many people, this tour is an efficient way to reach Landmannalaugar without turning your vacation into a road-trip project.

Should you book this Landmannalaugar and Valley of Tears tour?

Book it if you want a guided highlands day that hits the best priorities in one shot: Landmannalaugar’s geothermal hike, hot springs soaking, and waterfall scenery in the Valley of Tears. It’s also a strong choice if you appreciate small-group organization and you want a guide who explains what you’re seeing, including geology and history.

Skip it or reconsider if:

• You hate long drive days and bumpy gravel roads
• You need frequent long breaks for walking comfort
• You cannot handle a hike with some steep moments in changing weather
• You’re not willing to bring your own lunch or snacks, because lunch is not included

If you’re the type of person who can handle a full day outdoors, then this is one of the most efficient ways to experience Iceland’s highlands highlights from Reykjavík.

FAQ

How long is the Landmannalaugar hike and Valley of Tears day trip?

It runs for about 11 hours total, with travel time included.

What is the price per person?

The price is listed as $199.00 per person.

What time does pickup start, and how early should I be ready?

The start time is 7:30 am. You are given a pickup window, and pickup starts around 8:00 am, with a wait of up to 30 minutes possible.

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup is available in Reykjavík, and there is also pickup in Selfoss on the South Coast.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Do I need to bring a swimsuit and towel?

Yes. The tour includes time at natural hot springs, so you should bring a swimsuit and a towel.

What vehicle comforts are included?

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle and Wi-Fi on the bus.

What is the group size?

The maximum group size is 19 travelers.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is free cancellation available?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.