Reykjavík: Landmannalaugar Hike and the Valley of Tears

What makes this day trip so interesting is the combo of Iceland’s highland geology and real geothermal comfort in one long outing. You get Landmannalaugar with its obsidian and rhyolite colors, plus the Valley of Tears canyon with waterfalls that feel almost unreal.

I love how the day is guided in the places that matter most, especially the walk through the obsidian fields toward Brennisteinsalda. And I also like the payoff timing: you hike, then you soak, with enough breathing room to do it your way.

One thing to think about first is the travel itself. Even in a comfortable Super Jeep, the roads can be rough, and if you get motion sick, bring a plan before you go.

Key highlights you should care about

• Super Jeep pickup from Reykjavik plus photo stops along the way, not just a straight highway run
• Guided hike of about 2 hours through Laugahraun obsidian fields up to Brennisteinsalda (Sulphur Wave)
• Natural hot pool swim option at Landmannalaugar, so your legs get a reset
• Hjálparfoss waterfall stop with a story tied to the harsh Sprengisandur route
• Sigöldugljúfur canyon, Valley of Tears with spring-fed streams, ponds, and small waterfalls
• Small group feel with flexible hike options once you’re at Landmannalaugar

Why the highlands feel like another planet

This tour spends the day in Iceland’s volcanic interior, where the ground looks like it was poured and broken by fire. You’ll see black obsidian fields, steam rising from geothermal areas near Brennisteinsalda, and brightly colored rhyolite mountains shaped by thousands of years of eruptions.

What makes it click is the mix of “big wow” scenery and concrete, human-sized moments. You’re not just looking from afar. You’re walking on the same volcanic materials that make the area famous, then cooling off in hot water that comes from the earth.

Price and value at $210 for an 11-hour day

For about $210 per person and roughly 11 hours, the value comes from three things: distance, vehicle choice, and guide time.

First, you are traveling deep into the Southern Highlands from Reykjavik, which is why the trip is built around a Super Jeep and scheduled stops. Second, the guided parts are not just speeches. You get real time moving through Laugahraun’s geology, with the hike designed around the Brennisteinsalda viewpoint area. Third, you also get extra support for photos, including assistance from the guide during the day.

Food and drinks are not included, so you’ll want to handle lunch on your own. If you arrive hungry, the day can feel long in a hurry, especially before you reach Landmannalaugar.

Super Jeep pickup from Reykjavik, and the reality of bumpy roads

Your day starts with pickup at multiple stops around Reykjavik and the requirement to be ready at 7:30 AM. The minibus may take up to 30 minutes to arrive, depending on how far your pickup point is.

Once you’re moving, expect roads that are not smooth. People consistently praise the guides and drivers for handling the route safely, but you should still plan for the ride. If you sit toward the back, you might find it more cramped and noisier, and some passengers recommend bringing motion sickness medicine if you’re sensitive to bumps.

A small but useful touch: the vehicle includes free Wi-Fi and USB ports, which helps if you want to charge your phone for that canyon lighting later.

Hjálparfoss stop: the waterfall that locals call help

Before the main highland time, you’ll make a stop at Hjálparfoss. It’s a two-stepped waterfall that drops into a large plunge pool, surrounded by unusual basalt rock formations.

There’s also a story attached to the name Hjálp, meaning help. Travelers moving between the north and south had to cross the harsh Sprengisandur route, and it was often hard to find places to feed horses. When people finally reached the lusher area near Hjálparfoss, they felt like they’d found help after the desert stretch.

This stop is mainly for photos and a short walk, so don’t plan it like a full hike. Think of it as a warm-up, and a first taste of how geology and survival history get tied together in Iceland.

Landmannalaugar and Laugahraun: obsidian, rhyolite, and steam

Landmannalaugar is the headline. You’ll spend a few hours here total, including time for a guided hike and then additional time to explore or relax.

The geology is the main character:

• Laugahraun lava field formed from volcanic activity in 1477, with erratic black obsidian that has a distinct look often compared to a kind of glass.
• Obsidian in this area is known for smooth, sharp-edged characteristics, which is one reason it feels so otherworldly up close.
• The colorful mountains are rhyolite, formed from minerals including quartz and silica, with added colors influenced by elements like iron and sulphur.
• Brennisteinsalda, the Sulphur Wave, is one of the clearest places where that mineral color shows up, often with steam in the geothermal zones nearby.

This is where you’ll start noticing why the visuals seem almost impossible. The ground texture, the color bands, and the faint geothermal activity make the whole area feel alive in a quiet way.

The guided hike up to Brennisteinsalda (and how to choose your effort)

A core part of the day is the guided hike of about 2 hours through the obsidian fields, aimed toward Brennisteinsalda. Your guide will talk about geology and local legends as you walk, and you’ll also get help making sense of what you’re seeing.

The hike is often described as beginner-friendly in terms of difficulty, especially for a day trip built around a guided route. Still, it’s Iceland highland walking, so wear real hiking shoes and treat weather as a factor, not a guess.

One of the smartest aspects of this tour is the flexibility once you’re in the Landmannalaugar area. You can stick with the guided route, or choose your own trail options during the time you have there. If you want more photos, you can slow down. If you want less walking, you can shift your plan and still enjoy the terrain.

If you’re wondering about guide style, the reviews show a strong pattern. Guides like Eddy, Eric, Tomasz, Einar, James, Kalman, Sarah, and Eddi are repeatedly praised for safety, pacing, and explaining what you’re looking at in clear terms.

Hot pool time: your reward after the obsidian walk

After the hike, you’ll get time to bathe in a natural hot pool at Landmannalaugar. This is one of the most praised parts of the trip because it’s immediate relief, not a vague idea of relaxation.

This section is where your planning matters most. Pack swimwear and a towel, because the trip doesn’t include gear for you. If you’re chilly after the walk, this soak changes the mood fast.

Time-wise, you’ll have enough room to cool down and reset, without feeling like you’re being rushed. That balance is exactly what makes the day work as a whole. The hike is intense enough to feel like a real adventure, but the soak keeps it from becoming just tiring.

Sigöldugljúfur, Valley of Tears: the canyon where waterfalls multiply

After Landmannalaugar, you head to Sigöldugljúfur, often called the Valley of Tears. This is the canyon stop that many people treat as a big emotional payoff, especially because it’s not just one waterfall. You see many small spring-fed streams, small ponds, crystal clear waterfalls, and cliff faces with striking colors.

This is mostly a photo stop and scenic viewing portion of the day. You’re not expected to do a long hike here. The goal is to take in the canyon’s different angles, and then get the timing right for water flow and light.

If you like photography, prioritize wide shots first, then move toward smaller streams and edges. That’s where the canyon’s “layers” become visible.

What can go wrong, and how you avoid a rough day

The biggest challenges on this route are not the scenery. The scenery is the easy part.

Here are the practical risks you should plan around:

• Motion sickness and road noise: the ride can be bumpy. If you’re sensitive, sit where you feel safest, and consider medicine before pickup.
• Weather at altitude: wind and rain can change fast, so you need rain gear and warm layers.
• Hike fatigue vs. time pressure: your guided hike is about 2 hours, but you also have time before and after. Don’t treat every stop as an all-day sprint.
• Traffic interruptions: sheep and horses can block roads, and you may hit delays in remote areas. It’s rare enough that you can still enjoy the day, but it explains why the schedule can feel more “adventure” than “assembly line.”

The good news is that the ride is handled by experienced drivers, and the whole day is designed so you still get the big moments even if conditions shift.

Who this day trip is best for

This tour is a strong match if you want Iceland highlands in one day with built-in structure. It’s also a great fit if you like geology and want your photos explained, not just labeled.

You’ll likely enjoy it most if:

• you’re comfortable with an approximately 2-hour guided hike
• you want a hot pool payoff without searching for it yourself
• you value safe driving and solid commentary along the way
• you can dress for changing weather

It’s not suitable for children under 10 and not suitable for wheelchair users, based on the tour’s stated limitations.

Also, if you tend to be sensitive to rough rides, plan for that early. This is not a calm, easy day-trip bus tour. It’s a highland day.

Should you book this tour or choose something else?

Book it if you want one full day that hits three of Iceland’s best highland experiences: Landmannalaugar’s volcanic colors, a guided hike to Brennisteinsalda, and the Valley of Tears canyon waterfalls. The combination of structured guiding plus real free time to relax at the hot pool is the sweet spot here.

Skip it if you hate bumpy vehicle rides or you’re not comfortable with a hike of about 2 hours, even if the route is often described as beginner-friendly. In that case, you might prefer something with shorter walking and less time on rough roads.

If you do book, pack for the weather, bring your swimsuit and towel, and plan lunch before you go. Do those three things, and this day becomes one of those “I can’t believe that’s real” Iceland memories.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 11 hours.

What does the tour cost?

The price is listed as $210 per person.

What is included in the price?

Included are pickup and drop-off in Reykjavík via a Super Jeep, a local guide, a guided hike through Landmannalaugar’s rhyolite mountains and lava fields, an option to bathe in the natural hot spring (swimwear and towel are needed from you), scenic stops including Sigöldugljúfur, photo assistance from the guide, and free Wi-Fi and USB ports on board.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Do I need to bring a swimsuit for the hot pool?

Yes. The hot spring bathing is optional, but you are reminded to bring swimwear and a towel.

What kind of hike is included at Landmannalaugar?

You get an approximately 2-hour guided hike through the obsidian fields up to Brennisteinsalda. You also have time in the Landmannalaugar area to explore on your own or choose different trails within the available time frame.

What stops are included besides the main hike?

The day includes a photo stop at Hjálparfoss and scenic viewing stops that include Sigöldugljúfur, the Valley of Tears.

What should I bring besides hiking shoes?

Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, hiking shoes, rain gear, gloves, outdoor clothing, and a daypack.

Is the tour suitable for all ages and mobility needs?

It is not suitable for children under 10 and it is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What time is pickup, and how do I not miss it?

You should be ready at 7:30 AM, but the minibus may take up to 30 minutes to arrive. You also need a working mobile phone with data roaming if applicable, because if they cannot locate you at the pickup spot and cannot reach you by phone, you could miss the tour.