From Reykjavik: Landmannalaugar & Háifoss Waterfall Tour

Color mountains and hot springs, in one long day. This 13-hour small-group tour takes you from Reykjavik deep into the Icelandic highlands for Landmannalaugar and the double-pronged falls of Háifoss, with stops that feel far from the usual ring-road routine.

I especially love the guided Lauga-loop hike at Landmannalaugar, where you walk through steaming geothermal areas and pass the famous colorful rhyolite hills. You also get the chance to soak afterward in a natural hot spring pool, and the day adds in geology stops like Hnausapollur crater lake plus multiple waterfalls.

The main drawback is time and effort: it’s a long day with a moderate hike, and the bus ride can feel cramped when the roads get bumpy.

Key things to know before you go

• Landmannalaugar hot spring soak right after your hike, no changing rooms or lockers noted
• Hnausapollur crater lake photo stop with striking turquoise water in an old volcanic crater
• A guided Lauga-loop hike (about 1.5 to 2 hours) through rhyolite hills and geothermal pools
• Háifoss plus other falls including Hjálparafoss and Granni/Glanni along the route
• Fjallabak Nature Reserve viewpoints that make the long drive feel worth it

Landmannalaugar in one day, what makes it worth 13 hours

If you’re chasing Iceland that feels slightly off-script, this tour is built for that. Landmannalaugar is famous for a reason: the terrain looks almost painted, with bright rhyolite colors mixing with steam vents and lava textures. You get real time there too, about 4 hours, including a guided hike and free time for photos and soaking.

I also like that the tour doesn’t treat Landmannalaugar as a quick stop. The hike is timed so you walk the best section, then you’re rewarded with the hot spring pool while the highlands still feel raw and quiet around you.

The day is long for a reason: to reach the far southern highlands, you spend a lot of the total time on the road. If you’re the type who gets antsy on long transfers, this might feel like a marathon.

Reykjavik to the highlands, small-group touring and the reality of the bus

This is a bus/coach day trip, and the schedule reflects it. After pickup (optional) and meeting at Tour Bus Stop 12, Höfðatorg, the ride stretches into long highland drives, with several short breaks along the way. You’ll also have onboard Wi-Fi, which helps when you’re killing time between remote stops.

The upside of doing this with a guide is simple: you’re not white-knuckling unfamiliar roads for hours to reach one of Iceland’s most remote hiking zones. The guide also shapes the day by keeping everyone together and timing photo stops so you don’t miss the best views.

The downside is comfort. Some people note the vehicle can feel cramped, especially for passengers in back rows. Also, expect rougher stretches depending on conditions, since you’re traveling off the main drivable routes that most visitors stick to.

Hnausapollur and Frostastaðavatn: crater lakes that explain Iceland’s engine

Before you reach Landmannalaugar, the tour throws you a strong “volcano history in real time” preview. One early photo stop is Hnausapollur, described as an ancient crater lake formed by volcanic eruptions. The water’s striking turquoise-blue hue sits in stark contrast to the surrounding gray, sandy terrain.

I like this stop because it gives your brain a framework. Later, when you’re walking rhyolite hills and near geothermal areas, you’re not just looking at cool scenery. You’re seeing how Iceland’s volcanic past shows up again and again in rock color, crater shapes, and steam activity.

You’ll also stop at Frostastaðavatn (another photo-and-sightseeing break). Even when you only have a short window, these lake stops break up the drive and make the day feel like a connected route through multiple highland “chapters,” not a single checklist of landmarks.

Landmannalaugar arrival: where your day actually starts

When you finally reach Landmannalaugar, everything compresses into one central experience. You’re there for around 4 hours, which is enough time to do the main guided portion and still have breathing room.

The guide-led part is where the day earns its value. You’ll take the Lauga-loop hiking trail for about 1.5 to 2 hours, described as easy. Even if the trail is labeled easy, you’re still in Iceland’s highland conditions, so you’ll want proper footwear and layers.

Landmannalaugar is known as the pearl of the highlands, but I’d rephrase that as practical advice: it’s one place where multiple geological features show up close together. You’ll see colorful rhyolite hills, obsidian rock formations, geothermal steaming areas, and mountain foothills that feel otherworldly even in cloudy weather.

The Lauga-loop hike and hot spring soak, how to make it comfortable

The hiking portion is the heart of the day, so plan it like a real excursion. The tour is labeled moderate-level overall, and you should be confident walking on uneven ground for the duration. A few practical details matter here.

First, the loop connects multiple visual rewards. You’re moving through a mix of rhyolite color bands and dark volcanic textures, then up toward steaming geothermal pools. The guide also points out what you’re actually looking at, including volcanic rock types and how hot spring areas form.

Second, plan for what happens after. After the hike, you can bathe in the geothermal hot spring pool. You’ll want swimwear and a towel, and bring a change of clothes for afterwards if you can. One tip worth taking seriously: there are reportedly no changing rooms or lockers at the pool site, so you’ll need to manage quickly and do your changing in a practical, weather-friendly way.

Finally, bring water and snacks. Food and drinks are not included, and the day is long enough that hunger will catch you if you only planned for Reykjavik time. Some guides build in a meal pause during the Landmannalaugar window, so have something ready to eat.

Guides can make a difference here, and it shows in the way people describe their hosts. You might be guided by someone like Ottar (praised for clear explanations and accompanying guests through the summit area) or Beggi (praised for passion and knowledge). Either way, I’d expect a strong focus on geology and safety, plus a steady pace that keeps the group together.

Fjallabak Nature Reserve and quick viewpoint stops that keep the day from dragging

A long day can either feel effortless or painfully stretched out. The itinerary helps by sprinkling in stops that keep your attention engaged between big destinations.

One such stop is Fjallabak Nature Reserve, where you get a short photo stop of around 10 minutes. It’s not a long walk, but it’s a useful moment to look out over the highland terrain from a more “overview” angle. These brief breaks also give you a chance to reset, use the restroom if needed, and check the weather without rushing.

On route you’ll also see another photo stop: the day includes Hnausapollur and Frostastaðavatn on the outbound side, then adds waterfall time later. The flow matters. You get enough variety that you’re never staring at the same kind of rock and terrain for the entire day.

Háifoss and the waterfall circuit, what to expect from the big falls

Waterfalls are a major part of the experience, and the tour doesn’t rely on just one viewpoint. The route includes stops at Háifoss plus additional falls such as Hjálparafoss and Granni/Glanni.

Háifoss is described as Iceland’s fourth largest waterfall, and the most notable feature is that it’s a double-pronged cascade. When it’s flowing hard, the sight is dramatic even from a viewpoint. When the weather is gray, it can look more moody than sunny, but the sound carries and the water still does the work.

The practical side is timing. The stop at Háifoss is around 20 minutes for photos and sightseeing, so you’ll want to be ready when you arrive. Wear weather gear even if Reykjavik is bright, since water, wind, and spray can change the conditions fast in the highlands.

Breaks, timing, and what a full day feels like in practice

This tour is 13 hours total, and that includes a lot of road time. There are planned short breaks along the way, including a stop at The Highland Center Hrauneyjar (about 10 minutes) and another break at Selfoss (about 10 minutes). You also have a return drive time that can feel long, so it helps to think of it like a full-day adventure, not a quick excursion.

You’ll likely want to plan your expectations around the order of stops. The most active time is Landmannalaugar: guided hike, then hot spring soak. Everything else is focused on photo stops, waterfall viewing, and geology moments that you can process while you rest your legs.

If you’re the type who needs plenty of personal space, the bus and shared timing can test your patience. Some people report strong satisfaction anyway, but comfort planning is smart.

Also, weather can do unexpected things. One example from the season: snow flurries at the end of the day are mentioned by guests. That’s a reminder to bring the kind of layers you can move in, not just something for photos.

Price and value: is $226 fair for this highland route?

At $226 per person for a 13-hour day trip, this isn’t a bargain-basement outing. But it is also not a luxury-only price tag. The value is in what’s included.

Your ticket covers:

• Transportation from Reykjavik
• Wi-Fi on board
• A tour guide
• Landmannalaugar facility fees

What’s not included:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Food and drinks

That mix matters. You’re paying for remote-access transport plus a guide who helps you get the most out of Landmannalaugar’s geology and timing. If you tried to piece this together yourself with private transport and navigation through rougher routes, costs and stress would add up fast.

My practical take: this is a good value if you want a structured day in a hard-to-reach area, and you’re willing to pack your own snacks and handle the physical hike portion.

Who should book, and who should skip this day trip

This tour fits best if you want a day of geology and immersion in the highlands without the hassle of driving yourself. You should feel comfortable with a moderate-level hike and walking on uneven ground.

It’s not suitable for:

• Children under 8 years
• People with mobility impairments

If you’re sensitive to long days, cramped seating, or bumpy roads, you may want to consider a different format, like a shorter trip or a more comfortable vehicle option. On the other hand, if you’re excited by remote waterfalls, crater lakes, and the one-two punch of hiking plus hot spring soaking, this is exactly the kind of itinerary that delivers.

One more fit note: the day is English-guided, and many guests highlight how much they liked their guide’s storytelling and explanations, sometimes with added touches like Icelandic music during the ride. If you enjoy learning while you travel, this helps the whole day feel smoother.

Should you book this Landmannalaugar and Háifoss tour?

I’d book it if you check these boxes:

• You want Landmannalaugar’s colorful rhyolite hills plus geothermal hot spring time in a single day
• You’re happy with a guided hike and you bring swimwear, towel, and good hiking shoes
• You’d rather ride with an experienced guide than wrestle highland timing on your own
• You want more than one big sight, including crater lake stops and multiple waterfalls

I’d hesitate if you’re not comfortable with a long 13-hour schedule, you get stressed on rougher roads, or you need frequent comfort stops beyond what’s planned.

The bottom line: this tour is built for people who want Iceland’s volcano and geothermal side, not just a quick photo. If that sounds like your kind of day, this route is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik to Landmannalaugar and Háifoss tour?

The duration is 13 hours.

Where do I meet the tour in Reykjavik?

You meet at Tour Bus Stop 12, Höfðatorg (on Þórunnartún).

Is pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Pickup is optional, and the pickup process can take up to 30 minutes.

What is included in the price?

Transportation from Reykjavik, Wi-Fi on board, a tour guide, and Landmannalaugar facility fees are included.

What should I bring for the hike and the hot spring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, food and drinks, hiking shoes, water, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Is there a hike, and is it easy?

Yes. The tour involves a moderate-level hike. The Lauga-loop hiking trail at Landmannalaugar is described as easy and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

What waterfall(s) and other sights are included?

You’ll see Háifoss, plus waterfalls including Hjálparafoss and Granni/Glanni. The day also includes photo stops at Hnausapollur (crater lake) and Frostastaðavatn.

Are there breaks during the day?

Yes. There is a break at The Highland Center Hrauneyjar (about 10 minutes) and a break at Selfoss (about 10 minutes).

Who is the tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for children under 8 years and for people with mobility impairments.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.