Landmannalaugar Hike & the Valley of Tears from RVK & Selfoss

Color mountains and steam in one day. This is the kind of Iceland trip where you see Landmannalaugar’s rhyolite colors and end with a hot-spring soak without having to rent a car. You’ll hike through geothermal country with a guide who ties the scenery to geology and history, then wind down in the natural hot pool, swimsuit and towel in hand. The tradeoff is that it’s a long day, and in the Highlands the food and bathroom options are limited.

I also like that the tour keeps it practical: round-trip Reykjavik to Landmannalaugar transit plus an air-conditioned vehicle with Wi-Fi. The group stays small, max 19 travelers, so you actually move together without feeling like a cattle line. One more consideration: pickup has a 30 minute window, so plan to be ready early and accept a little waiting.

Key highlights you will actually feel

• Small group max 19 keeps the pace manageable on rough roads and makes it easier for the guide to check on everyone.
• Landmannalaugar hike plus geothermal baths means you get both the walking and the reward, not just one or the other.
• Stop pattern includes waterfalls with Sigoldugljufur and Hjálparfoss, which helps break up the long drive.
• Wi-Fi on the bus and air-conditioning makes the commute from Reykjavik more bearable.
• Bring a swimsuit and towel because you’ll want to use the natural hot pool when you get there.

Why Landmannalaugar is the main character of this day trip

Landmannalaugar is one of those places that looks unreal until you see it with your own eyes. The rhyolite mountains create those streaks and bands of color, and the geothermal activity adds steam, hot water, and little hints of how alive the ground is. On this tour, you get to experience that in a single day, which is perfect if your Iceland time is tight.

What I like most is that the day is built around two very different moods. You start with hiking through dramatic highland terrain, then you finish in the hot springs, where you can finally slow down. That hot-and-cold rhythm comes up again and again in real feedback about the tour, because it’s a memorable contrast: cool air and wind outside, warm water once you’re in.

The other big reason this works is focus. Instead of scattering you across Iceland’s biggest hits, the route centers on Landmannalaugar and the Valley of Tears. That means your time in transit leads toward a clear payoff at the end, not just a random series of viewpoints.

Reykjavik and Selfoss pickup, start time, and what the long drive means

The tour starts at 7:30 am, and pickup happens with a 30 minute window. Pickup starts at 8:00 am, but you might wait up to that 30 minute range depending on where you’re staying and how the route is organized. If you’re in central Reykjavik, there can be a dedicated pickup spot rather than a front-door stop, so save a working phone number and keep your arrival time expectations flexible.

You also have the option of pickup in Selfoss on the South Coast. That can be a big deal if you’re already south of Reykjavik and want to avoid an extra shuffle of buses or transfers.

Yes, it’s a long day. The upside is that the drive itself includes breaks and scenery stops, so you’re not stuck doing nonstop road time. You’ll also be riding in an air-conditioned vehicle, which matters when the weather swings and the wind makes you chilly. Wi-Fi on the bus is listed, and in practice it can help you pass the time without doom-scrolling your whole morning.

One practical note: if you’re prone to getting car-sick, plan ahead. The roads get rough in parts, and at least some travelers specifically mention discomfort from gravel stretches. Bringing layers is the easiest fix for most people, even if the ride is bumpy.

The Landmannalaugar hike: colored mountains, geothermal details, and pacing

At the core of the day is the Landmannalaugar stop and hike. This is where you’ll spend time moving through highland terrain and taking in those famous rhyolite formations. The tour format is designed so you can explore at your own pace while still keeping the group together. That balance is important, because you do want photo stops and moments to look around, but you also don’t want to fall behind and shorten what you can see later.

Some hikers find the hike doable with a decent fitness level, but there are also steep sections. A few comments directly flag that seniors or anyone who prefers an easier gradient should be in good shape. If you tend to treat hiking as more of a walking stroll, expect you may need to slow down in steeper bits.

The terrain also means shoes matter. Icelandic highlands can be slippery, and you’ll likely be on mixed surfaces. If your boots are more fashion than traction, this is not the day to test them.

Two tips that come up from real experience:

• You should plan your water and snacks. Lunch is not included, but there is snack availability at the site and limited food access during the day. Water bottles can be refilled at the base of the hike, which is great because it reduces how much you need to carry.
• Give yourself time to use the restroom and grab snacks before starting. One traveler described a short window on arrival for restroom and snacks before the hike begins. It’s short, so don’t wait until the last minute once you’re there.

If you like a guide who sets a steady tempo, this tour tends to deliver. Multiple people mention that the guide kept an easy pace and allowed photo breaks. Others mention that the hike sometimes felt fast or that they wanted more short breaks. That difference usually comes down to how fit the group is and what the weather allows.

Sigoldugljufur and why waterfall stops are more than pretty photos

The itinerary includes a stop at Sigoldugljufur. Even if you don’t think of it as a big “name” like Landmannalaugar, these in-between stops matter because they break the day into smaller chunks. When you’re traveling far across rough roads, a scheduled waterfall or canyon break helps your energy and keeps the day from feeling like one long grind.

What makes this style of routing valuable is that it gives you variety in short time. You’ll move from the open highland feel into areas where water has carved the rock, which also makes the geology story easier for your brain to hold onto. A guide sharing geology and history details can turn what looks like just another waterfall from the bus window into an “oh, that’s why it looks like that” moment.

There’s also an efficiency angle. People doing Landmannalaugar on their own need vehicles and route knowledge, and timing matters because weather can change fast. A day trip with planned stops reduces decision fatigue and helps you hit key points even if the day’s conditions aren’t ideal.

Drawback to be aware of: these stops are not long. Some feedback calls out limited time at each location. If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to linger in one spot for an extra hour, you may feel the schedule is tight.

Hjálparfoss and the Valley of Tears: ending with the water shows

Hjálparfoss is on the itinerary, and it has a reputation for being a welcome sight mid-day. A few travelers mention it as a bonus waterfall stop or highlight along the route, which fits the reality of a long day: every extra waterfall stop gives your body and eyes a reason to keep going.

Then comes the Valley of Tears at the end of the day. This is where the trip’s payoff really lands for most people. The Valley of Tears is known for a series of waterfalls and dramatic views, and the final stop tends to stick in your memory because you’re coming from the hike and now you can just look and breathe.

What you can expect here:

• It’s a strong “wrap-up” location, usually after the hike and bath time.
• The views can be jaw-dropping even in rough weather, which is a key point if Iceland is tossing you rain and wind.

One honest thing to plan for: because the day is timed to get everyone to the next stop, you may not get unlimited time to wander around. Still, if you’re doing Landmannalaugar as a must-do and you want the Valley of Tears added without extra planning, it’s a solid pairing.

Hot springs planning: what to pack and how to use the bath time well

This tour makes the hot spring part feel essential, not optional. You’re encouraged to bring a swimsuit and towel, and the natural hot pool is the main reason many people say it’s the best thing they did in Iceland.

From real tips, here are the practical takeaways:

• Plan to change at the bathroom building. There are no changing rooms next to the baths, so don’t expect a quick outfit change right at the water.
• The wind can be annoying in Iceland, even if the water is hot. Travelers report that cold air and wind make you want to get into the warm pool quickly.
• People love the hot and cold plunge style at the end of the hike. If you’re open to it, it becomes a memorable closer to the day.

What to bring to avoid stress:

• Swimsuit and a towel you don’t mind drying later
• Layers for after soaking, since you will likely be out in cool wind again
• Water bottle, since lunch is not included and you may only have limited food access until you’re at certain stops

Because lunch is not included, treat your food strategy like part of the experience planning. Pack something simple for a quick break, and then supplement with snacks you can buy at the site. Expect limited selection, not a full restaurant spread.

Guide experience and small-group feel on rough terrain

The tour caps at 19 travelers, and that size shows in how the day runs. A smaller group makes it easier for your guide to keep track of the pace, manage timing, and respond when conditions change.

You may also get a guide with a strong personality. Some guides named in feedback include Eddie, Sara, Ignacio, Keren, and James, and multiple people highlight humor, engagement, and clear explanations. I like that because it’s not just about walking to a view. It’s about understanding why the mountains look the way they do and why geothermal activity is part of everyday scenery.

Driving through Icelandic highlands is another underrated reason this tour can be worth it. Several comments mention that the guide handled tough terrain carefully and knew how to drive the winding, off-road segments smoothly. If you’ve ever tried to coordinate rugged roads on your own, you know how quickly that becomes a headache.

That said, pace can vary. A few people wanted shorter breaks during the hike, while others wanted more time at each stop. In general, a good mindset is to accept that this is a “see a lot” day, not a “linger and roam” day.

Value check: what $199 buys you on a remote day

At $199 per person, this is not a budget snack tour. But it’s also not an all-day private charter. The value comes from combining several things you’d otherwise have to pay for separately: round-trip transportation from Reykjavik (or Selfoss), air-conditioned comfort, Wi-Fi on the bus, and guided stops built around Landmannalaugar and the Valley of Tears.

You also get structure. High-traffic parts of Iceland are easy to plan. Remote highland areas are where planning becomes complicated fast. This tour removes most of that stress, including vehicle logistics and timing between multiple stops.

Still, don’t ignore the cost drivers:

• Lunch is not included, so you’ll spend a bit extra on food.
• The day is long. If you’re hoping to relax most of the day, this itinerary may feel like a big effort.

I think it’s good value if Landmannalaugar is on your must-see list and you want to add the Valley of Tears without extra driving. If you want total freedom to wander for hours at each spot, consider self-driving or a different format where time is less tightly packaged.

Who should book this day trip, and who might not

This tour is best for you if you:

• Like outdoors time and don’t mind a hike with some steep spots
• Want a one-day plan that hits Landmannalaugar plus the Valley of Tears
• Prefer small-group guiding over trying to figure out remote routing on your own

It might not be ideal if you:

• Want lots of downtime or long stays in one place
• Get uncomfortable on gravel roads for extended periods
• Need frequent toilet access or a full meal on schedule, because facilities and food access can be limited

That said, the tour notes that most travelers can participate, and the guide sets the hiking pace for the group. If you’re active and ready for changing weather, you should be fine.

Also, if you’re traveling with kids or teens who handle walking well, it can work. One family mentioned kids ages 10-15 enjoying the day, which suggests the experience can fit a range of ages when expectations match the route.

Should you book the Landmannalaugar Hike and Valley of Tears from Reykjavik?

If you want Iceland’s highlands in one organized day, I’d book this. The Landmannalaugar hike gives you the geology and the colored mountains, and the hot springs give you the payoff you can feel in your muscles. Add Sigoldugljufur, Hjálparfoss, and the Valley of Tears, and you get a strong mix of walking and water-focused scenery.

My personal caution is simple: plan for a long day, pack for changing weather, and bring a swimsuit even if you think you might skip it. If you’re ready for a real highland adventure day, this is a tour that delivers.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 11 hours, including travel time.

What time does the tour start, and when is pickup?

Start time is 7:30 am. Pickup has a 30 minute window, and pickup starts at 8:00 am, so you might wait up to 30 minutes for the vehicle to arrive.

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup is available in Reykjavik. The tour also offers pickup in Selfoss on the South Coast.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Does the tour include Wi-Fi and air-conditioning?

Yes. The vehicle is air-conditioned and Wi-Fi is provided on the bus.

Do I need to bring a swimsuit and towel?

Yes. You are advised to bring a swimsuit and towel so you can make the most of the natural hot springs.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 19 travelers.

Is the hike suitable for most people?

The tour notes that most travelers can participate, but you should still expect some steep spots based on real experience.

What happens if 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.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.