Reykjavík: Landmannalaugar Hike and the Valley of Tears

Volcanic highlands in one long day. This tour links Landmannalaugar’s rhyolite mountains and obsidian fields with the Valley of Tears canyon, then adds real relaxation time in natural hot water. I especially love the guided part of the day, because the geology talk makes the weird rocks feel personal, not random. I also like the pacing, you get a hike with a clear turnaround point, then you can choose to linger and wander. The main drawback is the long, bumpy Highlands road, so if you hate shaking or get motion sick easily, plan for that.

The day starts early and stays active, but it never feels like a sprint. Between photo stops and the Landmannalaugar hike, you get time to breathe, take photos, and enjoy the stark beauty without rushing every minute. Bring the right gear and the right attitude, and you’ll have a seriously memorable Iceland day.

Key highlights you will actually care about

• Super Jeep access to the Highlands, including roads that most buses cannot handle
• A guided hike to Brennisteinsalda, often called the Sulphur Wave, through obsidian and colored rock
• Time to soak in a natural hot pool, with swimsuit and towel required
• Sigöldugljúfur, Valley of Tears, a canyon stop with multiple waterfalls and clear streams
• Photo help from the guide so you get more than tired phone snapshots
• Smaller group feel, plus Wi-Fi and USB ports on board

Why this Landmannalaugar day feels like Iceland’s science class

This tour is basically a geology highlight reel. You see how Iceland’s volcanic history turns into scenery you can walk through, from jet-black obsidian fields to pastel-and-rust rhyolite mountains. And unlike the quick photo stop versions of highland sightseeing, you spend real time on foot, then cool down in warm water.

The big win is that the guide connects the rocks to the landscape you’re standing in. Obsidian is not just “cool black stuff,” it is volcanic glass, formed from specific eruptions. Rhyolite is not just “pretty colors,” it is quartz and silica with minerals like iron and sulphur giving mountains their tones. When you understand that, the hike feels guided even when you choose your own path.

Super Jeep logistics: comfort, timing, and why your seat choice matters

This is not a casual city shuttle. You ride in a comfortable Super Jeep, and the drive includes rough, F-road style terrain in the Highlands. Plan for a full day, about 11 hours total, with roughly two hours of driving each way.

Two practical tips from real-world experience:

First, if you tend to feel sick on bumpy roads, bring medicine. Second, where you sit matters, people who sat in the back sometimes found it cramped, and the ride can be distracting. The upside is that the vehicle is built for this kind of terrain, and you do not spend your day on a road that is impossible for normal buses.

Pickup is flexible within a set set of Reykjavik stops, but you need to be ready around 7:30 AM. Your minibus may take up to 30 minutes to arrive depending on where you start, and they need a working mobile phone with data roaming if needed, so you can be reached.

Hjálparfoss: the short waterfall stop that teaches basalt

You make a photo stop at Hjálparfoss, and you also get a short walk to see the two-stepped waterfall and plunge pool. The area is called Hjálp, meaning help, because historically this part of the route was where travelers could finally find feed after the tough crossing. When you stand there, the name makes sense. This is one of those spots that feels like a pause button in a hard region.

What I like about this stop is that it sets the theme for the day. You see basalt formations here, then later you’re looking at volcanic glass and colored rock. So the day does not just throw scenery at you, it builds a mental picture.

Landmannalaugar arrival: the break you use for your hike plan

When you reach Landmannalaugar, you get a break and some sightseeing time. This is where you adjust your layers, check your boots are tied well, and decide how you want to spend the next chunk of the day.

Then you join the guided hike portion, roughly two hours, heading toward Brennisteinsalda, often called the Sulphur Wave. Your guide’s job is not just to walk you to a viewpoint. They explain what you are walking on, why the colors look the way they do, and what to look for as the terrain changes underfoot.

A big plus: you can also explore on your own within the overall time frame. I like tours that give you a clear structure, but still let you stop when something catches your eye.

Brennisteinsalda hike: rhyolite colors, smoky steam, and Dragon Glass obsidian

This hike is the core of the day, and it’s where most people get that wow feeling. As you move through the area, you’re surrounded by volcanic terrain that looks almost unreal, with bright mineral colors and occasional steam rising from geothermal spots near the route.

The obsidian part is especially memorable. Laugahraun lava field formed from a volcanic eruption in 1477, and that lava solidified into vast erratic black obsidian. This is the famous Dragon Glass connection people make from pop culture, but the real reason to care is how sharp and smooth volcanic glass can feel under the right light.

On the hike, your guide points out what makes the geology different. Rhyolite gets its colors from minerals like iron and sulphur, so you’re not just walking through a random rock pile. You’re moving through the ingredients of Iceland’s volcanic chemistry, layer by layer.

What I appreciate is that the guide also helps with photo timing. You often get practical suggestions on where to stand and when to frame, instead of just being told to take a picture.

Laugahraun and the obsidian fields: what to do if you love walking slowly

The schedule includes a guided segment tied to the Laugahraun area, with about two hours allocated to hiking and getting your bearings on the lava terrain. This is the part where I think slower hikers can win, because the terrain is interesting enough to justify stepping off the fastest route.

Even if you love photos, give yourself a little time to do something simple: look down. Obsidian can look smooth and uniform until you change angles and light. Then you start to see the way pieces are fractured and scattered across the ground.

Also, wear hiking shoes you trust. The terrain is uneven, and you want traction. This is not the place for flexible sneakers that slip around.

Natural hot pool time: the best reset after the hike

After the hike, there’s time to swim or soak in the natural hot pool near Landmannalaugar. This is the emotional payoff. You’ve spent hours on foot in a volcanic environment that feels tough and stark, then you’re in warm water that makes your whole body relax.

You do need to plan for it. Bring a swimsuit and a towel. Even if you do not swim far, just getting in helps your legs recover.

One practical note: the hot pool segment is time-limited by the day’s schedule, so if you’re the type who wants a long, quiet soak, show up ready. Keep your towel accessible and your dry layers packed so you can change quickly and stay comfortable.

Sigöldugljúfur, Valley of Tears: waterfalls that make Iceland look engineered

On the way back, you stop at Sigöldugljúfur, the Valley of Tears. It’s become a major camera destination for a reason. The canyon has multiple spring-fed streams, small ponds, crystal clear waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs. You also see colorful vegetation running through the mix, which gives the canyon depth and texture.

This stop is more about sightseeing than hiking. You get photo opportunities and time to walk and look. I like it because it shifts you from the volcanic-walk theme to a water-powered beauty theme.

If you want the best photos, use your eyes first, then your phone. Find how the water threads through the cliffs and ponds, and frame for layers, not just a single waterfall.

Price and value: what $210 buys in access and time

At about $210 per person for an 11-hour day, this is not a budget half-day. But it does offer real value if your goal is highlands access plus guided hiking.

Here’s what you’re paying for:

You get Super Jeep pickup and drop-off, plus driver and guide time. You also get a guided hike of around two hours to Brennisteinsalda, then structured sightseeing stops. Most importantly, you’re getting to places that feel hard to reach without the right vehicle and planning.

Food is not included, so factor that in. Buy something before pickup, or plan where you’ll eat during breaks, because you do not want your whole day hijacked by hunger.

When it works, it works because the day is built around two high impact sites and a real relaxation moment. If you want only scenery without any hiking, you might find the day long. But if you like walking in weird, geological terrain and then soaking, the price feels fair for what’s included.

Who this tour fits best (and who should reconsider)

This tour is a strong match for adults and active travelers. It is also a good choice if you want a guided introduction to Iceland’s volcanic geology without needing to figure out routes, timing, or highland driving.

It is not suitable for wheelchair users, and the tour is not for children under 10. That’s tied to the walking and the road conditions.

It’s also a smart pick if you want fewer decisions. The route has a clear rhythm: waterfall stop, Landmannalaugar hike and soak, then Valley of Tears.

If you hate long rides on rough roads, or you know you get motion sickness, prepare. People have specifically recommended bringing medicine if bumpy roads make you feel ill. And if you want quieter ride comfort, avoid being stuck in the back if you can choose.

Tips that make the day better from minute one

Pack like you’re going outside in Iceland, because you are. Bring rain gear, gloves, a hat, and a daypack. Bring your camera, and bring hiking shoes with grip.

Also, bring layers. Even in good weather, the Highlands can feel colder once you’re standing still near streams or exposed rock.

Finally, plan your food. Since food and drinks are not included, a simple lunch plan will keep your energy steady during the hike and hot pool reset.

Should you book this Iceland highlands day?

If you want one full day that gives you volcanic geology, a real hike, and a natural hot pool, this tour is an easy yes. It hits Landmannalaugar first where you can walk among obsidian and colored rhyolite, then finishes with the Valley of Tears canyon where water takes over the show.

I would hesitate only if rough roads and long days stress you out, or if you’re not interested in walking for about two hours on uneven terrain. If that sounds like you, you might prefer a more relaxed route. But for most first-timers who want the Highlands highlights without doing logistics headaches, this is a solid way to spend the day.

FAQ

How long is the tour in total?

The duration is 11 hours.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Do I need to bring a swimsuit and towel?

Yes. There is an option to bathe in the natural hot spring, and you should bring a swimsuit and towel.

What kind of hiking is it at Landmannalaugar?

You get a guided hike for about 2 hours through the obsidian fields up toward Brennisteinsalda, and you can also explore on your own within the given time frame.

What should I bring besides hiking shoes?

You should bring outdoor clothing, rain gear, a hat, gloves, a daypack, and a camera. If you plan to soak, bring your swimwear and towel.

What stops are included besides Landmannalaugar?

The tour includes a stop at Hjálparfoss for photos and sightseeing, scenic stops at Laugahraun, and a photo stop at Sigöldugljúfur, Valley of Tears.

Where does pickup and drop-off happen?

Pickup and drop-off happen at selected Reykjavik bus stops and hotels. You’ll be assigned a pickup option and matching drop-off location from the listed stops.