There are days in Iceland, then there is Landmannalaugar. This trip strings together rhyolite mountains, black obsidian fields, and the Valley of Tears canyons for one long, highland-heavy day. It is the kind of outing that makes you look at rocks like they are storybooks, not just scenery.

I love the mix of a serious outdoors stop and a simple reward, the guided hike up toward Brennisteinsalda and then the option to rinse off in the natural hot pool. I also like that the guides actually explain what you are seeing, with names like Sarah, Eddy, Tomasz, and Einar popping up in recent feedback for geology talks and calm, careful driving.

One drawback to plan for is the road, you will ride in 4×4 country on rough surfaces, and that can mean serious bouncing. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring what you need and choose your seat smartly.

Key things I’d prioritize on this day

• A guided 2-hour hike through obsidian fields up toward Brennisteinsalda, with time to adjust your own route
• Color-from-rock geology, rhyolite minerals and the Sulphur Wave look different depending on light and weather
• Natural hot pool time right after the hike, swimsuit and towel matter
• Sigöldugljúfur photo stops with streams, clear waterfalls, ponds, and cliffy canyon views
• Super Jeep pickup and drop-off from Reykjavík, with Wi-Fi and USB ports to make the ride easier

Why Landmannalaugar Feels Like Another Planet

Landmannalaugar sits in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve in Iceland’s Highlands, and the scenery looks volcanic because it is. You get rhyolite mountains with mineral colors, plus geothermal activity and lava terrain that reminds you how restless the island still is. Even on a cloudy day, the colors and textures hold your attention.

The rocks are not random. The area’s layers come from thousands of years of volcanic eruptions, and one big detail matters for what you will walk on: the Laugahraun lava field was formed in an eruption in 1477. That lava includes erratic black obsidian, the stuff that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie.

Two fun geology waypoints make this tour special. Brennisteinsalda is nicknamed the Sulphur Wave because of the way minerals and steam shape the slopes, and the obsidian field is famous for a smooth look with sharp edges. If you have seen Game of Thrones, you have heard it called Dragon Glass, and standing near the black stone helps it make sense.

Road to the Highlands: Super Jeep, Bumpy Reality, and Seat Advice

This is an all-day drive from Reykjavík, with pickup starting around 7:30 AM and a total day length of about 11 hours. The provider uses a Super Jeep for the Highlands access, and the route includes gravel and rough surfaces. One practical note, your minibus can arrive up to 30 minutes after pickup time depending on where you start, so be ready when they are hunting for you.

You will feel the road. Several guests call out that the ride is bumpy, and a few mention thinking about motion sickness ahead of time. I suggest you plan like this is a long road trip, not a smooth city transfer, and bring what helps you stay comfortable.

Seat choice is not a joke. Some people advise not to sit at the very back because the rocking can feel worse. I cannot guarantee where you will land, but if you have a say, a mid-position usually feels steadier on long uneven stretches.

Good news: the vehicle includes Wi-Fi and USB ports, so you can power your phone for navigation, photos, and keeping warm with downloaded music or a podcast. Warm layers still win, though, since Highlands weather can flip quickly.

First Stop: Hjálparfoss, the Horses, and Why People Called It Help

The day begins with a roadside stop at Hjálparfoss, a two-stepped waterfall with a plunge pool below. The waterfall setting includes basalt rock formations that look solid and dark, which makes the water stand out even more.

The story behind the name is what makes this quick stop stick. Hjálparfoss was a kind of turning point on travel between north and south across Iceland’s harsher highland routes, especially the Sprengisandur area. That route was famously hard to cross and often meant no easy grass for horses, so when people finally reached the greener area near Hjálparfoss, they considered it help.

Think of this as a tone-setter. You are leaving city life behind, and this stop reminds you why the Highlands were never just scenic in Iceland’s past. They were survival country, and water and grazing mattered.

It is also a useful stretching moment. Even if the photo stop is brief, you will arrive at Landmannalaugar with less stiff energy than if you had been cooped up the whole way.

The Landmannalaugar Window: Hike Time Plus a Natural Hot Pool Reset

You get about 3 hours in Landmannalaugar total, and that time is arranged so you can do the signature hike without the day turning into a suffer-fest. A guide leads an approximately 2-hour guided hike through obsidian fields up toward Brennisteinsalda, then you have breathing room to explore on your own within the remaining schedule.

This setup is smart for real travelers. You get structure when you need it, especially for finding the best routes and understanding what you are walking through, then you get flexibility for photos, short detours, and pacing. If the weather tightens, it is easier for your day to still feel complete.

After the hike, you can bathe in the natural hot pool. This is one of those Iceland traditions that never feels like a gimmick when the rest of the day is so rugged. You do need to bring swimwear and a towel, and yes, the logistics matter because you will not be able to fake it last-minute.

The best part is how the hot water changes the mood. On a cold morning, hot springs turn your body from tense to calm fast. And because you are out in a volcanic setting, steam rising nearby can make the whole place feel otherworldly.

One practical note: you will need hiking shoes plus rain gear and layers. Even if the forecast looks friendly in Reykjavík, Highlands air can be colder and windier, especially around canyon edges and open lava terrain.

Obsidian Fields and the Sulphur Wave: What Your Guide Will Point Out

Landmannalaugar’s obsidian is the main visual drama during the hike. You are walking through Laugahraun lava terrain with erratic black obsidian, stone that people associate with smooth, sharp-edged glassy fragments. It is striking under daylight because the surface catches light differently than dull rock.

Brennisteinsalda, the Sulphur Wave, is the other big draw. Mineral content and geothermal steam create color bands and streaks across slopes, and the air can feel like it has a faint chemical edge when activity is close. The geology explanation is part of the tour value here, not an extra.

You might hear details like rhyolite being made of minerals such as quartz and silica, with extra color driven by iron and sulphur. Guides often connect those ingredients to what you are seeing in the mountains, which is why the hike feels more meaningful than just walking from point A to B.

If you have questions about what a landscape is made of, this is the day that answers them. The most praised guides in recent experiences are praised for geology talks and patient, careful guiding, including Eddy, Eric, and Einar in different outings. Even when the weather is messy, a good guide keeps the story moving.

Also, keep your expectations grounded. This is a hike through volcanic terrain, so you will be on uneven ground. It is not described as wheelchair-friendly, and it is not designed for young children under 10, but the guided routes and options help many people feel comfortable.

Sigöldugljúfur, the Valley of Tears, and Its Waterfall Rhythm

After Landmannalaugar, you will head to Sigöldugljúfur, known as the Valley of Tears. This canyon is a main stop because it delivers multiple water moments in one place, not just one waterfall.

What makes it special is the mix of features. You get spring-fed streams, small ponds, crystal-clear waterfalls, colorful vegetation, and cliffs that frame the views. In other words, you are not hunting for a single perfect shot, the whole area keeps offering new angles.

The tour builds this into your day as a photo stop with scenic time. That matters because the canyon can look different depending on your viewing spot and the angle of light. With a guide helping you, you spend more time actually seeing and less time wandering around.

One thing to remember: the day’s center of gravity is Landmannalaugar. Valley of Tears is a stunning add-on, but it is not the hike portion’s replacement. If you only want one long walk, you will still likely treat Sigöldugljúfur as a scenic break with waterfalls and cliff views.

If you love water, this stop is the payoff moment. The contrast is real, volcanic rock and steam earlier, then clear water and greener edges in the canyon.

How the 11-Hour Day Actually Feels From Reykjavík

This is an early start day, and the driving is real. The schedule includes a couple-hour drive segments, plus time for Hjálparfoss, Landmannalaugar, and Sigöldugljúfur. With pickup at around 7:30 AM and returns later in the day, plan meals and energy like you are doing a full-day expedition.

Break times are built in. You will have sightseeing stops along the drive and time at Landmannalaugar for both hiking and soaking. There are also small routines like photo assistance from your guide, so you are not stuck asking strangers to take pictures when you want a shot with the mountains behind you.

Food and drinks are not included, so you need to solve lunch yourself. The simplest strategy is to grab something before pickup, or at least have a plan for where you will eat during the day. Bring snacks if you can, because Highlands timing can feel different than city timing.

Bathroom stops are not described as formal checkpoints, but the day includes breaks, and the best approach is to use stops when you can. Think ahead and you will enjoy the canyon and hike more.

The ride time can wear you out. If you are tired easily, pack layers for comfort, download offline maps, and keep your expectations flexible. You are choosing rough-road immersion for the payoff of volcanic scenery you cannot get from the paved-road world.

Price and Value: What $210 Buys You in the Highlands

At about $210 per person for an 11-hour day, the headline cost is not cheap. The value comes from what is included, though, and it is a lot more than just a seat on a bus.

You get pickup and drop-off in Reykjavík in a comfortable Super Jeep, plus a knowledgeable local guide. You also get a guided hike through rhyolite mountains and lava fields, which is a big deal in a remote area where knowing routes and geology context makes the experience better.

Then there are the add-ons that raise the practical value. You get scenic stops including Sigöldugljúfur, photo assistance, and the option to bathe in the natural hot pool. You also get Wi-Fi and USB ports, so the long ride is not totally dead time.

What you do not get is food and drinks, so that cost hits you separately. If you arrive underprepared, you might end up spending more than you planned. If you plan lunch and snacks, the overall experience feels like a clean package: transportation, guiding, and the big highlights in one go.

Is it worth it? For most people aiming to see Landmannalaugar and the Valley of Tears without arranging 4×4 transport and route planning themselves, yes. The guide component and remote driving access are the heart of the value.

Who Should Take This Tour, and Who Should Skip It

This is a great choice if you want one day that delivers geology, hiking, waterfalls, and an actual warm soak. It suits adults and older kids, since it is not suitable for children under 10. It is also not listed as wheelchair accessible, so choose a different option if mobility is an issue.

If you get carsick on bumpy roads, take that seriously. The route is described as rough, and guests recommend planning ahead for motion sickness. Bring rain gear and gloves if you tend to feel cold, and wear outdoor clothing you do not mind getting dusty.

You will also need proper footwear and a daypack. The terrain is volcanic and uneven, so hiking shoes help your footing. If you are packing like a light city traveler, you will feel it.

I think it is especially good for people who love explanation as much as pictures. Guides are praised for geology stories and safe driving, and that sort of commentary turns your hike into something you remember with detail, not just impressions.

Should You Book This Landmannalaugar and Valley of Tears Day?

Book it if you want a full highland day that combines Landmannalaugar’s obsidian hike with the chance to soak in a natural pool, then wrap it up at Sigöldugljúfur for waterfall canyon views. If you only have one free day and you want maximum Iceland feel without coordinating remote transport yourself, this hits the mark.

Skip it or choose carefully if you cannot handle a long day, early pickup, or rough road bouncing. It is also not the right match if you need wheelchair access, or if hiking on volcanic terrain is not your thing.

If you do book, pack for wind and wet, plan lunch since food is not included, and bring a swimsuit and towel so the hot pool is not something you regret missing. When the day works, the colors of rhyolite, the black obsidian field, and the waterfall rhythm of the Valley of Tears make it one of the more memorable regions in Iceland.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The duration is 11 hours.

Where does the tour pick up in Reykjavík?

Pickup is offered from multiple stops, including Bus Stop #15 (Vesturbugt), City Hall (Ráðhúsið), the bus terminal, Safnahúsið (The Culture House), and several hotel stops. Exact pickup options are listed for bus stops and hotels.

What time should I be ready for pickup?

You should be ready at 7:30 AM. The minibus may arrive up to 30 minutes later depending on your starting location.

How do I get picked up if I am hard to find?

Make sure you have a working mobile phone and data roaming if needed. If the guide cannot locate you at the pickup spot and cannot reach you by phone, you could miss the tour.

Is the Landmannalaugar hike guided?

Yes. You get an approximately 2-hour guided hike through the rhyolite mountains and lava fields, and you can also explore on your own during the time at Landmannalaugar.

Can I swim in the hot pool?

Yes, there is an option to bathe in the natural hot spring at Landmannalaugar. Bring swimwear and a towel.

What stops are included besides Landmannalaugar?

The itinerary includes Hjálparfoss (a photo and sightseeing stop) and Sigöldugljúfur, also called the Valley of Tears.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring hiking shoes, rain gear, outdoor clothing, a hat, gloves, a daypack, and a camera. If you plan to swim, bring swimwear and a towel.

Is this tour suitable for children or wheelchair users?

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