Landmannalaugar in one long day. This is a highland day trip built for people who want wild geothermal scenery and a real hike—rhyolite hills, thermal rivers, waterfalls—and it wraps up with a natural hot-spring soak. I like that the route packs big Iceland highlights into one schedule, and I also like how the guide brings the geology and history into plain English. The one drawback to keep in mind is the day is long, and a good chunk of the drive is rough gravel.

You get round-trip pickup from Reykjavik (and pick-up in Selfoss on the South Coast), plus an air-conditioned vehicle with Wi‑Fi. The timing is early—start time lists 7:30 am—and pickup works in a 30-minute window, so you may wait up to half an hour for the bus. Lunch isn’t included, and bathrooms plus food access on this route can be limited, so a little prep goes a long way.

Key highlights to look for

• Small-group feel (max 19) that makes it easier to stay together on uneven ground
• Landmannalaugar hike plus geothermal hot pool so you go from cold wind to warm water
• Hot and cold moments at the bathing area, depending on conditions and how the day unfolds
• Bonus waterfall options like Hjálparfoss along the way
• Real off-road driving from Reykjavik, with comfort stops built in to break up the ride
• English-speaking guides who explain the why behind the colors and heat

Why Landmannalaugar and the Valley of Tears belong on your itinerary

Landmannalaugar is one of Iceland’s places that feels both otherworldly and totally practical. You’re walking through highland terrain with rhyolite mountains showing up in candy-like colors, while geothermal activity keeps things lively in the rivers and ground nearby. This tour matters because it delivers you there without you having to plan an expensive, stressful self-drive—or guess which stops are worth the time.

Then there’s the second half of the day: the Valley of Tears. The name can sound dramatic, but the payoff is simple—waterfalls, steep viewpoints, and that jaw-dropping feeling you get when nature puts on a full show. The key is that the day’s pacing is built so you hike first, then shift gears into relaxing soaking time and scenic breaks.

I also like the “in one go” value. You’re not just collecting landmarks. You’re getting a sequence: hike → geothermal soak → waterfalls and viewpoints. For an 11-hour day, it’s a smart structure.

Pickup, timing, and the long road out of Reykjavik

This is an early start. Your listed start time is 7:30 am, and pickup runs with a 30-minute window—pick-up begins around 8:00 am, but you might wait if the route is picking up people in multiple areas. If you’re staying downtown, you may be directed to a pickup point that’s easier for a larger vehicle to reach than a hotel front door.

So here’s the practical move: have a working phone number you can answer on. The day can start smoothly, but early-morning pickup is the one spot that can go sideways if communication fails. Once you’re on board, the drive is part of the experience, even when it’s bumpy.

Expect:

• A long transit out of Reykjavik toward the highlands
• Off-road/gravel sections that can feel uncomfortable for some people
• Breaks along the way (including comfort stops and chances to buy snacks)

One review note that fits many people’s experience: the last stretch can be rougher than the earlier portions. If you know you’re sensitive to vehicle motion on gravel roads, bring what helps you (light snacks, water, layers, and something to sit against for comfort).

Landmannalaugar hike: rhyolite colors, steep spots, and pacing you can handle

The main event is a hike in Landmannalaugar, where you’ll move through a mix of geothermal textures and colorful rhyolite formations. This tour is built for outdoorsy people, but it’s not a mountaineering expedition. Still, you should plan for real walking conditions: rocky ground, wind, and some slopes.

Here’s how it tends to feel:

• About 1.5 to 2 hours of hiking is a common rhythm
• The guide often sets an easy pace, with photo stops
• Some parts can be steep, so good balance helps
• Water breaks may be limited, so bring a water bottle and keep sipping

Terrain is a key point. One person specifically flagged steep spots that might be challenging for seniors if fitness isn’t strong. Another said the pace felt fast early on when the guide led a full-top ascent. In plain terms: most people can do this hike, but you should not treat it as a flat stroll.

What I recommend you bring:

• Good hiking shoes with grip
• Wind/rain layers (you can get sun and weather swings fast in the highlands)
• Sunscreen even on cloudy days
• A water bottle, even if refilling is possible later

Also, because the itinerary is timed, your group stays on schedule. The guide’s job is to make sure you get all the planned stops. That’s great for most days. The trade-off is you may not have unlimited time to wander off-trail on your own. If you want extra time in Landmannalaugar, consider that the tour is a “highlights and hot springs” day, not a multi-day trek.

Sigöldugljúfur and Hjálparfoss: quick hits with big photo energy

The route includes stops at Sigöldugljufur and Hjálparfoss. You’re not spending an entire day camping out here, so think of these as scenic checkpoints—short opportunities to stretch, take photos, and absorb why these areas get repeated in Iceland itineraries.

Sigöldugljúfur is known for its dramatic canyon setting. Hjálparfoss is a waterfall stop people often remember because it’s a visual reward during the long drive.

Two practical takeaways:

• Keep your camera gear accessible, not buried, because you’ll want photos quickly.
• Use these stops for short resets—bathroom needs and snack runs can be easier here than later at the bathing area.

The geothermal hot springs: swimsuit, towel, and the no-changing-room reality

This tour’s ending is what makes it feel like a full Iceland experience instead of just a hike. You go to the geothermal hot springs after the hike, and this is where the day becomes relaxing.

The simple packing rule is in bold for a reason: bring a swimsuit and a towel. One review also stressed that there are no changing rooms right next to the baths. Plan to get changed in the bathroom building instead, then head to the hot water area already dressed to dip.

Also expect:

• Cold wind can make the air feel sharp, even when the water is hot
• The warm water takes the edge off quickly
• There can be a moment where cold-to-hot contrast is part of the fun

Some tours in this region also include a hot-and-cold style experience at the bathing area (hot plunge then colder water nearby), and that’s exactly the kind of finish people rave about. Even if conditions shift, the core is the same: you end your hike in a natural thermal soak.

Valley of Tears: waterfalls, viewpoints, and weather’s impact

After the baths, you head to the Valley of Tears, and the main payoff is waterfalls and dramatic views. One review described it as a beautiful series of falls with jaw-dropping scenery. This is also the part of the day where weather plays a bigger role than you might expect.

If the sky is clear, you’ll see more depth and more variation in the water’s movement. If it’s rainy or windy, the area can still be stunning, just moodier and more chaotic. The good news: Iceland’s highland weather can flip fast, and the tour includes the flexibility to keep the day moving safely.

My advice: treat this stop like a “watch and absorb” moment. Yes, take photos. But also pause. Waterfalls look different when you’re not rushing to the next viewpoint.

What’s included, what’s not, and how to plan your food

Your ticket includes:

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• All fees and taxes
• Wi‑Fi on the bus

Not included:

• Lunch

Food access is limited at times, and bathroom availability isn’t constant. One review said there’s limited restroom and snack access at the main Landmannalaugar area—something like a short window to grab food and use facilities before the hike begins.

So I’d plan meals like this:

• Eat before pickup if you can, then snack during the drive
• Bring an extra snack for the hike or right after
• If you plan to buy food at the site, don’t assume there will be a big selection

Water matters too. One review said water bottles can be refilled at the base of the hike. Still, assume you’ll want your own bottle and keep it handy.

Guide style: staying together, staying safe, and real explanations

This is a guided day. You’ll have someone who:

• Keeps the group on schedule
• Manages the timing so you reach each stop
• Talks about the geology and history of the area in a way that actually sticks

Guide names from past days include Eddie, Sara, Ignacio, Keren, and James. Since you can’t guarantee who you’ll get, use this as a signal: the company’s guides handle tough driving and a mix of hiking speeds and needs.

A big plus from reviews: guides were careful, supportive, and mindful of group safety on rough terrain. One person also appreciated the guide’s attention to pacing and photo stops. On the flip side, another person wished for more narration during driving time, noting the balance between quiet time and facts.

That tells you something useful: if you like learning while you ride, you may get more out of the guide if you ask a quick question when you see something interesting.

Who this tour suits best (and who might want a different day)

This Landmannalaugar day trip fits best if you:

• Like hiking and want a real outdoor day
• Are comfortable with steep-ish spots and uneven ground
• Want geothermal hot springs as a real reward
• Don’t mind a long drive, including bumpy gravel

You might want to choose something else if:

• You strongly dislike rough gravel roads
• You need lots of time at each stop rather than a paced highlights route
• You’re expecting a relaxed, low-effort hike

Good to know: the day is weather-dependent. If conditions are poor, the tour can be moved to another date or refunded, depending on what’s available.

Price and value: is $199 worth it?

At $199 per person, this is priced like a full-day highlands excursion, not a quick city tour. And in this case, the value comes from the combination:

• Transport from Reykjavik/Selfoss (including off-road expertise)
• A guided hike to one of Iceland’s most distinctive geothermal regions
• Stops like Sigöldugljúfur and Hjálparfoss
• Hot springs time built into the day

What you should factor in is what you’ll pay for yourself: lunch, plus snacks and water as needed. Also factor in that the day is long. You’re paying for a lot of movement, not just one attraction.

If your goal is to see Landmannalaugar plus waterfalls in a single day without planning a complex self-drive route, this is a strong value play.

Should you book this Landmannalaugar hike and Valley of Tears day trip?

I’d book it if you want the full highlands taste: hike among rhyolite colors, soak in natural geothermal warmth, and finish with waterfall views in the Valley of Tears. The small-group cap (19 max) helps, and the fact that the day includes hot springs is the difference between a good hike day and a complete Iceland day.

I’d pause and consider a different plan if your top priority is comfort over adventure or if rough gravel driving will really drain you. This tour is built for outdoorsy energy, not for lounging.

If you do book, pack smart: swimsuit, towel, layered clothing, good shoes, and a snack plan for lunch. Do that, and you’ll be set for a day that feels like Iceland doing exactly what Iceland does best.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Landmannalaugar hike and Valley of Tears tour?

The tour is listed at about 11 hours total.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 7:30 am.

Do you offer pickup from Reykjavik?

Yes. Pickup is offered from Reykjavik, and pickup is also available in Selfoss on the South Coast.

Is there a pickup window?

Yes. There is a 30-minute pickup window. Pickup starts around 8:00 am, and you might wait up to 30 minutes.

What’s the group size?

This experience has a maximum of 19 travelers.

Is Wi‑Fi included?

Yes. Wi‑Fi is included on the bus/vehicle.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is not included.

What should I bring for the hot springs?

Bring a swimsuit and a towel so you can use the natural hot pool.

Is the tour in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.