A long Iceland day, packed with volcano views. I love the small-group feel, which makes the hike and timing easier, and I also love finishing with a long soak in the hot springs right after the Brennisteinsalda hike. The main thing to plan for is that lunch isn’t included, even though you’ll have time to eat during the day.

This tour runs from Reykjavik (and also picks up in Hella) and is built around Iceland’s big hitters: Mount Hekla from the road and the surreal geothermal scenery of Landmannalaugar. Expect a guided day with English and Spanish support, plus time on your own at the top and at the springs so you can actually enjoy the views instead of racing the clock.

Quick Hits You’ll Care About

• Max 16 travelers with guaranteed small-group handling, so the day stays organized on a long route.
• Hekla views from the vehicle as you roll into the highlands.
• Hike to Brennisteinsalda with a guided push toward great viewpoints and a lunch break at the top.
• Two hours in hot springs where you can choose the warmer side or the slightly cooler side of the water.
• Nordur Travel private pickup/drop-off plus WiFi on board in the air-conditioned vehicle.

A Long Day to Hekla’s Shadow and Landmannalaugar Heat

This is the kind of day trip you plan around. You leave early, you spend most of the day in the highlands, and you come back tired in the best way. The itinerary links two different kinds of Iceland wonder: big volcanic drama from the road, then close-up geothermal scenery and a proper recovery soak at the hot springs.

The format is also practical. You get picked up from set stops, you drive in comfort with WiFi, and you have a real guide during the hike. That matters here, because Landmannalaugar isn’t just a pretty stop—it’s a real place to move your legs.

Reykjavik Pickup at 6:30 and a 7:00 AM Departure

Your morning starts earlier than most people expect. Reykjavik pickups begin at 6:30 AM at designated bus stops, and the official departure is 7:00 AM once everyone is onboard.

If you’re staying in central Reykjavik, this is straightforward, but treat it like a flight: be at your pickup point early. The vehicle route is already timed to connect you to the rest of the day, including stops later in the morning.

The tour also lists the pickup as “near public transportation,” so if you want to keep your morning simple, this is one of those days you can line up without turning it into a scavenger hunt.

Hella Stop: Where the Day Expands

If you’re joining from Hella, you meet the group at Olís Petrol/Gas Station. The pickup window is 8:30 to 8:40 AM, and the guidance is clear: be ready 10–15 minutes early so you don’t miss the on-time check-in.

This Hella connection is useful if you’re splitting your trip between Reykjavik and the south coast area. It also helps explain why the day feels full: there are multiple loading moments, then the highlands section begins.

The Drive With Mount Hekla Views

One of the easiest ways to appreciate Iceland is to watch how the terrain changes as you move. Midway through the drive, you’ll enjoy views of Mount Hekla, one of the country’s most active volcanoes.

From the vehicle, Hekla becomes a kind of landmark: snow-covered slopes above, with rugged lava fields and darker ground patterns around it. It’s the contrast that gets you—volcano energy on one side, softer valleys and meadows on the other.

There’s no hiking here, just a chance to slow down and look out the window. Bring a layer, though. Early highland air can feel sharp even when Reykjavik mornings aren’t that cold.

Landmannalaugar Time: The Hike to Brennisteinsalda

This is the core of the day. At Landmannalaugar, you get about 3 hours 30 minutes total, and that window is built around a hike to Brennisteinsalda plus a break at the top.

What you’re doing on the hike

The goal is a short hike up to one of the iconic peaks in the area. The guide shares insights along the way, and you’ll also get time to enjoy the views from above—plus a lunch break.

The pace and effort can vary. One of the best pieces of real-world context from the experience is that the climb can be taken in stages (up to five levels of effort). Your group might do a smaller portion depending on your comfort and the day’s conditions. That flexibility makes the hike feel more approachable than a single fixed “all-in” trek.

What Landmannalaugar feels like underfoot

Expect the terrain to be rugged and lunar-ish in feel, with uneven ground. There can be stream crossings and a winding dirt road getting into the area, so it’s not the kind of place where you want to pretend you’re on a flat city walk.

The good news: you’re not going alone. You have the experts handling the logistics of getting you there and keeping the group moving. You just show up with the right shoes and a steady attitude.

Lunch planning (this is the one catch)

Time for lunch is part of the Landmannalaugar portion, but lunch isn’t included. So think ahead:

• Bring your own food, or plan to buy something before the day starts.
• Pack it in a way that’s easy to access while you’re moving between stops.

If you plan for lunch, the whole hike-and-soak flow feels smooth. If you don’t, you’ll spend part of the day hungry.

Brennisteinsalda Hot Springs: Two Hours of Muscle Reset

After the hike, you switch gears to recovery. You get about 2 hours at the hot springs, and this stop is built for comfort: a soak to help your muscles unwind.

The thermal setup is part of the fun. The water experience comes with temperature variety—one side runs cooler and the other is pleasantly hot—so you can choose where to sit based on how you’re feeling. That simple choice helps a lot after a hike day.

Also, Landmannalaugar base-area amenities are part of the practical value here. The experience includes toilets and showers at the base camp area, which makes the day feel less chaotic. You can refresh before you get back on the road, instead of hauling around wet gear all the way to Reykjavik.

How to make the soak time work

Two hours sounds generous, but you’ll want to use it well:

• Give yourself a first dip to loosen up.
• Then spend time actually relaxing instead of rushing in and out.
• Keep an eye on your belongings. This is the part of the day where it’s easy to forget the basics because you feel so good.

Hella Drop-Off and the Return to Reykjavik

After the hot springs, the itinerary loops back through Hella for a drop-off of passengers continuing their journey from there. You’ll get a short break at this point, then the final leg continues back to Reykjavik.

Your last stop returns you to Reykjavik and drops you at pre-arranged meeting points. In other words: the tour doesn’t just dump you somewhere random. It’s designed to end cleanly after a long day.

When you get back, you’ll likely feel that classic Iceland-day feeling: sunburn-ish cheeks (even if the day wasn’t sunny all day) and tired legs you’re oddly proud of.

Price and Value: Is $198.23 Worth It?

At $198.23 per person, this isn’t a bargain-basement trip. But it also isn’t just a bus ride. You’re paying for a full-day structure with:

• Small-group guarantee (max 16)
• Pickup and drop-off in private vehicles of Nordur Travel
• Guiding in English and Spanish
• Air-conditioned transport
• On-board WiFi
• Time at two major elements: Landmannalaugar (including the Brennisteinsalda hike) and the Brennisteinsalda hot springs soak

The biggest “value trade” is the lunch detail: it’s not included. That single line item means you should factor in your own food cost, or at least bring something you’ll actually want to eat.

For me, the math works when you want both worlds in one day: highland views plus geothermal payoff. If you only care about one part—just the hot springs or just the hiking—then a different style of tour might fit better. But if you want the full combo, the structure and guiding make the price feel reasonable.

Also worth noting: this tour is commonly booked well in advance (on average, 104 days). That’s usually a sign the dates move. If your schedule is set, don’t wait too long.

Who This Tour Fits Best

I think this is a great match if you:

• Want a guided hike without planning every detail yourself.
• Like the idea of combining a peak hike with a long hot springs unwind.
• Prefer a small group over a big coach crowd.
• Are comfortable with a long day and an early start.

It also fits well if you’re using Reykjavik as your base and want one highlands “big day” without switching hotels mid-trip.

If you’re the type who hates early mornings, this might feel like a challenge. But if you can handle the 6:30 pickup and you show up ready, you’ll get a day that feels like Iceland doing its most theatrical work.

Should You Book This Tour?

I’d book it if you want a guided, well-paced day that links Hekla views, a hike to Brennisteinsalda, and a real hot springs soak in the same package. The small-group size (max 16), the English/Spanish guide support, and the included transport comfort make the whole plan feel less stressful than piecing it together yourself.

I would hesitate only if you don’t want to handle lunch planning or you strongly prefer shorter days. This is built to be a full-day outing, with time set aside at each step so you can enjoy it instead of sprinting.

If your goal is a memorable highlands day that ends with warmth in your bones, this one is a strong choice.

FAQ

What time does the tour start in Reykjavik?

Pickups in Reykjavik begin at 6:30 AM at designated bus stops, and the official departure is at 7:00 AM once all guests are onboard.

Do I get pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off in private vehicles of Nordur Travel are included, with morning pickups in Reykjavik and a pickup option in Hella, plus return drop-off in Reykjavik.

Where do I meet the tour if I’m joining from Hella?

The pickup point in Hella is Olís Petrol/Gas Station. The pickup window is between 8:30 AM and 8:40 AM, and you should be ready 10–15 minutes early.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum group size of 16 travelers, with a small-group guarantee.

Is there WiFi on the vehicle?

Yes, WiFi is provided on board.

What language will the guide speak?

The tour is guided in English and Spanish.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, even though there is time to have lunch during the Landmannalaugar portion of the day.

How long do we spend at the hot springs?

The hot springs time is about 2 hours.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, as long as you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.