Hiking Guide to Landmannalaugar
The Landmannalaugar region is one of Iceland's most spectacular natural attractions. Its colorful rhyolite mountains, vast volcanic landscapes and natural hot springs make it a must-see destination for wilderness and hiking enthusiasts.
With so many trails to choose from, it can be difficult to find the right route for your skill level and expectations. This guide aims to help you choose the perfect route for an unforgettable experience in the heart of these extraordinary landscapes.
Source: road.is
Getting to Landmannalaugar
By car
To reach Landmannalaugar, you must take the F-roads, which are tracks in the Icelandic Highlands reserved exclusively for 4WD vehicles.
- On average, the F-roads open around the end of June, but this date varies depending on weather conditions.
- Always check the road conditions on the road.is website before setting off.
Possible routes:
- F208 North: The most accessible option, with no river crossings.
- F225: A more scenic route, with several shallow river crossings.
- F208 South: The most challenging route, with several medium-depth river crossings.
Parking: it is now necessary to reserve a parking space before your arrival.
To avoid any unpleasant surprises, check out my page on driving in the Highlands.By bus
If you want to travel with complete peace of mind, several companies offer bus services from Reykjavik and other locations in southern Iceland to Landmannalaugar.
Operating period: late June to mid-September.
Main companies: check timetables and book your tickets with the following two operators:
Hikes in Landmannalaugar
Landmannalaugar hikes
All routes start from the Landmannalaugar campground. Unlike other maps on Horizonrando, the markers here indicate the destination (summit, crater, etc.) rather than the starting point.
Practical tips:
- Allow at least a full day to explore the area. If you can extend your stay, don't hesitate — you won't regret it!
- Always check the weather forecast on the vedur.is website before setting off, paying particular attention to cloud cover (low and medium clouds). The campsite is located at an altitude of 600 metres, and most hikes reach altitudes between 900 and 1,000 metres.
List of hikes (from easiest to most difficult)
1️⃣ Laugahraun (1.5 hours)
➝ An easy walk through the Laugahraun lava field. It can easily be combined with other routes.
2️⃣ Bláhnúkur (2.5 hours)
➝ The iconic climb in Landmannalaugar, offering breathtaking views.
3️⃣ Brennisteinsalda (2.75 hours)
➝ A brightly coloured volcano and one of the most photogenic in the region.
4️⃣ Suðurnámur (3.5 hours)
➝ Less crowded but just as spectacular, with unique panoramic views.
5️⃣ Bláhnúkur and Brennisteinsalda (4 hours)
➝ The perfect combination for a first visit to Landmannalaugar: variety, spectacular views and accessibility!
6️⃣ Ljótipollur (4.5 hours)
➝ The only route heading north allows you to discover different landscapes. Not recommended for a first visit.
7️⃣ Skalli (6.5 hours)
➝ Long, but without any technical difficulty. Perfect for endurance hikers looking for less crowded trails.
8️⃣ Bláhnúkur, Skalli and Grænihryggur (9 hours)
➝ The ultimate adventure for very experienced hikers. It is certainly one of the most beautiful hiking experiences in Iceland.
Make the most of your day by combining several routes. For example:
- Start with Brennisteinsalda, then continue on to Suðurnámur
- Follow the Skalli hike, and finally return via Bláhnúkur
Which hike should you choose?
Table of hikes
| Name of the hike | Photo | Difficulty | Duration | Length | Elevation gain | Popularity | My rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Easy | 2 h 30 m | 6.2 km | 400 m | Moderate | ★★★★★ | |
|
Moderate | 4 h | 9.7 km | 620 m | Moderate | ★★★★★ | |
|
Easy | 2 h 45 m | 7.4 km | 350 m | Moderate | ★★★★★ | |
|
Very hard | 9 h | 23.4 km | 1500 m | Low | ★★★★★ | |
|
Moderate | 4 h 30 m | 12.9 km | 330 m | Low | ★★★★★ | |
|
Easy | 1 h 30 m | 4.7 km | 160 m | High | ★★★★★ | |
|
Hard | 6 h 30 m | 17.5 km | 960 m | Low | ★★★★★ | |
|
Moderate | 3 h 30 m | 10 km | 510 m | Low | ★★★★★ |
Relaxation after the hike
Treat yourself to a well-deserved break in the natural hot springs located near the Landmannalaugar campground after your hike.
- The temperature remains constant between 35 and 40°C all year round.
- It's the perfect place to relax your muscles after your hike.
- The Landmannalaugar campsite is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area.
- Indicative price in 2023: ISK 2,500 per person.
Hikes and points of interest near Landmannalaugar
On the road to Landmannalaugar, be sure to visit these must-see viewpoints:
Other hikes in the area:
Map and table of nearby hikes and viewpoints
Hikes and Viewpoints near Landmannalaugar
| Name of the hike | Photo | Activity | Difficulty | Duration | Length | Elevation gain | Popularity | My rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Viewpoint | Low | ★★★★★ | |||||
|
Hiking | Easy | 1 h 30 m | 4.4 km | 190 m | Low | ★★★★★ | |
|
Viewpoint | Low | ★★★★★ | |||||
|
Drone | Low | ★★★★★ | |||||
|
Hiking | Hard | 6 h 30 m | 15.6 km | 910 m | Low | ★★★★★ | |
|
Viewpoint | Low | ★★★★★ | |||||
|
Viewpoint | Low | ★★★★★ | |||||
|
Hiking | Easy | 3 h 30 m | 9.2 km | 340 m | Low | ★★★★★ |