Landmannalaugar, Iceland is a remote region of the Icelandic Highlands that offers an authentic look at the volcanic past of the country. With colorful rhyolite mountains, vast lava fields, and geothermal activity, this rugged region is waiting for adventurous travelers to explore it!
In this guide, we will cover the volcanic process that shaped Landmannalaugar’s unique and diverse landscapes. You’ll also learn about all the things to do in the area, including the various hiking trails and practical aspects of reaching Landmannalaguar, including transportation options, accommodations, and recommended equipment to explore the region responsibly and safely.
What is special about Landmannalaguar?
Landmannalaguar is found in Iceland’s Fjallabak Nature Reserve, in the southern highlands, with the landscapes carved by thousands of years of volcanic activity. While the majority of the country is dominated by basalt rock, Landmannalaguar is known for its colorful rhyolite mountains. This silica-rich volcanic rock, formed during explosive eruptions, appears in hues of red, green, purple, and yellow.
In 1477 the Iceland volcano eruption of the Brennisteinsalda crater created the Laugahraun lava field, which is a blackened expanse of terrain that contrasts against the colored mountains. The Brennisteinsalda crater itself is still steaming and continues to emit sulfurous fumes. Although the environment is harsh, you’ll still see diverse flora and fauna, with colorful wildflowers blooming in the summer months. The area is also home to rare bird species like the ptarmigan and the gyrfalcon.
The region is also known for its geothermal activity, with many natural hot springs and mud pools. The interaction between the hot water with the volcanic rocks has led to something called hydrothermal alteration, resulting in beautiful mineral deposits and rock formations, like the palagonite ridges.
Where is Landmannalaguar? When is the best time to visit?
Landmannalaugar is located in the southern part of Iceland’s Central Highlands, approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles) from the capital city of Reykjavík. It is a remote and rugged region, accessible only by four-wheel drive vehicles during the summer months due to unpaved Iceland F-roads , gravel roads and often challenging road conditions with river crossing roads.
The best time to visit Landmannalaugar is during the summer months, from mid-June to early September. This is when the weather is mildest, and the snow has melted. This is also the only time when the F-roads that provide access to the region will be open. However, it’s important to note that weather conditions in Iceland can be unpredictable, so even during the summer months, be prepared for anything.
Weather conditions in the area
During the summer months, which are when the area is accessible, you can expect mild temperatures, typically ranging from highs around 5-10°C (41-50°F) to lows around 4-1°C (39-34°F). That said, it’s not uncommon to have days with highs reaching 15°C (59°F) and lows below freezing.
While summers are drier than other seasons, be prepared for frequent cloud cover and occasional rain, though sunshine can break through for stunningly clear skies. Winds can be brisk since the elevation is high, especially in exposed areas, so pack layers to adjust as needed.
How do you get there by car?
There are two main routes to get to Landmannalaugar from Reykjavik, depending on what you want to see on the way during your Iceland itinerary.
The route that brings you into Landmannalaugar from the north side is the easiest and most popular route. You take the Iceland Ring Road south out of Reykjavik and exit near Selfoss. This route is 220 km (137 miles) and takes about 3-4 hours, depending on road conditions and stops.
For a more scenic route that takes you right past the Hekla volcano, you can stay on the Ring Road a bit longer and exit near the Iceland city of Hella. This is about 230 km (143 miles) of driving and takes 4-5 hours.
A 4X4 vehicle is required by Icelandic law since you’ll be primarily driving on unpaved F-roads. We recommend a bigger 4WD SUV, like a Land Cruiser or Defender, with lots of ground clearance since the roads can be challenging, and you’ll encounter some river crossings in the area.
Driving to Landmannalaugar: Tips and Recommendations
A road trip to Landmannalaugar promises an unforgettable Icelandic adventure, but be prepared for a unique and sometimes challenging driving experience. Always make sure that you check the weather and road conditions before you set out for the day. The most reliable sources are Vedur.is for weather and Road.is for road conditions.
Make sure that you rent a 4X4 vehicle with lots of ground clearance and spare tires. The Landmannalaugar region has Iceland river crossings which demand caution. Approach them slowly, gauge water depth, and follow instructions at the crossing point. If unsure, wait for another vehicle to cross first.
Additionally, make sure to respect the fragile ecosystem and never drive off-road, as it damages vegetation, disrupts wildlife, and can be unsafe.
Best 3 Things to Do in Landmannalaugar
There are three activities that you must do to truly experience Landmannalaugar to the fullest.
Hiking trails
One of the main Iceland attractions that draw visitors to this area of the highlands is the amazing hiking trails. The most popular hiking trail is undoubtedly the Laugavegur Trail. This multi-day trek weaves through colorful mountains and past steaming geothermal vents, and it finishes with glacier views and waterfalls. The full trail is 55 km (34 miles), and it ends in Þórsmörk, a lush valley nestled between glaciers.
The Laugavegur Trail is considered a moderate to challenging hike, depending on your experience and fitness level. The terrain is varied, with some steep sections and river crossings. You’ll need to be in good physical condition to complete the entire trail, but there are shorter sections that can be done by hikers of all levels.
There are also many day-hike options. The Brennisteinsalda Loop is a 3-hour hike that offers panoramic views, fumaroles, and even a hot spring dip at the end. You can also hike to the top of Bláhnjúkur peak or do the Ljótipollur Crater Hike, where you can descend into an explosion crater with a vibrant blue lake.
Natural hot springs
There are many natural Iceland hot springs you can find throughout Landmannalaugar. The most visited is the Landmannalaugar Geothermal Pool, known as ‘the people’s pools’ , which is surrounded by colorful mountains and blue peaks. Unlike other public geothermal pools in Iceland, like Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon, this hot spring is entirely natural, with no man-made elements except for the nearby changing facilities.
Additionally, you’ll find a secret lagoon near Brennisteinsalda crater with a milky blue pool that’s perfect for a relaxing dip. There are also mud pools near the Laugavegur trailhead, where you can see active geothermal activity, but do not enter or touch the mud!
Camping
Many people who come to Landmannalaugar do so for its hiking and Iceland camping opportunities. On a multi-day trek, you can stop and camp for the night at the various campsites in the area. The Landmannalaugar Campground offers easy access to hiking trails and geothermal pools, or you can camp near the Landmannalaugar entrance for a quieter experience.
During the summer in Iceland, the sun never fully sets, offering the opportunity to camp under the golden glow of the midnight sun.
Where to Stay Overnight in the Area?
There are two main options for staying overnight in Landmannalaugar, either at the mountain hut or the campground.
The Landmannalaugar Mountain Hut is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience in a shared, dormitory-style stay with a communal atmosphere where you can meet other adventurous travelers. The hut can accommodate up to 78 people across two floors, but in the summer months, it books up incredibly fast. Even before the summer season begins, the beds for the entire summer are often already booked out.
The kitchen is fully equipped with hot and cold running water, gas stoves, and a charcoal grill. The mountain hut facilities are also open to people not staying the night, but visitors will need to pay a day-use fee. Overnight stays at the mountain hut range from 13,000 ISK (approx 95 USD, 87 EUR) per person per night.
Photo from FI Iceland
The other option is to camp at the Landmannalaugar Camping Ground. Here you can pitch a tent or park your Iceland campervan wherever you can find a spot. The campground has facilities like showers, restrooms, and a washing area, along with access to kitchen facilities. Electricity isn’t available at campsites, but there’s a designated charging station.
This is a paid campground, so regardless of if you’re camping in a campervan or tent you will need to pay a fee. A tip to keep in mind when camping here is to try to pitch your tent on the dry, rocky area since the grass portions are usually wet. Also, remember to bring warm clothes and appropriate camping gear, since it gets very cool at night. Respect the environment and always follow Leave No Trace policies when camping here and anywhere else in Iceland.
Keep in mind that you must camp in a designated campsite, as wild camping is illegal in Iceland.
What to Pack When Visiting Landmannarlagur?
Landmannalaugar’s rugged landscapes and colorful peaks demand a strategic packing approach. Being in such a remote region means you don’t want to forget anything since there is nowhere to pick up additional gear if needed.
The best advice we can give you is to bring layers. Icelandic weather is notoriously unpredictable, even during the summer months. Pack warm base layers, a fleece or wool mid-layer, and a waterproof, windproof outer shell. And don’t forget a hat, gloves, and a scarf!
Choose quick-drying materials since rain is a common occurrence, and the last thing you want is to be out in the wilderness with wet clothing. Don’t forget your bathing suit and a towel so you can enjoy the hot springs.
Sturdy, quality hiking gear is essential for a visit to Landmannarlagur. Waterproof hiking boots are crucial for navigating the diverse and challenging terrain. You may also want some trekking poles for additional stability and a backpack with enough space for food, water, and extra layers.
For camping, pack a sturdy sleeping bag that is rated for cold temperatures, along with a tent that can withstand wind and rain. Bring along some extra stakes since it can get very windy. You’ll also want to pack headlamps and a first aid kit.
Find our Iceland packing list here for more essentials.
Visiting Landmannalaugar Iceland
Landmannalaugar, Iceland, situated in the country’s Central Highlands, is a perfect example of how volcanic activity has shaped the country. The rhyolite mountains, lava fields, and craters make this region an adventurous traveler’s playground.
With hot springs, mud pools, and panoramic views, Landmannalaugar offers the opportunity to experience Iceland’s natural features. Located within the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, a visit to Landmannalaugar requires strategic travel planning, with access limited to rugged F-roads during the short summer window.
Travelers must adhere to Icelandic law, mandating a 4X4 vehicle for such terrain, and it’s important to adhere to Iceland safe driving tips as you navigate the challenging, unpaved routes.
To explore the region effectively, you’ll need to rent a 4X4 rental car. We recommend a 4X4 SUV with high ground clearance to navigate the bumpy roads and river crossings, providing you with more control. As summer is the busiest season for tourism in Iceland, it’s important that you book your rental car online and in advance with Hertz Iceland to ensure you get the appropriate vehicle for your adventure to Landmannalaugar.
