Colorful highlands and hot springs, from Reykjavik. This is a small-group day trip that trades city pavement for rhyolite colors, geothermal steam, and Iceland’s big waterfall moments. You’ll also roll into the Fjallabak Nature Reserve area with photo stops that feel like you’re driving through a geological textbook.

I especially love the guided Lauga-loop hike at Landmannalaugar. It’s built for seeing the details up close: colorful rhyolite hills, obsidian rock, and the trail leading you toward steaming geothermal pools, all with a guide who can explain what you’re looking at. I also like the timing—getting the hot-spring soak right after the hike turns the effort into something you actually feel in your body.

One consideration: this is a long day on a road that can be bumpy and sometimes cramped. Plan for 13 hours of sitting, plus weather changes that can make footing more demanding on the hike—so dress like Iceland is in charge (because it is).

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• Four hours in Landmannalaugar to hike, take photos, and then soak
• Crater lake photo stops at Hnausapollur (turquoise) and Frostastaðavatn
• Háifoss waterfall + extras including Hjálparafoss and Granni/Glanni
• A guided loop hike (often described as about 6 km) through rhyolite and geothermal terrain
• Small-group feel with an English live guide and Wi-Fi on board

From Reykjavik to the highlands: what the day feels like

The appeal here is simple: you get far into southern Iceland without dealing with the logistics of remote roads. You’ll start in Reykjavik, then spend a big chunk of the day on the bus as you work your way toward the highlands. That long ride is part of the trade-off, and it’s exactly why this tour is a good value for many people—transport, a guide, and timed stops are handled for you.

Along the way, you’ll hit a short break at the Highland Center Hrauneyjar, then keep moving toward the more remote sights. Expect multiple quick photo stops, not long museum-style durations. The day is more about rhythm: drive, look, walk, soak, repeat.

Because the drive is substantial, you’ll want to set your expectations. Bring a water plan, think about snacks (food isn’t included), and wear layers you can adjust as the weather flips. Several guides (like Ottar, Beggi, Kalman, and Karla, to name a few) are praised for making those long stretches feel worthwhile with rock-and-water explanations and Icelandic stories—so you’re not just sitting there watching clouds roll by.

Hnausapollur and Frostastaðavatn: short stops with big payoffs

Not every stop is long, and that’s okay. The crater lakes are quick, but they’re the kind of quick that makes you stop saying Iceland is just cold and start thinking Iceland is weird—in a good way.

At Hnausapollur, you’re there mainly for sightseeing and photos. It’s described as an ancient crater lake with a striking turquoise blue hue, contrasting against barren, volcanic sand around it. Even if you only get a short look, the contrast is the point: geology at a glance.

Frostastaðavatn is another short photo stop where you can stretch your legs and catch the lake in a calmer moment. The tour structure here is helpful if you don’t want to spend the whole day hiking—you get a few breathing breaks where you can just watch, photograph, and reset before the longer walk at Landmannalaugar.

Landmannalaugar: how the guided hike turns geology into a walkable story

Landmannalaugar is where this tour earns its reputation. You’ll have about 4 hours there, which is enough time to do the guided hike and then still linger around the geothermal pools. This is the “why” behind the whole day: you’re walking through highland terrain that looks otherworldly because it is volcanic and layered.

The hike is described as an easy loop (about 1.5–2 hours), and you’ll pass the highlights people come to Landmannalaugar for. Expect colorful rhyolite hills, striking obsidian rock formations, and a gradual push toward steaming geothermal pools. The trail also works you through terrain near the foothills of Bláknúkur mountain.

In practical terms, this is a hike you can do if you’re comfortable with uneven ground and changing conditions. It’s labeled moderate-level, and some people call it steady rather than technical—but you still need proper hiking shoes and a little grit. The hike’s length gets described as around 6 km by at least one guest, which helps you judge effort.

What makes the hike feel worth it is the guidance. Guides like Ottar are specifically praised for explaining hot springs and different volcanic rock types as you walk. That turns the terrain from scenery into understanding. When you know what you’re looking at, the colors and textures hit harder.

Hot springs at Landmannalaugar: plan for the soak, not just the view

After the hike, you get time to bathe in the geothermal hot spring pool. This is where the day’s pacing makes sense. The hike warms you up, then the soaking cools your mind and resets your body.

Do not treat the hot pool like a spa with changing rooms. One practical note that matters: there are no changing rooms or lockers at the hot pool site. So you’ll be happiest if you come prepared—bring a towel, have your swimwear ready, and keep clothing changes simple. You might find it easier to wear quick-dry layers for the hike and then switch to swimwear when you’re done walking.

Views from the pools are part of the experience, and the water is described as refreshing and relaxing. You’ll also likely have a moment where you can just watch the steam and colors without constantly taking photos. That quiet time is often what people remember most after a long bus day.

Háifoss, Hjálparafoss, and Granni: waterfall time that’s more than one stop

Waterfall country is the other major reason this tour works. You get to see Háifoss, plus other falls on the way—so your waterfall time isn’t just one quick walk-and-go.

Háifoss is the headline and is described as Iceland’s fourth largest. You’ll be there for a photo stop and sightseeing window of about 20 minutes. The key visual is the double-pronged waterfall shape, which looks dramatic even when the light is flat under grey clouds. In Iceland, waterfall photos can still be great even without sunshine, because the mist and force do half the work for you.

You’ll also see Hjálparafoss and Granni/Glanni. Hjálparafoss is described as beautifully situated in the landscape, and Granni adds variety so the day doesn’t feel repetitive. The stops are short, but the effect is cumulative: you keep seeing different styles of falls—some wider and showy, some calmer.

The best way to handle these waterfall stops is simple: keep moving, stand where the guide suggests for safer footing, and don’t overthink the perfect angle. The power of the water usually beats perfection.

The drive through Fjallabak Nature Reserve: why the route matters

Between Landmannalaugar and the waterfall portion, you’ll stop in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve area for a photo moment. Even when it’s brief, this stop matters because it signals you’re not just doing a single highlight. The tour is built around a route through the southern highlands where geology and sparse vegetation dominate the view.

This is one of those Iceland days where the journey is part of the destination. You’re seeing craters, lava fields, rhyolite colors, and geothermal activity in sequence. That cause-and-effect flow is what makes the day feel coherent, not random.

Some people also mention the roads can be rough, including off-road sections. That’s not a problem if you pack for it: sit back, keep water and snacks accessible, and expect bumpy stretches. The bus driver is part of your experience here, and multiple guides/drivers are praised for safe, skilled driving in strong winds and challenging roads.

Price and value: what $226 buys you on a day this remote

At $226 per person for a 13-hour day, you’re paying for more than a checklist of stops. You’re buying:

• transportation from Reykjavik to a remote highlands area
• an English live guide
• Wi-Fi on board
• Landmannalaugar facility fees
• a structured day that includes a hike and multiple curated photo stops

What you’re not getting is food and drinks. That’s important because you’ll be out most of the day. This tour is still good value if you plan ahead: bring snacks you can eat quickly, carry water, and don’t rely on buying everything on the spot. One guest mentioned being able to stock up during a restroom pause, but you shouldn’t count on a full lunch being available.

Also remember the time value. If you tried to self-drive to Landmannalaugar and coordinate waterfall stops plus a hike plus hot-spring logistics, you’d spend hours on navigation and planning. Here, the structure is handled, and the guide’s explanations are part of what you’re paying for.

So, is it expensive? It’s in the middle for Iceland day tours that go this far. It’s worth it if your goal is to see the highlands with minimal driving stress and you’re comfortable with a moderate hike.

What to bring (so the day stays fun, not annoying)

The tour gives you a clear packing list, and I’d treat it as mandatory. You’ll want:

• Swimwear and a towel for the hot springs
• Hiking shoes with grip for the loop trail
• Water
• Weather-appropriate clothing in layers
• Food and drinks (since they’re not included)

Layering is not optional here. Iceland weather can change fast, and you may hike with rain, clouds, or even late-season cold snaps. One guest described snow flurries at the final destination, which made hiking more difficult but created gorgeous photos. Even if that’s not your forecast, it’s a reminder to pack for surprise conditions.

If you want comfort on the bus, think about posture support. Some people report the vehicle can be cramped, especially if you end up in the back rows. Bring a small pillow or warm layer for the ride, and you’ll arrive in better shape for the walk.

Weather and difficulty: how to judge if this hike fits you

This is described as a moderate-level hike, and it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments. It also isn’t designed for children under 8.

The hike itself is called an easy loop, but easy doesn’t mean flat. You’ll be walking on volcanic terrain that can be slippery. When weather is rough, your biggest risk is footing, not endurance.

So ask yourself two quick questions before booking:

• Are you comfortable walking about 1.5–2 hours on uneven ground?
• Do you have the right shoes and layers to handle cold wind or rain?

If yes, you’ll probably enjoy the day a lot. If no, you’d likely get more stress than reward—even if the views are amazing.

Should you book the Landmannalaugar and Háifoss tour?

I think you should book this tour if you want a highlands day that mixes geology, short crater lake stops, major waterfalls, a guided hike, and hot-spring time—without renting a car or piecing together remote logistics. It’s also a strong pick if you like guided context; guides like Ottar, Kalman, Beggi, and Karla are repeatedly praised for explaining the geology and making the long drives feel less like dead time.

Skip it if you hate long bus days or you’re worried about a moderate hike on uneven terrain. Also be realistic about comfort: some vehicles feel cramped, and the roads can be bumpy.

If you do book, pack for the full range of Iceland weather, bring snacks, and treat the hot springs like a soak you prepare for, not a place with lockers. Do that, and you’ll come home tired in the best way—watching steam rise, staring at rhyolite colors, and still talking about Háifoss on the drive back.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the Landmannalaugar and Háifoss tour?

Meet the tour at Tour Bus Stop 12, Höfðatorg (on Þórunnartún).

How long is the tour?

The duration is 13 hours.

Is there pickup from Reykjavik hotels?

Pickup is optional. The pickup process can take up to 30 minutes, and it starts at the time shown on your voucher.

How long is the hike at Landmannalaugar, and how hard is it?

The tour includes a moderate-level hike on the Lauga-loop trail that takes about 1.5–2 hours. One guest also described the hike as about 6 km.

Can I swim in the hot springs at Landmannalaugar?

Yes. After the hike, you’ll have the opportunity to bathe in the geothermal hot-spring pool. Bring swimwear and a towel.

What should I bring, and is the tour suitable for kids?

Bring swimwear, a towel, food and drinks, hiking shoes, water, and weather-appropriate clothing. The tour is not suitable for children under 8 years, and it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments.