Color mountains and hot springs in one day. This is a long, scenic Reykjavik outing that mixes Landmannalaugar hike time, geothermal bathing, and waterfall stops like the Valley of Tears—all with a guide adding real context along the way.

Two things I really like: the pickup-and-transit setup (Wi‑Fi on board, air-conditioned vehicle, and a small group max of 19), and the way the day builds toward a payoff—walk among the highlands first, then soak in hot water after.

One consideration: it’s an all-day mission. You’ll spend hours in the car over bumpy gravel roads, with limited chances for food and restrooms along the way, so come ready for a rough-but-rewarding schedule.

Key highlights at a glance

• Small group feel (max 19) with a guide who keeps the day moving at a workable pace
• Landmannalaugar hike + geology talk through colorful rhyolite terrain and thermal areas
• Bring your swimsuit and towel for the natural hot pool, with limited changing options near the baths
• Waterfall-heavy finale including the Valley of Tears and a stop at Hjálparfoss
• Long drive on gravel roads—comfortable shoes and patience make the day better

Why this day trip works: Landmannalaugar plus waterfalls, timed well

This tour is built for people who want a lot of Iceland in one push. Instead of picking one viewpoint or one short stop, you get a full arc: hike in the highlands, then reset your body in the hot springs, then finish with waterfall scenery that feels very “how is this real?”

I also like that the experience is set up as a guided day with structure. The guide helps keep everyone together so you don’t spend energy worrying about timing, parking, or whether you’re taking the right paths when conditions change.

The biggest “value” angle here is that the hardest part—getting out to remote highland terrain—happens with a driver who’s used to those roads. Several reviews mention rough gravel segments, and having that handled for you is a genuine quality-of-life upgrade.

Reykjavik to the highlands: timing, pickup, and the gravel-road reality

Start time is 7:30 am, with pickup starting around 8:00 am. The operator gives you a 30-minute window, so yes, you might wait a bit before the bus arrives. It’s one of those things that feels stressful at first, but once you accept the window, it’s manageable.

You also have options: pickup can happen in Selfoss on the South Coast, not just Reykjavik. If you’re staying outside the capital, that can save you from extra transfers.

Inside the vehicle, you’ll have Wi‑Fi on bus and an air-conditioned vehicle. That sounds minor until you’re staring at long hours of drive time. It helps you get through the day with less fatigue, especially if weather forces timing changes.

Now, the road part: expect bumpy gravel. Reviews describe an uncomfortable portion of the drive, and one person noted the last 24 km being rough. Translation: if you’re prone to motion sickness, pack what you need, and keep your expectations realistic. This is a remote area trip, not a smooth city tour.

Landmannalaugar hike: rhyolite colors, practical pacing, and what the trail really asks

Landmannalaugar is the day’s main act. It’s where you’ll walk through the area known for colorful rhyolite mountains and geothermal features. The guide leads a hike through the highlands and stops often for views and photos, which is a big deal in Iceland where the “best photo spot” can appear after a bend.

A helpful detail: the hike time is often about 2 hours, and you’ll likely see the trail in an easy-to-moderate way. Reviews describe it as doable for active people, but also note steep spots. If you’re older or your fitness level is variable, plan to move carefully and don’t pretend you’re on a flat city sidewalk.

One thing I appreciate is flexibility in how the day is handled. Reviews say guides sometimes split the group into shorter and longer options so everyone gets a chance to enjoy the thermal baths afterward. That’s smart planning, because nobody benefits from rushing at the end of a long drive.

If you want to hike at your own speed, the day can still work. One review mentions that at a halfway point you might get an option to continue on an orange trail loop back to the start and head into the geothermal baths early. You won’t want to assume that will happen every time, but it shows the tour can adapt.

Sigóldugljúfur: a timed photo-and-water break between big moments

The itinerary includes a stop at Sigóldugljúfur. The tour format here is simple: you get out, see the area, and use it as a reset point before the next big segment.

What matters for you is the rhythm. This is not a “linger for hours” stop; it’s a short window in a full-day schedule. That’s why the earlier part of the day needs planning (snacks, layers, and being ready to move when the group moves).

Because details on exactly what you’ll see at this specific stop aren’t listed in the provided info, I’d treat it as a scenic, break-in-the-driving program moment. You’re there to catch views, stretch your legs, and recharge—then get back to the main sequence.

Hjalparfoss and the Valley of Tears: waterfalls that justify the long day

Hjálparfoss is in the itinerary, and it shows up in reviews as a bonus waterfall stop. Even with tight timing, it gets remembered—probably because waterfall scenery in this part of Iceland has that rare mix of power and clean lines.

Then comes the reason the tour has extra buzz: the Valley of Tears. Reviews describe it as a jaw-dropping set of waterfalls and views. In practical terms, this is where you stop taking pictures “because you should” and start taking them “because you can’t believe it.”

It also helps that you arrive here after the hike and baths. Your body is warmed, your legs are not at peak burn anymore, and your brain is ready to enjoy scenery rather than just survive logistics.

If you care about getting the best experience, keep your timing tight earlier in the day. One review stresses how important it is to be on time so the tour can hit all the advertised spots. That’s not a rule you want to test on a day like this.

Hot springs at Landmannalaugar: why the swimsuit matters (and the changing-room reality)

The hot springs are the emotional payoff of the day. The tour specifically encourages you to bring a swimsuit and towel so you can use the natural hot pool after the hike.

Here’s the practical part that trips people up: reviews note there are no changing rooms next to the baths, and you may need to change in the bathroom building. So don’t show up expecting an easy “locker-room setup.” Plan ahead and keep a towel and dry layer ready in your bag.

Also, bring a mindset for weather. One review mentions cold wind being annoying, but the hot water keeps you warm once you’re in. That fits Iceland: conditions can swing fast, so the experience is more comfortable if you treat it like an outdoor thermal session rather than a controlled spa.

If you’re lucky with timing, you can also build in a mini rhythm: cool air while you walk the short path, then hot water when you settle in. That hot-and-cold contrast is part of why people end up loving this stop so much.

What’s included (and what isn’t): the value equation at $199

The tour costs $199 per person and includes round-trip transit from Reykjavik (and pickup in Selfoss), guided hiking, all fees and taxes, Wi‑Fi on the bus, and an air-conditioned vehicle.

Lunch is not included. That matters because you’ll likely eat a sack lunch when you arrive at Landmannalaugar, not later in the day at some easy sit-down restaurant. One review says there was snack food available to purchase at the site, but selection wasn’t great. Another mentions water bottles can be refilled at the base of the hike.

So where does the value land?

• You pay for the driver expertise and the long remote access. Remote highland roads are not something you want to solve with guesswork.
• You pay for a guided day that includes multiple stops rather than one hike and done.
• You save time. With the timing packed into an 11-hour day, independent travel can turn into a stressful logistics project.

If you’re the type who enjoys planning routes and doesn’t mind gravel-road challenges, you could do it yourself. But if your goal is to experience the terrain without the friction, the included transport and structure are a big part of why this tour is worth considering.

Terrain, fitness, and comfort tips that make or break the day

Most people can participate, but the hike isn’t automatically “easy.” Reviews mention steep spots and suggest you need decent fitness, especially if you’re senior.

Also, think about your comfort on the bus:

• Gravel-road segments can be rough.
• The schedule is long, so you’ll feel tired by the time you reach the hot springs.

Comfort moves I’d strongly recommend:

• Wear shoes with good grip for steep and uneven ground.
• Dress in layers. Even if the morning starts calm, Iceland weather can flip during the day.
• Bring a small daypack with a towel, swimsuit, and a dry layer for after bathing.
• Pack snacks in case snack options are limited.

One more timing note: the tour gives a short window when you arrive to use restrooms and grab snacks. If you wait until the last second, you’ll rush. If you go early, you’ll enjoy the hike more.

Group size and guides: why the human touch changes the experience

This is a max-19 group. That’s large enough to feel social, but small enough that the guide can actually manage pacing and keep you together.

Guides seem to play a big role in whether the day feels stressful or smooth. Reviews mention guides such as Eddie, Sara, Ignacio, James, and Keren. Common threads: they handle the driving on tough terrain well, and they explain what you’re seeing so the scenery turns into something you understand, not just something you pass through.

One review also notes a guide’s pace during the hike—fast pace with fewer breaks can feel harder. The upside is that guides sometimes offer different hiking lengths so the group can still enjoy the hot springs afterward.

If you’re sensitive to pacing, this is where you benefit from going with a tour that adjusts the group split rather than forcing one “everyone hikes the same” plan.

Should you book this Landmannalaugar hike and Valley of Tears tour?

Book it if you want:

• A highlands day trip with hike + hot springs + waterfall finale
• Guided timing so you don’t deal with remote driving stress
• A small-group format where the day is managed in a sensible way

Skip or rethink if you:

• Struggle with long drives on rough gravel roads
• Don’t want a packed schedule with limited restroom/food windows
• Want a leisurely pace and lots of independent free time at each stop

If your ideal Iceland day is one where you go far, walk a real trail, soak in geothermal water, then end under waterfalls, this is a strong match. The day is long, but the mix of Landmannalaugar and the Valley of Tears is exactly the kind of combination that’s hard to recreate on your own without a lot of planning.

FAQ

What time does the tour start, and when does pickup begin?

The start time is 7:30 am. Pickup begins around 8:00 am, with a 30-minute window, so you may need to wait if the bus arrives toward the end of that window.

Do I need to bring a swimsuit and towel?

Yes. The tour encourages you to bring a swimsuit and towel so you can use the natural hot springs after the hike.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You may want to bring a sack lunch for the Landmannalaugar portion of the day.

Is there Wi-Fi and air-conditioning on the vehicle?

Yes. The vehicle includes Wi‑Fi on the bus and it is air-conditioned.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum group size of 19 travelers.

How difficult is the hike?

Most travelers can participate, but the hike can include steep sections. If you’re older or not confident on steeper terrain, plan with extra caution and a realistic fitness level.

What happens if weather is poor?

The 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 be picked up in Selfoss, and are there pickup delays?

Yes, pickup can be arranged in Selfoss on the South Coast. In Reykjavik, pickup is handled with a 30-minute window and you may have to wait before the bus arrives.