How To Hike the Landmannalaugar Trail (Map & Instructions)
The Landmannalaugar hike is one of the most breathtaking treks in Iceland’s Southern Highlands — a land of steaming vents, colorful rhyolite mountains, and endless lava fields. This surreal, otherworldly landscape feels like stepping onto another planet.
In Icelandic, Landmannalaugar means “the People’s Pools,” named for its famous geothermal hot springs where hikers soak after a long trek. Whether you’re hiking a short loop around the area or beginning the multi-day Laugavegur Trail to Þórsmörk, the landscapes here are nothing short of spectacular.
This guide covers everything you need to know about hiking in Landmannalaugar — from trail maps and how to get there to route details, practical tips, and what to bring.
LANDMANNALAUGAR HIKE OVERVIEW
- Start/Finish: Landmannalaugar Campsite, Fjallabak Nature Reserve
- Distance: 8–12 km (short loop) or 55 km (multi-day to Þórsmörk)
- Duration: 4–6 hours for day hike / 3–4 days for full Laugavegur Trail
- Elevation Gain: 500–700 meters (day hike)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Time: Late June – mid-September
The Landmannalaugar area sits at around 600 meters above sea level and is surrounded by mountains of orange, red, green, and yellow hues — the result of geothermal activity and volcanic minerals. The contrast of steaming vents against snow patches and black lava fields makes this one of Iceland’s most photogenic hikes.
GETTING TO LANDMANNALAUGAR
Reaching Landmannalaugar can be an adventure in itself — the road is only open during summer and requires a 4×4 vehicle due to river crossings.
By Car
From Reykjavik, it’s a 3.5–4-hour drive (about 180 km). Take Route 1 east, then Route 26, and finally the F208 mountain road. The final section involves rough gravel tracks and small river crossings.
If you’re not comfortable driving in the Highlands, you can take a highland bus from Reykjavik, Selfoss, or Hella — they run daily during summer and stop directly at the Landmannalaugar campsite.
By Bus
The Trex and Reykjavik Excursions buses operate between late June and early September. The journey takes around 4.5 hours from Reykjavik, and tickets cost about ISK 14,000 (round-trip).
LANDMANNALAUGAR HIKE MAP
Below is a map of the Landmannalaugar trail network, including the popular Brennisteinsalda Loop and Laugahraun Lava Field route.
You can download an offline map using Maps.me or AllTrails, or purchase the Fjallabak 1:100,000 topographic map if you prefer a paper version.
👉 Using Our Map: Click the top-right corner to open in Google Maps. Save it to your account for offline use.
HIKING INSTRUCTIONS
1. LANDMANNALAUGAR CAMPSITE TO LAUGAHRAUN LAVA FIELD (1 hour)
Start your adventure from the Landmannalaugar Campsite, where the colorful rhyolite peaks of Bláhnúkur and Brennisteinsalda dominate the view.
Follow the signs for Trail 1 (Laugahraun Loop) as it winds through a field of twisted black lava formations — remnants of eruptions from the 15th century. The contrast between the inky lava and golden rhyolite slopes is stunning. Steam vents hiss from the ground, filling the air with the smell of sulfur — a reminder that the Earth beneath you is alive.
2. LAUGAHRAUN TO BRENNISTEINSALDA VIEWPOINT (1 hour 30 minutes)
Continue climbing toward Brennisteinsalda, known as the “Sulphur Wave,” named for its rainbow-colored slopes streaked with red, yellow, green, and blue. The path becomes steeper here, but the reward is worth it.
From the top, you can see all the way across the Fjallabak Nature Reserve — with the obsidian mountains of Bláhnúkur to the north and the vast black desert of Mælifellssandur to the south.
We stopped here for a quick lunch, sitting on warm ground near a steaming vent, surrounded by silence and surreal color.
3. BRENNISTEINSALDA TO BLÁHNÚKUR (1 hour 15 minutes)
If you’re feeling energetic, take the optional detour up Bláhnúkur, the “Blue Peak.” The trail ascends steeply but rewards you with panoramic views of the entire Landmannalaugar valley and the distant glaciers of Mýrdalsjökull and Hofsjökull.
This section is more demanding, with loose gravel underfoot and exposed ridgelines. Hiking poles help with balance here.
From the summit, descend carefully toward the campsite.
4. BACK TO LANDMANNALAUGAR HOT SPRINGS (45 minutes)
The trail returns to the base of the valley, where you’ll find the natural geothermal hot springs that give Landmannalaugar its name.
Soaking in these hot pools after a long hike is an unforgettable experience. The water temperature ranges between 36°C–40°C, and the scenery around — colorful peaks, black lava, and steaming vents — is pure Icelandic magic.
OVERNIGHT OPTION – THE LAUGAVEGUR TRAIL
For those seeking a multi-day adventure, the Laugavegur Trail begins here in Landmannalaugar and stretches 55 km to Þórsmörk, passing through glaciers, river crossings, and vibrant rhyolite mountains.
Huts along the route (such as Hrafntinnusker, Álftavatn, and Emstrur) can be booked through the Iceland Touring Association (Ferðafélag Íslands).
BEST TIME TO HIKE LANDMANNALAUGAR
The best time to hike in Landmannalaugar is from late June to mid-September, when the F-roads are open and snow has melted from the trails.
We hiked in early August, and the weather was perfect — crisp morning air, clear skies, and long daylight hours. By mid-September, temperatures drop, and early snow can make the area inaccessible.
Try to start early in the morning (before 9 AM) to enjoy the trails with fewer people and softer light for photography.
WHAT TO TAKE ON THE LANDMANNALAUGAR HIKE
- Hiking Boots: Waterproof boots with good ankle support are essential. The terrain is rocky and uneven.
- Waterproof Jacket: Weather in the Highlands changes fast — always bring a rainproof shell.
- Warm Layers: Even in summer, temperatures can drop below 10°C.
- Water & Snacks: There’s no food available on the trail. Bring at least 1.5L of water.
- Swimwear & Towel: Don’t miss the hot spring soak at the end of your hike.
- Map or GPS: Trails are well-marked, but fog can roll in quickly.
- Camera or Drone: Drones are allowed, and aerial shots of the rhyolite mountains are incredible.
WHERE TO STAY
If you plan to stay overnight, you can either camp at Landmannalaugar or book a bed in the Landmannalaugar Hut (operated by FÍ).
- Landmannalaugar Campsite: Basic facilities with toilets, showers, and hot pools.
- Landmannalaugar Hut: Sleeps 78 people, heated, with kitchen access. Book early (opens mid-June to early September).
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Landmannalaugar hike is easily one of the most unique day hikes in the world. From multicolored mountains and steaming vents to black lava flows and hot springs, it showcases the raw, untamed beauty of Iceland’s Highlands.
It’s not the easiest place to reach — but once you set foot on those painted hills, you’ll know the journey was worth it.
After a full day of hiking, sinking into the warm geothermal pool with a view of the glowing evening light on Bláhnúkur is the perfect ending to an unforgettable day in Iceland.
💡 Quick Summary
| Details | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Landmannalaugar, Fjallabak Nature Reserve, Iceland |
| Distance | 8–12 km loop / 55 km (multi-day) |
| Duration | 4–6 hours (loop) / 3–4 days (Laugavegur) |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Best Time | Late June – mid-September |
| Highlights | Brennisteinsalda, Bláhnúkur, Lava Fields, Hot Springs |