From Reykjavik: Landmannalaugar & Háifoss Waterfall Tour

This is Iceland’s highlands at full speed. You’re signing up for a long day that swaps city streets for Landmannalaugar rhyolite colors, geothermal hot springs, and big-name waterfall stops like Háifoss. I especially like how the day mixes walking with soaking, and how the route includes geology-minded photo stops such as the turquoise Hnausapollur crater lake. One thing to think about first: it’s a 13-hour day, and the ride can feel tight if you’re sensitive to cramped seating on a bumpy road.

What makes this tour work well is the pacing. You get guided time at Landmannalaugar for a moderate hike (an easy loop trail) plus time to hang at the hot pool afterward, and then you return with additional waterfall viewpoints and scenic stops along the way. If you want a day trip that feels more like a guided expedition than a bus-and-sit day, this is a strong pick.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Small-group guiding: You’re not just dropped off; guides like Ottar and Beggi are praised for walking with you and explaining what you’re seeing
• Lauga-loop hike + geothermal soak: An easy loop walk (often 1.5–2 hours) sets you up for that natural hot pool reward
• Hnausapollur crater lake: You’ll stop for photos at a turquoise-blue crater lake with stark surroundings
• Háifoss waterfall viewpoint: A famous, double-pronged waterfall moment with time to take it in
• Extra water-and-rock stops: Depending on conditions and guide decisions, you might see more than the main list (like Gjain in some cases)
• Long day, variable comfort: Expect travel time, and plan for a bus that can feel cramped for some people

Entering the highlands: why this pairing works

Landmannalaugar and Háifoss are a good match because they hit two sides of Iceland: “wow” geology and “wow” water. Landmannalaugar is known for surreal color in the mountains—rhyolite hills that can look almost painted—and steam rising from geothermal areas. Then Háifoss brings a totally different kind of spectacle: a major waterfall you can view from the roadside during the return loop.

I like that the day doesn’t treat these as distant dots on a map. The tour builds in short stops that break up the drive, then concentrates real time where you’ll actually feel the place. That’s why the walk and the hot springs matter: you’re using your body, then cooling down and warming up the Iceland way.

The tour is guided in English and designed for a moderate hike, so you’re not expected to be a mountaineer. At the same time, you do need to be ready for uneven ground and changing weather.

The long road from Reykjavik: timing, comfort, and energy

This is a 13-hour day trip starting from central Reykjavik pickup points, with the stated meeting location at Tour Bus Stop 12, Höfðatorg (on Þórunnartún). Pickup is optional, and the pickup process can take up to 30 minutes, so I’d avoid tight connections that leave you rushing.

The driving time is substantial. The route includes multiple bus segments with short breaks, including a stop at the Highland Center Hrauneyjar (a brief break time) before you head deeper toward the highlands. That matters because it means you’ll be sitting for long stretches—so bring what you need to stay comfortable (layers, a warm hat, and something to keep your hands and knees warm).

Real talk from experience-style notes in the feedback: the vehicle can feel cramped, especially for people toward the back. Also, roads in this region can be bumpy, with strong winds adding to the discomfort. If you’re prone to motion sickness or you hate tight seating, plan accordingly.

Photo-stop geology: Hnausapollur and the turquoise crater lake

One of the earliest “stop your brain and just look” moments is Hnausapollur. You’ll have a short photo stop to view the crater lake, known for its turquoise-blue hue set against desolate, sandy volcanic terrain. Even with quick timing, the contrast is the point: bright water in a place that looks like it belongs on another planet.

You’ll also make additional roadside stops such as Frostastaðavatn, another brief sightseeing/photo moment on the way to Landmannalaugar. These quick stops are worth it because they give you context before you lace up your hiking shoes. Instead of arriving at the main site cold (and mentally confused), you start seeing the volcanic pattern Iceland keeps repeating.

If the weather is gray, don’t assume it kills the experience. The crater lake can still look dramatic, and waterfall views often work better than you’d expect when the light is flat.

Landmannalaugar time: the Lauga-loop hike and what you’ll actually do

Landmannalaugar is where you feel the tour earn its keep. You get about 4 hours at the site, which is enough time to do the guided Lauga-loop hike and then relax in the geothermal pools afterward.

The hike is described as an easy trail loop in the Landmannalaugar area, typically around 1.5–2 hours. Along the way, you’ll pass colorful rhyolite hills and obsidian rock formations, and you’ll work your way toward steaming geothermal areas. You’re not just following a path—you’re seeing the “why” behind the scenery. Guides often explain the rocks and geothermal activity as you walk.

A few practical notes to keep expectations right:

• The hot pool soak is part of the reward system, but it’s not a spa setup with lockers or changing rooms. Bring a towel and plan to change as best you can on-site.
• The loop hike has been described as around 6 km by some visitors. It’s not extreme, but it’s long enough that you’ll feel it in your legs if you’ve been walking lightly for a few days.
• Lunch or a food stop may fall partway through the day’s walking time, so have your snacks ready rather than waiting until you feel hungry.

If your guide is Ottar, Beggi, Kalman, or HBO (names that show up often in the feedback), you’re likely to get the same theme: they connect what you see—rhyolite colors, steam, lava ground—to how the highlands were formed. That turns the scenery into something you understand, not just something you photograph.

Soaking in geothermal pools: why the timing matters

After the hike, the hot springs stop is the payoff. You’ll bathe in a natural geothermal hot-spring pool and have time to linger with views around you. In plain terms: you hike on volcanic ground, then you relax in heat made by the same forces that shaped it.

This is one of the most praised parts of the experience because it changes the pace. A waterfall stop feels like a moment. The hot pool feels like a reset button. And it’s also practical: after hours of walking and sitting on uneven roads, warmth helps your body recover enough to enjoy the remaining stops later in the day.

Bring swimwear and a towel. It sounds obvious, but people underestimate how fast you’ll need to get in and out while managing weather and wind.

Fjallabak Nature Reserve: water stops and the double-pronged waterfall

On the return, you keep seeing Iceland’s “less visited” side through stops around the Fjallabak Nature Reserve area. You’ll have photo stops that help you read the terrain as you travel, not just watch the bus window roll by.

Waterfall time comes next, with stops at Hjálparafoss, Glanni, and Háifoss. Háifoss is highlighted as Iceland’s fourth largest waterfall and is described as a striking double-pronged drop. That double form is key to look for when you first arrive at the viewpoint—don’t just treat it like any waterfall. Take a minute to understand how the two prongs split the scene.

Some feedback also mentions additional or swapped viewpoints depending on conditions and guide choices. If you get side stops like Gjain, or if your guide works in another impressive waterfall or canyon area, it’s usually because they’re trying to maximize what’s visible with the time they have and the weather they’re dealing with.

Road breaks that keep the day realistic

A tour like this wins or loses on breaks. You’ll have a break at Selfoss (listed as a short break time), plus earlier short bathroom and rest stops along the way. You’ll also have the chance to stock up on snacks and use facilities during scheduled pauses, which matters because food and drinks aren’t included.

Plan to eat before you’re starving. The combination of long sitting and a moderate hike can make you feel hungry faster than you expect. If you want a smooth day, pack snacks you can easily grab.

Also remember the weather can change quickly. Some visitors reported snow flurries near the final destination and described hiking conditions getting harder due to that. That doesn’t mean it will happen to you, but it does mean your clothing strategy should be flexible.

Price and value: what $226 really includes

At $226 per person for a 13-hour guided day, the value comes from the mix of transportation, guide-led hiking, and paid site access. What’s included is transportation from Reykjavik, Wi-Fi on board, a tour guide, and Landmannalaugar facility fees.

What’s not included is food and drinks, and you won’t get hotel pickup/drop-off as part of the basic deal (though pickup is optional depending on your voucher choice). That means you should budget for snacks and a meal during the day.

When I think of value here, I focus on three things:

1. You’re paying for guidance: a hike you’d struggle to plan and interpret alone, especially with geology explanations
2. You’re paying for access: Landmannalaugar facility fees are covered
3. You’re paying for the logistics: deep countryside driving from Reykjavik and back, handled for you

If you’re the kind of person who loves reading the terrain while you walk, this kind of guided day can feel worth it even though it’s long.

What to bring so the day stays comfortable

The tour guidance is clear on essentials, and it lines up with what makes days like this go smoothly.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel for the hot springs
• Hiking shoes (not just sneakers)
• Water
• Weather-appropriate layers and outerwear for wind and sudden changes
• Food and drinks, since you’ll need to manage your own calories

A practical tip based on real-world notes: have your lunch/snacks ready because the day is long and you can’t assume you’ll want to stop and search for food. Also, since the hot pool area may not have changing rooms or lockers, wear something you can manage quickly.

Who should book, and who should skip

This tour fits best if you:

• Want a guided, moderate hike rather than a purely scenic bus ride
• Care about geology and geothermal features, not just waterfalls
• Enjoy soaking in a natural hot spring after walking
• Are comfortable with a long day of travel and multiple stops

It may not be the best fit if you:

• Need mobility-accessibility accommodations (not suitable for people with mobility impairments)
• Are traveling with children under 8
• Hate cramped seating or long bumpy rides

Should you book the Reykjavik to Landmannalaugar and Háifoss tour?

Book it if you want one ticket that covers the most famous highland textures Iceland offers: colorful rhyolite at Landmannalaugar, a guided hike loop, geothermal soaking, and major waterfall viewpoints including Háifoss. The $226 price is easier to justify when you factor in guide time, transport from Reykjavik, and Landmannalaugar facility fees.

Skip it if you want a short, low-effort day. This is a full-day commitment with real walking and real road time. If you’re likely to be miserable after a long bus ride, consider whether two shorter trips would suit you better.

If you do book, go in with the right mindset: dress for wind and weather swings, bring snacks, and treat the hot springs as the day’s emotional reset. That’s when the highlands stop being something you saw and start being something you remember.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik to Landmannalaugar and Háifoss tour?

The duration is 13 hours.

What is included in the price?

Transportation from Reykjavik, Wi-Fi on board, a tour guide, and Landmannalaugar facility fees are included.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so you’ll need to bring them.

Where do I meet the tour in Reykjavik?

Meet at Tour Bus Stop 12, Höfðorgr (on Þórunnartún).

Is pickup from hotels included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Pickup is optional based on what’s shown on your voucher.

What do I need to bring for the hot springs?

You should bring swimwear and a towel.

How challenging is the hike?

The tour includes a moderate-level hike, and you should be capable of doing it. Good hiking shoes help.

Which waterfall stops are included?

The tour includes photo stops at Hjálparafoss, Granni (Glanni), and Háifoss.

Is the tour guide available in English?

Yes, the live tour guide is English-speaking.