The Complete Guide to Landmannalaugar in Iceland

Want to go somewhere in Iceland that’s beautiful but also rugged, where you can spend your days hiking surrounded by colourful mountains, and then your evenings lounging in a natural hot spring?

Then you need to make tracks for Landmannalaugar, Iceland. Lauded by many international travel publications, such as Condé Nast Traveler and Lonely Planet, as a top spot to visit in Iceland for both its beauty and its outdoor adventure opportunities, Landmannalaugar sits in South Iceland. The region sits slightly above the town of Vik, where it’s more convenient to get to than other portions of the Highlands, but still set apart from some of the main crowds.

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If you want to visit Landmannalaugar, though, you’ll need to prepare accordingly. Because this destination is more remote, the only way you’ll be able to reach it is via either a bus or a rental car. The former is okay if you aren’t comfortable with driving Landmannalaugar roads, but the latter gives you so much more freedom, flexibility and convenience — and Lava Car Rental offers the perfect 4x4 vehicles to get you there, for both a safe and comfortable ride.

Ready to get started planning your trip to Landmannalaugar? Here’s everything you need to know.

 

What Makes Landmannalaugar Special?

Landmannalaugar, Iceland, is particularly notable due to its vibrant landscapes. The mountains here are made from rhyolite, a volcanic rock that comes in a rainbow of colours, including red, green and gold. These colours contrast against the black lava fields and hot springs, for a beautiful destination that’s dramatically stunning.

 

The Best Time to Go to Landmannalaugar

There are perks to visiting Iceland in both winter and summer, but Landmannalaugar, Iceland, is only accessible during the summer. 

This is because the Highlands area of Iceland is only open to vehicle traffic during the summer months, as the roadways are too rugged and snow-covered to allow passage starting in the fall and lasting until the spring. 

Not only are these Highlands roadways so rugged that they’re closed off in the winter, but it’s also required by Icelandic law that you only drive 4x4 vehicles on them! These roadways are known as F-roads.

The opening day and closing day of the Highland roads change every year depending on the weather and the road conditions, but this graphic can give you an idea of what to expect: 

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So, if you have your heart set on a trip to Landmannalaugar, book your trip for sometime between June and December. Ideally, you’d choose July or August. Doing so puts you right in the middle of Iceland’s short summer, ensuring you can see plenty of other top locations in Iceland as well, throughout your trip.

 

How to Get to Landmannalaugar 

Getting to Landmannalaugar via the bus

While public transit in Iceland is rather scarce, there is actually a bus service that runs into Landmannalaugar. 

The Highland bus service runs between Reykjavik and Landmannalaugar every day during the summer season, with stops in Selfoss, Hella and Rjupnavelir. Do note, however, that the bus service is only once daily, so the bus goes to Landmannalaugar and back only one time. 

Typically, the bus service begins June 15 and ends Sept. 11, leaving Reykjavik in the early morning, around 7 a.m., with stops in Hella and Rjupnavellir, with final arrival in Landmannalaugar at around lunch, 11:30 a.m–12 p.m. 

The bus leaves Landmannalaugar in mid-afternoon, around 4, so if you want to take the bus back to Reykjavik or to one of the stops along the way, you’ll have about three and a half hours in Landmannalaugar between arrival and departure. The only other option is to stay in Landmannalaugar in a cabin or tent and then catch the bus back when you are finally ready to depart.

All the above considered, if you want to take the bus to Landmannalaugar, you’ll need to plan your schedule very carefully so you don’t miss it. You can view the specific hours/times and stops on the bus schedule and book your tickets here.  

 

Getting to Landmannalaugar with a rental car  

All travellers come into Iceland via the Keflavik Airport. From there, you can pick up your rental car with Lava Car Rental or take a bus into Reykjavik. Choosing a rental car is the better option as it lets you set off to Landmannalaugar immediately. If, though, you are coming from Reykjavik — maybe you picked up your rental car, but decided to explore the city for a bit before heading to Landmannalaugar — you can expect the drive to take between four and six hours, depending on your chosen route.

If you choose to drive to Landmannalaugar with a rental car, you’ll need a 4x4 vehicle, as you’ll take F-roads to this region — and, as mentioned, F-roads require 4x4 vehicles both for their conditions and by law. Getting to Landmannalaugar with a rental car provides the opportunity for you to choose your own route and go at your own pace. You can stop off at other scenic sights along the journey and take your time.

Renting a car for your trip to Landmannalaugar, Iceland, will give you much more flexibility and allow you to explore to your heart’s content, without worrying about catching a bus back to the city or risking being stranded.

How to Drive to Landmannalaugar

Once you’ve picked up your rental car and want to head out to Landmannalaugar, you’ll have several routes to choose from. There are three main routes and each comes with its perks and drawbacks.

 

F208 North: The easy option with no mandatory river crossing

The most popular and easiest route to Landmannalaugar is F208 North. There is no mandatory river crossing on this road, only a small, optional river crossing for those travellers who want to give the experience a try. 

From Route 1, take Route F26 and then turn south onto F208 and follow the route to the riverside campsite. There, you can park and take a short, 5-minute walk across a bridge to reach the Landmannalaugar campsite, which is the starting point for hiking and similar activities. 

• Time from Reykjavik: Approximately 3-4 hours.
• Vehicle needed: standard 4x4 
• Difficulty: Easy 

 

F225 West: The popular option with a small river crossing

F225 West is another popular route. Again, from Route 1, you’ll take Route F26 and then F225, which branches off to the west and takes you through Thjorsardalur Valley. Along the way, you’ll find amazing views and a few small river crossings.

• Time from Reykjavik: Approximately 4-5 hours.
• Vehicle needed: medium 4x4 
• Difficulty: Medium 

 

F208 South: The most challenging option

Lastly, if you want a real challenge, there is F208 South, which comes with large river crossings and spectacular views. The route runs between the Ring Road near Vik and Landmannalaugar.

• Time from Reykjavik: Approx 5-6 hours
• Vehicle needed: large 4x4 or super jeep. 
• Difficulty: High 

Keep in mind that if you’re driving in a rental car, you should not cross any rivers. Damages incurred during a river crossing are not covered in your rental car insurance and you will be charged for the damages separately.

Learn more about the road conditions you can expect in Landmannalaugar, Iceland, as well as the broader Highlands, in our guide to the F-roads.

 

Best Things to Do in Landmannalaugar

Hiking is one of the most popular activities for travellers visiting Landmannalaugar, but which trail do you take? 

The Laugavegur Trail is a popular thru-hike that requires four or more days and trekking 55 kilometres, or 34 miles. However, if you’re not quite ready to take on a hike of that size, you can find many day hikes throughout the region. Here are a few to consider, whatever your skill level.

Hiking 

Easy hikes in Landmannalaugar  

• Laugahraun Lava Field Loop

Length: 4.3 km (2.6 miles) 

This loop trail is very easy and a good fit for beginners or travelling groups with children in tow. You get a view of the landscape and the trail starts and ends at the Laugahraun Lava Field visitor centre.

• Ljotipollur Crater Lake Trail

Length: 7.2 km (4.4 miles)

If you want something still easy, but a little longer, the Ljotipollur Crater Lake trail might be a good fit. You’ll be able to see this beautiful lake and the surrounding colourful mountains in full glory, especially on a sunny summer day. If you start the trail at Frostastadayatn Lake, it’ll take about 2.5 hours, but if you start at the Landmannalaugar campsite, it’ll take 4 hours.

 

Moderate hikes in Landmannalaugar

Feel like you can do something a little harder? If you’re more of an experienced hiker, try one of these options.

• Brennisteinsalda Mountain

Length: 6.6 km (4.1 miles)

This trail starts near the Landmannalaugar campsite and takes you through Graenagil Valley, past lava fields and up Brennisteinsalda Mountain, where you’ll enjoy amazing views of the region beyond. The terrain is varied.

• Sudurnamur Ridge

Length: 9.8 km (6 miles)

While not as popular, this ridge trail is a good fit. It starts at the Landmannalaugar trailhead and then ascends quickly before depositing you on a ridge. From the ridge, you’ll get great views of the surrounding area.

 

Challenging hikes in Landmannalaugar

If you want something that’ll really test your mettle and stamina, though, Landmannalaugar delivers there as well. Try one of these hard hikes.

• Blahnukur Mountain

Length: 5.8 km (3.6 miles)

While this mountain trail is short, it’s a challenge, with steep switchbacks and a rocky summit at the top that requires a bit of hiking. You’ll get some great views for your efforts, but it’s only advisable for experienced hikers.

• Graenihryggur Hike

Length: 16 km (10 miles)

For something long, remote, steep and altogether rewarding, try the Graenihryggur, or Green Ridge, hike. This trail is rarely crowded and you get some great views. To access this trail, drive on F208 until you reach the trailhead parking area, which will come up in about 8 kilometres, or 5 miles.

 

Natural hot springs

Of course, Landmannalaugar isn’t all about adventure activities. You can also find opportunities to simply relax, like at the area’s many natural hot springs, which are ranked as some of the best hot springs in Iceland by CNN. These hot springs stay at around 36 to 40 degrees Celsius, or 97 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, for the perfect dip.  

 

Scenic sightseeing and photography

Lastly, there’s hardly anything better to do in Landmannalaugar than simply soak in all of the amazing scenery. Avid photographers of all skill levels flock to the area to capture the contrasting landscapes.

 

Where to Stay in Landmannalaugar

If you want to stay overnight in Landmannalaugar, and extend your explorations, you can do so. There are two accommodation options in Landmannalaugar: campsites and cabins.

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Camping in Landmannalaugar

Camping is a popular option in Landmannalaugar, with campsites offering spaces for both tents and campervans, which you can rent with Lava Car Rental. 

Each space comes with a small per-night fee of 2,000 ISK/14.39 USD/13.76 EUR for tent spaces or 2,500 ISK/17.98 USD USD/17.21 EUR for campervan spaces. If you want to use the shower facilities at the campground, you’ll also pay a fee of 500 ISK/3.60 USD/3.44 EUR.

 

Staying in a cabin in Landmannalaugar

If you don’t fancy camping, you can book a stay at the Landmannalaugar mountain hut. This is a bit of a hostel-like accommodation, where you book a bunk bed and then stay at the mountain hut along with up to 78 other travellers. You’ll need to book your bed well in advance, and the fee is 15,800 ISK/113.60 USD/108.74 EUR per person per night.

Learn more about this accommodation option and the amenities it comes with here.

 

Parking in Landmannalaugar 

If you drive your rental car to Landmannalaugar, you’ll need to park it somewhere. Avoid just showing up and parking where you want. As of 2024, parking in Landmannalaugar requires a permit and reservation, to help keep traffic down. Reserve your parking permit as far in advance as possible.

Fees depend on the type of car you’re driving. Most recent prices are 450 ISK/3.24 USD/3.10 EUR for cars that can hold up to five passengers and 600 ISK/4.31 USD/4.13 EUR for cars that can hold up to nine passengers.

Do note that parking reservations are not needed if you arrive before 8 a.m. or after 3 p.m.

Book your parking for Landmannalaugar here.

 

Final Tips for Visiting Landmannalaugar, Iceland

Feel like you’re ready to embark on an adventure in one of Iceland’s most unique regions? Be sure to follow these final tips for the best trip possible.

• Only plan to visit Landmannalaugar in the summer, when the F-roads are open.
• Always keep an eye on road conditions and weather conditions, no matter where you’re travelling in Iceland.
• Book a reliable 4x4 vehicle to keep you safe, comfortable and legal when driving on the F-roads.
• If arriving between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., book your Landmannalaugar parking before your visit, to ensure you get a parking spot.
• Fuel up before you reach Landmannalaugar, as gas stations in the area are not common. Plan to fuel up in the Golden Circle region, in Selfoss or at the OB station at Route 1 and Route 26.
• Pack all your essentials for visiting a rugged, remote area, including layers and hiking boots, as well as outerwear for varying weather conditions. Get our full guide to what to wear in Iceland for more tips along these lines.
• If you plan on staying in Landmannalaugar overnight or even just all day, note that there are no restaurants in the region, so you’ll need to bring your own water, snacks and food. If you’re camping or staying at Landmannalaugar mountain hut, you can bring groceries and cook for yourself using the on-site facilities.
• Never drive off the roads in Landmannalaugar — or anywhere in Iceland — and always stay on hiking trails. Follow Leave No Trace principles and keep the landscape safe and healthy.
• Purchase the Full Protection insurance package for your rental car, which provides extra protection and peace of mind during your trip.

FAQs

What is the best road to go to Landmannalaugar?

For international travellers driving a rental car, we recommend the F208 North route to Landmannalaugar, as it’s the safest, easiest driving route, and it does not feature a mandatory river crossing, which is not advised in a rental car and not covered under rental car insurance.

 

What car do I need to go to Landmannalaugar?

You’ll need a 4x4 vehicle according to Icelandic law, but you may need a particularly large 4x4 vehicle if you plan on traversing some of the more rugged roads in the region.

 

When should I go to Landmannalaugar?

The roads to Landmannalaugar are only open in the summer months. For the most daylight for exploring and the best weather for outdoor activities, we recommend visiting in July or August.

 

Do I need to cross rivers to drive to Landmannalaugar?

You will not need to cross a river if you drive to Landmannalaugar using the F208 North route. All other routes require a river crossing.

 

How much time do I need to spend in Landmannalaugar?

Most visitors can see the top sights in a full day in the region, but avid hikers may want to stay longer to hike multiple trails or to enjoy thru-hikes, over several days or longer.

 

Plan Your Trip to Landmannalaugar with Lava Car Rental

For a reliable, safe car rental in Iceland, look to Lava Car Rental. We offer a large selection of 4x4 vehicles perfect for exploring Landmannalaugar, including campervans suitable for longer stays in the region. For summer travel, book now to guarantee your preferred vehicle.

Check out our full fleet and book your Iceland car rental today. 

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