Colorful rhyolite starts the day.

This Landmannalaugar hike plus the Valley of Tears makes a rare one-day hit of Iceland’s highlands, geothermal heat, and serious scenery. I like the small-group feel (max 19) and the practical round-trip setup from Reykjavik with Wi-Fi on board. The main catch is the long day, including bumpy gravel roads and only limited time for food and restrooms once you’re out there.

The payoff is that you don’t just stare at Iceland. You walk through the colorful volcanic terrain, learn what you’re seeing, and end with a real soak in the natural hot pool. Just be ready for the weather and bring the stuff that makes the hot springs usable, like a swimsuit and towel, even if it’s cold and windy.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group (max 19): better control of pacing and fewer bottlenecks at stops
• Round-trip pickup from Reykjavik (also Selfoss): you avoid the stress of self-driving highland roads
• Hot springs time matters: you’ll want your swim gear ready, and changing can be basic
• Long drive with gravel sections: expect a rougher ride on part of the route
• A real hike, not a stroll: there are steep parts, so pack fitness accordingly
• Lunch is not included: plan snacks and timing for limited options in the highlands

Price and Logistics: what $199 buys you

At $199 per person, this is priced like an all-in day trip with real driving time and guided hiking. In practical terms, you’re paying for the most stressful part of the highlands day: getting there and back safely on rough roads, without having to rent a car and figure out timing.

Here’s what you get for that money: a pickup from Reykjavik (and also Selfoss on the South Coast), transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, Wi-Fi on the bus, and all fees and taxes. You also get a mobile ticket, in English, with confirmation at booking.

The day runs about 11 hours total, starting at 7:30 am. Pickups happen with a 30-minute arrival window, and pick-up begins at 8:00 am, so plan to be at your pickup spot a little early. If you’re staying in the center of Reykjavik, use your confirmation details carefully, because the pickup may not be right in front of your door.

One more practical note: the roads can be uncomfortable. Several guests noted long stretches on bumpy gravel, including rough portions late in the drive. If you’re sensitive to motion or have a tight schedule, this is worth taking seriously, not brushing off as part of the adventure.

The Road to Landmannalaugar: expect a long day, not a fast one

This is a full day out in the Icelandic interior. You’ll leave Reykjavik early, ride for hours, and break up the drive with stops along the way. People have described the trip as long, but manageable thanks to comfort stops and a few scenic stops before you hit the highlands.

The highlands portion is where comfort drops. Think gravel roads, winding routes, and a ride that can feel rough for stretches. It’s not a reason to avoid the trip, but it is a reason to pack your patience.

I recommend bringing a small comfort kit:

• layers (wind can flip the temperature fast)
• a reusable water bottle (you may be able to refill depending on what’s available at the base area)
• snacks for the gaps, because lunch is not included

Landmannalaugar: rhyolite colors, guided hiking, and the thermal payoff

Landmannalaugar is the headline for a reason. This is the part of Iceland where volcanic rhyolite mountains look almost unreal, and geothermal activity is not a concept, it’s what you smell and feel.

You’ll spend your day hiking here, led by a guide who explains what you’re walking through. People praised guides for strong geology knowledge and for being careful and confident drivers on the rough terrain. Names mentioned include Eddie, Sara, Ignacio, Keren, and James. If your guide is especially good at pacing and interpretation, this becomes a much richer experience than just walking and snapping photos.

How the hike usually feels

The hike time is roughly in the 1.5 to just over 2 hours range for many groups, often with photo stops and an easy-to-moderate pace. But pay attention to the terrain. Some guests noted steep sections and said it’s doable for active walkers, not necessarily for everyone who expects flat trails.

If you’re not sure about your fitness level, don’t pretend it’s a gentle walk. Bring a solid walking mindset, especially if you’re traveling with teens, parents, or anyone who tires quickly on inclines.

What you do after the hike

The best part of Landmannalaugar is that the hike doesn’t end the day. After you walk, you relax in the natural hot pool. This is why you should pack like it’s a swim day, not just a hiking day.

Two practical tips from real-world experience:

1. There may be no convenient changing rooms right next to the baths. Plan to change in the bathroom building, then head straight to the tubs.
2. Wind can be annoying outside the water, but the pool temperature helps you stay warm once you’re in.

If you want the classic Iceland rhythm, this is it: hike, soak, breathe, repeat (or at least soak well the first time).

Sigöldugljúfur (Sigoldugljufur): why this stop breaks up the day

Sigöldugljúfur is one of the intermediate stops that helps turn a long drive into a sequence of “there it is” moments. The canyon setting fits well with the Landmannalaugar theme: raw, volcanic terrain shaped by water and time.

Even if this stop feels shorter than Landmannalaugar, it matters because it keeps your day from becoming one long bus ride. It also gives you a different kind of scenery than the rhyolite and geothermal areas, which makes the overall day feel more complete.

A good approach here is to stay flexible. Your guide may manage timing so you still have enough energy for the hike and hot springs. If you’re the type who likes to move fast, remember that the group plan is what keeps the day working.

Hjalparfoss and the Valley of Tears: waterfalls and timing for photos

Later in the day, you’ll head toward Hjalparfoss and then finish with the Valley of Tears area. Waterfalls are the reward for the travel grind, and these are often the moments people remember most on the trip home.

Hjalparfoss

Hjalparfoss can be treated like a quick reset stop. Guests have described it as a bonus waterfall, and the presence of a stop here helps justify the long drive with something visible and dramatic before the final segment.

The Valley of Tears

The Valley of Tears is where you get sweeping waterfall views and a strong sense of Iceland’s dramatic scale. People described jaw-dropping viewpoints and especially beautiful series of waterfalls.

Photo advice I’d actually use:

• If the weather is shifting, aim for quick bursts of photos, then take a moment to stand and watch the falls before you rush again.
• Wear something you can move in easily. You might hop from spot to spot depending on crowds and footing.

This is also where the pacing trade-off becomes real. A few guests wished for more time at each place, but the upside is that you see multiple “best of” sites in one day. If you’re the type who hates rushing, you’ll probably want a longer highlands plan on a future trip.

Hot Springs etiquette: swimsuit strategy and cold-wind reality

Bring your swimsuit and towel no matter what the forecast says. In Iceland, conditions can swing. Even on rainy days, this kind of soak can be exactly what makes the trip feel worth it.

Here’s how I’d plan it:

• Change quickly and get into the pool sooner rather than later, especially if wind is cutting around the thermal area.
• Expect basic facilities. The area is designed for access to baths, not for spa-level comfort.
• Bring a towel you can manage one-handed. When you’re cold and damp, fussing with gear gets annoying.

If you’re going for that hot-and-cold feeling, the best way is to simply use the rhythm of the pools available and let your body decide what it likes. The point is relaxation after the hike, not a personal endurance contest.

Bathrooms, food, and pacing: the parts people don’t plan for

This day trip has a few constraints you should build into your expectations. Lunch is not included, and access to food and bathrooms is limited once you’re out in the highlands.

What you can do:

• Expect a short window for restrooms and quick snacks when you arrive at Landmannalaugar. Some guests described around 15 minutes for bathroom use and grabbing snacks from a stand before the hike begins.
• If you’re picky about food, treat this as a “snack and soak” day, not a “sit-down lunch” day.
• Bring water or be ready to refill if the base area has water available.

Pacing is another factor. A few guests noted that the hike pace can be brisk at times, especially when a guide sets an efficient schedule to make sure everyone hits each site. If you need frequent breaks, choose your pace early and communicate with your guide if possible. The best guides keep people together while still letting you feel comfortable moving at your ability level.

Guide quality: why it matters more in the highlands

In the highlands, the guide isn’t just background chatter. They affect safety, timing, and how much sense you make of what you see.

This tour style puts a guide in charge of:

• route choices on difficult roads
• managing the group so you still reach each highlight
• setting a hiking pace that fits the group
• explaining geology and thermal features so you understand what you’re standing on

People specifically praised guides for being fun, engaging, and well prepared with geology talk. Some also mentioned the care of the driving, which is a big deal when you’re on rough gravel.

If you’re traveling with kids or teens, pay attention to how your group handles pacing. One family with ages 10 to 15 found the hike challenging but doable, and that usually comes down to good pacing and keeping everyone moving steadily.

Who should book this Landmannalaugar and Valley of Tears day trip?

This is a strong match for you if you:

• want a one-day highlands experience with multiple big highlights
• like hiking, but you also want a reward afterward (the hot springs)
• prefer guided navigation over self-driving rough roads
• want a small-group day trip and a guide who explains the terrain

It might not be the best fit if you:

• hate long drives and bumpy gravel roads
• want lots of free time at each stop
• need frequent bathroom access and get stressed by limited facilities

Also, if you’re visiting in colder, wetter parts of the year, it can still be magical, but expect mixed weather. A rainy day doesn’t cancel the scenery. It just makes packing and clothing choices more important.

Should you book it? My practical take

Book it if your goal is a fast, guided taste of the Icelandic interior, with Landmannalaugar plus the Valley of Tears wrapped into one efficient day. At $199, the value comes from the full-day logistics: pickup, small group size, guided hiking, thermal time, and round-trip transport, all without renting a vehicle.

Skip it (or plan differently) if you’re hoping for a slow, relaxed day with tons of spare time. This is a schedule-heavy adventure. You’ll see a lot, but you’ll trade some freedom for that convenience.

My final suggestion is simple: pack smart. Bring the hot-springs gear, plan for a limited-food day, and be ready for the rough-road portion of the drive. Do that, and this trip has the kind of payoff that makes Iceland feel big and close at the same time.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour start time is 7:30 am. Pickup has a 30-minute window, and pickup begins at 8:00 am.

Where does the pickup happen?

Pickup is offered from Reykjavik, and the tour can also pick you up in Selfoss on the South Coast.

How long is the tour?

The duration is approximately 11 hours, including travel time.

What are the main stops on the day?

The tour includes stops at Landmannalaugar, Sigoldugljufur, Hjalparfoss, and it also includes time at the Valley of Tears.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Is Wi-Fi available during the trip?

Yes. Wi-Fi is included on the bus.

What should I bring for Landmannalaugar?

Bring a swimsuit and towel so you can use the natural hot springs at the end of the hike.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum group size of 19 travelers.

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is there a cancellation option?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time.