Taking a trip into Iceland’s rugged interior can be a highlight for any traveler eager to see the country’s volcanic heartbeat and surreal landscapes. This guided tour, run by Glaciers and Waterfalls ehf, offers a full-day adventure that packs in a lot—visiting Landmannalaugar in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, exploring the striking Sigöldugljúfur canyon, hiking through obsidian fields, and soaking in natural hot pools. With a solid 4.7 out of 5 from 127 reviews, it’s clear that many find this trip memorable and worth the price of $185 per person.
What I love most about this experience is how it combines a variety of activities—scenic stops, an approachable hike, and relaxation in geothermal waters—all in one day. The guides, especially the highly praised Einar, bring layers of knowledge and humor that make the journey enjoyable even if weather shifts or traffic delays occur. Also, the photos capturing the intensely colorful rhyolite mountains and the Valley of Tears look stunning and are perfect for sharing later. One small note: because of its remote nature, the vehicle ride can be bumpy and long, which might not suit everyone, especially if you’re prone to motion sickness or prefer a more leisurely pace.
Another aspect worth mentioning is the value for money. For just under a full day exploring some of Iceland’s most iconic and lesser-known sites, this tour offers a comprehensive experience that many reviews call “absolutely worth it.” That said, it’s not a trip for those who dislike early mornings or who prefer guided tours that include meals—food and drinks are not included.
Key Points & Takeaways
- Diverse Highlights: From vibrant rhyolite mountains to volcanic obsidian fields and natural hot springs, the tour offers a broad taste of Iceland’s highland geology.
- Expert Guides: Guides like Einar are commended for their extensive knowledge, humor, and driving skills—crucial in navigating Iceland’s rugged terrain.
- Flexible Exploration: You get about 3 hours in Landmannalaugar, with a guided hike to Brennisteinsalda, plus free time to relax in the hot pools or explore on your own.
- Photograph Opportunities: The Sigöldugljúfur canyon alone makes this trip a social media favorite, with its small waterfalls, colorful vegetation, and azure streams.
- Weather Considerations: The weather can be unpredictable—some reviews mention heavy rain or wind—so packing rain gear and warm clothing is smart.
- Value for Cost: For an 11-hour, all-inclusive adventure with transport, guide, and entry fees covered, many find it a good deal, especially considering the personalized experience.
Entering Iceland’s Highlands: What You Can Expect
This land-based excursion begins early, with pickup from several central Reykjavík locations. Expect about two hours of driving through Iceland’s volcanic landscape, which is a bumpy but scenic ride. The journey itself is part of the adventure—craggy mountains, volcanic scars, and grazing sheep and horses often block the road unexpectedly, adding to the rustic charm. As one reviewer notes, “sheeps and horses can block the road anytime, and we were stuck in traffic for an hour,” but most agree that the spontaneous animal traffic is part of the Icelandic authenticity.
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Hjálparfoss: The Gateway Waterfall
The first stop is Hjálparfoss, a two-tiered waterfall that cascades into a large pool surrounded by striking basalt formations. Historically, this area was called “Help” because travelers crossing the highlands relied on it for fresh grass for their horses—a reminder of Iceland’s hardy, pastoral roots. This spot provides a nice photo op and a brief walk, giving you a taste of Iceland’s volcanic bedrock and lush greenery.
Landmannalaugar: The Heart of the Highlands
The core of the trip is the visit to Landmannalaugar, famous for its vivid rhyolite mountains—think shades of pink, green, yellow, and red—created by volcanic activity over thousands of years. Here, you’ll enjoy about three hours, including a guided hike to Brennisteinsalda, the “Sulfur Wave,” a rainbow-colored mountain emitting fumaroles and hot springs. The hike is described as “easy enough for all ability levels,” according to reviews, and offers close-up views of moss-covered lava fields and bubbling hot springs.
After the hike, many guests take advantage of the natural hot pool, a perfect way to unwind after the trek. One reviewer highlights, “the hot spring is super relaxing, and I loved that I could just stay longer if I wanted—bring your swimsuit and towel!” The area’s geological features, such as the erratic black obsidian—famous for its sharp edges and smooth appearance—are fascinating, especially considering its connection to the TV series “Game of Thrones” as “Dragon Glass.”
Sigöldugljúfur: The Valley of Tears
The final highlight is Sigöldugljúfur canyon, affectionately called the “Valley of Tears” for its azure streams and waterfalls. This spot is a favorite for Instagram lovers with its crystal-clear waterfalls, small ponds, and colorful cliffs. The scenery is so striking that one reviewer called it “spectacular,” with the small streams and waterfalls giving the canyon a lively, almost magical, feel. This stop offers additional photo opportunities and an excellent way to round out the day’s sightseeing.
The Practicalities: Logistics & Comfort
The tour runs for about 11 hours, starting early in the morning, with pickup from central Reykjavík hotels and bus stops. This is a full-day commitment—long rides in a well-maintained, air-conditioned vehicle, with free WiFi onboard making the drive more bearable. Keep in mind, this isn’t suitable for children under 10 or for wheelchair users, primarily due to the nature of the terrain and the vehicle’s accessibility.
The cost includes transportation, the guide, entry to Landmannalaugar, and the hot spring bath. Food and drinks are not included, so packing snacks and water is recommended. Many guests mention how the guide’s knowledge enhances the experience, with some noting “the guide shared interesting facts about Iceland’s geology and volcanic history,” making the scenery even more meaningful.
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Who Will Love This Tour?
If you’re looking for a day packed with diverse Icelandic landscapes, this tour is a winner. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy moderate hikes, appreciate geological wonders, and want to see some of Iceland’s less accessible but most stunning sites. Nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and those keen to soak in geothermal waters will find plenty to love. However, if you prefer a more leisurely pace or have mobility concerns, you might want to consider other options or prepare accordingly.
Price & Value
At $185, this tour offers a comprehensive experience that includes transport, expert guiding, and access to key sites. When you consider the cost of transportation alone, the guided hike, and the hot spring soak, many find it reasonable—especially given the exclusivity of the highland scenery. The reviews reinforce this, with travelers calling it “absolutely worth it” and “one of my favorite days in Iceland.”
Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?
This Landmannalaugar tour provides an authentic taste of Iceland’s volcanic interior without the need for specialized gear or multi-day planning. The combination of breathtaking landscapes, engaging guides like Einar, and the opportunity to relax in natural hot pools makes it a strong choice for most travelers wanting a full day of adventure.
It’s particularly good for those who don’t mind a bit of rough terrain and early mornings—your reward is front-row access to some of the most visually striking parts of the country. While not suited for those with mobility issues or very young children, it’s perfect for active, curious travelers eager to explore Iceland’s highlands and capture those perfect photos of “Valley of Tears” and rhyolite mountains.
If you’re on a tight schedule but want a rich, guided experience that delivers both scenery and learning, this trip should be at the top of your Iceland list. Just remember to come prepared for the weather, bring your camera, and get ready for a day unlike any other.
FAQ
Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from several Reykjavik locations, with air-conditioned transport and free WiFi onboard.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 11 hours, with about 2 hours of driving and 3 hours in Landmannalaugar.
What should I bring?
Bring a hat, swimsuit, towel, camera, hiking shoes, rain gear, gloves, outdoor clothing, and a daypack for essentials.
Can I explore Landmannalaugar on my own?
Yes, you have roughly three hours in Landmannalaugar—you can join a guided hike or explore independently, relax in the hot pools, or take photos.
Is the tour suitable for children or wheelchairs?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 10 or wheelchair users because of terrain and vehicle limitations.
What do reviews say about the guides?
Many reviews praise the guides, especially Einar, for their knowledge, driving skills, and sense of humor—making the trip both informative and fun.
In a nutshell, this Landmannalaugar adventure is a well-rounded introduction to Iceland’s volcanic highlands. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a full day of stunning scenery, geological marvels, and geothermal relaxation—all guided by experts who bring the landscape to life.