Otherworldly highlands featuring multi-colored rhyolite mountains, geothermal hot springs, and vast lava fields. This remote location offers some of Iceland's best hiking, including the famous Laugavegur Trail. The natural hot spring provides the perfect end to a day of exploring.
Landmannalaugar sits within the Fjallabak Nature Reserve in Iceland's central highlands, known for rhyolite mountains streaked in red, yellow, green, and black from mineral deposits, along with sprawling black obsidian lava fields from the 1477 Veiðivötn eruption. A network of day hikes fans out from the campsite area, ranging from a short walk up Bláhnúkur for panoramic views to longer routes across the colorful Brennisteinsalda ridge. A natural geothermal river runs beside the campground, warm enough for bathing where it mixes with a cold mountain stream, and serves as a popular soak after a day of hiking. Landmannalaugar is also the starting point of the Laugavegur Trail, the multi-day trek to Þórsmörk that is among the most popular long-distance hikes in Iceland. The site is only reachable by F-road, unpaved highland tracks requiring a 4WD vehicle and involving unbridged river crossings, and it is only open from around late June to mid-September depending on snow conditions. There is no permanent building beyond basic huts and a campground with toilets; supplies must be brought in. A single day of hiking from the base area takes anywhere from two hours for a short loop to a full day for the longer ridge routes.
| Admission | Adult $0 (free), 4WD vehicle required · Child $0 (free) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Accessible June through September only |
| Typical visit | Full day or multi-day |
| Address | Landmannalaugar, Fjallabak Nature Reserve |
Good to know
- Best for
- hikers, adventure seekers, photographers
Weather through the year in Iceland
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Iceland.
Location
Landmannalaugar, Fjallabak Nature Reserve
63.9922, -19.0582 View on map
Highlights
- Rhyolite mountains in red, yellow, and green mineral bands
- Natural warm river for post-hike bathing
- Starting point of the multi-day Laugavegur Trail
- Black obsidian lava field from the 1477 eruption
- Access only by 4WD highland F-roads
Tips for visiting
- 4WD vehicle required to access
- Soak in natural hot spring after hiking
- Starting point for Laugavegur Trek
- Book mountain huts well in advance for overnight stays
When to visit
Visit in July or August when highland roads are reliably open and daylight hours are longest for hiking.
Accessibility
The unpaved highland terrain, river crossings, and lack of paved paths make Landmannalaugar largely inaccessible for wheelchair users.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Landmannalaugar take?
A day trip allows time for a shorter hike and a soak in the warm river; the area is also used as a multi-day base for longer highland treks.
Is Landmannalaugar worth it for kids?
Older children who can manage highland hiking and river crossings by 4WD will enjoy it, but the remote access and terrain are challenging for young children.
Is photography allowed at Landmannalaugar?
Photography is unrestricted, and the Bláhnúkur viewpoint gives the widest view over the colorful mountain terrain.
When is Landmannalaugar accessible?
The F-roads leading in typically open in late June and close by mid-September, depending on snowmelt and weather.