Small-Group 3-Day All-Inclusive Hiking Tour of Landmannalaugar from Reykjavik
Description
Summary
Description
Explore the awe-inspiring landscapes in the Landmannalaugar mountain range on this exciting three-day tour from Reykjavik. Travelers seeking a guided hiking tour in the stunning Icelandic Highlands should book this multi-day trip now.
Landmannalaugar, the starting point for the famous Laugavegur trek, is this hiking tour's central location. It's well known for its spectacular rhyolite mountains and natural hot springs, an unbeatable setting for your adventure.
Landmannalaugar is a favorite destination for many visitors to Iceland and an excellent choice for your hiking tour in the Highlands. The mountains are vibrantly-colored, ranging from brown and yellow to red, green, and blue. Landmannalaugar offers a picture-perfect backdrop for exploring Iceland's wild landscapes and taking home photos and memories to cherish forever.
Your summer hiking tour begins in central Reykjavik. You'll greet your experienced guide and the rest of the group before boarding the bus to the Highlands.
Then, you'll enjoy a picturesque ride into the Icelandic Highlands, through the Thjorsardalur valley, and towards the infamous Hekla volcano. After lunch, the group will take a beautiful hike to two lakes, Ljotipollur and Frostastadavatn, totaling 6 miles (10 kilometers).
At the end of a brilliant first day of unmatched vistas and gorgeous photo opportunities, you can relax in a hot spring-fed bathing pool at Landmannalaugar before retiring to your nearby hut for the night.
On day two, you'll hike up Sudurnamur, a 200,000-year-old colorful mountain peak, for breathtaking views across Landmannalaugar. The hike is 6.8 miles (11 kilometers) and ascends 1,395 feet (425 meters).
The evening offers another chance for hot spring bathing amid incredible surroundings. Reflect on a second unforgettable day and spend another night in the mountain hut.
Day three is the tour's final day. It includes a 4.3-mile (7-kilometer) hike up Blahnukur mountain, the blue peak. After completing this extraordinary trail, you'll have a rest before taking the bus back to Reykjavik.
This hiking tour includes all meals from lunch on day one to lunch on day three, including refreshments on the first two days. You won't need to carry a heavy backpack because you'll stay at the same hut each night and therefore only need a day bag.
The trek is rated moderate, and children as young as 10 can join the tour. With a maximum ratio of 16 people per guide, you can enjoy a small-group experience with plenty of interaction from your guide.
Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime three-day hiking trip to explore the otherworldly landscapes in the Landmannalaugar mountain range. Check availability now by choosing a date.
Included
Activities
Daily itinerary
Day 1 - Ljotipollur and Frostastadavatn Lakes
Day one of your three-day hiking adventure begins in central Reykjavik. You’ll meet the expert guide leading the trip and the other tour participants before departing on the bus to the Highlands.
This tour offers a small-group experience, with a maximum of 16 participants per guide. Therefore, you’ll enjoy excellent service from your guide over the next three days.
The bus journey takes you inland through the scenic Thjorsardalur valley, home to Iceland’s longest river, the Thjorsa river. It continues towards Hekla, one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes, and passes vast lava fields from past volcanic eruptions.
Your group will stop for a lunch break surrounded by awe-inspiring peaks. It’s a wonderful chance to get to know the other tour participants before heading out on your afternoon hike.
Today’s hike is 6-7.5 miles (10-12 kilometers) and ascends 820 feet (250 meters). It takes you to Ljotipollur and Frostastadavatn lakes for a stunning introduction to the wild beauty of the Icelandic Highlands.
Ljotipollur translates to ‘ugly puddle.’ However, it’s anything but ugly. Conversely, Ljotipollur made it to a list of the most beautiful crater lakes globally. Marvel at its striking blue water and the lava rock in vivid shades of red surrounding it, a photographer’s paradise.
You’ll also see Frostastadavatn, an equally gorgeous lake. Its waters can appear green or blue due to elements from the earth, and it’s home to abundant birdlife.
After a memorable hike, you’ll head to the hut at Landmannalaugar, where you’ll spend the night. Enjoy a delicious dinner and, if you wish, spend your evening bathing in a hot spring-fed pool near your accommodation.
Landmannalaugar means ‘people’s pools,’ highlighting the much-loved Icelandic tradition of hot spring bathing you can enjoy in this area. As you soak in the warm geothermal pool amid breathtaking natural surroundings, you’ll know it’s the perfect finish to a fantastic first day in the Highlands.
Day 2 - Sudurnamur Mountain Peak
Start day two with a nourishing breakfast before heading off on the day’s hike. Today, you’ll climb Sudurnamur peak, a 200,000-year-old rhyolite mountain. Sudurnamur is high in minerals and richly colored.
As you walk, you’ll pass many ravines, which are narrow valleys with steep sides. The views are spectacular, with mountains ranging from deep gold and reddish-brown to bright greens and even blue!
The hike is 6.84 miles (11 kilometers) and ascends 1395 feet (425 meters). It’s a satisfying climb that’s not overly exhausting, so you can focus on enjoying your glorious surroundings. Your guide will also ensure plenty of time to refuel with a tasty lunch and other refreshments when needed.
Sudurnamur’s peak offers excellent vistas across Landmannalaugar. The effort to climb is well worth the expansive views and sense of satisfaction when you reach the top. Breathe in the fresh air and ensure your camera is ready to capture lasting memories of your day.
The day’s highlights include the Laugahraun lava field and the Brennisteinsalda mountain. The Laugahraun lava field is a vast expanse of hardened lava formed during an eruption in 1477. Brennisteinsalda, also called ‘the sulfur wave,’ is known for its vibrant colors resulting from mineral deposits and geothermal activity.
After another brilliant day traversing the trails of Landmannalaugar, you’ll return to the hut for the evening. A delicious dinner offers the perfect replenishment after the day’s efforts, and you will also have leisure time to relax with a book or soak in the hot springs.
As you sink into the geothermal water under the glow of the midnight sun, it’s the ideal time to reflect on your incredible trip so far. Feel your muscle tension slip away as the warm, mineral-rich waters work their magic, and you unwind entirely, ready for another adventure tomorrow.
Day 3 - Blahnukur Volcano and Return to Reykjavik
On the final day of your hiking trip, you’ll start with breakfast before embarking on a hike up Blahnukur (or Blahnjukur), the blue peak. This fascinating volcano mountain is 60,000 years old, 3,100 feet (945 meters) tall, and is known for its unique blue color.
Your guide will lead you to the top, where you’ll enjoy awe-inspiring panoramas. On a clear day, you can see five glaciers from Blahnukur’s peak. You’ll have plenty of time to soak up the vistas and take photos for fond memories of your adventure.
Your knowledgeable guide will enrich your experience with intriguing geothermal and geological facts. These insights will help you connect deeply with your surroundings, allowing you to immerse yourself in the wild landscapes of the Highlands more fully.
Today’s hike is 4.35 miles (7 kilometers) with a 1,312-foot (400-meter) elevation gain. It should take about 3.5 hours. After descending Blahnukur, you’ll have time to rest and refuel with lunch before returning to Reykjavik.
The scenic ride back offers one more chance to take in the incredible landscapes of the Highlands before they give way to the picturesque Icelandic countryside and Reykjavik’s urban charm. As you gaze out the window, you’ll cherish your experiences over the past few days and take away memories from the trip of a lifetime.
The bus will arrive in central Reykjavik, where the tour finishes, between 19:00 and 21:00. You’ll say farewell to your guide and fellow tour participants and maybe grab a bite to eat before resting for the night. If you still have the energy, enjoy the city by night and let the adventures continue!
What to bring
Good to know
Sleeping bags are available to rent. Please bring a sleeping bag liner if you rent a sleeping bag.
Solo travelers will be placed in a twin room with another tour participant. Please contact the operator to request a single room.
Departure from central Reykjavik on day one is between 7:00 and 7:30. Arrival back in Reykjavik on day three is between 19:00 and 21:00.
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