Thrilling 4-Day Hiking Tour in Fjallabak Nature Reserve from Reykjavik

On day two of your four-day hiking tour in Fjallabak Nature Reserve, you’ll ride your trusty minibus toward the geological wonder called Landmannalaugar. The name Landmannalaugar translates to "the people's pools," referencing the natural hot springs surrounded by rugged landscape.

Landmannalaugar is also known for its stunning and colorful rhyolite mountains, showing the dynamic relations between volcanic activity and glacial erosion. As you appreciate the mountains of Landmannalaugar, you’ll see vibrant hues ranging from deep reds to bright yellows, greens, and blues.

These fascinating mixes of colors create a breathtaking panorama. Interestingly, the mountains’ colors result from the region’s geothermal activity, which has led to the formation of various minerals and rocks over time. To further appreciate Landmannalaugar’s beauty, you’ll go through the adventurous Laugavegur trail, passing through Blagil, before going up to the colorful Brennisteinsoldu mountain.

With a name translated as “sulfur wave” in English because of the vibrant array of colors ranging from fiery reds to sulfur yellows on its slopes, Brennisteinsoldu mountain is one sight to behold. Standing at an impressive elevation of 2,805 feet (855 meters), the Brennisteinsoldu mountain commands attention with its rugged silhouette against the Icelandic landscape.

As you climb the mountain, you’ll get closer to its geological composition, which is made up of layers of volcanic ash, lava flows, and colorful mineral deposits. These layers tell the story of the mountain's past, shaped by volcanic eruptions and glacial activity for thousands of years.

After enjoying the wonders of Brennisteinsoldu, you’ll walk down to Votugil and through the Laugahraun lava field. Laugahraun means “the hot spring lava flows” for locals because Laugahraun is actually a lava flow that extends from Brennisteinsalda to the Vondugil valley.

Laugahraun is also the name of the trail in this area. Being one of the easiest trails in Landmannalaugar, Laugahraun is perfect for first-time hikers and families with teens. As you go along the trail, you’ll see the amazing terrain of the Laugahraun lava field. Be sure to appreciate the volcanic formations and colorful rhyolite mountains around you.

After finishing your hike, you’ll head to the river for a relaxing hot bath with a cold drink in your hand. In the evening, the guide will drive you back to your cabin in Landmannahellir.

Day three of this memorable hiking tour in Fjallabak Nature Reserve will focus on climbing Mount Lodmundur. With an elevation of 4,700 feet (1,432 meters), Mount Lodmundur is the highest peak in the Fjallabak region.

The mountain features steep hills, with the top portion having near-vertical cliffs. As you climb Mount Lodmundur, you’ll see how it commands attention with its imposing stature and dramatic silhouette against the breathtaking Icelandic landscape. Mount Lodmundur offers a challenging yet rewarding hiking experience.

As you climb up to the summit, you’ll see a variety of terrain, from rocky slopes to alpine meadows with vibrant wildflowers, particularly during summer. Be sure to take in the panoramic vistas of neighboring peaks, glacial valleys, and vast lava fields the Icelandic Highlands are known for.

The summit gives you stunning views of Lake Lodmundarvatn and the unpredictable Mount Hekla. Nicknamed “the gateway to hell,” Hekla is one of Iceland’s most explosive mountains. Mount Hekla stands 4,892 feet (1,491 meters) tall and has an elongated, ridge-like shape that stretches over 5 kilometers, making it a prominent feature in the Icelandic Highlands. You’ll also get to see the Hofsjokull, Iceland’s third-largest glacier.

Located in the mid-highlands, the Hofsjokull glacier has a circular area of 357 square miles (925 square kilometers) and close to 25 miles (40 kilometers) in diameter. In addition, you’ll get majestic views of the Kerlingarfjoll mountain range. This relatively young mountain range was formed around 10,000 years ago. Kerlingarfjoll belongs to the 39 square-mile (100 square-kilometer) Tuya volcano system.

The Kerlingarfjoll mountain range is home to many small ice caps and rhyolite mountains with beautiful colors.

After spending time at the summit of Mount Lodmundur, you’ll descend toward Löðmundarvatn or Löðmundur lake, where you’ll stop for a refreshing dip before heading back to your cabin in Landmannahellir.

On your final day in Iceland, you’ll begin your adventure-filled journey back to Reykjavik. In the morning, you’ll pack up your stuff and hike from your Landmannahellir cabin toward Sigalda, where you’ll find the Sigoldugljufur canyon. Often referred to as the "Valley of Tears," the Sigoldugljufur canyon is known for having an array of beautiful waterfalls.

As you explore the canyon, you’ll see many waterfalls, cascading down its steep, moss-covered walls into clear, blue pools below. These falls are fed by glacial meltwater and geothermal springs. As for the canyon walls, they are composed of layers of lava and volcanic ash.

Mosses and small plants thrive in the moist environment, adding vibrant green hues contrasting with the dark rock and the sparkling blue water. You’ll explore the canyon for about an hour before heading to two majestic waterfalls: Haifoss and Granni.

Translated to “high waterfall” in Icelandic, Haifoss measures 400 feet (122 meters) tall and is fed by the Fossa river. The waterfall plunges over a dramatic cliff into a deep, rocky gorge, creating a spectacular sight that captivates visitors. On the other hand, Granni, which translates to “neighbor” in Icelandic, is a smaller waterfall beside Haifoss.

Though Granni is less powerful than Haifoss, it complements the beauty of Haifoss and completes the panoramic view when standing above the two waterfalls.

If there’s still enough time, you’ll also visit Gjain, a small valley rich in various landscapes and geological wonders formed by lava. After about three hours of active walking, you’ll return to Reykjavik and end your four-day Icelandic adventure.