Conquering the Icelandic Highlands - The Complete Landmannalaugar Guide

Nestled in the heart of Iceland’s highlands lies a hidden gem awaiting your discovery: Landmannalaugar, a haven for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. Prepare to be blown away by the vibrant hues of the mountains that paint the backdrop of an unforgettable experience.

During our summer trip to Iceland, we knew visiting the Highlands region was a must-see. We made a point to carve out enough time during our 12-day itinerary to witness the famous multi-colored mountains the area is well known for. Aside from the colorful mountains, this region is home to some of the most incredible hiking trails throughout the country. We opted to hike the Mount Bláhnjúkur Trail, commonly referred to as the Blue Peak Trail, during our visit. If you’re looking to witness the stunning views of Landmannalaugar, you’ve come to the right place. I created this Landmannalaugar guide for those planning to explore Iceland’s untamed Highlands region and all its glory.

This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no cost to you.

Table of Contents

Know Before You Go

I’ve compiled some helpful tips in this Landmannalaugar guide to make your trip planning a breeze:

The Highlands can only be reached by driving on rough gravel F roads, requiring a four-wheel drive vehicle.

Summer is the best time to visit since the hiking conditions are more favorable. Plus, the F roads are inaccessible by standard vehicles as the weather dips into colder temperatures, and snow turns Iceland into a winter wonderland.

Landmannalaugar is an off-the-grid location, even by Iceland’s standards. Campsites or backcountry huts are the only available options for overnight stays. There are also no gas stations, grocery stores, or restaurants.

As mentioned above, accommodations are limited to campsites and backcountry huts. If you prefer the comfort of a private room and bathroom, then consider booking a stay in the surrounding towns such as Flúðir, Reykholt, or Selfoss.

To use the bathrooms and showers, visitors need to pay the daily fee of 2500 ISK at the information booth.

If you decide to camp or stay in one of the huts, you’ll need to pack food, cooking equipment, and any other necessities you may require.

Landmannalaugar’s weather can be unpredictable, with a mix of frigid winds, rain, snow, and sun all in one day, much like the rest of Iceland. Come prepared for all weather conditions.

Be sure to check the weather and road conditions before venturing to Landmannalaugar to ensure a safe journey.

If you need a comprehensive packing list for all your travel needs, I’ve got you covered! I created the ultimate packing list for your upcoming adventures, including carry-on essentials, toiletries, clothing, and location-specific items.

How To Get There

Landmannalaugar is located in Iceland’s Highlands region. As mentioned above, this region is only accessible by F roads and requires a vehicle with four-wheel drive. Driving on F roads also requires a fair amount of patience since you’ll need to focus on avoiding potholes and bumps throughout the expedition. There are no petrol stations in Landmannalaugar, so be sure to fuel up in one of the surrounding towns. Some bus tours are available if you don’t feel like driving on the rugged F roads.

There are two parking areas for Landmannalaugar: one farther away from the campsites and another closer to them. The second parking lot, which is closer to the campsites, requires a river crossing. If you’re not comfortable with the crossing, I would stick to the first parking lot.

Important Note: Starting in the summer of 2024, a brand new parking reservation system will be put into effect. From June 20th to September 15th, 2024, you must actively pre-book your parking spot to avoid being denied entry. More information can be found here.

Directions

From Reykjavík (3 hours and 20 minutes): Head east on Route 1 to the Landvegur exit, continue on Landmannaleið, and follow the signs to Landmannalaugavegur.

From Vik (2 hours and 10 minutes): Head south toward Route 1, turn left onto Skaftártunguvegur/Route 208, turn left onto Fjallabaksleið nyrðri, and turn left onto Landmannalaugavegur.

What To Do

Now that you’ve arrived at this colorful destination let’s figure out how you want to spend your time. I’ve compiled the main attractions in this Landmannlaugar guide for easy planning purposes:

Hike: The most obvious and popular choice is to hike on one of the many stunning trails in this region of Iceland. There are several impressive day hike options available, along with a very memorable multi-day trek. More information on the trails can be found below.

People’s Pool Hot Springs: Landmannalaugar is affectionately known as the “People’s Pools” because of its expansive geothermal field and ensuing hot springs. The main pool is next to the Landmannalaugar campsites and is a popular attraction for visitors in the summer months.

Explore the Lava Fields: One of the most accessible trails in Landmannalaugar is the walk through the Laugahraun lava field. A volcanic eruption in approximately 1477 formed its unique landscape that captivates visitors.

Ljótipollur (The Ugly Puddle): This lovely crater lake has a very deceiving name. Its name means ‘Ugly Puddle,’ when, in fact, the still water’s blue-green hue set behind the multi-colored mountains is a gorgeous sight.

Traveling to Iceland? Check out my 8-Day South & West Itinerary and 12-Day Ring Road & Westfjords Itinerary posts to plan your ultimate fire and ice adventure.

Where To Stay

If you decide to stay in Landmannalaugar, you’ll either need to camp in a tent or stay in the main mountain hut. I’ve included the important details and websites for each option in this Landmannalaugar guide.

Camping

Camping in Landmannalaugar is relatively simple. You don’t need to make a reservation, and you can pay when you arrive. Campers can use the bathrooms and drinking water but cannot use the kitchen or other facilities in the huts. More information can be found on the FÍ website.

Mountain Huts

Unlike the campsites, the mountain huts in Landmannalaugar require a reservation beforehand. The main hut can accommodate up to 78 people, and reservations can be made on the FÍ website. Aside from the shared sleeping space, the hut has a kitchen with gas stoves, hot and cold running water, and all utensils. As a bonus, there is a charcoal grill outside that the guests are welcome to use. Booking a reservation grants you access to the bathrooms and showers without paying the additional daily fee.

Landmannalaugar Guide Hiking Trails

If you plan to add a stop in Landmannalaugar to your Iceland itinerary, odds are you have an adventurous spirit and are looking to hike one of the stunning trails. I’ve included some of the top hiking trails in the region that will be sure to leave you speechless in this Landmannalaugar guide:

Landmannalaugar Short Loop: 2.9-mile loop trail, 551 feet elevation gain.
Bláhnjúkur Mountain (Blue Peak): 4.1-mile loop trail, 2,066 feet elevation gain.
Ljótipollur – Jarðfallið: 4.6-mile loop trail, 1,030 feet elevation gain.
Bláhnúkur – Brennisteinsalda: 6.8-mile loop trail, 2,657 feet elevation gain.
Sudurnámur: 7.1-mile out-and-back trail, 1,702 feet elevation gain.
Laugavegur trail: 32.4-mile point-to-point trail, 5,429 feet elevation gain. This multi-day trek takes most hikers an average of four days to complete. If you intend to stay in any of the huts along the way, you must book your reservations beforehand. You will also need to book a bus reservation to transport you from the trailhead back to Landmannalaugar or Reykjavík.

If you decide to hike, you should come prepared with a reusable water bottle and follow the Leave No Trace Principles.

What To Wear

Planning what to wear in Landmannalaugar is essential to ensure you have a safe and comfortable journey! Iceland is well known for its unpredictable weather, so it’s best to pack layers and be prepared for anything. I have an entire blog post dedicated to what to pack for a trip to Iceland, but I’ll provide a high-level list in this Landmannalaugar guide:

A rain jacket that doubles as a windproof layer
A technical shell jacket
A short or long sleeve base layer top
A merino wool layer
A fleece layer
A down jacket (weather dependent)
Base layer bottoms
Leggings or hiking pants
Rain pants that double as a windproof layer
Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots
Merino wool socks
Waterproof gloves
A warm hat
A scarf or neck gaiter
Polarized sunglasses
Hiking daypack
A swimsuit and a towel (if you decide to take a post-hike dip in the hot spring)

What To Pack

Another critical step in planning is figuring out what you need to pack when visiting the Highlands. This Landmannalaugar guide includes a helpful list of things you’ll likely need when visiting this remote region of Iceland.

For Day Hikes

If you’re simply spending the day in Landmannalaugar on the hiking trails or taking a dip in the hot springs, you won’t need as much compared to those who plan to stay the evening in a campsite or backcountry hut. Here’s what to include in your hiking pack:

Water
Sunscreen
Food/snacks
Trekking poles
GPS device
Insulation (additional clothing layers)
First aid kit
Lip balm

Check out my Complete Hiking Packing List post that outlines the hiking ten essentials you need in your pack for a safe journey outdoors.

For Camping

If you decide to camp, you’ll need additional supplies to ensure a comfortable evening soaking in the beauty of the Highlands. I’ve compiled a high-level list in this Landmannalaugar guide, but I recommend doing additional research before your visit:

A sturdy 3 season or 4 season tent
Extra tent stakes
A comfortable mattress
A sleeping bag with a comfort rating of 30–40°F (-1–4°C)
Equipment for cooking meals
Food/dehydrated meals/snacks
Coffee/tea
Extra clothing
Towel
Toilierities and any other daily necessities you may need

If you book a reservation in the mountain huts, you’ll want to pack a sleeping bag since they’re not provided in the booking.

Final Thoughts

Carving out time in our 12-day Iceland itinerary to explore the dazzling Highlands region was a highlight of our trip. If you decide to do the same during your next trip to the land of fire and ice, you’re in for some of the most spectacular views throughout Iceland. The hiking trails along the colorful mountains will surely leave you speechless. With this Landmannalaugar guide, you’ll be well-prepared for an incredible adventure you’ll never forget.