From Reykjavik: Landmannalaugar & Háifoss Waterfall Tour

This tour is interesting because you get a full day in Iceland’s highlands, where volcanic color, steaming geothermal pools, and big waterfalls all show up in one long push from Reykjavik. The core payoff is Landmannalaugar, with a guided walk through rhyolite and lava, plus the chance to soak after you hike. Then you tack on the crater-lake color of Hnausapollur and the dramatic stop at Háifoss.

Two things I especially like about this experience are the mix of geology and movement, and the fact that you’re not stuck staring out a bus window. You get a guided trail segment through the Lauga-loop area, and you also get real stops to absorb places like Hnausapollur’s turquoise water and the waterfall viewpoints. One drawback to consider is the day is long, and the ride can feel cramped and bumpy, especially when the road turns rough.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Landmannalaugar’s Lauga-loop hike (easy pace, about 1.5 to 2 hours) with rhyolite hills and geothermal pools
• Hnausapollur crater lake photo stop for that striking turquoise water against darker volcanic surroundings
• Hot-spring soak time right after the hike, with practical prep needed (bring swimwear and a towel)
• Waterfall trio stops at Hjálparafoss, Granni, and Háifoss, plus a later break near Selfoss
• Fjallabak Nature Reserve viewpoint stop for more highland scenery and photo time
• English live guide plus onboard Wi-Fi, helpful for a day that runs about 13 hours

Colorful highlands in one long day: why this route works

If you only have one day to see the highlands from Reykjavik, this itinerary is built for maximum variety. You’re moving through volcanic terrain that looks different every time the bus turns a corner, then you get off the vehicle for a real hike and a geothermal soak.

Landmannalaugar is called the pearl of the highlands for a reason: the area is known for color and rock texture, not just for being remote. Here you’ll see colorful rhyolite hills and obsidian-type rock formations while you walk toward the steaming geothermal pool area. The hike is described as moderate, so you’re not doing a technical scramble, but you do need to be ready for uneven ground and altitude-like weather swings.

I also like that this tour doesn’t waste the day with only one big “main event.” The plan layers in geology (crater lake, lava and craters), waterfalls, and then the hot-spring reward, so you’re constantly switching gears.

Reykjavik to the highlands: ride time, Wi-Fi, and the bumpy reality

The day starts with pickup timing that depends on your selected option, with an official meeting point at Tour Bus Stop 12, Höfðatorg, Höfððtorw (Þórunnartún). If you’re doing optional pickup, be prepared for the pickup process to take up to 30 minutes, since the bus has to weave through Reykjavík.

Onboard, you get Wi-Fi and an English live guide, which matters on a 13-hour day. The bus also stops briefly at The Highland Center Hrauneyjar for a break, and those short pauses are part of what keeps the day manageable.

Now for the practical truth: this route is in the highlands, and some roads can be rough. Past guests have noted the ride can be cramped and bumpy, and one person mentioned that the vehicle had issues on the way back. You can’t control weather or mechanical luck, but you can control your expectations. Bring a layer, keep your water handy, and plan to treat the drive as part of the adventure, not a smooth commute.

Hnausapollur and Frostastaðavatn: the turquoise crater-lake moment

Before you reach Landmannalaugar, the tour builds in quick photo and sightseeing stops. One of the first that really sticks out is Hnausapollur, an ancient crater lake formed by volcanic eruptions.

You’re given a short window for photos and sightseeing, but even that brief stop hits hard because of the color contrast: the water is described as turquoise blue, while the surrounding volcanic sands and barren ground can look stark. That contrast is the kind of visual Iceland does better than anywhere else. It’s also a nice warm-up for Landmannalaugar, because you’re already seeing the volcanic story line.

There’s also a stop at Frostastaðavatn for photos and sightseeing. It’s not the longest moment on the schedule, but it helps break up the long drive and gives you another chance to look at highland water in a volcanic setting.

If you want to maximize these short stops, have your camera ready. The bus time is timed, so you don’t want to be fumbling with pockets or zippers when the views open up.

Landmannalaugar: the Lauga-loop hike and your geothermal reward

This is the heart of the tour. You’ll spend about 4 hours at Landmannalaugar, split between a guided component and independent time. The big guided part is the Lauga-loop hike, described as an easy trail that typically runs about 1.5 to 2 hours.

During the hike, you pass the famous colorful rhyolite hills and obsidian rock formations, then you ascend toward steaming geothermal pools. The trail also takes you through foothills of Bláknúkur, so you’re not just walking across one flat surface. You get the sense that the scenery is constantly reshaping itself.

In real-world terms, this is a hike you should prep for. The tour is labeled moderate-level, and you’ll want hiking shoes with solid grip. Your feet will matter more than your endurance here, because volcanic terrain can be uneven even on an “easy” loop.

After the hike, you get time to bathe in the natural hot-spring pool. I love this part because it’s a built-in decompression after effort, and it’s one of the most distinctive ways to experience Iceland’s geothermal energy. Past guests also flagged something useful: the hot-pool site may not have changing rooms or lockers. Bring swimwear and a towel so you can change and dry without turning the day into a logistical puzzle.

If you’re the type who likes a plan but not a lecture, this schedule hits a sweet spot. You get guidance on the walk, then you get actual freedom to linger in the healing waters and take in the views.

Fjallabak Nature Reserve stops and the waterfall rhythm

Once you leave Landmannalaugar, the tour keeps feeding the scenery. You’ll stop in Fjallabak Nature Reserve for photo time, which is a good breather after the hike. This stop is short, but it helps confirm you’re not just visiting one famous spot. You’re seeing a whole region of Icelandic highlands.

Then the tour shifts into waterfall mode. You’ll see Hjálparafoss, Granni, and Háifoss. These stops aren’t just scenic wallpaper. They show how Iceland’s water power behaves in different settings: some waterfalls feel tucked into the land, while others look like they’re pushing through open terrain with dramatic scale.

Timing is everything here. The tour includes guided moments and photo stops, and that matters because waterfalls are quick “arrive, absorb, shoot, move” experiences. If you rush, you’ll miss the finer details like how the water splits and how the surrounding rock frames the falls.

Also keep in mind that the day includes a break near Selfoss with about 10 minutes listed. It’s not a full meal stop, but it’s part of the flow that helps you make it through the last segment.

Háifoss Waterfall: the double-pronged payoff at the end of the day

The final major attraction is Háifoss, described as Iceland’s fourth largest waterfall, with about 20 minutes for photos and sightseeing. Háifoss is known for a split, double-pronged look, and that shape is exactly why it’s worth saving for later in the day.

When you’re tired from a long drive and a hike, a waterfall can feel like a blur. But the plan gives enough time to get your bearings and step into the viewing area without feeling completely rushed. I like that the stop is not “blink and move on,” especially since weather can change quickly in Iceland.

There’s one more reason this stop is meaningful: it gives contrast to what you already saw. Earlier in the day, you were dealing with geothermal heat and volcanic color. Here you end with raw water power and cool air, a nice physical shift before you head back to Reykjavik.

Price and value at $226: what you’re really paying for

At $226 per person for about 13 hours, the price can feel steep at first glance. But this isn’t a simple city walking tour. You’re paying for transport deep into the highlands, a guided hike component, and entry or facility fees for Landmannalaugar.

Included with the ticket are transportation from Reykjavík, Wi-Fi on board, the tour guide, and Landmannalaugar facility fees. What’s not included is food and drinks, and hotel pickup and drop-off. So if you go in expecting a meal plan, you’ll want to adjust. Plan to bring snacks or buy food when the tour builds in breaks.

Here’s the real value argument: Landmannalaugar is not something you casually pop into on your own without careful planning. This tour handles the hard part, the route and the timing, while also giving you a guided hike and a structured sequence of stops. You’re essentially buying convenience plus context. That tends to be worth it when you want geology, waterfalls, and a hot-spring soak without turning the day into a logistics project.

Is it perfect value if you hate long days? Probably not. But if you want a high-hit itinerary with guided walking and hot springs as a centerpiece, the cost lines up with what you’re actually getting.

Who this tour fits best, and who might struggle

This tour fits best if you want a day that’s active but not technical, and you’re okay with a moderate hike and shifting weather. The itinerary expects hiking shoes, water, and weather-appropriate layers. It also explicitly says it’s not suitable for children under 8 and not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

If you’re someone who likes to understand what you’re seeing, you’ll probably enjoy the guide-led explanation on volcanic rocks and the geothermal side of things. Past guests named guides such as Ottar, Beggi, Kalman, HBO, Siggi, Petur, Karla, and Anna, and the common theme is that the guide helps connect the scenery to how Iceland’s geology works.

One more fit note: the vehicle can feel cramped for some people. If you’re sensitive to tight seating on long rides, bring a small cushion or plan to move your legs when safe during stops.

Should you book this Landmannalaugar and Háifoss tour?

Book it if you want one Reykjavík day trip that truly feels off the main routes, with rhyolite hills, a guided hike, hot-spring bathing, and a strong waterfall finale. It’s a good choice when you care about seeing both volcanic forms and water power in the same day, instead of picking just one theme.

Skip it or at least think twice if you can’t handle a full day, if you dislike uneven ground on a moderate hike, or if you need comfort and flexibility more than structure. Also plan for the practical realities: no food included, bring swimwear and a towel, and expect a long drive with possible rough stretches.

If that sounds like your kind of Iceland day, this route is one of the most satisfying ways to pack highland variety into a single push from Reykjavík.

FAQ

How long is the Landmannalaugar and Háifoss tour?

The duration is listed as 13 hours.

Where do I meet the tour in Reykjavík?

Meet at Tour Bus Stop 12, Höfðatorg (on Þórunnartún).

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are listed as not included. Pickup is optional depending on your voucher, and the pickup process can take up to 30 minutes.

What is included in the price?

Included are transportation from Reykjavík, Wi-Fi on board, a tour guide, and Landmannalaugar facility fees.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or buy something during the breaks.

Is there a hike, and how hard is it?

Yes. The tour includes a moderate-level hike. The Lauga-loop hike is described as easy and typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Can I swim in the hot springs?

Yes. There is time to bathe in the geothermal hot-spring pool at Landmannalaugar, and you should bring swimwear and a towel.

What waterfalls are included?

The tour includes stops at Hjálparafoss, Granni, and Háifoss.

Is the tour suitable for kids or mobility needs?

It is not suitable for children under 8, and it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What cancellation options are listed?

Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.