Reykjavík: Landmannalaugar Hike and the Valley of Tears

Reykjavík to the Icelandic highlands in a single day is the kind of plan that sounds almost too big, until you get to Landmannalaugar and realize you are stepping into volcanic art. You get obsidian fields, colored rhyolite mountains, a soak in a natural hot pool, and then the Valley of Tears canyon with its spring-fed waterfalls.

I love how the day mixes serious geology with real time on foot, especially the guided hike up toward Brennisteinsalda, the Sulphur Wave. I also like that the trip is run with small-group attention, with guides such as Eddy and Tomasz giving steady commentary and photo help along the way.

The main drawback is the long day and the bumpy drive. If you get motion sickness, plan for it, and know that the ride can be rough on Iceland’s F-roads, so choose your seat wisely.

Key highlights you should care about

• Obsidian and rhyolite on foot, including a guided route through the lava field toward Brennisteinsalda
• Hot pool time at Landmannalaugar, with a real chance to cool down after hiking
• Valley of Tears, Sigöldugljúfur, timed as a scenic stop with waterfalls, streams, and clear views
• Super Jeep pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik, with multiple pickup points and convenient city access
• Photo assistance from the guide, plus stops that help you actually frame the scenery

Why Landmannalaugar and the Valley of Tears fit into one unforgettable day

This is one of those Iceland trips where the map looks simple, but the terrain does not act normal. You leave Reykjavik behind, bounce out onto highland roads, then hit a geological playground that feels otherworldly in a very practical way: you can walk it, touch it, and soak in it.

The Landmannalaugar part is the heart of the day. The Fjallabak Nature Reserve is known for its multicolor rhyolite mountains and geothermal activity, and you will feel that volcanic story everywhere, from steam rising near small hot springs to the dark sweep of obsidian under your boots.

Then you add Sigöldugljúfur, the Valley of Tears. This canyon is famous because it is full of small spring-fed streams and multiple waterfalls in one tight area, so you get more “wow per minute” than you might expect from a single stop.

Rough Roads, Super Jeep Pickup, and the “Be Ready at 7:30” Reality

Your day starts early, with pickup in Reykjavik. You should plan to be ready at 7:30 AM, and the vehicle may take up to 30 minutes to arrive depending on your exact starting point.

The vehicle is a comfortable Super Jeep, built for Iceland’s roads that are not always roads in the normal sense. Expect lots of gravel and the kind of vibration that can make you feel it in your stomach. In reviews, people specifically mention bumpy rides and recommend sitting closer to the front if you are sensitive, like one guest who said not to sit in the back of the bus.

If you are prone to motion sickness, bring whatever helps you on that kind of ride, and dress so you can handle cold or damp quickly. Also, keep a working mobile phone on you and connected to data roaming if applicable, because if they cannot find you at pickup and cannot reach you, you could miss the tour.

On the comfort side, you are not riding blind or stuck without power. There is free Wi‑Fi and USB ports on board, plus a live English guide who talks during the day. Small group size is part of the value here too, because you get flexibility at Landmannalaugar instead of being herded on rails.

Hjálparfoss Stop: A Waterfall With a Horse-Travel Story

Before you reach Landmannalaugar, you get a first taste of what makes Iceland’s Highlands special. The stop at Hjálparfoss is more than a quick photo. You pause at a two-stepped waterfall that drops into a large plunge pool, surrounded by unusual basalt rock formations.

There is also a useful historical angle. The area around Hjálparfoss is called Hjálp, meaning help, because travelers moving over the harsh Sprengisandur route found it extremely difficult to feed horses in the desert stretches. When they finally arrived near this greener area, they felt like they had been given help.

This stop works well because it breaks up the long drive. You stretch your legs, you see basalt up close, and you get into the mood for the volcanic scenery that comes next.

Landmannalaugar: Obsidian Fields, Rhyolite Colors, and the Brennisteinsalda Hike

Once you arrive, you get time to reset and then get moving. You will spend around three hours in Landmannalaugar, including a guided hike of about two hours through the Laugahraun lava field.

What makes the hike feel special is the geology lesson you can see with your eyes. Laugahraun lava field formed during a volcanic eruption in 1477. The black obsidian here is erratic and famous for its sharp, smooth edges and its unique look. People even call it Dragon Glass from Game of Thrones, and you will understand why once you see the rock tones and how it breaks the light.

At the same time, the mountains around you are not just random color. The rhyolite comes from volcanic material rich in quartz and silica. Minerals like iron and sulphur add the striking colors, including a great example called Brennisteinsalda, the Sulphur Wave. On the trail, you may also see small hot springs near Brennisteinsalda, with steam rising up, which turns the whole hike into a live science exhibit.

The walking itself is not described as a technical climb. It is more of a hike through lava terrain where footing matters and weather matters. You also have a choice: the guide offers the hike toward Brennisteinsalda, but you can explore on your own within the given time window, or take different trails if you want to adjust your effort.

This is where small-group structure pays off. Instead of everyone moving at the same pace forever, the guide can give options, and you can choose a pace that fits how you hike on vacation. One review even highlighted that the hike options felt friendly for different energy levels, which matches the “flexible but guided” design of the day.

Obsidian Walking Tip: Wear the Right Shoes, Then Focus on Footing

I do not want you thinking the hike is about heroics. It is about staying stable on volcanic ground. That is why hiking shoes and rain gear matter here, even if the morning starts sunny. Iceland weather can change fast, and the ground can get slick.

Also, bring a daypack. You will want a place for gloves, a hat, and layers. If you are the type who likes a camera stop every 10 minutes, you will also want to carry that without juggling everything in your hands.

One practical point from the way the day is structured: you are hiking first, then bathing. So treat the hike like the warm-up and the hot pool like the reward. You will thank yourself when you are done walking and can change fast.

The Natural Hot Pool at Landmannalaugar: The Best Kind of Recovery

After the guided hike and your time exploring, you get your moment to slow down. At Landmannalaugar, you have time to bathe in a natural hot pool. This is not a quick rinse either, because there is a chance to use the remaining time to relax.

Bring a swimsuit and towel, no exceptions. Also plan for cold air when you get out, because the Highlands do not care that you are feeling warm inside the water. One of the best parts of this tour is that the hot pool is not treated like a rushed checkbox. You are there long enough to actually reset.

In reviews, people describe this as a relaxing end to the walk, and it makes sense. After moving through obsidian fields and colored rock formations, the hot water is a different kind of Iceland, gentler and easier to enjoy.

If weather turns ugly, this is also a smart “Plan B” moment. One guest described heavy rain and strong wind during the hike and ended up spending extra time in the hot springs instead, which shows why having that soak time in the schedule is a smart design.

Sigöldugljúfur, Valley of Tears: Waterfall Variety in One Canyon Stop

After Landmannalaugar, the day shifts gears toward scenic canyon views. Your stop at Sigöldugljúfur, the Valley of Tears, is mainly a photo stop with time for sightseeing.

What you are looking at here is a canyon with many small spring-fed streams. You get small ponds, crystal-clear waterfalls, and colorful vegetation within the canyon walls. It is the kind of place that photographs well because it offers multiple angles without you needing to walk miles.

If you are chasing waterfalls, this is one of the best uses of limited time. Instead of a single waterfall vista, the canyon gives you a whole sequence of water features in the same area. Several people called it the highlight of their day, and that tracks with how packed the area feels.

One practical strategy: bring your camera or phone ready, but also take a few minutes to just watch. When water is moving constantly in multiple places, it is easy to keep thinking you will capture everything later. You will not. But you can still enjoy it fully in real time.

Price and Value: Why $210 Can Make Sense for This Big-Scenery Day

At $210 per person for an 11-hour day, this is not a budget throwaway. It costs more than typical city tours because the Highlands drive eats time and the vehicle needs to handle tough roads.

Here is what you are paying for, in plain terms:

• Pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik by Super Jeep, with multiple pickup points
• A live English guide who explains geology and history as you go
• A guided hike through the obsidian fields for about two hours
• Scenic stops including Hjálparfoss and Sigöldugljúfur
• Hot pool option at Landmannalaugar, with help during the day including photo assistance
• Small group size, which helps you get flexible time instead of a strict conveyor belt

Food and drinks are not included, so you need to handle lunch on your own. A good move is to plan ahead and grab something before the pickup so you do not end up hungry when the day is long.

When I look at value, I also think about what you avoid. Without a guided highland trip, you would still need transport that can handle F-road conditions and enough time to cover both Landmannalaugar and Sigöldugljúfur in a day. This tour stitches those pieces together with a driver who knows the route and a guide who gives context.

Logistics That Affect Comfort: Seat Choice, Timing, and Weather

Two things can make or break comfort on this kind of day: seat position and weather layers.

First, seat choice. In reviews, people advise not sitting in the back if you tend to feel sick on bumpy rides. If you have a choice, pick a seat where you feel the ride less. The goal is not to eliminate bumps. It is to reduce how much they upset you.

Second, layers. Bring everything the tour asks for, not just the hiking shoes. That means a hat, gloves, rain gear, outdoor clothing, and a daypack. You are hiking in a geothermal area, but you are also riding through cold wind and possible rain.

Finally, do the practical stuff that keeps the day smooth. Make sure your phone is charged and working. Double-check your pickup spot. And if you are using data roaming, keep it active, because the driver needs a way to reach you.

Who This Tour Fits Best, and Who Should Rethink It

This is a great match if you want a full-throttle taste of Iceland’s volcanic interior without having to plan a complicated self-drive day. It works well for couples, solo travelers, and small groups who want a guide to handle the driving and the geology context.

It is also a strong pick if you like a mix of active time and downtime. You get hiking through obsidian terrain, then you get a hot pool reset, then you get the Valley of Tears canyon views.

That said, it is not for everyone. The tour is not suitable for children under 10 and it is not wheelchair accessible. If you cannot handle the walking time and uneven ground, you will struggle.

If you already know you get motion sick from gravel roads, take that seriously. The ride is part of the experience, but you can prepare. Bring what you need and choose your seat carefully.

Should You Book This Landmannalaugar and Valley of Tears Tour?

Book it if you want one day that combines all the Iceland classics in a way that feels efficient: volcanic rocks, a guided hike, natural hot springs, and a canyon with multiple waterfalls. At $210 and 11 hours, the price feels fair for the kind of remote driving, guided hiking, and the high-demand locations involved.

Skip it or think twice if you want a calm, easy day. This is not a smooth city stroll. It is early pickup, bumpy roads, and time spent outdoors in shifting weather.

If you do book, pack like a pro, bring your swimsuit and towel, and plan to enjoy the day in “phases”: drive, hike, soak, and canyon viewing. That rhythm is what makes the whole experience work.

FAQ

How long is the tour from Reykjavik?

The total duration is 11 hours.

What time do I need to be ready for pickup in Reykjavik?

You should be ready at 7:30 AM, and the vehicle may take up to 30 minutes to arrive depending on how far the starting point is.

Where are the pickup and drop-off locations?

Pickup and drop-off are available at multiple spots in Reykjavik, including bus stops and several hotels. The exact pickup and drop-off points depend on what you select when booking.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Do I need a swimsuit and towel?

Yes. You have the option to bathe in a natural hot spring at Landmannalaugar, so bring a swimsuit and a towel.

How much of the hike is guided, and how long do you spend at Landmannalaugar?

You spend about three hours at Landmannalaugar, including an approximately two-hour guided hike through the obsidian fields toward Brennisteinsalda. You can also explore on your own within the allotted time.

What is the Valley of Tears stop like?

You stop at Sigöldugljúfur for photo time and sightseeing, with views of the canyon, small spring-fed streams, and waterfalls.

Is the tour suitable for children or wheelchair users, and can I cancel for a refund?

The tour is not suitable for children under 10 and is not wheelchair accessible. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.