Landmannalaugar Hike & the Valley of Tears from RVK & Selfoss

Landmannalaugar is the kind of place you go for, not just pass by, and this tour strings Landmannalaugar hiking together with Valley of Tears viewpoints and hot-spring time in one long day.

What I like most is the combination of a comfortable pickup and a small group (up to 19), plus guides who actually explain what you are seeing. Names that came up in past groups include Sara, Eddie, Ignacio, Keren, and James, and their common thread is clear, practical info about the rhyolite colors and the geothermal landscape.

The main drawback is the commitment: it is a long day, with a big chunk of bumpy gravel roads plus limited chances to eat and use the bathroom between key stops.

Key highlights worth knowing

• Landmannalaugar guided hike through colorful rhyolite terrain, with time for photos and an on-trail pace
• Waterfalls stop trio style timing: Sigoldugljufur, then Hjálparfoss as a bonus splash
• Geothermal soak payoff with hot springs at the end, plus practical guidance on changing and plunging
• Small group feel with a max of 19 travelers, so you are not just stuck in a crowd
• Wi-Fi and air-conditioned transport for the long Reykjavik to highlands drive
• No lunch included, so plan to buy snacks on-site or bring your own

Why This Landmannalaugar Hike and Valley of Tears Loop Works So Well

If your Iceland trip has a limited number of days in the south, this is one of the better ways to pack the highlands into a single schedule. You get a real hiking experience in Landmannalaugar, plus waterfall scenery on the way, then you finish with the Valley of Tears, which is a strong closer after all that walking.

I also like that it is not just a bus tour with a token photo stop. The day is structured around moving through the area at a human pace, then resetting your body with the geothermal baths. That rhythm matters, especially when the roads take time and the weather can change fast.

Reykjavik Pickup and the Real Shape of the Long Drive

This is a pickup-based day trip, starting in Reykjavík with optional pickup in Selfoss on the South Coast. The start time is listed as 7:30 am, with a pickup window of about 30 minutes, and some departures may have you waiting a bit before the vehicle arrives.

The transit itself takes a big chunk of your day, and you should know why. The route includes off-road and gravel segments, which some people find uncomfortable for long stretches. The upside is that you are riding with a driver used to these roads, and past groups specifically called out careful driving in rougher parts of the route.

On the practical side, you are not stuck in a hot, stuffy vehicle. The tour includes an air-conditioned bus and Wi-Fi on board, which can help when you want to check timing, maps, or just pass the time without relying on your phone data.

Landmannalaugar: Rhyolite Colors, Guided Hiking, and Photo Stops

Landmannalaugar is the headline, and the tour is designed around giving you time to actually experience it. You will hike through dramatic, colorful rhyolite formations and geothermal areas, with a guide explaining what you are looking at as you go.

The hike is not described as ultra-long in the tour outline, and reviews often mention about 2 hours of hiking time. That said, Iceland does not do stairs and gentle paths the way some parks do. Even when the time is reasonable, you can still hit steep sections, muddy footing after rain, and rocky ground that demands steady steps.

One of the best things about a guided Landmannalaugar walk is the context. Guides like Sara and Keren have been praised for being funny and engaging, while others such as Ignacio and James were mentioned for careful pacing and solid driving plus trail guidance. If you care about geology, this is where that interest pays off fast, because the area is basically a geology classroom you can walk through.

What you should watch for on the trail

• You may move at an easy to moderate group pace, but there can still be steep spots.
• In rough weather, the hike can include rain, wind, and even snow mixed in, so bring layers and expect conditions to shift.
• If you want a more self-paced explore, ask your guide early how much flexibility you will have and where the key turnaround points are.

Sigoldugljufur and Hjálparfoss: Waterfalls That Break Up the Drive

You do not just go from Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar and call it a day. The itinerary builds in scenic breaks, including Sigoldugljufur and Hjálparfoss.

Sigoldugljufur is one of those stops that helps you feel like you are traveling through Iceland’s interior rather than jumping straight to a destination. The benefit of these intermediate stops is timing and morale. After hours on the road, a waterfall stop gives you a mental reset and a chance to stretch before the hike or after.

Hjálparfoss is also mentioned as a bonus waterfall by some guides and groups, and it tends to be one of those “how is this real” moments when the scene opens up. Even short visits can be worth it here because the terrain around waterfalls is often dramatic, and you can usually get a few solid photo angles without needing long walking detours.

The Hot Springs Stop: Swimsuit, Towel, and the Changer Reality

Yes, you really should bring a swimsuit and towel. The tour specifically recommends it, and this is not the time to rely on Iceland being like a hotel spa. The geothermal baths are part of what makes the day feel complete.

Here is the practical stuff I think trips often forget to stress. There are limited changing options near the baths. One review called out that there are no changing rooms right next to the hot pool area, so you should plan to change in the bathroom building. If you arrive in street clothes and do not have a quick plan, you will feel rushed by the cold wind and the time pressure.

Also, expect wind chill. People noted that the air can be cold even when the water is hot, but the geothermal flow keeps you warm once you are in. If you like variety, some groups talked about a hot-and-cold plunge experience at the end of the hike, which is a nice way to close out the physical day.

Quick hot-springs checklist for you

• Swimsuit and towel, no matter the forecast
• Warm layers for after soaking (you will not stay warm just because you were in hot water)
• A mindset that the wind is part of the experience, not a reason to quit

Valley of Tears: A Strong Finale After the Highlands Work

The Valley of Tears is the closing highlight, and it makes sense as a last stop. After Landmannalaugar, your legs are working, your eyes are already full, and then the day hands you a final show of water and viewpoints.

This part of the itinerary is a good match for people who want a finish that feels scenic rather than just logistical. The name alone hints at an emotional vibe, but what matters for your day is how it plays after the hike: you get a less strenuous section to absorb everything you saw earlier.

Some groups describe the waterfall views in the Valley of Tears as jaw-dropping, and that kind of reaction is exactly what you want on a long day trip. You will feel the payoff, even if the drive was a bit bumpy and you are ready for dinner later.

How Much Walking Is This, Really, and Who It Suits

The tour says that most travelers can participate, and that is consistent with the reviews that highlight it as doable for active people. Still, do not mistake a guided day for a flat day.

In practice, you should plan for:

• A guided hike at a pace that keeps the group together
• Possible steep sections on the trail
• Weather swings that can make traction harder

One review noted that seniors would likely need to be in good shape for the steeper parts. Another called out that if you are fairly fit, it can feel like an easy-to-manage hike in the bigger picture, but the terrain itself is not always gentle.

So who is this best for?

• Great fit for you if you like outdoor scenery and can handle a long day
• Good fit if you enjoy geology explanations and want to connect the dots between rocks, heat, and water
• Not the best fit if you need frequent bathroom stops and long food breaks, because access is limited between major stops

Price and Value: Is $199 Worth It?

At $199 per person, this is not a budget picnic. But for what you are getting, I do think the value can be solid, especially if it would otherwise cost you time and logistics to reach the interior on your own.

Your price includes:

• Round-trip transport from Reykjavík area, including pickup options
• A Wi-Fi equipped vehicle and air-conditioning
• A knowledgeable guide for the hike and stops
• Entry and fees for what the itinerary covers

You also get the big practical advantage that matters most in the highlands: someone else handles the driving on tough terrain. Multiple reviews pointed out that the driver’s skill helped make the rough road segments manageable and kept the group together.

The one thing not included is lunch. That can affect your perceived value if you show up hungry and unprepared. The good news is that snack access exists at Landmannalaugar, but selection may be limited, so plan to either bring your own lunch or rely on whatever the stand has that day.

What to Bring for a Comfort-First Highlands Day

I would pack like you are going on an active hike with a soak, not like you are going to an urban museum.

Bring:

• Swimsuit and towel for the hot springs
• Layers for cold wind, even in decent weather
• Comfortable hiking shoes with grip
• Water and snacks, since lunch is not included and food options can be limited
• A plan for bathroom timing, because you will only have certain windows at stops

Also consider your phone strategy. The bus has Wi-Fi, which helps, but your best photos and navigation will likely still depend on the time you spend outside and the weather you have on the day.

Group Size and Guide Style: Why It Feels Personal

A max of 19 travelers keeps this from feeling like a cattle car. That matters for two reasons. First, it is easier for the guide to manage pacing on uneven ground. Second, it is more likely you can ask questions and actually hear answers rather than shouting into the wind.

Guide styles vary, and that shows up in the reviews. Some groups loved how guides shared more info while driving and kept the energy light. Others wished for a bit more commentary during transit. The common thread is that guides were consistently praised for being careful, helping people stay together, and providing clear guidance on timing so you can see the scheduled stops.

If you want the most satisfying day, arrive with patience for the schedule. The highlands are amazing, but they run on weather, road conditions, and strict timing, because the itinerary includes multiple stops.

Booking This Tour: Should You Do It or Pass?

I would book this Landmannalaugar hike and Valley of Tears tour if:

• You want the big interior highlights in one day from Reykjavík
• You are comfortable with a long day and some bumpy gravel driving
• You pack smart for hiking and hot springs, especially a swimsuit and towel
• You like guided context, not just sightseeing

I might pass or switch plans if:

• You hate long drives and discomfort on gravel roads
• You need frequent food stops and lots of time at each location
• You are not steady on your feet and worry about steep trail sections

If your priority is to see Iceland’s interior without the hassle of getting there yourself, this is a strong option. You trade flexibility for structure, but the payoff is a full day of geology, waterfalls, and geothermal soaking that would be hard to replicate neatly on your own.

FAQ

How long is the Landmannalaugar Hike and Valley of Tears tour?

The duration is about 11 hours.

What is included in the ticket price?

The tour includes air-conditioned vehicle, all fees and taxes, and Wi-Fi on the bus. Lunch is not included.

What is the meeting time in Reykjavík?

The start time is 7:30 am, with pickup happening in a window of up to 30 minutes. Pickup can start at 8:00 am.

Where are pickup options available besides Reykjavík?

Pickup is also available in Selfoss on the South Coast.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included. There may be snack options available at Landmannalaugar, but the selection can be limited.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 19 travelers.

What should I bring for the hot springs?

Bring a swimsuit and a towel so you can make the most of the natural hot pool.

What stops are part of the itinerary?

The stops include Landmannalaugar, Sigoldugljufur, Hjalparfoss, and the Valley of Tears.

Is the tour weather dependent?

Yes. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather you will be offered a different date or a full refund.