Landmannalaugar and the Valley of Tears
Volcanic mountains, obsidian lava fields, and canyon waterfalls deep in the Icelandic Highlands
This full-day guided tour takes you into the heart of Iceland's Fjallabak Nature Reserve for an unforgettable encounter with Landmannalaugar, where rhyolite mountains in striking hues of red, yellow, and green rise above steaming hot springs and ancient lava fields.
The area owes its dramatic appearance to thousands of years of volcanic activity. The Laugahraun lava field was formed during an eruption in 1477, leaving behind vast expanses of black obsidian — a volcanic glass with sharp, smooth edges that gained wider recognition as the fictional material known as Dragon Glass in the television series Game of Thrones.
Beyond the lava fields, the rhyolite mountains owe their vivid coloration to minerals including iron and sulphur. Brennisteinsalda, whose name translates to the Sulphur Wave, is among the most visually striking examples, its flanks streaked with shifting bands of color produced by geothermal activity just beneath the surface.
The tour also visits Hjálparfoss, a two-stepped basalt waterfall with a history rooted in the practicalities of Highland travel, and concludes at Sigöldugljúfur, a canyon of spring-fed streams, crystalline waterfalls, and vivid vegetation that has become one of Iceland's most photographed natural sites.
Tour Highlights
Explore the colorful rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar, shaped by centuries of volcanic and geothermal forces in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve.
Soak in a natural geothermal hot spring pool directly at Landmannalaugar, one of the most accessible and scenic natural baths in Iceland.
Join a guided two-hour hike through the Laugahraun obsidian lava field and up to Brennisteinsalda with its steaming fumaroles and mineral-stained slopes.
Visit Hjálparfoss, a double-channeled waterfall framed by columnar basalt formations and surrounded by lush vegetation fed by underground springs.
Discover Sigöldugljúfur, the Valley of Tears, a canyon filled with dozens of small cascading waterfalls, ponds, and vivid green moss-covered cliffs.
Walk among black obsidian rock formations from the 1477 Laugahraun eruption, the same volcanic glass featured in Game of Thrones as Dragon Glass.
Spend over three hours at Landmannalaugar with flexibility to hike independently, relax at the pool, or follow a different trail at your own pace.
Tour Itinerary
The tour departs from Reykjavik and heads towards the Icelandic Highlands. The journey itself offers views of the changing landscape as the road climbs away from the coast into the interior.
The first stop is Hjálparfoss, a two-tiered waterfall cascading into a deep plunge pool encircled by distinctive basalt columns. Historically, this lush site served as a vital resting point for travelers crossing the harsh Sprengisandur Highland route, offering grazing land for horses after a long and demanding desert crossing.
The tour spends over three hours at Landmannalaugar. The guide leads an approximately two-hour hike through the Laugahraun obsidian lava field and up to Brennisteinsalda, where geothermal vents emit steam among richly colored rhyolite formations. After returning to the hut area, guests can bathe in the natural geothermal pool. Independent exploration of other trails in the reserve is also an option during this time.
The final stop is Sigöldugljúfur canyon, a remarkable geological feature fed by dozens of underground springs. Visitors can walk along the canyon rim to view its many small waterfalls, clear pools, and richly vegetated cliffs that have made this one of Iceland's most recognized natural viewpoints.
The tour returns to Reykjavik, completing an approximately 11-hour round trip through the Highlands. The return journey follows a route back through the volcanic interior of Iceland.
What Is Included
Included
- Professional licensed tour guide
- Guided hike to Brennisteinsalda through the obsidian lava fields
- Over 3 hours of exploration time at Landmannalaugar
- Stop at Hjálparfoss waterfall
- Stop at Sigöldugljúfur canyon
- Transportation from Reykjavik in a comfortable vehicle
Not Included
- Meals and beverages
- Swimsuit and towel (guests must bring their own)
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities for the guide
- Optional independent hiking activities beyond the guided route
Important Information
Book Your Landmannalaugar Highland Tour
Secure your place on this full-day journey through Iceland's volcanic Highlands, including a guided hike, natural hot spring bathing, and a visit to the Valley of Tears canyon.
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