Landmannalaugar Full-Day Tour: Rhyolite Mountains, Crater Lakes and Waterfalls
A full-day journey through the volcanic highlands of Iceland, where colored mountains, crater lakes and cascading waterfalls define every turn.
The Landmannalaugar tour guides you deep into the Icelandic highlands to witness one of the country's most remarkable concentrations of geological wonders. From sulfur-streaked rhyolite peaks to hidden crater lakes and thundering waterfalls, the landscape defies expectation at every stage. This is a full-day immersion for those who want to experience Iceland beyond the coast.
The route begins in Þjórsárdalur valley, where Iceland's longest river carves through birch woodland, pumice fields and dramatic lava formations. The repeated eruptions of nearby Mt. Hekla have flattened and coated the valley floor, yet ongoing soil reclamation efforts have transformed the area into a designated National Forest, offering a vivid contrast of industrial geology and returning greenery.
Midway through the day, the itinerary reaches Landmannalaugar itself, a highland basin where lava flows of obsidian black border mountains streaked in orange, yellow and green. A guided walk leads toward Brennisteinsfjöll, the sulfuric mountain where geothermal vents and mineral deposits create a palette that appears almost unnatural. After the hike, a soak in the natural hot spring at the edge of the Laugahraun lava field offers a well-earned rest at approximately 40 degrees Celsius.
The return route passes Ljótipollur, an explosion crater lake ringed by dark-red walls that formed in 1477, before descending to Háifoss, the third-highest waterfall in Iceland at 122 meters. Standing at the rim of the canyon beside Háifoss and its neighbor Granni, visitors gain a perspective on the highland interior that few other itineraries provide in a single day.
Tour Highlights
Landmannalaugar rhyolite mountains with their extraordinary range of mineral colors set against black lava fields.
Hjálparfoss, a double-flume waterfall framed by basalt columns and fed by glacial and geothermal waters.
Hnausapollur crater lake, formed approximately 1,130 years ago, displaying deep blue water inside a volcanic bowl.
Háifoss waterfall plunging 122 meters into a canyon alongside its companion fall, Granni.
Geothermal hot spring at the foot of Laugahraun lava field, offering a natural pool at around 40 degrees Celsius.
Ljótipollur explosion crater lake surrounded by dark-red volcanic walls, formed during a 1477 eruption.
Þjórsárdalur valley, a National Forest recovering from centuries of volcanic ashfall with birch woodland and lupins.
Itinerary Overview
The tour opens in the green valley of Þjórsárdalur, traversed by Iceland's longest river and flanked by pumice fields and birch forest left by Hekla eruptions. A short stop follows at Hjálparfoss, a two-stepped waterfall split over twin flumes that merge into a wide plunge pool bordered by basalt formations.
Also known as Bláhylur, this 30-hectare lake sits inside a volcanic crater formed roughly 1,130 years ago. A viewpoint above the crater rim offers a panoramic perspective over the vivid blue water and the colored mountains encircling the basin.
The route passes the colorful lake of Frostastaðavatn before reaching the highland basin of Landmannalaugar, where a multi-hour guided walk traverses rhyolite ridges toward Brennisteinsfjöll. The hike is rated accessible to casual walkers and concludes at the natural geothermal pool beside the Laugahraun lava field.
On the return, the tour visits Ljótipollur, a crater lake ringed by striking dark-red volcanic walls formed in an explosion in 1477 along the Torfajökull Volcanic System. The contrast between the red crater walls and the lake surface makes it one of the most visually dramatic stops of the day.
The final highlight is Háifoss, at 122 meters the third-tallest waterfall in Iceland, located in a deep canyon alongside the nearly equal Granni waterfall. The canyon viewpoint reveals the full scale of the falls and the breadth of the highland plateau above.
What Is Included
Included
- Professional guided tour throughout the day
- Transport in a highland-capable vehicle
- Access to all featured sites along the route
- Guided walk in the Landmannalaugar highland area
Not Included
- Meals and beverages
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities for the guide
- Any personal gear or hiking equipment
Important Information
Reserve Your Place on This Highland Journey
Spaces on this tour are limited by the nature of small-group highland travel. Secure your spot in advance to avoid missing one of Iceland's most concentrated geological experiences.
Book Now
