Landmannalaugar - Highland Tours

A paradise of raw nature

Less than 20 kilometers east of infamous volcano Hekla is the location of Landmannalaugar – a truly amazing geothermal area and probably the most renowned and prestigious highland paradise of the entire country, situated around 600 meters above sea level.

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Description

The mountains encircling the area are remarkably multicoloured since they are mostly made from sour magma that was cooked in the magna chamber of volcano located by Torfajokull glacier south of Landmannalaugar. The Torfajokull-area is richer of riolit than any other region in Iceland and the countries second largest high temperature geothermal area next to Grimsvotn in the Vatnajokull glacier. The sour-magma and the geothermal heat is located within a huge chamber – the biggest of its kind in Iceland.

The Landmannalaugar environment is literally a wonderland. The rich colours of the mountains surrounding the area and its outstanding contrasts appearing in the raven-black and glittering riolit-lavafields, are truly amazing. The neighbouring Hrafntinnuhraun lava-field, which is pitch-black, was created in a volcanic eruption in year 872 but the sour lava-fields closer by Landmannalaugar, the Namshraun and Laugahraun lava-fields, were created in an eruption in 1480, or just over 500 years ago.

From the edge of Laugahraun lava-field spring up several hot-water streams and hot springs as well as sources of cold-water that mix together in a little warm river. The natural warm-water pool there is quite unique and an ideal bathing place all year around – with temperature of around 36-40 degrees centigrade even in the midst of a snowy winter.  

The Landmannalaugar area is located on the spit of land between the rivers Jokulgilskvisl and Namskvisl. South of Landmannalaugar lies a spectacular canyon, Jokulgil, reaching around 13 kilometers south to Torfajokull glacier. A truly breath-taking hiking trail runs along the entire canyon. Phenomenal hiking-tours are also to be found in the surrounding hills and lava-fields of Blahjukur, Brennisteinsalda, Barmur and Laugahraun.

Tourist facilities in Landmannalaugar are fairly impressive. In the center of the area there is located a big lodge owned by Ferdafelag Islands, built in year 1969. It is a two-floor building; downstairs is a spacious sleeping-cabin, kitchen, large hall and a storage room. Upstairs are three separate sleeping-cabins and a small attic. There is room for 75 guests in beds and on floor mattresses. The lodge is heated with geothermal heat and the kitchen is equipped with gas. Pots and pans are available, as well as all other equipment for eating and preparing meals. The lodge is heated up and kept warm all year around and is specially inviting for visitors in cold winter days. The warm bathing-pool is situated just outside the lodge. Sanitary facilities are excellent but the camping site is troublesome and stony – hard to pin down tents. Landmannalaugar is also the starting point for the highly popular hiking-route "Laugavegur" south to the forested valley of Thorsmork. This much favored hiking route is about 53 kilometers long and commonly it takes hikers 3 – 5 days to reach their destination in the Thorsmork valley.
Extreme Iceland offers tours to Mount Hekla and Landmannalaugar all year a round. Day-tours, two day-tours, weekend tours, and longer trips – all designed to meet the needs and wishes of every single tourist. The Landmannalaugar area is just as amazing and inviting in winter as summer. We offer adventurous trips to Landmannalaugar all winter – weather is never an obstacle: Welcome to the only warm ice in the world.

Day tours

Landmannalaugar - A Gorgeous Must-See

Thermal bathing in a truly mesmerizing environment

Landmannalaugar is such a natural gem in the highlands of Iceland with some of the most surprising and memorable landscape. Take a hike in a breathtaking scenery and then go for a thermal swim in the lukewarm hot spring stream. Can you say it? Land-manna-laugar. It means "the people's pools".

Operation: June 18 - Sept 10       Price: 18,000 ISK

Landmannalaugar Highlands and Volcano Hekla

Bathe in a thermal pool and visit a volcano

This is not just a trip for those interested in geology anyone with a love of nature and stunning landscapes should join us on this very special Iceland super jeep excursion to the highlands. Before reaching Landmannalaugar, head to Mount Hekla.

Operation: all year       Price: 37,900 ISK

Longer tours

Landmannalaugar in Time of Northern Lights - Three Day Tour

Relax at a hot pool in stunning landscape

Travel the Golden circle route and on to the nature wonder world of Landmannalaugar. In a modified 4x4 super jeep on bigger tires you get to the central highlands, covered in snow and get then to the cozy mountain hut with a steaming thermal pool. Possibly, enjoy the Aurora Borealis!

Operation: Oct - April        Price: 79,000 ISK

Landmannalaugar: Pearl of the Highlands & Golden Circle

The colorful rhyolite mountains of Iceland

This two-day super jeep tour will take you to some of Iceland’s most famous sites and natural wonders: Landmannalaugar, the central highlands and the Golden Circle. It is a true Icelandic adventure in a fantastic landscape, combined with relaxation in geothermal pools.

Operation: June - April       Price: from 49,000 ISK

Highland Circle - Shorter Version

North Sprengisandur and south Kjolur

We drive east from Reykjavik and set our course to the highland road Sprengisandur that lies between two of Icelands most magnificent glaciers, Hofsjokull and Vatnajokull. We spend the night in the mountain hut at Nyidalur, which is an oasis by the Sprengisandur highland road.

Operation: all year       Price: contact us.

Highland Circle - Longer Version

Sprengisandur, Askja, Myvatn, Dettifoss, Asbyrgi

We drive east from Reykjavik to the famous volcanic mountain Hekla. From there we drive to the highland geothermal oasis Landmannalaugar, we dip into the geothermal pool and spend the first night at central highland tourist station by Hrauneyjar dam.

Operation: all year       Price: contact us.

Longer bus tours

Across the Wilderness

Combine classical routes with the desolated volcanic highlands

Traveling in a 4x4 vehicle enables us to combine classical routes with the desolated volcanic highlands. This tour takes you out of the ordinary and into the extraordinary allowing you to witness the endless contrasts in the Icelandic nature.

Operation: Jun 30 - Aug 25       Price: from 1,995 €

Self drive

The Magical Highlands - Car Rental

The Rugged Highlands of Iceland in Detail

Rent a jeep and drive the Icelandic highlands. This tour has everything: volcanoes, hot springs, geysers, natural bathing pools, national parks, glaciers and other natural wonders. You can go whale watching in north Iceland and you could take a glacier hike and a boat tour in Langjokull glacier plus many other exciting activities.

Operation: July - Sep Duration: 8 days / 7 nights