Landmannalaugar Hike & the Valley of Tears from RVK & Selfoss

Rhyolite mountains and hot springs in one day. This Landmannalaugar Hike & the Valley of Tears tour pairs rugged highland walking with a soak in Iceland’s natural hot pool, plus memorable waterfall scenery like Hjálparfoss.

I especially like two things. First, the day runs with a small group (up to 19), which helps you move together on gravel roads and keeps the stops from feeling rushed. Second, I like that the bus includes Wi-Fi and the price covers round-trip transit with pickup from Reykjavík, with an option to pick up in Selfoss on the South Coast.

One thing to consider: it is a long day, with significant bumpy gravel driving and limited food and bathroom options once you’re out in the highlands.

Key highlights I’d plan around

• Landmannalaugar rhyolite terrain plus geothermal scenery, packed into one guided outing
• Round-trip pickup from Reykjavík (and Selfoss option), with a 30 minute pickup window
• On-site hot springs time, so bring a swimsuit and towel
• Valley of Tears added at the end for more waterfalls and dramatic views
• Max 19 travelers, which makes pacing and regrouping easier
• Wi-Fi on the bus and an air-conditioned vehicle for comfort on the road

Why Landmannalaugar feels like Iceland in fast-forward

If you want Iceland’s highlands without renting a vehicle and doing the logistics yourself, this is a strong one-day option. The whole outing is built around Landmannalaugar’s mix of colorful geothermal features and tough-looking mountains that still somehow feel friendly once you’re walking among them.

What makes it especially appealing is that you are not just hopping from viewpoint to viewpoint. You are getting guided hiking time, a geothermal hot pool experience, then finishing with the Valley of Tears scenery. It’s a full “I get why people come back” kind of day.

There is also a practical upside: because you’re going by tour vehicle, you can focus on the trails and the soaking, not the road. The tradeoff is that the day is long, so you’ll want to show up ready to move.

Reykjavik pickup, the long gravel drive, and the value of $199

You start early, with pickup beginning around 7:30 am and a pickup window that can stretch up to 30 minutes. The tour starts in a Reykjavík pickup zone using a vehicle that can handle city constraints, then you’re off toward the South Coast for highland roads.

The price, $199 per person, is easier to swallow when you look at what’s wrapped inside it: round-trip transit, guide service, and fees and taxes, plus Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. You are also paying for someone else to handle the off-road driving and timing, which is a big deal on the gravel stretches where comfort can drop and schedules matter.

Just know what you are signing up for. Some parts of the drive are described as rough gravel roads that can feel uncomfortable, and the ride takes you out far enough that facilities are limited later on. Bring patience, and pack like it’s a day outdoors first, tour day second.

One more value note: the tour is usually booked about 65 days in advance. If you’re traveling in peak season, planning ahead is smart, because this is a small-group style outing with a real capacity limit.

Stop 1: Landmannalaugar hike, rhyolite colors, and the hot pool payoff

Landmannalaugar is the reason this tour exists. You’ll spend the core of your day hiking through the area’s striking rhyolite mountains and geothermal features, guided by someone who shares geology and history along the way. That matters because it turns a dramatic walk into something you can actually explain afterward, even if you’re not a science person.

The route time you’ll have for hiking is roughly in the neighborhood of two hours, though it can feel shorter or longer depending on weather and how often the group pauses for photos. Several people note the hike can include steeper spots, and one review called out that there may be sections where senior travelers need to be in good shape. So if you’re planning this as an easy stroll, keep your expectations realistic.

Then comes the best part for many people: the natural hot springs. You’re encouraged to bring a swimsuit and towel, and there’s a clear message that the hot bath is not an add-on, it’s the ending you’re working toward. One important practical detail from feedback: there are no changing rooms next to the baths, so you’ll want to plan to change in the bathroom building before you head into the water.

Also, don’t underestimate the “cold wind plus hot water” feeling. If it’s breezy, it can be annoying while you’re getting settled, but once you’re in, the naturally warm inflow is what keeps you comfortable. It’s scenic, relaxing, and very Iceland in spirit.

Stop 2: Sigoldugljufur, plus the rhythm of quick breaks

Between the major moments, you’ll make stops for scenery and timing. Sigoldugljufur is listed as Stop 2, meaning it’s part of the guided routing, not just a random roadside photo stop.

Even without a long sit-down there, this kind of stop is useful because it breaks up the driving so you’re not arriving at Landmannalaugar stiff and cranky. It also helps your guide manage the group pace so you get to the big experiences when they matter most.

What to watch: if weather turns messy or the roads slow down, these intermediate stops are where time can shift. In other words, don’t assume you’ll have the same photo time as someone who went on a clear sunny day.

Stop 3: Hjálparfoss waterfall break and why it sticks in memory

Hjálparfoss is listed as Stop 3, and at least one person highlighted it as a bonus waterfall moment. Even when the day is already packed, a waterfall stop like this gives you a different texture than the mountains and thermal colors.

In a tour like this, waterfalls are not just pretty. They’re also a good “reset” point. You can take a short walk, stretch your legs, and refocus before the hike and then again before the hot springs and Valley of Tears finale.

If the weather is windy or rainy, waterfalls can feel especially satisfying because you see how the water moves in real conditions. That said, the guide will keep you on schedule, since getting behind can mean you miss later sights.

Valley of Tears: the end scene you’ll remember

After the hike and thermal break, the day wraps with the Valley of Tears. This is where you go for jaw-dropping views and a series of waterfalls, with the dramatic scenery building into the finale rather than ending on a quiet note.

The Valley of Tears section tends to land well because it gives you a second big “wow,” especially if Landmannalaugar’s colors and hot springs already hit hard. It’s also a nice payoff for the long drive. By the time you’re there, you’re ready for something visual, not just something scenic.

Timing matters here. Since you’re in a full-day itinerary and the drive can be unpredictable on rough terrain, your best strategy is to bring energy and stay flexible. If the guide manages the group well, you’ll get enough time to enjoy the views without rushing your way through it.

What to bring for Iceland’s highlands day (and what to skip)

This is an outdoor day first, so pack for that. The tour itself doesn’t include lunch, but you can plan around buying snacks at Landmannalaugar where a snack stand is available. Just don’t expect a huge spread. Several people describe limited food options and limited bathroom access once you’re at the site.

I’d bring:

• A swimsuit and towel for the hot springs
• Layers for changing weather, including wind protection
• Comfortable shoes for a hike that can have steep sections
• A small snack or refillable water, since access can be limited
• A phone strategy: keep a working phone number if you’re using the pickup system, since pickup timing can be tight

What you might skip:

• Heavy formal gear, obviously. But also skip assuming you can easily buy much food once you’re deep into the day.
• Extra time expectations for lounging. This is scheduled, and the guide will try to keep everyone on time so you see the sites you came for.

One small comfort upgrade: the bus has Wi-Fi and air-conditioning, which can help you kill time on the road without going fully offline.

Guide quality and pacing: why small groups matter

A recurring theme is how much the guide shaped the day. On different departures, guides like Eddie, Sara, Ignacio, Keren, and James were praised for being fun, engaging, and informative, and for careful handling of the drive.

That last part matters because a tour like this isn’t about smooth highways. It’s about wind, gravel, and timing. People also noted the driving style reduced stress, especially on winding roads and rough stretches.

Pacing is another big factor. Some people felt the hike pace was straightforward and manageable, with photo stops built in. Others wished for more frequent short breaks or more time at each location. Translation for your planning: if you are a strong walker, you may want to move a bit slower than your usual pace just to stay with the group. If you’re less mobile, take the steep sections seriously and use the guide’s guidance early.

Also, your guide will likely give clear instructions about staying together and being on time. A group max of 19 travelers makes those instructions easier to follow without feeling like you’re herding cats.

Weather reality and how to protect your day

This tour is dependent on weather. The operator notes it requires good weather, and if it’s canceled for poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

If weather turns rough at a highland site, you still might go, but you should expect the day to feel more intense. Reviews describe experiences that included rain, sun, snow, and strong wind on the trails. That means your gear matters, and your “I’ll just wing it” plan needs to be replaced with layers and footwear you trust.

The good news is Iceland in bad weather can still be stunning. If your goal is to see real highland nature, you don’t need perfect sunny skies to get a memorable day.

Should you book this Landmannalaugar and Valley of Tears day tour?

Book it if:

• You want one day that hits Landmannalaugar, hot springs, and the Valley of Tears without doing the drive yourself
• You like the idea of a guided hike with geology and history context
• You want a small-group style day with pickup from Reykjavík or the Selfoss area
• You’re excited about the hot springs experience and will bring a swimsuit and towel

Skip it (or think twice) if:

• You hate long days and don’t enjoy bumpy gravel driving
• You need lots of flexible downtime, because the itinerary is built around staying on schedule
• You’re not comfortable with hikes that may include steep spots, even if most people can participate

If you’re an outdoorsy traveler who wants highland scenery plus a real soak at the end, this is a strong fit. The value comes from not just the sights, but the way the day is structured so you actually get to enjoy them.

FAQ

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

It runs about 11 hours in total, and travel time is included in that duration.

What time is pickup and how does the pickup window work?

The start time is 7:30 am. Pickup uses a 30 minute window, and pickup begins at 8:00 am, though you might need to wait up to 30 minutes for the bus to arrive.

Where can I be picked up?

You can be picked up in Reykjavík, and pickup is also offered in Selfoss on the South Coast.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

What should I bring for the hot springs?

Bring a swimsuit and a towel so you can use the natural hot pool after the hike.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 19 travelers.

What happens if I cancel or the weather is bad?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. 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.