Reykjavík: Landmannalaugar Hike and the Valley of Tears

Volcanic color and warm water in one day. This 11-hour Reykjavik trip strings together Landmannalaugar in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, plus the waterfalls and cliffs of Sigöldugljúfur (the Valley of Tears). You ride out on a Super Jeep over rough highland roads, hike volcanic ground, then end with a soak.

What I like most is the Brennisteinsalda hike, where geology turns into a real, walkable story, not just a lecture. I also love the chance to cool down in the natural hot pool right after the hike, when your legs finally stop feeling heroic.

The main drawback is the road. Expect bumpy driving, tight seating at times, and the kind of motion that can make some people feel sick, especially if you tend to react to rough rides.

Key highlights to look for

• Super Jeep on Highlands roads: off-road style driving that gets you places regular buses cannot.
• Brennisteinsalda hike through obsidian fields: about a 2-hour guided walk with enough time to choose your pace.
• The obsidian detail that geeks love: black lava glass from the Laugahraun field, nicknamed Dragon Glass from Game of Thrones.
• A real soak, not a photo stop: you get time in Landmannalaugar’s natural hot pool, with a reminder to bring swimsuit and towel.
• Hjálparfoss as more than a waterfall: a two-stepped cascade tied to the Sprengisandur route and horses.
• Valley of Tears photo time: Sigöldugljúfur’s streams and waterfalls at the right moment in the day.

Super Jeep and the F-Road reality check from Reykjavik

This tour is built for people who want the Highlands, not just the Highlands view from the edge of a paved road. You start in Reykjavik with pickup from multiple bus stops and hotels, then settle in for a long ride toward the south.

The vehicle matters. You are traveling in a Super Jeep, and you should expect roads with serious bumps. One practical tip I take from past guests is to think about where you sit. If you’re the type who hates rocking, don’t assume the back rows are magic. It can feel cramped for long stretches, so plan on staying braced and bring whatever helps you tolerate motion, like a small pack of nausea medicine if you use it.

Also, you start early. You are asked to be ready at 7:30 AM, and the minibus can take up to 30 minutes to arrive depending on where you are picked up. That means you should not wander off to find coffee unless you are sure your guide can still reach you. Bring a working mobile phone and data roaming if you need it, because the tour needs to find you at the pickup point.

The day is long at 11 hours, but it is not just one long drive. Stops break it up in a way that keeps your energy steady: a waterfall photo and short walk, a long block in Landmannalaugar with guided hiking, then the Valley of Tears.

Hjálparfoss and the Sprengisandur help story

Your first meaningful stop is Hjálparfoss. It is a two-step waterfall that drops into a plunge pool, framed by striking basalt rock formations. Even if you only have a short time here, it is the kind of place that makes you understand why Iceland’s travel photos look like paintings. The waterfall is tall enough to feel dramatic, but small enough that you can get close without racing.

There is also a story behind the name. The area is called Hjálp, meaning help. Travelers used to cross the harsh Sprengisandur highland route with horses, and it was hard to find grass along the way to feed them. When they finally reached the lush area near Hjálparfoss, it felt like help arrived after days of scarcity.

That history detail matters because it changes how you see the land. Instead of thinking only about beauty, you start noticing how people have survived here, moving across deserts of rock and wind. It adds context before you head deeper into volcanic country.

Landmannalaugar: Brennisteinsalda hike, obsidian fields, and a natural hot pool reset

The heart of the day is Landmannalaugar, in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. This is where Iceland’s volcanic work shows off. You get colorful rhyolite mountains, patches of steam near hot springs, and dark lava ground that looks like it came from another planet.

You will stay over three hours in the Landmannalaugar area. That is a real amount of time for a day trip, because it gives you options. You do not have to hike every step. You get about two hours guided on the main hike up toward Brennisteinsalda, and you can explore around the huts on your own within the time window. Many people use that free time to soak, wander, and take photos from angles the guide cannot cover on the move.

The volcano story here is specific. The black obsidian comes from the Laugahraun lava field, formed in a volcanic eruption in 1477. It is often called Dragon Glass because of its look in Game of Thrones. From a traveler’s standpoint, that matters because it makes the hike more fun: you are walking across ground with a texture and a color that feel different from regular hiking trails anywhere else.

There is another geology lesson baked into the hike. Rhyolite forms from volcanic material rich in quartz and silica. Minerals add color, and in this area you’ll hear about iron and sulphur. Brennisteinsalda itself is often called the Sulphur Wave, partly because of the way those mineral tones shift across the mountainside.

Then comes the payoff. After the hike, there is time to swim or bathe in the natural hot pool. This is not an optional extra you squeeze in if you are lucky. It is part of the schedule, which is how you get that classic end-of-hike feeling, warm water right when your legs need a reset.

One practical note: you really do need a swimsuit and towel. The day gives you a soak time, but it does not rescue you from forgetting basics.

The guided hike up Brennisteinsalda and what your body will notice

The guided part is set up for a broad range of hikers. Reviews and firsthand-style notes point to it being beginner-friendly, as long as you show up in decent shoes and you do not expect a gentle stroll.

What you will feel first is the ground. Obsidian fields can look smooth and scary at the same time, because you are stepping across cooled volcanic material. The tour frames it as an approx 2-hour guided hike through obsidian fields up toward Brennisteinsalda. That guided time is valuable because you are not stuck guessing the route while also trying to take in the colors and steam.

You will also learn what you are looking at. Guides often share the legends and the geology while you hike, and it makes the scenery easier to remember later. Some guides you might encounter include Eddy, Sarah, Tomasz, Eric, Bessi, and Einar, each known for explaining what you see in plain language and keeping a calm, safe rhythm on uneven ground.

Timing is built in so you do not feel like you are constantly rushing. You hike, you pause, you look around, then you return with enough time left for bathing. If weather is rough, the key thing is flexibility. If the hike does not feel safe in heavy rain or strong wind, you might find your group adjusts plans and you still have a chance to enjoy the hot springs area.

My advice to you: treat this like a geology walk more than a fitness test. Your goal is steady footing, warm layers for the returns, and a willingness to slow down for photo stops when the guide calls them.

Sigöldugljúfur, the Valley of Tears, and why the waterfalls feel otherworldly

After Landmannalaugar, the day shifts to Sigöldugljúfur, known as the Valley of Tears. This is a different type of beauty. Instead of colored mountain slopes and lava textures, you get cliffs, streams, small ponds, and waterfalls coming from spring-fed water.

The tour usually positions this as a photo stop plus scenic time. You are not expected to do the kind of all-day trail walking you do in Landmannalaugar. Even so, Sigöldugljúfur can still feel intense because the water is so clear and because the valley walls frame the whole scene.

What makes it memorable is the mix of elements: crystal-clear cascades, small watercourses cutting through rock, and colored vegetation along the edges. It is also a spot that many people search for because it looks incredible in photos. You get that moment without spending your whole day chasing it, which is a big value for an 11-hour itinerary.

Price and logistics: does it feel worth $210?

At $210 per person, this tour is not a budget day trip. But you are paying for the hard parts: the long-distance drive from Reykjavik, the Super Jeep transport, and the guided hike time.

Here is what you get for the money:

• Pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik by Super Jeep
• A local guide sharing geology, legends, and insider tips
• Guided hike through Landmannalaugar’s rhyolite mountains and lava fields, including the walk up toward Brennisteinsalda
• Time to bathe in the natural hot pool (swimsuit and towel required)
• Scenic stops, including Sigöldugljúfur for the Valley of Tears
• Photo assistance during the day
• Small group size for flexibility
• Free Wi-Fi and USB ports on board

What you do not get is food and drinks. That is the biggest gap you need to plan for yourself. The practical move is to buy lunch before you leave Reykjavik or bring snacks you can tolerate eating in the car. You will likely want a full tank for the hike, then a relaxed soak after.

Also keep expectations realistic. This day is excellent, but it is still a long driving day. If you prefer to minimize time in the vehicle, you might wonder if the schedule is too stretched. If you want the Highlands experience with minimal effort on route planning, it feels like good value.

Who should do this tour, and who should skip it

This is a strong match if you want:

• A guided Landmannalaugar hike without needing to navigate on your own
• Time in the natural hot pool to reward the hike
• A day that combines geology, waterfalls, and a soak, all without changing hotels
• A small group pace and photo help from a guide

It is not a good fit if:

• You need wheelchair access (the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users)
• You are traveling with children under 10
• You know rough roads make you miserable, unless you take steps to manage motion sickness

If you are an active beginner, you should be fine, as long as you wear hiking shoes and you bring rain gear. Iceland weather can turn fast, and the tour guidance expects you to be prepared for wind, wet ground, and changing temperatures.

And one more practical point. This trip often runs on roads where animals can affect traffic. You might hit delays if sheep or horses block a road. It is part of the Highlands reality, not a failure of planning.

Should you book Reykjavik: Landmannalaugar hike and the Valley of Tears?

Yes, if you want one day that delivers three big rewards: Landmannalaugar’s volcanic scenery, a guided walk up toward Brennisteinsalda, and the chance to soak in a natural hot pool, then finish with the waterfalls of Sigöldugljúfur.

I would only hesitate if you are very sensitive to bumpy rides, or if you hate long days with limited flexibility to linger. Also, make sure you can handle basic outdoor prep. If you forget a swimsuit, or you show up without rain gear and gloves, you will feel that mistake immediately.

If you want the Highlands experience with geology explained, photo help on the key stops, and minimal stress, this one is hard to beat for a single day.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The total duration is 11 hours.

What is included in the price?

Pickup and drop-off in Reykjavík by comfortable Super Jeep, a local English-speaking guide, a guided hike in Landmannalaugar, option to bathe in the natural hot pool, scenic stops including Sigöldugljúfur, photo assistance from the guide, free Wi-Fi and USB ports on board, and a small group setup.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

How much hiking do I do in Landmannalaugar?

You get about a 2-hour guided hike through the obsidian fields up toward Brennisteinsalda. You also have additional time in the Landmannalaugar area to explore on your own within the schedule.

Do I get time to swim in a hot pool?

Yes. You will have time to bathe or swim in the natural hot spring at Landmannalaugar. Bring a swimsuit and a towel.

What happens at the Valley of Tears?

You visit Sigöldugljúfur for photo stops and sightseeing. The schedule includes time there, but it is not described as a long hike.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, swimsuit, towel, camera, hiking shoes, rain gear, gloves, outdoor clothing, and a daypack.

What time do I need to be ready for pickup?

You should be ready at 7:30 AM. The minibus may take up to 30 minutes to arrive depending on your pickup location.

Is the tour suitable for kids or wheelchair users?

No. It is not suitable for children under 10, and it is not suitable for wheelchair users.