Enthusiastic hikers can tackle the challenging 34-mile (54-kilometer) Laugavegur trail, which runs from Landmannalaugar all the way to the Thorsmork Valley and is considered the country’s best. Less-experienced adventurers can do the first 10-mile (16.5-kilometer) part of the Landmannahellir trail around Laugahraun lava field. Alternatively, join a hiking tour—these typically includes a visit to a natural hot spring, a Jeep tour across the rugged terrain, or horse riding excursion through the Jokul Gil valley.
If you’re planning to take a multi-day hike, it’s advisable to travel with a guide.
There’s only a small shop at the Landmannalaugar base camp, so you should bring food and water with you.
There’s no gas station in Landmannalaugar, so fill up before you depart.
You can stay overnight at one of the campsites and mountain huts in the area.
From Reykjavík, it is a 112-mile (180-kilometer) drive to Landmannalaugar. You can make the drive in three hours, but should consider giving yourself longer so that you can make stops at the many scenic spots along the way. As roads in the Highlands aren’t paved and are very challenging, you'll need to have a 4-wheel drive vehicle. If you don’t want to drive on rough roads, or have the right vehicle, book a tour.
The roads that lead into the Highlands are only open during the summer months, from late June until early September—though adverse weather conditions sometimes mean that opening and closing dates vary. Adventurous travelers willing to face the cold can visit in winter by booking an offroad vehicle tour.
Don’t forget to pack a swimsuit and towel. The Landmannalaugar valley is filled with geothermal hot springs. Close to the Landmannalaugar mountain hut, the rustic Landmannalaugar pool is free, but there’s a fee to use the showers and changing room—thoroughly showering (fully naked) with soap is required before entering the pool.
