Landmannalaugar
Landmannalaugar
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5.0
246 reviews
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203
Very good
34
Average
6
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3
Terrible
1
Oleg S
Turin, Italy3 contributions
Sept 2021 • Couples
Independent travelers, I really suggest you avoid staying in the hut if you can: it's effectively been taken over by big tour groups from private companies who act as if it's their own private chalet, while the hut management don't get involved. The tour leaders set the few tables for their customers before starting cooking, preventing anyone else from using the shared facilities. We were relegated to a table outside in the cold, while another couple sat huddled in the corridor because there simply aren't nearly enough places for the number of beds at full capacity, and you won't have a chance against the organised tours who have staff to privatise the common spaces for their paying clients. The woman at the hut warden's office was bored and uninterested, and clearly felt she had no responsibility to ensure tour leaders don't take advantage.
We had paid for two nights but sacrificed the hefty cost of the second night, opting to drive back out to one of the many cheaper, more comfortable guesthouses along routes 32 and 26 into the park, which we just booked at the last minute on our phone when we realised that we'd be with the same boisterous group of 20 who'd kept us awake the night before with their drunken giggling well after official lights-out time. Admittedly we'd asked to move rooms because there weren't 2 sleeping places together when we arrived in our allotted room (the other 2 empty rooms had been held for the tour groups arriving later in the evening; for some reason they get to have beds together guaranteed whereas independent travelers don't get that luxury), but we heard from others that the situation in the room for independent travelers was no better: a third group had spilled over into their room and dominated accordingly. Basically it's not a welcoming place if there are only two of you, and much nicer options exist less than an hour's drive down the road. If you want to experience an Icelandic mountain hut, do so in another place: we'd had a great time at Breiduvik a week earlier, with the entire place to ourselves! Alternatively, bring a tent and cooking things and camp outside for lower prices and more space.
Actual facilities at Landmannalaugar are fine, but remember you'll be sleeping on a shoulder-width mat with strangers to left and right: there are zero concessions made for the pandemic in the sleeping arrangements. Lovely hot spring fed stream nearby for a relaxing dip, although I'd have preferred not to have seen a group of four people shampooing their hair in the water as I left, presumably because they didn't want to pay extra for showers, which aren't included.
Oh last thing, after asking if food could be left in the hut kitchen I returned from a walk to find an empty shelf, with my bag of coffee and jam in the bin under a pile of dusty floor sweepings. Again, I was met with an empty stare at the hut warden's office, and a comment to the effect of "Well, what do you want me to do about it?".
We had paid for two nights but sacrificed the hefty cost of the second night, opting to drive back out to one of the many cheaper, more comfortable guesthouses along routes 32 and 26 into the park, which we just booked at the last minute on our phone when we realised that we'd be with the same boisterous group of 20 who'd kept us awake the night before with their drunken giggling well after official lights-out time. Admittedly we'd asked to move rooms because there weren't 2 sleeping places together when we arrived in our allotted room (the other 2 empty rooms had been held for the tour groups arriving later in the evening; for some reason they get to have beds together guaranteed whereas independent travelers don't get that luxury), but we heard from others that the situation in the room for independent travelers was no better: a third group had spilled over into their room and dominated accordingly. Basically it's not a welcoming place if there are only two of you, and much nicer options exist less than an hour's drive down the road. If you want to experience an Icelandic mountain hut, do so in another place: we'd had a great time at Breiduvik a week earlier, with the entire place to ourselves! Alternatively, bring a tent and cooking things and camp outside for lower prices and more space.
Actual facilities at Landmannalaugar are fine, but remember you'll be sleeping on a shoulder-width mat with strangers to left and right: there are zero concessions made for the pandemic in the sleeping arrangements. Lovely hot spring fed stream nearby for a relaxing dip, although I'd have preferred not to have seen a group of four people shampooing their hair in the water as I left, presumably because they didn't want to pay extra for showers, which aren't included.
Oh last thing, after asking if food could be left in the hut kitchen I returned from a walk to find an empty shelf, with my bag of coffee and jam in the bin under a pile of dusty floor sweepings. Again, I was met with an empty stare at the hut warden's office, and a comment to the effect of "Well, what do you want me to do about it?".
Written 11 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fabinico
Paris, France381 contributions
Aug 2022
Il there's a place that's worth going out of your way and the comfort of Road n°1, it's Landmannalaugar. The diversity of landscapes (the colourful mountains of course, but not only), the succession of breathtaking viewpoints is truly unmatched in Iceland.
You can go on a day trip from Reykjavik but it will leave you little time (around 4h30) to hike around and chill in the hot river at base camp. I really recommend spending a night on site, not only to give you time to enjoy the place but also because the weather can be tricky. We spent two nights at Landmannalaugar, day 1 was overcast, day 2 we did our main hike under a glorious sun, but left on day 3 under mist and rain. Being able to adapt your schedule over two days is a great advantage.
In summer, camping is the easiest option. Unless you're lucky or well organised, the hut is booked months ahead by tour operators.
Weather permitting, the hikes are easy for anyone used to walking in the mountains. Our main hike was climbing the Brennisteinsalda through the Graenagil canyon, down to Vondugil then up and back the Sudurnamur crests. 5-6 hours no rush, absolutely gorgeous.
You can go on a day trip from Reykjavik but it will leave you little time (around 4h30) to hike around and chill in the hot river at base camp. I really recommend spending a night on site, not only to give you time to enjoy the place but also because the weather can be tricky. We spent two nights at Landmannalaugar, day 1 was overcast, day 2 we did our main hike under a glorious sun, but left on day 3 under mist and rain. Being able to adapt your schedule over two days is a great advantage.
In summer, camping is the easiest option. Unless you're lucky or well organised, the hut is booked months ahead by tour operators.
Weather permitting, the hikes are easy for anyone used to walking in the mountains. Our main hike was climbing the Brennisteinsalda through the Graenagil canyon, down to Vondugil then up and back the Sudurnamur crests. 5-6 hours no rush, absolutely gorgeous.
Written 6 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jeipibi
39 contributions
Aug 2022
One of the best things to do in Iceland (and there are lot of good things to do there)..
Astonishing views.
We recommend taking TREX bus in Hella early in the morning (book in advance) and take the last one in return That allows you to stay there 7-8 hours. Then you have time to climb both, blue and pink mountains and having a bath in the most amazing hot spring in the world.
Astonishing views.
We recommend taking TREX bus in Hella early in the morning (book in advance) and take the last one in return That allows you to stay there 7-8 hours. Then you have time to climb both, blue and pink mountains and having a bath in the most amazing hot spring in the world.
Written 21 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
www.mikereidphotography.com
Seattle, WA259 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
This was my 7th trip to Iceland and 4th visit to the Landmannalaugar area. This will be from a photographer's perspective and one who self-drove into the area. I've gone via three routes. I've driven F225 to F208, F208 from the north and F208 from the east. East 208 has the most river crossings. I've done them in August in everything from a Dacia Duster to a Land Rover. Camping or sleeping in the vehicle. F225 is the tourbus route and easiest but the road is full of washboard. Lots of good scenery from a drone's view. F208 from the north is longer but very scenic and includes some nice falls. Also the easiest gas access from Landmannalaugar.
Once you've reached the campground area, you can park outside the water crossing and walk in, or go for the crossing. Slow and not through the middle is my advice. This is a great place to hang out for a day or two, get a quick shower and watch the weather come and go. By now you have realized the weather forecast is not worth much more than a few hours out. I recommend two hikes in the area. Across the lava fields into the Vondugil valley, and Sudurnamur Ridge up above. Google Landmannalaugar day hikes for further explanations.
Sunrise and sunset light is amazing here if you can catch it. A clear sky will light up the various ridges around the area. Even from the parking lot. But if you can climb Sudurnamur or Blue Peak, it will be even better. Clear blue skies also add color to the rivers as seen from above.
Feel free to contact me with specific questions - Mike
Once you've reached the campground area, you can park outside the water crossing and walk in, or go for the crossing. Slow and not through the middle is my advice. This is a great place to hang out for a day or two, get a quick shower and watch the weather come and go. By now you have realized the weather forecast is not worth much more than a few hours out. I recommend two hikes in the area. Across the lava fields into the Vondugil valley, and Sudurnamur Ridge up above. Google Landmannalaugar day hikes for further explanations.
Sunrise and sunset light is amazing here if you can catch it. A clear sky will light up the various ridges around the area. Even from the parking lot. But if you can climb Sudurnamur or Blue Peak, it will be even better. Clear blue skies also add color to the rivers as seen from above.
Feel free to contact me with specific questions - Mike
Written 3 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex C
1 contribution
Aug 2021
We went on a hiking tour to Landmannalaugar (organized by ArcticAdventures) on a recent trip to Iceland and
had a wonderful experience. Our group was led by Vjeran who was a fantastic guide, highly energetic, sociable, knowledgeable and professional. The views
and terrain at Landmannalaugar are truly breathtaking; at times we felt transported to another planet. At one point during our hike a cloud rolled in and we found ourselves in white-out conditions.
Thanks to our guide we were able to quickly orient ourselves and proceed on course. After trying our the hot springs after our hike,
we managed to forget my daughter's hiking boots there (lol... in my excuse it was raining and we were rushing to collect our belongings after our
daughter ran off to the tour bus in flip-flops). Thankfully, we contacted Vjeran and he was able to pick them up on his next trip there a few days later
and even met us in Rejkavik to return them to us. Thank you, Vjeran! Highly recommend this trip and ArcticAdventures
had a wonderful experience. Our group was led by Vjeran who was a fantastic guide, highly energetic, sociable, knowledgeable and professional. The views
and terrain at Landmannalaugar are truly breathtaking; at times we felt transported to another planet. At one point during our hike a cloud rolled in and we found ourselves in white-out conditions.
Thanks to our guide we were able to quickly orient ourselves and proceed on course. After trying our the hot springs after our hike,
we managed to forget my daughter's hiking boots there (lol... in my excuse it was raining and we were rushing to collect our belongings after our
daughter ran off to the tour bus in flip-flops). Thankfully, we contacted Vjeran and he was able to pick them up on his next trip there a few days later
and even met us in Rejkavik to return them to us. Thank you, Vjeran! Highly recommend this trip and ArcticAdventures
Written 7 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
laylalae
Slovakia268 contributions
Jul 2021
We came here by our rented campervan through F208 - south-eastern part which starts from around Kirkjubæjarklaustur. This part of the road is full of river crossings which my husband enjoyed to the fullest (though the crossings were not so deep in July). We stayed in Landmannalaugar campground for two nights and we loved it there. It was all so relaxed there and the mountains are just beautiful. Some say it is similar to Kerlingarfjoll but I am glad we did both - for me they were different and both beautiful.
We did the Blahnúkúr Brennisteinsalda Loop and we loved it. It´s about 10 km hike and definitely not that difficult as it may seem from the beginning.
The school bus store in the campground is quite well stocked so don´t be afraid if you forget to bring enough food.
From Landmannalaugar we continued the other part of F208 which was free from river crossings and definitely less amusing than coming to Landmannalaugar.
We did the Blahnúkúr Brennisteinsalda Loop and we loved it. It´s about 10 km hike and definitely not that difficult as it may seem from the beginning.
The school bus store in the campground is quite well stocked so don´t be afraid if you forget to bring enough food.
From Landmannalaugar we continued the other part of F208 which was free from river crossings and definitely less amusing than coming to Landmannalaugar.
Written 2 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hannah D
3 contributions
Sept 2021 • Friends
Booked a hiking day trip here with my two friends through ArcticAdventures, our tour guide was the amazing and kind Vjeran!! He taught us so much about Landmannalaugar as we hiked it and as well as lots of cool facts and information about Iceland whilst we drove there on the bus from Reykjavik.
Landmannalaugar is incredible, we had amazing views from up the mountain we hiked and took so many cool pictures. After the hike we were able to bathe in the hot springs it was so relaxing and nice. I would definitely go back and I recommend this place to everyone!
Landmannalaugar is incredible, we had amazing views from up the mountain we hiked and took so many cool pictures. After the hike we were able to bathe in the hot springs it was so relaxing and nice. I would definitely go back and I recommend this place to everyone!
Written 13 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pepper
Seattle, WA1,588 contributions
Jun 2021
A gorgeous , forbidding landscape. We had a picnic into this beautiful area- though we did not hike in it. We forded many streams in a van built for it- and could see how some cars that were not suited for it could get picked up and carried away, But we had no bad luck and found a very sunny picnic table far from the camping grounds that were packed with people who knew their vheicles could not get across these rivers. This is a gorge of glaciers , volcanos, trails leading everywhere, canyons - a rich and enticing scenic area.
Written 9 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tissa.travels
Rotterdam, The Netherlands2,298 contributions
Sept 2019
The drive into the highlands of Iceland is beautiful in itself. The easiest way to get in is to drive up road 26, later F26, until the junction with F208. After turning right it gets a bit bumpier, but easy to do with 4WD. No river crossings on the way in. The scenery gets even better when in Landmannalaugar itself. You can do a full day hike here, crossing lava fields with sulfur steam and the most colourful mountains around you. Breathtaking. Must do.
Written 20 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
apexbeat
Bellevue, WA76 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We stayed at Hella and drove in our all wheel drive Dacia Duster. The drive is mostly paved except for ghe last hour which is unpaved but also “extremely rough”. So be prepared if you are driving. Most reports don’t stress this enough. There are NO RESTROOMS on the way so be prepared to hold your bladder for 2 hours over a bumpy road!
Other than the ride, the area has gorgeous scenery. We got unlucky with the weather so I imagine it’s even more beautiful on a sunny day.
Crowded! BE PREPARED! Finding a parking space can be difficult unless you are prepared to cross 2 water crossings near the camp site. So arrive early!
Other than the ride, the area has gorgeous scenery. We got unlucky with the weather so I imagine it’s even more beautiful on a sunny day.
Crowded! BE PREPARED! Finding a parking space can be difficult unless you are prepared to cross 2 water crossings near the camp site. So arrive early!
Written 6 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How long should we plan for the hike? Is it like a classic Mountain with one peak?
Written 2 September 2022
buonasera,
settembre è ancora un buon periodo per visitare Landmannalaungar?
Written 2 July 2020
Hey, we're planing to visit the area at late August, for one day trip (will be there for all day). We saw that there's no where to sleep but camp, do we need to bring our own tent or is it possible to rent one there?
Also, If we come from Haiffos, is it safe to drive that road with Suzuki Jimny?
Written 15 February 2020
We wish to go to Landmannalaugar in June next year. We could take a guided tour, but I think I'd prefer to take the bus and hike by ourselves - as long as the main 4 hour trail is well signposted. (Trail: about 8-10km through lava field, down Vondugil canyon, up Mt. Brennisteinsalda; then down through Graenagil gorge and possibly up & down Blahnukur Volcano). Can anyone please advise if this trail is easy to follow? Thank you
Written 13 October 2019
End of June is preferable to early June as rivers are running lower. River crossings are consequently less hazardous. Trails around Landmannalaugar are quite evident as there are lots of people hiking around. Hiking skills is a must should you plan to hike on your own. Have security devices (GPS, SPOT transmitter, etc.) are advisable. Carry along warm and dry clothes (waterproof jacket & pants, down jacket, gloves and extra socks) as weather can change very suddenly. Also talk to the rangers at the campground. They do have lots of interesting information to share (weather forecast, points of interest and potential hazards to care for). Enjoy the hike. Iceland is just beautiful everywhere.
Written 13 October 2019
We are planning to visit Landmannalauger at the end of October to go to the hot springs. Wlll we need a 4x4 to get there? We fly into Reyj. on 22/10 then thought of going to Laugarvatn for a few nights and then onto Landmannalauger? Is this route passable? Or should we think to do something different ie come from the Vik route? Thank you in advance.
Written 7 September 2019
I agree with everyone’s advise. You will need a 4x4 as dirt roads leading to Laugarvatn and Landmannalaugar is very rough and there are several river crossings. Water levels can be high and current strong. Crossing rivers can become hazardous. So you will need to get information on road conditions at touristic information offices prior to drive there. One other point to keep in mind: Renting a car is very expensive in Ísland.
Written 8 September 2019
I find some confusing information. I will be on Iceland from 4th to 12th June, are the some daily tours available?
I will have car rented, so what is the best place to start the tour?
Can you suggest some tour operators please?
Written 1 June 2019
We actually did a bus tour by TREX with a pick-up at Hella. I wouldn't say this was a tour in that they provide a lot of information, but it was easy transportation to Landmannalaugar. There are different times that they will drop you off and pick you up so you can tailor it to your schedule. I would recommend it.
Written 17 June 2019
Which is the best 4*4 car to drive on F roads ?
what is best navigation system to drive with, how good is Google?
What is nearest best stopover to get going from.
Thanks
Written 24 April 2019
We’ve rented a Suzuki Jimny, although Dacia Duster seems to be the number one choice of cars over here.
Google is great, real good reception almost everywhere. No need for a satnav.
We came in via the road from Selfoss area (about 2hours, road 30 turning into 26), another good option might be Hella via 26.
Written 1 June 2019
הי. אנחנו משפחה של חמישה נפשות. אנחנו מתכננים לנסוע לאיסלנד ביולי השנה ומעוניינים לבקר בשמורת Landmannalaugar באמצעות טיול יומי באוטובוס דרך חברת תיירות מקומית. איזו חברה מומלצת? מהי נקודת האיסוף? האם נקודת האיסוף קיימת רק בריקיוויק או גם ממקומות אחרים בקרבת Kirkjubæjarklaustur? תודה.
Hello, we plan to visit Iceland in July and would like to take a daily tour to Landmannalaugar. We are 5 people (2 adults and 3 kids) and we want the tour by bus (not private). Where are the pickup locations? Is there a trip going from Kirkjubæjarklaustur as well? thank you.
Written 2 April 2019
We would love to visit Landmannalauger in the first few days of September this year and I have a couple of questions.
1) I have poured through numerous posts and have read that the F roads to get there are passable with a 4x4, which we are planning to rent. However we don't want to attempt any river crossings. So I just wanted to confirm what is the best way to get there without any significant river crossings (small streams where water doesn't go above mid tire is OK and I understand that you can park the vehicle just before a river at Landmannalaugar and walk across a footbridge to begin the hikes). Note - We prefer to drive vs a pre-booked bus or tour as we want the flexibility to skip if the weather is terrible that day.
2) We will be somewhat tight on time. How far from the base to you have to hike to start to see good views of the colorful rhyolite mountains? Do you have to go all the way to the top of Bláhnúkur “Blue Peak” to see them?
Thanks for your help.
Written 15 March 2019
Hello!
We’ve just returned from Landmannalaugar and are still excited about this place. We went there by 4WD car (Suzuki Jimny) which was fine. Didn’t attempt the river crossing but parked the car right in front of it. There is a foot bridge to the camp, it’s only a short walk so I wouldn’t fuss with the river. The easy and clearly marked hiking path to the colourful mountains starts at the camp, it’s about 2km one way to get a really good look. We went for the full 7-8km loop, highly recommended. Took us about 3 hours or so as we climbed the brennissteinsalda peak too.
Enjoy!
Written 1 June 2019
Hello we are a party of 4 traveling to Iceland in March and would very much like to attempt a hike (not more than4-5hrs) in Landmannalaugar.
My questions
1)is it open/safe to do in March as the websites mention July to September
2)we will be getting a car (4x4) mostly ;however we have booked a place in the laugavegur . Is it worth taking the car or are than any buses from this location that we can take .
We do intend to drive back to Reykjavík that same day .
Thanks in advance
Written 25 February 2019
We went in early September so I do not know the conditions in March. I know that public transport is very hard to come by and some places you actually have to reserve ahead of time. But it is very remote and yes if you rent vehicle, 1) the sturdy one and 2) check their website for season hours of operations.
Written 25 February 2019
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