One highland day can feel like three trips. This Landmannalaugar, waterfalls, and hot-springs loop is built to get you out of Reykjavik fast and into scenery most people miss. You start early, ride in a comfortable vehicle, and finish with natural hot springs after a guided hike in the highlands.

I especially like the easy guided hike at Landmannalaugar, with lava fields and rhyolite hills, plus those steaming geothermal pools you can watch as you walk. I also like the practical touch: a professional driver and a smaller group size (up to 15), which matters on long bumpy days and for hearing the guide’s explanations clearly.

One thing to consider: it is a long 13-hour day, and lunch plus bottled water are not included, so you’ll want to plan your food and layers early.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel Day-of

• Up to 15 travelers for a more personal feel on long roads
• Hjálparfoss with a turquoise pool and basalt rock setting
• Háifoss (122 meters high) plus extra time for the nearby countryside stop
• Bláhylur volcanic crater lake, formed about 1,200 years ago
• Landmannalaugar guided hike through lava fields, rhyolite hills, and steaming geothermal areas
• Hot-springs soak included for the recovery part of the day

Starting From Reykjavik at 7:00am: Settle In for the Long Ride

This tour leaves Reykjavík at 7:00am and returns to the same meeting point (Bus Stop #12, Höfðatorg, Þórunnartún 6). It is listed as about 13 hours, which is long by city-day standards, but it is the price you pay for reaching the Icelandic Highlands and still seeing multiple stops in one go.

The ride itself is part of the value. You’re in an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi onboard, and the itinerary is paced with frequent short breaks early in the day and a longer Landmannalaugar block later. Pickup is offered from select hotels, so you are not stuck doing extra transfers before you even leave town.

On rougher roads (you will likely be on unpaved surfaces at points), the difference between an okay driver and a confident one is huge. In the feedback I saw, drivers were repeatedly praised for smooth handling on difficult roads, including when road conditions can be unpredictable.

If you get motion sick easily, plan accordingly. Bring layers for temperature swings, keep your eyes on the scenery in stops (not during the drive), and treat the early start as a feature, not a penalty.

Hjálparfoss and Háifoss: Two Waterfalls, Two Very Different Moods

The tour’s waterfall sequence is designed like a warm-up act and then a bigger main event.

Hjálparfoss (about 20 minutes)

You’ll start with Hjálparfoss, where two rivers meet. The falls sit among basalt rock formations, and the water pool at the base is known for its turquoise color. The vibe here is scenic and slightly surreal: dark volcanic rock, then bright water tones that look almost unreal in certain light.

Practical reality check: 20 minutes is short. This is ideal if you want a quick legs-stretch plus photos, but not a long hike. If you love lingering, plan to take your time during what you can: a slow walk to your best viewpoint, then back to the group when it’s time.

Háifoss (about 30 minutes)

Next is Háifoss, Iceland’s fourth highest waterfall, dropping 122 meters. It sits in striking countryside, and there’s also the nearby Granni waterfall. The time here is a bit longer than Hjálparfoss, giving you enough room to watch the falls from a couple angles and still get back on schedule.

This is the stop that often sells the whole day, because it’s big and dramatic without requiring you to spend hours on the road after the road already beat you up emotionally at 7:30am.

For both waterfalls, wear shoes with grip and be ready for damp ground. Even if the walk is brief, waterfall areas can be slippery, and you’ll be moving on highland weather time.

Bláhylur Crater Lake: The Quick Volcanic Side Trip That Works

Between the waterfalls and the main Landmannalaugar portion, you get a short stop at Bláhylur (about 30 minutes). This is a volcanic crater lake created by a major eruption tied to two nearby volcanoes, dated at around 1,200 years ago.

Why this stop is worth it: it breaks up the day’s flow. After the vertical drama of waterfalls, Bláhylur gives you a calmer, broader look—still volcanic, still Iceland, but more about shape and geology than spray.

The drawback is the usual one: 30 minutes passes fast. Use it to:

• find a safe viewpoint,
• take a few photos,
• and then keep moving, because the real work (and the soak) is coming later.

Landmannalaugar: Guided Hike Through Lava, Rhyolite, and Steam

Now for the big block: Landmannalaugar. This is where the tour earns its keep, and where the day starts to feel like a true highland adventure instead of just a driving checklist.

You’ll spend about 3 hours 30 minutes total at Landmannalaugar, including time for the easy guided hike and the chance to rest in steaming natural hot springs before you head back.

What the hike is like

The hike is described as easy, but don’t treat that as flat-and-baby-stroller easy. You’ll be walking through lava fields and rhyolite hills, with steaming geothermal pools dotting the area. That means uneven ground, volcanic textures underfoot, and heat rising where you might not expect it.

A smart way to handle this: keep your pace steady, wear proper footwear, and let the guide set the rhythm. Many people go into Landmannalaugar expecting wild landscapes and forget that this is also about footing. The “easy guided” part helps because you’re not guessing where to step, and you’ll likely get guidance on what to watch for along the way.

Why the guided part matters

Even if you’re comfortable wandering, a guide helps you spot the patterns in the scenery: geothermal steam behavior, how the volcanic terrain changes, and what to photograph. In the accounts shared, guides such as HBO and Roman were praised for putting geology and Iceland’s context into words you could actually use while you walk.

Expect shifting conditions

The Highlands can change moods quickly—clouds, wind, and sun may all show up. I’ve seen descriptions of the hike feeling like shifting seasons along the route. You don’t control that, but you can plan for it with layers and a jacket you trust.

Hot Springs Break: Recovery Time Built Into the Route

After the hike, the tour gives you time to unwind in the steaming natural hot springs at Landmannalaugar. This is included, and it is more than a perk. It’s a built-in recovery period that turns a long day of walking into something you can actually enjoy, not just survive.

Here’s what I like about this structure: you do the hiking part, then you do the physical reset right there instead of trying to get back to Reykjavík and hope your body forgives you.

Practical tip: keep your energy for the soak. If you eat a huge meal right before your hike, you’ll probably feel it later. Also, keep an eye on timing. The hot springs portion is part of the overall schedule, so you’ll want to use the time you’re given without losing the group on the way back.

Guides, Drivers, and Why That Matters More Than You Think

This tour includes knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides and a professional driver at the wheel, plus WiFi and an air-conditioned vehicle. Those are nice-to-haves on paper, but on a highlands day, they become the difference between a smooth experience and a stressful one.

In the feedback I read, guide performance came up again and again. Names like HBO, Roman, Beggi, Tom, and Mia show up in positive notes about pacing, explanations, and keeping the group together on tricky road conditions. Even when things went wrong (like mechanical issues), guides were described as doing their best to keep morale high and still salvage what they could.

One more practical point: when the group is small (up to 15), you can hear directions. You’re less likely to feel like you’re sprinting just to stay in the right photo zone.

Price and Value: What You’re Really Paying For

At $227 per person, this tour is not “cheap,” and it shouldn’t be. What you’re paying for is distance, time, and the fact that admission tickets for stops are listed as free. You’re also getting a guided Landmannalaugar hike, a guided structure for multiple major stops, and round-trip transportation out of Reykjavík.

For a full day, the value comes from reducing friction:

• pickup can be available from select hotels,
• you don’t have to drive on F-road conditions yourself,
• and you get the logistics handled so you can focus on the sights.

The main cost you should expect on your own is food. Lunch is not included, and bottled water is not included. That is the one part of the price equation you must actively manage.

If you want a simple day with minimal planning and maximum highland payoff, this is the kind of tour that makes sense. If you prefer total control and slower pacing, a car rental plus independent hiking might fit you better, but it costs energy and planning.

Food, Water, and What to Bring for a 13-Hour Day

Because lunch and bottled water are not included, I strongly suggest planning a snack strategy before you board. Think along these lines:

• Bring enough snacks to tide you between stops (water breaks and photo stops still add up).
• Bring or purchase water as needed, since bottled water is not included.
• Pack layers. Weather can shift from cool morning to warmer midday and back again.

For Landmannalaugar in particular, prioritize footwear with grip. Even on an easy route, you’re on volcanic ground and around geothermal steam zones, and you want stability when you stop to look and take photos.

Also keep your essentials easy to reach. With frequent short stops early on, you won’t want to dig for items every time you get out of the bus.

Waterfalls Plus Highlands: Who This Tour Fits Best

This tour fits best if you want:

• a full-day highlands experience from Reykjavík without driving yourself,
• a guided hike at the main destination (Landmannalaugar),
• and a route that mixes waterfalls, volcanic geology, and geothermal relaxation.

It is described as most travelers can participate, which makes it a good option if you want outdoor time without committing to a strenuous multi-day expedition. The smaller group size helps if you dislike feeling like one more face in a huge bus.

If you know you get overwhelmed by early mornings, long days, and changing weather, this may feel like a lot. But if you can handle a packed itinerary and want to see major sights in one sweep, you’ll likely enjoy the efficiency and the payoff.

Should You Book This Landmannalaugar, Háifoss, and Hot Springs Tour?

I’d book it if your priority is seeing Landmannalaugar with a guided hike plus ending with included natural hot springs, while also ticking off major waterfalls and a volcanic crater lake in one day. The up-to-15 group size, the vehicle comfort (air-conditioned plus WiFi), and the professional driver support on tough roads are real advantages.

I’d pause before booking if you hate long days, or if you’re not willing to plan your own lunch and drinks. The itinerary is scenic, but it is still a schedule built around time on the road and short stop windows.

If you’re the type who likes structured travel, you’ll probably love how this tour strings together waterfalls, crater-lake geology, and geothermal hiking without leaving you guessing where to go next.

FAQ

What time does the tour start and where?

The tour starts at 7:00am at Bus Stop #12 HöfðatorgÞórunnartún 6, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland.

How long is the Landmannalaugar, Haifoss Waterfall and hot springs day tour?

It runs for about 13 hours (approx.).

Which stops are included in the day?

You’ll visit Hjálparfoss, Háifoss, Bláhylur, and then Landmannalaugar with hot springs.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Is bottled water included?

No. Bottled water is not included.

Do I get WiFi on board?

Yes. WiFi is included on the vehicle.

Is hotel pickup offered?

Yes. Pickup is offered from select Reykjavik hotels.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Are admission tickets included?

Yes. Admission tickets for the listed stops are shown as Free.

What if the tour is canceled due to poor weather?

If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.