Landmannalaugar
Highland Natural Hot Springs Among Rainbow Mountains
Natural hot spring pools in the colorful rhyolite mountains of Iceland's Central Highlands. Accessible only by 4WD vehicle or highland bus during summer months, Landmannalaugar is the gateway to some of the most surreal landscapes in Iceland.
The Landmannalaugar Hot Spring
Beyond the famous tourist pools, the Landmannalaugar area contains numerous wild springs scattered throughout the rhyolite mountains. The main bathing pool is a natural hot spring where warm geothermal water mingles with cool water from the nearby snowfields.
The colorful rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar create a surreal backdrop for one of Iceland's most popular natural bathing spots, their rainbow hues of red, orange, pink, and green visible from the pool.
- Natural hot spring pools, no entry fee
- Temperatures: 40–80°C in surrounding springs (bathing pool is comfortable)
- Set among colorful rhyolite mountains
- Multiple day hikes accessible from camp
- Starting point of the famous Laugavegur trail
- Basic changing facilities available
Access & Getting There
Landmannalaugar lies deep in the Central Highlands and can only be reached during summer months when the F-roads are open.
- Access via F208 Fjallabak road — 4WD mandatory by Icelandic law
- Highland bus (Reykjavík Excursions) runs scheduled services June–September
- Season: approximately June to September (F-roads close in winter)
- River crossings on the approach road — assess before crossing
- Drive time: approximately 3–4 hours from Reykjavík via F208
- Camping available at the Landmannalaugar hut (book in advance)
- No petrol stations in the highlands — carry extra fuel
What to Expect
Landmannalaugar is both a bathing destination and a hiking hub. The landscape around the camp is extraordinary — lava fields cooled in the 1477 Veiðivötn eruption sit beside steaming fumaroles and brilliantly colored mountains.
- Rhyolite mountains in shades of red, orange, pink, green, and grey
- Steam rises from fumaroles across the surrounding hills
- The Laugavegur trail (55km to Þórsmörk) starts here
- Multiple day hike options including Bláhnúkur (Blue Peak)
- Mountain hut with basic accommodation and meals
- Camping area open during summer season
- Weather can change rapidly — always carry warm layers
Highland Preparation
Visiting Landmannalaugar requires careful preparation. The Highland interior demands respect and honest self-assessment of your vehicle and driving skills.
- 4WD vehicle with high clearance is mandatory — rental insurance won't cover 2WD on F-roads
- Check road conditions at Road.is before departing
- Register your travel plan at Safetravel.is
- Carry extra food, water, warm clothing, and a spare tyre
- No mobile signal in the highlands — consider a satellite communicator
- Highland buses remove the driving burden for those without 4WD
Safety Information
Driving F-roads in a 2WD vehicle is illegal and dangerous. River crossings on the approach roads require assessment on foot before crossing. Temperatures in the highlands can drop below freezing even in summer, and weather can deteriorate rapidly. Always register your travel plan at Safetravel.is.