Landmannalaugar
Area Icelandic rhyolite highland with geothermal hot springs
A highland geothermal region in Iceland’s Southern Region, famed for rhyolite hills, steaming hot springs and access to the Laugavegur trekking route; hikers camp and soak after long mountain days.
Landmannalaugar is a highland geothermal and rhyolite mountain area in southern Iceland known for its colorful volcanic landscapes and hot springs. It is a focal point for hiking and highland tourism and serves as a trailhead for major multi-day treks.
The area features vivid rhyolite hills, lava fields and natural hot pools; popular activities include day hikes on trails of varied length and multi-day trekking on the nearby Laugavegur route. Facilities in summer include a campsite and seasonal mountain huts that accommodate walkers and overnight visitors.
Settlement here is seasonal and oriented to tourism; infrastructure and marked routes expanded in the 20th and 21st centuries as the highland became established for hiking. Landmannalaugar has been shaped by repeated volcanic events and glacially influenced erosion.
It lies in Iceland’s southern highlands, inland from the Ring Road on mountain F-roads that typically require a high-clearance vehicle or organized transport; the nearest lowland towns are several hours’ drive away.
- Best time to visit: The main hiking season is summer - roughly July and August - when mountain huts and marked routes are open and F-roads are generally passable.
- Laugavegur distance: The Laugavegur trail between this area and Þórsmörk is about 55 km and is one of Iceland's principal multi-day treks, often used in a multi-night backpacking itinerary.
What to See #
- Brennisteinsalda: A rhyolite mountain and multicolored slopes formed by volcanic activity, noted for steep hiking routes and panoramic views.
- Laugahraun lava field: Extensive lava field of recent Holocene origin that lies adjacent to visitor areas and influences local trails and scenery.
- Hot spring pools and huts: Natural geothermal hot spring pools and a small campsite and hut complex that operate seasonally to serve hikers and bathers.
- Laugavegur trailhead: Trailhead and end point for the Laugavegur trekking route, a long-distance footpath linking this area with Þórsmörk over approximately 55 km.
How to Get to Landmannalaugar #
Reachable in summer only via mountain roads (F-roads) from Hrauneyjar or via organized bus services from Reykjavík or Hvolsvöllur. A 4x4 vehicle is essential if driving independently; check road and weather conditions with the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration.
Tips for Visiting Landmannalaugar #
- Landmannalaugar is best accessed with a 4x4 vehicle via the F-roads from Hrauneyjar or by organized bus tours from Reykjavík or Hvolsvöllur during summer.
- Bring sturdy hiking boots: trails are steep, volcanic, and can be wet. Popular routes include the Laugahraun lava field and the Brennisteinsalda ridge.
- Expect rapidly changing weather: layers and windproof gear are essential even in summer.
Best Time to Visit Landmannalaugar #
The Icelandic highland summer (June-September) is the only reliable window for visiting Landmannalaugar; outside that, access is generally restricted.
Weather & Climate near Landmannalaugar #
Landmannalaugar's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -6°C to 11°C. Abundant rainfall (1423 mm/year), wettest in October, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -2°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (134 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (146 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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