Day hike range
4–20 km
Multiple loop trails of varying length
Landmannalaugar Day Hikes: Colorful Rhyolite Mountains
Colorful rhyolite mountains and natural hot springs in the Highlands
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Difficulty
Easy–Moderate
Day hikes · Mid-June to Sept · Highlands
Landmannalaugar is one of Iceland's most visually striking landscapes—a geothermal highland area where rhyolite mountains in every shade of pink, yellow, green, and purple rise above dark obsidian lava flows. The area offers a network of day hikes ranging from gentle 2-hour loops to challenging mountain ascents, all accessible from a base camp with a natural hot spring for post-hike soaking. It also serves as the northern terminus of the famous Laugavegur Trail.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
Landmannalaugar is in the highlands at 600 m elevation. Weather changes quickly—bring waterproof layers even on sunny days. The access road involves river crossings and is only open in summer.
Sources to check
Elevation range
600–940 m
Base camp at 600 m, peaks up to 940 m
Duration range
2–7 hours
Short loops to full-day mountain ascents
What to Expect
Trail distances and terrain
Day hikes range from 4 km (hot spring loop) to 20 km (Ljótipollur). Elevation gain varies from 100m to 450m. Terrain includes obsidian lava fields, rhyolite scree slopes, and geothermal ground. No technical water crossings on main trails.
Brennisteinsalda loop (8 km)
The signature day hike (4-5 hours, 350m gain) circles Iceland's most colorful mountain. Mineral deposits create iron reds, sulphur yellows, moss greens, and rhyolite pinks on a single peak.
Bláhnjúkur / Blue Peak (6 km)
A steep 2-3 hour ascent (450m gain) of the dark blue-black volcanic peak. The summit at 943m offers 360-degree views of the colorful mountains and the Laugahraun lava field below.
Natural hot spring
A warm geothermal stream (35-40°C) at the edge of the lava field where hot and cold water mix to bathing temperature. Free access year-round when the area is open. Bring swimsuit and towel.
Ljótipollur crater lake (20 km round trip)
A full-day hike south reaches this vivid explosion crater. The contrast between crimson tephra walls and turquoise water is extraordinary. Elevation gain approximately 300m.
Difficulty rating
Easy to moderate for most day hikes. The Brennisteinsalda loop is moderate; Bláhnjúkur is moderate-hard with steep loose scree. Stay on marked trails near geothermal vents—ground can be dangerously thin.
Getting There
Landmannalaugar is located in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve at 600m elevation. Access via F-208 from the south (through Fjallabak, multiple river crossings) or F-225 from the north (via Hrauneyjar highland center on Route 26—fewer river crossings, generally easier). Both routes require a proper 4WD vehicle with high clearance—standard rental cars are prohibited and uninsured on F-roads. Scheduled highland buses run from BSI terminal in Reykjavík daily in summer (Trex, Reykjavík Excursions), taking approximately 4 hours each way. The F-roads typically open in late June depending on snow and river conditions—check road.is daily.
Best Time to Hike
The hiking season runs from late June through mid-September. Late June: F-roads opening; snow may linger above 800m; fewer visitors; the hot spring is at its warmest contrast with cool air. July: Peak season with the most reliable weather (8-14°C), fully snow-free trails, and longest daylight; busiest period at the campsite. August: Excellent conditions continuing; wildflowers peak; nights beginning to darken; slightly fewer crowds than July. September: Autumn colors on the rhyolite mountains; shorter days (12-14 hours); cooler temperatures (2-8°C); campsite and hut close early in the month. October–May: Area completely inaccessible due to snow and F-road closures.
Planning help
Landmannalaugar FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.