Access
F-road, summer only
F208 or F225 — 4WD required with river crossings
Landmannalaugar: Highland Hot Spring & Rhyolite Mountains
A natural hot stream surrounded by colorful rhyolite mountains in the Icelandic Highlands — the starting point of the legendary Laugavegur trail.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Location
Highlands
Fjallabak Nature Reserve • Summer only
Landmannalaugar sits at about 600 meters elevation in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, surrounded by some of Iceland's most striking geology. Rhyolite mountains in shades of pink, green, yellow, and purple frame a natural hot stream where geothermal and cold water mix to create a perfect bathing temperature. The area is the starting point of the Laugavegur trail, a 55 km multi-day hike to Þórsmörk, widely regarded as one of the world's best treks. Access is via highland F-roads open only in summer, typically late June through September.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
Check F-road status before departure. A 4WD vehicle is required. River crossings can be dangerous — never cross a rising river.
Sources to check
Trail
Laugavegur start
55 km multi-day hike to Þórsmörk
Altitude
~600 m
Highland plateau in Fjallabak Nature Reserve
What to Expect
Natural Hot Stream (36-40°C)
Geothermal water at up to 80°C mixes with a cold river to create comfortable 36-40°C bathing. Move upstream for warmer water, downstream for cooler
Rhyolite Mountains
Brennisteinsalda and surrounding peaks display surreal swirls of pink, green, yellow, and purple from iron, sulfur, and mineral deposits in the volcanic rock
Laugavegur Trailhead
Starting point for Iceland's most famous 55 km multi-day hike to Þórsmörk. Book mountain huts months in advance for peak season
What to Bring
Swimsuit, towel, water shoes (rocky riverbed), warm layers for the highlands, and rain gear. A basic changing area is near the bathing spot
Free Admission
The hot spring is free to use. The campsite charges a small nightly fee (around 2,000 ISK). Mountain hut bunks must be pre-booked through FI
Remote Highland Location
At 600 m elevation in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. No shops, limited phone signal, and no fuel stations. Come fully prepared
Getting There
Landmannalaugar is accessible via F-road F208 from the north (with multiple river crossings) or F225 from the south via Sigalda (generally easier, fewer crossings). A high-clearance 4WD vehicle is required for both routes -- rental car insurance typically does not cover river crossing damage. The drive from Reykjavík is approximately 190 km (3-4 hours) via Route 26 and F208. The nearest services are at Hrauneyjar Highland Center (40 km). Highland buses from Reykjavík (Trex, Reykjavík Excursions) run scheduled summer services, making it accessible without a 4WD. A large gravel parking area is available at the trailhead campsite.
Best Time to Visit
Late June through early September when F-roads are open. Late June: roads may just be opening -- check road.is daily. River levels can be high from snowmelt. July: the most reliable month with warmest temperatures (8-15°C) and driest conditions. Rhyolite colors are most vivid in direct sunlight. August: still excellent conditions with slightly fewer visitors in late August. Book mountain huts through Ferðafélag Íslands months in advance for July and August. September: roads may close early depending on weather. Bathing in the hot stream is arguably best in cool weather when the temperature contrast is most rewarding.
Planning help
Landmannalaugar FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.