| Way in | What the source says | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Guided day tour | Reykjavik: Landmannalaugar Highland Hike and Hot Springs, 4.7 out of 5 from 773 reviews on 8 November 2026; the price depends on the date and the group | No 4x4, no river crossings to plan |
| Regular bus | Services run from Reykjavík, Selfoss, Hella and Leirubakki; bus service starts on 12 June | Hikers who want to stay for the day or the night |
| 4x4 on F-roads | F26/F208 from the north, F225 from the west, F208 from the south | Experienced drivers with a suitable vehicle |
Roads, buses and hikes from the Icelandic Touring Association's Landmannalaugar page, read 7 November 2026.
The three road routes
The three routes are not equal. F26/F208 from the north, called Sigölduleið, is listed as the easiest. F225 from the west is Landmannaleið. F208 from the south, Fjallabaksleið Nyrðri, is the most challenging, with multiple river crossings. All need a 4x4 vehicle for the rugged F-roads. To understand what that means for rental cars, read Iceland F-roads and Iceland 4x4 rental. For guided walks, see Iceland hiking tours.
Parking and the bridge
You can park at P1 and cross a pedestrian bridge, which avoids a river crossing. A service fee applies, and reservations are required from 9:00 to 16:00 between 20 June and 13 September The hut at Landmannalaugar offers accommodation in summer, and a natural geothermal hot spring is there for relaxing after a hike.
Hikes from Landmannalaugar
| Hike | Length | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Laugahraun lava field circle | 4.8 km | About 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Brennisteinsalda (extension) | 3.4 km | An extension of the Laugahraun circle |
| Bláhnúkur | n/a | A challenging 4-hour hike |
| Ljótipollur | 13 km | About 4 to 6 hours |
| Skallahringur | 15.5 km loop | About 6 to 8 hours |
The page also links to the Laugavegur trail but gives no details of it.
Other Highlands destinations
Visit Iceland names Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk among the destinations of sightseeing helicopter flights, alongside Þingvellir, Vatnajökull and Skaftafell. For a flight option see helicopter tours in Iceland. The Highlands have limited mobile signal, and the roads are closed in winter, see Iceland eSIM for coverage and what to do without signal.
When to go
Landmannalaugar is a summer destination. The bus starts on 12 June, parking reservations run from 20 June to 13 September and the hut is offered in summer. Winter alternatives are on the South Coast and glaciers, see Iceland in winter. For a summer plan see Iceland in summer.
Which to pick
If you are not already a confident F-road driver, the guided day tour or the regular bus removes the most demanding part, which is the driving. If you want a hike longer than the day-tour time allows, take the bus or drive and use the hut. A trip that adds the south coast waterfalls is described in South Coast Iceland tours.
Mistakes to avoid
- Driving the southern F208 route without a suitable vehicle: it is the most challenging and has multiple river crossings.
- Arriving without a parking reservation between 9:00 and 16:00 from 20 June to 13 September.
- Planning a Highlands trip for winter: the roads are closed.
- Relying on mobile data in the Highlands.
FAQ
Do I need a 4x4 for Landmannalaugar?
Yes, the Icelandic Touring Association says a 4x4 is needed for the rugged F-roads.
Which route is easiest?
F26/F208 from the north, Sigölduleið.
How long are the hikes?
From about 1.5 to 2 hours for the Laugahraun circle to 6 to 8 hours for Skallahringur.
Can I go by bus?
Yes, regular services run from Reykjavík, Selfoss, Hella and Leirubakki; service starts on 12 June.
Is there a hot spring?
Yes, a natural geothermal hot spring.
The Iceland Authority editorial team, 7 November 2026.
