Landmannalaugar & Hekla: colors, craters and hot springs
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Venture deep into the Icelandic Highlands with an exclusive 4x4 and small group. We will discover the surreal, multi-colored landscapes of Landmannalaugar and its pristine geothermal hot springs.
Highlights
- Exclusive access to the remote Highlands in a 4x4 vehicle and small group.
- Witness the surreal colors of rhyolite mountains and crater lakes.
- A guided hike across the otherworldly Laugahraun obsidian lava field.
- Bathe in a wild, natural geothermal spring surrounded by mountains.
- A fully private and personalized tour with a dedicated expert guide.
Description
Venture into the heart of the Icelandic Highlands to experience Landmannalaugar, an otherworldly geothermal wonderland within the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. This is a landscape forged by volcanic fire, where the earth itself breathes, painting the terrain in a palette of extraordinary colors.
Our day will commence at 8:30 AM with a private collection from the hotel in a specially equipped 4x4 vehicle, designed to navigate the demanding terrain of Iceland's interior. We will leave the urban landscape of Reykjavík behind, journeying inland towards the Southern Highlands, a region inaccessible to conventional vehicles and defined by its raw, volcanic beauty. As we approach the remote wilderness, we will pause to observe the imposing silhouette of the Hekla volcano. We will appreciate from a strategic distance one of Iceland's most powerful and historically significant stratovolcanoes, allowing for a full appreciation of its scale and geological presence.
Our expedition will then continue deeper into the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, arriving at the Landmannalaugar area, a geothermal oasis renowned for its surreal landscapes. Here, we will first visit the Ljótipollur crater, an explosive caldera formed in the 15th century. Its name, translating to 'Ugly Puddle,' stands in stark contrast to the vivid, cobalt-blue water it holds within its steep, crimson-hued tephra walls. Shortly after, we will reach the tranquil shores of Frostastaðavatn Lake, where the calm, reflective waters create a mirror for the surrounding rhyolite mountains, offering a moment of serene contemplation amidst the dramatic scenery.
The centerpiece of our immersion into this landscape will be a guided hike of approximately one and a half to two hours. We will traverse the Laugahraun lava field, a vast expanse of jagged, obsidian-rich rock formed by a volcanic eruption in 1477. This walk is a direct encounter with the elemental forces that have shaped Iceland, a tactile experience of its geological narrative. To conclude the day’s exploration, we will have the opportunity for a restorative immersion in one of Landmannalaugar's natural hot springs. Bathing in the geothermally heated waters, surrounded by a panorama of multi-colored mountains, provides a profound and fitting end to the day’s adventure before our comfortable return journey to Reykjavík.
Includes
Private hotel pick-up and drop-off in the Reykjavík area
Private transportation in a modern 4x4 vehicle
Professional and experienced English-speaking driver-guide
Entrance fee to the Landmannalaugar natural hot springs
On-board Wi-Fi
All taxes and fees
Important Information
- To ensure a safe and comfortable experience, please prepare accordingly. Layered clothing, waterproof outerwear (both jacket and pants), and sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good grip are essential for this tour. Please remember to also bring your swimsuit and a towel to enjoy the natural hot springs.
This is a full-day excursion lasting approximately 10-12 hours. There will be no opportunities to purchase food or refreshments once we enter the Highlands, so we strongly advise packing a lunch, snacks, and any desired beverages.
The tour includes a hike of up to two hours on uneven volcanic terrain. A moderate level of physical fitness is required to fully enjoy this portion of the day.
Please be aware that all itineraries in the Icelandic Highlands are subject to change. Our expert guides will always prioritize your safety and may alter the route based on real-time weather and road conditions to ensure the best possible experience.
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund