This 3-day Icelandic Highlands hike is all about getting into the backcountry fast, with real time on the trail instead of constant bus stops. I love the small group size (max 16), and I love that meals are handled for you while you’re trekking between mountain huts.

The main consideration is simple: showers/toilets aren’t included at the huts (there’s an extra fee), so you’ll want to pack for practical comfort and keep expectations in line with hut life.

Quick reasons this tour works so well

• Max 16 hikers means you’re not lost in a crowd on narrow paths.
• Hut accommodation keeps travel efficient, so you spend your day on Iceland’s highlands instead of driving.
• Baggage transportation helps you hike lighter (a big deal on steep sections).
• Geology everywhere: crater lakes, rhyolite peaks, and lava fields are part of the day’s story.
• Guides with real mountain know-how: names like Throstur, Vjeran, Deyan, and Indra show up for a reason.

Early Pickup From Reykjavík: how the drive sets the tone

You start early, with pickup arranged from specific spots in Reykjavík between about 7:00 and 7:30 a.m., then the bus continues out of the city. The meeting points include Reykjavík City Hall (Ráðhúsið) on Vonarstræti, Hallgrímskirkja Church, and the Reykjavík Campsite in front of the Reykjavík City Hostel area. If you’re outside Reykjavík, pickups are at Selfoss N1 gas station around 8:15 a.m. or Hella Bus Terminal around 9:00 a.m.

From there, you’ll ride through Thjórsárdalur valley toward Landmannalaugar, with the route passing by Hekla Volcano along the way. That early motion matters because the Highlands reward patience: the best views often come after a slow ramp up from roads, to river crossings, to trail walking.

One practical note: the tour says it can’t pick up from hotels in the center or from private Airbnbs due to traffic restrictions. If your accommodation isn’t on the list, you’ll choose the closest official pickup point, so check that before you book.

Day 1 at Ljótipollur and Frostastaðavatn: crater-lake drama

Day 1 is a clean intro to Landmannalaugar country: crater lakes, surreal colors, and then straight into hut life. You begin at Ljótipollur Lake, a short stop of about 20 minutes. It’s famous for the name Ljótipollur, which means ugly puddle, even though it’s ranked as the 42nd most beautiful crater lake in the world.

That contrast is part of what makes Iceland’s Highlands so fun. You get a quick walk and photos, but also a sense that the name doesn’t match the payoff. The best move here is to keep your camera ready, but don’t rush the stop—this is the kind of place where you’ll spot new details every time you refocus your eyes.

Next comes Frostastaðavatn, another lake stop (also about 30 minutes total on the schedule). The terrain around it is shaped into colorful, otherworldly forms, with rhyolite mountains that look like someone mixed paint and ash and then let wind do the rest.

After these two hits, you head to your mountain hut. This is where the tour’s pacing helps you. Instead of trying to “finish” the whole experience on Day 1, you arrive early enough to settle in and prep for an active Day 2.

Day 2 to Suðurnámur and the Laugahraun lava field: the geology hike

Day 2 starts with a hike that’s built for people who like a mission and a payoff. You’ll go to Suðurnámur, a mountain said to be about 200,000 years old, and the area is rich in rhyolite minerals. The scheduled hike time is about 3 hours, and the route is the kind of terrain Iceland does well: you’re moving between greens, blues, gold tones, and sometimes stronger reds from the rock.

I like this day because it feels like you’re earning the views. On a straight hiking day, you can plan your effort—start steady, keep moving, take breaks when you need them, and let the terrain do the showing. The tour also keeps an eye on timing so you aren’t exhausted for no reason.

After Suðurnámur, you have another stop at the Laugahraun lava field. The tour notes it was formed from an eruption around 1477, with basalt flowing southwest through a system linked to Veiðivatnasprunga and reaching toward Torfajökull’s roots. You don’t need to memorize the geology to enjoy it—you just get a better sense of why this land looks the way it does.

As with any Iceland hike, the weather can flip your experience fast. When visibility is good, these stops feel like a living map. When it’s misty, you’ll still get the hard-earned quiet of the Highlands, but your photo odds drop.

Day 3 to Bláhnjúkur: the best panoramic payoff of the trip

Day 3 is the biggest view day. After breakfast, you head out for a hike of about 3.5 hours to Bláhnjúkur (listed as Bláhnukur in the itinerary text). The trail leads up to a point where you can take top-tier panorama photos of the Landmannalaugar area.

One highlight the tour promises is that, in good visibility, you can even see five glaciers. That kind of distance is why this hike is worth the early start: you’re not just walking around pretty rocks. You’re climbing into a layer where the whole region starts to make sense.

Once you descend, you get a short break before loading the bus back to Reykjavík. The plan is to arrive back in the city around 9:00 p.m., which means your Day 3 ends like a full travel day, not a quick return.

Huts, meals, and the practical stuff you’ll actually use

This trip is designed around mountain huts and meal support while you’re on the trek. All meals are provided on the trail: breakfast is included twice, lunch is included three times, and dinner is included twice. You’re also told about baggage transportation, which means you don’t have to carry everything in your day pack during the hikes.

The accommodation is in mountain huts, and that’s a big value piece. You’re paying for the full system: logistics, lodging, and feeding you, so you can focus on hiking rather than living out of a car.

Now the part you need to plan for: showers are extra. The tour specifically notes that use of showers/toilets in the huts costs 500 ISK. So don’t assume you’ll rinse whenever you want. Bring a practical approach—quick wipe-downs and an honest mindset about hut facilities.

A couple hut-life comfort tips show up in guide-led experiences. Earplugs are worth considering in small hut settings where groups and luggage take up space. One traveler also mentioned using an eye mask for summer light because the nights can be short enough to mess with sleep.

If you want to feel fresher after a long hike, bring a swimsuit and towel. The tour says those aren’t included, and the shower fee signals you should expect a more basic setup than a normal hotel.

Guides make it feel personal: Heiðdís, Throstur, Vjeran, Indra

A huge reason this kind of Highlands trip works is the guide. The tour is offered in English, and the guides you’ll see named in past outings include Heiðdís, Vjeran, Throstur, Deyan, Fanni/Fanny, Didi, and Indra.

Heiðdís stands out in one account for keeping the group cared for and cooking delicious meals. Throstur is mentioned for settling people into the hut and giving clear guidance on what to wear and bring. Vjeran is described as both very knowledgeable and fun, with real outdoors experience.

Indra is the name I’d remember if you’re worried about uneven footing or you have knee trouble. One review highlights that Indra stayed close on tricky descents and offered reassurance when someone needed extra help. That’s the kind of human detail you can’t copy from a map.

You don’t need a perfect hiking resume to benefit here. You do need a guide who helps you adjust pace, make smart decisions on footing, and keep morale up when weather changes.

How hard is this hike, really?

The tour asks for moderate physical fitness and notes it isn’t recommended for travelers with mobility impairments. The itinerary includes multiple hikes, including a 3-hour climb toward Suðurnámur and a longer 3.5-hour climb to Bláhnjúkur.

Even if your fitness is fine on paper, Iceland will still test you in the real world. Expect steep sections, rocky ground, and the kind of stream or water crossings that can slow you down. In the past, the driving route has also involved roads that needed a skilled bus driver, including water crossings, so it’s not just a walking challenge.

If you’re choosing this tour, I’d pick it if you’re comfortable walking several hours at a time and you can handle uneven terrain. If you want a mostly flat, minimal-effort outing, this one will feel like work in a good way—but it’s still work.

Price and value: what you’re paying for at $1,193.11

The price listed is $1,193.11 per person for roughly 3 days in South Iceland’s Highlands. That sounds steep until you price out what’s bundled here.

You’re getting:

• pickup and drop-off from Reykjavík (with official meeting points)
• mountain hut accommodation
• baggage transportation
• breakfast, lunch, and dinner while you’re trekking

When you compare that to the cost of renting a car for a remote route, sourcing hut stays, arranging meals, and planning your own logistics, the total starts to look more fair. The biggest “value” is time and stress reduction. You’re not spending your vacation juggling driving conditions, where to sleep, and how to eat well after hiking hard.

That said, showers being extra is one of those hidden-cost feel items. Bring the right basics so you don’t get caught off guard. Also note that if you’re picky about special diets, the tour includes vegetarian options in some form, but one traveler felt the vegetarian meal quality wasn’t up to the standard of the rest of the experience.

Should you book this 3-day Highlands tour?

Book it if you want Iceland’s interior scenery without the hassle. I’d especially recommend it if you:

• like guided hikes with clear pacing and safety support
• want hut lodging and meals included so you can hike lighter
• care more about highland terrain and geology than ticking off a quick drive-by checklist
• prefer a small group where guides can actually manage the pace

Skip it (or look for a different style of trip) if you:

• need wheelchair-friendly routes or have significant mobility constraints
• expect hotel comfort with included showers and easy sleeping
• don’t enjoy long hiking days with uneven ground and possible steep sections

If you’re on the fence, consider how you feel about hut life. Bring earplugs, plan for showers at an extra cost, and pack for changing weather. Do that, and this trip can land as one of the most efficient ways to experience Landmannalaugar country: crater lakes, rhyolite peaks, lava history, and glacier-pinned panoramas—without constant logistics stress.

FAQ

What is the maximum group size on this tour?

The group size is limited to a maximum of 16 travelers.

Where are the Reykjavík pickup points, and when does the tour start?

Pickup is offered from Reykjavík City Hall (Ráðhúsið) on Vonarstræti, Hallgrímskirkja Church, and the Reykjavík Campsite in front of the Reykjavík City Hostel area, between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m. The tour start time is 7:00 a.m. There are also pickup options outside Reykjavík at Selfoss N1 (8:15 a.m.) and Hella Bus Terminal (9:00 a.m.).

What meals are included during the hike?

Breakfast is included twice, lunch is included three times, and dinner is included twice.

Are showers and toilets included at the mountain huts?

No. The use of showers/toilets in the huts costs 500 ISK.

How long are the main hikes during the 3 days?

Day 2 includes a 3-hour hike to Suðurnámur. Day 3 includes about a 3.5-hour hike to Bláhnjúkur.

What fitness level do I need?

The tour is for travelers with a moderate physical fitness level. It is not recommended for travelers with mobility impairments.

Is the tour offered in English, and are service animals allowed?

Yes, the tour is offered in English. Service animals are allowed.

What happens if I need to cancel, or if weather is poor?

You can cancel up to 6 days in advance for a full refund. Any changes made less than 6 full days before the experience start time will not be accepted, and weather can affect the tour since it requires good weather. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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