Volcanic color and a hot pool in one day. This tour takes you from Reykjavík into the Fjallabak Highlands for Landmannalaugar’s rhyolite mountains and obsidian fields, then into Sigöldugljúfur, known for its Valley of Tears waterfalls and streams. If you like geology with a story (and a photo stop schedule that actually works), this is a strong pick.

I love that the day mixes guided hiking with real time to do your own thing. You get a guided about 2-hour hike through Laugahraun’s black obsidian toward Brennisteinsalda, plus time to soak in the natural hot pool at Landmannalaugar. One thing to consider: the ride involves bumpy highland roads in a Super Jeep, so if you’re sensitive to motion, plan for it (and sit where you’re not directly getting rattled).

Highlights at a glance

• Laugahraun obsidian: smooth, sharp-edged black glass tied to a famous 1477 eruption
• Brennisteinsalda, the Sulphur Wave: a hike up to color and steam from geothermal activity
• Natural hot pool time: swim first, towel-dry later, and don’t overthink it
• Sigöldugljúfur Valley of Tears: multiple spring-fed streams and crystal-clear waterfalls
• Small-group flexibility: you can choose different hike options or take it slower

The full day plan: Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar to Sigöldugljúfur

This is an all-day outing that runs long, but it doesn’t feel like a lost day. You’ll leave Reykjavík in the morning, spend the bulk of your time in the highlands, then come back after more scenic stops.

What makes the structure work is the pacing. You start with a few stops that set the scene (like Hjálparfoss), then you shift into the main event at Landmannalaugar: a guided hike plus hot-spring recovery. After that, you go to Sigöldugljúfur for the canyon views and the waterfall payoff, before heading back to Reykjavík.

If your Iceland trip is short, this is a way to see two big “wow” areas without flying or changing hotels. If you have more time and you’re already based in the south, the logistics may feel easier mentally because you’re not starting from the far north of the island.

Super Jeep pickups and the bumpy-highlands drive

The trip includes pickup and drop-off at multiple Reykjavík bus stops and hotels, so you’re not stuck hauling yourself across town at dawn. You’re asked to be ready around 7:30 AM, and the vehicle can take up to 30 minutes to arrive depending on where you’re picked up.

You’ll travel in a comfortable Super Jeep, and the road conditions are part of the experience. Think gravel, switchbacks, and constant “hold on” moments—not scary, just active. Several people also note that the back of the vehicle can feel more cramped and more punishing. If you’re even slightly worried about motion sickness, sit toward the front and pack a plan (ginger, motion-sickness meds, whatever works for you).

A practical note: the day is long, so you’ll appreciate that the vehicle provides Wi‑Fi and USB ports. It doesn’t replace the view, but it helps with the in-between time—especially if you want a camera battery ready for stops.

Hjálparfoss: a quick waterfall stop with a human history

Before you get into the highlands proper, you’ll make a stop at Hjálparfoss. It’s a two-stepped waterfall, and it drops into a plunge pool surrounded by basalt rock formations. It’s not the longest stop on the tour, but it’s worth stepping out for a quick look—especially if the weather is behaving.

The story here is clever. The area called Hjálp, or help, relates to how people traveled across Iceland’s harsh inland routes. The Sprengisandur route was brutal for finding feed and grazing, especially for horses. When travelers finally reached the greener area near Hjálparfoss, it felt like help—because suddenly there was grass for the animals.

This stop matters because it reminds you that these places weren’t just “on a map.” They were survival routes, and the highlands still feel like a working landscape, not a theme park.

Landmannalaugar: where rhyolite colors meet black obsidian

Once you reach Landmannalaugar, the place hits like a science museum that decided to become art. The highlands here are shaped by thousands of years of volcanic activity, and you can see the results immediately in the terrain.

You’ll get a break and photo time, and then you’ll head into the guided hike. The big geological targets include:

• Rhyolite mountains, colored by minerals such as iron and sulphur. One named example is Brennisteinsalda, often translated as the Sulphur Wave.
• Laugahraun lava fields, including vast black obsidian. This obsidian is from an eruption in 1477 and is known for a smooth look with sharp edges.

The obsidian is also famous in pop culture. It’s been likened to the Dragon Glass from Game of Thrones, and it’s easy to understand why once you see the dark, glassy ground stretching out around you.

I love how this part of the day is guided without feeling like a lecture. The guide shares geology, legends, and insider tips, and the terrain does the rest.

The 2-hour guided hike through obsidian fields to Brennisteinsalda

The guided portion is about 2 hours, and it takes you through the obsidian fields up toward Brennisteinsalda. During this hike, you’re walking in an area that can feel otherworldly fast—steam, small geothermal spots, and a constant sense that the ground is doing something alive underneath.

You’re not forced into one route the whole time. You’re given time on-site to explore on your own within your overall schedule. If you want a specific viewpoint, you can chase it. If you’d rather take it slower and focus on photos, you can.

Also, many people say the hike is approachable. It’s a hike, not a stroll on flat pavement, but it’s not presented as extreme mountaineering. Still, you’ll be on outdoor terrain, so proper footwear and rain gear are not optional comfort upgrades—they’re how you enjoy the day when Iceland decides to change its mind.

A small but important practical point: bring a daypack and keep your essentials accessible. You’ll want water, a layer, and your camera ready without digging through pockets every time the wind shifts.

Natural hot pool time: how to make the soak actually enjoyable

Landmannalaugar isn’t only about hiking. You’ll also have time to bathe in the natural hot pool. This is where the day changes gears from “moving through strange geology” to “letting your body remember you’re on vacation.”

You’ll want a swimsuit and a towel—and it helps to keep them in a bag you can grab without unloading half your daypack in the cold. The hot pool experience is simple by design: get in, soak, and cool off slowly. If you’ve been walking on sharp-looking obsidian ground, the heat feels especially good.

If the weather is rough, the hot pool becomes the main win. One reason this stop gets repeated praise is that it works like a reset button. Even if you’re tired, you’ll feel better after getting warm again.

If you’re going to do a second round, plan your time so you’re not rushing back to meet the group. The schedule gives you time, but the day is still a long drive.

Sigöldugljúfur Valley of Tears: waterfalls, springs, and fast photo framing

After Landmannalaugar, you head to Sigöldugljúfur. This canyon has become a major Instagram spot, and it’s easy to see why: you’ll find spring-fed streams, small ponds, crystal-clear waterfalls, colorful vegetation, and cliffs that give the water a dramatic setting.

The stop is designed for photos and sightseeing. You’ll likely get enough time to see the canyon from key angles and get your camera working. The guide can help with where to stand and how to frame the falls so you’re not wandering around blind.

What I like about this canyon is the variety. Instead of one big waterfall moment, you get repeated small hits—water dropping here, a thin stream slipping there, and a view that changes as you step a few meters.

Price and value: why $210 can feel fair here

At $210 per person for an 11-hour day, you’re paying for three things that are hard to DIY safely and comfortably from Reykjavík:

First, the distance and time. This isn’t a neighborhood walk. It’s a full-day commitment with a long drive both ways.

Second, you’re buying a guided geology hike through a place most people would struggle to navigate confidently on their own. The guide helps you understand what you’re seeing, and that turns the visit from “cool terrain” into something you can actually remember and describe.

Third, you’re paying for the hot pool + planned stops. You’re not just hiking and leaving. You’re soaking, photo-stopping, and getting structured time in the right places.

Food and drinks aren’t included, so plan ahead. If you want a smooth day, grab lunch before the tour starts. That’s one of those “I’m glad I did this” moves when the day runs long and the highlands don’t pause for your schedule.

Who should book (and who should think twice)

This tour fits best if you want a highland day trip that gives you both motion and recovery. It’s great for people who enjoy walking in volcanic terrain, want a guided geology explanation, and still care about relaxing in hot water.

It’s also a good match if you’re the kind of traveler who likes a clear plan but still wants freedom on-site. The balance here is that you get structure (guided hike, timing) and flexibility (you can explore different trail options and relax longer within the given time).

Think twice if:

• You’re very sensitive to bumpy rides or motion sickness. This trip is doable, but you should plan for comfort early.
• You need quiet, low-noise commentary. Audio quality can vary depending on where you sit and how well equipment fits, and the vehicle can be noisy on rough roads.

Should you book this Landmannalaugar and Valley of Tears tour?

If you want a single-day hit of highland geology plus a canyon full of waterfalls, I’d book it. The combination is what makes it work: Brennisteinsalda’s sulfur colors and obsidian fields in the morning, then Sigöldugljúfur’s Valley of Tears for the afternoon, with a hot pool built in so you end the day warmer than you arrived.

Before you click confirm, do two things:

• Pack for weather changes and rough roads: rain gear, gloves, and the right shoes.
• Don’t treat the hot pool like an optional bonus. Bring your swimsuit and towel so you can actually enjoy it.

If you’re ready for a long day and you like the idea of learning as you walk, this is one of the more satisfying ways to spend your Reykjavík time in Iceland’s highlands.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The duration is 11 hours.

What does the tour include?

It includes pickup and drop-off in Reykjavík in a comfortable Super Jeep, a local English-speaking guide, a guided hike through Landmannalaugar’s rhyolite mountains and lava fields, photo assistance, option to bathe in the natural hot spring, and scenic stops including Sigöldugljúfur. Free Wi‑Fi and USB ports are also included.

Do I need to bring food?

Food and drinks are not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own.

Is there time to swim in hot water?

Yes. There is an option to bathe in the natural hot spring at Landmannalaugar. Bring a swimsuit and towel.

How much hiking is involved?

You’ll do an approximately 2-hour guided hike through the obsidian fields, with extra time at Landmannalaugar (about 3 hours total) to explore or relax.

Where do you pick up and drop off in Reykjavík?

Pickup and drop-off are available at multiple bus stops and hotels in Reykjavík, with 11 pickup options and 11 drop-off locations listed.

What should I wear or bring?

Bring hiking shoes, rain gear, gloves, outdoor clothing, a daypack, a hat, a camera, and a swimsuit and towel for the hot pool.

Is the tour suitable for kids or wheelchair users?

It is not suitable for children under 10 years or for wheelchair users.

What language is the guide?

The live tour guide is English.

What if I want to cancel?

Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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