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Nestled in the stunning Icelandic Highlands lies a geothermal oasis waiting to be discovered – Landmannalaugar Hot Spring. Are you ready to embark on a journey to a place where bubbling hot springs meet breathtaking landscapes? Join me as I delve into the history, beauty, and enchantment of this natural wonder.
ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS
SOAKING IN THE LANDMANNALAUGAR HOT SPRING
Accessible only by hiking or a 4×4 vehicle, this remote hot spring offers an off-the-beaten-path experience with breathtaking views.
Nestled in the highlands of Iceland, Landmannalaugar Hot Spring offers a truly enchanting experience for those seeking relaxation amidst stunning natural beauty. Surrounded by colorful rhyolite mountains and vast lava fields, this geothermal wonder beckons travelers to unwind in its soothing waters.
There are a few important tips to know about this hot spring though. The first is that the hot spring’s temperature varies depending on where you choose to dip in. In my photo below, you can see everyone is huddled near one side. That is the side were the hot spring actually feeds into the water. The entrance of this spring may feel a bit chilly and that’s because it’s not near the hot spring that feeds into the water.
The second tip to be aware of is the spring’s depth. It’s only about 1.5 feet deep, so don’t expect to be fully submerged here.
My third tip is to make sure you bring a towel and are able to bundle up quickly! There are changing facilities/restrooms at this location (by the campsites), but they are a 5 minute walk away. Depending on the conditions, you may want to make sure you can bundle up quickly before you walk back to the changing rooms.
And last, the price of the hot spring is free! So you can soak in this nature beauty for whatever duration and amount of times you want at no cost!
Check out these Tripadvisor reviews to see what other people’s opinion’s are on the Landmannalaugar Hot Spring: https://tripadvisor.tp.st/HAgTJuOX
HOW TO GET TO LANDMANNALAUGAR HOT SPRING
Getting to Landmannalaugar Hot Spring is an adventure in itself. Surrounded by the stunning Icelandic Highlands, reaching this natural wonder requires a bit of effort but is undoubtedly worth it.
We talk about different methods to get to the Landmannalaugar parking area below. However, I want to call out that one you are parked, it’s just a couple minute walk to the actual hot spring. From the parking area (before the river), there is a boardwalk path to cross the river and head toward the base camp. Along the path, you will see the hot spring on your right side.
GETTING TO LANDMANNALAUGAR ON YOUR OWN
If you prefer self-driving, be sure your vehicle is suitable for off-roading conditions and check road conditions beforehand as they can change rapidly due to weather. Keep in mind that access to Landmannalaugar can be limited during certain times of the year so plan accordingly.
Here are the GPS coordinates to Landmannalaugar: 63.9830, -19.0670
To drive to Landmannalaugar on your own, there are 3 options:
F208 FROM THE NORTH (EASIEST)
This is the route we took because I wasn’t willing to risk doing any river crossings. It’s relatively flat and is considered the most “boring” drive out of these options… however, don’t let that fool you – this route still has gorgeous scenery along the way. You do also need a 4×4 vehicle as you’re still going on F roads.
From Ring Road, we took Road 30 to Road 32 to F26 to F208 to F224. From Ring Road to to Landmannalaugar it’s about a 3 hour drive. However, there are so many cool things to stop and see along the way! We stopped at Gjáin Valley (more info linked here), Haifoss Waterfall and Sigöldugljufur waterfall. I would highly recommend planning a full day for this adventure so you can see all the beautiful sights along the way. Check out DAY 2 in my Ultimate One Week Iceland Itinerary (linked here.)
Anyways, Road 30 and Road 32 are paved and then you’ll run into gravel roads starting on F26 and that will continue through the rest of your journey to Landmannalaugar Hot Springs. You’ll take F26 to F208 to F224 and that will bring you right to Landmannalaugar. There technically is a river crossing right near the base camp of Landmannalaugar, but you don’t have to cross it – there is parking before the river.
This is where we parked. The river looked pretty deep and we chose to walk the extra couple minutes rather than taking our rental through the river. Keep in mind that almost all rental insurances do not cover damage due to flooding a vehicle!! If you want to do river crossings, I’d recommend renting a Super Jeep or make sure you have a good understanding of the techniques to execute river crossings.
F225 FROM THE WEST (MEDIUM)
To execute this route from Ring Road, you’d take F26 to F225 to F208 to F224. This is the quickest route (2.5 hours) out of all three options, but there is one small-to-medium river crossing involved.
This route is known to be more scenic than the northern route and it’s the route many of the bus ours take.
F208 FROM THE SOUTH (MOST DIFFICULT)
This route is the most difficult, but also known to be the most scenic. From Ring Road, you’ll just take F208 to F224 and you’ll be at Landmannalaugar. There are multiple small-to-medium river crossings though.
As stated earlier, I’d recommend renting a Super Jeep or make sure you have a good understanding of the techniques to execute river crossings. If you are confident in your ability to cross rivers, then I’d suggest taking this route. It’s on my to-do list to do it someday (on a tour probably though!)
GETTING TO LANDMANNALAUGAR BY A TOUR (BUS OR SUPER JEEP)
BUS
Bus tours run mid-June through mid-September and are an affordable way to get Landmannalaugar without a 4×4 vehicle. There are two main bus companies I have linked below. The possible disadvantage to the buses is that you really have to plan your schedule to make sure you don’t miss your returning bus for whichever time you select.
https://trex.is/tour/landmannalaugar/
https://www.re.is/tour/landmannalaugar-iceland-on-your-own
SUPER JEEP TOUR
For those seeking a more convenient option, guided tours are available from Reykjavik or nearby towns like Hella or Hvolsvöllur. These tours often include transportation in modified super jeeps equipped to handle the challenging landscape.
OTHER THINGS TO DO NEAR LANDMANNALAUGAR HOT SPRING
When you visit Landmannalaugar, there’s more to explore beyond the hot springs. The colorful mountains of rhyolite offer fantastic hiking opportunities with breathtaking views at every turn. Lace up your boots and hit the trails to immerse yourself in this unique volcanic landscape.
HIKING
For adventure seekers, Landmannalaugar is a paradise for trekking and backpacking. The Laugavegur Trail begins here and takes you through some of Iceland’s most stunning scenery, including glaciers, lava fields, and rivers. It’s is a 34 mile trail that leads to the valley of Thorsmork.
We definitely did not do that hike, but attempted the hike up Mt. Blahnúkúr (also called the Blue Peak.) This is a 3.8 mile hike round trip and it leads to some beautiful views of the rhyolite mountains. Unfortunately, we made it about halfway, but the weather was not good.
It was very windy/rainy and we were getting sand blown in our eyes, so we decided to turn around halfway. I was super bummed we weren’t able to finish this one because it looks so cool at the top! This hike also isn’t the best for those afraid of heights – the path was easy to follow, but it was quite steep.
Here is a link showing photos of the full hike and describes it in more detail: https://www.earthtrekkers.com/how-to-hike-blahnukur-landmannalaugar-iceland/
PHOTOGRAPHY
If you’re into photography or simply enjoy nature’s beauty, Landmannalaugar provides endless inspiration. Capture the vibrant hues of the mountains contrasted against the clear blue skies or try your hand at astrophotography during the dark nights when the stars shine brightly overhead.
HORSEBACK RIDING
For a different perspective of the area, consider taking a horseback riding tour around Landmannalaugar. Icelandic horses are known for their gentle nature and sure-footedness, making them perfect companions for exploring rugged terrain.
Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping activities or simply want to soak in the natural wonders around you, Landmannalaugar has something for everyone to enjoy beyond its famous hot spring oasis.
CAMPING NEAR LANDMANNALAUGAR HOT SPRING
Nestled in the breathtaking Icelandic highlands, camping at Landmannalaugar is a one-of-a-kind experience for nature enthusiasts. Surrounded by colorful rhyolite mountains and vast lava fields, pitching your tent here feels like stepping into a surreal painting.
The campsite offers basic facilities such as toilets and showers, providing just enough comfort without compromising the raw beauty of the rugged landscape. You don’t need to book in advance – instead you pay onsite. Pricing and more information on camping can be found here: https://www.fi.is/en/mountain-huts/camping
Waking up to the crisp mountain air and stunning views is invigorating – a perfect start for exploring nearby hiking trails or simply immersing yourself in the tranquility of this remote wilderness. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or new to outdoor adventures, Landmannalaugar promises an unforgettable stay under the stars.
Overall, thanks for reading my guide to visiting the Landmannalaugar Hot Spring. If you’re looking for more Iceland-related content check out these articles below.
This blog post may contain affiliate links, which are at no cost to you. It just helps support me so I can continue to put out free content for you like this! Thank you for your support!