Best for
Landmannalaugar + hot springs
Colorful mountains and natural bathing in a highland setting.
Fjallabak Nature Reserve: Landmannalaugar and the Highlands
A highland nature reserve that includes Landmannalaugar, colorful rhyolite mountains, natural hot springs, and the start of the Laugavegur hiking trail. F-road access only.
Region
Highlands
F-road access only. 4x4 required. Summer access.
Quick Answer
Fjallabak Nature Reserve sits in Iceland's central highlands. It lacks the traditional forests found elsewhere on this list, but its highland vegetation, colorful rhyolite mountains, steaming hot springs, and vast lava fields make it a landscape of its own. The reserve includes Landmannalaugar, probably Iceland's best-known highland destination, and the start of the Laugavegur trail, one of the world's best-known multi-day hikes.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Highland F-roads are only open in summer (typically late June–September). A 4x4 vehicle is mandatory. River crossings may be required. Check road.is and safetravel.is before every trip.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Access
F-road only (4x4)
Highland roads open summer only. No regular vehicles.
Pro tip
Check roads first
Always verify F-road status on road.is before departing.
What to Expect
- Colorful rhyolite mountains
- Natural hot springs for bathing at Landmannalaugar
- Start of the 55 km Laugavegur hiking trail
- Vast obsidian lava fields and volcanic formations
- Highland campsite at Landmannalaugar with basic facilities
- The Laugavegur trailhead, with 55 km of varied terrain to Þórsmörk
Nearby Attractions
- Þórsmörk nature reserve (end of Laugavegur trail)
- Háifoss waterfall (accessible by 4x4)
- Hekla volcano (visible from the reserve)
- Ljótipollur explosion crater lake with deep red slopes
- Frostastaðavatn lake for highland camping
How to Get There
- Choose the exact approach to Landmannalaugar and check its road classification, vehicle requirements and river crossings
- Summer bus services (Reykjavik Excursions, Trex) run daily from Reykjavik (4 hours)
- About 190 km from Reykjavik but the highland portion is slow, so allow 5-6 hours driving
- River crossings required on most approach routes; do NOT attempt in a standard car
- The main base is Landmannalaugar with a mountain hut, campsite, and natural hot springs
Best Time to Visit
- Summer access depends on the actual road opening and conditions, not fixed calendar dates
- July-August: Best weather, trails fully snow-free, hot springs comfortable for bathing
- Late September: Autumn colors on highland moss, but nights can drop below freezing
- October-May: Completely inaccessible, with roads closed and the area snowbound at 600m elevation
- Early July: Laugavegur trail typically fully open for through-hiking to Þórsmörk
September 12, 2026: choose another hiking route
The Nature Conservation Agency’s September 9 notice asks visitors to avoid the routes to Grænahryggur through Halldórsgil or from Skallahringur on Saturday, September 12, during sheep gathering. It also asks visitors to stay out of Jökulgil and Hattver that day. Other walks remain available in the reserve; ask the rangers which suit the conditions.
This is a dated request for those routes, not a closure of the entire reserve. Rangers can provide details at +354 822 4083 or fjallabak@nattura.is. Recheck notices before travelling after September 12.
Planning help
Fjallabak Nature Reserve FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is the Fjallabak Nature Reserve?
Fjallabak Nature Reserve is a highland nature reserve in the interior of Iceland, known for its colorful rhyolite mountains, hot springs, and the start of the Laugavegur hiking trail. It is not a traditional forest, but it supports distinctive highland vegetation.
Is Landmannalaugar part of Fjallabak?
Yes, Landmannalaugar is the most famous area within the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, known for its natural hot springs, colorful mountains, and as the starting point of the Laugavegur trail to Þórsmörk.
How do I get to Fjallabak?
Fjallabak is accessible only via F-roads (highland roads) that require a 4x4 vehicle with high clearance. The roads typically open in late June or early July and close again in September or October depending on conditions.
What is the Laugavegur trail?
Laugavegur links Landmannalaugar with Þórsmörk over about 55 km. Plan the stages around booked accommodation, current trail conditions and the ability of your group; it is a separate multi-day undertaking from a Landmannalaugar day walk.
When is the best time to visit?
July and August are the best months, when F-roads are open and conditions are most favorable. The hot springs at Landmannalaugar are accessible during this period. Always check road conditions on road.is before traveling.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.