Access
F-road, summer only
F208 or F225; 4WD required, with river crossings
Landmannalaugar: Highland Hot Spring & Rhyolite Mountains
A natural hot stream surrounded by colorful rhyolite mountains in the Icelandic Highlands, and the starting point of the Laugavegur trail.
Location
Highlands
Fjallabak Nature Reserve • Summer only
Quick Answer
Landmannalaugar's natural hot stream runs among rhyolite mountains in the Highlands, at the start of the Laugavegur trail. Summer-only access by F-road or bus.
Landmannalaugar sits at about 600 meters elevation in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, surrounded by some of Iceland's most striking geology. Rhyolite mountains in shades of pink, green, yellow, and purple frame a natural hot stream where geothermal and cold water mix to a comfortable bathing temperature. The area is the starting point of the Laugavegur trail, a 55 km multi-day hike to Þórsmörk and Iceland's best-known trek. Access is via highland F-roads open only in summer, typically late June through September.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Check F-road status before departure. A 4WD vehicle is required. River crossings can be dangerous. Never cross a rising river.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Trail
Laugavegur start
55 km multi-day hike to Þórsmörk
Altitude
~600 m
Highland plateau in Fjallabak Nature Reserve
What to Expect
Natural Hot Stream (36-40°C)
Geothermal water at up to 80°C mixes with a cold river to create comfortable 36-40°C bathing. Move upstream for warmer water, downstream for cooler
Rhyolite Mountains
Brennisteinsalda and surrounding peaks are streaked pink, green, yellow, and purple from iron, sulfur, and mineral deposits in the volcanic rock
Laugavegur Trailhead
Starting point for Iceland's most famous 55 km multi-day hike to Þórsmörk. Book mountain huts months in advance for peak season
What to Bring
Swimsuit, towel, water shoes (rocky riverbed), warm layers for the highlands, and rain gear. A basic changing area is near the bathing spot
Free Admission
The hot spring is free to use. The campsite charges a small nightly fee (around 2,000 ISK). Mountain hut bunks must be pre-booked through FI
Remote Highland Location
At 600 m elevation in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. No shops, limited phone signal, and no fuel stations. Come fully prepared
Getting There
Choose an approach that your vehicle supplier permits and check current road conditions before departure. F224 is the final access road. Parka identifies P1 before the last two river crossings, with a pedestrian bridge into Landmannalaugar. Seasonal highland buses are an alternative to self-driving; confirm your date and return journey with the operator.
Best Time to Visit
Late June through early September when F-roads are open. Late June: roads may just be opening, so check road.is daily. River levels can be high from snowmelt. July: the most reliable month with warmest temperatures (8-15°C) and driest conditions. Rhyolite colors are most vivid in direct sunlight. August: conditions hold up well, with slightly fewer visitors late in the month. Book mountain huts through Ferðafélag Íslands months in advance for July and August. September: roads may close early depending on weather. The hot stream feels best in cool weather, when the temperature contrast is strongest.
For a 2026 drive-in visit, Parka’s Landmannalaugar booking page requires reservations for arrivals from 9 AM to 4 PM, June 20–September 13. The service fee applies outside these hours too. It lists 1,500 ISK for vehicles with up to five seats and 2,450 ISK for six to nine seats, checked September 10. P1 parking is before the final rivers, with a pedestrian bridge onward.
Planning help
Landmannalaugar FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
When can I drive to Landmannalaugar?
Highland F-roads (F208 and F225) to Landmannalaugar typically open in late June or early July and close in September, depending on conditions. Check road.is for current status. A high-clearance 4WD vehicle is required, and river crossings are involved.
Can I get to Landmannalaugar without a 4WD?
Yes, several companies run highland bus services from Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar during summer (late June to mid-September). Trex, Reykjavík Excursions, and others offer scheduled services.
What is the Laugavegur trail?
The Laugavegur trail is Iceland's most famous multi-day hike, running 55 km from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk over 3–4 days. It passes through rhyolite mountains, obsidian fields, glacial rivers, and green valleys. Huts and campsites are available along the route.
What is the hot spring like at Landmannalaugar?
The natural bathing area is a warm stream where hot geothermal water mixes with cold river water. It is free, with a basic changing area nearby. The temperature is comfortable (around 36–40°C in the bathing area) and you bathe surrounded by the colorful rhyolite mountains.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.