3-Day Highlands Hike: Landmannalaugar, Emerald Ridge & Háifoss

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Scenic drive to Landmannalaugar, Hiking, & Hot Springs
6 stops
Reykjavik (Pass by)
The tour begins with convenient pickup from Reykjavík, Hella, or Selfoss in our 4x4 minibus.
1
Fjallabak Nature Reserve
After a scenic drive, your first day offers the perfect introduction to the Icelandic Highlands, combining unforgettable scenery with a sense of remoteness and adventure. Landmannalaugar is one of the country's most spectacular hiking destinations. Nestled within the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, this geothermal wonderland is famous for its vibrant rhyolite mountains, painted in striking shades of red, orange, yellow, green, and blue.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
2
Landmannalaugar
We will explore the trails and journey through a dramatic landscape shaped by volcanic forces, passing steaming hot springs, ancient lava fields, colorful valleys, and panoramic mountain viewpoints.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Laugahraun (Pass by)
We hike through the dramatic Laugahraun Lava Field, a vast expanse of rugged black lava formed during an eruption in the late 15th century. The trail winds through a surreal volcanic landscape where jagged lava formations are softened by vibrant green mosses and colorful highland vegetation. Surrounded by the striking rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar, this fascinating lava field offers a glimpse into the powerful geological forces that continue to shape Iceland's ever-changing landscape.
(Pass by)
One of Landmannalaugar's most iconic landmarks, Brennisteinsalda, or the "Sulphur Wave," is a colorful volcanic mountain renowned for its extraordinary mix of reds, yellows, greens, blacks, and blues. As you hike along its slopes, you'll encounter steaming fumaroles, sulfur-stained hillsides, and panoramic views across the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. The mountain's vibrant colors and active geothermal features create an unforgettable hiking experience, showcasing the raw beauty and volcanic energy of Iceland's Highlands.
3
Landmannalaugar Bathing Place
After a rewarding day of hiking through Landmannalaugar's colorful mountains and volcanic landscapes, unwind in one of Iceland's most scenic geothermal bathing spots. Nestled at the edge of the highland campsite, the natural hot spring offers warm, mineral-rich waters surrounded by lava fields, rugged peaks, and sweeping mountain views.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 2
Grænihryggur (The Emerald Ridge)
3 stops
4
Landmannalaugar
After waking up in Landmannalaugar, having breakfast, and packing lunch, we embark on an adventure to the beautiful Grænihryggur, or 'Emerald Ridge'.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
5
Your guide will drive you from Landmannalaugar to Grænihryggur. Often considered one of Iceland's best-kept hiking secrets, Grænihryggur, or the Emerald Ridge, is a spectacular mountain formation hidden deep within the Icelandic Highlands. Named for its striking green hues, the ridge is colored by mineral-rich volcanic rock, creating a vivid contrast against the surrounding black deserts, colorful rhyolite peaks, and glacial valleys. The hike to Grænihryggur takes you through some of the Highlands' most diverse landscapes, crossing rivers, geothermal areas, and remote mountain terrain rarely visited by larger crowds.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
6
Landmannalaugar Bathing Place
After the hike, we return to Landmannalaugar where guests have the chance to unwind in the Hot Springs once more.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 3
Landmannalaugar - Ljótipollur - Sigöldufoss - Háifoss
6 stops
7
Ljotipollur Lake
Despite its name, which translates to "Ugly Puddle," Ljótipollur is one of the most beautiful volcanic craters in Iceland's Highlands. Formed during an eruption in 1477, this striking explosion crater is filled with deep blue water and framed by vivid red and black volcanic slopes, creating a dramatic contrast that makes it a favorite among photographers and nature lovers. During your stop, take in sweeping views from the crater's rim and admire the remarkable colors shaped by centuries of volcanic activity.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
8
Sigoldufoss
Known as the "Valley of Tears," Sigöldufoss is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Iceland's Highlands. Here, crystal-clear glacial water plunges over a broad cliff into a turquoise river below, while countless smaller springs emerge directly from the canyon walls, creating a stunning network of cascading streams. During your stop, enjoy panoramic views of the waterfall and the surrounding volcanic landscape, where vibrant green moss contrasts beautifully with dark lava formations and black sand plains. Less crowded than many of Iceland's famous waterfalls, Sigöldufoss offers a peaceful and unforgettable glimpse into the raw natural beauty of the Highlands
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
9
Haifoss
Experience one of Iceland's most spectacular natural wonders at Háifoss, the country's third-highest waterfall. Plunging 122 meters (400 feet) into the ancient canyon of Þjórsárdalur Valley, Háifoss is a breathtaking display of nature's power and beauty, surrounded by dramatic cliffs, volcanic landscapes, and sweeping Highland vistas. During this scenic hike, you'll follow trails along the canyon rim to several stunning viewpoints overlooking both Háifoss and its neighboring waterfall, Granni. As the river crashes into the depths below, you'll be treated to panoramic views of rugged lava fields, colorful mountains, and the vast wilderness of Iceland's interior. The hike offers countless opportunities for photography and unforgettable scenery.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
10
Gjain
Gjáin is a magical valley renowned for its lush greenery, crystal-clear streams, and countless small waterfalls. Nestled within the rugged landscape of Þjórsárdalur Valley, Gjáin feels like a secret garden, where vibrant vegetation and volcanic formations create a striking contrast to the surrounding highland wilderness. During your visit, wander along picturesque paths that wind between bubbling springs, moss-covered lava rocks, and serene pools fed by cascading waterfalls. The area's unique beauty has made it a favorite among photographers and nature lovers, and it has even served as a filming location for international productions. With its fairytale-like scenery and peaceful atmosphere, Gjáin offers a refreshing change of pace from the rugged landscapes of the Highlands.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free
11
Hjalparfoss
We finish our Highland adventure with a visit to Hjálparfoss, one of Iceland's most unique and picturesque waterfalls. Located at the edge of the Þjórsárdalur Valley, Hjálparfoss is renowned for its distinctive twin cascades, where two streams of glacial water tumble side by side into a tranquil pool surrounded by striking basalt rock formations. The waterfall's name, which translates to "Help's Waterfall," originates from the days when weary travelers crossing the harsh Highland routes found much-needed water and grazing land in this fertile oasis. Today, it remains a peaceful and scenic destination, offering beautiful viewpoints and excellent photo opportunities. Surrounded by lava fields, volcanic landscapes, and lush vegetation, Hjálparfoss provides a perfect final taste of Iceland's diverse natural beauty. Take a moment to enjoy the serene atmosphere and reflect on the incredible landscapes you've explored before beginning the journey back to Reykjavík.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Reykjavik (Pass by)
After three unforgettable days exploring Iceland's remote Highlands, colorful mountains, hidden valleys, and spectacular waterfalls, we'll begin our journey back to Reykjavík. Sit back and relax as we leave the wilderness behind, reflecting on the incredible landscapes and adventures experienced along the way. We expect to arrive in Reykjavík at approximately 6:15 PM, bringing an end to this remarkable Highland trekking adventure.

Additional info

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• The hut at Landmannalaugar is dormitory style with shared rooms. The sleeping areas include bunk beds or long platforms with mattresses placed side by side. To ensure comfort, light sleepers should bring earplugs and a sleep mask. These rustic huts provide a communal atmosphere, ideal for connecting with fellow travelers while enjoying the remote beauty of the highlands.
• While the tour is rated as moderate, guests should have a fair fitness level and be prepared to hike 6-15km per day over varied terrain.
• Not recommended for travelers with mobility impairments

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