Hiking & Trekking Multi-Day Tours

Landmannalaugar - Off the Beaten Path in Fjallabak Nature Reserve

New tour Scenic Trails

Discover Fjallabak Nature Reserve on this 4-day hike in the same area as the popular Laugavegur trail but more secluded. Varied landscapes, geothermal hot springs, vast lava fields and impressive waterfalls await!

Tour code: IMG33

Hikers trekking on brown terrain interspersed with white snow patches amidst stunning natural scenery

Fjallabak Nature Reserve, home to Landmannalaugar, the starting base of the world-famous Laugavegur trail, beckons travellers with much more than its renowned route. While the characteristic landscapes of Laugavegur are celebrated globally, Fjallabak's lesser-known tracks offer a unique, undisturbed experience.

Located in the central Highlands of Iceland, this captivating reserve boasts rugged landscapes, colourful rhyolite mountains, volcanic formations, geothermal hot springs, and an untouched wilderness. With a tapestry of red, orange, yellow, and green mountains combined with snow patches and rugged, mossy lava fields, the area paints a vivid picture of Iceland's volcanic past.

Join us for a 4-day adventure, where each day hike unveils new wonders, and seamless transport awaits at every trail's end. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers keen to delve deep into Iceland's pristine heart and explore its lesser-trodden paths.

Tour Overview

Accommodation

Mountain hut
Meeting point

BSI Bus Terminal, Reykjavík
Walkin per day

4-7 hrs
Language

English
Total Distance

35-40 km (21-25 mi)
Group size

6-14 hikers
Difficulty

Moderate to challenging
Availability

Summer Hiking Season
Duration

4 days
16

Minimum age:

16 yrs

Book this tour

Tour Highlights

Hiking in geothermally active areas

Bathing in a natural hot spring

Colorful landscapes

Impressive waterfalls

Included

Transport in a minibus at the beginning and end of the hikes each day
Experienced and qualified English speaking driver guide for 4 days
Mountain hut sleeping bag accommodation in a dormitory for 3 nights
Full board from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 4

Not Included

Airport transfers
Accommodation and food in Reykjavik
Optional excursions and visits
Sleeping bag
Showers in the hut (payable on site)
Hiking poles
Vegan/vegetarian/pescatarian meal plan

Optional Extras

Sleeping bag
Hiking poles
Vegan/vegetarian/pescatarian meal plan

Tour Map and Itinerary

Click map for detailed itinerary

We will depart from Reykjavík at 08:00, embarking on an exciting journey. Our route will take us eastward through the captivating mountains along Highway 1. We'll pass through the charming towns of Hveragerði and Selfoss, continuing our adventure through Dómadalsleið into the breathtaking highlands. Before reaching our cozy cabin, Landmannahellir, we'll embark on a scenic hike up to the magnificent Rauðufossar, immersing ourselves in their natural beauty and exploring their origins. We'll settle into our cabin at Landmannahellir, where we'll spend the next three nights.

Active walking: 10 km, 3-4 hrs.

Today, we begin by driving into Landmannalaugar, a journey of about 30 minutes. A geological wonderland, offering a surreal and enchanting natural experience for those who venture into its diverse and colorful landscapes. It's a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the raw beauty of Iceland's Highlands and appreciate the forces that have shaped this captivating region. Here, we'll immerse ourselves in the largest and most stunning rhyolite area in the country, embarking on an adventurous hike. Our trail will lead us through Blágil, up Brennisteinsalda (881 m / 2890'), down Vondugil, and through Laugahraun, showcasing the mesmerizing landscape. After our hike, we'll indulge in a relaxing soak in a hot bath in the river. We'll then drive back to our cabin in Landmannahellir.

Active walking: 10-15 km 6-7 hrs

Today is dedicated to an exhilarating mountain climbing experience. We'll set out from the cabin, hiking up to the summit of Mt. Löðmundur, the highest peak in the Fjallabak region (1,077m / 3533'). The summit offers a mesmerizing panoramic view of the southern part of the country in all directions.

Active walking: 5 hrs.

Today marks our return journey. We'll pack up and begin our hike from the cabin, heading towards Sigalda. Here, we'll embark on a memorable walk, exploring the awe-inspiring Sigöldugljúfur canyon. After about an hour of hiking, we'll continue our journey, admiring the majestic waterfalls of Háifoss and Granni. If time allows, we'll also stop at Gjáin before returning to Reykjavik in the late afternoon.

Active walking: 2-3 hrs.

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4

Click to activate the map

I am a vegetarian/vegan/gluten intolerant, will there be a food option for me, what is it?

Special dietary options, such as vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan, and gluten-free, are available for an additional cost. These options will provide meals that meet the requirements of your diet.

The date I want to book is not available, can I still request to book?

How is it best to train for my tour?

To train for this tour, we highly recommend taking regular hikes in your local area, especially in places where the route includes both uphill and downhill segments, as well as uneven terrain. It's beneficial to carry some weight on your back during these hikes to simulate the conditions you'll experience on the tour. Begin with shorter walks and progressively increase their length to build the endurance needed for the longer hiking days you'll encounter during the tour.

Incorporating both low aerobic and aerobic training will help you build the strength and endurance required for longer hikes.

Lastly, it's crucial to train in the boots you plan to wear on the tour. Ensure they are well broken-in and comfortable to prevent blisters and discomfort during your trip.

For your own well being and safety, we strongly suggest following the advice of our equipment list, this includes having good quality rain-gear, tops and bottoms! Please respect that cotton clothing is not appropriate for any strenuous outdoor activity. Modern outdoor clothing is by far more comfortable and will greatly improve your experience.

Boots and Clothing

Sturdy Hiking Boots – waterproof with good ankle support.
Long sleeve shirt (thermal underwear) – Wool or synthetic.
T-shirt (thermal underwear), Wool or synthetic.
Light wool or fleece sweater (2nd layer).
Trousers – Strong and light material that dries quickly e.g. soft-shell.
Jacket with a good hood – windproof, waterproof and breathable, e.g. Gore-Tex or comparable.
Rain trousers – windproof, waterproof and breathable. Please note that full raingear is mandatory in Iceland, poncho is not useful because of wind.
Gloves – Wool or synthetic 2 pairs of different thickness.
Socks – Wool or synthetic. Two or three pairs.
Warm hat – Wool or synthetic.
Swimwear if you want to bathe in the hot geothermal pool in Landmannalaugar.

Other gear

A duffel bag for the transport of your overnight gear between huts. Please avoid bringing a suitcase!
Day backpack for extra clothes and lunch pack during the day. 25 – 40L (1500 – 2500 cu in).
River shoes – Walking sandals or old running shoes with a good grip are a good choice, along with a pair of warm socks or neoprene socks. Open sandals or flip-flops will not do the job.
Sleeping bag. A basic sleeping bag with no specific temperature rating is sufficient for this trek since all the huts are heated.
Towel – light weight and packable.
Sunglasses & sun protection.
Water container – thermos flask, water bottle 0.5 – 1L. or camelbak.
Headlamp for reading and getting around the hut.
Change of clothes for wearing in the hut.
Personal first aid kit – including blister care.
Prescription medication and other personal health items.
Toiletries; Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap etc.
Earplugs.
Lunch box

Optional gear

Walking pole(s). To preserve the vulnerable nature please keep the rubber tip protectors on.
Power-bank / extra battery for your electronics – small solar cells usually do not work that well in Iceland, so a pre-charged power bank is a better option. Charging your electronics in the highlands often is not an option or will cost you extra. Having converters adapters for 220 V and/or USB will help.
Gaiters (recommended for departures in June and early July).
Pocket knife.
Sun/rain hat or a cap. Shorts.
Small thermal mat (to sit on for lunch breaks).
Puffy jacket (e.g. Primaloft or down).
Dry-bags for electronics and extra clothing.
Slippers for indoor use.
Pillow or pillow case (to wrap around your warm sweater or down jacket for a pillow).
Playing cards and travel games – or other toys you might like and can travel.
Cash– for the showers, a shower normally costs about 500 ISK.
Book - to read during the evenings.
Aperitif or other heart-warming spirits: Liquor laws in Iceland prohibit the sale of alcohol in most places you come by on your trip in the highlands. So, having a flask (preferably plastic or metal) to share with your fellow travels in front of the camp fire (gas heater) can be the crowning of a good day. You can take care of this in the duty-free up on arrival in Iceland if you like. Just follow all the Icelanders on your flight, they will take you straight to duty-free!