Landmannalaugar Travel Guide: Lava Field Hikes, Hot Springs and a Summer Parking Reservation

Landmannalaugar lies inside Iceland’s Fjallabak Nature Reserve. It suits hikers who want a day loop of a few miles or a full day on a ridge, and anyone who likes a soak in natural hot springs afterward.

Driving in needs planning. From June 20 to September 14, private vehicles must reserve a parking spot for the hours between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

At a glance

• Location: Fjallabak Nature Reserve, Iceland
• Parking reservation: required for cars and motorcycles, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., June 20 to September 14
• Lodging: a hut for 78 people and a campground
• Warmest months: July and August, highs of 50°F (10°C)
• Hiking: loops from 3 miles (4.8 km) to 9.6 miles (15.5 km)

Where is Landmannalaugar and what is it like?

Landmannalaugar lies within the Fjallabak Nature Reserve in Iceland, at 550 m above sea level (about 1,800 feet). The GPS position is N 63°59.600, W 19°03.660.

The landscape is volcanic. The area has large deposits of rhyolite, obsidian and rhyolite lava, and the Laugahraun lava field lies right at the hut. Mountains in view include Barmur, Bláhnúkur, Brennisteinsalda, Suðurnám and Norðurnám. Nearby, Ljótipollur is an explosion crater lake.

The reserve covers 446 km2, or about 172 square miles. The whole area is open 24/7, so there is no closing time to plan around.

What is there to do in Landmannalaugar?

Laugahraun lava field and Brennisteinsalda

The Laugahraun Lava Field Circle is 3 miles (4.8 km) and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

The Brennisteinsalda hike is 2.1 miles (3.4 km) and extends that circle. Together they cover the lava field and one of the named peaks.

Bláhnúkur, the Blue Peak

Bláhnúkur is a challenging 4-hour hike up the Blue Peak. It is the one to pick when the weather is clear and legs are fresh.

Start in the morning, since the hike takes a good part of the day.

Take warm layers. Highs in July and August reach only 50°F (10°C), and it will be colder on the ridge.

Skallahringur loop

Skallahringur is a 9.6 mile (15.5 km) loop that takes about 6 to 8 hours. Trails at Landmannalaugar exist for all levels, and this is the long end of the range.

Plan it as a full day and carry food and water. The hut has a fully equipped kitchen, and a big charcoal grill stands outside for guests who bring their own charcoal and lighter fluid.

This loop is for confident hikers. With young children or a short stay, stick to the lava field circle.

Geothermal hot springs

Visitors can relax in natural geothermal hot springs. They are the usual reward after a hike.

In summer, a horse rental and a small café operate at Landmannalaugar, so a day here can include more than walking.

If you want gentle days with a soak, this place suits you well. If you want a beach, a town or a restaurant dinner, it suits you less.

Where to stay in Landmannalaugar

Overnight stays are only allowed in huts and designated campgrounds. The Landmannalaugar hut sleeps 78 people on two floors, in sleeping bags. It has a fully equipped kitchen with gas stoves, hot and cold running water and all utensils.

The campground is close to the toilet house and is mostly on gravel. The toilet and shower house also serves the day visitors. Camping is possible by all FÍ huts.

Book the hut bed online through the blue button on the hut’s page. Hikers are expected to have confirmed bookings for huts or campsites before starting their trek.

When should you go to Landmannalaugar?

July and August are the warmest months, with highs of 50°F (10°C) and lows of 43°F (6°C). June and September are cooler, with highs near 47°F (8°C) and 46°F (8°C). That is the window for hiking in comfort. It also matches the summer parking reservation period, from June 20 to September 14.

Winter is the season to skip for most visitors. From December to March, highs sit at 33°F (1°C) and lows fall to 27°F (-3°C). Visitors who want a mild day outdoors should aim for July or August. The month-by-month detail is on the best-time page.

What to know before visiting Landmannalaugar

According to the U.S. State Department, no visa is needed for up to 90 days for tourism or business in Iceland.

• Passports must have 3 months’ validity beyond your date of departure from the Iceland/Schengen Area, and 6 months is recommended. Proof of funds and an onward or return ticket are required.
• Iceland does not accept the 12-page U.S. emergency passport for visa free entry unless it has 3 months beyond your planned date of departure.
• No vaccinations are required.
• The service fee is charged per vehicle and is paid only once, however long you stay. It is paid by credit card at the time of reservation.
• Reservations are only required for those driving a car or motorcycle into the area. Biking does not require a reservation.

Booking Landmannalaugar for November: what to know

The parking reservation requirement runs from June 20 to September 14. November falls outside that period, so the reservation is not required then.

November is cold, with highs of 36°F (2°C) and lows of 30°F (-1°C). The horse rental and café operate in summer, so bring your own food and layers.