This day trip feels otherworldly. I like how it ropes you into Iceland’s highlands for a guided hike through obsidian and rhyolite, then tops it off with the Valley of Tears canyon. Guides such as Sarah and Eddy are known for tying geology to stories, so the place feels less like scenery and more like a living classroom.

What I like most is the Landmannalaugar hike itself: you walk among bright rock colors and then step into erratic black obsidian fields. I also really value the payoff time—when you swap boots for a swim and soak in the natural hot pool.

The main drawback is simple: this is a long day with a bumpy ride. If roads and vehicle motion bother you, or if you’re sensitive to noise, plan for that from the start.

Key things to know

• A guided hike to Brennisteinsalda: about 2 hours through obsidian fields toward the Sulphur Wave viewpoint
• Landmannalaugar time to choose your pace: you get a few hours total, including a hot pool window
• Sigöldugljúfur photo stop time: the Valley of Tears is jaw-dropping, but you’re mostly there for viewpoints and photos
• You’re riding an off-road-capable vehicle: expect F-road-style gravel and rougher stretches
• Bring the swim basics: swimsuit and towel are essential for the hot pool part

Why Landmannalaugar and Sigöldugljúfur feel like another planet

Landmannalaugar is one of Iceland’s best places to see geology up close. You’re not just looking at rock—you’re walking through the leftovers of volcanic activity, where rhyolite color bands and lava-era obsidian create a scene that can look fake if you’ve only seen Iceland in postcard photos.

You’ll also notice the details the moment you start moving around. Rhyolite is colored by minerals like iron and sulphur, which is why hills can look orange, red, and yellow in the same view. And the black obsidian field is a different kind of magic: it’s smooth in places, sharp-edged in others, and comes from the Laugahraun lava field formed in 1477. People even refer to it as Dragon Glass (yes, that overlaps with pop culture).

Then you switch gears for Sigöldugljúfur, also called the Valley of Tears. This canyon is all about water in motion—small spring-fed streams, tiny ponds, and crystal-clear falls dropping from colorful cliff faces. It’s the kind of place where you keep turning your head because there’s another angle just around the bend.

The 11-hour rhythm: early pickup, real time outside, and a long return

This tour runs about 11 hours total, and most of that comes down to distance. Plan for a day where you’ll spend meaningful chunks outside, but you’ll also ride for stretches in between.

Typically the schedule looks like this: you’re picked up in Reykjavík in the morning, then you head out to the highlands with photo/sightseeing stops along the way. You’ll spend a few hours around Landmannalaugar, including a guided hike and a hot pool soak. After that, you go to Sigöldugljúfur for more scenic stops and photos, and then you roll back toward Reykjavík.

What matters for your planning is pacing. This isn’t a slow, lingering nature walk day. It’s built for one big hiking window plus a couple of shorter stops where you can reset, stretch, and get photos without feeling rushed.

Stop 1: Hjálparfoss and the story of Sprengisandur

Your first notable break is Hjálparfoss, a two-stepped waterfall that drops into a large plunge pool. The basalt formations around it make it feel like the waterfall is part of a larger geological machine, not just a random waterfall on a road.

There’s also a strong Icelandic human story here. The area is called Hjálp, meaning help. Long ago, people traveling over the harsh Sprengisandur route struggled to find feed for horses. When they finally reached the greener area near Hjálparfoss, it must have felt like relief—like help had arrived.

This stop is mostly for photos and a short walk. If you want a stretch break that also teaches you something, it works.

Landmannalaugar: the guided hike up toward Brennisteinsalda

The center of the day is Landmannalaugar in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. You’ll get guided hiking time—about 2 hours—up toward Brennisteinsalda, the area often described as the Sulphur Wave.

What you’ll experience on the hike is variety in a short distance. You move across obsidian fields and through terrain that feels geologically loud. Along the way, you may also see small hot springs scattered near the Brennisteinsalda area, with steam lifting from the ground in places.

The best part is that the guide doesn’t just point out views. Many guides are known for adding geology and legends in a way that makes the rocks easier to understand. Expect explanations about volcanic formation, why rhyolite shows color where it does, and how different lava types create different textures on the ground.

One more practical note: the hike tends to be approachable for a range of fitness levels, but it’s still in remote highland terrain. Bring hiking shoes and rain gear. In Iceland, weather can turn quickly, and slippery ground is not a fun surprise.

Your hiking options at Landmannalaugar

You’re not locked into one line for the whole time. After the guided part, you can keep exploring on your own within the given time frame, or you can choose a simpler route and save energy for the hot pool.

A lot of people love having that flexibility because it lets you match your day to the conditions. If wind or rain is strong, staying closer to the core area can be smarter than forcing a bigger route.

Natural hot pool time: swimsuit, towel, and a real reset

When the hike part ends, you get time to soak in the natural hot pool at Landmannalaugar. This is why so many people remember the day as more than just a hike. The thermal water gives you a clean reset after walking on uneven ground.

This is also the easiest place to prepare properly ahead of time. Bring your swimsuit and a towel. If you don’t, you’ll end up spending energy thinking about your gear instead of relaxing in it.

Some visitors wish they had slightly more time in the water, but the schedule usually keeps the experience balanced: enough time to enjoy the soak, not so much that you lose your chance to see Sigöldugljúfur later.

Cold wind can make the “in and out” routine feel dramatic. Wear layers when you’re walking back, then change into dry clothes afterward if you can.

Sigöldugljúfur Valley of Tears: short stop, big wow factor

Sigöldugljúfur is often described as one of the Iceland stops you really don’t want to miss, and the reason is the water-and-cliff combination. You’ll see multiple small spring-fed streams, small ponds, and crystal-clear waterfalls. Add colorful vegetation and steep cliff faces, and you’ve got a canyon that looks like it was assembled on purpose.

Your time here is mostly a photo stop plus sightseeing. This isn’t the moment for a long hike. It’s where you park, look closely, take a bunch of photos, and soak in the details from the viewpoints you’re given.

If you’re a camera person, this is where you’ll start filling your memory card fast. Even with short stops, the falls and water textures give you plenty to work with.

The ride matters: Super Jeep, rough roads, and how to stay comfortable

The tour includes pickup and drop-off in Reykjavík in a comfortable Super Jeep, built for rougher roads. In practice, that means you’ll feel the gravel and bumps. Several reviews mention roads are no joke, and that the vehicle handles the highlands better than standard transport.

There’s also a comfort strategy that’s worth using. If you tend to get carsick, consider bringing something for nausea. And if you have a choice, sitting closer to the front can help you feel less movement than the back.

Noise is another real factor. Engine and road noise can make it hard to hear commentary at times, so don’t assume you’ll catch every word from far back. The guide’s role is still central, but you’ll enjoy it more if you can hear them clearly.

On the plus side, you do get small comforts like free Wi‑Fi and USB ports onboard. It’s not the reason to go, but it helps when you’re dealing with a long day in transit.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for at $210

At about $210 per person for roughly 11 hours, the price can look steep until you break down what’s included. You’re paying for more than a ride. You’re paying for 4×4-capable access to remote highland areas from Reykjavík, guided time at Landmannalaugar, and a structured day that includes multiple high-impact stops.

Here’s where the value comes from:

• Guided hiking time through the obsidian and toward Brennisteinsalda
• Natural hot pool access as part of the Landmannalaugar stop window
• Transportation with pickup and drop-off in Reykjavík, saving you the hassle of figuring out timing and vehicle requirements yourself
• Photo assistance from the guide, plus regular scenic stops on the way out and back

Food isn’t included, so you should budget for that. A smart move is to plan a lunch before pickup, so you aren’t stuck deciding what to eat while you’re eager to get outside. If you show up hungry, the hike-to-hot-pool transition won’t feel as good.

If you’re short on days in Iceland and don’t want to rent a car for a long, road-risky route, this tour pricing starts to make more sense.

Who this tour fits best (and who should skip it)

This tour makes the most sense if you want a single full-day hit of two of Iceland’s famous highland experiences: Landmannalaugar’s volcanic terrain plus Sigöldugljúfur’s waterfall canyon.

You’ll likely enjoy it if:

• You’re curious about geology and want explanations tied to what you’re standing on
• You like a moderate hike with a clear destination and a reward at the end
• You want time to soak in a natural hot spring without organizing it yourself
• You’d rather ride with a small group than drive and navigate rough roads on your own

It’s not a fit if you’re traveling with children under 10 or if you need wheelchair access. The terrain and hiking portion simply aren’t designed for that setup.

Also consider motion sensitivity. If bumpy rides make you feel sick, plan ahead. This tour’s whole point includes getting out to roads only reachable by rugged vehicles.

What to watch for: weather, audio issues, and pacing expectations

Iceland weather can change fast, and it can affect what you do on the day. One reason many people love this trip is that even when conditions are rough, you still usually get value from the schedule—especially the hot pool, which can become a warm comfort plan when conditions make some hiking less appealing.

Audio can be inconsistent too. Some guides communicate clearly, but road noise and headset placement issues can make commentary harder to catch at times. If you’re the type who loves hearing every geology detail, sit where you can hear the guide better rather than assuming volume will do the job for you.

Finally, don’t expect endless hanging around. The main hiking focus at Landmannalaugar takes a solid block of time, while Hjálparfoss and Sigöldugljúfur are shorter photo/sightseeing moments. If you want hours and hours of unhurried hiking, you may prefer a longer Landmannalaugar day with more trail options.

Should you book this Landmannalaugar and Valley of Tears day tour?

I’d book it if you want one efficient day that delivers on Iceland’s highland drama: obsidian fields, colored rhyolite terrain, a guided walk to Sulphur Wave, and a soak in a real natural hot pool. The big win here is the combination—hiking plus geothermal relaxation plus Sigöldugljúfur’s waterfall canyon—without needing to rent a tough vehicle or design a full route.

I’d think twice if you’re highly sensitive to bumpy vehicle rides, or if a long transit day will drain you. This isn’t a gentle day trip.

If you can handle rough roads and dress for weather, this is exactly the kind of trip that makes Reykjavík feel like a smart launching point, not a confinement.

FAQ

How long is the tour from Reykjavík?

The duration is listed as 11 hours.

What’s included in the price?

Pickup and drop-off in Reykjavík are included by Super Jeep, along with a local English-speaking guide, a guided hike in Landmannalaugar, option to bathe in the natural hot spring, scenic stops including Sigöldugljúfur, and photo assistance from the guide. Free Wi‑Fi and USB ports are also included.

Is food provided during the tour?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Do I need to bring a swimsuit and towel?

Yes, you can bathe in the natural hot spring at Landmannalaugar, so the tour recommends bringing a swimsuit and a towel.

What hike is included at Landmannalaugar?

You get approximately a 2-hour guided hike through the obsidian fields up toward Brennisteinsalda (the Sulphur Wave). You can also explore on your own within the time frame.

What stops are part of the itinerary?

The day includes stops at Hjálparfoss (photo and sightseeing), Landmannalaugar (break and hike), the Laugahraun area (guided hiking time), swimming at Landmannalaugar, and Sigöldugljúfur (photo and sightseeing).

How do pickup and drop-off work in Reykjavík?

Pickup and drop-off are offered at certain bus stops and hotels in Reykjavík. The tour includes 11 pickup options and 11 drop-off locations.

Is the tour suitable for children and wheelchair users?

No. It’s not suitable for children under 10, and it’s not listed as suitable for wheelchair users.

What should I bring for the hike and pool?

Bring hiking shoes, outdoor clothing, rain gear, a daypack, gloves, and a hat. For the hot pool, also bring swimwear and a towel. A camera is also recommended.