If there’s one place that feels like another planet on Earth, it’s Landmannalaugar. Hidden deep in the Iceland Highlands, it’s a wild world of rhyolite mountains, lava fields, hot springs, and craters that look straight out of science fiction.
We came back to Iceland the second time just for this road trip because the first time we weren’t prepared enough. And trust me, you don’t want to miss this one.
Why is Landmannalaugar worth the Journey
The Highlands are not your typical Iceland trip. This isn’t the Ring Road with easy stops and cafés along the way. This is where Iceland gets raw and wild.
What you should expect to see on the road:
The famous red volcanoes – which are situated right before the Hnausapollur (the stunning crater lake). – If you are a good hiker and have proper shoes, I really recommend going up to the Blahylur viewpoint but please be careful, it’s extremely slippery and dangerous. But the views are the most epic in the whole Iceland.
Vast solidified lava fields, some of them covered in bright green moss – a photographer’s paradise.
Dramatic landscapes that change at every turn. You can’t actually see the perspective from the road, but if you own a drone, this roadtrip will be the jackpot of your photographer / videographer life.
When we first came here without a 4×4, we were so determined not to miss it that we hiked nearly 25 km along F26 and F208 with tents, sleeping bags, food, and water on our backs. Nine hours later, exhausted and overwhelmed by beauty, we knew: we had to come back with a van and do it the right way.
Even so, what our tired eyes saw, we never encountered again. Not until now.
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HOW TO GET TO LANDMANNALAUGAR
Getting to Landmannalaugar by Van / Car / Bus or Tour
We brought our own van to Iceland from Denmark on the Smyril Line ferry but renting a campervan in Iceland is another great option. You can also do group tours or take the bus from Hella.
Whichever you choose, remember:
There are several routes into Landmannalaugar, and each has it’s pros and cons. All of them are F-roads, meaning they require a 4×4 vehicle (standard cars and campervans are not allowed).
The F-roads (mountain roads) are only open during summer — usually late June through early September. Always check the Icelandic Road Authority (road.is)
Off-road driving is illegal and punishable by law. Stick to marked roads only
Never attempt river crossings without caution — even small ones can be dangerous after rain.
If you’re planning your Landmannalaugar road trip, the F208 route is the most scenic and beginner-friendly way into the Icelandic Highlands.
If this is your first ever highland, I truly recommend going for F208 (via Sigölduleið) which starts from Route 26 near Hrauneyjar and park before the river crossing at the end (which is a medium-size river that requires great attention). If you don’t want to cross it, bring waterproof shoes or be prepared to go barefoot trough some water to get to the main area where all the trails start.
RIVER CROSSINGS & ROUTES TO LANDMANNALAUGAR
This is where things get real. To reach Landmannalaugar, you’ll face at least one river crossing.
We hesitated at the last one, watching others attempt it before finally making the plunge ourselves.
It’s doable — but it requires caution and experience.
Rental insurances do not cover river damage. If you drown the car, you’re on your own.
⚠️ Tip: Always check the depth and follow other drivers’ lines. If in doubt, wait.
There are several routes into Landmannalaugar, and each has it’s pros and cons. All of them are F-roads, meaning they require a 4×4 vehicle (standard cars and campervans are not allowed).
1. F208 North (via Sigölduleið) – The one we did and the easiest / most recommended way to acces Landmannalaugar
Starts from: Route 26 near Hrauneyjar, which you reach from Hella or Selfoss on the Ring Road.
Driving time: ~3.5–4 hrs from Hella.
River crossings: None (except the last short one at F224 into the campsite).
Scenery: Lava fields, the red volcanoes, Hnausapollur crater lake, moss volcanoes and lava fields covered in moss.
Car needed: Any 4×4 SUV (small ones like Suzuki Jimny or Dacia Duster are fine).
This is the best choice if you’re nervous about river crossings, or if you have a smaller 4×4.
2. F225 (Landmannaleið)
Starts from: Route 26 near Hrauneyjar. You can enter F225 before connecting later to F208 North.
Driving time: ~4–5 hrs from Hella, depending on conditions.
River crossings: A few small to medium crossings. Usually manageable in mid-summer with a medium 4×4.
Scenery: Very scenic, with moss-covered lava fields, open mountain views, and a “wild Highlands” feeling. Less traffic than F208 North.
Car needed: A medium or high-clearance 4×4 (like Toyota RAV4, Land Cruiser, Hilux)
Great option if you want a more adventurous but still manageable route into Landmannalaugar.
A great option if you want a mix of adventure and beauty without the most extreme crossings.
3. F208 South (from Vik / Kirkjubæjarklaustur)
Starts from: The Ring Road near Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur, turning inland onto F208 South.
Driving time: ~6–7 hrs from Vík.
River crossings: Multiple — some are large and can be deep depending on rainfall. This is not recommended for beginners.
Scenery: Considered the most beautiful route into Landmannalaugar: colorful rhyolite mountains, volcanic deserts, endless moss valleys, and dramatic highland panoramas.
Car needed: A high-clearance 4×4 (Toyota Land Cruiser, Hilux, Defender, Jeep Wrangler).
Chose this only if you’re an experienced driver with a high-clearance 4×4 (like Toyota Land Cruiser, Hilux, or Defender).
Many people park before the last river and walk the last 10 minutes with their gear if they don’t feel comfortable driving across. We parked and slept there and waited until the next morning to watch others cross first, and only then we decided to go trough.
⚠️ Important Notes for All Routes ⚠️
Open season: Typically late June to early September. Outside of that, the F-roads are closed due to snow.
Weather impact: Rain can make rivers deeper and roads harder overnight — always check conditions at road.is.
No off-road driving: It’s strictly illegal and heavily fined — always stay on marked F-roads.
Insurance warning: Rental car insurance does not cover river crossing damage. If you drown or break the car, you pay the bill.
BEAUTIFUL STOPS ALONG THE F208 NORTH ROAD
Sigöldugljúfur Canyon
Craters on F208 (Drone perspective)
Bláhylur Crater Lake
Sigöldugljúfur Canyon
Craters on F208 (Drone perspective)
Bláhylur Crater Lake
Sigöldugljúfur Canyon, also known as the “Valley of Tears,” is one of Iceland’s hidden gems along the road to Landmannalaugar and one of the most photogenic spots in the Icelandic Highlands. This breathtaking place is located ~2 km’s into the highland (on road 208), can be accessed directly with the car if you manage the bumpy road or you can park and walk to it for about 20 min one way. Trust me, this is definitely a must see place in Iceland! So surreal, fairytale-like scene – the photos don’t do any justice!
Further away, you’ll drive on gravel road & sand and it’ll feel like Mars. The landscape is otherworldly. Grey, black and mystic volcanoes which you’ll actually want to photograph from above if you have a drone. The orange/red craters are very easy to miss from the road, but if you add Bláhylur on Google Maps, you’ll see that the iconic spot is almost near the Crater Lake. They don’t actually have a name but you can see them via satelite.
Once there, you can literally drive up on the crater’s edge. Watching the sunset from there is insane!! Midnight sun makes the colorful landscape last so much longer it feels surreal.
You can even hike up the big edge of Bláhylur if you’re well equipped and brave enough. All I can say is that it’s so incredibly challenging, slipery and steep that I personally feared for my life. Just be careful if you do. The views are something I’ve never expected.
I’ll leave the photos speak for themselves but they don’t do any justice to the actual beauty.
Sunset at Bláhylur Crater Lake
After this exhausting experience, it’s not over. You’re not there yet. Impressive volcanoes, lava fields and the most diverse landscape you’ve seen in a single place still awaits to be discovered. This is the actual place that feels like stepping right into another planet.
Stútur volcano
You can just park your car at the designated place and with zero effort you’ll be in awe. The volcano offers a short walk to the top which is really easy to do if you want to look up close, and the view from above — lava fields, moss, and colorful mountains all around – simply breathtaking!! You just gotta see this with your own eyes to believe!
Frostastaðavatn lake
This dreamy lake surrounded by lava fields is pure calm. The contrast between the deep blue water and the bright green moss is unreal. It’s the perfect place to slow down, have a snack, and just soak in the beauty of the Highlands before continuing the adventure. I truly recommend seeing this place at midnight!
If I still didn’t convince you yet that this is the most epic roadtrip you’ll do, I hope these videos & photos will.
This is the last stop before you actually reach Landmannalaugar and it’s amazing hiking trails. You’ll have to decide if you want to cross the river or not, carefully considering your car & skills.
If you skip the river and park there, you’ll probably have to get your feet wet to reach the site. If you plan to spend the night, you can in both places, before and after the river. The difference is obviously payment & facilities. At the campsite you’ll spend around 50 Eur for a van/car or tent and 2 people. Showers are paid separately 6 Eur/person as of 2025 (Unique QR Codes). It’s quite expensive but hey…you’re in the middle of nowhere.
If you want to skip the campsite you can park for free before the river crossing and go on foot to use the showers but make sure you purchase the codes before the ranger closes.
⚠️ Important note ⚠️
It will be necessary to reserve a parking spot in advance for all days between mid June and mid September from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Parking reservations can be made on nattura.is and on the Parka website.
Those arriving in Landmannalaugar without a reservation will be able to pay for their stay afterward but you may encounter delays or find difficulty searching for a place.
We were very early in the season and we did not have to reserve or pay anything before the river but you do pay on the other side.
WHERE TO STAY NEAR LANDMANNALAUGAR
If you are not traveling with a van and plan to stay in a hotel closer to this beautiful road, you need to keep in mind that hotels as well as supermarkets are not common in this area. You drive for hundreds of km’s and can’t see a single hotel. There are a few though, but they definitely need to be booked well in advance.
I recommend checking out The Highland Center Hrauneyjar which is the closest I could find.
As for the campsites, Landmannalaugar Camping is the only one. Don’t expect much, it’s simple, cosy, clean & you have everything you need including a small shop, but you are in the middle of nowhere so expect poor signal or no signal.
The best part of spending a night or two here during June or July is the fact that you can do any trail in the area at midnight for sunset with literally zero people around and witness the best colors plus you get to enjoy the thermal baths after a hike without being squished with other people especially since this one isn’t that warm.
WHAT'S THE BEST DAY HIKE IN LANDMANNALAUGAR?
Oh…there’s plenty stunning hikes but if you only have time for one, then pick Mount Blahnukur Hiking Trail. This is the one that you’re looking for. It’so popular but for a good reason, and it’s the easiest too.
I have to admit, this is by far the most spectacular hike I’ve done.
The climb is short but steep, leading you up a volcanic ridge covered in shades of blue, black, and green. From the top, you’re rewarded with 360° views over the rhyolite mountains, insane lava fields, and steaming geothermal valleys. It’s challenging enough to feel adventurous, but accessible enough to do in a few hours.
Trust me when I say, it’s the most magnificent idea to do it late in the evening, at sunset when people are coming back and the colors are popping.
