3-Day Landmannalaugar, Green Ridge & Háifoss Hike

3 days, 2 nights in hutsGroup: Small group, up to 16 hikersModeratePick-up in ReykjavíkAge 10+June to September

The bright green rock of Grænihryggur between coloured hills

Hiker cheering on a ridge in Landmannalaugar

Bather in the Landmannalaugar hot spring

Two nights in Landmannalaugar, the heart of the Fjallabak highlands, with a guide and your meals cooked at the hut. The second day is a long hike to Grænihryggur, a ridge of bright green rock that few visitors ever see, and the way home passes some of the best waterfalls in the south.

Laugahringur loop
Grænihryggur, the Green Ridge
Landmannalaugar hot spring
Ljótipollur crater
Háifoss and Hjálparfoss

Day by day

Click a day for photos and details.

Coloured rhyolite valley at Landmannalaugar

Day 1: Landmannalaugar and the Laugahringur loopPick-up in Reykjavík between 7:00 and 7:30 (also possible at Selfoss at 8:15 or Hella at 9:00).

Pick-up in Reykjavík between 7:00 and 7:30 (also possible at Selfoss at 8:15 or Hella at 9:00). You drive past Hekla into the highlands and reach Landmannalaugar around midday. After lunch at the hut you hike the Laugahringur loop over the Laugahraun lava field, up Brennisteinsalda and down through Grænagil canyon: 4.5 to 6 km, 2 to 3 hours, 200 to 300 metres of climbing. Then a soak in the hot spring and dinner. Night in the mountain hut.

Read our Landmannalaugar guide →

Day 2: Grænihryggur, the Green RidgeThe big day.

The big day. After a short drive in the Fjallabak nature reserve you hike to Grænihryggur, a ridge of green rock surrounded by red, orange and grey hills. It is 15 to 18 km and 7 to 8 hours with about 800 metres of climbing, with a packed lunch on the trail and some river crossings. Back at Landmannalaugar for the hot spring and dinner. Second night in the hut.

Day 3: Ljótipollur, Háifoss and homeOn the drive back you stop at Ljótipollur, a red crater with a lake inside, Sigöldufoss, and Háifoss, one of the highest waterfalls in Iceland, where you hike down…

On the drive back you stop at Ljótipollur, a red crater with a lake inside, Sigöldufoss, and Háifoss, one of the highest waterfalls in Iceland, where you hike down into the canyon (4 km, 1.5 to 2 hours, 170 metres). Then Gjáin valley and Hjálparfoss, and back to Reykjavík in the early evening.

Read our Háifoss guide →

About the 3-day Landmannalaugar hiking tour

Landmannalaugar is known for its coloured rhyolite mountains, black lava and natural hot spring. Most people visit on a day trip; on this tour you stay two nights, which gives you time for a full day on the trails and evenings in the hot spring after the day visitors have gone.

You sleep in shared mountain huts with bunk beds. Meals are cooked at the hut, with the guides and the group helping together, from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 3.

This is a moderate hiking tour. Day 2 is long, with about 800 metres of climbing, so you should be used to hiking for a full day on rough paths.

Make it your own

Optional extras, at extra cost

Hiking boots
Hiking poles
Sleeping bag
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof trousers
Trekking rental package (boots, poles, jacket, trousers and sleeping bag)
Special diet

Included

Pick-up and drop-off in Reykjavík
English-speaking hiking guide
2 nights in mountain huts (shared dormitories)
Meals from lunch on day 1 to packed lunch on day 3
Safety equipment
Free Wi-Fi on the bus

Not included

Sleeping bag (bring one or rent one)
Showers at the hut (about ISK 1,100, paid at the hut)
Special diet supplement (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or allergies, paid when you book)
Towel and toiletries

What to bring

Sleeping bag and travel pillow
Waterproof hiking boots
Thermal underwear and waterproof jacket and trousers
Warm hat and gloves
Swimsuit and towel
Day pack of 25 to 40 litres and a 1 to 2 litre water bottle
Old trainers or sandals for river crossings
Sunglasses and personal medication
Gaiters and walking poles are recommended

Good to know

Minimum age 10
Day 1: 4.5 to 6 km, 2 to 3 hours. Day 2: 15 to 18 km, 7 to 8 hours, about 800 m up. Day 3: 4 km, 1.5 to 2 hours
No Wi-Fi at the huts, and the phone signal is unreliable
Tell the operator about any medical conditions before the tour
Jeans and trainers are not suitable
Pick-up at Reykjavík City Hall, Hallgrímskirkja or Reykjavík Campsite (7:00 to 7:30), Selfoss N1 (8:15) or Hella bus terminal (9:00)
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 14 days before the start. Between 14 days and 48 hours before, 50% is refunded. No refund within 48 hours.

Questions people ask

Do I need my own sleeping bag?

Yes, bring one or rent one when you book. The huts have mattresses but no bedding.

What is the food like?

Simple, filling meals cooked at the hut, with a packed lunch on the trail. Special diets can be catered for if you add the special diet option when you book.

How fit do I need to be?

You should be comfortable hiking for 7 to 8 hours on day 2, with about 800 metres of climbing and some river crossings.

Can I shower?

Yes, the huts have showers for a fee of about ISK 1,100. The hot spring is free.

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From159,990 ISKPer person

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Our guides to places on this tour:Háifoss Landmannalaugar