Plizio Visual Lab

Landmannalaugar

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

valley

Weather…

Landmannalaugar is a memorable geothermal region in the southern Highlands of Iceland, situated within the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. The area is globally renowned for its bustling rhyolite mountains, which display an incredible palette of colors including yellow, red, pink, and turquoise, caused by the unique mineral content of the volcanic rock. The landscape is dominated by the vast Laugahraun lava field, which was created during a volcanic eruption around the year 1477 and provides a stark contrast to the colorful slopes. The name translates to 'The People's Pools,' referring to the natural hot springs that have been used by travelers for bathing since ancient times. Landmannalaugar serves as the northern trailhead for the famous 55-kilometer Laugavegur trekking route, one of the most iconic hiking trails in the world. Geologically, it lies on the edge of the Torfajökull caldera, explaining the intense fumarole activity and the diverse rock formations found throughout the valley. Accessibility is strictly limited to the summer months via rugged F-roads, ensuring the preservation of its remote and pristine wilderness.

Location: Iceland
Top sights: Bláhnúkur · Suðurnámur · Frostastaðavatn
Nearby: Þórsmörk (39 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-4	-4	-3	-1	2	6	8	7	4	1	-3	-4
Rain mm	236	219	208	170	123	122	147	159	224	220	210	236

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Access is mostly achieved by driving inland on unpaved F-roads from either the south or the west, navigating through desolate landscapes. A reliable 4x4 vehicle is legally required and essential for safely fording the rivers leading to the main camp.

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Best season

The rugged highland routes leading to the valley usually open in late June and reliably close with the first heavy snows in September. Specialized super-jeep tours can occasionally reach the area during winter, but independent driving is impossible.

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Terrain & paths

The region is famous for its brilliantly colored rhyolite mountains, vast obsidian lava fields, and numerous steaming hot springs. The hiking trails vary wildly from flat, easy valley floors to incredibly steep, loose scree slopes on the peaks.

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What to bring

Sturdy hiking boots are strictly essential to handle the sharp obsidian rocks and muddy trails found throughout the nature reserve. Visitors must also bring a swimsuit and towel if they intend to bathe in the famous natural geothermal river.

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Parking

There is a very large, sprawling parking area situated just before the final, notoriously deep river crossing at the main base camp. Many cautious visitors choose to safely park here and use the pedestrian bridge rather than risk driving through the water.

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Safety

The weather can easily fluctuate violently, bringing sudden blizzards or intense rainstorms even on a seemingly calm July afternoon. Always pack a detailed map, compass, and sufficient extra food, as mobile phone coverage is virtually non-existent here.

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Time needed

While a quick stop and a soak in the hot springs takes around three hours, the area is definitely best experienced through extensive hiking. Most visitors dedicate a full day, and many spend several days completing the famous long-distance trekking routes.

Geography

Coordinates

63.98300, -19.06700

Facts

The Laugahraun lava field was formed during a volcanic eruption around 1477.
The area is located within the Fjallabak Nature Reserve at 600 meters elevation.
The name Landmannalaugar translates to 'The People's Pools'.
Geologically, the region is part of the massive Torfajökull volcanic caldera.
It is the starting point for the 55-kilometer Laugavegur trekking trail.
The colorful mountains are primarily composed of silica-rich rhyolite rock.