LANDMANNALAUGAR (RAINBOW MOUNTAINS)
LANDMANNALAUGAR (RAINBOW MOUNTAINS)
Landmannalaugar is one of the most famous and beautiful tourist areas in Iceland. It is located in the southern part of the Icelandic interior, in the Fjallabak Mountains, and is part of the larger Fjallabak Nature Reserve.
The mountains in this area are famous for their incredible colours. Thanks to rhyolite, a type of volcanic rock, the landscape has different shades of yellow, red, green, blue and black. These colours give the landscape a unique and surreal look.
Landmannalaugar is also famous for its hot springs, which are the result of volcanic activity. Bathing in the natural hot springs is a great attraction for tourists. Visitors can enjoy temperatures of up to 40°C.
HOW TO GET TO THE RAINBOW MOUNTAINS?
Landmannalaugar is only accessible during the summer months (June to September) as the area is inaccessible in winter due to snow and harsh conditions. Landmannalaugar is most often reached by 4x4 off-road vehicles via the so-called F-roads, which are specific to the Icelandic interior. For those without an off-road vehicle, there are also bus services from Reykjavik.
BY BUS
In the summer months (June to September), special highland buses run to Landmannalaugar, which are adapted for driving on rough mountain roads and over river fords. This transport is one of the most comfortable and common options.
Buses run daily from Reykjavik, usually early in the morning. The journey takes approximately 4 hours. Buses also leave from smaller towns on the south coast, such as Hella or Selfoss. From these places the journey is shorter, taking about 3 hours.
The bus services are operated by Reykjavik Excursions (the same company that operates the Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík service, also known as Flybus). To book tickets online, visit the website https://www.re.is/highland-bus/
BY RENTAL CAR
During the summer season, Landmannalaugar can be reached by three routes that lead along F-roads. Only 4x4 off-road vehicles, ideally with a raised chassis, are allowed on this type of road. The roads are generally open from June to September, depending on weather conditions. For up-to-date information on road passability, please visit the website https://umferdin.is/en
ORGANISED TOURS
AUTOSTOP
ROUTES LEADING TO LANDMANNALAUGAR
WESTERN ROUTE
The route leads from the town of Hella, located on Ring Road 1. After 50 km it joins the F-225 (F-road). This route is of moderate difficulty and involves fording the river. In general, you can expect a gravel road full of potholes. In terms of difficulty, this is a golden mean route. You will need to ford the river on this route, but not as often as the southern route.
NORTHERN ROUTE
The route leads from the town of Selfoss, located on Ring Road 1. After 100 km it joins the F-205 (F-road). From this point on you can expect an unpaved road. It will mostly be a gravel road full of potholes. The undeniable advantage of this route is that you do not have to cross the river even once. However, the surrounding scenery is monotonous and boring and is the least interesting of all the routes.
SOUTHERN ROUTE
The route starts on ring road 1, near the town of Vík. It then joins the F-208 (F-road) from the south. This route is ideal if you are coming from the eastern or southern part of Iceland. However, it is very difficult and involves frequent river wading. Because of this, this route is considered the most difficult. However, the surrounding landscape offers amazing views that you won't get on other routes, which is why it is also considered the most beautiful.
HIKING TRAILS IN LANDMANNALAUGAR
There are several well-marked trails in the area that lead to various geothermal areas, around volcanoes and through lava fields. The most famous is the trail Laugavegur, which leads from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk. This hike takes several days and is considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
The starting point for all the trails is at the main campsite in Landmannalaugar. There is a small shop with basic food, accommodation, a place for tents, a thermal pool, toilets and showers. There are also three car parks on site, two of which are situated at the campsite (behind the river Námskvísl) and one which is about 500 m from the campsite (in front of the river Námskvísl). If you don't want to wade in the river, leave your car in the car park in front of the river.
1. LAUGAVEGUR TRAIL
- Length: 55 km
Difficulty: Medium to difficult
Duration: 3-4 days
Description: Laugavegur is the most famous trail in Iceland and one of the most beautiful in the world. The trail leads from Landmannalaugar to the Þórsmörk area and passes through a diverse landscape ranging from rainbow-coloured mountains and lava fields to glaciers and green valleys.
Attractions: The route offers breathtaking views of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier , the active Hekla volcano and the colourful rhyolite mountains.
More information about the Laugavegur trail can be found in this article:
2. BRENNISTEINSALDA (SULPHUR MOUNTAIN)
- Length: 6.5 km (round trip)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Description: Brennisteinsalda is one of the most photographed mountains in Landmannalaugar due to its colourful mix of red, green, yellow and black tones that are the result of volcanic activity. The trail passes through the Laugahraun lava field, past hot springs and fumaroles. Along the way you will encounter bubbling sulphur meadows and black lava formations.
- Attractions: From the top of Brennisteinsaldy there are spectacular views of the whole area, including Lake Frostastaðavatn.
3. BLÁHNÚKUR (BLUE MOUNTAIN)
Length: 6.1 km (circular route)
Difficulty: Difficult
Duration: 2-3 hours
Description: This trail leads to the top of Mount Bláhnúkur, which is made up of blue-black rhyolite rocks, giving the mountain a distinctive look. The trail is steep and requires good physical fitness, but the view from the top over the whole of Landmannalaugar and the surrounding mountains is breathtaking. This trail provides spectacular panoramic views of the lava fields, mountains and valleys.
Attractions: From the top of Bláhnúkur you can see into the remote area including the surrounding geothermal springs and the Fjallabak Mountains.
4. LJÓTIPOLLUR (LAKE IN THE CRATER)
- Length: 13 km (round trip)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Description: This trail leads to Lake Ljótipollur, a water-filled crater surrounded by red and black volcanic cliffs. Despite its name, which means "ugly pond", Ljótipollur is very picturesque. The trail is not too difficult, which makes it suitable for less fit hikers.
Attractions: The view of the lake from the rim of the crater is very picturesque, especially due to the contrast between the dark volcanic rocks and the turquoise coloured water.
5. GRAENAGIL (GREEN VALLEY)
- Length: 5 km (circular route)
Difficulty: Easy to medium
Duration: 1-2 hours
Description: This short but fascinating trail passes through the Graenagil valley, which is characterized by green-colored rhyolite rocks. The trail is relatively easy and offers interesting geological formations that were formed by volcanic activity.
Attractions: It is possible to continue from the valley to Mount Bláhnúkur if you want to extend the trail.
6. HRAFNTINNUSKER (BASALT MOUNTAIN)
- Length: 12 km (round trip)
- Difficulty: Difficult
Duration: 6-7 hours
Description: This trail leads to the Hrafntinnusker mountain, which is famous for its basalt formations and ice caves. The trail is quite challenging as it leads to a higher altitude, but the reward is unique views of the glacier fields and volcanic formations.
Attractions: On the summit you will find geothermal areas with fumaroles and lava flows. Hikers can also encounter glacial caves, which appear in summer.
7. FROSTASTAÐAVATN (LAKE)
- Length: 7.5 km (circular route)
- Difficulty: Easy to medium
Duration: 2-3 hours
Description: This trail passes by Lake Frostastaðavatn, which is surrounded by lava fields and hills. The trail is relatively easy and suitable for most hikers. The lake itself is known for its beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
Attractions: The trail offers spectacular views of the reflecting surface of the lake and the surrounding volcanoes.
8. SUÐURNÁMUR
- Length: 8.8 km (circular route)
Difficulty: Medium
Duration: 3-4 hours
Description: Suðurnámur is a large ridge located in the northern part of Landmannalaugar. The trail starts at the main camp and leads to the summit through a varied rhyolite landscape. Along the way you can admire the colourful hills, green mosses, black lava and rich geothermal activity in the valleys below. The climb up Suðurnámur provides wide views of the surrounding mountains, lava fields and glacier.
Attractions: From the top of Suðurnámur you can see the Fjallabak mountain range, the rainbow mountains of Landmannalaugar and the Laugahraun lava field.
9. SKALLI
- Length: 17 km (round trip)
- Difficulty: Medium
Duration: 6-7 hours
Description: Skalli is a less frequented peak located west of Landmannalaugar. The trail passes through a wild, remote landscape with several steep climbs. From the summit of Skalli you can see much of southern Iceland, including the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, the Hekla volcanoes and other peaks of the Fjallabak mountain range. This trail offers more solitude and tranquillity as it is less popular than some of the other climbs in the area.
Attractions: When the weather is good, from the top of Skalli you can see the distant mountains and glacial areas that stretch to the ocean.
PRACTICAL TIPS
- Weather: The weather in Landmannalaugar can be unpredictable and changes quickly. It is important to bring plenty of warm clothing, waterproof layers and good quality footwear.
- Equipment: However, it is important to carry enough water, food and basic equipment in case the weather changes.
- Navigation: Even if the trails are well marked, it's a good idea to have a map or navigation app with you in case the weather changes.
Timing: In the summer months you can count on plenty of daylight, but the weather in Iceland is very changeable, so it's a good idea to hit the trails as early in the morning as possible.
ACCOMMODATION IN LANDMANNALAUGAR
Accommodation in the Landmannalaugar area is quite limited, as it is a remote location in the Icelandic interior. As it is a nature reserve, the infrastructure is minimal and geared more towards adventurers and tourists. The main accommodation options in Landmannalaugar are a campsite and a mountain hut. Here are details of each type of accommodation:
CAMPSITE
The main campsite is located right next to the Laugahraun lava field and near the hot springs, making it an ideal location for accessing hiking trails.
- There are basic sanitary facilities (toilets and washrooms), but you will not find showers or electricity.
- In the tent you will be exposed to Icelandic weather, which can be unpredictable, even in summer. Therefore, it is important to have a good quality waterproof tent and warm sleeping bags.
- There is a small reception where you can pay the camping fee and get basic information about the area.
- The fee for camping is usually around 2000-2500 ISK per night.
- You don't need to book a reservation in advance, but the site can be very busy during the peak season (June to September).
- It is advisable to bring plenty of food and drinking water, although basic refreshments are available and gas bomb cookers can be used.
MOUNTAIN HUT
The mountain hut is managed by the Icelandic tourist club Ferðafélag Íslands (FI).
- The hut has a capacity for approximately 78 people and is divided into smaller rooms with bunk beds. They sleep in their own sleeping bags on mattresses.
- It offers basic amenities such as communal kitchen areas where you can prepare meals and simple bathroom facilities.
- There are no showers in the hut and hot water is very limited. Electricity is also not available.
- The price is around 13 000 ISK per person per night.
- Booking accommodation in the hut is necessary in advance, especially in high season, because the capacity of the hut is limited and fills up quickly. Reservations can be made through the website https://www.fi.is/en/mountain-huts/all-mountain-huts/landmannalaugar