One-day itinerary – Rainbow Mountains

Trip to Landmannalaugar – colorful mountains, lava fields and geothermal bathing

Main attraction

Landmannalaugar

Other places

Bláhnjúkur · Brennisteinsalda · Laugahraun · Grænagil · Viewpoint No. 8 · Sigöldugljúfur · Ljótipollur · Hnausapollur · Hjálparfoss

Our day starts with a long drive. We will travel along roads 1, 32, 26, 208, F208 and F224 and arrive fresh in the Landmannalaugar area, which only faintly resembles other places on Earth. Before the river crossing into the area, there is a large parking lot – it is better to park before the river and cross into the area via the wooden pedestrian bridge.

In the so-called Rainbow Mountains, there is a wide selection of hiking trails for all fitness levels. The most challenging is the ascent of Bláhnjúkur, or the climb up Brennisteinsalda. However, there are also easier options, such as a relaxed loop through the lava field Laugahraun and back through the canyon Grænagil. My secret tip is Viewpoint No. 8, which offers incredible panoramic views of the Rainbow Mountains in all directions—you will hardly believe you are still on Earth. As a reward for the effort, you can relax in the geothermal river before heading back.

On the return journey, it depends on how much time and energy you have left. The main attraction of the area is the “Valley of Tears” – Sigöldugljúfur, which will add about an hour and roughly 2 km of walking. Other possible stops are less demanding in terms of time and energy – the crater lakes Ljótipollur and Hnausapollur. I recommend skipping Sigöldufoss waterfall, but as a farewell to a demanding and beautiful day, I would choose the area around Hjálparfoss. Then just a safe journey back.

Tip: Before entering the highlands, make sure at the Hrauneyjar center that you have three times more fuel than you are likely to need, and refill if necessary. Secret tip – it is always a good idea to enter the highlands with a full tank!