Landmannalaugar
Landmannalaugar is one of Iceland's most spectacular highland destinations — famous for its extraordinary multi-colored rhyolite mountains in shades of pink, gr…
About
About Landmannalaugar
Landmannalaugar is one of Iceland's most spectacular highland destinations — famous for its extraordinary multi-colored rhyolite mountains in shades of pink, green, yellow and purple, and its natural geothermal hot springs.
One of Iceland's defining Highland landscapes, combining rhyolite mountains, geothermal features and outstanding hiking.
Photos
Photo Gallery
Background
History & Background
The name means 'The People's Pools of Laugar' — a reference to the hot springs where geothermal water meets glacial meltwater. The area has been used as a highland rest stop by Icelandic travelers for centuries. It is the start of the Laugavegur trail — considered one of the world's top hiking routes — and sits within the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. The colorful mountains are made of rhyolite, a volcanic rock that cools more slowly than basalt and produces an extraordinary palette of colors.
Landmannalaugar lies in Iceland's Highlands within the Fjallabak landscape. Visitors come for day hikes, longer routes including the Laugavegur trail, rhyolite scenery and geothermal features. Access is seasonal on highland roads and may involve vehicle restrictions and river crossings, so current road and weather conditions should be checked before travel.
💡 Did You Know?
Starting point of the 55 km Laugavegur hiking trail
Local Legend
The Healing Powers of Landmannalaugar
According to local legend, Landmannalaugar was discovered by a settler who was healed of illness after bathing in its waters. The hot spring is said to be blessed by nature spirits, and many believe its waters have special healing properties. Even today, visitors speak of feeling rejuvenated after soaking in these ancient waters.
Explore
Hidden Gems Nearby
✦ Off-Peak Visit
Visit Landmannalaugar during shoulder season (May or September) for a perfect balance of access and solitude.
You'll experience the site without summer crowds while still having good weather and daylight.
✦ Local Flora
Look for the native Icelandic plants growing in the area — Arctic thyme, moss campion, and various lichens.
These resilient plants have adapted to survive harsh conditions and add subtle beauty to the landscape.
✦ Changing Light
Landmannalaugar looks dramatically different depending on the time of day and weather conditions.
Cloud shadows, rain showers, and low-angle sunlight can transform the landscape within minutes — Iceland's famous "four seasons in one day."
Help
Frequently Asked Questions
Location
Location
Discover
Explore Nearby
Places from our database within 5.0 km — all data from Sanity
Loading nearby places…
0 places found within 5.0 km
Plan full itinerary →Explore More
