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Hidden Highlands: 3-Day Landmannalaugar & Grænihryggur Hiking Tour

Difficulty

Moderate

Duration
3 days
Price from

159.990 ISK

Embark on a thrilling 3-day adventure through Landmannalaugar, where volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and rugged trails promise an unforgettable journey into Iceland’s wild heart.

Three Day Guided Hike of the Wonders of Landmannalaugar 

Trip difficulty: 3/5, moderate

Highlights:

  • Hekla Volcano
  • Landmannalaugar Hot Spring Swimming
  • Laugarhraun Lava field
  • Brennisteinsalda Volcanic Mountain
  • Grænagil Canyon
  • Grænihyggur – the Emerald Ridge
  • Ljótipollur Volcanic Crater
  • Sigöldufoss Glacial Waterfall
  • Háifoss Waterfall
  • Gjáin Waterfall
  • Hjálparfoss Waterfall

Embark on a three-day trekking adventure through Iceland’s Highlands and Landmannalaugar, discovering hidden gems and breathtaking landscapes. Hike across lava fields, colorful mountains, and remote mountain ranges, witness geothermal wonders, and explore the striking Emerald Ridge. The journey concludes with a visit to the majestic Háifoss waterfall, with stops at secluded, stunning sites along the way. This trip offers an unforgettable experience of Iceland’s most spectacular and untouched scenery.

Day 1:

Your adventure begins early in Reykjavík as we head into Iceland’s untamed Highlands. The journey itself is part of the experience — we travel along rugged mountain tracks, with sweeping views of the volcano Hekla.

By midday, we arrive at Landmannalaugar, the crown jewel of Iceland’s rhyolite mountains. After settling into our mountain hut and enjoying lunch, we set off on the Laugahringur loop, one of Iceland’s most iconic short hikes.

The trail leads us through the Laugahraun lava field, a black and twisted landscape formed by a historic eruption in the late 1400s. From there, we ascend the colorful slopes of Brennisteinsalda, the “Sulphur Wave,” where mineral-rich steam paints the mountainsides in hues of red, orange, and green. Continuing onward, the path descends into Grænagil, the “Green Gorge” — a narrow canyon shimmering with emerald tones that contrast beautifully against the dark lava cliffs above.

We return to camp in the late afternoon, just in time for a rejuvenating dip in Landmannalaugar’s natural geothermal hot spring — a perfect reward after a day exploring the Highlands’ most vibrant landscapes. A hearty dinner and cozy evening in the mountain huts complete your first day in the wild.

Included: Transport from Reykjavík, lunch, dinner, accommodation in huts

Highlights: Landmannalaugar, Laugahraun lava field, Brennisteinsalda, Grænagil canyon, natural hot spring

Included: Transport from Reykjavík, lunch, dinner, accommodation in huts

  • Distance: ~4.5–6 km (2.8–3.7 miles)
  • Duration: 2–3 hours
  • Elevation gain: ~200–300 m
  • Route Highlights:
    • Laugahraun lava field
    • Brennisteinsalda mountain
    • Grænagil canyon
    • Geothermal vents & colorful rhyolite slopes
    • Natural hot spring bathing
Day 2

Wake up to a strong cup of coffee and a hearty breakfast before setting out for the highlight of your adventure — the Grænihryggur hike. Grænihryggur, which means "green ridge", is a ridge located deep in the Fjallabaki nature reserve. As the name suggests, it is a small ridge with a stunning blue-green color. A short drive takes us to the trailhead, where the vast highland expanse opens before us.

This full-day hike reveals one of Iceland’s most surreal natural wonders: Grænihryggur, a vivid green ridge that glows against the black volcanic sands and blue lakes surrounding it. The colors here are so striking they feel almost otherworldly.

We enjoy a packed lunch along the way before making our way back to Landmannalaugar in the afternoon. Once again, a hot spring soak and warm dinner await — the perfect recovery after a day in Iceland’s wild beauty.

Included: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner, accommodation in huts

  • Distance: 15-18 km (9-11 miles)
  • Duration: 7-8 hours
  • Elevation gain: 800 m
  • Route Highlights:
    • Fjallabak Nature Reserve Area
    • Grænihryggur hike
    • Panoramic highland views
    • Rhyolite Mountains & canyons
    • Geothermal bathing
Day 3:

After breakfast and packing up, we set off on our scenic journey back to Reykjavík — but the adventure isn’t over yet. The return drive is dotted with spectacular natural wonders. Our first stop is Ljoti pollur Lake, chosen one of the World’s Most Beautiful Crater Lakes. Ljoti pollur is an incredibly beautiful red crater filled with bright-blue water. We'll traverse icelandic mountain f-roads through black sand and moss covered landscapes to our next destination Sigöldufoss. This waterfall is located the “Valley of Tears,” where turquoise water cascades over cliffs framed by black lava.

Next, we visit Háifoss, one of Iceland’s tallest and most awe-inspiring waterfalls, plunging 122 meters into a rugged canyon. We’ll hike down to the river canyon for the best views, then return to the top for lunch before continuing our journey.

Along the way, we explore the lush oasis of Gjáin, a hidden world of moss-covered walls, crystal-clear pools, and tiny waterfalls — a fairytale contrast to the surrounding volcanic landscape. Our final stop is Hjálparfoss, a striking double waterfall set against dramatic basalt formations where two rivers meet. We’ll then arrive back in Reykjavík in the early evening.

Included: Breakfast, packed lunch, Transportation back to Reykjavík

  • Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
  • Duration: 1.5-2 hours
  • Elevation gain: 170 m
  • Route Highlights:
    • Hiking Haífoss Canyon,
    • Ljótipollur Volcanic crater
    • Sigöldufoss waterfall
    • Gjáin waterfall
    • Hjálparfoss waterfall

If you want to see more information about the itinerary or accommodation, please click here 

Disclaimer: All day trips are undertaken on the responsibility of its participants. Arctic Adventures does not assume any responsibility for accidents which are caused by its customers or can be traced to their own actions. Participants have to sign a waiver before undertaking all trips stating that they realize that all outdoor activities carry an inherent risk.

Pick-up & drop off from Reykjavík

Free Wi-Fi on Board Your Bus

Accommodation in huts

All Meals (lunch day 1 to lunch day 3)

English Speaking Licensed Adventure Guide

All Required Safety Equipment

  • Hiking boots – good sturdy boots with sufficient ankle support for walking on rough trails. They should have a robust sole and preferably waterproof.
  • Warm jacket, fleece, primaloft or similar 
  • Rain jacket with a hood, preferable breathable fabric such as Gore tex or similar 
  • Rain trousers, preferable breathable fabric such as Gore tex or similar Gloves, wool or synthetic, preferable waterproof.
  • Hiking socks 
  • Warm hat and/or balaclava 
  • Backpack for daily use 
  • Sleeping bag and travel pillow
    A light sleeping bag with no specific temperature rating will be sufficient 
  • Liner if you rent a sleeping bag
  • Towel, Tooth brush and personal toiletries
  • Sunglasses/sunscreen (high protection, the sun in Iceland can be really strong)
  • Water bottle 
  • Small personal first aid kit
    • Pain killers such as aspirin or ibuprofen
  • Hiking poles
  • Gaiters
  • Camera, batteries, memory card 
  • Headlamp for trips in late season, after august 10th. 
  • Earplugs/Sleep mask

  • Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar

    We’ll start early in Reykjavík and drive straight into the heart of the Highlands. Along the way, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of lava fields and Hekla, one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes.

    By midday, we’ll reach Landmannalaugar, a geothermal oasis surrounded by rhyolite mountains, painted in red, green, and gold. After settling into our cozy mountain huts and having lunch, we’ll stretch our legs on a short hike along the Laugahringur loop.

    Step across the Laugahraun lava field, a black expanse of hardened flow from an ancient eruption. Climb the steaming slopes of Brennisteinsalda, alive with red and yellow minerals. Then, as the path drops into Grænagil canyon, observe how the palette changes to green and turquoise.

    We’ll return in the late afternoon for a well-earned soak in Landmannalaugar’s natural hot spring, followed by dinner and a relaxed evening in the huts.

    • Distance: ~4.5–6 km (2.8–3.7 mi)
    • Duration: 2–3 hours
    • Elevation gain: ~200–300 m (656–984 ft)
    Day Highlights
    • Laugahraun lava field
    • Brennisteinsalda mountain
    • Grænagil canyon
    • Geothermal vents & colorful rhyolite slopes
    • Natural hot spring bathing
    Included
    • Transportation from Reykjavík
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Accomodation (huts)
  • Landmannalaugar – Grænihryggur

    After breakfast, we’ll head out for the highlight of the trip—the Grænihryggur hike.

    A short drive brings us to the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, where the landscape opens into vast valleys and volcanic ridges. This full-day trek reveals one of Iceland’s most surreal sights—bright green slopes glowing against black sands and cobalt-blue lakes. The contrast feels almost unreal. Keep your camera close.

    We’ll stop for a packed lunch surrounded by this awe-inspiring scenery before heading back to Landmannalaugar. Another hot spring soak and a hearty dinner await you in the evening.

    • Distance: 15–18 km (9–11 mi)
    • Duration: 7–8 hours
    • Elevation gain: 800 m (2624 ft)
    Day Highlights
    • Fjallabak Nature Reserve
    • Grænihryggur hike
    • Panoramic highland views
    • Rhyolite mountains & canyons
    • Geothermal bathing
    Included
    • Breakfast
    • Packed lunch
    • Dinner
    • Accommodation (huts)
  • Fjallabak – Reykjavík

    After breakfast, we’ll pack up and begin the scenic drive back to Reykjavík, visiting multiple natural attractions along the way.

    Our first stop is Ljótipollur, often described as one of the world’s most beautiful crater lakes despite its name (“Ugly Puddle” in Icelandic). Its deep red slopes and bright blue water create a painting-worthy scene.

    Next up is Sigöldufoss, sometimes called the “Valley of Tears.” Here, multiple turquoise waterfalls tumble over black lava cliffs. You’ll stand next to Háifoss, Iceland’s second-tallest water cascade, dropping 122 m (400 ft) into a rugged canyon. We’ll hike down to the river for the best views and stop for a packed lunch.

    Before returning to Reykjavík, we’ll wander through Gjáin valley, a lush green oasis filled with tiny water streams and crystal-clear pools. You’ll see Hjálparfoss, a beautiful double waterfall framed by basalt formations.

    We’ll reach Reykjavík in the early evening—tired, happy, and full of memories that will last a lifetime.

    • Distance: 4 km (2.5 mi)
    • Duration: 1.5–2 hours
    • Elevation gain: 170 m (558 ft)
    Day Highlights
    • Haífoss canyon
    • Ljótipollur volcanic crater
    • Sigöldufoss waterfall
    • Gjáin waterfall
    • Hjálparfoss waterfall
    Included
    • Breakfast
    • Packed lunch
    • Transportation back to Reykjavík

  • A 100% charge applies if canceled within 2 days of the start time.
  • A 50% charge applies if canceled within 14 days of the start time.
  • Free cancellation up to 365 days before the start time.

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