Venture into Iceland’s otherworldly Highlands on this 8-hour private driver-guided tour. 

You’ll leave Vík behind for a bumpy but scenic ride across lava fields and river fords, arrive at the multicolored rhyolite ridges of Landmannalaugar, soak in an open-air hot spring, and return—no strenuous hikes required.

Highlights of Our Landmannalaugar Express Day Trip

Private hotel pick-up and drop-off in Vík

Rugged Fjallabak highland drive with river crossings

Panoramic views of Landmannalaugar’s rainbow mountains

Relaxing dip in the natural geothermal pool

Flexible timing—linger at the view or hot spring as you wish

Our Landmannalaugar Express Itinerary

This suggested route is fully adaptable. Let us know if you’d like to add a lava-tube cave visit, extend the soak, or include a snack break.

Departure from Vík

Your guide will meet you at your accommodation in Vík and head out on the F-road toward the Highlands. 

Within minutes, the black-sand beaches give way to stark lava plains—your first glimpse of the raw terrain sculpted by fire and ice.

Fjallabak Highland Drive

Board a specially equipped 4×4 and tackle a series of shallow river crossings and rolling lava fields. 

As you bounce over obsidian-streaked rock, your guide will point out steam vents rising from hidden fissures and share stories of epic eruptions that unleashed this barren wilderness. 

The rugged journey itself becomes an adventure, immersing you in a landscape few ever see.

Landmannalaugar Scenic Overlook

Arrive at Landmannalaugar’s geothermal amphitheater, where rhyolite peaks glow in shades of ochre, pink, and moss green. 

Wander short paths to sweeping overlooks and marvel at the striped hillsides—each hue born of mineral-rich soils and geothermal heat. 

Your guide will explain how sulfur, iron, and rhyolite combine to paint this natural canvas, and you’ll have ample time to soak in the view and photograph the surreal panorama.

Natural Geothermal Soak

A few steps from the viewpoints lies a steaming hot spring, its warm waters fed directly from the earth. 

Slip in and feel the tension melt away as you float amid the rhyolite slopes. While you relax, your guide will weave in local legends of hidden elves and mountain spirits, making your soak both rejuvenating and steeped in Icelandic lore.

Return to Vík

Re-board the 4×4 for the return trek over lava fields and river fords back to Vík. 

During this shorter drive, your guide will recap the day’s highlights—from the highland’s stark beauty to the soothing geothermal waters—and answer any lingering questions. You’ll arrive at your hotel refreshed and enriched by a taste of Iceland’s remote interior.

Optional Extras to Enhance Your Landmannalaugar Express Itinerary

Eldgjá Canyon Detour – Swing by this dramatic volcanic fissure on the return leg to marvel at its sheer cliffs and the slim Ófæra waterfall tucked within.

Sólheimajökull Glacier Tongue Stop – Pause for a brief guided walk onto the ice tongue of Sólheimajökull to feel ancient glacial crevasses and learn about its rapid retreat.

Brennisteinsalda Crater Rim View – Add a short, moderate hike up the rainbow-streaked slopes of Brennisteinsalda for sweeping panoramas over Landmannalaugar.

Laugahraun Lava Field Walk – Explore the smooth, black expanse of the Laugahraun lava flow, where moss-colonized rock and steam vents reveal nature’s reclamation.

Ljótipollur Crater Lake – Divert eastward to this vivid red-rimmed crater lake, famed for its striking contrast between scarlet scoria and aquamarine water.

Highland Snack Break – Arrange a rustic picnic or enjoy a local lamb soup at the Landmannalaugar campsite café to refuel before your hot spring soak.