Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk Nature Reserves in Central Iceland
Landmannalaugar Nature Reserve
Landmannalaugar Nature Reserve is considered one of the must-see destinations for travelers in Iceland. The reserve is located in the heart of Iceland, in the part closer to the southwest of the country.
The reserve is mainly known for its impressive, high mountains in the area, painted in all the colors of the rainbow. The sight, as if someone came and painted the mountains with a paintbrush as they pleased, is an unforgettable view. In addition, there is significant volcanic activity in the area, and hot springs can be found at one of the campsites.
(Photo by Ido Barak)
Getting There and Touring
Public Transportation:
If you have a private car, you will have to leave it for the day and use public transportation departing from Reykjavik, operating until September 15. For details and operating hours, visit the website Reykjavik Excursions. The buses arriving in the area stay for a limited number of hours, a time that might be slightly tight for a circular hike to the mountains and back.
In case you do not want to be rushed, there is an option to stay and overnight on-site. There is an information kiosk on-site where, for a nominal fee, you can purchase detailed maps of recommended hiking trails for any given duration.
Guided Super Jeep Tours in the Reserve
Another way to tour the reserve is a private guided Super Jeep tour.
You can book a day tour to the reserve here from the trusted Viator website: Landmannalaugar by Super Jeep
Independent Driving
A third way is by independent driving, for 4X4 car renters only. If you have such a vehicle, you can reach the place via roads F225/F208; road conditions are quite reasonable. The road to the reserve is open between June and September only. Driving on road F208 from the town of Vik takes about three hours.
Horseback Riding
A special way to get around and get to know the reserve area is by riding Icelandic horses. The company Hekluhestar organizes riding trips in the area.
Accommodation in the Landmannalaugar Reserve Area
Details on accommodation in the reserve area can be found on the Landmannalaugar website.
Landmannalaugar-Thorsmork-Skogar Trek
This is a famous trek in Iceland, taking about 6 days (7-8 hours of walking per day). The trek passes through the reserve, continues to Thorsmork Nature Reserve, and ends at the magnificent Skogafoss waterfall. The trek will lead you from the unique mountainous landscape of Landmannalaugar to the forested and green nature reserve of Thorsmork. Before setting out on the trek, you must prepare well and equip yourself with food and a sleeping bag. It is recommended to check whether the weather permits departure. The campsites in the area are open from mid-June to September 15. The sleeping huts on-site are very basic: there is a shared kitchen, toilets and showers are located outside the hut and their use involves an additional fee, and sleeping is on mattresses.
Additional information and accommodation prices can be found on the Icelandic Touring Association website. Besides the huts, there are additional areas designated for camping. The camping includes toilets, cold water, and showers, but there is no kitchen and you cannot use the kitchen belonging to the huts.
Local companies organizing guided tours for the trek:
Landmannalaugar Nature Reserve (Photo by Ido Barak)
Thórsmörk Nature Reserve Þórsmörk
Thórsmörk Nature Reserve Þórsmörk is located south of Landmannalaugar Nature Reserve and is a 4-hour drive away, via the town of Hella. The reserve is surrounded by glaciers, volcanoes, and rivers, and is unique mainly due to the abundant vegetation found within it. Favorable climate conditions have brought about 170 different species of plants and trees to the reserve.
To get to the reserve, you must drive via road F249, which branches off from Road No. 1. The drive takes about an hour. Traveling to the reserve requires crossing rivers, including the turbulent Krossá River. Traveling is possible by off-road vehicles or buses only, driven by experienced and skilled guides. The companies offering tours in Landmannalaugar also operate trips in this reserve.
♦ Recommended Thórsmörk Nature Reserve Tour Bookings from Viator
Þórsmörk Nature Reserve (Photo by Ido Barak)
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♦ Recommended 6-8 Day Guided Tours in Iceland Bookings from Viator