Overview
A classic Iceland Highlands soak, right beside the trail system
The Landmannalaugar hot spring is a rustic bathing pool in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, set beside the Laugahraun lava field and the area’s famous rhyolite hills. It’s a natural soak, not a tiled spa basin, but it’s also not a hidden backcountry secret. The bathing area sits close to the campground and trail network, which makes it one of the easiest Highlands hot springs to include in a hiking-focused trip.
How warm is it?
The Landmannalaugar hot spring is commonly described as being around 40°C (about 104°F) in the pool, with hotter spots near the fringes. In practice, that means you ease in, find your comfortable section, and avoid sitting right where hot inflows enter.
Why people love it
After a cold, windy hike in the Highlands, a simple soak here feels like it resets your whole day. The scenery is the bonus, lava, steam, and broad open sky.
Location & Access
Where it is
Landmannalaugar is in Iceland’s Highlands within the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, at the edge of Laugahraun lava. The bathing pool is near the campground and parking area.
Getting there
This is a Highlands destination, which makes access seasonal. Travel guidance commonly notes that the F-roads used to reach Landmannalaugar are typically open from late June to early September, depending on conditions. Outside that window, roads are often closed. Even in summer, expect rougher surfaces and occasional fords on some routes, so choose your approach based on your vehicle and comfort level.
On foot
Once you’re in the area, reaching the bathing pool is a short walk from the main facilities, not a long hike. That said, it’s still uneven ground, and you’ll be changing and walking in open weather.
Facilities
Travel guidance describes changing rooms and showers near the bathing area, but the vibe is still rustic. Pack to change quickly and keep clothing dry.
What to bring
Swimsuit, towel, and sandals with grip. Add warm layers, a hat, and a dry bag for clothes. Highlands wind is real, and you’ll want to get dry fast after soaking.
Suitability & Accessibility
Landmannalaugar is best for travelers who want a natural soak as part of a Highlands hiking day, and who can handle seasonal road access. It’s especially good for people doing the Laugavegur region hikes or day walks around the lava and colorful hills.
Families
Family friendly for families comfortable with Highlands driving and outdoor changing. Kids usually do best with short soak rounds and warm breaks. Keep supervision close along the riverbank style edges and on uneven ground, this is not a fenced, flat pool deck.
Mobility realities
There’s no long hike once you arrive, but the ground is uneven and the bathing pool is a natural feature with irregular edges. If you have mobility limitations, the hardest parts are likely the outdoor changing rhythm and getting in and out safely, not the distance.
Wheelchair expectations
I’m not claiming wheelchair access. I do not have verified step-free routes, accessible changing facilities, or assisted water-entry options for the natural pool area.
Expectations vs reality
It’s rustic, outdoors, and weather-exposed. The payoff is soaking in a real Highlands landscape, not comfort features. If you want a controlled environment, choose a lagoon or a town pool instead.
Safety & Etiquette
Geothermal terrain deserves space
Landmannalaugar is an active geothermal area. Stay on marked paths and keep your distance from steam vents and hot ground, especially with kids. It keeps the day easy and prevents nasty burns.
Watch for hotter edges
Visitor guidance notes the pool is generally around 40°C (104°F), with hotter spots near the fringes. Ease in slowly, test with your hand and forearm, and avoid sitting right at the hottest inflow points.
Highlands weather changes quickly
Wind and rain can turn a nice soak into a cold scramble. Keep dry clothes sealed in a bag, have your towel ready before you step out, and avoid standing around wet while deciding what to do next.
Slips and falls
Natural edges can be muddy and slick. Wear sandals with grip, step carefully, and keep one hand free for balance. If the area is crowded, take your time entering and exiting so you’re not pressured into a sloppy step.
Shared-space etiquette
It goes best when everyone shares the limited space and keeps things moving. Don’t sprawl across the easiest entry points, keep bags off the narrow walkways, and change efficiently so others can use the facilities.
No soap in natural water
Skip shampoo and soap in the pool. Use proper showers instead, it’s better for the water and for the next group’s experience.
Kind cautions
If you’re pregnant, heat-sensitive, or managing cardiovascular concerns, keep sessions conservative and skip dramatic hot-to-cold swings. A short soak after a hike can be plenty.
FAQs
When can you access Landmannalaugar?
Access is seasonal. Travel guidance commonly notes F-roads are typically open from late June to early September, depending on conditions. Outside that window, roads are often closed.
Do you need to hike to the hot spring?
Once you’re in Landmannalaugar, the bathing pool is a short walk from the main facilities and parking, not a long hike.
How hot is the water?
Visitor guidance commonly describes the pool as generally around 40°C (about 104°F), with hotter spots near the fringes. Always test before settling in.
What should I pack?
Swimsuit, towel, and grippy sandals. Add warm layers, a hat, and a dry bag for clothes. Highlands wind makes quick, dry changing much easier.
Are there changing rooms and showers?
Travel guidance commonly describes changing rooms and showers near the bathing area. Facilities can be simple, so plan to change quickly and keep gear tidy.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
No. The bathing area is a natural pool with uneven ground and I do not have verified step-free routes or assisted water-entry options.