Hidden Highlands: 3-Day Landmannalaugar & Grænihryggur Hiking Tour

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.