Hidden Highlands: 3-Day Landmannalaugar, Háifoss & Grænihryggur Hiking Tour
Price per person from US$1,276

Hidden Highlands: 3-Day Landmannalaugar, Háifoss & Grænihryggur Hiking Tour

From
US$1,276
Price per person
From
US$1,276
price per person

Description

About the Tour

Explore the remote beauty of Iceland’s southern Highlands on this immersive three-day trekking adventure. Journey through the geothermal landscapes of Landmannalaugar, hike across vividly colored rhyolite mountains, and visit the dramatic Haifoss waterfall—featured in the final season of Stranger Things.

The highlight of the trip is Graenihryggur, known as the Emerald Ridge, hidden deep within the Highlands. The trail passes misty waterfalls, volcanic ridges, lava fields, and canyon landscapes, with time to unwind in natural hot springs after rewarding hikes.

Spend two nights in traditional mountain huts, waking up to open landscapes, crisp air, and the peaceful stillness of Icelandic nature. Feel Iceland under every step.


Highlights

Visit Graenihryggur — the Green RidgeVisit Haifoss waterfall – Stranger Things Season 5 filming locationEnjoy views of Hekla volcanoSwim in the Landmannalaugar hot springsExplore Laugarhraun lava fieldClimb BrennisteinsaldaDescend into Graenagil canyonSee Ljotipollur volcanic craterDiscover Sigoldufoss glacial waterfallStop by GjainGaze at Hjalparfoss waterfallHike down to Háifoss waterfall canyon


Itinerary

These three incredible trekking days take you deep into Iceland’s southern Highlands, including the geothermal wonders of Landmannalaugar and the surreal landscapes of Grænihryggur (Emerald Ridge). Starting and ending in Reykjavik, the journey explores the world-famous trails of Fjallabak Nature Reserve along with remarkable natural attractions.

Day 1: Explore Laugarhraun lava field, hike up the slopes of Brennisteinsalda, and descend into the narrow Grænagil canyon. End the day relaxing in natural hot springs.

Day 2: Embark on a full-day hike to Grænihryggur, a striking blue-green ridge surrounded by black sands, crater lakes, and colorful rhyolite mountains.

Day 3: Travel back toward Reykjavík via scenic F-roads, stopping at Ljótipollur crater, Sigöldufoss waterfall, Háifoss canyon, Gjáin valley, and Hjálparfoss waterfall.

Throughout the tour, you’ll travel in a small group, stay in cozy mountain huts, and experience Iceland’s wild landscapes far from the crowds.


Practical Information

Please bring any personal medication or health supplies you may need.

Meeting Points in Reykjavík (7:00–7:30 a.m.)

Available pick-up points: Arctic Adventures’ pick-up list

Reykjavík City Hall (Ráðhúsið) on VonarstrætiHallgrímskirkja ChurchReykjavík Campsite

Meeting Points Outside Reykjavík

8:15 a.m. — Selfoss N1 gas station9:00 a.m. — Hella Bus Terminal

Please note that it can take up to 30 minutes before departure from the listed meeting locations.

We strongly recommend dressing in layers: thermal base layers closest to your body and waterproof outer layers on top. A preparation guide is available: How to prepare for hiking and trekking in Iceland.


Renting Gear

Prefer to travel light? Rental gear is available, including waterproof jackets and pants, hiking boots, trekking poles, and sleeping bags. Select your equipment during checkout or add extras later via My Adventures after booking.

Visiting

Day 1: Laugahringur Loop and Hot Springs
Day 1: Laugahringur Loop and Hot Springs

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)

Day 2: Grænihryggur Hike
Day 2: Grænihryggur Hike

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)

Day 3: Fjallabak Nature Reserve—Reykjavík
Day 3: Fjallabak Nature Reserve—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

Meeting point

Airport Gate
Day 1: Reykjavik
Day 2: Reykjavik
Day 3: Reykjavik

Pick-up & drop-off in Reykjavík

Hut accommodation for 2 nights

All meals

English-speaking trekking guide

Necessary safety equipment

Free WiFi in the bus

All meals from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 3

Thermal underwear

Waterproof layers

Warm hat & gloves

Waterproof hiking boots

Sleeping bag and a travel pillow

Swimsuit & towel

Sunglasses

Travel sack for baggage transported between huts/campsites

Day backpack (25–40 L)

River crossing shoes (old sneakers or similar)

1–2-liter water bottle

Remarks

Please note effective October 2020, any foreign tour booked, shall attract 5% TCS (which is 100% refundable on IT returns) This amount will be collected separately from individuals once the booking is made on the website. This has an overall 0 effect on the transaction. Effective 01 October 2023, TCS will be revised to 20% (which is 100% refundable on IT returns).                                                                                          


Please be advised that this is a quote based on the requirements, as multiple services are involved Flights+Hotels+Activities+Transfers, some of the services may be subject to a price change/ unavailability. The operations team will notify you of such changes if any post booking, and shall offer alternate arrangements or refund of the unavailable services if any.                                                                                                    


Please bear in mind that the standard check-in time as per international standards is 3:00 PM and 11:00 AM is the checkout. Early/ late check in & check out can be requested at the discretion of the hotels.


Hotel Reviews are only for references, and holiday has been made keeping the budget of the customer in mind. Please visit actual Hotel Website for more details with regards to quality and services.



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