Landmannalaugar is one of the most spectacular natural areas of Iceland. Otherworldly colourful mountains and valleys spread across the vast, somewhat barren landscape. Hot spring pockets of green grass and flowering meadows mixed with brittle lava fields, and steaming geysers. Landmannalaugar is a dream destination for hikers- whether you choose to visit for the day, camp in Landmannalaugar, or do the longer hut to hut hike to Thórsmörk.
Camping in Landmannalaugar is one of the best experiences you can do if you are planning a trip to Iceland – a chance to really experience and get up close to the raw nature. Being surrounded by such unique and striking landscapes, camping under the midnight sun, and spending evenings bathing in the hot springs, was a truly magical experience. The three days we spent camping in Landmannalaugar was my favourite part of our 6 day trip to Iceland last summer and a trip I am already looking forward to taking again one day.
In this guide, you will find everything you need to know before planning a camping trip to Landmannalaugar, including how to stay, how to get there, and all the small details I wish we had known before visiting. This guide is specifically aimed at camping in the area around the Landmannalaugar Mountain Hut, rather than further along the Laugavegur hiking trail.
So, let’s get started!
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Landmannalaugar Opening Times
The opening times of Landmannalauagar vary year by year, depending on the rate in which the snow melts and the Icelandic Road Authority decide the roads are allowed to open. However, the area is usually accessible from the end of June to the middle of September. Outside of these times, it is possible to visit Landmannalaugar with snowmobile or on tour-skis, however, this is recommended only for experts and professionals.
You can find more information about the hut and the current weather conditions on this page.
How to get to Landmannalaugar
Taking The Bus to Landmannalaugar
There are two main bus companies that run buses between Reykjavik and Landmannalaugar. These are Reykjavik Excursions and TREX. Both buses take around 4 hours to make the trip, stopping for a short break mid way. The only difference is the times that the buses leave – Reykjavik Excursions has one bus a day leaving in the early morning while TREX have one in the morning and a second one that runs around lunch time during the high season.
While there are multiple buses daily, it is recommended to book the bus to Landmannalaugar in advance as they can fill up.
Find information here:
We took the afternoon bus with Trex as it meant we were able to fly into Iceland that morning, take the bus into Reykjavik, buy food for our camping trip, and then head out to Landmannalaugar. Our flight arrived at 9.15 and we took the bus at 12.30pm from the town hall and found the connection time to be more than ok. It is, however, always a risk with delayed flights so if you can arrive the night before then I would recommend it!
The bus can be extremely rocky at times – mostly during the last hour as you pass through the raw nature to Landmannalaugar. This is good to note if you get even the slightest bit motion sickness.
Driving to Landmannalauagar
The only way to get to Landmannalaugar is by driving along highland roads (F-roads). These are generally rocky, gravel roads that require a 4×4 to get by. On the way out to Landmannalaugar, there are several water crossings that your car will need to be capable of passing. If you are renting a car, you will need to check that your insurance covers F-Roads. It is not uncommon for cars to run into problems on these mountain roads so you want to be sure you are covered for it.
There are a lot of different options for car hire both in Reykjavik and at Reykjavik Airport with reputable companies that offer F-road insurance. While we took the bus to Landmannalaugar, we hired a Dacia Duster for the rest of our road trip and found it to be quite good when driving on other f-roads around the country (such as to Kerlingafjöll). Find your rental car on this page.
If you plan on driving your own car or a hire car to Landmannalaugar and are visiting between the 20th June and 15th September, you will need to reserve a parking spot in advance. The parking reservation is valid for parking between 8am and 3pm. Outside these hours you don’t need a reservation, however, if you are camping you will probably want to leave your car here for a few dag. Find out more and reserve your parking spot on this page.
Day Trips to Landmannalaugar from Reykjavik
If you don’t have the time to camp in Landmannalaugar, it is also possible to visit the area on a guided day trip tour from Reykjavik. There are a variety of tours offering different experiences so there is something for everyone. For example, this 11 hour tour takes you to Hjálparfoss before arriving in Landmannalaugar where you can follow along on a guided hike followed by a swim in the hot springs. This tour, on the hand, offers a lot more photo stops on the way to and from Landmannalaugar as well as 4 hours free time in the area for sight-seeing.
Find all Landmannalaugar day trips on this page.
Staying in Landmannalaugar
Camping in Landmannalaugar
Camping in Landmannalaugar is a great experience and one of the best budget ways to see the area. The campsite is located just outside Landmannalaugar mountain hut, so staying here gives access to the shower and toilet block as well as drinking water and a sink for washing dishes. You can’t book the camp site in advance, but there is always space for those who visit. When you arrive, all you need to do is head to the information desk and register. They then give you a sticker to put on the rope of your tent to show you have paid along with tokens for the showers.
The price (in 2024) was 2800 ISK per person per night, with an additional 900 ISK for a shower – this is around €18 for camping and €6 for a shower. On top of this, there is a 666 ISK (€4.50) lodging tax.
It can get really windy in Landmannalauagar so it is important that you weigh down the tent pegs with stones. You will find these places all around the camp site from past visitors so you don’t need to worry too much about this part.
If you are camping, there are no cooking facilities so it is important to pack your own storm kitchen, or food supplies that don’t need cooking! We ended up eating sandwiches, cold soups, and taco bowls that could be prepared cold so to save space in our packing.
Find more information on this page.
Note: Wild camping is forbidden in Iceland so you will need to stay in the designated camping areas in Landmannalaugar.
Sleeping In Your Camper Van
It is also possible to stay in your Camper Van at the Landmannalaugar camp site. There are two different parking spots – one very close to the mountain hut (map) and another around 400m away, on the other side of the river crossing (map). In order to park in the closer car park you will need to make sure your car is equip to cross the river – if you are unsure or lack the experience it is best to just park in the further parking.
From both parking spots it is possible to stay overnight. You need to book a spot in advance if you plan to be there between the hours of 8am and 3pm (as mentioned above) which you can do on this page. If you want to use the toilet and shower block, there is a 600kr facilities fee payable to the reception upon arrival.
Most questions can be answered in this FAQ.
I recommend reserving a parking spot and staying at least a few nights so to have time to do some day hikes and explore more of the area than just the base camp.
Staying In The Landmannalaugar Hut
If you don’t want to worry about carrying your camping equipment all the way to Iceland, then you can instead stay at the Landmannalaugar Mountain Hut. This is a two level cabin with space for up to 78 people. When staying in the hut, you will need to bring your own sleeping bag and food to sustain you for the entire time you are in Landmannalaugar.
The beds fill up quickly so if you want to stay in the cabin then it is best to book as far in advance as you can. The hut costs 13000 ISK per person per night (€86), however, the bathroom and kitchen facilities are included in this price. On top of this, there is a 666 ISK (€4.50) lodging tax. Book the hut on this page.
Tip: Landmannalaugar is deep within the highlands so internet connection isn’t always strong. Therefore, it is good to always have a bit of cash on you when you visit.
Landmannalaugar Hot Springs
Located just next to the Landmannalaugar mountain hut are the hot springs – a naturally heated warm pool with an open changing area. The hot springs are located around 100m from the mountain hut and are hard to miss. They are free to use and stay at a constant temperature of around 40 degrees. During the day, the hot springs can be quite busy with day trip visitors to the area. During the evenings, we found there were only around 6 to 10 people here.
Groceries in Landmannalaugar
While it is recommended you bring enough supplies to cover the entire time you are staying in Landmannalaugar, there are a few options to buy bits and bobs if you have forgotten them! The first is the mountain hut. In the reception, they sell snacks (muesli bars, nuts), and medical supplies, however, their range is quite limited and expensive.
On the other side of the camp site you have the Mountain Mall, an old bus converted into a small grocery store and cafe. They have quite a good range of items considering their location so it is a good spot to keep in mind if you need to stock up. However, I wouldn’t recommend doing all of your shopping here as it is expensive and you probably won’t be able to make enough nutritious meals to cover your entire stay.
Find their opening times and more information on this page.
How Long To Camp At Landmannalaugar
I recommend camping at least 2 to 3 nights in Landmannalaugar. This way, you have time to enjoy several of the day hikes and spend time in the hot springs.
Camping in Landmannalaugar: An Overview
Camping in Landmannalaugar is an incredible experience and one you won’t want to miss when visiting Iceland. Whether you decide to take the bus and camp, drive your own camper van, or hike the Laugavegur hiking trail, you won’t regret it!
