Adventure in Landmannalaugar and Hot Springs — Reykjavík & Hella (Family-friendly)
Full-day small-group guided trip from Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar with a family-friendly guided hike through colorful rhyolite mountains and a soak in natural hot springs. Pickup and dropoff in Reykjavík and Hella are included. Recommended for children 8+.
In Collaboration with Arctic Yeti Ehf. Updated on March 27, 2026.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Arctic Yeti Ehf, inspired by the tour Adventure in Landmannalaugar and Hot Springs - Reykjavík and Hella. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Guided family-friendly hike in the colorful Landmannalaugar rhyolite mountains
- Soak in the natural hot springs at Landmannalaugar
- Pickup & dropoff in Reykjavík and Hella in small Arctic Yeti 4x4 vehicles
- Experienced, bilingual guides (English/Spanish) and small group size
Explore all itineraries in Reykjavík.
Itinerary
Day 1
Daytrip from Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar with pickups across Reykjavík, Hella stop, guided hike and hot springs, then return to Reykjavík in the evening.
Meet & Reykjavík pickup — multiple city stops (be ready at chosen stop at 06:30)
Group collection across central Reykjavík. Please be at your chosen bus-stop pickup point by 06:30 (the operator will confirm which stop you were assigned). This is a short, gentle meeting window so families can board and stow backpacks before departing.
Tips from local experts:
- If you booked a family spot, tell the operator in advance which pickup stop you prefer — they often assign the most convenient stop for families with small children.
- Restrooms: use public toilets near Hallgrímskirkja or Reykjavík City Hall before boarding; facilities are limited on the minivan.
- Keep snacks and a refillable water bottle handy for kids — the first long drive is 1–2 hours and stops are limited until Hella.
Drive from Reykjavík toward Hella (scenic south-coast/highlands route)
Comfortable drive south; short comfort stops as needed. Enjoy views of lava fields and the changing lowland to highland landscape. Drivers will make brief stops if a child needs a break.
Tips from local experts:
- Car-sick kids: sit facing forward and avoid heavy meals immediately before the drive; request a seat near the guide so you can exit quickly at stops.
- This stretch has limited toilets — plan bathroom visits during the scheduled quick stop in Hella.
- Keep layers accessible in the vehicle — weather can change quickly when you move from coast to highlands.
Hella pick-up & last-minute shop at Olís petrol station
Short stop at Olís in Hella for final pickups and snacks/comfort items. A small convenience store at the petrol station is handy for extra drinks, snacks, or sunscreen.
- Monday8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Thursday8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Families: use this stop to buy kid-friendly snacks (sandwiches, juice boxes) and extra water — the highlands have no shops.
- Toilets and baby-changing: Olís stations typically have restrooms; use them here before the long off-road section.
- If anyone needs to change into hiking layers, do it at the petrol station parking area — the tour will keep to schedule and depart quickly.
Drive into the Highlands (F-roads) — approach to Landmannalaugar
Off-road/highland driving across F-roads into the volcanic interior. Scenic views of lava fields and plateaus. Vehicle is a 4x4; the ride can be bumpy — hold onto small children and belongings.
Tips from local experts:
- The F-roads can be bumpy: use seat belts, keep children seated and hold onto small loose items so nothing gets lost during the rough sections.
- No facilities in the highlands — use the Hella stop for last restroom and shade needs.
- Motion-sickness remedy: ginger chews or acupressure bands are useful for kids who feel travel-sick on rough tracks.
Landmannalaugar — Guided family-friendly hike and hot-springs soak
Arrive at the Landmannalaugar base area for a guided trek through rhyolite hills, lava fields and moss-covered landscapes. The guide paces the group for families; total on-site time includes the round-trip hike and a supervised soak in the natural hot spring before departure.
- Monday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Trail & stroller note: trails are uneven and muddy in places — strollers are not suitable; bring a baby carrier if you have a child under 4 (minimum age for tour is 8 for safety on long hikes).
- Restrooms and safety: basic toilet facilities exist at the base camp; keep a small first-aid kit and blister plasters for kids.
- Lunch & breaks: pack a warm layered lunch for kids (sandwiches, fruit, high-energy snacks). The guide schedules short rests and photo stops — ask for extra breaks for younger children.
Depart Landmannalaugar — return drive toward Hella (evening)
Board the Arctic Yeti 4x4 for the return journey across F-roads to Hella. Evening light in summer can be beautiful; keep cameras ready and let children rest after the long day.
Tips from local experts:
- Evening warmth: evenings in July can still be cool — wrap kids in a warm layer for the drive back as temperatures drop.
- Snack pack: give children a light snack right before boarding to avoid nausea on rough tracks home.
- Toilet breaks: no facilities on the highland roads — plan restroom use once you reach Hella.
Return to Reykjavík — dropoff (approx. 20:00)
Final transfer back to Reykjavík with dropoff at the scheduled city point (around Sundlaugavegur 32 / Laugardalur area). End of tour — please check with the guide for your assigned dropoff stop.
Tips from local experts:
- Evening pickups: if your family is staying in Laugardalur or near Sundlaugavegur, confirm exact dropoff with the guide at Hella to avoid extra walking with kids.
- Late arrivals: plan a simple dinner near your accommodation — after a long day kids will appreciate something familiar and quick.
- Lost items: check with the guide/driver before leaving the vehicle — small items (gloves, hats, water bottles) are commonly left behind after hikes.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | 5 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 2 |
| Total Places | 2 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Shopping, Outdoor |
Why this experience
Journey into Iceland's colorful volcanic interior where mountains glow in shades of red, orange, yellow, and green—a landscape found nowhere else on Earth. This full-day guided adventure from Reykjavík takes you and your family deep into Landmannalaugar's rhyolite peaks, where you'll hike through moss-covered lava fields, past steaming hot springs, and explore one of the world's most stunning high-altitude wilderness areas. Your reward is a natural hot-springs soak before the drive home. Arctic Yeti keeps the pace family-friendly (for ages 8+), with small groups in 4x4 vehicles, bilingual guides, and scheduled rest stops. Long summer daylight means you'll see the landscape change hour by hour as you venture into and out of the highlands.
Before you go
- Best time: June to September (F-roads accessible, warmest conditions, longest daylight)
- Budget: Check the booking widget for current pricing. Includes pickup from Reykjavík and Hella, 4x4 transport on F-roads, guided hike, hot-springs access, and bilingual guide service.
- Difficulty: Moderate (5+ hour on-site time includes guided hike paced for families; uneven terrain, muddy sections, altitude around 600m)
- What to bring: Warm, waterproof hiking layers, sturdy hiking boots, warm socks, sunscreen, camera, high-energy snacks and lunch, refillable water bottle, baby carrier (if you have a child under 4—strollers not suitable)
- Getting there: Multiple pickup points across central Reykjavík starting 06:30. Stop in Hella (1.75 hours south) for final supplies. Then 2-hour 4x4 drive into the highlands.
- Accessibility: Minimum recommended age is 8. Trails are uneven and muddy; not suitable for strollers. Off-road driving is bumpy; secure small children with seat belts and hold onto loose items.
Frequently asked questions
What's included in this itinerary?
This guided day-trip itinerary curated on TheNextGuide includes pickup from multiple Reykjavík locations, transport in small 4x4 vehicles across F-road highlands, bilingual (English/Spanish) guide service, guided family-friendly hike through Landmannalaugar's colorful mountains, access to natural hot springs, and return dropoff to Reykjavík. Check the booking widget for current pricing with Arctic Yeti Ehf.
What if my child gets tired on the hike?
The guide paces the group for families and schedules short rest and photo stops. Tell the guide at the start if your child needs extra breaks. Hiking in the highlands is scenic at every step—even a shorter route will be memorable.
Are there toilets in the highlands?
Basic toilet facilities exist at the Landmannalaugar base camp. Use restrooms at Olís petrol station in Hella before the long off-road section—there are no facilities on the highland roads.
What's the best age for this tour?
Recommended for children 8+. Younger children can come but must be able to hike on uneven terrain for several hours. A baby carrier works for toddlers (ages 1–3), but they won't hike the full distance.
Is the hot springs soak supervised?
Yes. The guide supervises swimming time in the natural hot spring as part of the itinerary. Bring swimwear and a towel. Water is warm and safe, but children should not enter alone.
What if weather turns bad?
Iceland's mountain weather can change quickly. Waterproof layers are essential. If conditions become unsafe (storms, fog, extreme cold), the guide will modify the route or shorten the hike—comfort and safety come first.
Complete your trip in Reykjavik
If you want to extend your highlands adventure or explore complementary Reykjavík experiences, consider these itineraries:
- Gear Express: 3-Day Luggage Transfer Laugavegur Landmannalaugar Þórsmörk — Multi-day highlands trek with gear support
- Reykjavik 3-Day Family-Friendly Summer Visit — Combine highlands with Reykjavík city and waterfall experiences
- Wonders of Iceland: Family Day at Perlan Pools — Explore geothermal pools closer to the city for a gentler family day
Browse all Reykjavik itineraries at TheNextGuide.
Last updated: March 2026
