Reykjavík in 1 Day for Families - Guided family-friendly hike in the colorful Landmannalaugar rhyolite mountains
In Collaboration with Arctic Yeti Ehf. Updated on February 3, 2026.
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+.
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
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.
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.
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 |
