Landmannalaugar geothermal river
Landmannalaugar geothermal river
Arguably one of Iceland's top bathing spots and a very popular destination, Landmannalaugar's warm river is the perfect antidote to sore muscles after a strenuous hike in the area.
As you approach Landmannalaugar by car, there is a parking area on your right, where you can leave your vehicle and avoid the ford ahead - sometimes the water is quite deep. There is a footbridge over the river.
Lying at just under 600m in altitude, the lush vegetation around the hot springs at Landmannalaugar comes as a surprise. The warm water emerges from the Laugahraun lava, forming a river that has been dammed to make the bathing pool. There's a wooden platform by the pool, where you can leave your towel and clothes but bring a bag to put them in and note that valuables should not be left unattended here.
At peak times it's a popular spot but mornings are usually quieter. Note that bathing here is unsupervised, the water is, of course, untreated and where it flows into the pool, it can be scalding hot.
The mountain hut, toilets, showers, and changing facilities are run by the Touring Club of Iceland and visitors need to buy at ticket at the Information Office to use the facilities. You'll also find a mobile shop and cafe on site, but it's recommended to bring a packed lunch with you.
Landmannalaugar is part of the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, a protected area. Visitors are asked to stay on marked paths to protect the vegetation and lava and rock formations. As elsewhere in Iceland, driving off-road is prohibited. The area is only accessible by vehicle in summer.