3-Day Highlands Hike: Landmannalaugar, Emerald Ridge & Háifoss
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Non-refundable booking. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 24 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 3-Day Highlands Hike: Landmannalaugar, Emerald Ridge & Háifoss worth booking?
3-Day Highlands Hike: Landmannalaugar, Emerald Ridge & Háifoss is a 72-hour experience in Reykjavik, Iceland, from $1117 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 24 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (24)
- Duration
- 72 hours
- From
- $1117 per person
Three days, two hot spring soaks, and a route built to showcase parts of the Icelandic Highlands that many visitors never see. This adventure goes beyond the classic Landmannalaugar experience, combining colorful mounta
What you get
About this experience
Three days, two hot spring soaks, and a route built to showcase parts of the Icelandic Highlands that many visitors never see. This adventure goes beyond the classic Landmannalaugar experience, combining colorful mountain hikes with remote natural attractions. Hike through the Laugahraun lava field and past the rainbow-colored slopes of Brennisteinsalda, explore the spectacular Grænihryggur (Emerald Ridge), and relax in Landmannalaugar's famous natural hot springs after a day on the trail. Along the way, discover the striking crater lake Ljótipollur, the turquoise cascades of Sigöldufoss, the hidden oasis of Gjáin Valley, and Hjálparfoss, one of Iceland's most beautiful waterfalls. You'll also hike to Háifoss, one of Iceland's tallest waterfalls, plunging 122 m (400 ft) into a dramatic canyon. With accommodation at the Landmannalaugar Highland Hut, meals, transportation, and expert guiding included, this is a hassle-free and immersive way to experience Iceland's wild interior.
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 24 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Physical effort
7 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
24 verified traveler reviews for 3-Day Highlands Hike: Landmannalaugar, Emerald Ridge & Háifoss. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fantastic Day in the Golden Circle
Addis Greta was our driver and tour guide. She was amazing. She taught us many interesting things about thermo power, the waterfall, the tectonic plates etc. she loves her country and it shows in her presentation. She told us history that brought in the Dutch and American cultures and their influence on Iceland. We highly recommend this delightful tour.
Response from the operator: Hi Jerry, glad the love for the country came through. A guide who brings international history into Iceland's story is giving you layers most tours skip entirely. Thank you for joining us! Arctic Adventures Team
via Tripadvisor
Lifetime visit to Katla Ice Cave - breath taking experience
Wonderful experience one in life time visit
Response from the operator: Hi there, glad the ice cave left that kind of mark. A breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime experience is high praise. Thanks for writing this up. Arctic Adventures Team
via Tripadvisor
Spectacular Scenery/Concerns about Guiding
The Icelandic Highlands are absolutely spectacular. The scenery was unforgettable, and simply being in this landscape made the trip worthwhile. I have no regrets about taking this trip, and I fully intend to return to Iceland. My concerns are not about the destination itself but about the quality of the guiding provided by Arctic Adventures. The incident that most affected my confidence occurred when a member of our group (my friend) fell on the trail. Fortunately, she was not injured, but she was visibly shaken. When I caught up to our guide, I told her that my friend was okay, but I would have expected the guide to go back to check on her personally, assess how she was doing, and follow up with her later. From what I observed, that never happened. Instead, other members of our group immediately stopped, offered assistance, and made sure she was okay. Our guide should have taken the lead in doing that. I was also concerned by how the Grænihryggur (Green Ridge) hike was handled. The itinerary described this hike as "moderate," yet when our group attempted it, they encountered hard-packed snow on very narrow, exposed sections with significant drop-offs. Several people became increasingly uncomfortable and expressed that they felt very unsafe. Ultimately, the entire group turned back without completing the hike. I understand that mountain conditions can change quickly in Iceland, and no company controls the weather. However, I would expect more conservative decision-making once it became clear that the conditions were significantly more challenging than the advertised difficulty suggested. Beyond these safety concerns, I felt the overall guiding experience lacked engagement. It was not billed as nor was I expecting an educational tour, but one of the benefits of traveling with a guide is learning a little about the places you're visiting. Brief comments about the landscape, geology, history, or cultural aspects during natural rest stops would have enriched the experience. Instead, the trip felt focused on simply moving from one destination to the next. I also think the accommodations should be described more clearly. The itinerary was clear about communal sleeping arrangements, but I didn’t expect 16 people sleeping shoulder-to-shoulder on adjacent mats in a small room. I understand that remote mountain huts are necessarily rustic and I had no expectation of personal space or comfort. A clearer description beforehand would have helped me prepare and enjoy the experience more. Others brought very large suitcases which, had they known in advance the size of the space, they likely would have brought only what they needed for the 3-day trip. The Icelandic Highlands are an extraordinary destination, and I would absolutely recommend experiencing them. I have no regrets about visiting, and I expect to return to Iceland. However, based on my experience, I would choose a different tour operator for any future trip. My hope is that Arctic Adventures improves its guest care, communication, and decision-making so that future travelers have the experience this remarkable destination deserves.
Response from the operator: Hello Julie, thank you for taking the time to write such a considered review. What you've described is something we'd like to properly look into with Operations and the guide involved. Please reach out to us directly at info@adventures.is with your booking reference so we can review the specifics of your trip. We take this feedback on board and will look into what happened, learn from it, and improve where needed. Arctic Adventures Team
via Tripadvisor
3 Day Hut Hike
Wow. even though the Emerald Ridge portion of this tour was closed, we lucked out with the weather on this trip. We ended up hiking around the caldera to three peaks to view the mountains and lava fields. Our extremely experienced and patient tour guide Hjalti took us on an incredible hiking tour. You could not take a bad photo in this place, and Hjalti made sure that we were safe, fed, and reaching our goals. As a solo traveler, I would never have achieved what we did in hiking without the group and our guide. I saw amazing sights in a great environment, and the hot springs afterwards were divine. Advice: I highly recommend, but make sure that you have a bit of experience hiking and the gear you need before taking this tour. The weather is no joke and can really affect your experience, so make sure your things are waterproof/windproof. Poles were very helpful. Recommend earplugs for the hut snorers, a quick-drying towel for the hot springs, and the camp store is extremely expensive, so maybe purchase snacks and drinks in advance.
Response from the operator: Hi Emily, thanks so much for writing this! Three days in the Icelandic highlands with unpredictable weather takes the right group, the right guide, and a bit of preparation, and it sounds like all three worked out for you. Your practical tips will be gold for future readers. We'd love to have you back! Arctic Adventures Team
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful Icelandic Views
This hike was amazing, beautiful scenery, knowledgeable guide, good food and nice atmosphere. The hut was clean, as well as, the restrooms. Definitely a good value for the money.
Response from the operator: Hi there, thanks for writing this. Glad the three days in the highlands lived up to what you'd hoped. Until the next one. Arctic Adventures Team
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 72 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Booked in 30 days
- 8
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
3-Day Highlands Hike: Landmannalaugar, Emerald Ridge & Háifoss: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Reykjavik.
How much does 3-Day Highlands Hike: Landmannalaugar, Emerald Ridge & Háifoss cost?
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Prices start at $1117 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Reykjavik usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does 3-Day Highlands Hike: Landmannalaugar, Emerald Ridge & Háifoss take?
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Plan for about 72 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Reykjavik is not rushed.
Is 3-Day Highlands Hike: Landmannalaugar, Emerald Ridge & Háifoss worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 24 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Reykjavik, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule 3-Day Highlands Hike: Landmannalaugar, Emerald Ridge & Háifoss?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is 3-Day Highlands Hike: Landmannalaugar, Emerald Ridge & Háifoss suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 72-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 3-Day Highlands Hike: Landmannalaugar, Emerald Ridge & Háifoss?
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Around 8 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Reykjavik can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Reykjavik and add a light layer if any part of the 72-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 3-Day Highlands Hike: Landmannalaugar, Emerald Ridge & Háifoss start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Reykjavik within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Reykjavik?
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On Outty we rank every Reykjavik experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland, Small-Group Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket & Kerid Crater, Reykjavík Small group Walking Tour - by CityWalk. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Reykjavik?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Reykjavik?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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