Landmannalaugar 
T2
Landmannalaugar campsite (600 m) - Bláhnúkur (943 m) - Grænagil gorge - Laugahraun lava field - Landmannalaugar campsite (600 m)
Overall, a moderately difficult mountain hike. The direct ascent to Bláhnúkur presents no significant difficulties. On the described descent route, you may encounter patches of old snow in early summer. The descent down to Grænagil is very steep for a short stretch; sure-footedness is essential here.
A trip to Landmannalaugar is only permitted and possible in a 4x4 vehicle. The very bumpy route also involves crossing fords. From Reykjavik, take Ring Road No. 1 via Selfoss towards Hella. Before Hella, turn left onto Road No. 26 and follow it for 48 km until Landmannleið branches off to the right towards Landmannalaugar. Follow the Landmannleið track to the car park in front of the ford by the campsite in Landmannalaugar.
From mid-June to mid-September, daily Highland Bus services run from Reykjavik, Selfoss and Hella to Landmannalaugar (information, timetable and booking options). The return journey from Reykjavik costs 15,000 Icelandic kronur per person (approx. 95 euros), and from Hella 11,000 Icelandic kronur (approx. 70 euros, as of 2013). The bus arrives in Landmannalaugar at 12:30 and departs again at 15:30. A three-hour stay is sufficient for a climb up Bláhnúkur.
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For travellers to Iceland, a visit to Landmannalaugar in the highlands is one of the absolute highlights. The colourful mountains and volcanic landscape are among the most beautiful sights Iceland has to offer. The best view of the fascinating landscape is from one of the peaks in Landmannalaugar. The Bláhnúkur volcano is very easily accessible and can be crossed in a 2½-hour circular walk. The varied route also takes you through the Grænagil gorge and across the Laugahraun lava field. During the descent, the view of the colourful Brennisteinsalda mountain is particularly captivating.
AIf you have parked before the ford, cross the river and walk across the bus park, past the campsite, heading south. Shortly after the campsite, we come to a signpost and follow the signs towards Bláhnúkur and Skalli. We head straight for the black volcano and turn left at its foot. Shortly afterwards, we reach a wooden bridge, which we cross keeping to the right. After the bridge, we arrive at the foot of Bláhnúkur, keep to the right and climb uphill over black and greenish lava rock. Shortly afterwards, the path curves to the left and now leads directly uphill along the ridge.
To the right, we look across the Grænagil gorge towards the colourful mountain Brennisteinsalda. After a steeper climb, the narrow ridge gives way to a broader ridge. We continue uphill in numerous switchbacks over the lava rock, past a large black boulder. Eventually, the terrain levels off slightly and we walk down into a small hollow. With gentle ups and downs, we follow the broad ridge and reach the summit slope of Bláhnúkur. We now climb steeper again in many switchbacks and, after a walking time of 1¼ hours, reach the highest point of Bláhnúkur. At the summit, a metal plaque explains the surrounding mountain landscape of Landmannalaugar.
We cross the summit of Bláhnúkur and follow the ridge. Shortly afterwards, the path turns left (south-west) and we walk down a broad ridge. After a few minutes, tracks lead off to the right from the ridge. We ignore these, keeping to the left instead, and walk down the clear path in a southerly direction past a small black stone tower to a saddle. At the saddle, we turn right and cross the flank of Bláhnúkur. In early summer, you may encounter patches of old snow in this area. We ignore the first fork to the left and continue straight ahead in a northerly direction.
Eventually, the path leads us down in numerous hairpin bends, becoming very steep towards the end, to the river Brennisteinsöldukvísl. At the river, we keep to the right and follow the yellow markings across the widely branching watercourse. On the opposite bank, we reach the Laugahraun lava field. Following the now clear path, we walk through the lava field and arrive at a junction. Here we turn right (signposted “Landmannalaugar”) and walk through the lava field down into the Grænagil gorge. We follow the rushing river on its left bank and rejoin the path we took on the ascent. We continue straight ahead and shortly afterwards reach our starting point in Landmannalaugar.
No places for refreshments along the way. Drinks and provisions are available to buy at the campsite in Landmannalaugar. The Landmannalaugar Hut, run by the Icelandic Hiking Association Ferðafélag Íslands, offers 110 beds for overnight stays. Bookings and payment for accommodation must be made at least one month before departure.
| Elevation | Time | Total | Destination | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 600 m | - 943 m | + 1:15 | 1:15 | Bláhnúkur |
 | 943 m | - 600 m | + 1:15 | 2:30 | Campingplatz Landmannalaugar |
