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Highlights
Explore the world’s third-largest geothermal area in Iceland on cross-country skis
Embrace the supernatural energy of Landmannalaugar’s geothermal hot spot, and maybe spot the northern lights!
Practice your cross-country glides in the vast, open Icelandic snow-covered lava fields.
Stand in front of the massive Torfajökul glacier and catch a glimpse of Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe, in the distance.
Spend each night just a few dozen steps away from magical, hot geothermal pools surrounded by snow.
This is the winter adventure you’ve been dreaming of, especially if you’re a cross-country skier with only a few days to spare for an epic tour! For five days, you’ll follow an experienced and knowledgeable guide throughout the ethereal landscapes in Landmannalaugar, which is one of the world’s geothermal hot spots. You know what that means: soaking in hot springs every day before and after skiing. Bliss!
Iceland is home to some of the world’s most magnificent nature, and this is your ticket to explore it! Since the Landmannalaugar Cross-Country Ski Tour takes place during winter, your chances of witnessing the northern lights are very high. For a jam-packed adventure through lava fields, ice-field gorges, and many, many steam vents releasing the earth’s pressure, look no further than this 5-day cross-country ski tour in central Iceland.
This is the winter adventure you’ve been dreaming of, especially if you’re a cross-country skier with only a few days to spare for an epic tour! For five days, you’ll follow an experienced and knowledgeable guide throughout the ethereal landscapes in Landmannalaugar, which is one of the world’s geothermal hot spots. You know what that means: soaking in hot springs every day before and after skiing. Bliss!
Iceland is home to some of the world’s most magnificent nature, and this is your ticket to explore it! Since the Landmannalaugar Cross-Country Ski Tour takes place during winter, your chances of witnessing the northern lights are very high. For a jam-packed adventure through lava fields, ice-field gorges, and many, many steam vents releasing the earth’s pressure, look no further than this 5-day cross-country ski tour in central Iceland.
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Landmannalaugar Cross-Country Ski Tour Itinerary
Day 1 XC Ski to Landmannalaugar Trail
Get ready for five days of jam-packed adventure! Your tour will start early with a pick-up from your accommodation and a drive to the trailhead in Sigalda. Once you’re there, it’s time to clip into your cross-country skis and get your ski legs under you.
The amazing landscapes waste no time in impressing you. First, you’ll cross lava fields, then cross over the Hnausar Pass, enjoying a slight descent to stunning highland Lake Frostastaðavatn.
Your luggage awaits you in the mountain hut, and after you settle in, you can head out for your first geothermal dip just steps away from where you’ll sleep tonight.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut
Distance: 6 hours, 100m of ascent/descent
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Day 2 Explore Ljótipollur Crater
Enjoy a morning bath before breakfast if you wish! Nothing compares to the peace and solitude you’ll feel out here. Don’t worry about packing up because you’ll return to the same hut after spending the day exploring the area.
On today’s route, you’ll unearth the wonders of the Ljótipollur Crater, created from eruptions dating back to the 15th century. Continue the cross-country loop around the crater and catch an incredible vista of a highland lake, then push on to see views of nearby peaks.
When you return to the hut, take another dip in the geothermal pool to relax your muscles.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut
Distance: 5 hours, 100m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Stórihver Hot Springs
Fuel up on breakfast for a more demanding day than the last two. First, you’ll begin an ascent through hills dotted with steam vents, releasing the earth’s pressure. Then, press on to a vast opening emitting clouds of vapour. As if today wasn’t mystical enough already!
End the ski day with a cruisy downhill stretch to reach the mountain hut for the night. And, guess what—there are more hot springs!
Overnight Location: Mountain hut
Distance: 6 hours, 550m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Cross Icecaps to Öræfajökull Glacier
Set out on your last full day of the tour to find two immense craters, Hattur (the Hat) and Skalli (the Bold). From there, you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views of the nearest glacier, Torfajökull, and the ice-filled canyons around it.
In the late afternoon, head to your mountain hut accommodation and get your final soak in the steamy pools nearby.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut
Distance: 5 hours, 600m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 XC Ski to Sigalda and Return to Reykjavík
All good things come to an end! You’ll cross-country ski your way out of the Icelandic wilderness after breakfast. Relish in your final glides through lava fields and Landmannalaugar scenery.
Your driver will be waiting for you in Sigalda to return to Reykjavík. Pat yourself on the back for completing 100 km of cross-country skiing in five days! Now, on to the next journey.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast
Landmannalaugar Cross-Country Ski Tour Price and Dates
This guided tour in Iceland is run as a group tour where you would be joining a group on a set departure date.Prices below are per person:
Start
Finish
Duration
Spaces Left
Price
Accommodation on the Landmannalaugar Cross-Country Ski Tour
This tour is based in traditional mountain huts. The huts are basic with dormitories for sleeping and fully-equipped kitchens.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Single rooms are not available on this tour as mountain huts only have shared dormitories.
What’s Included in the Landmannalaugar Cross-Country Ski Tour?
Meals
4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodation for 4 nights is included. Accommodations before or after the tour are not included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for your luggage is included during the tour. At the start and end of the tour, transportation to and from Reykjavík is included.
Also Included
- Experienced English-speaking guide
Not included
- Sleeping bag and mat (available to rent)
- Cross-country ski equipment
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Flights to and from Reykjavik
- Anything not mentioned as included
Optional Extras
- Sleeping bag rental
- Sleeping mat rental
- Ski equipment rental
- Extra nights in Reykjavík before or after the tour
- How hard is the Landmannalaugar Cross-Country Ski Tour?
- Will I be able to shower on the tour?
- Are there toilet facilities?
- Do the mountain huts have running water?
- Can I charge my phone/camera in the huts?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Iceland?
- Are meals included on the Landmannalaugar Cross-Country Ski Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Reykjavík to start this tour?
- Is the Landmannalaugar Cross-Country Ski Tour in English?
- Where does the Landmannalaugar Cross-Country Ski Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Iceland?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Iceland?
- When is the best time to travel to Iceland for this tour?
We rate this tour as a 3/5. You should be comfortable cross-country skiing for up to 6 hours daily.
Unfortunately, there is no hot water for showers in the winter, but feel free to bathe in the warm natural pool near the hut.
During winter, you will use the outhouse. If the temperatures are not too low, flushing toilets might be available.
The mountain huts have cold running water, but you will need to boil it for hot water.
It’s recommended that you bring a power bank to charge any electronics as there is no electricity in the huts.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
You can fly into Keflavík Airport (KEF) in Reykajavik. You will be picked up from your accommodation in Reykjavík at the start of the tour. Airport transfers are not included, but you can take the bus or a taxi to your hotel.
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
The tour ends in Reykjavík with a drop-off at your accommodation. You will need to arrange transportation to the airport.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to travel to Iceland for cross-country skiing is in the winter. This tour is available from February to April.
Customer Ratings
Icelandic Mountain Guides are a boutique adventure tour company that has been sharing the best of Iceland’s beautiful wilderness since 1994. Their passion for nature and adventure drives them to provide quality, fun and educational experiences for their guests. They are also committed to the environment, carbon neutralizing all of their day tours.
