The Brennisteinsalda hike, nicknamed the “Sulphur Wave,” is hard to beat for sheer visual impact. Set in Landmannalaugar, the trail packs geothermal vents, wildly coloured slopes, and wide mountain views into a route almost anyone can manage in a morning.
For a short hike in the Icelandic Highlands, it punches well above its weight.
Route Overview
- Distance: 6.5 km loop
- Duration: 2–3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain and Experience
The trail starts in the Laugahraun lava field. The first stretch crosses jagged volcanic rock — watch your footing — before the ground gives way to the mountain’s coloured flanks.
What makes Brennisteinsalda so striking is the sheer variety on a single hillside: yellow sulfur streaks, rust-red iron deposits, black ash, and patches of green moss, all within a few hundred metres of each other.
Summit Views
Gain the top and the Highlands open up around you — neighbouring peaks, sprawling lava fields, and on a clear day a long way beyond. It’s the kind of view that makes the climb feel short.
Best Time to Visit
Mid-June to September is the window when the access roads are reliably open. Outside those months, conditions can close the area entirely.
Tips for Hikers
- Wear sturdy hiking boots
- Bring waterproof clothing
- Use trekking poles for stability
- Stay on marked trails due to geothermal hazards
Bonus Experience
Once you’re back down, the natural hot springs at Landmannalaugar are right there waiting. It’s one of Iceland’s most famous geothermal bathing spots, and after a few hours on the mountain your legs will thank you.
Conclusion
Brennisteinsalda is approachable enough for most hikers and rewarding enough that it regularly tops people’s Highland to-do lists. The colours alone are worth the trip.
