From Reykjavik: Day Tour to Landmannalaugar in a Super Jeep

Landmannalaugar’s striped rhyolite mountains and black lava fields are the heart of this 10-hour super jeep tour. The route adds Hekla, blue-water crater lakes, canyon views, and waterfalls, so the drive through the Highlands is part of the day, not just a transfer.

I like that you get time to choose your own walk at Landmannalaugar, then can rest your legs in a naturally heated pool. I also like how the route strings together places with very different moods, from Hekla’s foothills to Sigöldugljúfur canyon.

The trade-off is the long, bumpy ride: roughly two hours each way, with parts of the route on rough roads. And once you reach Landmannalaugar, you’re largely on your own to choose and manage your hike, so planning ahead matters.

• Choose your Landmannalaugar hike before you arrive: Options include a 4.5-kilometer route through Laugahraun and more demanding climbs such as Bláhnúkur.
• Bring swimwear and a towel: The geothermal pool is a memorable way to end your time outside, but changing facilities are not next to the water.
• Expect a proper Highlands drive: River crossings and rough roads are part of the appeal, but the ride can be bumpy.
• Look for Hekla, Frostastaðavatn, and Strútur: The route pairs Iceland’s active volcano with a scenic lake and a small volcanic cone.
• Save room for waterfalls and craters on the return: Hnausapollur, Ljótipollur, Sigöldufoss, and Hjálparfoss add variety after the main stop.
• Pack lunch: Lunch is not included, and the day runs about 10 hours.

A Highlands day built around the road

The super jeep makes this trip possible as a long day from Reykjavík, with the South Coast and interior Highlands linked by a rugged vehicle and a guide who handles the driving. You’ll leave the city behind and head toward Hekla, then take road 225, also known as Landmannaleið or Dómadalsleið, toward Landmannalaugar.

That route is a large part of the experience. It crosses remote terrain and includes rough stretches, so don’t expect a smooth coach ride. The vehicle used can vary, too. One account describes an elongated Ford Excursion rather than a classic raised Jeep. The important distinction is the kind of trip: a sturdy off-road vehicle takes you where an ordinary car is not suited to go.

The drive is about two hours each way, before accounting for the sightseeing stops. If you enjoy watching the scenery change and want a full day in the Highlands, that time can feel worthwhile. If you mainly want a long hike and little time in a vehicle, think carefully about the balance.

Pickups and drop-offs are available in Reykjavík, Kópavogur, Selfoss, Hella, and Hveragerði. Hotel pickup is included in Reykjavík, and you should be ready at least five minutes before the scheduled pickup. The tour is guided in English.

Hekla sets the tone

The first major stop takes you near the roots of Hekla, one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes. You won’t be climbing it; the point is to see the scale of a volcano that has shaped the region and to begin the day with the forces that define this part of Iceland.

Conditions matter here. This is an exposed, weather-dependent outing, and a grey or windy day can limit views or shorten time at stops. A guide named Oli made a point of adding sights when the weather was poor, but no route can guarantee clear skies. Bring warm layers even if Reykjavík feels mild when you set out.

From there, the road toward Landmannalaugar threads through a region of volcanic ground, lava fields, and open Highland views. Keep your camera handy, but don’t spend the whole drive looking through it. The changing scenery is part of the trip, and the rough road can make photography a challenge.

Landmannalaugar: pick your hike first

Landmannalaugar is the main event, known for its rhyolite mountains, whose mineral colors create striking bands across the slopes. You’ll have independent time here, with hiking options for different fitness levels. The time described for the stop ranges from about two to three hours, so confirm the exact schedule and use your time carefully.

A popular choice is the 4.5-kilometer walk through Laugahraun, which takes roughly two hours. That gives you a close look at the lava field and the colorful hills without committing to a long, steep climb. It is a sensible option if you want to walk and still leave time for a soak.

If you want a higher viewpoint, consider the hike to Brennisteinsalda, the rainbow-colored mountain. Bláhnúkur and Suðurnámur are more demanding alternatives. One hiker completed the route up Bláhnúkur in about three hours in rain and wind, covering around six kilometers on steep or slippery ground. That is a useful warning: a summit hike may take most or all of your free time, especially in poor weather.

Choose a route based on the conditions and your pace, not just the name of the peak. The paths can be steep or slippery, and signs at junctions may be sparse. If you’re considering Bláhnúkur, note the junction with the orange path and leave enough time to return to the meeting point. Your guide will give you options, but you should arrive with a plan rather than spending precious minutes deciding on the spot.

The tour is open to people without prior experience, but that does not mean every hike suits every person. You can choose a gentler walk or skip a climb and enjoy the area at your own pace. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

A geothermal soak, with a little planning

After walking, you can soak in Landmannalaugar’s naturally heated pool. The warm water offers a welcome contrast to the cool, exposed Highlands, and it’s one of the day’s most distinctive experiences. Pack a swimsuit and towel in an easy-to-reach place so you don’t have to rummage through your bag after a hike.

There are practical limits. The changing area is not beside the pool, and the restroom is paid and about 100 yards away. Allow time to walk there and back, and don’t assume you can change privately at the water’s edge. Facility fees at Landmannalaugar are covered, but that does not mean every nearby facility is free.

You’ll need to choose how to divide your time between hiking and bathing. A short walk followed by a soak is a good balance for many people. A demanding summit hike may leave little time for the pool, particularly if you want to change and dry off before the return drive.

Crater lakes, canyon walls, and waterfalls

The sightseeing continues after Landmannalaugar, so keep some energy for the return route. Hnausapollur and Ljótipollur are volcanic craters with blue water inside. The contrast between the water and the dark volcanic ground makes these stops especially rewarding for photographs, though each is a brief visit rather than a long walk.

Frostastaðavatn and the small volcanic cone Strútur add more variety to the views. These stops help break up the drive and show how varied the Highland terrain can be. Expect time for a look and photos, not a lengthy exploration at every site.

Sigöldugljúfur, often called the Valley of Tears, is a highlight for its canyon scenery. The route also includes Sigöldufoss and Hjálparfoss, giving you two more chances to stretch your legs and see waterfalls. Stop lengths are generally short, around 30 minutes at the named sightseeing points, so have your camera ready and listen for the guide’s instructions about when to return.

The stops may be adjusted to suit the weather. On a windy day, your guide might keep visits brief or make changes to the plan. That flexibility can help you see more, but it also means you should not count on a fixed amount of time at every viewpoint.

What the guide does, and what you do

Your guide drives, leads the route, and shares information about Iceland and the Highlands. A guide named Ole was praised for being communicative and open to questions; Oli was described as attentive to finding scenic stops when weather turned poor. Names and guides can vary, but a guide willing to explain the region can make the long drive feel more connected to the places you’re seeing.

At Landmannalaugar, though, the guide’s role becomes less hands-on. You’ll be given hiking or bathing choices, then spend much of the stop independently. That arrangement suits confident hikers who have researched a route and can keep an eye on the time. It may disappoint you if you expect a guided group hike or constant direction.

The driver also has to coordinate the group’s return. If people take longer than planned, the schedule can slip. Keep your watch handy, follow the return time, and remember that the rest of the group is waiting. It’s a shared outing, not a private day at your own pace.

Is $359 a fair price?

At $359 per person, this is a costly day out. The value comes from combining the long drive into the Highlands with a capable off-road vehicle, an English-speaking guide, hotel pickup in Reykjavík, and several major sights in one day. The Landmannalaugar facility fee is covered, too. You don’t have to arrange a vehicle or navigate the route yourself.

The price is easier to justify if the super jeep ride and access to remote scenery are central to what you want. It is harder to justify if you mainly want transport to Landmannalaugar and are comfortable arranging a different way there. One participant felt a bus could reach some of the same destinations for less, and that is a fair comparison to make before booking.

Lunch is not included, so bring food and water for a long day. Children under 12 go free, and car seats are available on request. Children still need to be comfortable with the lengthy ride and the day’s outdoor conditions.

Pack for weather, walking, and water

The essentials are warm clothing, comfortable clothes, swimwear, a towel, and a camera. Layers are more useful than relying on a single heavy item, since you may be walking, stopping at exposed viewpoints, and then sitting in a warm pool. Wear footwear you trust on uneven or slippery paths.

Pack lunch and any snacks you’ll want during the drive. The day lasts about 10 hours, and the tour does not include a meal. Keep your swimwear and towel separate from your main bag so they’re easy to reach at Landmannalaugar.

This tour is weather-dependent. If conditions are unfavorable, you’ll be offered the choice of rescheduling or receiving a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, or reserve now and pay later. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Who should book this tour?

Book it if you want a full day of Highland scenery, are happy to spend several hours in a vehicle, and like having a choice between hiking and bathing. It especially suits people who will plan their Landmannalaugar route in advance and value seeing craters, canyon views, and waterfalls as part of the same outing.

Think twice if you dislike rough roads, need a closely guided hike, or want to spend most of the day on a single trail. The super jeep ride is fun, but it is not a shortcut that removes the long drive. The best version of this day comes when you treat the journey as part of the experience, pack for changeable weather, and set a realistic hiking plan.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about 10 hours, including the drive from the pickup area and the return journey.

Where can I be picked up and dropped off?

Pickup and drop-off locations include Reykjavík, Kópavogur, Selfoss, Hella, and Hveragerði. Hotel pickup is included in Reykjavík.

How much time do I get at Landmannalaugar?

The stop is described as roughly two to three hours. The exact time available can affect how much hiking and bathing you can fit in.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, so bring food for the day.

What should I bring for the geothermal pool?

Bring swimwear and a towel. Changing facilities are not beside the pool, and the paid restroom is about 100 yards away.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Children under 12 can join free of charge, and car seats are available on request. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.