Reykjavík: Landmannalaugar & Icelandic Highlands Super Jeep Tour

Landmannalaugar is the main event: a remote Highland region of multicolored rhyolite mountains, lava fields, steaming vents, and natural hot springs. This 11-hour Super Jeep trip makes that far-flung scenery possible from Reykjavík in one day, with stops along the way at waterfalls, a crater lake, and a view of Hekla.

I like that you can choose between a short hike and a soak in the hot spring, rather than being locked into one kind of visit. I also like the route’s variety: Hjálparfoss and Sigöldufoss show how different Icelandic rivers can look, while Ljótipollur adds a striking crater and lake to the day.

The trade-off is time. Landmannalaugar is a long way from Reykjavík, so much of the day goes to driving, and the main stop allows about 90 minutes for exploring or bathing. Bring lunch and snacks, which are not included, and check the pickup time carefully because the listed start and pickup details differ.

What to know before you book

• Landmannalaugar is the centerpiece: You get around 90 minutes there for a short hike, time by the hot spring, or a mix of both.
• The route includes more than the Highlands: Stops include two waterfalls, Ljótipollur crater lake, and a photo opportunity near Hekla.
• A Super Jeep handles the rough route: The vehicle is intended for mountain roads, river crossings, and rugged Highland terrain.
• The group is capped at 19: That is smaller than a large coach group, though not necessarily an intimate handful of people.
• Plan for a full day: The tour lasts about 11 hours, including the drive from Reykjavík and back.
• Pack your own food: Lunch and snacks are not included, while WiFi, Landmannalaugar facility fees, geothermal bathing, and an expert Super Jeep driver are included.

Why the Super Jeep makes the Highlands reachable

Landmannalaugar sits in Iceland’s southern Highlands, beyond the easy reach of a standard city excursion. The route involves mountain roads, rugged ground, and river crossings. A Super Jeep is a practical part of the experience, not just a fun-looking ride: it is the vehicle used to reach this remote area.

The journey is a large part of the day. You are looking at roughly 11 hours from Reykjavík and back, with around three hours assigned to the initial Reykjavík portion of the itinerary and two hours for the return leg. Those figures include travel time, and actual time on the road is shaped by the route and stops. Think of this as a full-day outing, not a quick side trip.

The group limit is 19 people. That can make it easier to hear the guide and keep a group moving than on a big coach, but it is still a group tour. If personal attention matters to you, keep in mind that the maximum is not especially tiny.

WiFi is available in the vehicle, a useful extra on a long drive. Still, the appeal here is what waits beyond the city: changing terrain, waterfalls, volcanic features, and time in the Highlands.

From Reykjavík to Hjálparfoss

Pickup is offered from specified locations in Reykjavík, but the operator does not pick up at city-center hotels or private Airbnb addresses. If your lodging is not on the pickup list, you need to use the nearest listed pickup point. The pickup details ask you to allow up to 30 minutes for the guide to arrive.

There is a timing inconsistency worth sorting out before the day: the tour lists an 8:00 a.m. start, while the pickup instructions say to be ready at 9:00 a.m. Confirm your own pickup time and location rather than relying on either time alone. That small check can prevent a rushed start to a long day.

The first listed stop is Hjálparfoss, in Þjórsárdalur valley at the edge of the Highlands. The waterfall splits into two streams above a pond, with basalt formations around it. Its name means Help’s Falls, tied to the relief of finding water in this area after travelling over barren Highland ground.

One detail gives the stop more meaning than a quick photo: the nearby Fossá is a clear freshwater river, while the larger Þjórsá is glacial, carrying sediment that makes its water look grey and forceful. The difference helps explain why Iceland’s rivers can change so sharply in color and character. The stop is about 15 minutes, so take in the setting promptly rather than expecting a long walk.

Sigöldufoss and the changing color of water

The next brief stop is Sigöldufoss, a waterfall on the Tungnaá river. It is about 10 meters high, and its bright turquoise water makes for a sharp contrast with the darker terrain around it.

The color has a human story behind it. The river once carried glacial water, but the Sigalda Power Plant diverted that water to run hydroelectric turbines. The waterfall now receives clear spring water, changing its appearance from muddy grey to turquoise. This is a useful reminder that Iceland’s scenery is not untouched by people; infrastructure can alter the view as much as geology does.

You have about 15 minutes here. That is enough for a look and photos, but not an extended visit. If you enjoy understanding why a place looks the way it does, listen for the guide’s explanation. Guides on trips have included Isabella and Rebecca, also spelled Rebecka in one account. The quality of the commentary can vary: some have been praised for humor, flexibility, and detailed explanations, while at least one traveler would have liked to hear more. If you are curious, ask questions rather than assuming every detail will be volunteered.

Landmannalaugar: hike, soak, or split your time

Landmannalaugar is the heart of the trip. Its rhyolite mountains are known for their varied colors, and the area combines geothermal activity with lava fields, obsidian caves, and crater lakes. The result is a place where the ground itself keeps changing in texture and color as you move through it.

You have about 90 minutes here. That is enough for a short walk or a geothermal soak, but it is not a long hiking window. If hiking is your priority, use your time deliberately and ask the guide what route fits the available time. One person who had a generous stretch to walk found that flexibility made a real difference, but the stated stop time remains limited.

The natural hot spring offers a different way to experience the area. Geothermal bathing is included, as are the Landmannalaugar facility fees. If you would rather rest than hike, the soak gives you a chance to slow down after the drive. You can also divide your time between the two, though the short stop means you will need to keep an eye on the clock.

Bring what you need for bathing and outdoor time, but do not count on lunch being provided. Lunch and snacks are not included, and there is no listed meal stop. Pack food and water so you are not choosing between eating and making the most of your time in the Highlands.

Ljótipollur and a look toward Hekla

After Landmannalaugar, the route includes Ljótipollur, an explosion crater with a lake at its center. Its name translates as Ugly Puddle, which is a rather unfair description. Red and green hills ring the water, with iron and sulfur deposits contributing to the colors. At around 150 meters deep, the crater is a substantial geological feature, not a modest pond.

The stop is about 15 minutes, so treat it as a viewpoint and photo break rather than a hike. Its colors and shape make a strong contrast with the rhyolite mountains seen earlier. It also broadens the day’s picture of the Highlands: this is not only a place of hot springs and lava, but also of craters and mineral-rich ground.

The tour then makes a short photo stop near Hekla, one of Iceland’s most active and unpredictable volcanoes. Hekla has erupted roughly 20 to 30 times since Iceland’s settlement, and its lava flows have shaped about 10 percent of the country. Some eruptions were large enough to send ash into the atmosphere and affect the Northern Hemisphere’s climate for years.

You do not climb Hekla on this tour. The stop is for a view and a chance to consider the scale of the volcano. At about 15 minutes, it is brief, but the context makes the sight more than a distant mountain photo.

What the price covers, and what it does not

At $276.95 per person, this is a significant day-trip expense. The price makes more sense if you want to reach Landmannalaugar without organizing a vehicle and route capable of handling the Highland roads yourself. It also bundles several stops into one day, including waterfalls, Ljótipollur, and a view near Hekla, rather than charging only for transport to the main destination.

Included are pickup, a Super Jeep driver, onboard WiFi, Landmannalaugar facility fees, and geothermal bathing. That last item matters if you plan to use the hot spring, since it is part of the main stop rather than an optional extra with a separate listed fee.

Lunch and snacks are not included. Bring your own provisions, especially given the length of the outing. The tour is booked an average of 55 days in advance, so it is sensible to plan ahead if your dates are fixed. The rating is 4.9 from nine reviews, a strong score but a small sample. More useful for setting expectations is the range of guide experiences: named guides Isabella, Rebecca, and Rebecka have been associated with trips, with positive accounts highlighting warmth, humor, knowledge, and flexibility. Commentary can vary, so do not make the guide’s style the sole reason to book.

Who will get the most from this day

This trip suits you if Landmannalaugar is high on your Iceland wish list and you have limited time in Reykjavík. One traveler with only a short stopover in the city managed to make the Highlands a priority, which is exactly where a full-day guided drive can be valuable. You get several distinct stops without having to arrange the transport yourself.

It is also a good fit if you like having a choice between walking and bathing. The hike is short by the standards of a dedicated trekking day, but the opportunity to get out on foot adds more than a string of roadside views. If you mainly want a long, strenuous hike, however, 90 minutes at Landmannalaugar may feel tight.

Consider another option if you dislike long drives, want a guaranteed small group of only a few people, or expect a detailed lecture at every stop. The group can reach 19, and guide commentary is not guaranteed to be equally expansive on every departure. The drive is part of the cost and the day, so choose this for the Highlands themselves, not for a leisurely pace.

The tour requires good weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time; later cancellations are not refunded, and changes inside that window are not accepted.

Should you book the Landmannalaugar Super Jeep tour?

Book it if you want to reach the southern Highlands from Reykjavík in one day, and value the Super Jeep, several geological stops, and a choice of hike or hot spring. The waterfalls and crater lake make the drive more rewarding, while the visit near Hekla adds context to the region’s volcanic character.

Skip it if you need a relaxed schedule, a long hike, or included meals. Before booking, confirm the pickup point and exact time, since the details give both 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. as start-related times. Pack food, and decide in advance whether your priority at Landmannalaugar is walking, bathing, or trying to do both.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts about 11 hours, including travel time between Reykjavík and the stops.

What time does pickup begin?

The tour lists an 8:00 a.m. start, while the pickup instructions say to be ready at 9:00 a.m. and allow up to 30 minutes for the guide. Confirm your exact pickup time before the tour.

Does the tour pick up from every Reykjavík hotel?

No. Pickup is limited to locations on the operator’s pickup list. City-center hotels and private Airbnb addresses are not served; use the nearest listed pickup point if needed.

How much time is spent at Landmannalaugar?

The stop is about one hour and 30 minutes. You can use that time for a short hike, geothermal bathing, or some of each.

Is geothermal bathing included?

Yes. Geothermal bathing and Landmannalaugar facility fees are included.

Is lunch provided?

No. Lunch and snacks are not included, so bring your own.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 19 people.

Is WiFi available in the vehicle?

Yes, WiFi on board is included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If the tour is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.