Reykjavik: Landmannalaugar Super-Jeep Tour

Landmannalaugar is the prize here: a highland region of multicolored rhyolite mountains, black lava, crater lakes, and a warm pool at the foot of a lava field. A super jeep makes this remote route possible without asking you to tackle the highland roads yourself.

I like two things in particular: the range of scenery, from green Þjórsárdalur to red-rimmed Ljótipollur, and the small group of up to six, which keeps the day more personal than a large coach outing. Guide Adam has also been praised for sharing stories about Iceland, caving, and volcanic eruptions.

The trade-off is time and weather. This is a 14-hour day, and rain can soak you even on the hike, so bring proper waterproof layers, sturdy shoes, and a flexible attitude.

• Landmannalaugar’s rhyolite peaks: See the colored mountains and black lava fields, then take a walking path toward Brennisteinsfjöll.
• A soak after the hike: Bring swimwear for the thermal pool beside the Laugahraun lava field.
• Three crater lakes: Hnausapollur, Frostastadavatn, and Ljótipollur each offer a different view of volcanic Iceland.
• Two notable waterfalls: Stop at Hjálparfoss in Þjórsárdalur and Háifoss, described as Iceland’s third-highest waterfall.
• A small, equipped vehicle: The super jeep is built for rugged terrain, and the group is limited to six participants.
• Food is your responsibility: Hot drinks are provided onboard, but meals are not included.

Why this highland day is worth the long drive

This tour strings together several kinds of Icelandic scenery in one demanding but rewarding day. You start from Reykjavik, travel through the greener Þjórsárdalur valley, continue toward the highland lakes and Landmannalaugar, then return by way of Háifoss and Ljótipollur. The variety is the point: you are not spending the whole day at one viewpoint.

The super jeep is more than a novelty. Landmannalaugar sits beyond the ordinary city day-trip circuit, and the route crosses rough highland terrain. Having a vehicle designed for that ground means you can reach places that would be difficult to visit independently, without needing to drive yourself.

The group limit matters, too. With no more than six people, the day has room for questions and stops without the scale of a full-size bus tour. It is still a shared itinerary, not a private trip, but the smaller format suits a route where you will want time to look around and take photographs.

At $357 per person, the price is substantial. You are paying for a very long round-trip outing, specialized transport, hotel pickup and drop-off in the Capital Area, an English-speaking guide, WiFi, and hot drinks. Food is not covered, and the 14-hour commitment means the value depends on how strongly you want to see the highlands. If Landmannalaugar is high on your Iceland list, bundling it with the lakes and waterfalls makes a stronger case than a simple point-to-point transfer.

Þjórsárdalur brings waterfalls and green valley scenery

The first area on the route is Þjórsárdalur, a valley with rivers, birch woods, lava fields, and waterfalls. It offers a change of color and texture before you reach the more open, stark highlands.

At Hjálparfoss, the water drops in two tiers into a plunge pool framed by lava structures and basalt formations. The tour includes a walk down to see the pool, so expect uneven ground and bring shoes you can walk in. This is not a stop to view only from the vehicle.

The waterfall and its dark volcanic surroundings make a useful introduction to the geology you will see later. You get a close look at how water and lava meet, rather than only viewing the mountains from a distance. The path down is also one reason this trip is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Hnausapollur and Frostastadavatn show volcanic color

Hnausapollur is a deep blue crater lake, a striking contrast with the dark volcanic ground around it. The vivid water and the crater setting make this a natural photo stop, though the appeal is not just the color: you are seeing a water-filled volcanic feature in the middle of the highlands.

Frostastadavatn offers a different composition. Here, lava flows reach directly into the lake, bringing the volcanic terrain right to the water’s edge. Taken together, the two stops help you notice how much the landscape changes over short distances.

The lakes also break up the drive toward Landmannalaugar. The route is long, and these stops give you chances to get out, stretch, and see the region from more than one angle. Keep your outer layer handy: Icelandic weather can change quickly, and an exposed viewpoint can feel very different from the warmth of the vehicle.

Landmannalaugar’s rhyolite mountains are the main event

At Landmannalaugar, the contrast becomes the star. Black lava flows cut across multicolored rhyolite mountains, with yellow sulfide and green lichens adding more color to the dark volcanic ground. The result is unlike the simpler black-and-white scenery many people picture when they think of Iceland.

A walking path leads toward Brennisteinsfjöll volcano. You can choose a shorter walk or spend more time hiking, depending on the time available and your energy. One visitor described doing a 4.5-mile hike up and around Brennisteinsalda before taking a soak, but that is an example of what a fit hiker might choose, not a guaranteed route or duration for everyone.

The time you have at Landmannalaugar is one of the key things to consider before booking. You will get a few hours there, according to the itinerary and trip accounts, but this is still a multi-stop day. If you want a long, demanding trek, a dedicated hiking trip may fit better. If you want a good walk plus a broad look at the highland scenery, this format offers both.

The thermal pool is a welcome change of pace

After walking over lava terrain, the thermal pool at the foot of the Laugahraun lava field gives you a chance to warm up and rest. Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to get in. The pool is a natural feature, so do not expect a resort-style spa setup.

The soak is especially appealing after a wet or windy walk, but it depends on your comfort with changing conditions and the time available. You will need to bring your own food as well, so pack snacks or lunch rather than counting on a meal being provided. Hot drinks are available onboard, and the route may include stops where you can buy food, but those purchases are on you.

This combination of hiking and soaking is a practical reason the tour works well as a full-day outing. You get an active stretch on foot, then a slower moment before the return drive. Just remember that swimming is optional, and the tour does not list food as included.

Háifoss and Ljótipollur round out the route

Háifoss is another major waterfall stop and is described as Iceland’s third-highest. Its scale makes it a fitting late-day visit after Landmannalaugar, and it adds a different kind of drama from the smaller, two-tiered Hjálparfoss.

Ljótipollur is a crater lake surrounded by dark red walls. The name translates as ugly puddle, but the view is anything but plain. The red crater sides give this final lake stop a strong contrast with the blue water at Hnausapollur and the lava reaching into Frostastadavatn.

These late stops are part of the tour’s value. The day does not end when you leave Landmannalaugar; you continue seeing distinct geological features on the way back. The cost is a long return to Reykjavik, and you should be ready for the possibility of getting back later than you might on a shorter outing.

What the guide and small group add

An English-speaking guide leads the trip, and Adam is a guide associated with this route. He has shared stories about Icelandic places and daily life, as well as his interest in caving and volcanic activity. He has also shown photos and videos from recent volcanic eruptions. Guide assignments can vary, so do not treat Adam as guaranteed when booking.

The driving itself is part of the experience. You are covering a lot of ground, and a guide can give context to the places along the way rather than leaving the ride as dead time. WiFi and hot drinks are provided onboard, useful extras on a long day, though neither replaces warm clothing or food of your own.

The small group can also make the stops feel less hurried than a large coach excursion. Still, the tour has a full route to cover, and weather or road conditions may affect the day. Go expecting a carefully packed itinerary, not unlimited time at every waterfall or lake.

Prepare for rain, cold, and a full day

Dress in layers and bring warm clothing plus outerwear suited to rain or chilly weather. The highlands can be wet and exposed, and one traveler described being soaked through by the end of a rainy hike despite wearing waterproof gear. Good waterproofs help, but they do not guarantee a dry day.

Sturdy hiking shoes are important for the walk at Hjálparfoss and the trails at Landmannalaugar. Pack swimwear for the thermal pool, and bring food because meals are not included. You may want snacks that are easy to reach during the long drive.

Pickup and drop-off are included at accommodations in the Capital Area. You need to email [email protected] with your address to arrange pickup. The tour requires at least two participants to run, and it may be cancelled if weather conditions are unsuitable; in that case, you can choose another date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately.

Children’s car seats are available on request, and infants under one year old go free. The route is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Those details are worth checking before you book, especially because the day includes walking over uneven ground.

Who should book this Landmannalaugar tour?

I would consider this tour if you want to see Landmannalaugar but do not want to navigate the highland roads yourself. It suits people who enjoy scenery, short walks or a moderate hike, and a full day in a small group. The waterfalls, lakes, lava fields, and thermal pool make it a varied introduction to the southern highlands.

It is less suitable if you dislike long drives, need a relaxed schedule, or want a strenuous hike to be the central focus. The weather can turn the walking portion into a wet one, and the 14-hour duration is not a small commitment. Budget for your own meals and bring proper gear.

For a first visit to Iceland’s highlands, the combination of remote access, varied stops, and time at Landmannalaugar makes the price easier to justify. Book it if the highlands are a priority and you are prepared for a long, changeable day. If you would rather spend more hours on one trail or avoid a full-day drive, choose a different format.

FAQ

How long is the Landmannalaugar tour?

The tour lasts 14 hours, including round-trip transportation from Reykjavik.

Is pickup from my accommodation included?

Yes. Complimentary pickup and drop-off are included for accommodations in the Capital Area. Contact [email protected] with your address to provide pickup details.

How many people are in the group?

The small group is limited to six participants. At least two people are required for the activity to take place.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, layers, outerwear suitable for rain or chilly weather, sturdy hiking shoes, and swimwear if you want to use the thermal pool.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included. Hot drinks are provided onboard, so bring your own food or plan to buy some during the day.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments and includes walking at stops such as Hjálparfoss and Landmannalaugar.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

The tour depends on favorable weather. If poor conditions cause a cancellation, you can choose an alternative date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.