From Reykjavík: Landmannalaugar Super Jeep Day Tour

Iceland’s Highlands feel wonderfully out of reach. This 11-hour Super Jeep tour takes you from Reykjavík into Landmannalaugar, with waterfalls, river crossings, colorful rhyolite mountains, lava fields, crater lakes, and steaming geothermal ground along the way. I especially like the choice between a guided hike and a hot-spring soak, plus the chance to see both Hekla Volcano and Ljótipollur in one long day. The main drawback is the amount of time spent on the road from Reykjavík, and the rough ride may test your back.

I also like that the tour reaches places that are awkward or unsuitable for an ordinary rental car. Guides such as Svan and Izabella have earned strong praise for both driving and storytelling, while the suspension has drawn one fair criticism. Pack for several kinds of weather, bring proper boots, and think of this as a high-country expedition rather than a relaxed sightseeing bus ride.

Key points at a glance

• Super Jeep access: Travel mountain roads and cross rivers into Iceland’s rugged Highlands.
• Two ways to enjoy Landmannalaugar: Choose a guided hike, including the Laugahringur route when offered, or bathe in a geothermal pool.
• Three very different scenic stops: See Hjálparfoss, Sigöldufoss, and the colorful crater lake Ljótipollur.
• A possible Hekla sighting: The volcano may be hidden by cloud, but its broad presence still adds drama to the route.
• A full day from Reykjavík: The tour lasts about 11 hours, with pickup and drop-off included.
• Bring serious outdoor gear: Warm clothes, a windbreaker, swimwear, a towel, waterproof shoes, and a camera all earn their place.

Why Landmannalaugar deserves a full day

Landmannalaugar is one of Iceland’s great inland destinations, but it is not a quick stop near Reykjavík. The area sits in the Highlands, where rough roads, river crossings, changing weather, and seasonal access make independent driving more demanding.

That is where the Super Jeep matters. You are not simply riding in a larger car. You are using a vehicle suited to the rough approach roads, with an experienced driver handling the route while you watch the scenery.

The payoff is a part of Iceland that feels far removed from the busy southwest coast. The ground changes from open country to black lava, colored mountains, steaming vents, and wide views toward volcanic peaks. The scenery is stark, but never dull.

You should still set your expectations correctly. This is an 11-hour day, and the drive from Reykjavík takes a substantial portion of it. One of the most useful comments about the tour is also the most practical: the journey from the capital is long. The good news is that the road itself becomes part of the experience, with mountain views and off-road stretches rather than a simple transfer.

The ride into the Highlands

The tour begins with pickup from Reykjavík, then heads toward the southern part of Iceland. Pickup is also listed from Hveragerði at 8:55 AM, Selfoss at 9:30 AM, and Hotel Hella at 9:50 AM. If you use one of these locations, be ready outside and allow patience for delays of up to 30 minutes depending on traffic and your exact location.

The vehicle gives you access to a route that ordinary cars cannot handle. You might pass through puddles, cross rivers, and bounce along rough mountain roads. This is the fun part for some people, especially if you want the Highlands to feel like an adventure rather than a polished coach excursion.

It is not the best setting for anyone who needs a smooth ride. One person praised the driver and scenery but wished the vehicle had air suspension for greater comfort. That is a useful warning. The Super Jeep’s rough-road ability is a major reason to book, but the ride can be firm and uneven.

The English-speaking guide also drives the vehicle, so the quality of that person matters. Svan received particular praise for combining safe driving with plenty of information about Iceland. Izabella was also singled out for her confident handling of off-road sections and river crossings.

Hjálparfoss, a calm first waterfall

One of the first scenic stops is Hjálparfoss, whose name means Help’s Falls. The waterfall sits in a peaceful setting and was once valued by people crossing the Highlands who needed a welcome place to rest.

Its appeal is not just the falling water. Hjálparfoss feels like a small oasis in a country where the terrain can be harsh and exposed. The stop gives you a gentler introduction before the route turns more rugged.

You will want your camera ready, but do not rush the stop. Waterfalls in Iceland often reward a few quiet minutes of looking rather than a frantic dash for one photograph. Since weather can change quickly, keep your windbreaker close even if the morning begins in sunshine.

Sigöldufoss and the power of the Tungnaá

The next major waterfall is Sigöldufoss, a roughly 10-meter fall on the Tungnaá River. It has a different character from Hjálparfoss, with a stronger sense of water moving through the open Highland country.

These waterfall stops help break up the long drive. They also give you a useful contrast: Hjálparfoss is associated with shelter and rest, while Sigöldufoss shows the raw force of Iceland’s rivers.

The exact appearance of any waterfall depends on the weather and light. On a clear day, the surrounding views can be excellent. On a gray day, the water and open country still provide a strong scene, but Hekla and distant mountains may disappear into cloud.

Reaching Landmannalaugar by Super Jeep

The approach to Landmannalaugar is where the vehicle earns its keep. You leave easier roads behind and tackle mountain tracks, rough surfaces, puddles, and river crossings.

For you, this means the journey is active even when you are seated. Look out of the windows instead of treating the drive as dead time. Several scenic stretches offer the sort of broad, empty views that make the long transfer worthwhile.

The Highlands are not a place for guaranteed comfort or predictable weather. Sun can give way to wind and cloud without much warning. You might find the road exciting, or you might find it tiring. I would not choose this tour if your main goal is a gentle day with minimal movement.

The guide provides more than transport. A good driver helps you feel secure on difficult sections, while commentary gives meaning to the volcanic ground around you. The strongest feedback about the tour centers on this combination of driving skill and explanation.

Hiking or bathing at Landmannalaugar

At Landmannalaugar, you choose between a hike with your guide or time in a geothermal pool. That choice is one of the tour’s best features because it lets you shape the middle of the day around your energy and interests.

The hiking option can be genuinely rewarding. The Laugahringur route was described as a favorite part of the experience, with striking views and a strong sense of being far from ordinary roads. The walk is considered manageable for someone without much mountain or high-altitude experience, but the lava rocks make the footing harder than the distance alone suggests.

Good hiking boots are important. Waterproof shoes are specifically recommended, and that advice is worth following. Lava stones and uneven rocks can make descents and climbs awkward, especially if the ground is wet.

You do not need to be an experienced mountaineer to enjoy the hike, but you should be steady on your feet and comfortable outdoors. Stay aware of the guide’s instructions and the weather. Conditions can make a simple trail feel more demanding.

The geothermal option is the more relaxing choice. After the road journey, sitting in a natural hot spring can feel like exactly the right kind of Icelandic luxury. Bring swimwear and a towel, since geothermal bathing is included but food and drinks are not.

The pool is not a substitute for the whole Highland experience, though. If you have the energy, I would favor the hike first and the bath if time and conditions allow. The supplied tour details present these as alternatives, so you should expect to choose one rather than count on doing both fully.

Ljótipollur, the colorful crater lake

The route also includes Ljótipollur, a striking explosion crater filled with a lake. Its name translates roughly as Ugly Puddle, which is classic Icelandic understatement. The crater is known for red, green, and blue tones that make it one of the more memorable stops in the area.

This is a good example of why the Highlands are worth the effort. You are not looking at one famous attraction and then heading straight back. The ground keeps changing, and the crater adds volcanic drama to the waterfalls, lava, and geothermal features.

The colors will look different in sun, cloud, and rain. You might see strong contrasts between the red crater walls and the water, or a softer, more muted view under cloud. Either way, Ljótipollur provides a welcome pause and a clear reminder that Iceland’s scenery was shaped by fire as much as by ice.

Hekla Volcano through changing weather

Hekla is one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes, and the tour gives you a chance to see it from the route. A clear view is never guaranteed. One outing had cloud covering the summit, but the volcano still felt large and powerful from the surrounding country.

That is the right way to approach this stop. Do not book the tour solely for a perfect photograph of Hekla. Book it for the chance to understand the scale of the volcanic region, then treat a visible summit as a bonus.

Cloud is part of the Highland experience, not a tour failure. It can hide the peak while making the scenery feel more severe and mysterious. Your guide can still point out Hekla and explain its importance even if the top remains covered.

What the $272 price really buys

At $272 per person, this is not a cheap day trip. The value depends on what you want from Iceland.

You are paying for pickup and drop-off from Reykjavík, an English-speaking guide, a dedicated Super Jeep experience, access to remote Highland roads, geothermal bathing, and WiFi on board. Food and drinks are not included, so you need to bring your own supplies.

The strongest value comes from access. Renting an ordinary car would not provide the same confidence on rough Highland roads, and driving yourself would require more attention when you should be looking at the scenery. The tour also removes the need to plan the route, manage difficult road sections, or decide how to combine Landmannalaugar with the waterfalls and Ljótipollur.

The price is harder to justify if you mainly want a short visit to Landmannalaugar or dislike long days in a vehicle. You are spending much of the day reaching and returning from the Highlands. Still, for a one-day visit from Reykjavík, the combination of transport, guiding, and remote access makes the cost reasonable for many visitors.

The rating of 4.7 from 16 reviews supports a generally strong experience, but the small number also means you should pay attention to the practical details rather than treat the score as a guarantee.

Packing for a day of Icelandic extremes

The packing list is simple, but each item matters:

• Warm clothing
• A windbreaker
• Swimwear
• A towel
• Waterproof shoes or proper hiking boots
• A camera

Wear layers rather than one heavy coat. You may be warm inside the vehicle, cold beside a waterfall, wet near a river crossing, and ready for a hot spring later in the day.

Bring food and drinks because they are not included. The tour includes free WiFi on board, which is useful during the longer road sections, but it does not replace a packed lunch or water.

Children under six cannot join this experience. For older children, the main questions are stamina, patience, and comfort with a rough ride. The long duration and uneven roads make this better for active families than for very young children.

Who should book this tour

I would recommend it to you if you want to see Iceland’s Highlands without driving yourself. It suits people who enjoy dramatic scenery, rough-road vehicle rides, light hiking, volcanic sights, and a full day outdoors.

It is especially good for a first visit when you want more than the standard Reykjavík and Golden Circle circuit. The waterfalls, crater lake, Hekla views, lava fields, and geothermal pool create a varied day rather than repeating one type of scenery.

I would hesitate if you want a smooth, short, tightly scheduled excursion. I would also think twice if you dislike changing weather or uneven ground. The hiking option is manageable for many people, but lava rocks call for real footwear, not casual sneakers.

The choice between hiking and bathing gives the day useful flexibility. Just remember that the tour’s appeal lies in the whole journey, not only the time spent at the hot spring.

Should you book the Landmannalaugar Super Jeep tour?

Book this tour if remote scenery matters more to you than comfort. The Super Jeep reaches rough Highland roads, and the day combines several of southern Iceland’s most distinctive features: Hjálparfoss, Sigöldufoss, Landmannalaugar, Ljótipollur, and Hekla.

Choose the hike if you want the most active and scenic version of the day, and bring proper boots. Choose the geothermal pool if you prefer a slower break after the long ride. Either way, prepare for a full 11 hours, bring your own food and drinks, and expect the weather to have the final word on Hekla’s visibility.

At $272, it is a serious spend, but it buys access and guidance that are difficult to reproduce independently. For an adventurous day into Iceland’s volcanic Highlands, I would consider it a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the Landmannalaugar Super Jeep tour?

The tour lasts approximately 11 hours, including the journey from Reykjavík into the Highlands and the return trip.

Is pickup from Reykjavík included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from Reykjavík locations are included.

Can I be picked up outside Reykjavík?

Pickup times are listed for Hveragerði at 8:55 AM, Selfoss at 9:30 AM, and Hotel Hella at 9:50 AM.

Is drop-off available at Hotel Hella?

No. Hotel Hella is listed for pickup only, not drop-off.

What can I do at Landmannalaugar?

You can choose between taking a hike with your guide or bathing in a geothermal hot spring.

Is geothermal bathing included?

Yes. Geothermal bathing is included in the tour.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so you should bring your own.

What language does the guide speak?

The live tour guide speaks English.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, a windbreaker, swimwear, a towel, a camera, and waterproof shoes. Proper hiking boots are particularly useful for the rocky trail.

Can children under six join?

No. The experience is not suitable for children under six.

Is cancellation allowed?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.