From Reykjavík: Landmannalaugar Super Jeep Day Tour

Landmannalaugar is the prize here: a remote Highland basin of striped rhyolite mountains, black lava, steaming vents, and hot water. Getting there by Super Jeep is part of the show, with rough mountain tracks, river crossings, and big views that ordinary cars cannot reach.

I like the choice at Landmannalaugar: take a guided hike such as the Laugahringur route, or change into your swimsuit and soak in the geothermal pool. I also like the stops at Hjálparfoss and Sigöldufoss, which break up the long drive with two very different waterfalls.

The catch is time. This is an 11-hour day, and a fair amount of it is spent riding from Reykjavík into the Highlands and back. The Super Jeep can handle the roads, but one review noted that its suspension was not as comfortable as some newer off-road vehicles.

Key points

• Landmannalaugar by Super Jeep: Reach rough Highland roads, river crossings, lava fields, and mountain tracks in a vehicle built for the terrain.
• Two choices at the main stop: Hike with your guide or use the geothermal pool, so you can set the pace that suits you.
• Ljótipollur crater lake: See a remarkable explosion crater colored by red slopes, green vegetation, and blue water.
• Hekla views: Look toward one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes, though cloud can hide its summit.
• 11 hours from Reykjavík: Expect a full day, with pickup and drop-off included and free WiFi on board.
• Best for active adults and older children: The tour does not accept children under six, and sturdy waterproof footwear is important for the hike.

Why Landmannalaugar is worth the long ride

Iceland’s Highlands feel far removed from the coastal towns and main roads. Landmannalaugar is one of the best places to see that change happen. The route takes you away from familiar pavement and into broad volcanic country, where the colors come from rock, steam, water, and weather rather than planted gardens or buildings.

The area is famous for rhyolite mountains. Rhyolite can show shades of red, yellow, green, gray, and brown, giving the hills a layered appearance. Against the dark lava fields, the colors become even sharper. You may also see hot water vents and steam rising from the ground, reminders that Iceland’s geology is still active beneath your boots.

The Super Jeep matters because the route is not simply a scenic drive on a smooth road. The vehicle takes you along mountain roads and across rivers on the way to Landmannalaugar. That makes the journey part of the experience, not just transport between stops.

Still, I would not book this expecting a soft, quiet coach ride. The road can be rough, and the vehicle moves through terrain that calls for a firm suspension. Bring patience, settle in, and treat the ride as your introduction to the Highlands.

Hjálparfoss, a calm first stop

One of the first scenic stops is Hjálparfoss, known as Help’s Falls. It sits in a gentler setting than many Icelandic waterfalls, with water dropping between dark volcanic rock and green ground.

The name comes from the falls’ location along old Highland travel routes. People crossing the interior valued this area as a place to find water and rest. You get a small piece of that practical Icelandic history without needing a long walk or difficult approach.

Hjálparfoss is a good early pause because it gives you time to take photographs, stretch your legs, and begin to see how water and lava shape this part of the country. The stop is calmer than the main Landmannalaugar visit, so do not rush it.

Sigöldufoss and the sound of the Tungnaá River

The next waterfall, Sigöldufoss, has a different feel. It drops about 10 meters on the Tungnaá River, creating a clean, forceful fall surrounded by open Highland scenery.

This stop helps show the scale of the region. You are not looking at a small roadside cascade squeezed between buildings and parking areas. You are seeing a river moving through a broad volcanic setting, with mountains and open ground around it.

Conditions in Iceland can change quickly, so your view may be shaped by cloud, wind, or shifting light. That is part of the appeal, but it also explains why you should pack more clothing than the forecast in Reykjavík might suggest.

The Super Jeep ride into the Highlands

The drive after the waterfalls is where this tour earns its name. You leave the easier roads behind and follow mountain tracks toward Landmannalaugar. River crossings and rough surfaces make the route lively, while the views widen as you gain access to the interior.

A good guide adds a lot here. Svan was praised for handling both the driving and the explanations, while Izabella was singled out for confident Super Jeep driving on off-road sections, through puddles, and across rivers. The guide is not just there to point out stops. You can expect help understanding the country, the geology, and the places you are passing.

The ride will not suit everyone equally. One person found the vehicle’s suspension less comfortable than that of newer Super Jeeps with air suspension. If you have a sensitive back or dislike jolting roads, consider that before booking. For many people, though, the rough ride is the price of reaching a part of Iceland that is difficult to visit independently.

Free WiFi is included on board, which is useful during a long day. It also means you can save your phone battery for photographs rather than relying on it for navigation or constant signal.

Your two choices at Landmannalaugar

Landmannalaugar is the main event, and you get two ways to experience it.

The active option is a hike with your guide. One route mentioned for the trip is Laugahringur, a trail known for wide views and unusual volcanic ground. The walk was described as manageable even for someone without much mountain or elevation experience, but the lava rocks and uneven surfaces made good hiking boots essential.

That is the key distinction. The hike may not be extreme, but it is not a flat promenade. You will move over lava stones and rough ground, so waterproof shoes with solid grip are a much better choice than casual sneakers. Bring warm layers too. Highland weather can shift quickly, even on a sunny day.

The gentler option is the geothermal pool. This is not a standard heated swimming pool with changing rooms and tiled edges. It is a natural hot water setting where you can sit in warm water while surrounded by volcanic mountains. For many people, this becomes the highlight of the day.

You need to bring both swimwear and a towel if you choose the bathing option. The tour includes geothermal bathing, but food and drinks are not included. Pack your own lunch, snacks, and water so you do not spend the long day hungry. That small bit of planning makes a real difference.

The choice also gives the tour useful flexibility. One person in your group can hike while another takes the pool, though you should listen carefully to the guide’s instructions about timing and meeting points. The supplied details confirm the two options, but they do not specify the exact amount of free time for each activity.

Ljótipollur, the crater with unusual colors

Ljótipollur is an explosion crater filled with water. Its name translates roughly as Ugly Puddle, a wonderfully Icelandic name for a place that is anything but dull.

The crater’s red slopes surround water that can appear blue, while green growth adds another color around the rim. The result is one of the most memorable viewpoints on the route. It also gives you a clear look at Iceland’s volcanic past: a violent eruption left behind a hollow that later filled with water.

The stop is especially valuable after the hike or hot pool because it changes the mood again. Landmannalaugar gives you close contact with rock and steam. Ljótipollur gives you a broader view into a volcanic bowl. Keep your camera ready, but do not count on one fixed color scheme. Light and cloud can change the scene quickly.

Hekla, Iceland’s restless volcano

The route also offers a chance to see Hekla, one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes. The mountain has a strong presence even when its summit is hidden.

Cloud covered the top during one outing, but the scale and power of the volcano were still apparent. That is a useful reminder not to treat the Hekla stop as a guaranteed summit photograph. You may get a clear view, or you may see only part of the mountain through shifting weather.

I like that the tour includes Hekla as part of the wider story of the region. You are not visiting isolated sights with no connection. The waterfalls, crater lake, lava fields, geothermal water, and volcano all help explain why the Highlands look the way they do.

What the $272 price includes

At $272 per person, this is not a cheap day trip. The price makes more sense if you value access rather than simply counting the number of hours at each stop.

You are paying for an 11-hour outing, Reykjavík pickup and drop-off, a Super Jeep capable of Highland travel, an English-speaking guide, and the option of geothermal bathing. The driver also handles the difficult route, including mountain roads and river crossings. That is a meaningful benefit if you do not want to rent a suitable vehicle or manage Iceland’s interior roads yourself.

The tour includes WiFi, but not food or drinks. Plan for that expense yourself. A packed lunch also saves time, since the day is already long and there is no stated meal stop.

The price is strongest for a person who wants to see Landmannalaugar but does not have the vehicle, confidence, or time to arrange an independent Highland trip. It is weaker value if you dislike long drives, want a relaxed schedule, or only care about a short walk near Reykjavík.

The booking terms add some useful flexibility. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Pick your pickup location carefully and update it at least 48 hours ahead. Reykjavík pickup is included, while the listed pickup times outside Reykjavík are 8:55 a.m. in Hveragerði, 9:30 a.m. in Selfoss, and 9:50 a.m. at Hotel Hella. Drop-off is not available at Hotel Hella.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this tour if you want one concentrated day in the Highlands and like a mix of scenery, light adventure, and choice. It suits people who want to hike but also appreciate the chance to soak instead if the weather turns rough or their legs are tired.

It is also a good fit if you would rather let an experienced driver deal with the route. The off-road sections, rivers, and changing conditions are not the place for a nervous driver or an unsuitable rental car.

You should think twice if you need a smooth ride, dislike spending several hours in a vehicle, or want complete control over your stops. The trip covers a lot of ground, and the return to Reykjavík can feel long after a hike.

Children under six cannot join. The hike requires waterproof shoes and comfort on uneven lava rock, while the pool option requires swimwear and a towel. Pack a windbreaker and warm clothes even if Reykjavík is mild when you leave.

Should you book the Landmannalaugar Super Jeep tour?

Book it if Landmannalaugar is high on your Iceland list and you want the journey into the Highlands to be part of the experience. The waterfalls, Ljótipollur, Hekla views, river crossings, and colorful volcanic ground give you far more than a single viewpoint.

I especially like the choice between hiking and bathing. It lets you tailor the main stop to your energy level, and the guided walk can make the strange lava terrain easier to understand. Just accept the long day, pack food and proper footwear, and expect a firm ride.

For a first visit to Iceland’s interior, this is a practical way to reach a remote area without arranging your own Super Jeep. At $272, it is best treated as a full Highland expedition, not a quick sightseeing transfer.

FAQ

How long is the Landmannalaugar Super Jeep tour?

The tour lasts 11 hours, including travel from Reykjavík into the Highlands and the return journey in the evening.

Is pickup from Reykjavík included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from Reykjavík locations are included. Pickup is also available at Hveragerði, Selfoss, and Hotel Hella at the listed times, but drop-off is not available at Hotel Hella.

What can I do at Landmannalaugar?

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

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so you should bring your own provisions for the full day.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, a windbreaker, swimwear, a towel, a camera, and waterproof shoes. Sturdy hiking boots are especially important if you choose the trail.

Can young children join the tour?

Children under six years old are not permitted on this activity.