From Reykjavik: Day Tour to Landmannalaugar in a Super Jeep

Landmannalaugar day tours have a way of sticking with you. This one pairs a long, hardy drive with real Iceland highlights: Hekla country, rhyolite mountains, crater lakes, a tear-shaped canyon, and a soak in a naturally heated pool. I especially love the way you get time for either a serious hike or a slower bath-style day, and I also like the built-in stops that turn the trip into more than just transit. One thing to consider: it’s weather-dependent, and when conditions are rough you’ll have less flexibility at Landmannalaugar, so you’ll want to be ready to adapt fast.

You also need to know what you’re paying for. This is not a relaxed “coffee and scenic pull-offs” day; it’s an active route with multiple short guided/photo moments, plus a couple hours of free time where your choices matter most. I’d rate it best for people who can handle a full day and don’t mind that the super jeep experience is sometimes more “off-road SUV” than “go-anywhere monster truck.”

Key highlights I’d plan around

• Rhyolite colors at Landmannalaugar: mountain hues that look unreal up close.
• A naturally heated geothermal pool soak: one of the few places where the day’s effort pays off instantly.
• Hekla stop at the volcano’s roots: Iceland’s active-fire story, not just a view from far away.
• Hnausapollur and Ljótipollur crater lakes: wide volcanic bowls with striking blue water.
• Sigöldugljúfur, also called Valley of Tears: the canyon is dramatic even in bad weather.
• Waterfall pair: Sigöldufoss and Hjálparfoss: two different looks, both worth the stop.

Why a super jeep day to Landmannalaugar feels worth it

Landmannalaugar is the kind of place where you stop talking and just look. The highlands here are famous for the mix of volcanic rock, bright rock formations, and crater features that make the whole area feel otherworldly.

What makes this tour appealing is that you don’t only get one highlight. You get Hekla country, Landmannalaugar’s hiking and hot spring, and then more volcanic stops on the way back—so your 10 hours feel full, not stretched thin.

The geothermal pool also changes the tone of the day. After a drive through cold wind and gravel roads, soaking in warm naturally heated water is a reset button.

The Reykjavík pickup and the long drive that actually matters

This tour runs from Reykjavík with pickup options including Reykjavík, Selfoss, Kópavogur, Hella, and Hveragerði. You’ll also get drop-offs at those same areas afterward, so you’re not dealing with awkward mid-route logistics.

Expect a long day. The route includes a couple of hours of driving each way, and the engine time is part of the deal. The upside is that the driver’s job is to get you to highlands areas that most day trips can’t reach as easily.

One practical note: “super jeep” can mean different things. In real-world terms, you may be in a large off-road SUV style vehicle rather than something you’d picture as a true monster truck. Either way, you should expect bumpy roads and some serious Highland-style driving.

Hekla Volcano: seeing Iceland’s fire up close

The day starts by heading toward the south coast, and your first big nature focus is Hekla, Iceland’s most active volcano. A standout part is that you stop around the roots of this active volcano, so it’s not just distant geology on the horizon.

This kind of stop helps you connect the dots. Iceland isn’t only about pretty views; it’s a living system. When you see the volcanic setting from close range, the later crater lakes and lava-field colors at Landmannalaugar make more sense.

If the weather is windy or gray (it happens), Hekla can still land. You may not get perfect skies, but the volcanic presence doesn’t disappear.

Landmannalaugar: 2 hours to hike, soak, or do a smart combo

Your main time window is at Landmannalaugar, with a free stop that’s often around a couple hours. That may sound short, but you’re not expected to conquer everything. You’re meant to choose a track and commit.

For hikers, the most popular option is the 4.5 km Laugahraun walk, which takes around two hours. This is a good pick if you want classic Landmannalaugar scenery without gambling on your pace too much.

If you want color, you can aim for the Brennisteinsalda hike, known for rainbow-like mountain hues. You’ll also find more demanding choices like Bláhnúkur and Sudurnamur. One key detail to plan around: signs and junctions can be tricky, so save yourself stress by knowing which trail you want before you arrive.

For a slower day, the geothermal pool is the obvious draw. You’ll have time after hiking (or instead of it) to soak in the naturally heated water.

A small but important comfort tip: there aren’t changing rooms right by the spring. You may also have a paid restroom a short walk away, so I recommend treating the hot spring like an organized stop—pack your towel and swimwear where you can grab them fast.

The geothermal pool: where the cold day turns worth it

The pool time is more than a “fun extra.” It’s often the part that changes how you remember the day because it’s physical relief after wind, gravel, and walking.

Bring a towel and swimwear so you can actually use the opportunity. Warm clothing is still smart because even when you’re soaking, you’re likely to be shuttling between trail areas, parking, and the pool edge.

Also, know that your timing can be affected by your group. In tight time windows, if someone else takes longer at the pool or on the trails, you’ll feel it when it’s time to return to the vehicle.

Hnausapollur and Ljótipollur: crater lakes with blue water

On the way back, you’ll stop at Hnausapollur and Ljótipollur. These are volcanic crater lakes, and they’re memorable because the water can look surprisingly blue against dark volcanic rock.

This is the kind of stop that’s short but impactful. The guided piece is about making sure you understand what you’re looking at—then you get enough time for photos and quick appreciation.

If you’re traveling with camera gear, this is where it helps. The contrast between the sky and the crater color can look dramatic even when the light isn’t perfect.

Sigöldugljúfur (Valley of Tears) and the waterfall pair

Next comes Sigöldugljúfur, a canyon also nicknamed the Valley of Tears. Even with limited time, it tends to feel like a scene from a volcanic movie set. The walls are steep, the terrain looks raw, and the stop is built around quick viewing and photos.

After that, you’ll visit Sigöldufoss and Hjálparfoss waterfalls. The tour keeps these as organized photo and guided moments—enough to appreciate each fall without turning the whole day into a never-ending “wait for the group” marathon.

Here’s what I like about this sequence: it shifts you from lakes and canyon geometry to water power. If the morning was about heat and fire (Hekla and crater setting), the afternoon adds motion and sound through the falls.

Super jeep driving: what it feels like in practice

This route is built for off-road access, and it shows in the driving. Expect an active ride where your body knows the road is rough, especially on the way to and from the highlands.

You might see river crossings too, depending on season and route conditions. I’d plan to treat motion sickness as a possible factor, and I’d bring layers so you can handle temperature shifts between wind-exposed stops and warmer vehicle time.

Also, even when the vehicle is rugged, comfort isn’t unlimited. You’ll want practical clothing you don’t mind getting dusty and a plan for your camera gear so you aren’t wrestling it out every time you hit a stop.

Lunch not included: the one planning gap to fix

Lunch isn’t included. That matters because your day is packed, and you won’t have an easy “find a café” detour in the highlands.

What I do on days like this: I bring filling snacks and something warm if possible. Even a simple lunch-style meal kit plus water can keep you from getting hungry at the wrong time—especially if your hike plan changes when weather does.

A towel and swimwear are included in your kit list for a reason: you’ll likely want to go straight from hike/walk time into pool time. Eating should be simple and quick.

Price and value: is $359 reasonable for this day?

At $359 per person, this tour isn’t cheap. You’re paying for transportation out to Landmannalaugar with an off-road-ready vehicle, plus guided interpretation at key stops, plus the Landmannalaugar facility fee.

So is it good value? It’s good value if:

• you want a structured way to see multiple highland highlights in one day
• you’d rather let someone else handle the driving, navigation, and stop timing
• you care about the geothermal pool experience and the crater-lake/waterfall lineup

It’s less compelling if:

• your goal is mostly hiking and you’re comfortable doing more independent travel
• you’re comparing it mainly to bus-style access and feel the extra cost doesn’t add enough time at Landmannalaugar

One more honest point: some people expect a true “super jeep” vehicle and end up in a bigger SUV type instead. The value is still the route and access, but your expectations for vehicle style should be flexible.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This fits you well if you want a highlands day without worrying about logistics. The route is open to all experience levels for hiking, so you don’t need to be an elite trail runner.

It’s also a solid choice if you like variety: volcano viewpoints, colorful mountains, crater lakes, canyon drama, and waterfalls—plus a hot spring soak.

Skip it if mobility is an issue. It’s listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the day’s walking and stop timing can be hard to adapt.

If you hate long driving days, you might find the day fatiguing. This isn’t a short “quick hit” trip—it’s a full, active 10 hours.

Should you book this Landmannalaugar super jeep tour?

Book it if you want one day that covers the headline highlands sights: Landmannalaugar, Hekla country, crater lakes with blue water, Sigöldugljúfur (Valley of Tears), and a waterfall pair, capped with geothermal soaking.

Don’t book it if you’re looking for a slow, comfortable day with lots of free time. Your Landmannalaugar window is limited, so your success depends on choosing a hike and moving efficiently.

My decision rule: if you can handle a packed schedule, bring the right gear (warm layers plus towel and swimwear), and arrive ready to choose your priorities quickly at Landmannalaugar, this is a strong value for what you get.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 10 hours.

Where do you get picked up and dropped off?

Pickup and drop-off include multiple Reykjavík-area locations: Reykjavík, Selfoss, Kópavogur, Hella, and Hveragerði.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, a towel, a camera, comfortable clothes, and swimwear.

Is the tour suitable for everyone, including people with mobility impairments?

The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What if the weather is bad?

The tour is weather-dependent. If conditions are unfavorable, you’re offered the choice of rescheduling to an alternative date or receiving a full refund.