From Reykjavik: Day Tour to Landmannalaugar in a Super Jeep

Landmannalaugar is one of Iceland’s great highland outings, and this trip reaches it by super jeep, not a standard coach. You’ll cross rough roads, pass volcanic craters filled with blue water, stop at waterfalls, and get three hours to hike or bathe in a natural hot pool.

I like the mix of serious scenery and free choice at Landmannalaugar. I also like the route’s extra stops, especially Sigöldugljúfur, the Valley of Tears, and the view toward Hekla. The drawback is the price: at $359, you are paying for a long 4×4 transfer and guided stops, not a fully escorted hike.

Key points to know before booking

• Landmannalaugar gives you three hours of choice: Hike Laugahraun, climb toward Bláhnúkur or Brennisteinsalda, or spend time in the geothermal pool.
• The ride is part of the experience: Expect about two hours each way, with rough highland roads and some bumpy sections.
• The route packs in several major sights: Hekla, Hnausapollur, Ljótipollur, Sigöldugljúfur, Sigöldufoss, and Hjálparfoss.
• You are largely independent at Landmannalaugar: The guide explains the options, then you manage your own three-hour visit.
• Bring swimwear and a towel: The hot pool is natural and has no nearby changing rooms.
• The tour suits active visitors: It is open to people without prior experience, but it is not suitable for those with mobility impairments.

Why Landmannalaugar is worth the long ride

Landmannalaugar sits in Iceland’s southern highlands, far from Reykjavik’s paved streets and coastal towns. The reward is a strange mix of lava fields, multicolored rhyolite mountains, broad volcanic valleys, and dark roads that feel more like a journey across another planet than a normal sightseeing drive.

The scenery changes often enough to keep the ride interesting. You begin near the populated southwest, then head toward Hekla and the interior. As the road grows rougher, the sense of distance grows too. That is the main reason to choose a super jeep: the vehicle gets you into highland terrain where a regular car is not an option.

The tour costs $359 per person, which is a serious spend. I see it as better value for someone who wants Landmannalaugar in a single day and does not want to arrange a rental vehicle, study highland roads, or drive through rough conditions. It is less compelling if your only goal is a short stop at the main camp, since some of the value comes from the long route and its scattered viewpoints.

The ride from Reykjavik to Hekla

Pickup is available in Reykjavik, Kópavogur, Selfoss, Hella, and Hveragerði. If you are staying outside central Reykjavik, one of the southern pickup points may shorten your time in the vehicle.

The drive toward the highlands takes about two hours before the main Landmannalaugar stop. Your English-speaking driver and guide handles the transport and provides information about Iceland and the route. Guides Oli and Ole have been praised for being communicative and for making an effort to add sights when weather limits the planned views.

The first major focus is Hekla, one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes. The stop is not a technical volcano visit. You are seeing the mountain and its surrounding terrain, but it gives the journey a useful sense of place. Hekla is not just a distant peak on the horizon here. It is part of the volcanic system that shaped the rough country you are heading into.

Expect a firm ride. One past participant described the vehicle as an elongated Ford Excursion rather than the classic super jeep they had imagined. That is worth keeping in mind. The appeal is the vehicle’s ability to handle the route, not necessarily a dramatic custom truck with huge tires.

Three hours at Landmannalaugar

The main stop lasts about three hours, and this is where you decide how active the day will be. The guide gives you route choices, but you are generally on your own once you leave the vehicle. I recommend reading about the trails before the morning pickup so you do not spend half your visit choosing.

The easiest popular option is the roughly 4.5-kilometer Laugahraun route, which takes about two hours according to the tour information. It passes through lava terrain and gives you a good introduction to the area without demanding a full-day hike.

You can also choose a route toward Brennisteinsalda, known for its colorful mountain slopes. Bláhnúkur and Suðurnámur offer more demanding walks and better appeal for people who want elevation and wider views. Conditions can make even a modest Icelandic hike feel harder, so warm clothing and sturdy, comfortable footwear matter.

A useful detail: three hours may sound generous, but it goes quickly. One visitor completed a hike toward Bláhnúkur and still had time to put their feet in the hot pool. Another completed a longer route in about three hours in rain and wind, with steep and slippery sections. That means your choice should match the weather and your pace, not just the name of the trail.

Trail signs can be sparse at junctions. If you choose the Bláhnúkur route, pay attention where the yellow and orange paths meet. You do not need previous hiking experience, but you do need to stay alert and allow enough time to return to the vehicle.

The natural hot pool

The geothermal pool is one of the most appealing parts of the stop. After a chilly hike, sitting in naturally heated water is a fine way to use the final part of your Landmannalaugar time.

Call it basic rather than polished. There are no changing rooms around the pool, and the restroom is some distance away and requires payment. You should bring a towel, swimwear, and clothing that is easy to change in or out of. Modesty and organization help, since the facilities are limited.

The pool also affects the group schedule. Some people will hike the entire time, while others will bathe or split their visit between both. You need to return when instructed, and delays by other members of the group can affect the timing of the afternoon stops.

Hnausapollur and Ljótipollur crater lakes

After Landmannalaugar, the route turns toward two striking volcanic craters, Hnausapollur and Ljótipollur. Their interiors hold blue water, creating a sharp contrast with the dark volcanic ground around them.

Hnausapollur is reached as a guided stop of about 30 minutes. It is mainly a viewpoint and photo opportunity, but the scale and color of the crater make it more than a quick roadside pause. You get a clear look at the way volcanic activity cut into the highland surface.

Ljótipollur is another crater lake along the route. The name translates roughly as Ugly Puddle, though the water and surrounding red-toned volcanic slopes are far more attractive than the name suggests. These stops reward a camera, but do not expect long walks or a full exploration of each crater. Their value is in the broad view and the guide’s explanation.

Sigöldugljúfur, the Valley of Tears

Sigöldugljúfur is one of the strongest stops on the day. It is also called the Valley of Tears, a name linked to the many streams and waterfalls cutting through the canyon.

The stop lasts about 30 minutes and works best as a viewpoint visit. Water, mossy ground, and layered rock give the canyon a different character from the stark craters earlier in the day. The contrast is important: this tour is not only about volcanoes. Water is constantly reshaping the same highland terrain.

Weather can shorten the time at outdoor viewpoints. On a windy day, the guide may keep the group moving rather than linger at every stop. Bring a waterproof outer layer even if the forecast looks mild in Reykjavik. Conditions in the highlands can be colder and rougher.

Sigöldufoss and Hjálparfoss

The itinerary also includes Sigöldufoss and Hjálparfoss. Each is planned as a photo stop and guided visit of about 30 minutes.

Sigöldufoss continues the water theme after Sigöldugljúfur. It is a chance to see a more concentrated waterfall setting rather than a wide canyon. Hjálparfoss provides another change of scale, with water flowing through volcanic rock formations.

These stops help break up the return drive. Still, you should understand the rhythm of the day. You are not spending hours at each waterfall. The tour gives you a series of carefully chosen views, enough time to take photographs and hear some explanation, then moves on.

That format suits you if you want variety. It may frustrate you if you prefer to settle in one place for a long time. The guide has to balance daylight, road conditions, the three-hour Landmannalaugar visit, and the return to Reykjavik.

What the super jeep adds

The vehicle is useful because the highland road is rough and remote. An ordinary city car would not provide the same access, and driving yourself would require more planning and confidence than most short-term visitors want to give it.

The tradeoff is comfort. Parts of the route are very bumpy, and the ride takes about four hours in total. If you get motion sick, sit where you are most comfortable, keep water close, and do not expect a smooth coach journey.

The term super jeep can also set the wrong expectation. The vehicle may be a large 4×4 SUV rather than a spectacular oversized jeep. That does not remove its practical value, but it is important to pay for the route and access, not for the label.

Who gets good value from the $359 price

I would consider this tour if you have one free day, want Landmannalaugar, and prefer not to rent a vehicle or deal with highland driving. The added craters, canyon, and waterfalls make the price easier to justify than a simple transport service.

It is especially suitable for:

• People who want a single-day introduction to the southern highlands
• Hikers who can manage a short or moderate route independently
• Visitors who want a hot pool without booking a separate bathing experience
• Small groups or solo visitors who value pickup and return transport
• Anyone comfortable spending much of the day in a 4×4

I would hesitate if you want a deeply guided hiking day. At Landmannalaugar, the guide explains the choices and sends you out to enjoy them on your own. You are hiring transport, route planning, and local guidance, but not a personal hiking leader.

I would also compare the price with a bus option before booking. The super jeep gives you a smaller vehicle and a rough-road experience, but the stops may overlap with routes served by other forms of transport. The added cost is worthwhile mainly if you value the vehicle, the convenience, and the route’s flexibility.

Weather, packing, and practical details

The tour runs for about 10 hours, with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation when available. Be ready at least five minutes before the scheduled pickup time. The tour is weather-dependent, and poor conditions can lead to a rescheduled date or a full refund.

Pack for the highlands, not for the weather you see from your Reykjavik hotel window. Bring warm clothing, comfortable clothes, swimwear, a towel, and a camera. A waterproof layer is a sensible addition based on the exposed stops and changing conditions.

Lunch is not included. Bring food and drinks for the day, since the schedule is built around remote scenery rather than a planned meal stop. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Children under 12 can join free of charge, and child car seats are available on request. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments because of the rough ride, uneven ground, and optional hikes.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option gives you some flexibility while finalizing your Iceland plans.

Should you book this Landmannalaugar tour?

Book it if you want a big scenery day with a practical route into the highlands, and you are happy to mix independent hiking with guided viewpoints. Hekla, the crater lakes, Sigöldugljúfur, the waterfalls, and the hot pool make this much more than a drive to one mountain camp.

Skip it if you dislike long, bumpy rides, need close assistance on trails, or expect a guide to walk with you throughout Landmannalaugar. At $359, this is not a bargain transfer. It is a convenient, active day for seeing a difficult-to-reach part of Iceland without driving yourself.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about 10 hours, including the journey from Reykjavik to the highlands and back.

Where can I be picked up?

Pickup is available in Reykjavik, Kópavogur, Selfoss, Hella, and Hveragerði. Drop-off is available in the same five areas.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off at your Reykjavik accommodation are included. Be ready at least five minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

How much time do I have at Landmannalaugar?

You have about three hours at Landmannalaugar, although the itinerary also lists two hours of free time. Confirm the exact timing with your guide on the day.

Can I hike at Landmannalaugar?

Yes. You can choose routes such as the approximately 4.5-kilometer Laugahraun hike, or more demanding options toward Brennisteinsalda, Bláhnúkur, and Suðurnámur.

Can I use the geothermal pool?

Yes. The tour includes time for a dip in the natural geothermal pool. Bring swimwear and a towel. There are no changing rooms directly beside the pool.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, so bring food and drinks for the day.

Do I need previous hiking experience?

No previous experience is required. However, some routes can be steep or slippery, and the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour is weather-dependent. If conditions are unfavorable, you can be offered another date or a full refund.