Private Superjeep Tour To Landmannalaugar and Hekla Volcano

Landmannalaugar is the star here, but the route to reach it is half the fun. You cross Iceland’s rough Highland roads in a private superjeep, stop at a canyon filled with waterfalls, see dark volcanic lakes, and finish near Hekla, one of the country’s most active volcanoes.

I like the private pace and the chance to see both Landmannalaugar and Hekla in one long day. I also like the small touches: a comfortable vehicle, Wi-Fi, hotel pickup, and a guide such as Asker who knows how to handle rough roads and changing conditions.

The main drawback is the price. At $1,800 per group of up to four, this makes the most sense when four people share the cost. You also need to bring lunch, snacks, and drinks, since food is not included.

Key points to know before booking

• Landmannalaugar and Hekla in one day: This route links Iceland’s famous geothermal area with a major active volcano.
• A true superjeep outing: The vehicle is built for Iceland’s rough Highland roads, giving you access that a regular car cannot provide.
• Private touring for up to four people: Your group controls the pace and does not share the vehicle with strangers.
• Five scenic stops before the return: Sigöldugljúfur, Bláhylur, Frostastaðavatn, Landmannalaugar, and Hekla each show a different side of Iceland.
• Bring your own food: Lunch is not included, so pack enough food and water for a full 10-hour day.
• Weather matters: The tour requires good conditions and may be moved or canceled if the weather turns poor.

Why this private Highland route is special

This is not a quick photo stop beside Reykjavik. You spend a full day reaching the interior of Iceland, where roads become rougher, views become wider, and volcanic forces are easier to read in the ground around you.

The private setup changes the feel of the day. With only your own group in the vehicle, you can spend more time at a stop that catches your eye or move on when the weather closes in. That flexibility matters in the Highlands, where wind, cloud, and light can alter the scene from one hour to the next.

The tour is priced at $1,800 per group, with a maximum of four people. For one person or a couple, that is a serious expense. For four people, the cost works out to $450 per person before any food or drinks. You are paying for a dedicated vehicle, hotel transfers, an experienced local guide, and access to a remote part of Iceland without having to drive yourself.

The package includes an air-conditioned vehicle and free Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is a useful extra on a long day, though the main value is not staying connected. It is having a capable vehicle and someone else handling the Highland roads while you watch the scenery.

Leaving Reykjavik at 8:30 in the morning

Pickup begins at 8:30 am from your hotel or another agreed place in the Reykjavik area. The return is also to your hotel or preferred location in the city.

Expect the day to last about 10 hours. That sounds generous, but the Highlands are not close to central Reykjavik, and the route includes several scenic stops. You should think of this as a full-day expedition rather than a short excursion with a few quick viewpoints.

Pack food before pickup. Lunch is not included, and the tour provider specifically recommends bringing snacks and drinks. This is important because the schedule is built around natural sights, not regular restaurant stops. A proper meal, water, and a few high-energy snacks will make the long vehicle sections much easier.

Wear clothing that can handle Icelandic weather. The data for this tour does not specify a clothing list, but the route runs through exposed Highland country and depends on good weather. You may get sun, wind, rain, or fast changes in visibility during the same day.

Sigöldugljúfur, the Valley of Tears

The first named stop is Sigöldugljúfur, also called the Valley of Tears. Its claim to fame is the large number of waterfalls running through the canyon.

You have about an hour here, which gives you more time than a simple roadside pause. The waterfalls are the main attraction, but the canyon also helps you understand the character of the Highlands. Water cuts through volcanic ground, creating a sharp contrast between dark rock, bright falls, and open sky.

This is a good early stop because it gives you a chance to stretch your legs after the drive from Reykjavik. It also sets the tone for the day: you are not just heading to one famous place, but moving through a chain of unusual geological scenes.

Admission is free. The stop is included as part of the drive and tour rather than requiring a separate ticket.

Bláhylur and its deep blue volcanic water

Bláhylur Lake, also known as Hnausapollur, is near Landmannalaugar. Its dark blue water sits in volcanic country and gives you a powerful first look at the area around the reserve.

The lake is sometimes confused with nearby Ljótapollur because the two can look similar. Bláhylur is the easier one to reach, making it a practical stop on this route.

You have about an hour here. That longer pause is useful for photographs and for taking in the scale of the setting. Bláhylur is not a town, museum, or built attraction. Its value is the combination of water, volcanic ground, and distance from the city.

As with the other outdoor stops, admission is free. Keep in mind that the appeal depends on conditions. Sun can bring out the lake’s color, while cloud and rain can make the view darker and more severe.

Frostastaðavatn and evidence of old eruptions

Frostastaðavatn means the lake of the frosty place. It sits in the Highlands near both Landmannalaugar and Hekla, making it a natural link between the two major parts of the tour.

The stop is valuable for its geology. Volcanic activity is visible around the lake, including mixed lava flows connected with eruptions in 1477. Those eruptions involved the Torfajökull and Bárðarbunga volcanic systems, and the lava reached toward the lake shore.

You do not need to be a geology expert to enjoy this stop. Your guide can help you connect what you see on the ground with Iceland’s volcanic past. The point is not simply that the area looks dramatic. It shows how eruptions shaped the route you are traveling through.

The planned visit is about an hour. That makes Frostastaðavatn more than a passing glimpse, though the day remains long and the time at each site is still limited. If your group wants a slow, extended walk at every stop, this tour may feel busy.

Two hours in Landmannalaugar

Landmannalaugar is the main reason many people book this experience. It lies in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, beside the Laugahraun lava field, which formed during an eruption around 1477.

The area is famous for its geothermal hot springs and unusual volcanic scenery. It is also at the northern end of the Laugavegur hiking trail, one of Iceland’s best-known long-distance routes. This tour does not turn you into a long-distance hiker, but it gives you time to experience the area without committing to a multi-day trek.

Two hours are set aside here. That is enough to walk around, take photographs, and spend time near the geothermal pools, depending on conditions and the guide’s plan. You should not expect a full hiking day. The tour is designed to cover several major Highland sights, so Landmannalaugar is one part of a broad route.

The private format helps most at this stop. Your group can set a comfortable pace rather than being tied to a large coach schedule. If one person wants more time for photographs or another prefers a shorter walk, the guide can help manage the day around your group.

The hot springs are a major draw, but bring realistic expectations. The supplied information confirms natural geothermal pools, not a guaranteed bathing session or a changing facility. If using a pool is important to you, ask the provider about current conditions before departure and pack suitable swimwear.

Hekla, Iceland’s active volcano

The final major sight is Hekla, an active stratovolcano rising to 1,491 meters, or 4,892 feet. More than 20 eruptions have occurred in and around the volcano since 1210, so this is not simply an old mountain with an interesting story.

In medieval Icelandic and European thought, Hekla was called the Gateway to Hell. The name reflects the fear inspired by its eruptions, but the modern experience is more about scale, geology, and the power of a volcano that remains active.

Hekla forms part of a volcanic ridge about 40 kilometers long. Its most active section is a fissure called Heklugjá, about 5.5 kilometers in length. The volcano has an unusual overturned-boat shape, with a line of craters forming what looks like a keel.

The tour allows about two hours at Hekla, including the route between stops. That gives you a worthwhile amount of time in the volcano area, but this is not advertised as a summit climb. You should expect viewpoints and an introduction to the volcano rather than a technical ascent.

Hekla also adds balance to the day. Landmannalaugar is known for geothermal color and hot water, while Hekla gives you a larger sense of Iceland’s active volcanic systems. Seeing both in one outing makes the tour feel more complete than a single-destination trip.

What the superjeep adds

The vehicle is central to this experience. A superjeep is suited to Iceland’s rougher roads and remote routes, and it lets you reach Highland sights that are not practical in an ordinary rental car.

You are not responsible for navigating unfamiliar mountain roads. Your guide handles the driving while you look out for waterfalls, lakes, glaciers, lava fields, and volcanoes. One especially useful sign of the guide’s road skill came during a previous outing when Asker helped other people free a stuck car. That is the sort of practical experience you want when traveling far from the city.

The vehicle is described as comfortable, air-conditioned, and equipped with Wi-Fi. Comfort matters because the day includes long stretches between stops. The ride is still an adventure, though. A superjeep does not turn Highland roads into a smooth highway.

The drive itself is part of the attraction. You pass from the settled area around Reykjavik into the interior, with the route changing as you go. The experience is strongest for people who enjoy getting to remote places, not for those who want a relaxed day with little time in the vehicle.

Views, glaciers, and the value of a local guide

Clear weather can make a major difference. On one outing, the route offered views of five glaciers, and the guide pointed them out during the drive. That detail shows why a local guide adds value: distant ice fields may look like simple white shapes if you do not know what you are seeing.

The guide also helps you read the geology. At Frostastaðavatn, for example, the volcanic history is easier to appreciate when someone explains the lava flows and eruptions connected with the area. At Hekla, the shape of the volcano and its active fissure become more meaningful with context.

Asker is named as the guide associated with the tour. He is described as kind, experienced, and well prepared. Those qualities matter more here than polished commentary. On a remote route, you want someone who can make sensible decisions, explain what you are seeing, and handle unexpected road problems.

Still, you should remember that weather controls what you see. Even a strong guide cannot produce clear skies or open every route. The tour requires good weather, and a poor forecast can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Who will get the most from this tour

I would recommend this tour to a small group that wants a private day in the Icelandic Highlands without renting and driving a specialized vehicle.

It is especially suitable for:

• A family or group of friends who can share the $1,800 cost
• People who want both Landmannalaugar and Hekla in one day
• Visitors who prefer a private schedule over a large group departure
• Anyone interested in waterfalls, volcanic lakes, lava fields, geothermal pools, and active volcanoes
• Photographers who want time at several outdoor locations
• People who value local driving skill on rough roads

It may be less suitable if you want a low-cost excursion, a long hike, or a guaranteed bathing session. The route covers a lot of ground, so you spend a substantial part of the day in the vehicle. That is a fair trade for seeing remote areas, but it is worth knowing before you book.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The experience is near public transportation, but pickup is offered from the Reykjavik area, so you should confirm the exact pickup point when booking.

Is $1,800 a fair price?

The value depends almost entirely on group size. For four people, the effective price is $450 each. That is still not cheap, but it compares more favorably with arranging a private vehicle, a driver, and access to a remote Highland route on your own.

For two people, the cost becomes $900 each. For one person, it is a very expensive way to see the area. The private format, long duration, vehicle, Wi-Fi, and guide are included, but lunch is not.

I like the value best for four people who would otherwise need to coordinate separate transport or avoid the Highlands altogether. The tour combines several sights that would be difficult to arrange with ordinary city transport. You also get control over the pace, which is useful when weather and daylight affect the quality of outdoor stops.

The price is harder to justify if you are mainly interested in Landmannalaugar and do not care about Hekla or the other lakes and canyon. In that case, compare the cost with shorter or shared options before committing.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

You receive confirmation at the time of booking. The tour starts at 8:30 am, lasts about 10 hours, and includes pickup and drop-off in the Reykjavik area.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted.

Weather is a serious part of the booking decision. If poor conditions force cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. I would avoid scheduling this as your only possible Highland day if your wider Iceland plans are very tight.

Should you book this Landmannalaugar superjeep tour?

Book it if you have up to four people, want a private day, and care more about reaching remote volcanic country than keeping costs low. The strongest combination is the route itself: Sigöldugljúfur’s waterfalls, Bláhylur’s dark blue water, Frostastaðavatn’s lava history, Landmannalaugar’s geothermal pools, and Hekla’s active volcanic presence.

The best reason to choose this outing is not simply comfort. It is the chance to let an experienced guide handle the rough roads while you focus on the scenery and the story beneath it.

Skip it if the price is too high for your group, if you need lunch included, or if you want a long, focused hike instead of a broad full-day route. For the right group, though, this is a strong way to see the Icelandic Highlands in one ambitious day.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

Pickup is offered from your hotel or preferred location in the Reykjavik area.

What time does the tour begin?

The stated start time is 8:30 am.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately 10 hours.

How many people can join the private tour?

The price covers one private group of up to four people.

Is transportation included?

Yes. The tour includes round-trip transfers from the Reykjavik area in an air-conditioned private vehicle.

Does the vehicle have Wi-Fi?

Yes. Free Wi-Fi is included in the vehicle.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You should bring snacks and drinks to stay fueled during the day.

Which main places does the tour visit?

The route includes Sigöldugljúfur, Bláhylur, Frostastaðavatn, Landmannalaugar, and Hekla Volcano.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted and are not refunded.