That off-road ride starts the day right.

This Super Jeep tour turns the route into part of the experience, taking you into the Icelandic Highlands where you’ll see colorful rhyolite mountains, steaming vents, and big volcanic scenery. I love the mix of walks and photo stops (especially the crater lake colors and waterfall views), and I also really like the option to soak in a natural geothermal pool at Landmannalaugar. One thing to plan for: it’s a long day from Reykjavík, so you’ll want solid cold-weather layers and patience for driving time.

You’ll start with classic Highland sights and finish with one of the area’s best-known rewards: Landmannalaugar’s geothermal bathing or guided hiking. The day moves at a good pace, but you’ll still feel the “highlands are big” reality—weather and road conditions can affect what you get to see clearly (for instance, Hekla may be partly hidden by clouds).

Key highlights at a glance

• Super Jeep access to rough Highland roads, not just the easy pull-offs
• Hjálparfoss and Sigöldufoss for two very different waterfall moments
• Landmannalaugar choice: hike with your guide or geothermal bathing time
• Ljótipollur crater colors that look unreal when the light hits right
• A Hekla glimpse for a taste of Iceland’s most active volcano (when clouds cooperate)
• Real driver-and-guide value, with English commentary throughout

Why a Super Jeep from Reykjavík feels worth it

This isn’t a casual day trip where you park, stroll 10 minutes, and call it done. A Super Jeep route matters here because Landmannalaugar sits deep in the Highlands, where normal roads don’t get you close enough. The result is a day that feels like you’re traveling through Iceland’s “other face”: lava fields, geothermal activity, and stark mountain colors that don’t look real until you’re standing there.

I also like that the tour is built around guidance, not just transportation. You get an expert driver plus an English-speaking tour guide, so stops make sense as you go. And there’s a practical comfort bonus: free WiFi on board helps if you want to coordinate photos, maps, or messaging during the long drive.

The pacing is the key. You’re in the Jeep for plenty of time, but the itinerary keeps giving you reasons to get excited: first waterfalls, then Highlands roads, then Landmannalaugar’s geothermal break, then volcanic “wow” sights on the way back.

Waterfalls first: Hjálparfoss and Sigöldufoss

Your day kicks off with Hjálparfoss, often described as Help’s Falls—calm, scenic, and easy to enjoy without rushing. It’s a good start because it sets the tone: the Highlands aren’t only about dramatic cliffs; they also have quiet corners where water moves through rock and mossy terrain.

Next comes Sigöldufoss, a taller, more forceful waterfall stop on the Tungnaá river. If you like contrast, this pairing works. Hjálparfoss feels like a breather; Sigöldufoss gives you that stronger vertical “wow” factor.

Practical note: waterfall stops are where you’ll want your camera ready and your shoes waterproof if conditions are damp. Even when the view is the star, the ground can be slippy—Highland weather loves changing its mind.

The Highlands drive: rivers, mountain roads, and real “off-road” time

The fun part of a Super Jeep tour is that the vehicle is part of the story. The route isn’t only paved-road sightseeing. You can expect mountain roads, and the day includes river crossings en route to Landmannalaugar. That’s not a gimmick. It’s exactly what gets you into the kinds of terrain Iceland is famous for—lava fields, geothermal zones, and remote volcanic landscapes.

One review detail I’d take seriously: comfort can vary. Someone noted the suspension could be improved for comfort. Translation: if you’re sensitive to bumpy rides, dress in layers, keep a small grip on your gear, and plan for some jostling. On the flip side, the same off-road ride is what makes the views feel close-up and immediate.

Landmannalaugar: hike with your guide or soak in geothermal water

This is the heart of the day. Landmannalaugar is known for its geothermal activity and colorful geology, and the tour gives you a real choice once you arrive:

• You can hike with your guide
• Or you can bathe in a natural hot spring geothermal pool

I like that the guide stays involved. A recent hike experience highlighted that the guide walked with the group on the trail and also explained other possible activities depending on what you felt like doing. That structure matters because Landmannalaugar hikes can be harder than they look—lava rock and uneven ground are not the same as a tidy path.

If you choose the hike, wear waterproof or grippy hiking boots. One person noted the biggest challenge was getting up and down lava stones and rocks. It’s doable, but your footing matters more than your fitness level.

If you choose the geothermal pool, treat it like the day’s reward break. Reviews called out the hot pool as the best part, and the logic is simple: after hours in a cold wind outside, warm water feels like turning the dial back to “easy.” Bring swimwear and a towel, and consider changing into dry socks afterward if you can.

Either way, Landmannalaugar is where you’ll see the color that defines the area—rhyolite tones and volcanic textures that look extra dramatic in changing light.

Ljótipollur crater lake colors and a possible Hekla sighting

After the Landmannalaugar stop, you shift from geothermal comfort to volcanic spectacle.

You’ll visit Ljótipollur, described as an explosion crater with red, green, and blue hues. That color combo is the reason this area belongs on many Iceland “bucket lists.” Even on a cloudy day, crater colors can still pop—because the contrast comes from mineral tones, not just sunshine.

Then there’s the Hekla factor. You’ll catch a glimpse of Hekla Volcano’s majesty. Important reality check: clouds can block the top. One review mentioned that Hekla’s summit was covered by weather, but seeing how big and powerful the volcano is still felt like a major moment. So think of it as a hopeful sighting, not a guarantee.

If you get any view at all, it’s worth taking it seriously. Hekla is one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes, and even a partial view in the Highlands hits differently than reading about it from home.

Timing and comfort: plan for an 11-hour day

This tour runs 11 hours total, and it starts with pickup around the Reykjavík area and nearby towns. Expect a full day: you’re not just traveling to the Highlands—you’re also spending time at multiple stops.

Pickup times you should know:

• Hveragerði: 08:55 AM
• Selfoss: 09:30 AM
• Hotel Hella: 09:50 AM

Two small but important practical points:

1. You’ll need to update your pickup location at least 48 hours before the tour.
2. The guide can be delayed by traffic, and you should plan for up to about 30 minutes of wait time depending on where you’re starting.

Comfort-wise, this is a “warm layers, windproof outer layer” kind of day. Highlands wind is fast and unforgiving. Even if Reykjavik feels mild, your clothing needs to handle colder conditions.

Price and value: what $272 includes (and what it doesn’t)

At $272 per person, this is not a budget day. But it’s also not just paying for a seat on a bus.

Your price includes:

• Pick-up and drop-off from Reykjavík
• Exploration of the Highlands via Super Jeep
• An expert Super Jeep driver
• An English-speaking tour guide
• Geothermal bathing
• Free WiFi on board

Food and drinks are not included, so you’ll want to plan snacks if you eat during gaps in the day.

So where’s the value? You’re paying for access. Getting into this kind of terrain and visiting these specific sights (waterfalls, crater area, geothermal bathing) is hard without a vehicle that can handle rough roads and without a guide who knows the route and how to time stops. For many people, the cost makes sense because it replaces a lot of complicated logistics—especially if you don’t want to drive yourselves.

What to bring so the day feels easy, not stressful

This is one of those tours where your packing list really affects your mood. Bring:

• Warm clothing
• A windbreaker
• Swimwear and a towel (if you plan to bathe)
• A camera
• Waterproof shoes (for lava-rock hiking and damp ground risk)

Also think about small comforts: gloves can matter even if the forecast seems okay, and having dry clothes ready after geothermal time is a real mood booster.

If you’re deciding between bathing and hiking, don’t overthink it. If you choose hiking, plan for good traction. If you choose soaking, plan for dry recovery and the fact that wind is still wind while you’re changing.

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

This works especially well if you:

• Want Highlands scenery without doing the driving yourself
• Like a mix of sights plus a physical option (hike or soak)
• Prefer an organized day with an English guide and set stops

It’s also good for people who want a guided trail experience, since the guide can walk with you on the hike and help you choose what to do if you don’t want to do the full route.

Not suitable: children under 6.

If you’re very motion-sensitive, remember the ride may be bumpy. One review asked for better suspension comfort, so keep that in mind.

Should you book the Landmannalaugar Super Jeep day tour?

Yes, if you want a high-impact day that combines remote access, iconic geothermal time, and real volcanic scenery—without needing to manage routes, road conditions, and stop timing yourself. The strongest selling point for many people is the natural hot pool paired with a Highlands route that reaches places most day trips can’t.

Skip or reconsider if you:

• Hate long days or get tired quickly on road trips
• Can’t handle uneven terrain if you choose the hike option
• Need very high ride comfort and are sensitive to bumpy transport

If you’re okay dressing for wind and spending a full day in the Highlands, this is a smart way to see Landmannalaugar as more than just a dot on a map.

FAQ

How long is the Landmannalaugar Super Jeep day tour?

It lasts 11 hours.

Where does the tour start from?

Pickup is included from Reykjavík locations and nearby areas. Pickup times listed are for Hveragerði (08:55 AM), Selfoss (09:30 AM), and Hotel Hella (09:50 AM).

What waterfalls and crater sights are included?

You’ll visit Hjálparfoss and Sigöldufoss, and you’ll also stop at the Ljótipollur crater lake area.

Is geothermal bathing included?

Yes. Geothermal bathing is included, and at Landmannalaugar you can choose bathing or hiking with your guide.

Do I need hiking gear if I want to hike?

You should bring waterproof shoes and warm, windproof clothing. Lava-rock terrain can be challenging, so good footwear matters.

What about food and drinks?

Food and drinks are not included.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes, there is free WiFi on board.

What language is the guide?

The tour includes an English-speaking tour guide.

Are children allowed?

The tour is not suitable for children under 6 years.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring warm clothing, a windbreaker, swimwear and a towel (if you plan to bathe), a camera, and waterproof shoes.

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