I like this tour because it gets you away from the paved-boring zone and into Lakagígar country fast. You’ll roll in a small group by Super Jeep and spend the day at places that are hard to reach on your own, with an English-speaking local guide and round-trip transfer from select hotels.
What I’d pick it for: you get a serious mix of terrain—craters, canyons, and waterfalls—without turning it into a marathon. I also like the guide setup: the local driving guide and English guide teamwork makes the day feel organized even when the roads are chaotic.
One thing to consider: this is a full 8-hour day with uneven ground and a moderate amount of walking, so if you hate boots-on-rocks terrain, you’ll want to plan accordingly.
In This Review
- Quick hit: why this tour works
- Entering Vatnajökull National Park by Super Jeep
- The day’s pace: what 8 hours looks like in real life
- Stop 1: Lakagígar craters, Tjarnargígur, and the volcanic story
- A small practical tip for this crater area
- Stop 2: Fagrifoss waterfall for a quick reset
- Stop 3: Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon walk with views down to the river
- Super Jeep logistics: comfort and reality
- The guide factor: David Thor makes it click
- What you’ll love most (and who should book it)
- Weather and seasonal reality: plan for road mood swings
- Value check: is $334.01 worth it?
- Should you book the Super Jeep Lakagígar day trip?
- FAQ
- What is the duration of the Lakagígar volcano day tour?
- How much does the tour cost per person?
- Is hotel pickup included?
- What time does the tour start?
- How much walking is involved?
- Is food provided on the tour?
- Are admissions required for the stops?
- Are drones allowed in this area?
- What happens if the tour can’t run due to weather or road conditions?
Quick hit: why this tour works
- Super Jeep access to a volatile-feeling volcanic area in South Iceland
- Max 10 travelers keeps the day from feeling like cattle
- National park trail rules mean you’ll stay safe and keep the area protected
- Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon walk for big views down into the river below
- Fagrifoss time for a waterfall stop that doesn’t eat your whole schedule
Entering Vatnajökull National Park by Super Jeep
You’re starting in South Iceland, around Kirkjubæklaustur, and spending the day inside Vatnajökull National Park territory. That matters because this isn’t just scenery—you’re visiting a highly sensitive environment where you must stay on marked trails at all times.
You’ll leave at 9:00am, and pickup begins around 8:30am from accepted hotels. If your hotel isn’t on the list, the main meeting point is the petrol station N1 in Kirkjubaejarklaustur, with a meeting window from 08:45–09:00. Either way, the early start helps you beat the worst weather moods and gives you more daylight for walking.
This is also a strong value-style day. At $334.01 per person, you’re paying for more than a bus ride—you’re paying for the Super Jeep capability, a local driver guide, and time at multiple major stops without you needing to sort logistics across remote areas.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in South Iceland.
The day’s pace: what 8 hours looks like in real life
The tour runs about 8 hours total. That’s long enough to feel like you got a proper Iceland day, but not so long that you’ll be done thinking after the first hour.
The route is built around three main experiences. You’ll spend the bulk of your time in the Lakagígar area (about 5 hours), then add a focused waterfall break at Fagrifoss (about 20 minutes), and finish with time along the higher end of Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon (about 45 minutes). The hiking level is listed as moderate, and walking is not necessary on trails—but you should still wear shoes for uneven terrain.
The tour also notes that it operates in most weather, but good weather is required for the best experience. So yes, bring a rain layer and plan like an adult who knows Iceland has opinions.
Stop 1: Lakagígar craters, Tjarnargígur, and the volcanic story
Stop 1 is where the day becomes memorable. You’ll explore the craters of Lakagígar and Tjarnargígur, plus the surrounding points that make this area feel like a science documentary you can walk around in.
Lakagígar is the headline because the ground looks shaped by forces that still feel present. Even when visibility isn’t perfect, the scale and texture of crater country do the talking. And because this is in a national park setting, the experience is managed with a “stay on the path” approach. That’s a good thing, even if you’d like to wander off. You’ll still get plenty of viewpoints, and the marked trails keep the area from getting trampled.
This is also where you’ll see Fagrifoss and Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon referenced as part of the broader Lakagígar exploration. Practically, that means the first segment sets your context: you get grounded in what you’re looking at before you go back for shorter, more specific time blocks.
If you like a day that feels like a guided narrative instead of a checklist, this is the part you’ll care about most.
A small practical tip for this crater area
Wear shoes with real grip. The tour explicitly asks for shoes suitable for uneven terrain, and you’ll thank yourself the moment the ground goes slick or rocky. If you’re tempted to wear sneakers that are more fashion than traction, don’t.
Stop 2: Fagrifoss waterfall for a quick reset
Fagrifoss is your breather stop. You’ll have about 20 minutes to explore the waterfall and the immediate surroundings.
Why this works: after crater walking (even if it’s not long), a waterfall scene is a mental reset. It’s also a way to break up the day without sacrificing your main goal: volcanic sights and canyon views.
The time is short on purpose. This tour keeps moving so you can spend your energy where you’ll get the most dramatic payoff—especially at the canyon.
Stop 3: Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon walk with views down to the river
Then comes the money stop: Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon. You’ll walk along the higher end, looking down into the river rushing below. It’s described as one of the most beautiful canyons in the world, and even if you’re skeptical of that kind of wording, you can see why it earns the hype.
You get about 45 minutes here, which is a sweet spot. Long enough to take your time, short enough that the day still feels punchy. And because you’re on the higher route, you get wide, dramatic views rather than a steep scramble.
One good thing to know: the canyon experience is tied to careful trail behavior because the area is extremely sensitive. You’ll get great angles without needing to do anything risky or off-limits.
Super Jeep logistics: comfort and reality
A Super Jeep day is a trade. You trade smooth roads for reach. In this case, it’s how you get into the crater area without a DIY mission across rough terrain.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off for selected hotels, plus local taxes, and it runs with a local driver guide and an English-speaking guide. You’ll also get a mobile ticket, and confirmation comes at booking.
Food and drinks are not included, so plan for what you’ll eat during the day. Iceland tour days often run tight, and you don’t want to be stuck hungry at the wrong moment. Bring snacks and water you actually like.
The guide factor: David Thor makes it click
This kind of tour lives or dies by the guide. Here, the guiding stands out. One full 5-star highlight in the feedback notes David the tour guide as awesome, and the response identifies the guide as David Thor.
What that usually means in practice is simple: you’re not just getting directions. You’re getting explanations that help you understand what you’re seeing—craters, canyon formation, and why the terrain feels the way it does.
With a day that’s partly walking and partly remote driving, a strong guide also helps keep your timing realistic. That can matter when weather changes or when you need to shift how you approach the stops.
What you’ll love most (and who should book it)
I think this tour is best for people who want a high-impact day without planning chaos. If you’re short on time in South Iceland, this gives you a lot of iconic terrain in one go.
It’s also a great match if you enjoy geology and dramatic outdoor scenery more than museums. You’ll spend your day outdoors, and the core attractions are the sort you can’t fully fake with photos.
On the other hand, this may not be the best pick for someone who can’t handle uneven ground. The tour says hiking trails are marked and suitable for most people, and walking is not necessary—but you still need to be comfortable moving around.
If you’re traveling with kids, note that children must be accompanied by an adult, and the tour is still described as a moderate walking day.
Weather and seasonal reality: plan for road mood swings
The tour notes that in spring, tracks and mountain roads may close during thawing. They can cancel the tour or alter routes, itineraries, or timetables if road conditions require it, including weather irregularities.
It also says the experience operates in most weather conditions, but it requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Iceland handles weather with the same attitude it handles volcanoes: respect it.
For you, the takeaway is simple. Dress for changing conditions, and bring layers you can handle on uneven terrain. The day can go from misty to windy-fast.
Value check: is $334.01 worth it?
At $334.01 per person for an 8-hour Super Jeep tour, this isn’t a cheap day. But it’s also not just sightseeing. You’re buying access.
What you’re getting for that price:
- Super Jeep transportation into remote terrain
- A local driver guide and an English-speaking guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from selected hotels
- Time at multiple major natural sites
- Local taxes included
What you’re not getting:
- Food and drinks
- Anything requiring you to pay extra for admission, since the stops are listed as free
For me, the value equation works best if you’d otherwise spend money on multiple pieces of transport, or lose time trying to arrange your own access. If you have a car and love DIY, you can explore, but this tour saves you the hassle and keeps you on the right track.
Should you book the Super Jeep Lakagígar day trip?
Yes, if you want a focused South Iceland day that hits craters, a waterfall stop, and a standout canyon without you managing the logistics. The small group size (maximum 10) and the high satisfaction score—4.9/5 with 98% recommending it—are strong signals you’re likely to get a well-run experience.
I’d say skip it if you want a totally low-activity day or you don’t handle uneven terrain well. Also, if you’re allergic to uncertainty, remember weather and road closures can affect routing in spring thaw periods.
If you can handle boots, layers, and a full day outside, this is exactly the kind of trip that makes your South Iceland visit feel complete.
FAQ
What is the duration of the Lakagígar volcano day tour?
The tour is about 8 hours total, approximately.
How much does the tour cost per person?
It costs $334.01 per person.
Is hotel pickup included?
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected hotels only. If your hotel isn’t accepted, the main meeting point is petrol station N1 in Kirkjubaejarklaustur.
What time does the tour start?
The tour starts at 9:00am. Hotel pickup starts at 8:30am for accepted hotels (with a different window for Hunkubakkar Guesthouse), and meeting time at the main pickup point is 08:45–09:00.
How much walking is involved?
There is a moderate amount of walking on marked trails. Walking is not necessary, but you should be comfortable moving over uneven terrain.
Is food provided on the tour?
No. Food and drinks are not included, so you should bring your own.
Are admissions required for the stops?
The stops listed are marked as ticket free.
Are drones allowed in this area?
Drone flight is not allowed in the national park, but you can apply for a permit in advance.
What happens if the tour can’t run due to weather or road conditions?
The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. In spring, tracks and mountain roads may close, and the operator can alter routes or cancel if necessary.







