Colorful Highlands, powered by a Super Jeep. This day trip puts you in a Super Jeep heading to Landmannalaugar, where steam, lava, and crater lakes sit side by side. You’ll also get classic Highlands viewpoints along the way.

I love the waterfall stops like Hjálparfoss and Sigöldufoss, and I love that geothermal bathing is included at Landmannalaugar. It turns a long travel day into something that actually feels hands-on.

One possible drawback is the long, weather-dependent drive from Reykjavík, plus bumpy mountain roads. If you get cold easily, bring a serious windbreaker and dress in layers.

Key things to know before you go

• Super Jeep Highlands driving: You’re not just riding through Iceland, you’re actually working the rugged roads.
• Hjálparfoss and Sigöldufoss stops: Real waterfall breaks, not only quick photo stops.
• Landmannalaugar hot spring option: You can hike or soak, and your guide helps you choose.
• Ljótipollur crater colors: A crater lake with striking red, green, and blue hues.
• Hekla visibility depends on weather: You’ll get a chance to spot it, but cloud cover can steal the view.
• Comfort is good, but expect rough terrain: One review flagged the suspension, so don’t assume a smooth ride.

From Reykjavík to the Highlands: how the day starts

This is a full-day push into Iceland’s southern Highlands, built around the day’s geography instead of a tight schedule of tiny stops. You’ll start with pickup from Reykjavík area locations, then settle in for the drive that gets you out of the city world fast.

Pickups include multiple timing options based on where you’re staying: Hveragerði at 08:55 AM, Selfoss at 9:30 AM, and Hotel Hella at 9:50 AM. You need to be at your pickup spot on time, and depending on traffic, your guide may be up to 30 minutes late. Also note the tour requires you to update your pickup location at least 48 hours beforehand.

The tour is 11 hours long and runs with English-speaking guidance. You’ll also have free WiFi on board, which can be useful for quick map checks and messaging, but don’t count on it for heavy streaming.

Hjálparfoss and Sigöldufoss: the waterfall warm-up

The day’s first big payoff comes early with a pair of waterfall encounters. First is Hjálparfoss, which translates roughly to Help’s Falls. It’s not loud or chaotic in the way some waterfalls feel. Instead, it’s a calmer viewpoint that fits the Highlands mood. This stop is a nice reset moment, especially after the early travel.

Next comes Sigöldufoss, a 10-meter waterfall on the Tungnaá river. This one gives you that classic “Iceland is doing something dramatic again” feeling, with more vertical presence than Hjálparfoss. It’s also a good chance to shoot photos from a couple angles while you still have daylight and energy.

Practical tip: if you care about photos, keep your camera accessible. Your time at each stop can be short enough that digging for gear costs you the best moments.

River roads and Super Jeep crossings: why this route feels different

Once you’re into the Highlands, the tour becomes about movement and access. A Super Jeep is built for rugged roads, and that matters here because Landmannalaugar is not a place you reach with a normal car and a calm stroll. You’ll tackle mountain roads and cross rivers along the way.

This is the part of the day that turns scenery into an experience. You’re riding through volcanic textures, and you can feel the change in terrain as the vehicle climbs and drops. The Highlands are wide, and that emptiness is part of the magic, but it’s also why getting the right vehicle matters.

Comfort note: one review specifically mentioned that the suspension could be improved. So yes, the driving is exciting, but plan for some jostling. If you’re sensitive to rough rides, dress warmly and consider that your seat time will be bumpy.

Landmannalaugar: choose your adventure, hike or soak

Landmannalaugar is the heart of the day, the geothermal area that makes the Highlands feel personal. At this stop, you get a choice: hike with your guide or soak in the natural hot spring.

The hike option

If you choose the hike, you’ll be walking on lava rock and uneven ground. That means good foot traction is everything. One review highlighted that the most difficult part wasn’t the general elevation, it was the scramble up and down rocky lava surfaces. So treat waterproof hiking boots as a must, not a nice-to-have.

I like that your guide doesn’t just hand you a route and vanish. You get help on the trail, plus guidance on what to do if you decide a different activity fits better. That flexibility is valuable when weather shifts or when your legs need a plan B.

The hot spring option

The geothermal pool time is the other major highlight. This is not a quick dip. It’s built into the tour so you can actually enjoy the warming effect after hours outside. It’s also one of the easiest ways to “feel” Iceland’s geology without needing stamina.

Bring swimwear and a towel. If you forget, you’ll still see the place, but you’ll miss the point of the day. The hot spring break is also a great moment to slow down, hydrate, and refocus your camera for a different kind of photo.

Ljótipollur crater colors and the Hekla peek

After Landmannalaugar, the tour keeps the visual momentum with a stop at Ljótipollur, an explosion crater with a crater lake known for striking red, green, and blue tones. This is one of those places where the colors look unreal until you stand close enough to see how the rock and minerals shape the view. It’s a geology stop that feels more like science class, but with better weather.

Then comes the Hekla angle. You’ll get a chance to catch sight of Hekla Volcano. Hekla is one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes, and even a partial view gives you that “this place is alive” feeling.

Here’s the honest part: visibility can change fast. One review noted that cloud cover blocked the top of Hekla, yet seeing how massive and powerful it still looked was still an experience. So treat Hekla as a possible bonus, not a guaranteed perfect postcard.

What the tour includes, and how that affects value

At $272 per person for an 11-hour day, this isn’t a budget option. But it also isn’t just a “bus to a viewpoint” day. The pricing gets you several things that are expensive in Iceland’s remote context:

• Pickup and drop-off from Reykjavík area locations

You don’t have to worry about driving, parking, or navigating road conditions on your own.

• Super Jeep exploration with an expert driver

This is the big cost driver because it’s specialized transport.

• An English-speaking tour guide

You’re getting interpretation as you move, including help at key stops.

• Geothermal bathing at Landmannalaugar

That’s time and logistics wrapped together.

• Free WiFi on board

Useful for small tasks during the long ride.

What’s not included: food and drinks. That matters because you’ll be out most of the day. If you’re picky about meals, plan for snacks you can eat between stops. At minimum, bring water and a strategy so hunger does not decide your mood.

Who should book this Landmannalaugar Super Jeep day trip

This is a strong fit if you want Iceland’s Highlands in one day without splitting your schedule across multiple trips. It’s also a good pick if you like variety. You’ll get waterfalls, geothermal time, crater-lake color, and a Hekla sighting attempt, all tied together by rugged Super Jeep travel.

I also think it suits people who enjoy a guided experience but still want choices on the ground. The hike-or-soak setup at Landmannalaugar is a simple way to match your energy level without having to abandon the trip.

It’s not ideal if you hate cold wind, rough rides, or walking on uneven lava terrain. Also, the tour is not suitable for children under 6.

One final note on guides: English guidance is part of the package, and reviews specifically praised guides like Svan and drivers like Izabella for both guiding and getting people safely around the route. You can’t guarantee names, but you can expect solid Highland know-how and real driving skill.

Should you book this tour?

Book it if your priority is Landmannalaugar with real geothermal time, plus a Super Jeep route that gives you access to the Highlands sights in a single day. The value is strongest when you factor in remote driving, guided stops, and the included hot spring option.

Skip it if you want a gentle, smooth ride and zero time on rocky terrain. Also reconsider if you’re traveling with limited flexibility for weather, because Hekla visibility depends on clouds, and the Highlands are always weather-first.

If you’re the type who packs for wind, wears proper boots, and likes the idea of seeing multiple geologic highlights in one long day, this is one of the more logical ways to do it from Reykjavík.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar Super Jeep day tour?

The duration is 11 hours. Starting times vary, so you’ll want to check availability for the specific date you’re booking.

Where are the pickup locations, and is there drop-off at Hotel Hella?

Pickup is included from Reykjavík area locations, including Hveragerði (08:55 AM), Selfoss (9:30 AM), and Hotel Hella (9:50 AM). Drop-off is not available at Hotel Hella, only pickup.

Do I need to update my pickup location before the tour?

Yes. You are responsible for updating your pickup location at least 48 hours before the tour. Your guide will arrive within up to 30 minutes depending on traffic.

What should I bring for the tour?

Bring warm clothing and a windbreaker, plus swimwear and a towel for the geothermal bathing. Also pack waterproof shoes and a camera.

Is food provided during the tour?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Can I bathe at Landmannalaugar?

Yes. Geothermal bathing is included, and at Landmannalaugar you can choose between bathing in the hot springs or taking a hike with your guide.

Is the tour suitable for young children?

No. The tour is not suitable for children under 6 years old.