Private Superjeep Landmannalaugar and Hekla Volcano Day Trip

If you want Iceland without the long bus lines, this delivers a fast, wild day out of Reykjavik. I love that it is private (up to 6 people) and built around real off-roading, not just photo stops.

My other favorite bit is the guide time built into the drive itself, so you get context while the jeep is bouncing across rivers, crater walls, and lava fields. The one drawback to think about is simple: it is a full day, roughly 8 to 10 hours, so you will want to treat this as your main excursion, not a light add-on.

Key things I’d plan around before you go

• Private Superjeep (up to 6) means more time with your driver and less waiting around.
• Pickup in Reykjavik starts around 8:30am to 9am, so plan an early start.
• 40-inch wheels and modified 4x4s are what make the river and lava terrain part of the plan.
• Craters, waterfalls, and geothermal stops keep the scenery changing, not repeating.
• Hot spring time is included, so bring swimwear and a quick-dry towel mindset.

Why Hekla and Landmannalaugar by Superjeep is the smart kind of wild

This is the kind of Iceland day trip you choose when you want “close to the action,” without signing up for a stressful DIY route. You are getting out into the highlands where roads get rough, and the whole point is that a 4×4 Superjeep can actually go there. The payoff is seeing geothermal activity and volcanic terrain from angles most day tours can only glance at.

I also like that the day is structured around variety. You do crater lake scenery, waterfall stops, and stretches of lava fields and geothermal zones in the same outing. That keeps you from getting that feeling of, okay, I saw one big rock and now we are repeating it.

The private format matters too. With up to 6 people in the vehicle, you are more likely to have a smoother rhythm at stops, and you can ask questions without feeling like you are talking over a crowd.

The Reykjavik pickup, your Superjeep comfort, and how the day runs

Your day begins with hotel pickup in Reykjavik between 8:30am and 9am. You’ll ride a modified 4×4 Superjeep equipped with an extra fold-down step for easier access, plus leather seats and air-conditioning. Yes, it is still off-road. But it is not the bare-minimum “sit and hope” style of rugged.

Inside you’ll also have Wi-Fi, GPS, and a first-aid kit, plus trackwell and other security equipment. I take that seriously. When you spend hours in remote terrain, you want the operator to be thinking about safety and wayfinding, not just adrenaline.

The day runs about 9 hours, and you are back at your hotel around 6pm when it finishes. That timing is useful to know because it helps you plan dinner and evening plans in Reykjavik without rushing.

Off-roading terrain you can actually feel (rivers, crater walls, lava fields)

The most memorable part of this tour is the drive itself. Your guide tackles a mix of terrain, including river crossings, glittering crater walls, and lava fields, with colorful mountain scenery all around you. In practice, this means your eyes get trained fast. You are scanning for geothermal steam, odd rock textures, and the way the land changes from one kind of volcanic ground to another.

Here is the practical angle: off-roading is not just for thrill seekers. It is the only way you get access to certain viewpoints and natural features without turning the day into a hike-heavy slog. If you are fit but want to save your energy for the scenery stops, this format is perfect.

What to keep in mind: it is listed as operating in all weather conditions. So you will want layers that handle wind and cold, plus a rain layer that you can still move in. The day is built to go forward, so your clothing needs to cooperate.

Ljotipollur crater lake: the cobalt-blue stop that resets your eyes

One of the signature stops is Ljlotipollur, a crater lake known for its cobalt-blue look. The way crater lakes appear in Iceland is often dramatic because you get this bowl-shaped terrain with water sitting inside it, like the land decided to make its own mirror.

Why this stop is worth your time: it breaks the day into a different visual “mode.” After hours of volcanic ground and geothermal textures, the water gives your eyes somewhere calmer to land. It also tends to make photo time easier. Even if you are not hunting perfect shots, the color contrast helps your pictures look good without heavy editing.

A small drawback to accept: crater-lake views can be windy, depending on conditions. If you are sensitive to cold weather, bring gloves you can actually keep on and use. Your hands will thank you when you are holding a camera or trying to pull your layers straight.

Hjalparfoss waterfall and the quick breather effect

Next up is Hjalparfoss Waterfall. Waterfalls in Iceland are not rare, but they are never boring because the energy is constant and the ground is always working hard. Here, the value is that it adds sound and motion to a day that otherwise leans heavily on geology and color.

This is also where you get a breather from the vehicle. You can step out, stretch, and reset your brain between off-road stretches. That matters because a day like this is long, about 8 to 10 hours, and your enjoyment depends on how often you can shift gears.

One consideration: waterfall areas can be wet and slippery. The tour runs in all weather, so treat traction and wind as part of the plan. Wear shoes that handle damp ground, and keep an eye on where you place your footing, even during “quick” photo breaks.

Forstastaoa Lake: why the smaller scenery stops matter

The itinerary includes Forstastaoa Lake as another scenery stop. I like this kind of pause for two reasons. First, you get more time for the quiet moments, not just the biggest showpiece. Second, smaller stops often feel more personal in a private vehicle day, because you are not squeezed between tour groups.

Even without a lot of added explanation on the ground, lakes in volcanic highland areas tell you a lot. The water sits near textures created by past volcanic activity, and that makes the land feel connected rather than random.

If you want to maximize this time, bring a bit of patience. The best moments often happen when you stop treating the day like a checklist and start looking around at how the terrain shapes the view lines.

Hekla volcano time: geothermal activity, lava fields, and a hot spring dip

The climax is Hekla Volcano, with stops that focus on geothermal activity and lava fields. The value here is direct access, because Hekla is not just something you view from far away. You spend real time in the volcanic zones, which makes the landscape feel active even when everything is “just” sitting there.

This is also where the tour includes a dip in a natural hot spring. This is one of those Iceland details that turns a geology day into a personal memory. The practical move is to pack like you might be getting wet twice: one for the hot spring and one for any weather on the ground.

I would also think about comfort logistics. Dry clothes after the soak can make the difference between feeling refreshed and feeling chilled on the return drive. Quick-dry layers and a bag you can keep closed are worth it.

Private group value: what you pay and what you really get

The price is $2,111.19 per group, up to 6 people. That sounds hefty until you do the math: if you fill all seats, you’re roughly around $350 per person for a full-day, private, off-road tour with pickup and drop-off.

So what are you paying for beyond the jeep?

• Private time with your guide/driver, not a crowded bus schedule.
• Access to remote terrain where “normal” tours can feel limited.
• A day that mixes multiple high-impact stops, including a crater lake, waterfall, and volcanic zones.

Also, the included items help the value picture. Your price covers the National Park fees, the driver/guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and local taxes. Food and drinks are not included, so you will still need to plan that piece on your own.

If your group is small, the price per person rises. That is the only real financial drawback. But if you have 4 to 6 people traveling together, this is one of the more logical ways to buy time, comfort, and access in the same product.

What to pack for a Superjeep day (so you enjoy it instead of managing it)

Since the tour runs in all weather conditions and involves cold wind, wet ground, and off-roading, pack for comfort first. Think layers, not bulk. I like to bring:

• Windproof outer layer and warm mid-layer
• Water-resistant shoes or boots with good grip
• Gloves and a hat, especially if you get cold easily
• Swimsuit and quick-dry towel (for the natural hot spring)
• A small waterproof bag or zip pouch for your phone and warm items

You will likely take plenty of photos at crater and waterfall stops. So it is worth having a system to protect your gear from spray and sudden weather shifts. A lanyard or clip can help you keep track of things on windy days.

Who this trip fits best (and who might want a different style)

This Superjeep day is best for you if:

• You want a private day out of Reykjavik with only your group onboard.
• You like hands-on travel, where the route itself is part of the experience.
• You want off-roading plus a mix of geothermal and volcano scenery, without turning the day into a long hike.

It may not be ideal if you dislike being in a vehicle for most of the day. This is a full-day outing, roughly 9 hours, and the pacing assumes you are okay sitting, then stepping out for shorter stops.

If you are traveling with family, the private format can help. Everyone stays together in one vehicle, and you are not forced into a large group flow. Still, make sure your group is comfortable with cold and wind exposure at outdoor stops.

Should you book this Superjeep Landmannalaugar and Hekla day trip?

If your goal is a high-impact day that combines crater scenery, waterfalls, geothermal activity, and Hekla volcano, this is a strong choice. I would book it if you value private access and want to trade long travel by foot for real off-road driving time. The vehicle comfort details, plus the safety equipment, also make it feel more “grown-up adventure” than chaotic fun.

I would hesitate only if your budget cannot stretch to a private group price, or if your group is hoping for a lighter schedule. This is an all-day experience, and the best results come from going in expecting a full day, not a short taste of Iceland.

FAQ

What time does the Superjeep pickup start in Reykjavik?

Pickup is offered between 8:30am and 9am, and the start time is listed as 8:30am.

How long is the day trip?

It lasts approximately 9 hours, with a duration range of 8 to 10 hours.

What is the group size for the private Superjeep?

The Superjeep is private and takes a maximum of 6 people per group.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What is included in the tour price?

Included items are the private tour, National Park fees, the driver/guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and local taxes.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and cancellations within 24 hours of the start time are not refunded.