Superjeep tracks, volcanic views, real Highlands time. This private day pairs Landmannalaugar geothermal country with an Iceland classic, Hekla Volcano, plus scenic Highlands breaks that help the whole route feel less like a checklist. You get a comfy ride that’s built for the rough stuff, and you move through dramatic terrain where the geology actually tells the story.

I love the round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off, because starting and ending in Reykjavík is one less thing to organize. I also like that the vehicle includes Wi-Fi, so you can plan photos, save spots on maps, or just keep everyone happy during long stretches. One drawback to plan for: lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want snacks and drinks, and this outing depends on good weather to run.

Key Points You’ll Care About

• Private group up to 4 keeps the day flexible and calmer than bus touring
• Door-to-door pickup and drop-off in Reykjavík saves time and stress
• Wi-Fi onboard helps during a long Highlands day
• You hit both Landmannalaugar and Hekla instead of forcing a split-day plan
• Hands-on Highlands stops like Sigöldugljúfur, Bláhylur, and Frostastaðavatn break up the drive
• Off-road know-how from guides like Asker shows up in real-world details, including getting people unstuck

Entering The Highlands: How This Superjeep Route Feels

This is the kind of Iceland day that makes the map look too simple. In about 10 hours, you go from Reykjavík’s city edge into canyon country, geothermal basins, and active-volcano terrain. The private format matters, because you are not stuck pacing a crowd, and you can spend more time where the views and photos actually land for you.

The tour also does a smart thing: it doesn’t only focus on two big headline stops. It builds in smaller, high-impact breaks, which keeps your eyes awake and your mind engaged while you’re crossing the Highlands.

The Ride From Reykjavík: Pickup, Wi-Fi, and What to Pack

Your day starts with hotel pickup in the Reykjavík area, and you return to Reykjavík afterward, dropped off at your hotel or another preferred spot. That means you can travel “light” in your planning. You won’t be juggling buses or timing a meeting point in the city while you’re trying to stay on schedule.

The vehicle is air-conditioned, and there’s free Wi-Fi onboard. That’s not just convenience. On a long ride, it helps you keep your bearings, look up the next stop’s location, or simply kill time without draining your phone battery faster.

Bring snacks and drinks. Lunch is not included, and the schedule includes multiple stops plus driving time between them. Even if you’re the kind of person who “doesn’t get hungry,” you’ll appreciate having something on hand when you’re waiting for the right moment to take a photo or step out for a closer look.

Stop 1, Sigöldugljúfur: The Valley of Tears and Its Waterfall Power

The first major stop is Sigöldugljúfur, also called the Valley of Tears. It’s a canyon in the Icelandic Highlands known for sheer numbers of waterfalls. The nickname is earned, and even if the weather is changeable, the canyon vibe usually feels intense in the best way.

You get about one hour here. That’s enough time to walk viewpoints and get photos without feeling rushed. The tradeoff is that you’re still early in the day, so dress for cold and wind even if Reykjavík felt mild that morning.

If you like geology, this is a good warm-up. Canyons like this make Iceland’s power feel close-up, long before you reach the geothermal and volcanic sites later.

Stop 2, Bláhylur Lake: A Dark Blue Stop Near Landmannalaugar

Next up is Bláhylur, also known as Hnausapollur. This is one of those Iceland features where the color and contrast do most of the talking. It’s a dark blue lake located near Landmannalaugar, and the tour notes it’s often mistaken for its neighbor, Ljótapollur.

The practical win here is access. Bláhylur is much easier to reach than Ljótapollur, and that matters because the day already includes longer drive segments. You’ll get about one hour at this stop, which is ideal for photos and a quick reset before heading deeper into the route.

A small caution: because the Highlands can be windy, lakes look different from one angle to another. Take a few minutes to find the view angle that gives you both the color and the horizon lines you want.

Stop 3, Frostastaðavatn: Volcano Clues Without the Big Show

Then you move to Frostastaðavatn, another Highlands lake. The interesting part is what’s happening around it. The tour description points out evidence of volcanism in the area, including lava flows linked to the 1477 combined eruptions of the Torfajökull and Bárðarbunga volcanic systems reaching down to the shore.

This stop is about context. It’s not just a pretty lake, it’s a reminder that the ground under your boots has a history. You’ll spend about one hour, with driving time between stops included in the overall pace.

One consideration: this stop can feel quieter than Landmannalaugar or Hekla. If you’re craving “big spectacle” every hour, you might want to treat Frostastaðavatn as a grounding moment. It sets you up to appreciate what later sites look like when they’re tied to active processes.

Landmannalaugar: Geothermal Hot Springs and the 1477 Lava Field

Now you hit the headline. Landmannalaugar sits in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve at the edge of the Laugahraun lava field, formed by an eruption around 1477. It’s known for geothermal hot springs and the surrounding terrain, and it sits at the northern end of the Laugavegur hiking trail.

You get about two hours here. That’s a solid window for soaking in the vibe and walking around without feeling like you only arrived long enough to take a couple pictures. If your goal is to see hot-spring country without doing a full multi-day hike, this is one of the most efficient ways to do it in a single day.

The value of the time window is simple: geothermal areas can change minute to minute depending on weather and steam. Two hours gives you room to wait for a better moment, step aside when conditions shift, and still end the stop satisfied instead of rushed.

Volcano Hekla: Gateway to Hell, Modern Active-Ridge Reality

After Landmannalaugar, the day takes a sharper turn with Hekla. Hekla is an active stratovolcano in south Iceland with a height of 1,491 m (4,892 ft). The tour notes over 20 eruptions since 1210, and it also includes the famous Middle Ages Norse nickname, Gateway to Hell.

You’ll spend about two hours at Hekla. That’s important because volcano areas are not always “easy” to experience in a quick drive-by way. Wind, visibility, and footing can affect what you can safely do and how long you’ll want to stand out for views. Two hours gives your group time to adjust based on conditions.

The tour description adds helpful scientific framing: Hekla is part of a volcanic ridge about 40 km long, with an active fissure called Heklugjá about 5.5 km. You don’t need to memorize ridge lengths to enjoy it, but knowing that Hekla is more than one point helps you understand why the region feels complex rather than simple.

The Real Secret Sauce: Private Pacing and an Experienced Guide

The tour is private, which shows up in the little things. You can go at your own pace, take breaks when you want, and spend a bit longer at viewpoints that click for your group. That matters because Highlands days are unpredictable, and sometimes the best moment is not the “scheduled” moment.

This is also where the guide experience really matters. One review specifically praised Asker for being kind and highly capable, taking the group to the listed places and then some. Another highlight was that on sunny skies, the guide pointed out five glaciers visible during the trip. Even better, the same experience included Asker helping others get their car unstuck, which tells you he is paying attention beyond just your own group.

There’s a strong “local competence” vibe here. You’re riding a superjeep-type vehicle through rougher ground, and that only works well when someone understands the route, the timing, and the conditions.

What the Schedule Means for Your Day (Not Just the Stops)

The published itinerary lists time at each stop and includes driving time between them. In real life, that means your day is structured enough to feel smooth, but flexible enough to react to weather and how your group is doing.

Here’s how I’d mentally map the day:

• Early canyon and lake stops (Sigöldugljúfur, Bláhylur, Frostastaðavatn) get you into the Highlands rhythm.
• Midday Landmannalaugar is your geothermal anchor.
• Late-day Hekla gives you the active-volcano finish.

Total duration is listed as about 10 hours, starting at 8:30 am. So plan on a full day where you’ll want comfortable layers. You’re in cold-country terrain, and the temperature can swing when you move from city air to high, windy ground.

Price and Value: When $1,800 Makes Sense for Up to 4

The price is $1,800 per group, up to 4 people. That’s high compared to shared tours, but for a private Highlands day, it’s easier to justify than it looks.

If you split across the maximum four people, you’re effectively paying around $450 per person. If it’s just two people, it becomes closer to $900 per person. Either way, your money is buying three things that are hard to replicate: private routing, a vehicle built for rougher conditions, and the ability to spend time at the places that matter to you without waiting for others.

There’s also the “two big targets in one day” advantage. Seeing both Landmannalaugar and Hekla together can save you from booking separate day tours, which can add up fast. And because this includes round-trip transfers from Reykjavík, you’re not adding extra transit costs or juggling multiple meet times.

Weather, Cancellations, and the Smart Way to Book

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That matters because Highlands routes depend on visibility and safety, and you don’t want to get stuck in the middle of a plan that keeps you waiting.

The cancellation rules are straightforward: free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Within 24 hours, there’s no refund. The practical advice is simple: if your Iceland trip includes multiple weather-dependent activities, try to keep this on a day where you have some flexibility.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This tour is especially a good match if you want:

• A private day in Iceland without the logistical pain of group transport
• Off-road capable sightseeing that still feels well-paced
• The combo of geothermal Landmannalaugar and active-volcano Hekla in a single outing
• A guide presence that feels more like local expertise than a scripted commentary

It also suits groups who dislike standing in lines or being rushed at viewpoints. The private format gives your group control, and the included Wi-Fi and comfort features make the long ride feel more manageable.

If you’re traveling solo, it can still be worth it if you’re willing to pay for privacy. If you’re cost-sensitive and don’t mind group schedules, shared options might look cheaper, but you would be trading away flexibility.

Should You Book This Private Superjeep Tour?

I’d book it if your dream day is geology with comfort, and you want to see both Landmannalaugar and Hekla without splitting plans. The itinerary is strong because it balances headline stops with smaller, meaningful scenery like Sigöldugljúfur and the Highlands lakes.

I’d think twice if lunch timing is a deal-breaker for you, because lunch isn’t included. I’d also keep an eye on weather flexibility, since the tour runs with good conditions in mind.

If you’re okay packing snacks and dressing for changing Highlands weather, this is one of those rare days where Iceland’s forces feel close, personal, and well organized.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour start time is 8:30 am.

How long is the private tour?

The duration is approximately 10 hours.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup is offered from your hotel in the Reykjavík area, and you are dropped off at your hotel or a preferred location in Reykjavík.

Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?

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

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, so the tour recommends bringing snacks and drinks.

Are the stops ticketed?

The information provided lists admission tickets as free for the listed stops.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time. If canceled less than 24 hours before start time, you do not get a refund. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.