Eyjafjallajokull and Thorsmork Experience

REVIEW · REYKJAVIK

Eyjafjallajokull and Thorsmork Experience

  • 5.039 reviews
  • 10 hours (approx.)
  • From $1,917.22
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Operated by Arctic Trucks Experience · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 5.0 (39)Duration10 hours (approx.)Price from$1,917.22Operated byArctic Trucks ExperienceBook viaViator

Iceland feels wilder from behind a Super Jeep. This private day trip blends off-road power with classic South Coast sights, plus a guide who helps you read the terrain as you go toward Eyjafjallajökull and Þórsmörk. You also get free hotel pickup and drop-off, which makes a long day feel way less like a chore.

I love the mix of short, high-impact stops that actually let you move on foot. The Seljalandsfoss loop trail behind the falls is pure Iceland drama, and the Stakkholtsgjá canyon stop trades big crowds for a quieter, narrower slice of South Iceland.

One drawback to plan around: this is a long day and lunch isn’t included, and you should expect wet, slippery surfaces at the waterfalls. Bring warm layers and shoes you trust on slick rock.

Key Things That Make This Trip Special

Eyjafjallajokull and Thorsmork Experience - Key Things That Make This Trip Special

  • Private group, real vehicle time: You travel with just your party and a driverguide, so you spend your day doing the Iceland thing, not waiting.
  • Super Jeep built for rough ground: The truck is a modified Super Jeep with 38-inch upgrades or bigger, made for steep grades and river crossings.
  • Seljalandsfoss loop trail in motion: Walk the distinctive path behind the falls, then step back out into misty South Coast views.
  • Stakkholtsgjá’s changing canyon walls: A 2-kilometer-long gorge that starts wide and tightens as you go in.
  • Eyjafjallajökull glacier context that clicks: You get glacier size and relationships explained in plain terms, including Gigjökull meltwater.
  • Weather can shift the emphasis: Fog can change what ice-driving is possible, so you still come home with a strong day off-road.

Price and Logistics: What You’re Really Paying For

Eyjafjallajokull and Thorsmork Experience - Price and Logistics: What You’re Really Paying For
$1,917.22 per group (up to 3) sounds steep until you break down what’s included. You’re not renting a car and figuring it out; you’re paying for a purpose-built Super Jeep, an expert driverguide, and hotel pickup/drop-off—the stuff that usually costs extra or gets skipped when people self-drive.

The duration is about 10 hours, starting at 8:30 am, and you return to the meeting point in Reykjavík. That timing matters. You’re starting early enough to make the most of daylight, but it’s still a full day—so you’ll want to treat it like one big outing, not a quick add-on.

If you’re a small group, the value jumps because the group price covers your vehicle and guide together. For families, couples, or two friends traveling with a third, it’s a strong way to see remote terrain without the stress of route planning on rough tracks.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Reykjavik.

The Morning Drive Out of Reykjavík: How the Day Gets Easier

Meeting point is Klettháls 3 in Reykjavík, with pickup available and then drop-off at the end back at the meeting point. That means you can sleep in your hotel area, roll with a mobile ticket, and spend your brainpower on taking in the scenery rather than finding the correct gravel turn.

You’ll also want to go in ready to move quickly. Even though the itinerary includes breaks, this style of tour works best when you’re ready to step out, walk a trail, and then climb right back into the truck without long waits. Bring your camera, and wear warm layers immediately—South Iceland weather can change quickly, and the truck won’t always protect you from wind or mist.

First Stop: Seljalandsfoss Loop Trail in Constant Mist

Eyjafjallajokull and Thorsmork Experience - First Stop: Seljalandsfoss Loop Trail in Constant Mist
Seljalandsfoss is famous for one reason: the trail that circles the falls, including the part behind the water curtain. In summer, that full loop can be done using the rock-and-walkway route behind the falls, but the vibe stays the same—mist in your face and water on the ground.

Plan for getting wet. The mist is continual, and the rocks along the pathway can become slippery. I’d treat this like a short hike where your footwear matters more than your outfit. Good shoes are essential, and warm outer layers help because standing near falling water can feel colder than the air temperature suggests.

Time-wise, the stop is about 30 minutes. That’s enough to walk the signature stretch and soak up the view, but not enough for slow wandering. If you want extra photo time, you’ll need to move efficiently and accept that you might not catch every angle.

Stakkholtsgjá Canyon: Off-the-Chart Geometry for the Less-Tired

Stakkholtsgjá is a 2-kilometer-long canyon with about a 100-meter depth. What I like about this stop is how quickly the scenery shifts: the gorge starts larger at the entry, then gradually becomes narrower as you move deeper along the route.

It’s also crossed by several tiny streams, which means you get more movement and sound than you might expect for a place that can look rugged and quiet from the start. Expect a real canyon feel rather than a single-point waterfall view.

The stop lasts about 1 hour. That’s a great length for people who want a leg-stretch without turning it into an all-day hike. You’ll still want good shoes, because canyon terrain can be uneven even when the hike itself feels manageable.

Eyjafjallajökull Glacier Country: Size, Names, and Meltwater Logic

Eyjafjallajokull and Thorsmork Experience - Eyjafjallajökull Glacier Country: Size, Names, and Meltwater Logic
This part is where the trip gets brainy in a useful way. Eyjafjallajökull glacier covers over 100 square kilometers and is the sixth largest glacier in Iceland. The fun twist is that this glacier sits next to Mrdalsjökull, which is connected to the story of Katla, another infamous volcano in the area.

You’ll also hear how outlet glaciers matter. One well-known outlet is Gigjökull. Meltwater from Gigjökull feeds multiple rivers, including one that runs to the stunning Seljalandsfoss waterfall on the South Coast. That connection is the kind of thing that makes your photos better later, because you understand what you’re looking at.

This stop is about 1 hour. In that time, you’re not trying to become a glacier scientist. You’re learning the map logic—how ice becomes water, and how water becomes the dramatic South Coast stops you’ll see.

Þórsmörk by Super Jeep: River Crossings and Grade Control

Eyjafjallajokull and Thorsmork Experience - Þórsmörk by Super Jeep: River Crossings and Grade Control
Even though the day includes specific named stops, the real star is the driving itself—getting into terrain most cars won’t touch. The Super Jeep is built with 38-inch or bigger modification clearance, which translates into a truck that can handle rough tracks, steep inclines, and the kind of river-crossing moments that make Iceland feel like it’s operating by its own rules.

You should expect river crossings and off-road driving where safety depends on driver skill, not just your nerve. In one account, a guide named Skooli handled narrow gravel routes and multiple river crossings, steering the group to glacier-tongue areas when conditions allowed. On other days, fog can limit glacier driving options, but the plan usually keeps you moving through striking canyon and waterfall areas.

If you’re the type who loves hands-on adventure, this is the payoff. You’re not just watching Iceland—you’re traveling over it. If you’re not comfortable with getting wet, steep grades, and moving over uneven surfaces for long stretches, this might feel like a lot. But if you’re up for it, it’s the best kind of Iceland day: active, grounded, and real.

What You’ll Actually Do on Foot vs In the Truck

Eyjafjallajokull and Thorsmork Experience - What You’ll Actually Do on Foot vs In the Truck
This tour is a balancing act: most time is spent driving, but the itinerary includes short, meaningful on-foot moments.

  • Seljalandsfoss gives you a distinct trail experience where the main action is walking behind the falls and dealing with mist and slick rock.
  • Stakkholtsgjá is a canyon walk with changing geometry and stream sounds.
  • The Eyjafjallajökull stop is shorter and more about glacier context and viewing than a long hike.

That structure works well for people who want variety. You get the Jeep thrill without burning your whole day on demanding hiking.

It also means you can’t just dress for one activity. Your clothing should handle both: cold air and wind from outside the truck, plus wet conditions if you’re going behind Seljalandsfoss.

Packing Tips That Matter More Than You Think

This day is weather-dependent, and you’ll be outside by waterfalls and canyon terrain. Bring warm outdoor clothing even in warmer months, because mist zones can feel chilly and the wind near water can bite. Use good shoes with grip since you may step on slick rock at Seljalandsfoss.

You’ll also want to plan for food. Lunch is not included, but snacks for the day are part of the provided details. That’s a helpful baseline, but in practice you may still want to add something extra depending on your appetite and how long you expect to stay hungry between the provided snack moments.

Camera gear is encouraged—this is a day built for photos. Just remember that waterfall mist can soak gear, and canyon paths can be damp. Bring a small towel if you’re the kind of person who cares about camera lenses staying clean.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Think Twice)

I’d recommend this tour if you want a mix of off-road adventure and iconic South Coast stops, without renting a vehicle and taking on risky route decisions. It’s also a strong pick for small groups, since the private pricing up to 3 people keeps you from paying per person at a larger group scale.

It’s especially good if:

  • You like being active but not hiking all day
  • You want to see areas that are hard to reach by regular roads
  • You’re traveling with a partner or small group and want guided route safety

You might think twice if:

  • You get uncomfortable in wet, slippery conditions at waterfalls
  • You dislike long days and prefer shorter outings
  • You need lunch to be included, since lunch isn’t part of the package

One more practical note: service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. If you’re planning around mobility needs, it’s worth thinking about walking on uneven terrain and standing in mist, since the stops involve actual foot travel.

Should You Book This Tour?

Book it if your idea of a great Iceland day includes real off-road driving plus two structured on-foot stops that are distinct—Seljalandsfoss and Stakkholtsgjá. The price is high, but you’re paying for a specialized vehicle, pickup, and a driverguide who helps you handle river crossings and tricky terrain. For up to 3 people, it can feel like the cost of a rental car plus the missing safety and driving expertise—except you get the adventure built in.

Hold off if you’re trying to keep the day low-energy or dry and easy. This trip includes mist, slick footing risk, and a full day away from Reykjavík. If that doesn’t sound fun, there are easier ways to see Iceland’s waterfalls and glaciers.

FAQ

What’s the meeting point in Reykjavík?

The tour meets at Klettháls 3, 110 Reykjavík, Iceland. The day ends back at this same meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:30 am.

How long is the experience?

The duration is approximately 10 hours.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Free hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

What vehicle is used for the off-road driving?

You’ll ride in a Super Jeep with 38-inch modification or bigger, driven by an expert driverguide.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

What should I wear and bring?

You should bring warm outdoor clothing and good shoes. Snacks for the day, and your camera, are also recommended.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

Do I need a driver’s license?

A driver’s licence is mentioned for self-drive tours. This experience includes an expert driverguide, so you’re traveling as part of the guided tour.

What if I need to cancel?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. Cancel less than 24 hours before the start time and the amount paid won’t be refunded.

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