A long drive turns into big Iceland energy. This private Superjeep day is built for dramatic geology, with stops that range from waterfall canyons to geothermal hot-spring country and then up to the active Hekla Volcano. I especially like the comfort for a full 10-hour push—air-conditioned transport with Wi-Fi—and the way the guide keeps you moving between the best spots without rushing your photos. The main thing to weigh is that this experience leans hard on good weather, and there’s no lunch included, so you’ll want snacks ready for a long day.
You start with pickup in the Reykjavík area and you stay in a small-group bubble (just your party), which makes the off-road timing feel less stressful. I also like that it’s designed so you can hit major highlights in one shot: Landmannalaugar plus Hekla, plus extra geothermal and canyon scenery along the way. If you hate being in the vehicle for long stretches, this might feel like a lot, but the payoff is real.
In This Review
- Key Highlights You’ll Actually Notice
- Why This Superjeep Plan Works From Reykjavik
- The Ride: Comfort, Wi-Fi, and Real Off-Road Time
- Stop 1: Sigöldugljúfur, the Valley of Tears
- Stop 2: Bláhylur Lake and the Look-Alike Confusion
- Stop 3: Frostastaðavatn and the Signs of Volcanism
- Stop 4: Landmannalaugar, Geothermal Hot-Spring Country
- Stop 5: Hekla Volcano, Iceland’s Gateway to Hell
- The Value Math: Private Price, Shared Reality
- What to Pack for a Long Highlands Day
- The Guide Factor: Moving Faster Without Feeling Rushed
- Weather Reality: When the Highlands Don’t Cooperate
- Who Should Book This Tour
- Should You Book This Private Superjeep Tour to Landmannalaugar and Hekla?
- FAQ
- What time does the tour start?
- How long is the private Superjeep tour?
- Is pickup included from Reykjavik?
- Is Wi-Fi provided during the tour?
- Is lunch included?
- How much does it cost and how many people can be in a group?
- What happens if the weather is bad?
Key Highlights You’ll Actually Notice
- Private, off-road Superjeep touring that’s meant to reach Iceland’s more rugged Highlands stops from Reykjavík
- Wi-Fi in the vehicle plus air-conditioning, helpful on a long, changing-weather day
- Two major targets in one schedule: geothermal Landmannalaugar and active Hekla
- Extra stops with real character, including Sigöldugljúfur and Bláhylur’s easier access versus its look-alike neighbor
- Time to pause at each stop (including about 2 hours at both Landmannalaugar and Hekla)
- A guide who handles the practical stuff, including helping others if a car gets stuck
Why This Superjeep Plan Works From Reykjavik
This is one of those days that makes geographic sense. You leave Reykjavík and then work your way into the Icelandic Highlands, where the scenery changes fast and the stops are chosen for variety: water-powered cliffs, dark-blue water, geothermal hints, and then the kind of volcano presence that makes you feel time scales.
What makes it feel like good value is the routing. Instead of forcing you to pick between Landmannalaugar and Hekla, you get both in one long outing, plus a set of “in-between” sights that make the day feel full, not just efficient. For a private group of up to four, you’re basically paying for access, comfort, and the logistics of getting out there without playing the DIY route-planning game.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Reykjavik
The Ride: Comfort, Wi-Fi, and Real Off-Road Time
This is a private tour, so you’re not dealing with a big bus schedule. You’ll be picked up at your hotel (in the Reykjavík area) and you’ll ride in an air-conditioned vehicle with free Wi-Fi. That matters more than people think when the day is 10 hours long and the Highlands weather can shift.
Also, the vibe is built for uneven terrain. A Superjeep day isn’t about sitting politely; it’s about going places standard cars struggle with. Expect some bouncing and a focus on safety. If you’re prone to motion sickness, you’ll want to plan for that before you start the day.
Stop 1: Sigöldugljúfur, the Valley of Tears
Your first Highlands hit is Sigöldugljúfur, nicknamed the Valley of Tears. The canyon is famous for its many waterfalls, which is a good way to understand the stop: you’re not just looking at one feature, you’re reading a whole system of water carving its way through rock.
Even with about an hour here, you can do a lot: find viewpoints, watch water move at different heights, and get a feel for how the Highlands push water through narrow terrain. One practical tip: wear shoes you trust. These places look dramatic and photogenic, but they also tend to involve slick surfaces near water.
Stop 2: Bláhylur Lake and the Look-Alike Confusion
Next up is Bláhylur Lake, also known as Hnausapollur. This is one of those “blue water” stops that can feel simple until you’re standing there and realizing how much effort Iceland puts into subtle color and access.
Bláhylur gets called out because it’s often mistaken for Ljótapollur, its similarly shaped neighbor. The important part for you is access: Bláhylur is said to be much easier to reach, which means more of your time can be spent actually enjoying the view rather than turning around.
You’ll have about an hour here. That’s enough to soak in the color, grab photos without rushing, and then move on while you still have energy.
Stop 3: Frostastaðavatn and the Signs of Volcanism
Frostastaðavatn is another Highlands stop that helps you connect the dots between water, rock, and heat. The key idea is that evidence of volcanism shows up around this lake, including lava flows tied to historic eruptions from volcanic systems reaching down to the shore.
Even if you’re not a geology nerd, this stop makes the day feel more coherent. Instead of treating each stop like a separate postcard, you start noticing patterns: where heat and lava shaped the ground, and how that ground supports the Highlands’ geothermal character.
This stop is about an hour. Use that time to look closely at the ground textures and keep your eyes open for changes in rock and flow shapes.
Stop 4: Landmannalaugar, Geothermal Hot-Spring Country
Then comes Landmannalaugar in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, right on the edge of the Laugahraun lava field. That lava field formed around 1477, and it’s a useful anchor because it ties what you’re seeing to a specific eruption era.
Landmannalaugar is known for natural geothermal hot springs, and it’s also on the northern end of the Laugavegur hiking trail. That combination is why this place feels special. You’re not just viewing rock and steam; you’re stepping into a known meeting point for people who come specifically for hot springs and hiking terrain.
In your schedule, you’ll get about 2 hours here. That’s a sweet spot for a short walk or a pause near the hot-spring areas without turning the day into a full hike. You’ll want to think ahead: geothermal areas can be a bit windy, and temps can feel cooler than you expect even when the experience looks warm. Bring layers you can handle on the spot.
Stop 5: Hekla Volcano, Iceland’s Gateway to Hell
Hekla is the headline. It’s an active stratovolcano in south Iceland, about 1,491 m (4,892 ft) tall, and it’s been erupting regularly since medieval times—over 20 eruptions since 1210. During the Middle Ages, Norse people called it the Gateway to Hell, and the phrase stuck across Europe.
What you’re really looking at is more than a single peak. Hekla is part of a volcanic ridge about 40 km long, and the most active part includes a fissure called Heklugjá, about 5.5 km. That matters because it helps you understand why Hekla can show activity in ways that go beyond “a mountain that erupts.” It’s a system, not a single button.
Your time here is about 2 hours. That gives you enough time to take in the scale, scan the ridges and craters, and build context for what active volcanism means in Iceland. The most practical advice: expect your view to depend on weather and visibility. If the day is clear, you’ll feel the power of the place. If clouds roll in, you’ll still learn from the geology, but photos may be softer.
The Value Math: Private Price, Shared Reality
The price is $1,800 per group, up to four people. That’s not cheap at first glance, but private touring has its own value equation.
Here’s why it can be worth it:
- You’re paying for access to remote Highlands roads and Superjeep capability from Reykjavík.
- You’re buying time efficiency: Landmannalaugar and Hekla in one full day rather than piecing together separate trips.
- You get comfort upgrades—air-conditioned transport and Wi-Fi—that you don’t always get on rougher off-road outings.
If you’re traveling as two, the cost per person is higher than a group shuttle option. If you’re traveling as a small family or a duo splitting with a friend, it can start to feel like a smart way to lock in the big highlights without turning your day into a logistics project.
What to Pack for a Long Highlands Day
This tour strongly suggests bringing snacks and drinks, and that’s good advice. The itinerary has multiple stops with about an hour at some points and about 2 hours at the bigger ones, and lunch isn’t included. In other words, you’ll want energy on board so you can enjoy the stops instead of waiting for hunger to catch up.
Pack like you’re in Iceland, not like you’re on a beach:
- A windproof layer (Highlands air can surprise you)
- Sun protection (sunny weather happens, and it can be strong)
- Snacks and a refillable water bottle
- Good closed-toe shoes with grip
If weather is changing, layers are your best friend. Your comfort will directly affect how much you enjoy Hekla and Landmannalaugar.
The Guide Factor: Moving Faster Without Feeling Rushed
One of the best parts of this kind of private Superjeep tour is the guide’s ability to keep the day smooth. A good guide doesn’t just drive; they manage routes, timing, and viewpoints so you’re seeing what matters while still having room for your own pace.
On this tour, the guiding style is practical and prepared. There’s an added confidence when the guide knows the area well enough to handle unexpected moments—like assisting other cars if someone gets stuck. That’s not something you plan for, but it’s exactly the kind of competence that keeps your day feeling safe.
The guide also helps with interpretation. For example, on clear days, guides can point out distant features such as glaciers you can spot during the route. Even if you don’t catch every detail, this kind of commentary helps you see the Highlands as connected, not random stops.
Weather Reality: When the Highlands Don’t Cooperate
This experience requires good weather. That’s not a marketing line—it’s basic physics. Highlands roads, visibility around Hekla, and safety around rugged areas all depend on conditions.
If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. That’s a fair setup for a day where forecasts matter a lot. My advice is to build some flexibility into your Iceland schedule so you’re not stuck with only one possible window.
Who Should Book This Tour
This is a great fit if:
- You want both Landmannalaugar and Hekla without splitting your trip into multiple days
- You prefer private touring and a small group over bus logistics
- You value comfort upgrades like air-conditioning and Wi-Fi
- You’re excited by off-road access and real Highlands driving
You might want to reconsider if:
- You hate long car days
- You’re only interested in low-transport, slow hiking time
- You’re traveling during a period when weather disruption would be a major problem for your schedule
Should You Book This Private Superjeep Tour to Landmannalaugar and Hekla?
I’d book it if your priority is Iceland at full scale in one day: geothermal areas, volcanic drama, and a route that actually earns the driving time. The private format makes the experience feel controlled and personal, and the comfort touches—air-conditioned vehicle and Wi-Fi—make the long day easier to enjoy.
The decision comes down to two things: your tolerance for a 10-hour day and the weather timing. If you can be flexible and you’re prepared with snacks and layers, this is one of the more direct ways to see two of Iceland’s biggest stories—hot springs at Landmannalaugar and active Hekla—without turning your trip into a pile of separate arrangements.
FAQ
What time does the tour start?
The start time is 8:30 am.
How long is the private Superjeep tour?
The duration is about 10 hours.
Is pickup included from Reykjavik?
Yes. Pickup is offered, and the tour starts with pickup at your hotel in the Reykjavík area.
Is Wi-Fi provided during the tour?
Yes. Free Wi-Fi is included in the vehicle.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is not included, and you’re advised to bring snacks and drinks.
How much does it cost and how many people can be in a group?
It costs $1,800 per group, up to 4 people.
What happens if the weather is bad?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
































