F-roads, obsidian, and hot pools in one long day. This is the kind of Reykjavík day trip that hits big geology and real comfort at the same time, with Landmannalaugar’s obsidian terrain and a natural hot pool break. I like that the guide’s talk stays practical, linking rock formations to legends and even pop culture.

The trade-off is simple: expect a long day with bumpy highland roads. If you’re sensitive to motion or noise, plan for it before you get in the vehicle.

Key Things You’ll Notice on This Day Trip

• Super Jeep pickup from Reykjavík for a faster route into the Highlands
• Guided hike up to Brennisteinsalda (the Sulphur Wave) with photo stops and options to roam
• Walking Laugahraun’s obsidian fields tied to the 1477 eruption, plus Game of Thrones Dragon Glass trivia
• Time to bathe in natural geothermal water at Landmannalaugar, with swimsuit and towel needed
• Sigöldugljúfur Valley of Tears for canyon waterfalls, streams, ponds, cliffs, and excellent photo moments
• A guide who drives and explains so you spend more time seeing and less time guessing

The Big Picture: High-Altitude Geology Plus Real Relaxation

This day trip is built around one Icelandan theme: the Highlands are a working reminder that the country is still actively shaped by volcanoes. You’ll go from black obsidian terrain to colorful rhyolite formations, then finish with a canyon full of waterfalls in Sigöldugljúfur.

What makes it appealing for first-timers is that you get both “move your legs” and “put your legs up.” The hike side is guided and timed, but you still get breathing room to choose an easier path or stay longer near the hot springs. Then, you cool off your day in the natural pool before heading to the Valley of Tears.

Getting There from Reykjavík: Super Jeep, Long Hours, and F-Road Reality

The tour runs about 11 hours total, with a morning start that has you ready at 7:30 AM. Pickup covers multiple Reykjavík bus stops and hotels, and you’ll ride in a comfortable Super Jeep built for rough conditions.

The main consideration is the ride. You are crossing highland roads where bumpy motion is part of the experience, and the vehicle won’t feel like city driving. A smart move: if you have the choice, avoid the back of the vehicle if you’re prone to feeling carsick.

I also suggest you come ready to be outside and changing plans. Even with an organized schedule, Iceland weather can shift fast. Bring your rain gear and gloves so you can stay flexible instead of rushing to warm up later.

Hjálparfoss Stop: A Waterfall With a Horse-Route Legend

Before you hit the main Highlands sites, you stop at Hjálparfoss, a two-stepped waterfall dropping into a plunge pool. It’s a classic photo stop and a short walk for views, and it makes a useful warm-up before the longer hike day.

Here’s the fun part: the area around Hjálparfoss is tied to the old Sprengisandur route. That crossing was harsh and dry, and travelers had trouble finding grass for horses. When people finally reached the greener area near Hjálparfoss, they called it help, because it meant the animals could eat after a brutal journey.

You’re not just seeing water. You’re getting context for why Iceland’s “middle of nowhere” was traveled at all.

Landmannalaugar Time: Colored Rhyolite, Hot Springs Steam, and Choice

Landmannalaugar is the centerpiece, and you’ll spend about three hours there. After arrival, the guide leads an approximately two-hour guided hike through the rhyolite and lava terrain up to Brennisteinsalda, also called the Sulphur Wave.

This part is where the scenery really changes your perspective on geology. Rhyolite is volcanic rock shaped by minerals like iron and sulphur, which is why you see those strong color bands and mottled tones. Along the way, the guide points out smaller geothermal features, including small hot springs near the hike area where steam can rise.

You get a key benefit here: the hike is not the only option. Once you’re in Landmannalaugar, you can explore on your own within the time window, or simply take it slower. Some people choose a shorter route to spend more time near the water later.

If you want a gentle confidence boost, take note that the hike has been described as beginner-friendly in the field. That doesn’t mean it’s effortless, but it’s paced so you can enjoy it without feeling left behind.

Laugahraun and the Dragon Glass Obsidian Fields

After (or alongside) your main Landmannalaugar hiking time, you also get a guided walk area in Laugahraun. This is an official-feeling step into volcanic history: the lava field formed during a volcanic eruption in 1477.

The headline rock is obsidian, specifically described as erratic black obsidian with smooth, sharp edges and a distinct look. It’s famous enough to show up in pop culture as Game of Thrones Dragon Glass, and your guide can connect what you’re seeing to how volcanic eruptions produce these materials.

For planning, keep your footing expectations realistic. Obsidian doesn’t look like a smooth sidewalk, and loose gravel and uneven ground are normal. Good hiking shoes matter here, and gloves can help if you’re steadying yourself on rocky sections or grabbing poles/gear.

Natural Pool Break: How to Make the Soak Actually Work

The tour includes a chance to bathe in a natural hot spring at Landmannalaugar. This is one of the highest-value parts of the day because it resets you after the hike, and it turns the Highlands into something more than “just walking in the cold.”

Your practical prep is simple: bring swimwear and a towel. The timing gives you a window to change, soak, and dry off before the day moves on. If you didn’t plan for that, you’ll feel it.

Also consider the emotional rhythm. The hikes can feel unreal, and the geothermal water brings you back to normal human comfort. That mix is why so many people rate this day trip so highly: you get wild geology plus an actual decompress moment.

Sigöldugljúfur Valley of Tears: Waterfalls in a Canyon Setting

Later, you head to Sigöldugljúfur, often called the Valley of Tears. This is more than a single waterfall viewpoint; the canyon features multiple small spring-fed streams, small ponds, crystal clear waterfalls, and colorful vegetation along with striking cliffs.

In the schedule, it’s mainly a photo stop and sightseeing segment as you’re traveling back toward Reykjavík. That said, it’s still worth treating like a serious stop. The canyon is full of small moments: the angle of a waterfall, how the stream splits, and the way the light hits the water.

If you’re trying to maximize photos, keep your camera accessible and think about quick compositions. The best shots often come from taking a few steps and finding a new viewpoint rather than forcing one spot.

Price and Value: What $210 Buys You (and What It Doesn’t)

At about $210 per person for an 11-hour day, you’re paying for three big things: access, expertise, and comfort logistics.

First, access. Getting into this part of the Highlands is easiest when you’re using a vehicle suited for rough roads. Second, expertise. Your guide shares geology, legends, and insider tips, including explanations that turn rock and water into something you can understand instead of just see. Third, the day is built to avoid gaps: the trip includes planned photo stops, guided hiking time, and a chance to soak afterward.

What it doesn’t include is food and drinks. That’s a big practical note. If you want energy for the hike and don’t want to scramble later, buy lunch before the tour starts. Bring snacks only if you know what you’ll eat, because the day has limited “wander and browse” time.

Compared to DIY, the value is strongest if you want to avoid figuring out rough-road logistics and want a guided pace. If you’re a confident self-driver and have all weather-proof gear, you could do it independently. But for most visitors, the guided day makes the Highlands feel attainable.

Who This Trip Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This is a strong match if you:

• Want a guided introduction to Iceland’s volcanic geology
• Like hiking but prefer a planned route with choices
• Appreciate a real break, not just “walk past and leave”
• Don’t mind long hours and rough roads for the reward

It’s not a match if you:

• Need wheelchair-friendly access (it’s not suitable for wheelchair users)
• Are traveling with children under 10
• Know you can’t handle bumpy rides without planning (motion sickness prep is worth it)

Practical Tips That Make the Day Easier

Here’s what I’d do if I were planning your day from scratch.

Pack for changing conditions, not just for comfort. Bring a hat, rain gear, gloves, an outdoor daypack, and camera. Even in good weather, Highlands wind and cold can show up.

Plan your body for the ride. If you’re sensitive to bumpy roads, consider bringing motion-sickness help. Some people also recommend not sitting in the back, since the ride can feel harsher there.

Bring your phone working and on data if needed. The tour notes the importance of having a working mobile and data roaming if applicable, because the pickup timing depends on locating you.

Finally, don’t over-plan the timeline in your head. The day includes stops for photos and scenic views, plus guided hike time and hot pool time. The best results come from going with the flow and staying present.

Should You Book This Tour?

Book it if you want one full day that mixes Landmannalaugar’s obsidian and rhyolite with a geothermal soak, then caps it with Sigöldugljúfur’s waterfall canyon. This trip is especially worth it when you like your Iceland experiences to be both hands-on and guided.

Skip it if you hate rough-road driving, need very quiet comfort, or you dislike long days with limited food breaks. For everyone else, it’s a high-reward outing: you trade some comfort for geology you can’t fake and a natural hot pool that turns the hike into a memory you’ll actually feel.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 11 hours.

What’s included in the price?

Pickup and drop-off in Reykjavík by Super Jeep, a local English-speaking guide, a guided hike through Landmannalaugar’s rhyolite mountains and lava fields, photo assistance, the option to bathe in the natural hot spring, scenic stops (including Sigöldugljúfur), and free Wi‑Fi and USB ports on board.

Do I need to bring a swimsuit and towel?

Yes. The tour includes the option to bathe in the natural hot pool, and you’re advised to bring a swimsuit and a towel.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Where does pickup and drop-off happen in Reykjavík?

Pickup and drop-off are offered at multiple Reykjavík bus stops and hotels. The tour provides 11 pickup options and 11 drop-off options.

Is the tour suitable for children or wheelchair users?

Children under 10 are not suitable, and the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.