Private Landmannalaugar Super Truck 4x4 Exploration

The day starts with a pickup in Reykjavík by your private driver. We begin the day by heading out of Reykavík along Route 1 and turn inland into Þjórsárdalur Valley — a remarkable region carved out by ancient volcanic forces. This broad valley was shaped by one of the largest lava flows in Icelandic history, believed to have originated nearly 8,000 years ago from the prehistoric Þjórsárhraun eruption. Stretching over 180 km in length, traces of this ancient flow can still be seen scattered throughout the landscape.

Þjórsárdalur sits in the shadow of several of Iceland’s most active volcanoes. To the south looms Eyjafjallajökull, whose 2010 eruption disrupted air travel across Europe. Closer to us is Hekla, one of the country’s most feared and studied volcanoes. Known in medieval Europe as The Gateway to Hell, Hekla has erupted more than 20 times since settlement and was historically viewed as a harbinger of doom. One of its eruptions, around 1200 BC, sent ash as far as mainland Europe, causing climate disruptions that impacted human civilizations. Hekla’s explosive history reminds us of other major events like the 1784 Lakagígar eruption, which released the largest lava flow of the historical era and triggered global weather changes and social unrest — including contributing to the conditions that led to the French Revolution.

Along the way, we can also make a stop to admire Hjálparfoss, a picturesque twin waterfall, and Gjáin, a lush canyon oasis rich with vegetation, lava formations, and crystal-clear streams. An unexpected contrast to the harsh volcanic backdrop.

Within the valley we make a stop at the historic Stöng farm.

Our second stop of the day takes us deeper into Iceland’s Viking heritage with a visit to Þjóðveldisbærinn Stöng, a reconstructed medieval farmstead nestled within Þjórsárdalur Valley.

The original farm at Stöng was buried under volcanic ash in 1104 during a powerful eruption of nearby Mount Hekla. Archaeological excavations revealed the well-preserved ruins of a longhouse and outbuildings, offering rare insight into the daily life of Iceland’s early settlers during the Commonwealth era (circa 930–1262 AD).

In 1974, to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of Iceland’s settlement, the farm was reconstructed using traditional techniques and based closely on the original site’s layout. The turf-roofed buildings reflect the architecture and resourcefulness of early Icelanders, who adapted to a harsh volcanic landscape using local materials such as driftwood, stone, and turf.

Stöng stands not only as a cultural monument but as a reminder of how closely Icelandic life has always been tied to its volatile geology.

Our third stop of the day is Ljótipollur, a striking crater lake located within the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. Despite its name, Ljótipollur which translates to “Ugly Puddle”, this lake is anything but. With deep red slopes encircling vivid blue water, it offers one of the most visually dramatic scenes in Iceland’s highlands.

Ljótipollur was formed during a powerful phreatomagmatic eruption in 1477, when rising magma met groundwater, causing explosive steam-driven blasts. This type of eruption left behind a classic maar crater — steep-sided and filled with water. The surrounding slopes are rich in iron, giving them their distinctive red color, contrasting sharply with the lake’s deep blue hue.

The lake sits within a geologically young and active volcanic zone, and its perfectly oval shape makes it an ideal site for studying eruption patterns, crater formation, and tephra layering. We’ll stop here for photos and a chance to take in the stillness of this extraordinary volcanic landmark before heading to our final destination.

We finish the day in Landmannalaugar, one of Iceland’s most geologically rich and visually surreal landscapes. Located at the edge of the Torfajökull volcanic system, this area is renowned for its rhyolite mountains, which display a wide range of colors, from reds and oranges to greens and golds, due to high mineral content and geothermal activity.

This region was shaped by numerous eruptions over the last 10,000 years, especially those involving rhyolitic lava, which is high in silica and forms slower-moving flows that create bulbous hills and lava domes. The area also lies at the intersection of tectonic rifts and volcanic zones, making it a hotspot for ongoing geothermal phenomena.

Upon arrival, you’ll have the chance to take in the views of colorful slopes and unwind in a natural geothermal hot spring — a tradition that dates back to early settlers who would bathe here in the “people’s pools.”

Facilities include changing rooms, toilets, and showers, but note that the pool itself is a short 5-minute walk from the main area. If you’ve forgotten anything, a small shop housed in an old school bus offers basic supplies and snacks. We do recommend taking drinks and food with you on this trip as options in the highlands are limited.

After your time in Landmannalaugar, we head back toward Reykjavík, with the route and timing tailored to your private tour preferences. Your driver returns you to your chosen drop-off location in Reykjavík. 

Here are just a few things to consider taking with you on your day out:

• Bathing suit and Towel
• Picnic Blanket
• Warm layers - Places inland tend to be colder than Reykjavík
• Rainproof layers - Weather can change swiftly
• Food and Drinks - Options in the highlands are very limited
• Hiking boots - Sturdy shoes are better in these landscapes
• A fully charged Camera