We enter the highlands through the Þjórsádalur Valley which takes its name from Þjórsá river. It offers an extraordinary landscape of sandy lava fields, rivers, birch woods, bizarre rock formations and waterfalls.
Our first stop is at Hjálparfoss (Help waterfall), one of Iceland’s loveliest waterfalls, and it’s the last bit of green that you’ll see before entering the extraordinary multi-colored rhyolite mountain scape of the highlands, a kaleidoscope of pink, brown, green, yellow, blue, purple, black and white sand.
Next, we arrive at the ‘pearls of the highlands’, the water-filled Ljótipollur, an explosion crater lake. It name translates as Ugly puddle but it’s anything but. The red crater walls create a stunning sight that you’ll be all too excited about photographing.
From there we head to the highlight of the tour, the wonderful area of Landmannalaugar, a place within the Fjallabak nature reserve. The landscape here is quite surreal and a favorite for hikers. Among the most popular routes for hikers are the Laugavegur trail which ends in the gorgeous Þórsmörk, and Hellismannaleið (The cave man route). Here you have an opportunity to bathe in the natural hot springs of the Landmannalaugar oasis or take a short stroll around the area. Be sure to bring your swimsuit and a towel if you’re interested in a geothermal bath.
From the warm pools of Landmannalaugar we make our way to the queen of active Icelandic volcanoes, Mount Hekla. Our specially modified jeeps drive to a height of 950 meters up the side of the volcano, from where you can enjoy the astounding views in all directions. As this is a long day, it might be possible to see the Northern lights at the end of the tour during the darkest of winter days.
Included
• English speaking driverguide
• Super Jeep
Please bring
• Warm and waterproof clothing
• Good shoes
• Gloves
• Hat
• Swimsuit and towel
• Lunch and snacks
• Small change for toilet fees
• Camera
Pick up services
Please note that if you miss the pick you are not entitle for a refund for the paid services. We require customers to be responsible for being ready at the designated pick up location at the scheduled time. Pick up locations vary from tour to tour but we always try our best to pick you up as close to your accommodations as possible. Regulations from the city of Reykjavík has hindered our ability to drive our larger vehicles within the city center so you might be required to go to the nearest bus stop. You can see a map and further info here: busstop.is
Changes made by Arctic Face
Icelandic weather can be very unpredictable therefor the itineraries are designed to be flexible taking weather conditions into account. We reserve the right to change your itinerary or cancel it with your safety in mind.
Cancellation Policy
If the tour is cancelled with 48 hour or more notice we can offer a refund, if the cancellation happens within 48 hours before the tour starts a 100% cancellation fee will be applied.
All tours are undertaken on the responsibility of its participants. Arctic Face does not assume any responsibility for accidents that are caused by its customers or can be traced to their own actions.