Super Jeep to Landmannalaugar Highlands

Iceland's Painted Mountains

Landmannalaugar is where Iceland's geological theatrics reach their most colorful extreme. Rhyolite mountains in shades of pink, ochre, mint green, lavender, and rust sit alongside obsidian lava flows and bright green moss, creating a landscape so vivid that first-time visitors frequently question whether what they are seeing is real. This super jeep day trip from Mountaineers of Iceland brings you into the heart of the central highlands for a guided hike and a soak in a natural hot spring.

The highland location means Landmannalaugar is accessible only during summer months and only by capable vehicles on rough F-roads. A super jeep with an experienced driver removes every logistical barrier and lets you focus entirely on the scenery.

The Highland Drive

Departing Reykjavik in the morning, the super jeep heads inland along increasingly remote roads. The transition from coastal farmland to barren highland plateau is dramatic — by the time you reach the F-roads, civilization has disappeared entirely and you are surrounded by vast volcanic terrain.

The drive includes several river crossings where the super jeep earns its keep. These are not trickling streams but substantial glacial rivers that would strand any normal vehicle. The driver navigates with practiced skill while passengers enjoy the spectacle and the realization of just how wild Iceland's interior remains.

Hiking Among the Colors

Arriving at Landmannalaugar, the first sight of the rhyolite mountains is genuinely jaw-dropping. The guide leads a hike through this rainbow landscape, choosing a route based on conditions and the group's abilities. Popular trails include the climb up Blahnukur (Blue Peak), which offers panoramic views over the entire area, and the walk through Laugahraun lava field where hardened black lava meets soft green moss.

The hiking is moderate with some steeper sections where loose gravel demands careful footing. The guide explains the geology as you walk — the colors result from different minerals (iron, sulfur, silica) in the rhyolite cooling at different rates and oxidizing over thousands of years. Understanding the science somehow makes the beauty more impressive rather than less.

The Hot Spring Finish

After hiking, the natural hot spring at the base camp is a perfect reward. A geothermal stream flows into a cold river, and the mixing point creates a natural pool at a comfortable bathing temperature. Sitting in warm water surrounded by colorful mountains after a highland hike is the kind of experience that defines an Iceland trip.

The hot spring is simple — no changing rooms beyond basic shelters, no concrete pool edges, just warm water and volcanic rock. Its authenticity is precisely its charm. Bring your swimsuit and a towel, and allow enough time to properly soak and relax before the drive back.

Worth the Investment

At 12 hours and a higher price point than coastal tours, this trip demands a full day and a real commitment. It rewards that investment generously. Landmannalaugar is Iceland's highland crown jewel, and seeing it from the ground rather than a drone photograph gives you a sensory and emotional experience that no screen can replicate.