Fjallabak Super Jeep Day Tour | Iceland Highlands

Overview

Venture deep into the Icelandic Highlands on the Fjallabak Super Jeep Day Tour, a premium Play crafted for travellers who seek wild beauty without strenuous hiking. Departing from Midgard Base Camp in Hvolsvöllur, this journey unlocks a remote volcanic wilderness where colour-splashed mountains meet endless black deserts and glacial horizons.

This experience blends comfort and adventure. Expert local guides tailor the route to daily weather and road conditions, sharing personal stories, regional knowledge and ancient sagas that bring Fjallabak Nature Reserve to life. With optional, gentle walks and frequent scenic stops, it’s ideal for families, photographers and nature lovers.

What to Expect

Expect a full day (8–9 hours) of highland discovery with minimal physical effort. You’ll travel in a purpose-built Super Jeep with steps for easy access, covering backroads and crossing rugged terrain that standard vehicles can’t reach. The emphasis is on immersion: sweeping views, short strolls to viewpoints and unhurried time to absorb the landscape.

Highlights may include, weather and road conditions permitting:

Mt. Mælifell – A vivid, moss-clad cone rising from the black ash plains of Mælifellssandur.
Rauðubotnar – A striking crater where an emerald lake meets red volcanic slopes.
Álftavatn – A tranquil lake known for rich birdlife and mirrored waters.
Hvanngil Valley, Mt. Hattfell and Mt. Laufafell – Big-sky panoramas and austere volcanic forms.
Markafljótsgljúfur – A sheer-walled glacial canyon carved through layered lava.
Torfahlaup – A scenic vantage at the head of Markafljótsgljúfur.
Mt. Hekla – One of Iceland’s most active volcanoes, majestic on clear days.
Mt. Einhyrningur – The ‘sleeping unicorn’ set between Tindfjöll Glacier and Markarfljót.
Landmannalaugar – A geothermal wonderland of rhyolite hills and hot springs (note: visits are not guaranteed on this tour; there is a dedicated Landmannalaugar Highlands Day Tour).

The ride and the rhythm

The day unfolds at a measured pace. Your guide navigates river crossings and gravel tracks, choosing scenic stops that match both the conditions and the group’s interests. Optional short hikes lead to ridgelines, craters and canyon viewpoints—always unhurried, always rewardingly photogenic.

Comfort, access and safety

This Play is rated 1/5 for physical difficulty. The vehicle’s easy-access steps and attentive guiding make it suitable for most travellers aged 5 and above. Safety briefings, careful route selection and ongoing condition checks keep the focus on comfort and calm exploration.

Wilderness with respect

Fjallabak’s ecosystem is delicate. Guides adhere to highland driving regulations and Leave No Trace principles, keeping to marked tracks and established paths. For official travel advice and seasonal notices, refer to Visit Iceland’s resources at Visit Iceland.

Best Time to Visit

The Fjallabak Super Jeep Day Tour operates June to September, when highland roads typically open and rivers are lower. Summer brings long daylight hours, making it possible to linger over viewpoints and chase shifting light across black sands and moss-green slopes.

June and early July are superb for fresh moss, snow patches and lower visitor numbers. By August and early September, colours deepen and the air turns crisp—excellent for clear views and atmospheric photography. Weather in the Highlands is changeable at any time; pack layers and expect rapid shifts from sun to mist to showers.

For broader trip-planning context and inspiration across the island, explore Lonely Planet’s Iceland guide.

Why Choose This Experience

Highland access, zero hassle: Reach remote valleys, volcanoes and canyons in comfort—no river fording or navigation stress.
Small-group storytelling: Local guides weave geology, folklore and lived experience into every stop.
Flexible pace: Optional short hikes and generous photo time suit families, casual walkers and dedicated photographers alike.
Premium yet grounded: A serene, purposeful approach that prioritises safety, comfort and the raw power of nature.
Family-friendly: Minimum age 5, gentle walking options and frequent rest breaks.

Make it a Stay & Play

Complement your highland Play with coastal wildlife experiences from Reykjavík. Spend an evening on a gentle whale-watching cruise—perfect for a relaxed finale to your day in the wilds—by joining the Reykjavík Classic Whale Watching. In summer, meet seabirds up close on the Reykjavík Classic Puffin Watching for a delightful, nature-rich complement to the Highlands.

If you’re considering a longer Highland journey on foot, our editorial on the iconic trail system offers inspiration: read Hidden Trails in our Reykjavík Stay & Play on Laugavegur.

Practical Details

Departure and return: Midgard Base Camp, Hvolsvöllur. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the listed departure time.
Season: Operates June–September, subject to highland road openings and river conditions.
Duration: 8–9 hours.
Physical difficulty: 1/5. Most of the day is seated exploration in a Super Jeep, with optional short walks to viewpoints.
Minimum age: 5 years.
Lunch: Add a lunchbox from Midgard Restaurant when booking. Bringing snacks and water is also recommended.
What to wear: Dress for changeable mountain weather—base layers, an insulating mid-layer, a waterproof shell, sturdy hiking shoes, warm hat and gloves even in summer. Sunglasses and sunscreen are useful on bright days.

Responsible travel tips

Stick to marked tracks; volcanic sands and moss beds are extremely fragile.
Pack out all litter and use designated rest areas.
Respect river margins and geothermal features; conditions can shift quickly.
Follow your guide’s lead if the route or plans change to match weather and safety.

The Essence of Fjallabak

Fjallabak feels otherworldly: a conversation between fire and ice written across deserts, lava fields and glassy lakes. From the unicorn silhouette of Mt. Einhyrningur to the emerald crater at Rauðubotnar and the sable plains around Mt. Mælifell, each stop reveals a new facet of Iceland’s untamed interior.

This is Iceland at its most elemental—silent, sculptural and stirring. With expert guidance, a comfortable Super Jeep and time to pause where the light and weather invite, you’ll leave with a deep sense of place and a gallery of images that speak for themselves.