LANDMANNALAUGAR : Private Highlands

A hot spring soak in Iceland’s highlands is special. What makes this outing feel different is the private Highlands route, plus the volcanic stops built around Landmannalaugar, natural hot springs, and quick geology-friendly photo breaks. If you care about getting away from busy roads, the off-road drive style also matters, especially when you want the scenery to feel like it is happening at your pace.

The main catch is Iceland weather. This requires good weather, and the day runs long (about 10 to 12 hours), with each main stop designed for a focused window rather than a full hike.

Key points at a glance

• Private group up to 4 with pickup from your hotel lobby and a guide in the modified Toyota Land Cruiser
• Landmannalaugar for 2 hours, including time for warm natural hot springs, plus nearby rhyolite views
• Three quick, ticket-smart stops: Hjálparfoss (included), Bláhylur (free), Sigöldugljúfur (included)
• A geology-focused itinerary that connects Hekla-area lava fields, a crater lake formed in 871, and the waterfall-filled Valley of Tears
• Driver-guided flexibility, with guides like Boris praised for stopping where you want without making the day feel rushed

Private Highlands from Reykjavik: why this route works

This is the kind of day you book when you want Iceland highlands without the hassle of planning the road, timings, and parking. You get a private setup, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a full day that hits several of the most dramatic geologic moments in the central interior.

I like how the itinerary mixes short viewing stops with a longer base at Landmannalaugar. That balance matters because Iceland highlands can be a lot of “look, then drive” energy, and here you actually get time to slow down, change pace, and end with that hot-spring payoff.

Pickup at 8:30 and the modified Toyota Land Cruiser ride

Your day starts at 8:30 am, with pickup either in your hotel lobby or just outside, depending on where your guide can meet you. The vehicle is a modified Toyota Land Cruiser, and the tour is set up as private transportation for your group only, up to four people.

Because you are going remote, the car comfort counts. The ride is air-conditioned, and reviews specifically call out that the vehicle can feel spacious, which helps when the day runs long and the weather shifts fast.

One practical detail: this is a mobile-ticket experience. That usually means less time spent fiddling with printouts and more time getting ready for a long day outside.

Stop 1: Hjálparfoss, where two rivers meet in a lava world

You only get about 15 minutes at Hjálparfoss, but it is the kind of waterfall that makes those minutes count. This is a peaceful spot where the Fossá and Þjórsá rivers meet and pour together from a lava field linked to the eruption activity around nearby Hekla.

What I find especially useful here is the “why it looks like this” story. You are not just seeing water drop over rock. You are seeing how rivers behave right after volcanic eruptions reshape the ground, and then watching that same logic connect to later infrastructure, since downstream water helps power Iceland’s second-largest hydroelectric dam.

Drawback to know: because it is a short stop, you will want to arrive ready to walk, look up, and take photos quickly. If you prefer long, unhurried waterfall wandering, you may feel slightly time-pressured here.

Stop 2: Bláhylur (Hnausapollur), a crater lake frozen in time

Next up is Bláhylur, also known as Hnausapollur, with another 15-minute stop. The admission here is free, and the big attraction is the crater lake itself, formed during an enormous eruption in 871, just years before Iceland’s first settlers are commonly thought to have arrived.

This is the kind of place where time feels visible. The geology is the show, and a short stop is enough if your goal is to understand the setting, soak in the color and scale, and move on while you still have energy for Landmannalaugar.

Practical note: because the stop is short, bring the lenses and jacket you will actually use. There is no time tax for lingering later in the day, since the itinerary clearly saves the deeper outdoor time for Landmannalaugar.

Landmannalaugar: 2 hours of rhyolite colors and hot springs

Landmannalaugar is the heart of the day, with about 2 hours here and admission ticket-free included in the plan. It is famous for colorful rhyolite mountains, natural hot springs, lava fields, and even obsidian formations. This is also the popular starting point for trekkers heading onto the famous Laugavegur trail toward Þórsmörk.

If you remember one tip from this tour, make it this: bring your swimsuit. The hot spring time is not a theoretical add-on. The end goal is a dip in warm natural water with dramatic views around you.

What you can do with your time:

• Enjoy a soak in the natural warm streams
• Take a walk over rugged terrain around the highland area
• Look for volcanic textures, including obsidian tones

A balanced reality check: 2 hours sounds like a lot, until you factor in cold air, wind, and the time it takes to change and warm up properly. I recommend you plan for an efficient flow, like soaking first, then walking while you still feel warm and flexible.

Also, consider the trek mindset. Landmannalaugar is a starting point for serious routes, so even if you do only short hiking in the area, the environment is built for walkers. You will feel more comfortable if you wear footwear that handles uneven, potentially slippery ground.

Stop 4: Sigöldugljúfur, the Valley of Tears waterfalls

After Landmannalaugar, the itinerary shifts again into short-and-sweet viewing mode, with about 20 minutes at Sigöldugljúfur. Admission is included here, and this is often called the Valley of Tears because it earns that nickname from the number of waterfalls you can spot.

This place feels unreal in a specific way. It is described as fantasy-like, with blue water, lush vegetation in spots, and dramatic lava terrain around the falls. In other words, it is not just one waterfall photo. You tend to get a whole vertical “water wall” effect as you turn your head and follow the sound.

How to make the most of your time: treat this as a short scenic walk plus photo stop, not a long hike. The itinerary time is clear, so come prepared to move, stop, take pictures, and then move again before the day’s light or weather conditions change.

The drive itself: off-road energy without losing the plot

One of the most praised parts of this experience is the drive. You can expect an adventure style that goes beyond simple highway views, including off-road segments and even river-crossing moments mentioned in guide-led experiences.

This is a big deal because the highlands are not a place you reach with a “sit and stare” attitude. The roads can feel intense. Having a guide who handles the route and chooses good moments matters for comfort and safety.

Also, the day feels more like a private conversation than a strict script. Reviews highlight that guides like Boris will work with you, including being willing to stop where you want. In practice, that can help you chase better views, avoid the worst winds at certain stops, or simply give you an extra minute when something looks better than you expected.

Value and pricing: $2,590 for up to 4, and when it makes sense

The price is $2,590 per group for up to four people. That is not a small number, but private highlands days cost more because you are paying for remote logistics: private transportation, a modified vehicle, and parking fees included, plus a guide for a full long day.

Here is the value logic I would use if I were planning your budget:

• If you travel as a pair or small family, cost per person drops quickly
• If you hate crowds and want control over stops, privacy can justify the price
• If you care about the hot spring time at Landmannalaugar, this route is efficient because it groups the best nearby highlights into one day

If you are traveling solo, the cost may feel steep compared with shared tours. But if you are the kind of traveler who wants a calm, custom day in a place that demands serious driving, this setup can still feel worth it.

Who this tour is best for

This private highlands route is a strong fit if you want:

• Remote Iceland highlands without doing the planning yourself
• A mix of short viewing stops and time for hot springs
• A private group experience up to four people

It is also a good match if you appreciate stories and context as you travel. Guides like Boris are specifically mentioned as friendly, fun, and informative, with a sense of humor that helps the day feel lighter even when the driving is serious.

On the other hand, this is not ideal if you want a slow, long hiking day at just one location. The itinerary moves you through multiple stops, and each one is time-boxed.

What to pack for Landmannalaugar and waterfall country

You are going to spend a big chunk of the day outdoors in volcanic terrain. Iceland can change fast, so plan for multiple layers even if the morning looks calm.

My packing checklist for this kind of day:

• Swimsuit, because the hot springs are a highlight
• Warm layer plus a waterproof outer shell
• Footwear with grip for rugged terrain around Landmannalaugar
• Quick-dry towel or something similar for after the soak
• Layers for wind, especially when you stop near water and open viewpoints

If you have sensitive skin, bring something basic for cold water exposure and sun reflection from bright ground. You may not need it, but you will appreciate it if weather turns.

Final verdict: should you book the Icy Peaks Private Highlands tour?

I think you should book this tour if you want a private Reykjavik-based highlands day with real payoff at Landmannalaugar, including hot springs time. The itinerary is designed so you get geology context at Hjálparfoss and Bláhylur, a waterfall-focused finish at Sigöldugljúfur, and then a longer stretch to walk, soak, and reset at the main event.

You should think twice if you are weather-sensitive or you hate long days in a vehicle. Also, if your dream is all-day hiking at one spot, this schedule may feel too stop-and-go.

If you can travel with a group of two to four, the value story becomes much easier, because you are sharing the private logistics cost while still getting the flexibility that makes the day feel personal.

FAQ

How long is the Private Highlands tour?

The tour runs about 10 to 12 hours.

What time is pickup, and where does the guide meet us?

Pickup starts at 8:30 am, and your guide meets you in your hotel lobby or outside by a modified Toyota Land Cruiser.

Is this a private tour or shared with other people?

This is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates. The group size is up to 4 people.

Are admission tickets included for the main stops?

Yes. Admission tickets are included for Hjálparfoss and Sigöldugljúfur. Bláhylur and Landmannalaugar are listed as ticket free.

Do I need to bring a swimsuit?

Yes. The experience specifically notes not to forget swimsuits because you will have time for soaking in natural hot springs.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.