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Explore Iceland’s highland contrasts on a private day tour from Reykjavík. Hike colored rhyolite hills, peer into blue crater lakes, and stand before the storied slopes of Hekla — all in one long, scenic day.
Explore Iceland’s highland contrasts on a private day tour from Reykjavík. Hike colored rhyolite hills, peer into blue crater lakes, and stand before the storied slopes of Hekla — all in one long, scenic day.
You step out of the vehicle into a wind that seems to move the whole landscape — a raw, highland air that carries steam and the mineral tang of old eruptions. Rhyolite hills stand striped in rusty ochre and pale green; a glassy crater lake catches the sky in an impossible blue. This private day tour threads the quieter corners of Iceland’s southern highlands, from the rainbow slopes of Landmannalaugar to the long shadow of Hekla.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by BTH Travel - Private Tours · Reykjavík, Capital Region
You step out of the vehicle into a wind that seems to move the whole landscape — a raw, highland air that carries steam and the mineral tang of old eruptions. Rhyolite hills stand striped in rusty ochre and pale green; a glassy crater lake catches the sky in an impossible blue. This private day tour threads the quieter corners of Iceland’s southern highlands, from the rainbow slopes of Landmannalaugar to the long shadow of Hekla.
Geology writes the itinerary: rhyolite, basalt, and tephra laid down by centuries of volcanic unrest. Hekla itself has a storied place in Icelandic memory — once called the “Gateway to Hell” — its lava fields and scoria ridgelines still shaping local folklore. Frostastaðavatn and Bláhylur show how water and volcanic rock converse in still, highland tones, while Hjálparfoss and Sigöldufoss reveal basalt’s sculptural logic.
Culture here is practical and sparse: farmsteads clinging to lowlands, mountain huts for long-distance hikers, and a tradition of respect for fragile tundra. Expect short walks at multiple viewpoints, photo stops, and a chance to soak in naturally warm pools if conditions allow.
Practical notes: this is a long, full-day private transfer — prepare for uneven paths, wind, and quick weather shifts. Bring layers, waterproofs, sturdy boots, and enough food and water for an 11-hour day. Timing matters: travel in daylight for the best colors and to move safely over gravel roads. With planning, this tour is an efficient way to encounter Iceland’s highland character in a single, unforgettable day.
moderate.
10–11 hours.
Moderate fitness: able to do multiple short walks (15–60 minutes) over uneven ground and tolerate a long day in a vehicle
This private tour runs about 11 hours and departs from Reykjavík with round-trip private transport included.
Hikes on this tour are short and on mixed terrain — gravel paths, lava fields, and short shoreline walks; proper boots recommended.
You’ll visit volcanic landscapes, crater lakes, and lava fields; approaching active vents is not part of the tour for safety reasons.
Yes — infant seats are available and the tour is private, but parents should consider long travel time and rugged stops before booking.
Hekla has been a focal point in Icelandic saga and folklore for centuries and its frequent eruptions helped shape settlement patterns in the south.
The highland vegetation is extremely vulnerable—stay on designated routes, pack out waste, and avoid off-trail driving to limit impact.
BTH Travel - Private Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You step out of the vehicle into a wind that seems to move the whole landscape — a raw, highland air that carries steam and the mineral tang of old eruptions. Rhyolite hills stand striped in rusty ochre and pale green; a glassy crater lake catches the sky in an impossible blue. This private day tour threads the quieter corners of Iceland’s southern highlands, from the rainbow slopes of Landmannalaugar to the long shadow of Hekla.
You step out of the vehicle into a wind that seems to move the whole landscape — a raw, highland air that carries steam and the mineral tang of old eruptions. Rhyolite hills stand striped in rusty ochre and pale green; a glassy crater lake catches the sky in an impossible blue. This private day tour threads the quieter corners of Iceland’s southern highlands, from the rainbow slopes of Landmannalaugar to the long shadow of Hekla.
Geology writes the itinerary: rhyolite, basalt, and tephra laid down by centuries of volcanic unrest. Hekla itself has a storied place in Icelandic memory — once called the “Gateway to Hell” — its lava fields and scoria ridgelines still shaping local folklore. Frostastaðavatn and Bláhylur show how water and volcanic rock converse in still, highland tones, while Hjálparfoss and Sigöldufoss reveal basalt’s sculptural logic.
Culture here is practical and sparse: farmsteads clinging to lowlands, mountain huts for long-distance hikers, and a tradition of respect for fragile tundra. Expect short walks at multiple viewpoints, photo stops, and a chance to soak in naturally warm pools if conditions allow.
Practical notes: this is a long, full-day private transfer — prepare for uneven paths, wind, and quick weather shifts. Bring layers, waterproofs, sturdy boots, and enough food and water for an 11-hour day. Timing matters: travel in daylight for the best colors and to move safely over gravel roads. With planning, this tour is an efficient way to encounter Iceland’s highland character in a single, unforgettable day.