• Landmannalaugar - The tour begins with a pick-up in Reykjavik and along the South Coast, heading towards the base of Hekla, Iceland’s most active volcano. The journey includes driving through the latest lava field before arriving at Landmannalaugar. Here, there is a three-hour stop, offering ample time for hiking (with various options based on fitness levels) and enjoying a dip in the natural pool before returning. On the way back, the tour includes a drive over a crater with cobalt blue water, a stop at a canyon (often considered a tour highlight), and a visit to a waterfall before heading back through the countryside to the capital. The vibrant mountain colors and stunning natural scenery experienced on this day are unforgettable.

• Fjallabak Nature Reserve - Named for its numerous wild and rugged rhyolite mountains with deeply incised valleys, the Fjallabak Nature Reserve features the Torfajökull volcano, the largest rhyolite area in Iceland and the second-largest geothermal area. Although the Torfajökull volcano is active, it is currently in a declining fumarolic stage, evidenced by numerous fumaroles and hot springs. The hot pools at Landmannalaugar are a manifestation of the area’s geothermal activity, which also alters the minerals in the rocks, creating beautiful color variations from red and yellow to blue and green, such as the pink of Brennisteinsalda and the blue of Blánhúkur. Geologists believe the Torfajökull volcano is a caldera, with the rim formed by Háalda, Suđurnámur, Norđur Barmur, Torfajökull, Kaldaklofsfjöll, and Ljósártungur.

The bedrock of the Fjallabak Nature Reserve dates back 8-10 million years, with the volcano being most productive during the last 2 million years, particularly during the last Ice Age. Interglacial rhyolite lava and sub-glacial rhyolites, such as Bláhnúkur and Brennisteinsalda, are characteristic formations in the area. To the north of the Torfajökull region, sub-glacial volcanic activity produced the hyaloclastite (móberg) mountains, like Lođmundur and Mógilshöfđar. The most recent volcanic activity occurred at the Veiđivötn fissure in 1480, with Ljótipollur, Hnausapollur, and other craters extending 30 km further north.

The average temperature in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve is around 0-1 °C, with temperatures between 5-14 °C expected in July and August, and an average winter temperature of about –6 °C. Mountain areas often alter general weather conditions, and the Torfajökull Mountains are no exception. Important local weather variations include temperature drops, increased wind speed, local wind direction changes, fog and mist production, and increased chances of rain and snow. Generally, winds from the south to southeast bring rain and bad weather, while north to northeast winds usually bring cold but clearer weather. Always be prepared for sudden and unexpected weather changes, as they are frequent.

Due to the cold climate in the Nature Reserve, the vegetation’s growing period is only about two months each year, and soil formation is very slow. The soil lacks fully rotted and weathered minerals, making it rough and incoherent, and easily transported by wind and water. Sandstorms are common in large parts of the area, and volcanic eruptions cover the Nature Reserve with lava and ash. Considering these conditions, along with heavy grazing over the years, it is unsurprising that vegetation is scarce in the Nature Reserve. Continuous vegetation cover is limited, with the largest and greenest areas near rivers and lakes in the Kýlingar area, which is a continuous fenland with pools, ponds, and various marsh plants. The acidic rhyolite bedrock is…

• Volcano Hekla - Located in a highly active volcanic zone, Hekla is Iceland’s most active volcano, with over 20 eruptions since 874. The volcano is part of a 40 km long volcanic ridge, with the most active section being a 5.5 km long fissure named Heklugja, located under the volcano itself. There are numerous craters at the peak, with two known to erupt more frequently than others.

The area around Hekla was once forested, with forests and some grasses being more resilient to ash and pumice fall than low vegetation. However, the combined effects of human habitation and volcanic activity have left an unstable surface highly susceptible to erosion. The Hekluskógar reforestation project aims to restore the previously present birch and willow woodland to the mountain slopes, stabilizing large areas of volcanic ash and reducing erosion. It is the largest reforestation project of its kind in Europe.

Hekla has experienced at least twenty eruptions since Iceland’s settlement in 874 AD. The largest eruption occurred in 1104 AD, when it erupted without warning, ejecting millions of tonnes of tephra. It erupted four times in the 20th century: from 29 March 1947 to 21 April 1948, from 5 May 1970 to 5 July 1970, from 17 August 1980 to 20 August 1980, and from 17 January 1991 to 11 March 1991. The last eruption was from 26 February 2000 to 8 March 2000.

Hekla has produced one of the greatest lava flows of this millennium of any volcano in the world, at eight cubic kilometers. Approximately 10 percent of Iceland’s landmass was formed by lava from Hekla. Geologists in Iceland closely monitor Hekla, as it is believed to be overdue for another eruption. Numerous monitors are placed on the mountain to measure geological changes. During the last eruption, they were able to provide a half-hour notice to people in the area before it began. One of the most notorious aspects of Hekla is its unpredictability, sometimes erupting within a decade of its last eruption, and other times remaining dormant for nearly a century.

The name Hekla means a short hooded cloak in Icelandic, possibly relating to the frequent cloud cover on the summit. After the 1104 eruption, stories, likely spread by Cistercian monks, claimed the mountain was the gateway to Hell. It has also been called the prison of Judas, and there is a legend that witches gather on the volcano for Easter.

• Ljotipollur Lake - Ljótipollur is a stunning maar, a geological term that translates to “explosion crater” in Icelandic. The name Ljótipollur translates to “Ugly Pond” in English, although this name is undeserved. Maars are typically quite deep, as the water originates below the ground, with no surface streams flowing into or out of the lake. However, this one is only around 14 meters deep. Craters with small lakes often have a beautiful turquoise blue color, enhancing their appeal, especially for photographers. Additionally, Ljótipollur attracts fishing enthusiasts, so it’s not uncommon to see someone fishing there.

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Comprehensive National Park fees included
• Experienced driver/guide
• Convenient South Coast pickup option

• Food and Drink

• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.