Itinerary for Magnificent West & Glacier Super Jeep Day Tour from Reykjavik

This Nature Explorer adventure day tour starts by driving to Thingvellir where the oldest parliament in world was founded and you can see the tectonic plates drift apart. After Thingvellir we cross the rough mountain road of Kaldidalur (‘Cold Valley’) were we enjoy great variety in barren landscape before reaching Langjokull, Iceland’s second largest glacier.
After a short cruise on the white plains of the glacier on the Super-Jeep we go lower again, to Husafell where we can have some lunch before continuing with the adventure.
Close to Husafell is a large lava field which has some of the largest lave tube caves in Iceland, e.g. Vidgelmir and Surtshellir.  Vidgelmir is accessible all year and you have the option to explore it. It costs ISK 6500 per person to add this to the tour. It’s an an easy tour on a wooden platform/walkway and of course you get headlights.
Surtshellir is only accessible in summer and is more challenging to explore.
We continue down to Borgarfjordur to see Hraunfossar (Lava Waterfalls) where the river flows from underneath the lava field and cascades down into river.
Just a few meters away there´s another great waterfall, Barnafoss. We pass through the historical site of Reykholt before visiting Iceland´s most powerful geothermal spring, Deildartunguhver.
Return to Reykjavik via scenic Hvalfjordur (Whale Fjord).

Very rarely during winter this route may be changed because of difficult conditions at Kaldidalur so we may need to skip Thingvellir and go through Borgarnes instead – but there will still be plenty of off-roading and remote wilderness.

Highlights for Magnificent West and Glacier Super Jeep Day Tour from Reykjavik

Thingvellir National Park
– Old Viking parliament (‘Alþingi’)
– Tectonic plate boundaries
– UNESCO World Heritage Site

Lava tube Cave
Hraunfossar (Lava Waterfalls)
Barnafoss (Children’s Waterfall)
Langjokull Glacier
Iceland’s largest hot spring
Hvalfjordur (Whale Fjord)

FAQ for Magnificent West and Glacier Super Jeep Day Tour from Reykjavik

Q: Do we need to bring lunch or is there a place to stop on the way?
A: Your driverguide will advise you on the options and stop on the way to make sure you can get some food and refreshments – so, no you don’t have to bring anything.
There is a little shop at Thingvellir we can stop at and in summer there is a little shop/café at Husafell in Borgarfjordur – and a little gas station in Reykholt. So in summer, we you don’t have to bring anything but in winter almost everything is closed in Borgarfjordur but then we will stop on the way out of Reykjavik to give you a chance to stock up for the day.

Q: Is there blue ice on the glacier?
A: The glacier looks different between seasons and even from day to day. In winter the glacier is a vast snowy wilderness and you will most likely not see any blue ice as it is all covered by snow. In summer, the snow melts on the lower parts of the glacier and exposes the blue ice.
(Note: the ice isn’t really blue; it appears blue because the way it reflects light)

Q: How far up on the glacier do we go?
A: This depends upon the snow conditions and weather. Sometimes the snow is hard and compresses so we can easily cruise high up on the glacier. Other times the snow is more challenging and we stay on the lower parts.
In summer and early fall, lower part of the glacier is very icy and crevassed so it’s not safe to go far up on the glacier and we therefore stay close to the edge.

Safety on the Super-Jeep day tour Safety is always the first priority and we are not taking any chances or risks.

Do you have questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact us: info@NatureExplorer.is

“West Iceland and Glacier tour”
10/10 and more, very easy to book and Hawk took onboard what we wanted from the day. Inga was very informative and his driving first class, felt very safe even when we went onto the glacier; wow; an unforgettable moment. Wanted a quieter trip away from the groups coming off our cruise ship,so this private tour to the west fitted the bill, waterfalls, lava fields, hot springs and lots lots more. Sheer magic. Had loads of photo stops and short walks and Inga found a nice stop for coffee and lunch. Nothing was too much trouble and we cannot recommend this company more highly, and we are hopeful that one day we are able to return and do it all again. Pam and Ray August 2016
– Reviewed August 31, 2016 by pandrholidays, London, UK

“Fantastic Arctic Truck Tour, Glaciers and all!”
My wife and I found this to be an awesome way to see Iceland. The tours can get you off the beaten path if you like, and guided by informative and very pro drivers. We learned a bit of history along the way too! Totally recommend these trips. Great photo opportunities everywhere as well!
– Reviewed March 3, 2016 by Brad Warren, Hamilton