Kirkjubæjarklaustur in 1 Day for Friends - Super Jeep access to remote highland terrain
In Collaboration with Secret Iceland. Updated on February 14, 2026.
Full-day Super Jeep guided tour from Kirkjubæjarklaustur to the Lakagígar (Laki) crater row with higland driving, river crossings and hikes to craters, a crater lake, waterfall and canyon. Small groups led by a certified local driver-guide. Operates 15 June–15 September; departure from Kirkjubæjarklaustur at 09:00 (pickup from 08:30). Total tour time ~8 hours (09:00–17:00) with ~5 hours stopping/h
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Secret Iceland, inspired by the tour Lakagigar volcano and lava Expedition. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Super Jeep access to remote highland terrain
- Hike the Lakagígar (Laki) crater row with Vatnajökull views
- Tjarnargígur crater lake lava trail
- Fagrifoss waterfall
- Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon short walk
Itinerary
Day 1
One-day guided Super Jeep expedition from Kirkjubæjarklaustur to Lakagígar and nearby highlights. Pickup begins 08:30; tour departs 09:00 and returns approx. 17:00. Total stopping/hiking time ~5 hours.
Meet & pickup — Skaftárvellir (Kirkjubæjarklaustur)
Meet at the main meeting point at Skaftárvellir 1 between 08:45–09:00 for check-in. Complimentary pickup from selected hotels and guesthouses begins ~08:30; guide will confirm exact pickup time in advance.
Tips from local experts:
- Be ready at your pickup location by 08:30 if you requested pickup; otherwise arrive at Skaftárvellir 1 by 08:45–09:00.
- Bring a small daypack with lunch, snacks and water — there are no food services on the highland sections.
- Charge phone/camera batteries and bring a power bank; mobile signal can be weak in the highlands.
Drive to Lakagígar (Laki) in Super Jeep
Highland drive in a specially modified Super Jeep. The vehicle crosses rough terrain and unbridged rivers; travel time to the Lakagígar area is approximately 1.5 hours from Kirkjubæjarklaustur when using a Super Jeep.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear warm, windproof outer layers during the drive — highland weather changes quickly even in summer.
- Keep motion-sensitive items secured; the route includes rough tracks and river crossings.
- Listen to the guide’s safety briefing before leaving the vehicle; remain seated while the vehicle is moving.
Explore Lakagígar (Laki) — hike and crater views
On arrival at Laki you have approximately 2.5 hours for guided hiking: ascend to the top of the central mountain for panoramic views over the crater row and Vatnajökull glacier, then follow a trail among craters and lava fields.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes and layered clothing; sections around the craters can be uneven and exposed to wind.
- Carry your packed lunch and snacks — plan to eat during the Laki stop to maximize hiking time.
- Respect marked trails and guidance from the driver-guide to protect fragile geology and for your safety.
Transfer to Tjarnargígur crater lake
Short drive from the Laki area toward Tjarnargígur. The guide will position the vehicle so guests can walk the one-hour lava trail while the guide drives ahead to meet the group at the next rendezvous point.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep layers handy; leaving the vehicle for the lava trail means exposure to wind and sun depending on conditions.
- Follow the guide’s instructions about where to meet after the hike — the guide will move the vehicle to the planned pickup point.
- Bring waterproof over-trousers if rain is forecast; the trail can be muddy in places.
Tjarnargígur — 1-hour lava trail hike
Guided 1-hour hike along a lava trail to and around the Tjarnargígur crater lake. Scenic, low-to-moderate walking on uneven ground; the guide provides information on geology and local history.
Tips from local experts:
- Use comfortable, grippy footwear; the lava trail is uneven and can be rocky underfoot.
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) is useful even on cool days due to open exposure.
- Keep a light waterproof layer handy; weather can change rapidly on exposed trails.
Fagrifoss waterfall — short photo stop
Stop at the hidden Fagrifoss waterfall for views and photos. Short walk from the vehicle to viewing points; the site has limited facilities (dry toilet at Fagrifoss is noted).
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a waterproof jacket — spray from the waterfall and highland winds can make the area chilly.
- Footwear with good traction is recommended for the short walk to viewpoints.
- Plan for a brief stop (20 minutes) to keep the tour schedule; the guide will point out the best vantage points.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon — short walk along the edge
Final stop at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon with a 20–30 minute walk along the canyon edge for scenic views. Flush toilet facilities are available at this stop.
Tips from local experts:
- Stay behind barriered viewpoints and follow local signage — the canyon edge can be unstable in places.
- Use binoculars or zoom lenses for better photos of the canyon; views are best from the higher viewpoints.
- There are flush toilets at Fjaðrárgljúfur — use facilities here before the drive back to Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Return drive to Kirkjubæjarklaustur — drop-off
Drive back to Kirkjubæjarklaustur with an expected arrival around 17:00. Guide will drop guests at the original meeting point or at pre-arranged accommodation pickups within the town.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your preferred drop-off location with the guide at the start of the day if you requested pickup from a guesthouse or hotel.
- Expect arrival in town around 17:00; factor this into any onward travel plans.
- Collect all personal items before leaving the vehicle; the guide will check the vehicle before final drop-offs.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 4 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 4 |
| Total Places | 4 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction |