Reviewed · HIGHLANDS & LANDMANNALAUGAR

Eyjafjallajokull and Thorsmork Experience

5.0 · 39 reviews 10 hours (approx.) From $1,917 Operated by Arctic Trucks Experience · Bookable on Viator
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This private day trip is interesting because it mixes famous Iceland sights with serious off-road time in the Eyjafjallajökull and Thorsmörk country. I love the 38-inch Super Jeep setup, because it turns rough roads and river crossings into part of the fun, not a worry. I also like that you get free hotel pickup and drop-off, so you do not waste your day figuring out logistics. One drawback to plan for: lunch is not included, and at Seljalandsfoss you should expect getting wet, with slick rocks underfoot.

The trip runs about 10 hours and stays focused on getting you out to the places most people only see from afar. Since Iceland weather can swing quickly, the route can shift, so it helps to bring warm layers and accept that fog can limit how close you get to glaciers.

Key Highlights You Will Feel Immediately

Eyjafjallajokull and Thorsmork Experience - Key Highlights You Will Feel Immediately

  • Private group up to 3, just you and a guide/driver
  • Super Jeep with 38-inch modifications or bigger, built for rough terrain
  • Free hotel pickup and drop-off, starting at 8:30 am
  • Seljalandsfoss walk behind the falls, about 30 minutes
  • Stakkholtsgjá canyon, 2 km long and around 100 m deep
  • Eyjafjallajökull area timing, about 1 hour, with glacier geology in play

A Super Jeep Day Into Eyjafjallajökull and Thorsmörk From Reykjavík

If your idea of Iceland includes more than buses and paved pull-offs, this kind of day works well. You are not just watching the scenery from the roadside. You are riding in a truck designed for Iceland’s messy terrain, then getting time at key natural stops along the way.

This is a private setup, meaning it is your group only (up to 3 people) plus the guide/driver. That matters because you can move at a real pace, pause when it makes sense, and ask questions without a crowd turning every stop into a stampede.

The vehicle is a big part of the value. Arctic Trucks Experience runs a Super Jeep with 38-inch modifications or bigger, which is the sort of spec you want when the day involves gravel roads, steep grades, and river crossings. From the reviews, you can also tell the guide skill is not an afterthought. People call out guides like Skooli, Ingo, and Arnar for knowing where it is safe to drive and for making difficult moments feel controlled.

Pickup at 8:30 and the Practical Rhythm of a Long Day

Eyjafjallajokull and Thorsmork Experience - Pickup at 8:30 and the Practical Rhythm of a Long Day
The tour starts at 8:30 am. The meeting point is Klettháls 3, 110 Reykjavík, at the reception. If you are getting pickup, you will not need to make your own way there, since hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

You should also expect a day that is mostly outdoors and active. Even when the stops are timed, the drive segments are still part of the experience. That is why I like planning your day so you do not schedule anything tight the night before or immediately after.

Two small things that help your stress level:

  • You receive a mobile ticket, so you are not juggling paper.
  • Confirmation arrives within 48 hours, subject to availability.

And yes, the weather can change what you see. Fog and visibility can limit how far you can push toward glacier areas, and that is not a failure of the tour. It is Iceland being Iceland.

Seljalandsfoss: The Wet Walk Behind the Falls (30 Minutes)

Eyjafjallajokull and Thorsmork Experience - Seljalandsfoss: The Wet Walk Behind the Falls (30 Minutes)
Stop one is Seljalandsfoss, one of the most memorable waterfalls in South Iceland. The special feature is the trail behind the falls. In summer, you can circle around the cliff cavity using the rocky walkways, which is exactly the kind of setup that makes people stop and stare, even when they have seen waterfalls before.

Plan for the downside up front: the mist will soak you. Even if you only step onto the trail for a short time, you will feel damp. The rocks can be slippery due to the constant spray. Good shoes matter here, because this is one of those “fun wet moment” stops where balance is part of the experience.

Timing: about 30 minutes. That is enough time to get your bearings, walk behind, and take photos without feeling rushed.

Quick tip: bring your camera plan. A camera is listed as something you should bring, but I would also think about how you protect it from mist. A small waterproof bag or case style cover helps.

Stakkholtsgjá Canyon: When the Gorge Gets Narrow (1 Hour)

Next up is Stakkholtsgjá, a canyon that is about 2 kilometers long and roughly 100 meters deep. It runs with tiny streams, which gives the canyon a more delicate feel than some of the bigger, louder Iceland sights.

Here is what makes the stop interesting: the canyon changes as you go. At the entry it is fairly wide, then it becomes increasingly narrow. That means you get a sense of motion as the terrain tightens up around you, and the streams keep splitting into smaller threads as the gorge constricts.

This stop is close in spirit to the Thorsmörk area, but it is not one of the most obvious default stops. If you want something a bit quieter and more “you are in it” than “you are watching it,” this is a good fit.

Timing: about 1 hour. Bring a pace you can maintain. You are outdoors and walking through uneven ground, so it is better to move steadily than to force big leaps.

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Eyjafjallajökull Area Time: Glacier Volcano Country and Meltwater Links

Eyjafjallajokull and Thorsmork Experience - Eyjafjallajökull Area Time: Glacier Volcano Country and Meltwater Links
Stop three is the Eyjafjallajökull area. Even if you are not a volcano nerd, the geography here connects a lot of Iceland’s water and scenery.

Eyjafjallajökull is the sixth largest glacier in Iceland, covering more than 100 square kilometers. It sits next to Mrdalsjökull, the fourth largest glacier in the world, and that region is also tied to Katla, another famous volcano.

What you can take away quickly is how water moves through the system. One well-known outlet glacier from Eyjafjallajökull is Gigjökull. Meltwater from this glacier feeds rivers, and one of those rivers empties into the Seljalandsfoss area. So the story of stop one is not random. There is a physical link between the water you saw and the ice system you are exploring.

Timing: about 1 hour.

A practical note: weather can limit how close you can get to glacier terrain. One review described fog affecting glacier driving plans, and that kind of condition is exactly why you want a guide with safe-route instincts.

Why Private Super Jeep Driving Changes Everything

You can learn a lot in a car that does not pretend the road is the problem. In this case, the truck is built to go where other vehicles hesitate.

The “feel” of this day is:

  • Drive stretches are part of the adventure, not dead time.
  • When terrain turns rough, the guide decides how to handle it.
  • You are in control of the pace at stops because you are not waiting on a big group.

From multiple reviews, the guide skill is consistently mentioned. People specifically highlight that guides like Skooli and Ingo know where it is safe to drive and handle river crossings with confidence. Another highlight is that the guides also keep the day fun, with a teaching style that makes the gear and terrain feel understandable, not mysterious.

One review even mentioned a moment where they got stuck and a rescue mission was organized. The takeaway for your expectations is simple: if something goes sideways in remote terrain, the team is prepared, and that is part of why the experience is worth paying for.

Also, if you are given self-drive time, you may need your driver’s license. The information provided says driver’s licence applies for self-drive tours, so check what option you are booking.

Food, Footwear, and Clothing: Your Real Checklist

Eyjafjallajokull and Thorsmork Experience - Food, Footwear, and Clothing: Your Real Checklist
This is not a sit-and-snack kind of day. You will spend time walking around waterfalls and moving through canyon terrain, and your comfort depends on what you wear.

Here is what the tour information and the nature of the stops point to:

  • Warm outdoor clothing is recommended.
  • Good shoes matter, especially for Seljalandsfoss with misty slick rocks.
  • Snacks for the day are included in the provided info.
  • Bring your camera.
  • Service animals are allowed.

Lunch is not included. If you come hungry, you will not be able to fix it on the fly unless your day plan includes purchased meals. So treat the included snacks as part of your meal strategy, and consider bringing a little extra on your own if your budget allows.

One more small practical thought: bring layers you can adjust. If the day starts cool and then warms up, you want something easy to take on and off without stopping the whole day.

Price and Value: $1,917.22 Per Group for Up to 3

Eyjafjallajokull and Thorsmork Experience - Price and Value: $1,917.22 Per Group for Up to 3
The price is $1,917.22 per group, up to 3 people. That is a lot of money if you are thinking per person, but it can look different if you are splitting the cost with two friends or traveling with family.

Here is how I judge value on a day like this:

  1. You are buying private time, not just transportation.
  2. You are using a purpose-built vehicle with 38-inch modifications or bigger.
  3. You get hotel pickup and drop-off, which saves energy and planning.
  4. Your guide is not just driving you, they are guiding safety and route decisions.

That said, lunch not included means your real total cost is a little higher than you see on the price label if you plan to buy food separately. Also, Iceland weather can affect glacier access, so you should be comfortable with the idea that the day’s “best views” might change depending on fog, rain, or visibility.

Where it feels like a strong deal is when you truly want the off-road experience, not just a sightseeing circuit.

Who This Trip Suits Best

This is a great match if you:

  • Want private driving in a serious vehicle, not a crowded bus day
  • Like nature stops where walking is part of the payoff, like Seljalandsfoss trail time and canyon walking
  • Are traveling with a small group and can split the cost up to 3 people
  • Appreciate guides who share the why behind the terrain, since named guides in reviews repeatedly get praised for knowledge and guidance

It may be less ideal if you:

  • Are not comfortable with walking on wet or uneven ground
  • Have a tight tolerance for long outdoor hours
  • Expect lunch to be provided

Should You Book This Eyjafjallajökull and Thorsmörk Super Jeep Day?

Book it if you want a day that feels hands-on, where the truck itself is part of the reason you are going, and you like the idea of hitting Seljalandsfoss and canyon country in one long outing.

I would especially consider booking if you care about the “access” side of Iceland. This is the kind of experience where a route can take you into terrain that regular road travel cannot reach easily. And the fact that the experience is private, with pickup and a guide/driver in an off-road Super Jeep, is the difference between doing a checklist and actually feeling where Iceland is strong.

Finally, take the weather attitude seriously. If fog rolls in, glacier-focused moments may shift, and sometimes you might end up with a different highlight than you expected. If you can roll with that, you are in the right mindset for this trip.

FAQ

How long is the Eyjafjallajökull and Thorsmörk experience?

It runs for about 10 hours.

What is the group size for this private tour?

It is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates. The price is per group up to 3 people.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Free hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Where do we meet the guide?

The meeting point is Klettháls 3, 110 Reykjavík, Iceland. The tour also states that hotel pickup is offered.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

What should I bring?

Warm outdoor clothing, good shoes, snacks for the day, and your camera are recommended. Service animals are allowed. If your booking includes self-drive time, bring your driver’s licence.

What stops are included during the tour?

You visit Seljalandsfoss, Stakkholtsgjá, and the Eyjafjallajökull volcano area. The listed stop times are about 30 minutes at Seljalandsfoss, about 1 hour at Stakkholtsgjá, and about 1 hour at Eyjafjallajökull.

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 8:30 am.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

When will I receive confirmation after booking?

Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

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