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Laki Craters by Super Jeep: A Highland Day Tour

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Laki Craters by Super Jeep: A Highland Day Tour

New Tour

Hike the Crater Rims, Then Wander to Fagrifoss and Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Operated by our trusted partner

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White secret Island super jeep, parked by Laki Crater with tourists exploring around area.

Laki Crater aerial view of landscape in Iceland.

Bright green moss covered mountain terrain in Laki crater area.

Close up view of white Secret Island super jeep.

Close up view of Laki crater lake with turquoise waters.

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Overview

Not many tours get this far into Iceland's interior. A Super Jeep carries you into the Highlands to Lakagígar, a long row of craters left by the Skaftáreldar eruption of 1783 to 1784, one of the greatest eruptions in Iceland's history. The day is built around getting out and walking the crater rims and moss-covered lava, with a local driver-guide who knows both the ground and the story behind it.

Reaching it means fording four unbridged rivers on a rough Highland track, which is exactly why you travel by Super Jeep and leave the driving to someone who knows the route. Along the way you stop at Fagrifoss, a remote waterfall most people never see, and finish at Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon before the drive back. Groups stay small, up to twelve, so the quiet stays with you.

Small Group Experience

• More attention from your guide

Expert Guides

• Deep local knowledge

Highlights

Ride a Super Jeep deep into the Highlands
Walk the Lakagígar crater row
Hike to the summit of Mount Laki (optional)
Visit Tjarnargígur, a water-filled crater
Stop at Fagrifoss waterfall
Follow the rim of Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon

Included

Pickup and drop-off in Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Super Jeep transport for the full route
Expert local English-speaking driver-guide
5 hours of guided stops and hiking
Restrooms at all main stops

What to bring

Food and drinks for the day
Warm layers and a waterproof outer layer
Sturdy hiking shoes or boots
Camera

Tour Snapshot

Availability June–September

Duration ~8 hours

Level Easy Suitable for most people in fair condition.

Minimum age No minimum age

Ratio 1:12 Guide to client ratio

Meet on Location No

Pickup Yes

Departs From Kirkjubæjarklaustur

From

311

Per

Adult

No Booking Fees
Fast & Secure Payment

From

311

Per Adult

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Itinerary

Pickup starts about 30 minutes before departure from Kirkjubæjarklaustur, and you set off north on the F206 mountain road toward Laki. You reach the crater area around 10:30 AM, then loop back to town for drop-off around 5:00 PM.

LAKAGÍGAR CRATERS AND MOUNT LAKI

The craters are the centerpiece. When they erupted, they poured out about 12 km³ (2.9 mi³) of lava, enough to bury a large area of the lowlands and reshape life throughout Iceland. The toxic haze that followed became known as the Móðuharðindin, the mist hardships. You’ll get about 2.5 hours here. Hike to the top of Mount Laki for a view along the whole row toward the Vatnajökull ice cap, or take the shorter trail into a crater beside it. If you'd rather not climb, your driver-guide can take you up to a nearby viewpoint instead. A ranger station and picnic tables are on site.

TJARNARGÍGUR “Pond Crater”

A short drive brings you to Tjarnargígur, a crater holding a pool of water, with a viewing platform on the rim. From here you can take a longer walk down inside on steep lava steps over uneven ground, about an hour round trip. If that's not for you, stay up at the platform, wander into an easier crater nearby, or wait in the Super Jeep. Restrooms and picnic tables are here as well.

FAGRIFOSS Waterfall

After the track closes the circle around Lakagígar, the tour pauses at Fagrifoss, the scenic waterfall on the Geirlandsá river. You have around 20 to 30 minutes for the short walk to the falls before the last stretch.

FJAÐRÁRGLJÚFUR Canyon

The final stop is Fjaðrárgljúfur, a gorge up to about 100 meters (330 feet) deep. The Fjaðrá river cut it into soft palagonite rock at the end of the last Ice Age, around 9,000 years ago. You’ll walk the marked path along the top edge, looking down at the water winding between sheer, moss-draped walls. Stay on the path and behind the fences, since the vegetation and the rim are fragile. From here, it's the drive back to town.

Please Note

Weather in the Highlands changes fast, so dress warmly. Your driver-guide prioritizes safety and may adjust the plan when needed.
Tjarnargígur walk: a steep descent into the crater on uneven lava steps. You can skip it and wait at the parking area, or take the shorter, easier path.
Mount Laki summit hike: optional. Non-climbers can be driven to a nearby viewpoint with a similar outlook.
Not suitable for travelers with limited mobility, given the terrain at Lakagígar and Tjarnargígur.
Route and stops can shift with road and weather conditions.

Important Information

The tour lasts 8 to 9 hours in total, with about 5 hours spent hiking and sightseeing. Available from June 15 to September 15.

Pickup Information

Pickup starts about 30 minutes before departure, from any of these points:

N1 gas station in Kirkjubæjarklaustur, with free parking (main pickup, 8:45 AM to 9:00 AM)
Hótel Laki
Hotel Klaustur
Hótel Geirland
Hotel Magma
Kirkjubæjarklaustur campsite (Kirkjubær II)
Kleifar campsite
Hunkubakkar Guesthouse (8:45 AM to 9:15 AM)
Klausturhof Guesthouse

FAQ

What is a Super Jeep?

A Super Jeep is a highly modified vehicle equipped with 38" to 50" tires and a robust suspension system, uniquely designed to handle Iceland's diverse terrains and conditions. Dive deeper into the world of Super Jeep Tours.

Are Super Jeeps safe?

Yes, Super Jeeps are designed and modified to handle the challenging terrains of Iceland, ensuring safety during tours. For a secure adventure, check out our Super Jeep Tours.

Can I drink alcohol before or during Arctic Adventures tours?

Before and during activities on the multi-day tours consumption of alcohol is prohibited. If we suspect that a participant is intoxicated, we will prohibit them from joining the activity.

After the activities of the day are finished, you are welcome to have a drink and relax.

Can the itinerary for the tour change?

Your safety is our number one priority! Keeping this in mind, Arctic Adventures reserves the right to adjust the itinerary and/or take different routes depending on conditions. Please read more information in our cancellation policy.

Is there a guide on each Arctic Adventures tour?

Yes, there is a specially trained and certified guide on each of our tours. The only exception to this is for our self-drive tours.

All of our tours are guided in English.

Can the guide advise if I am eligible for rescheduling the tour and/or a refund?

No, our guides are not able to provide information on these matters, but our team will be happy to assist you. We kindly ask that you reach out to our customer care team regarding any questions or concerns.

How are the tours rated in terms of difficulty?

Our tours are split into four different categories that help participants to understand what to expect from the tour. The categories are Easy, Moderate, Challenging and Demanding. Each tour is rated making it easier to find tours that suit you.

For further information about the difficulty ratings and descriptions.

How does carbon offsetting work?

We’ve partnered with the Kolviður Fund in a new carbon offsetting program, which passengers can select to participate in at the time of booking.

The Kolviður Fund is the oldest, most respected carbon offsetting program in Iceland. With your support, one tree will be planted in special Kolviður forests in Iceland to carbon offset your tour with us.

Kolviður forests are strategically planted to absorb the maximum amount of CO2 and the forests are protected for a minimum of 60 years. During their lifetime the trees absorb carbon and store it in their root system, trunk, and branches. Trees also prevent soil erosion and maintain storage of carbon in the soil.