Iceland in a Nutshell: Glaciers, Lava Waterfalls and Viking History from Reykjavik
A full-day private super jeep journey through Borgarfjordur, Husafell, and the Kaldidalur highland corridor
This Iceland in a Nutshell private day tour packs glacial terrain, volcanic waterfalls, medieval heritage sites, and geothermal wonders into a single nine-hour circuit departing from Reykjavik. Designed as Mountain Taxi's signature experience, it covers highlights that many visitors spread across multiple days. A purpose-built super jeep and an expert driver-guide make every stretch of the route accessible regardless of seasonal conditions.
The route heads north from the capital through Hvalfjordur fjord, a scenic coastal passage steeped in wartime and whaling history, before ascending into Kaldidalur, the Cold Valley that separates the Ok and Langjokull volcanic systems. At this elevation the western flanks of Langjokull glacier come into full view, and depending on conditions your driver may take the vehicle onto the ice itself for a direct encounter with Iceland's second-largest ice cap.
Descending toward Husafell, the tour reaches Hraunfossar, a series of springs that seep directly from a lava field and cascade into the glacial river Hvita without a single visible source stream. The visual effect is unlike any conventional waterfall in Iceland. Nearby, the medieval manor of Reykholt preserves the restored hot pool of Snorri Sturluson, the 13th-century chieftain who wrote the Prose Edda and codified much of Norse mythology in written form.
The final cultural stop is Deildartunguhver, the highest-flow hot spring in the Northern Hemisphere, which pumps superheated water directly into the district heating network of western Iceland. The return leg follows the Hvalfjordur coastal road back into Reykjavik, closing the loop on a journey that spans ice, lava, saga literature, and live geothermal activity within a single day.
Tour Highlights
Drive onto the slopes of Langjokull, Iceland's second-largest glacier, aboard a high-clearance super jeep when conditions allow.
Witness Hraunfossar, a lava waterfall where glacial meltwater emerges directly from porous rock and drops into the Hvita river.
Visit Reykholt and see Snorralaug, the 13th-century stone hot tub used by saga writer Snorri Sturluson, Iceland's oldest surviving man-made structure.
Stand beside Deildartunguhver, the most productive hot spring in the Northern Hemisphere, producing 180 liters of boiling water per second.
Travel through Kaldidalur, a remote highland valley road flanked by volcanic ridges and glacial tongues rarely seen on standard ring-road itineraries.
The entire journey is conducted in a private super jeep, giving your group exclusive access to terrain beyond the reach of conventional vehicles.
Hear the living context of the Norse sagas at the very sites where they were composed, connecting Viking Age literature to the landscape that inspired it.
Itinerary
Your private super jeep departs Reykjavik and follows the coastal road around Hvalfjordur, a deep fjord that served as a Allied naval anchorage during the Second World War. The drive itself sets the scenic tone before the highland interior begins.
The route climbs into Kaldidalur, the Cold Valley, where the western margin of Langjokull glacier dominates the eastern skyline. Depending on season and surface conditions, your driver may ascend onto the glacial slopes for a close encounter with the ice cap.
Descending from the glacier, the tour passes through the forested Husafell area before reaching Hraunfossar, where spring water filters through a lava field and emerges along a 900-meter cliff face above the Hvita river. Barnafoss, a narrow gorge waterfall immediately upstream, is also visited.
The medieval estate of Reykholt preserves Snorralaug, a circular stone pool fed by a geothermal conduit, where Snorri Sturluson bathed in the early 13th century. The site also houses a cultural center dedicated to his literary legacy and the Icelandic saga tradition.
A short drive from Reykholt, Deildartunguhver produces more hot water per second than any other spring in the Northern Hemisphere. The site supplies district heating to the towns of Borgarnes and Akranes via a long-distance pipeline, illustrating Iceland's direct dependence on geothermal energy.
The return journey retraces the coastal arc of Hvalfjordur, offering a second perspective on the fjord in different light conditions. The tour concludes with drop-off in Reykjavik.
What Is Included
Included
- Private super jeep with expert driver-guide
- All fuel and transportation throughout the day
- Stops at Langjokull glacier (conditions permitting)
- Guided visit to Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls
- Stop at Reykholt historic site and Snorralaug
- Visit to Deildartunguhver hot spring
- Scenic Hvalfjordur coastal drive both ways
Not Included
- Food and beverages
- Personal travel insurance
- Entry fees to any museums or paid attractions
- Gratuities for the guide
- Glacier activities requiring specialist equipment
Important Information
Reserve Your Private Iceland Day Tour
Secure your place on this private super jeep journey through glaciers, lava fields, and saga country. Availability is limited by the private nature of the experience.
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