4-Day South Iceland Super Jeep Tour with Northern Lights Hunting & Transfers from Reykjavik

To kick off the second day of your South Iceland adventure, you’ll go deep into the Thorsmork Nature Reserve to see some of the country’s most breathtaking sights.

The Thorsmork Nature Reserve is nestled between three glaciers: Myrdalsjokull, Tindfjallajokull, and Eyjafjallajokull, which you will visit today. This remote valley is a paradise for hikers, offering dramatic landscapes filled with deep canyons, braided rivers, and moss-covered mountains.

Reaching Thorsmork is an adventure in itself, as the journey requires crossing unbridged glacial rivers while riding a super jeep. Once there, you’ll find a network of scenic trails, including Valahnukur, a short but rewarding hike with panoramic views of the entire valley.

The Thorsmork Nature Reserve is a key stop along the Laugavegur and Fimmvorduhals hiking routes, two of Iceland’s most famous multi-day treks.

Despite its rugged nature, the Thorsmork Nature Reserve has birch forests, wildflowers, and hidden waterfalls. The contrast of black volcanic sands and vibrant green hills creates a striking landscape that feels almost otherworldly. However, please note that in winter, parts of the landscape may be covered in snow.

Another highlight of your second day is a trip to the infamous Eyjafjallajokull glacier volcano. In 2010, the Eyjafjallajokull volcano erupted, disrupting air travel across Europe. This glacier-capped volcano rises to 5,427 feet (1,651 meters) and sits above an active volcanic system, making it one of the most distinguishing features of Iceland’s South Coast.

The journey to Eyjafjallajokull begins on rough gravel roads before you ascend on steep slopes. Here, the landscape shifts from moss-covered lava fields to vast stretches of ice and snow. As you climb higher, the panoramic views reveal the black sand plains of the south coast, the Westman Islands in the distance, and nearby glaciers like Myrdalsjokull.

Please note that visiting Eyjafjallajokull is weather-dependent. Your trip here may be altered if conditions are not favorable.

To cap off another thrilling day, you’ll head to Hotel Ranga for a fancy three-course meal before returning to your cabin for the night.

Your third day in South Iceland will revolve around the mighty Vatnajokull glacier. Your guide will again pick you up from your cabin and take you toward Iceland’s and Europe’s largest glacier.

Spanning about 3,100 square miles (8,000 square kilometers), the Vatnajokull glacier covers about 14% of Iceland’s total landmass. This massive ice cap dominates the landscape of Southeast Iceland and feeds many of the country’s most spectacular natural attractions, including Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

The glacier plays a crucial role in shaping Iceland’s landscape, feeding powerful rivers and waterfalls such as Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. It is no surprise that the glacier is the main feature of the Vatnajokull National Park.

Interestingly, massive icebergs drift across the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. Jokulsarlon is fed by Breidamerkurjokull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajokull. As chunks of ice break off the glacier, they float through the lagoon before reaching the Atlantic Ocean.

One fascinating thing about the ice formations is that they are ever-changing. They also range from bright white to deep blue, creating a visual treat for visitors. In addition, the lagoon’s peaceful, mirror-like waters reflect the surrounding mountains and sky.

You’ll also visit the neighboring Diamond Beach, where ice fragments wash up on the black sand. Diamond Beach gets its name from the glistening ice chunks that wash ashore, resembling scattered diamonds against the dark volcanic sand. No two visits to Diamond Beach are the same, as the ice formations’ size, shape, and color shift with the tides and weather. 

In winter, snow and ice add to the dramatic scenery, while in other seasons, the contrast between the black sand and bright ice is equally striking.

After spending the day in Vatnajokull National Park, you’ll head to the village Vik for a three-course menu at the Icelandair Hotel before returning to your cabin.

On the final day of your four-day adventure featuring South Iceland’s highlights, you’ll take on the country’s most famous sightseeing route: the Golden Circle.  

Located near Reykjavik, the Golden Circle is a 186-mile (300-kilometer) loop showcasing Iceland’s incredible landscapes and geological wonders. The Golden Circle features three main attractions: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and the Gullfoss waterfall.

Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Iceland’s most historically and geologically significant locations. The park sits in a rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates slowly drift apart. Thingvellir is one of the few places on Earth where you can walk or snorkel between two continents.

Historically, Thingvellir National Park is the site of Iceland’s first parliament, the Althingi, established in 930 AD. Here, you can see the remnants of ancient meeting areas and historical landmarks.

Next, you’ll head to Haukadalur valley to visit the Geysir geothermal area, home to bubbling mud pots, hissing fumaroles, and geysers that erupt with boiling water. The most famous of these is Strokkur, which erupts every five to 10 minutes, sending water up to 98 feet (30 meters) into the air.

Another is the Great Geysir, the namesake of all geysers worldwide. Though largely inactive, the Great Geysir was once known for its powerful eruptions, reaching up to 260 feet (80 meters).

To better appreciate the area’s unique beauty, wooden walkways let you safely wander through the steaming landscape. Additionally, a nearby visitor center provides insight into the geothermal forces at work beneath the surface.

Your final stop at the Golden Circle is Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls. Gulfoss’ name means “Golden Falls,” and on sunny days, the mist rising from the cascades creates stunning rainbows over the canyon. 

Gullfoss waterfall’s total drop is about 105 feet (32 meters), and you can view the falls from several vantage points, with walking paths leading to viewpoints that bring you incredibly close to the roaring water.

During this four-day adventure, you can schedule a northern light tour. Your guide will take you to a spot where the chances of witnessing the aurora borealis are high.

At the end of the day, you’ll head to Reykjavik to see how the locals spend their time in the country’s capital. You’ll visit interesting shops and immerse yourself in Reykjavik’s charm and culture.