Join us on a classic Iceland 4x4 tour to Kaldidalur, Langjökull Glacier, Lava Caves, Hot Springs and Waterfalls.

Enjoy an amazing tour through a landscape of extreme contrasts, full of history and geology. We begin our Essential Iceland tour in Þingvellir National Park, the site of the ancient Viking parliament, dating back to the 10th century. This national park is not only the site where the Icelandic Parliament was formed, but also where the American and European tectonic plates meet, making it a hotbed for geothermal activity.

From there we drive up through the barren mountain pass of Kaldidalur to the Langjökull glacier for an unforgettable discovery of this enormous ice mountain. Langjökull is the second largest glacier in Iceland with the highest peak reaching 1,360 meters or 4,460 ft. There are two or more volcanic systems within the glacier which have created lava fields in the past.

We continue to one of these lava fields, Hallmundarhraun, to explore Surtshellir, one of Iceland's biggest and most spectacular lava caves. This lava cave is around a mile long and is named after Sutr, a fire giant in Norse mythology. In the 10^th century this cave was used as a hideout for the thieves who stole livestock from the farmers. Surtshellir is a place of great superstition for locals who believe it is haunted by ghosts.

After caving, we visit the unusual waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. These two neighboring waterfalls consist of a series of tiny streams running across lava fields and falling into the Hvita River. We will also have a look at one of the world's largest hot springs, Geysir, before returning to Reykjavík. In winter and spring we might have to alter the itinerary of the Essential Iceland tour due to road conditions.

This Essential Iceland tour will give you a personal experience of the natural, awe-inspiring landscapes of this great country. You will be escorted to all of these locations in the comfort and safety of a specially equipped 4x4-driving through the mountains and glaciers of Iceland in a Super Jeep is an adventure you will never forget.

Note: The name Þingvellir is often written as Pingvellir or Thingvellir.

Languages: English (French, Scandinavian or German upon request).

Read an article in Luxury Experience from a tour in late September 2009, in 4x4 Tout Terrain Magazine and most recently in News of the World.

Departures: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 8.30.
Other departures upon request, minimum of 4 passengers.

Included : Driver/tour guide, helmets and headlamps (for caving).
Excluded : Lunch (we highly recommend bringing lunch)
Note : Bring warm clothes and good shoes.
Duration : 9-11 hours
Meeting Point : Participants are picked up at their accomodation at 8:30.

Itinerary

Departures: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 8.30.

Other departures upon request with a minimum of 4 passengers by contacting icelandrovers@icelandrovers.is.

- Start off in Thingvell National Park
- Drive through the Kaldidalur Mountain Pass
- Explore the Langjokull Glacier
- Drive to Hallmundarhraun to see the Surtshellir lava cave
- Move on to Hraunfossar and Barnfoss waterfalls & Geysir>
- Return to Reykjavik

Note:   In winter and spring we might have to alter the itinerary due to road conditions.