Jeep Tours in Iceland

Many organized Jeep tours are in "Super Jeeps" designed to ford rivers and drive on snow. Super Jeep tours offer unmatched privacy, comfort, flexibility, and back-road access, but you'll pay for the privilege. (If you're on a budget, be consoled that Iceland's customized buses are pretty tricked-out themselves.)

Note: Super Jeep tour brochures all brag about driving "off-road," but this only means the tours venture to remote locations on difficult roads. Off-road driving is strictly forbidden in Iceland (except on some beaches).

Tour Operators

There are numerous day-long excursions from Reykjavík. Popular destinations include the Golden Circle, Tþjórsárdalur, Mt. Hekla, Tþórsmörk, Landmannalaugar, and Langjökull. Hiking, snowmobiling, sightseeing, and other activities are usually worked into itineraries.

Jeep tour operators near Reykjavík include Iceland Rovers, Mountain Taxi, Mountaineers of Iceland, and Touris. JRJ Super Jeep Tours, Mánatþúfa, Varmahlíð (tel. 453-8219; www.simnet.is/jeppaferdir) is based near Skagafjörður in northwest Iceland, but can also launch tours from the capital. Safaris is ideal for travelers who want to drive Super Jeeps themselves in guided convoys. Otherwise, very little distinguishes the offerings of these companies.