Iceland Travel GuideLOCAL TRAVEL AGENCY IN ICELAND
My trip
Talk to a local
A full-day Fjallabak super jeep tour from Hvolsvöllur into the southern Highlands. You drive to Mælifell, the moss-green cone in a black sand desert, and see crater lakes, canyons and Hekla on the way, in a small group of up to 14.
Fjallabak means 'behind the mountains', and it is the wild country north of Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull. The Highland tracks here have river crossings and open only in summer, so the tour runs from June to September.
The best-known sight is Mælifell, a near-perfect volcanic cone covered in bright green moss, standing alone on a plain of black ash. Around it you see Rauðubotnar crater, Álftavatn lake, the Hvanngil valley and the mountains Hattfell and Laufafell. On the way back you stop at the deep Markarfljótsgljúfur canyon, the Torfahlaup gorge and the horn-shaped Einhyrningur, with views of Hekla.
Most of the day is in the jeep, with short, optional walks at each stop, so it suits most people. The jeeps have steps and the guides help you in and out. It is still the Highlands: weather can turn quickly, even in July, and there are no shops out there, so bring warm layers and food.
The tracks are F-roads with river crossings that rental cars are not insured for. A super jeep with a local guide is the safe way to go.
No. Most of the day is in the jeep, with short, optional walks at the stops.
No, but you can add a lunchbox when you book, or bring your own food.
At the base camp in Hvolsvöllur on the South Coast. You drive there yourself.
No. The Highland tracks are only open in summer, so the tour runs June to September.
Loved this tour. Maelifell is a place I’ll never forget. Guides were excellent, jeep was solid. Some parts had long driving. I think if they added one more rest stop or shorter drives between major scenery points it would’ve been perfect. Still, a 5-star experience all the way.
Nina B.We had an amazing time in Fjallabak. The super jeep makes the tough roads doable, and Maelifell was a highlight. That said, there were bumps and river crossings along the way but I did not find it uncomfortable in the super jeep. some people in our group found them a bit intense but everyone was very happy with the tour. If you’re up for adventure, this is a killer tour.
Scott W.As a photographer, this tour was gold. The lighting, volcanic shapes, the contrast between green Maelifell and black sand, rivers—so many photo ops. Guide was super helpful, letting me stop often for pics. Jeep ride was loud, muddy, exhilarating. Exactly what I wanted.
Zoe C.Got up early, hopped in the super jeep, and off we went. Terrain got rough, river fords, etc. But every time we thought it might get too harsh, the scenery made up for it. Maelifell from distance, then hiking close up made the day. Would maybe recommend only for people used to rough rides.
Mikael J.Fjallabak was stunning. Maelifell looks like a fairy tale cone coming out of golden sand. Jeep handled everything, guide was safe but also fun. My only complaint: some of the drive felt long without enough stops. If you’re ok with long drives, go for it.
LaraThis tour is totally worth it. The off-road parts are bumpy and wild, crossing rivers and driving on black sand, but when we finally saw Maelifell it took my breath away. The lunch stop was peaceful and views amazing. Would do again.
Chris H.I loved the tour to Maelifell. The jeep ride through lava fields and up rugged roads was shaky but so much fun. The views of Maelifell were everything I hoped for—green cone in the mist, surreal. Guide was good, knew the terrain well. Just bring warm clothes—weather changes fast up there.
Emily S.The Fjallabak Super Jeep tour was one of the most amazing experiences of our trip! The trip to the highlands was thrilling and incredibly scenic, with rivers, black sand deserts, and green moss landscapes. Reaching Maelifell volcano was the best part of the trip. Our guide made the adventure fun and full of great insights. A must-do for anyone wanting to see the raw highlands of Iceland!
Kellie L. · August 2025We headed on this journey to the highlands of Iceland and were hoping that we would be able to spot Maelifell on a beautiful day. The day exceeded our expectations! The weather was beautiful and we were able to visit Maelifell and many other magnificent spots that I have never heard of or seen online. The guide was the best and took us to some hidden gems along the way. This is definitely a day we will never forget - thank you Mikael for an amazing day!
Alexandra · August 2025This tour was the highlight of our entire Iceland trip! The Fjallabak Nature Reserve is truly a hidden gem – vast black sand deserts, emerald mossy hills, glacial rivers, and colorful rhyolite mountains. Our Super Jeep guide took us to places we never would’ve reached on our own. It felt like stepping into another world. If you only have time for one adventure in Iceland, make it this one!
Emily T. · May 2025Il tour di Mælifell e Fjallabak in Super Jeep è stato un’esperienza straordinaria! I paesaggi sono mozzafiato, dai vulcani alle vallate colorate. Guidare attraverso i fiumi e i terreni lavici è stato emozionante e unico. La guida era esperta e ci ha raccontato tante curiosità sulla zona. Ideale per chi ama la natura e l'avventura. Lo rifarei senza esitazione!
Giovanni R. · January 2025Most unique landscape I have ever seen. We thoroughly enjoyed all the
locations but Maelifell Volcano Mountain was the best in my opinion.
Would do this tour again so I can definitely recommend it if you are
traveling to Iceland during summer.
