Iceland in a nutshell, Borgarfjordur, Husafell, Lava waterfall, glacier. 1
Iceland in a nutshell, Borgarfjordur, Husafell, Lava waterfall, glacier. 2
Iceland in a nutshell, Borgarfjordur, Husafell, Lava waterfall, glacier. 3
Iceland in a nutshell, Borgarfjordur, Husafell, Lava waterfall, glacier. 4
Iceland in a nutshell, Borgarfjordur, Husafell, Lava waterfall, glacier. 5
Iceland in a nutshell, Borgarfjordur, Husafell, Lava waterfall, glacier. 6
Iceland in a nutshell, Borgarfjordur, Husafell, Lava waterfall, glacier. 7
Iceland in a nutshell, Borgarfjordur, Husafell, Lava waterfall, glacier. 8
Iceland in a nutshell
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Iceland in a nutshell, Borgarfjordur, Husafell, Lava waterfall, glacier.

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Reykjavík, Iceland
Private Car ToursAdventure ToursDay Trips & ExcursionsNature ToursPhotography Tours
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About this activity

Experience Iceland's most dramatic landscapes in one immersive 9-hour private jeep tour from Reykjavik. This signature journey combines glacial highlands, cascading lava waterfalls, geothermal wonders, and Viking heritage in a carefully curated route through Borgarfjörður.

“The Nutshell” is Mountain Taxi’s signature day trip special and a perennial favourite of our guests. A morning drive from Reykjavik in our Mountain Taxi Super jeep brings us to Kaldidalur or "Cold Valley". On our right lies the western side of the massive, nearly 1.000 square kilometer large Langjökull glacier, resting on a torn and twisted volcanic base. Depending on time of year, weather and conditions, your expert driver may use his super jeep's extreme abilities to climb the glacial slopes of Langjökull. An opportunity for cold, personal contact with nature's icy element. We drive from the glacier, through Húsafell to Hraunfossar waterfalls, dropping straight out of lava cliff faces into the glacial river Hvítá. From nature to culture, we visit the historic site of Reykholt, home of Iceland’s legendary chieftain and writer Snorri Sturluson. Here, he wrote some of the greatest Sagas of the Icelanders, brilliant literature also preserving the culture and history of the Viking Age to our day. See Iceland's oldest man-made structure, Snorri Sturlusons 13th century hot tub. Nearby is Deildartunguhver, the most productive hot spring in the Northern Hemisphere and a source of much of western Iceland’s heating needs. Our day wraps up in Reykjavik, taking in the scenic and historic Hvalfjörður fjord on the way.

Highlights

  • Drive across Kaldidalur (Cold Valley) with views of the vast Langjökull glacier and volcanic terrain
  • Optional glacier ascent on Langjökull's slopes using a high-capability Super Jeep
  • Witness Hraunfossar waterfalls plunging directly from lava cliffs into glacial river
  • Visit Reykholt, the medieval home of Iceland's greatest saga writer Snorri Sturluson
  • See Iceland's oldest structure: Snorri's 13th-century thermal bath (hot pot)
  • Stop at Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring, still heating western Iceland

Insider tips

  • The glacier ascent depends on weather and road conditions—ask your driver about daily feasibility when booking
  • Wear waterproof layers and sturdy hiking boots; you'll encounter wind, spray from waterfalls, and potentially muddy terrain
  • Request a morning pickup to maximise daylight for photography, especially if targeting glacier and waterfall shots
  • The fjord drive back to Reykjavik at day's end offers stunning sunset potential—position yourself on the driver's side for best views

Good to know

  • Private Super Jeep transport accommodates small groups; confirm passenger count when booking
  • 9-hour duration includes all stops and driving time—start early morning from Reykjavik
  • Bring warm, waterproof outerwear, gloves, and hiking boots; geothermal areas and glacier exposure require substantial layering
  • Lunch not included; pack snacks or request guidance on eating options in Húsafell village
  • Glacier ascent is weather-dependent and may be skipped; no refund adjustment if conditions prevent this activity

Who it's for

Adventure seekers and outdoor photographers wanting diverse Icelandic scenery in one dayCouples and small groups prioritising private, flexible exploration over large tour groupsHistory enthusiasts interested in Viking sagas and medieval Icelandic cultureTravellers with limited time in Iceland seeking a comprehensive regional overview

Best time to visit

Late spring through early autumn (May–September) offers the most stable weather and passable highland roads, with extended daylight extending into evening. Winter (November–March) may restrict glacier access due to snow and ice, though tours operate year-round depending on conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Available
From€1,430
per person