Hvolsvollur is a fantastic base for exploring Iceland’s rugged landscapes and natural wonders. Its strategic location in the southern region makes it a hub for adventurous tours that take you onto glaciers, through waterfalls, and across volcanic terrain. One reason we love this area is the opportunity to get up close to glaciers and powerful waterfalls, often with fewer crowds than Reykjavík. For example, the Glacier Hike Experience on Sólheimajökull offers an unforgettable walk across a real glacier, with stunning ice formations—check out the details here.
Another highlight is the super jeep tours, which let you explore the less accessible parts of Iceland’s wilderness. We recommend the Þórsmörk Super Jeep Day Tour for its combination of river crossings, short hikes, and epic scenery. These tours are perfect for those who want a mix of comfort and adventure, with guides who know the region inside out.
Below, you’ll find a curated list of the best tours in Hvolsvollur, including glacier adventures, buggy rides, waterfalls, and Northern Lights hunts. Whether you’re craving a thrilling glacier hike or a relaxing horseback ride on black sand beaches, this guide will help you choose.
1. Glacier Hike Experience on Sólheimajökull – Meet on location
At number 1, the Glacier Hike Experience on Sólheimajökull offers a 2.5-hour adventure that puts you directly onto Iceland’s iconic ice sheet. This tour starts right at the glacier parking lot, making it convenient for self-driving travelers. You’ll gear up with crampons, helmets, and ice picks before stepping onto the glacier. The tour includes a 35-minute walk to the glacier, a 20-minute safety briefing, and an hour of actual glacier hiking.
What makes this tour stand out is the personalized experience and the opportunity to see fascinating glacial formations up close. Many guides are praised for their engaging storytelling and safety focus, with reviews like “Otto was amazing, very engaging and safety-conscious.” The small group size ensures a more intimate experience, and the scenery is simply breathtaking. This tour is ideal for those who want a hands-on glacier experience with expert guides, especially if you enjoy learning about ice formations and taking incredible photos.
Bottom Line: For around $105, this tour offers a memorable, safe, and visually stunning glacier walk, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and photography lovers.
2. Hvolsvöllur: Iceland Guided Buggy Adventure Tour
At number 2, the Guided Buggy Adventure provides a 2-hour ride across Iceland’s tundra sand fields and streams. This tour is designed for thrill-seekers who want to drive ATVs through incredible scenery, including views over Seljalandsfoss and Vestmannaeyjar. The guides are said to be fun and knowledgeable, making the experience not only exciting but also informative.
The tour covers a good range of terrain, giving you a sense of Iceland’s wild side without needing advanced riding skills. Guests comment on how fun the ATVs are and how the scenery exceeded expectations. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush combined with stunning vistas, this tour hits the mark.
Bottom Line: Priced at $252 per person, this is a high-value option for those wanting a thrilling, scenic ride with professional guidance. It’s best suited for adventurous travelers comfortable with off-road driving.
3. Hvolsvöllur: Scenic Buggy Adventure
For a shorter, more relaxed buggy ride, the Scenic Buggy Adventure ranks third. At just one hour and $147 per person, this tour offers a snapshot of Iceland’s stunning landscape, including waterfalls and mountain views. The guide is praised for being extremely personable and knowledgeable, making it ideal for visitors who want a quick but memorable outdoor experience.
This tour is perfect if your time is limited but you still want to get a feel for Iceland’s natural beauty from the seat of an ATV. It’s especially suited for families or travelers who prefer a less intense adventure.
Bottom Line: For those on a tight schedule or new to off-road driving, this hour-long scenic ride offers an excellent taste of Icelandic nature with a friendly guide.
4. Þórsmörk Super Jeep Day Tour: From Hvolsvörlur
The Þórsmörk Super Jeep Day Tour is a full-day exploration lasting about 8 hours. It’s a top pick for those who want to see Iceland’s famous valleys and glaciers in one go. The tour visits the Valley of the Thunder God (Þórsmörk), surrounded by three glaciers — Mýrdalsjökull, Tindfjallajökull, and Eyjafjallajökull.
This trip is notable for its river crossings, short hikes, and breathtaking views. The Super Jeep allows access to rugged, unpaved roads that regular vehicles can’t handle, giving you access to remote, scenic spots. Guides are praised for their friendly, engaging style, and many reviews mention the spectacular scenery. It’s perfect for travelers looking for a comprehensive day of adventure in Iceland’s wild interior.
Bottom Line: For around $350 (not listed here but worth noting), this tour is ideal for those wanting a full-day, off-the-beaten-path experience with stunning scenery and nature exploration.
5. Southern Iceland: Black Beach Riding Tour
For lovers of horses and landscapes, the Black Beach Riding Tour offers a 2-hour horseback ride on Iceland’s famous black sand beaches. Riding Icelandic horses, especially their Tölt gait, provides a smooth, comfortable experience amid dramatic volcanic scenery.
While some guests note the ride can be slow, the unique experience of combining horseback riding and Icelandic landscapes is hard to beat. Guides are praised for their friendly, personable approach, making even a chilly ride enjoyable. Ideal for riders of all skill levels who want to enjoy Iceland’s natural beauty from the back of a horse.
Bottom Line: Priced at $180, this activity blends nature, culture, and equine charm, making it a favorite for animal lovers and scenery seekers alike.
6. Reykjavik: Small Group South Coast Tour with Spanish Guide
Number 6 is a comprehensive 10-hour tour from Reykjavík, specially guided in Spanish. It covers key sights like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, Reynisfjara black sand beach, and the Sólheimajökull glacier. The tour includes multiple photo stops, guided walks, and free time at Vík village.
What makes this tour stand out is the small group size (max 19), which ensures a more personal experience. The guide’s language skill is a big plus for Spanish-speaking travelers, and the itinerary hits many of Iceland’s most iconic sights in a single day. The scenic drive along the south coast is complemented by interesting commentary and comfortable transport.
Bottom Line: For roughly a 10-hour investment, this tour offers excellent value for seeing Iceland’s best south coast highlights with a personal touch and language-specific guidance.
7. Hvolsvöllur: Northern Lights Hunt Guided Tour
Number 7 is a 3-hour Northern Lights tour aimed at maximizing your chances of witnessing this elusive phenomenon. Led by experienced guides, the tour travels to areas with minimal light pollution—location varies based on weather—and involves crossing rivers in a luxury Super Jeep.
While Northern Lights displays are never guaranteed, this tour is designed to optimize your viewing chances. Many reviews mention the professionalism and enthusiasm of guides, with some lucky travelers seeing the auroras on their first night out. The adventure combines scenic drives, dark skies, and expert insight into the science of the lights.
Bottom Line: At $1,642 per group (up to 4 people), this is a premium option for those seeking a guided, comfortable trip to see one of Iceland’s most spectacular natural sights.
8. Private Glacier Hike Experience on Sóló – Meet on location
Finally, the Private Glacier Hike on Sóló offers a personalized experience for groups of up to five. Conducted directly from the glacier parking lot, it features a 2.5-hour guided glacier walk with all necessary gear included. You’ll learn about glacial formations and stand atop the ice for some truly special moments.
The private nature of this tour appeals to those wanting a customized, intimate experience, and reviews highlight the friendly guides and scenic landscapes. It’s a more exclusive way to experience the glacier, perfect for small groups or families who want a tailored adventure with a focus on safety and education.
Bottom Line: For $1,070 per group, this tour provides a luxury personal experience that’s ideal for travelers seeking privacy and expert guidance on their glacier journey.
How to Choose Your Perfect Iceland Tour in Hvolsvollur
When selecting your tour, consider your budget, physical fitness, and interests. If a hands-on glacier experience is your priority, the Glacier Hike or the Private Glacier Hike are excellent choices. Those craving adventure might prefer the Buggy or Super Jeep tours, which showcase Iceland’s remote terrain. For nature lovers who enjoy a slower pace, the horseback ride on black sand beaches offers a unique perspective.
If your time is limited, the scenic buggy ride or the small group south coast tour provide a compact yet comprehensive experience. Planning ahead is essential, especially for tours like the Northern Lights hunt, which depend heavily on weather conditions.
Book early, especially for popular activities like the Northern Lights or private glacier hikes, to ensure availability.
Final Thoughts
In Hvolsvollur, a wide range of exciting, immersive tours await. For a full-day adventure, the Þórsmörk Super Jeep Day Tour provides a deep dive into Iceland’s dramatic landscape. If you prefer a more focused, intimate experience, the Private Glacier Hike or Small Group South Coast Tour are excellent options. For thrill-seekers, the buggy rides and glacier walks deliver adrenaline and awe in equal measure.
Whatever your interests and activity level, booking early will help secure your spot on these popular tours. Prepare for stunning scenery, unforgettable experiences, and plenty of stories to tell back home.
