Private Thorsmork & Eyjafjallajokull Day Tour from Reykjavik: An Honest Review

If you are pondering over a trip to Iceland, chances are, you have definitely looked at the majestic landscapes of Thorsmork and the infamous Eyjafjallajokull glacier volcano. Experiencing these natural wonders with some sort of private day tour from Reykjavik might be just the ticket, is that right? Well, I recently had the chance to take a private Thorsmork and Eyjafjallajokull day tour from Reykjavik, and I’m just a bit excited to share my experiences, giving you all the details to help you make up your mind.

Why Choose a Private Tour?

One of the main questions I had before booking any tour was, is that a private tour is really worth it? Opting for some sort of private tour, particularly in an amazing locale such as Iceland, offers a few key advantages, so I’ve found. First off, there’s the aspect of customization. Unlike large group tours that have a fixed schedule, a private tour enables you to adapt the trip to your liking and interests. That means more time at the sights you are fond of and less time wasted on spots that might not grab you as much, and of course more bathroom breaks!

Secondly, there’s a certain amount of intimacy to it. In a smaller setting, you actually get to engage much more closely with your guide, gaining richer insights and having way more chances to ask questions. Lastly, for those who might like some privacy, like your family, or even perhaps just value peace, or maybe the quiet contemplation of natural beauty, then that private tour is simply more comfortable, right? This definitely rings true if you’re traveling with family, as well, or if you are with a group of people of varying interests.

The Allure of Thorsmork and Eyjafjallajokull

Thorsmork, sometimes spelled Þórsmörk (which, by the way, translates to Thor’s Woods), is definitely a stunning natural reserve located in the Icelandic Highlands. This place is actually nestled between some very impressive glaciers – Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull, known for the vast contrasts in scenery. You could see lush green valleys, maybe rugged mountains, and glacial rivers all within the same view, and stuff.

Eyjafjallajokull, that’s a glacier-capped volcano, became very well known because of its eruption in 2010. The ash cloud just brought European air traffic to a standstill! Taking a tour to this area lets you witness, arguably, the force of nature firsthand while seeing the beautiful landscapes that have definitely been shaped by this volcanic activity and glacial activity. The appeal really does lie in the stark, awe-inspiring beauty, so it is hard to find somewhere better.

Booking and Preparation

Booking my private Thorsmork and Eyjafjallajokull tour turned out to be pretty easy. There are a few different tour operators providing this exact type of experience, and you could even compare the itineraries, inclusions, and, most importantly, prices, so you can find one that seems alright. I eventually booked through a well known local agency with a good reputation and positive reviews. Make sure to check for recent reviews to get a clear image of the present service quality, so it would probably be ideal.

As for what to pack, it really is essential to dress in layers. The weather in Iceland is usually unpredictable, or at least it seems to be! Waterproof and windproof outer layers are totally a must. Sturdy hiking boots are super important as you will most likely be walking on uneven terrain. Oh, and do not forget a hat, gloves, and a scarf to guard against the cold, is that right? A camera is also very crucial for capturing all those amazing views, and maybe bring a portable charger so your phone doesn’t run out of juice halfway through the trip. It is nearly always a bad experience when that happens.

The Tour Experience: What to Expect

The tour basically started super early in the morning from Reykjavik. A specialized super jeep, which is mostly crucial for river crossings and driving on rough terrain, picked us up directly from our hotel. That very convenience was definitely one of the main perks of opting for a private tour. From Reykjavik, we headed towards the southern coast, where we got stunning views of Iceland’s countryside. The drive to Thorsmork is just gorgeous in itself, so the tour would probably have still been worthwhile if we stopped at the carpark!

The route involved various river crossings, which definitely added an element of thrill to the whole thing! The specialized jeep handled the water effortlessly, and it really did add to the adventure, so it was just an experience. The landscape shifted dramatically as we actually got closer to Thorsmork, with rugged mountains, glacial valleys, and vast plains appearing just before our eyes.

Hiking in Thorsmork

One of the best things of the tour was some hiking through the Thorsmork Nature Reserve. Our guide knew of a lot of amazing trails that fit various levels of fitness, so everyone could enjoy the experience without too much difficulty. The hikes took us via lush green valleys, across small streams, and up hills giving views of the bordering glaciers.

What really did make it special was, by the way, the fact that we were away from any sort of crowds. Being in a small group allowed us to thoroughly enjoy the calmness of the environment and truly connect with nature. Our guide provided insightful commentary all along the way, so you’d probably pick up a few details about the flora, fauna, and geological history of the area, which made it even better.

Visiting Eyjafjallajokull

The highlight of the tour probably involved getting a closer look at Eyjafjallajokull. We definitely drove to the base of the glacier and even had the option of taking a guided glacier hike, is that right? Equipped with crampons and helmets, we headed out onto the ice with an expert glacier guide, so this might be just the ticket for you if you have never done anything like this!

Walking on the glacier gave a very surreal experience, so much so it is almost spiritual. The stunning views from up there, seeing the surrounding mountains and valleys, are something you cannot really describe with mere words. Knowing we were standing on top of a volcano that altered air travel years before gave another, exciting layer to the adventure. The guide gave some information regarding the volcano’s eruption and its geological impact, which really made it interesting, and stuff like that.

The Guide and the Super Jeep

I’ve mentioned these a bit already, however, both definitely deserve a closer look. A skilled guide will probably turn any tour into something really amazing. Ours was pretty knowledgeable, personable, and eager to share their understanding of Iceland’s history, geology, and culture. They were definitely experts at answering questions, catering to personal needs, and ensuring that everyone felt at ease and safe all through the tour.

The super jeep was absolutely more than just a transport vehicle; it was kind of an integral element of the adventure. Specially equipped to handle Iceland’s harsh terrain, it allowed us to visit places that usually would be inaccessible with normal vehicles. The jeep offered a super smooth ride over rocky paths and rivers, which just contributed to the thrill of the entire trip, is that right?

What Makes This Tour Special?

This private Thorsmork and Eyjafjallajokull day tour really does offer a unique mixture of adventure, stunning natural beauty, and some exclusivity. The option to personalize the itinerary really made the experience all the more special. Being capable of spending more time at some locations, taking detours to lesser-known sights, and setting our own pace created some treasured moments, to be fair.

Moreover, the amount of experience that comes with a private guide offers so much in terms of quality of information and level of care, and cannot be overlooked. The little stories, facts, and individual interest that they offered, truly lifted the tour from basic sightseeing to some unforgettable cultural experience, is that right? The super jeep was definitely more than just a functional vehicle; it was a key element that enabled us to go and experience the remoteness of Iceland’s highlands safely and with some comfort.

Recommendations for Future Travelers

If you are going to book a private Thorsmork and Eyjafjallajokull tour, just keep a few tips at the front of your mind to improve the trip:

• Book in advance: Private tours can definitely be quite popular, most particularly during peak season, so ensure availability via booking early, and stuff.
• Check the weather: Always check the forecast just before you leave and dress appropriately. Weather in the mountains can alter rapidly, you know.
• Communicate your preferences: Contact your tour operator in advance regarding your specific interests and requirements. Which might include the kind of hiking you are capable of or specific landmarks you’re really keen to see, I would suggest.
• Bring snacks and drinks: While a lot of tours provide some refreshments, it is often a smart move to bring extra snacks and water, most especially if you have dietary requirements.
• Charge your camera: Make sure that your camera or smartphone is completely charged so you do not miss capturing those unforgettable moments. You’ll probably never return, very.

Is the Private Tour Worth the Investment?

So, circling back to the main issue: Is that a private Thorsmork and Eyjafjallajokull tour from Reykjavik a worthwhile purchase? From my experiences, I can certainly say that if your inclinations are to want to experience Iceland’s natural wonders up close with some customization, in-depth knowledge, and a bit of privacy, then the answer is very definitely yes.

Even though it comes at a greater price tag compared to your standard group tours, the advantages around customization, individualized attention, and access to some remote spots make it something of an investment. For such as family adventure, a special occasion, or simply satisfying your urge to explore, a private tour such as this would most likely turn into one of the most amazing and amazing bits of your Iceland holiday, really.

Alternative Tours to Thorsmork

Well, there might be other options available. Now, here are a couple that you should definitely know about:

• Group Tours: Most commonly available with tour agencies or Reykjavik Excursions
• Self-Drive Tours: This includes a car rental (4×4 is essential)

What did this day tour include?

Most common features on this type of tour would include these things:

• Pick up and drop off at the Reykjavik hotel or designated location
• Professional tour guide
• Transportation with a super jeep
• Wi-fi connection on board (check before your trip to make sure)

FAQ About the Private Thorsmork and Eyjafjallajokull Tour