When is the best time of year to travel to Iceland?
To live in Iceland you must learn to love all seasons! However, we suggest summer and winter. Summer boasts the midnight sun and the best access to many parts of the interior, including Landmannalaugar, Porsmork, the black sand beaches of South Iceland and the incredible Westfjords. Summer is also fishing season for trout and salmon. You can still take a snowmobiling trip in the summer, however, as well as other activities.
Winter in Iceland brings views of the Northern Lights, incredible snow covered landscapes, and of course, snowmobiling on the glacier! The best winter months are January, February and March.
What is the weather in Iceland like?
The weather in Iceland is unpredictable. Layers are important. Although we will be traveling in the comfort of one of our Super Jeeps, the weather outside can be variable and we will be visiting mountainous and exposed areas. To enjoy your trip to the fullest, we recommend you bring suitable warm clothing and sturdy footwear. Insulated suits for snowmobiling will be provided. While we undertake tours in all weather, some routes may be inaccessible during very poor weather. Activities such as snowmobiling depend on snow conditions. We may therefore have to adjust our activities accordingly. We will discuss options with you and issue a refund if scheduled activities are cancelled.
What are the Highlands?
The Icelandic Highlands cover much of the interior of Iceland. Largely uninhabitable, the Highlands are made up of volcanic desert, and numerous glaciers including Vatnajökull, Langjökull and Hofsjökull. Some of the most incredible and interesting parts of Iceland are to be found in the Highlands, such as Landmannalaugar and the region around Askja and Herðubreið.
What makes the Highlands so special?
The Highlands were for some time all but inaccessible to Icelanders. Folklore tells stories of outlaws who hid for years at a time in the highlands, rustling sheep and staying warm by the heat of geothermal hot pools, as well of tales of supernatural beings who lay in wait in the Highlands. Travels across the interior were never undertaken lightly; such endeavours were always dangerous.
Today the interior is traversed by mountain roads open only in summer. Most highland routes involve crossing rivers and the center of the island with its rocky deserts, jagged mountain peaks, ice caps, volcanoes, hidden valleys and hot springs. In the geothermal area of Landmannalaugar, the earth is painted with rhyolite colouring the mountains yellows, green and red with swaths of shiny black obsidian. Volcanic caves, huge calderas and craters also speckle the interior. History, folklore, incredible scenery and natural wonders combine to make the Highlands a very special place to both Icelanders and travellers.
Why do I need a Jeep to access them?
Iceland has one main road, the Ring Road that circles the country’s coastline. The Icelandic Highlands are in the interior, accessible only by a system of rugged jeep paths. The phenomenon of the Icelandic Super Jeep was a response to our desire to spend time in the Highlands, and the need for specially equipped vehicles that can handle the difficult terrain. Unless you are planning a trek, areas like Porsmork, Landmannalaugar, and other parts of the interior are accessible only by specially outfitted jeeps.
Can I rent a jeep and drive myself?
Something you may hear when renting a car in Iceland: “You rent it, you buy it!” Driving in the interior means navigating deep and sometimes unannounced rivers, boulders and very rugged jeep paths. You are able to rent a jeep or even a super jeep to drive into the interior on your own; however, we do not recommend it. Our drivers are highly skilled guides, well equipped to deal with any mechanical issues should they arise, and we have the local knowledge to get you to the best spots for a dip in a hot pool, hiking, fishing and incredible scenery.
Who goes on your Expeditions?
Families, groups of friends or colleagues. Mountain Taxi groups range in age from 8 to 80. Because our expeditions are 100% customizable, and because our itineraries flexible, we can create a trip for the avid hiker or for the casual walker. Basically, we’ll take anyone who wants to see, hear and smell all that Iceland has to offer!
What kinds of accommodations are available?
Our expeditions are all custom-tailored to every group’s needs. Accommodation options range from basic mountain huts to comfortable guesthouses to luxury hotels.
Emergencies?
All of our vehicles are equipped with GSM and VHF communications so that emergency assistance can be sought quickly if necessary. Helicopter medivac is available in Iceland and can be summoned in the case of emergency.
What about small children?
Small children are welcome to join our tours provided that they are accompanied by an adult at all times. Please let us know in advance if your party will include children so that we can provide child seats if necessary. To maximize the enjoyment of all of our customers, parties with small children may prefer to book a private vehicle or arrange to travel with other family groups.
Can Mountain Taxi accommodate guests with special needs?
We welcome guests who have special needs. Please be aware that outdoor activities may be restricted for guests with disabilities; however, they will nonetheless be fully able to enjoy a wonderful tour and the beauty of Icelandic nature from the comfort of our vehicles.
Does Mountain Taxi work with Travel Agents?
Yes. Mountain Taxi values our relationship with the Travel Agent community. We offer standard commission rates. Please contact us directly with any questions.
Does Mountain Taxi work with corporate groups or meeting planners?
Yes. Mountain Taxi has been planning and orchestrating corporate and incentive trips for 16 years. We offer destination management services to meeting planners and have accommodated groups of up to 100 guests.