Journey Through Iceland’s Most Striking Landscapes with Lilja Tours

2026-02-05 - 09:08

This article is brought to you in partnership with Lilja Tours Iceland is famous for its volcanoes, which have shaped both the landscape and today’s tourism industry. Since Eyjafjallajökull volcano erupted in 2010, Iceland’s tourism scene has grown year on year. From the ever-popular Golden Circle to niche experiences like the Reykjavík Music Walk, visitors are spoilt for choice. Yet quantity does not always equal quality. During peak season, it’s easy to find yourself squeezed into an overcrowded bus, following a tight schedule dictated more by logistics than by wonder. Large-group tours do have their advantages. They are cheaper, sociable, and there’s always someone behind you to point out the glove you’ve accidentally dropped. Tourists at the popular Reynisfjara beach, South Iceland. Photo: Golli. Still, the drawbacks are hard to ignore. Picture a brief stop at a lonely petrol station in the middle of a lava field... suddenly half the bus needs the toilet, queues form instantly, and the itinerary slips further out of reach. Private tours, typically around 30% more expensive than standard options, offer something invaluable in return: freedom. Flexibility. Space to breathe. And most importantly, the chance to experience Iceland at your own pace rather than rushing from one checkbox to the next. A Personal Take on Iceland Founded in 2021, Lilja Tours embraces this philosophy wholeheartedly. While the company doesn’t shy away from Iceland’s classic highlights, including the Golden Circle sightseeing route, Northern Lights hunting, whale watching, and puffin photography, it approaches them differently than other operators. Each tour is designed to go deeper, offering a more authentic and personal experience of the island. Despite their modest size, Lilja Tours operates more than twenty distinct itineraries, including day trips, multi-day journeys, and fully private adventures. The company is run by co-owners Julien and Philippe, who also serve as the lead guides. Photo: Lilja Tours. “We only provide tailor-made tours,” explains Julien. “As a two-person agency, we take a very hands-on approach. When our guests arrive in Iceland and meet their private guide, they already feel like they know us.” Most tours are capped at six participants, ensuring a relaxed pace and an individual approach, though larger groups can also be accommodated when needed. Travelling in Comfort Photo: Lilja Tours. Comfort is central to the Lilja Tours experience. The fleet includes meticulously maintained premium vehicles: Mercedes V-Class vans for groups of up to six, and Toyota Land Cruisers for smaller, more adventurous outings. The Mercedes V-Class, with its leather seating and individual climate control, is ideal for paved-road journeys such as the Golden Circle or South Coast. For rougher terrain, the Toyota Land Cruiser (with its powerful engine and 33-inch tires) is built to confidently handle river crossings, volcanic ash fields, and remote mountain tracks. Few things compare to watching Iceland’s raw landscapes unfold from the warmth of a spacious, cosy vehicle. Journeys, Experiences, and Stories Laugarás Lagoon. Photo: Lilja Tours. Lilja Tours offers a wide variety of experiences; day tours, multi-day journeys, and immersive experiences. Whichever option you choose, your journey will be anything but standard. Take the iconic Golden Circle, for example. Alongside the usual sights, Lilja Tours includes stops at Laugarás Lagoon, a serene wellness retreat, and Efstidalur dairy farm, where visitors are rewarded with ice cream made from the farm’s own cows. Fresh lava field. Photo: Lilja Tours. The company also offers thematic tours focused on specific regions or natural features. For instance, Colours of Reykjanes explores the geologically dramatic southwest peninsula, weaving together stories of the 2021 Fagradalsfjall eruption, walks around the Stampar volcanic craters, and the vividly coloured mineral deposits of the Seltún hot springs. Then there is Landmannalaugar, a dream destination for many. Available from June to September, this Highland tour reveals a painter’s palette of rugged rhyolite mountains, turquoise crater lakes, and steaming slopes. Guests can choose hikes of varying difficulty, with highlights including the Ljótipollur crater lake and the hauntingly beautiful Sigöldugljúfur, otherwise known as the Valley of Tears. The Precious Silver Circle Definitely a typical Icelandic landscape. Glacier, volcano and lava field. Photo: Lilja Tours. Another standout offering is the Silver Circle, which is described by Lilja Tours as “West Iceland’s answer to the Golden Circle.” This route winds through the Borgarfjörður region, around 100 kilometres north of Reykjavík. While the drive itself takes about four hours, most travellers opt for a full-day or overnight journey to fully appreciate the area. Accessible year-round via paved roads, the Silver Circle passes through landscapes shaped by volcanic forces, glacial rivers, and centuries of settlement. Mountains and glaciers dominate the horizon, their shimmering peaks lending the route its precious name. More Than Tours At Lilja Tours, journeys also mean premium chauffeur services across Iceland. Whether arriving at Keflavík Airport, disembarking at Reykjavík’s cruise harbour, or travelling to a remote countryside hotel, guests can expect a seamless and memorable ride. For those craving something extraordinary, the company offers a wealth of unforgettable experiences, from private helicopter tours and overnight glacier stays to culinary adventures inside ancient caves. These offerings are just a glimpse into the bold imagination of this energetic and passionate tour operator. With Lilja Tours, Iceland isn’t just something you see—it’s something you experience, one colour at a time. What Visitors Are Saying Photo: Lilja Tours. The reviews for Lilja Tours on Google and TripAdvisor are brimming with positive feedback from satisfied customers. Here are a few of the latest comments: We had Julien from Lilja tours for four days as our guide for the private tour. Very easy to communicate, helped customize the details of the tours and was affordable. Julien was very professional, knowledgeable, friendly and punctual (Leo Malkin). Another visitor, Natalie F, who joined the Golden Circle tour, also mentioned the team’s time-management skills along with other accomplishments. Our guide Julien was so informative and knowledgeable. The transport was comfortable, and the views were amazing. The schedule was well-paced with enough breaks, and the food at the farm was delicious. I accidentally left my jacket at the restaurant, but Julien handled it so well that I got it back without affecting the trip. The lava tunnel was beautiful, and I learned a lot! Highly recommend everyone to book it with them directly! (Natalie F) Final Thoughts Photo: Lilja Tours. Icelandic tourism can be likened to a relentless wave of eruptions, with local operators acting as the flowing lava streams that shape the experience. While the market is flooded with numerous tour companies, Lilja Tours stands out through its deep passion for Iceland, meticulous attention to detail, and genuine understanding of its clients. Their commitment to sharing the beauty and spirit of nature is what truly sets them apart—an approach that undeniably defines their success.