National park with geological wonders – Lively geysers – Amazing waterfalls

Today you’ll visit two popular regions of Iceland: the Golden Circle and the South Shore. Start with a visit to the unforgettable Þingvellir National Park, where you can walk between two continents at the Mid-Atlantic ridge. Explore Gullfoss, the “Golden Waterfall”, and the nearby Geysir hot spring area to see the famous Geysir and Strokkur, as well as numerous other hot springs and boiling mud pools. While in the area, take advantage of relaxing in one of the hot spring-fed pools that make Iceland so famous. The Secret Lagoon is a historical swimming pool with an all-natural feel and its own little geyser. The Laugarvatn Fontana steam baths are a local favourite; the natural steam will soothe away your aches and pains, followed by relaxation in a series of hot spring pools.

Drive along the spectacular south coast and view highlights along the way such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. If the skies are clear, you might even have a glimpse of beautiful Mt. Hekla, Iceland’s most frequently erupting volcano. The south coast area offers great opportunities for guided glacier snowmobile or ice hiking tours.

Head to Vík, Iceland’s southernmost village. In the area, you can view the seabird cliff of Dyrhólaey* and the black sand beach of Reynisfjara.

Overnight in the Vík area.

*Please note that Dyrhólaey is closed during nesting season in spring, from around mid-May until June 23rd.

Glacier-rimmed oasis – Iceberg lagoon – Europe’s largest glacier

This morning, if you have time for it, we recommend a hike in magnificent Fjaðrargljúfur, one of the most spectacular canyons in Iceland. (This is a summertime option.) Please be respectful of the fragile nature in this beautiful nature reserve. Stay on the marked paths, both for your safety and to protect delicate vegetation.

Drive over Eldhraun, Iceland’s largest single lava flow, towards southern area of Vatnajökull National Park, named after Europe’s largest glacier. You’ll certainly have this magnificent glacier in view as you follow the route.

Visit the park’s amazing Skaftafell area, a green oasis nestled between glaciers that offers many hiking possibilities.

Continue to the shimmering icebergs of Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, where you can admire the views of the icebergs floating in the cool waters. You might even glimpse a few seals. Nearby is the Diamond Beach, an area of glittering bits of glass-like ice scattered across black sands.

Then head onwards to the charming harbour town of Höfn, also known as the lobster capital of northern Europe. Perhaps you’ll try some of these tasty langoustines for yourself in one of the town’s restaurants.

Overnight in the Höfn area.

Scenic fjords – Legendary lake monster – Iceland’s largest forest

The scenery today will be stunning, so make sure your camera is charged and ready! Drive through the spectacular Eastfjords region with towering mountains and charming fishing villages. On the way, you might visit the quirky egg sculptures in the harbour of charming Djúpivogur village. If you’re doing this trip in the summer and feeling thirsty for a local brew, we recommend a stop at the Beljandi microbrewery in Breiðdalsvík. The brewery was a community project, so you’ll definitely get a feel for local life in the Eastfjords here.

Although many are uninhabited, each fjord has its own grandeur. The natural harbours in the fjords cradle fishing villages that offer a bit of Old-World charm. Some of the unique villages include Fáskrúðsfjörður with its interesting French connection, Reyðarfjörður and its World War II heritage, and Eskifjörður with its historical fishing heritage.

In the Egilsstaðir area, you can visit the beautiful Hallormsstaður, Iceland’s largest forest. It’s near a river reputed to be the home of a friendly sea monster. Perhaps you’ll end the day at Lake Urriðavatn’s Vök Baths, where you can unwind in untouched nature in distinctive floating geothermal pools.

Overnight in the Eastfjords. Overnight in the Egilsstaðir area.

Highland desert – Powerful waterfalls – Bizarre lava formations

Travel across the Möðrudalsöræfi highlands renowned for their stark, untouched beauty towards Dettifoss*, Europe’s mightiest waterfall. Important: Road 864 is a gravel road, and you need to pay attention to warning signs in the area if road conditions are not good for driving. 

Explore the highlights of the Lake Mývatn area, including the colourful slopes of Námaskarð, the mystical volcanic formations at Dimmuborgir, the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir, and the Hverfjall volcanic crater. Perhaps you might relax with a visit to the azure Mývatn Nature Baths, where you can enjoy the soothing waters and the natural steam baths and sauna.

Drive on to Goðafoss, a lovely half circle-shaped waterfall with a connection to Icelandic Vikings. Continue on to Akureyri, the charming “capital” of North Iceland.

*Possible between late May and September. It is not possible to visit Dettifoss between October and April, as the roads to the waterfall are closed for winter travel. We then recommend following scenic Ring Road 1 from Egilsstaðir to Mývatn.

Please Note: The Ring Road route today contains a toll tunnel. More information on the tunnel and fees is here.

Overnight in the Akureyri area.

Fertile farmlands – Folk museum – Viking horses

Start your day of amazing experiences with an optional visit to the geothermal Skógarböð (The Forest Lagoon). Located in a pretty forest just outside Akureyri, Skógarböð will refresh your senses with soothing geothermal water and an inspiring view of flat-topped mountains and Eyjafjörður fjord.

Travel to the horse-breeding valley of Skagafjörður fjord. If you are a history buff, we suggest a stop at the manor farm of Glaumbær. This is a turf home that dates to the 18th century. Visiting here gives a sense of life in Iceland in the old days. (During the winter this visit should be booked in advance.)

Skagafjörður is a great area to try horseback riding, and there are several farms which offer guided tours year-round in the beautiful countryside.

If you prefer a boat paddle to a saddle, you can also enjoy white-water rafting in glacier rivers flowing through the area. Rafting trips that suit different skill levels are available during the summer months.

Head into West Iceland and the enchanting Borgarfjörður region. Depending on your travel schedule you might visit the interesting Grábrók crater. You can hike to the top of the crater for an amazing view.

Overnight in the Borgarfjörður area.

Magic glacier volcano – Sea cliffs with birdlife – Volcanic crater

Today you are for a treat: an entire day to explore the countless natural wonders of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, home of Snæfellsjökull National Park. Snæfellsnes is known as “Iceland in a Nutshell” since you can see samples of most Icelandic landscapes in one area.

On the way to the peninsula, pass by the volcanic crater, Eldborg. You can hike on a trail up to the top of the crater for some amazing views of the area and of the crater.

Visit Arnarstapi sea cliffs where many types of seabirds live. If you enjoy hiking, there is a great nature trail between Arnarstapi and Hellnar villages. (About 4.3 km/2.7 miles). Due to trail conditions, this hiking trail is not recommended during the winter.

Crowning the area is the glacier topped Snæfellsjökull volcano, legendary home to a guardian spirit. Driving through the park gives you a chance to view the mountain from many different angles.

Visit Djúpalónssandur with its mysteriously shaped rocks and black pebbled beach. Then head along the north coast through lively fishing villages. Keep an eye out for Kirkjufell, the photogenic Church Mountain.

Overnight stay in the Borgarfjörður area.

Lava waterfalls – Europe’s most powerful hot spring – Whale fjord

Today explore Borgarfjörður, one of Iceland’s best kept secrets. This is a beloved vacation spot for Icelanders. It contains a charming mix of miniature forests, waterfalls, caves, and views of Langjökull Glacier. If you want to add some adventure to your day, consider a visit to the colourful Víðgelmir caverns or the unique Into the Glacier ice cave.

A unique experience is a visit to the hidden Húsafell Canyon Baths. A local guide takes you on an easy hike into a beautiful highland canyon with stone-lined hot spring pools built in the old-fashioned way. You can relax in natural hot spring water and enjoy amazing and secluded views.

Visit Hraunfoss waterfall, where the water seems to burst from lava formations into the cerulean, blue river below. Be sure to stop at Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, where during the summer you can buy sweet organic tomatoes grown using geothermal heat. Near Deildartunguhver you can also enjoy the Krauma natural geothermal spa, which uses a blend of the hot spring’s water and glacier cold springs.

If you enjoy charming and rustic spa experiences, consider a visit to the geothermal pools at the new Hvammsvík nature area. This collection of stone lined seaside pools recreates the traditional hot spring pools Icelanders have enjoyed over the centuries.

Continue via Hvalfjörður (the Whale Fjord) to Reykjavík.

Overnight stay in Reykjavík.

Drive back to Keflavík International Airport. We recommend departing from your hotel in Reykjavík no later than at least 3 hours before your flight departure. It takes approximately 1 hour to drive to the airport, and check-in will start 2 hours before your departure.

If you did not visit the Blue Lagoon on your way to the city on your first day but have some free time today, you might want to use the opportunity en route to the airport. For this detour, please be sure to allow for at least 2-2,5 hours extra so you’ll have ample time at the lagoon. Your rental car should be returned to the airport service area, which is located only 2 minutes from the airport building. A shuttle will then transport you to the departure hall.