Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Reykjanes Peninsula
Approximate distance: ca100km / 62miles
Approximate Driving Distance: 100 km / 62 miles (With Reykjanes Peninsula; 130 km / 81 miles)

Once you have landed at Keflavik Airport, please pick up your luggage and head through customs. Collect your rental car at the airport and proceed to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time in Iceland, we suggest that you take some time to explore the Reykjanes Peninsula (a UNESCO GeoPark site).

Reykjanes is a great introduction to Iceland’s unique geology and volcanoes. You’ll see unusual and stunning features around the peninsula, including craters, lava cliffs, fissures, and the Mid-Atlantic ridge itself. You can even walk on a bridge that divides Europe and North America. We also recommend a stroll in the surreal Gunnuhver area where you can view quirky colorful mud pools and steam vents bubbling away. If you are a Viking history buff, we recommend the Viking World museum, famous for the Islendingur, a Viking ship replica that sailed between Iceland and North America in 2000. Several charming fishing villages and lighthouses dot the peninsula, and the area has a reputation for tasty seafood fresh from the ocean.

Reykjanes is home to the renowned Blue Lagoon, and you might enjoy the chance to relax in the soothing azure waters. Important: admission to the Blue Lagoon needs to be booked in advance. We can help you with that!

Drive along the mystical lava landscapes of the South Coast road to the charming village of Hveragerdi for your overnight stay. The road takes you past rocky beaches with thundering waves. Hveragerdi is perfect for getting to know typical small-town Icelandic culture, but with a unique twist. Hveragerdi is one of the few sites in the world located directly on top of a geothermal area and, because of its many greenhouses heated by hot water from nearby springs, it is often called the “flower village.”

Please note check-in for most hotels begins at 14:00 – 16:00 (2:00pm-4:00pm).

Overnight in the Hveragerdi area.

Optional Activities:
Blue Lagoon Entrance and Extras: The Blue Lagoon is known for its special properties and its beneficial effects on the skin, and attracts visitors from all over the world in search of health, relaxation and an exotic experience.
In addition to bathing in the lagoon, guests have access to a sauna with a view of the lagoon, a steam-bath with white walls that resemble silica-mud and a cosy steam-bath carved into a lava cave. Guests can also stand beneath a small waterfall for an energizing massage. Of course, guests bathing in the milky waters of the Blue Lagoon have easy access to the famous white silica-mud, an essential part of the spa experience.

Day 2: Thingvellir National Park – Geysir – Gullfoss
Approximate Distance:
205 km / 127 miles
National Park with Geological Wonders – Exploding Geysers – Waterfalls

Today you’ll be exploring Iceland’s famous Golden Circle region. Start with a drive to Lake Thingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest lake and Thingvellir National Park. This UNESCO heritage site is where the world’s oldest continuing parliamentary government was founded in the 10th century. It is also the place where the North American and European tectonic plates meet. You will have the unusual experience of walking between two continents!

Next on your journey is Gullfoss, the “Golden Waterfall”, where various walking paths give you photo-worthy views of the beautiful double-ledged cascade. You’ll also visit the nearby Geysir hot spring area to see the famous Geysir and Strokkur, as well as numerous other hot springs and boiling mud pools.

During the day you might enjoy a glimpse into Icelandic local life. Visit Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Steam Baths and indulge in the natural and healing steam rooms and a variety of relaxing mineral pools. Fontana has been a local favorite since the early 20th century, and you’ll see why.

You might also visit Fridheimar, an Icelandic family farm where tomatoes and cucumbers are grown using organic geothermal energy. Tour the greenhouse and sample some of the farm’s sweet Icelandic tomatoes.

Another recommendation is the Efstidalur dairy farm known for its delicious ice cream, skyr and cheese. We love the farm’s wonderful home-made ice cream, and we are sure you will also enjoy trying it. You might even get a glimpse of the “girls,” the farm’s beloved dairy cows.

Your day ends again in Hveragerdi where you can relax in this friendly geothermal town.

Overnight in the Hveragerdi area.

Day 3: Thjorsardalur Valley – Skogar – Dyrholaey – Vik
Approximate Distance:
Approximate Driving Distance: 295 km / 183 miles
Volcanic Valley – Waterfall Duo – Black Sand Beaches of the South Shore

Explore Thjorsardalur valley and its ever-changing landscapes of birch woods, sandy lava fields, rivers, and waterfalls. View the charming Gjain valley with its miniature waterfalls and volcanic formations. If the skies are clear, you’ll also see the impressive and beautiful Mt. Hekla volcano towering over the region. Visit Stong, where you can view a replica of a Viking-age longhouse that was buried by a volcanic eruption of Hekla during the 13th century. (There is an admission fee to visit the inside of the longhouse.) The Stong area was a filming location for Game of Thrones Season 4.

Drive along the scenic farmlands of Iceland’s South Shore. Stop to admire the scenic waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Each waterfall has its own charm. You can get a glimpse of country life in Iceland’s olden days at the intriguing Skogar Folk Museum. We especially recommend checking out the turf-roofed farmhouse. Continue on to Dyrholaey* and the thundering waves of the Reynisfjara black sand beaches. Continue to Vik, Iceland’s southernmost town.

Dinner and overnight in the Vik area.

*Please note that Dyrholaey is closed for the bird nesting season between mid-May and the 25th of June.

Day 4: Vatnajokull National Park – Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon – Hofn
Approximate Distance:
285 km / 177 miles
Lava Fields – Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs – Europe’s Largest Glacier

Today you will be in a world of glaciers! You’ll be visiting the southern area of Vatnajokull National Park, named after Europe’s largest glacier. The total park area covers almost 14% of Iceland, making it the largest national park in Western Europe. Drive through vast sand plains created by glacial outwashes as you head east. Visit the national park’s famous Skaftafell area, a site of outstanding natural beauty. Enjoy the views of rich green landscapes and black sands dominated by several magnificent glaciers. You’ll also see Svinafellsjokull, one of the most beautiful glacial “tongues” that are slowly creeping down from Vatnajokull.

Visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon where you’ll enjoy the breath-taking sight of icebergs floating in the fantastic 180m (591 ft.) deep glacial lagoon. Make sure that camera is charged and ready! You also have the option of enjoying a boat tour amid the ice bergs (we recommend booking this in advance and are glad to help with this!). Nearby is the dramatic beauty of the Diamond Beach, named for the shrinking icebergs that settle on the black sands before drifting out to sea.

Your overnight is in Hofn, a fishing port in the shadow of Vatnajokull glacier. Hofn has a nice selection of restaurants and cafes. The local specialty is langoustines (Norway lobsters), and you might enjoy the opportunity to try some for yourself!

Overnight in Hofn.

Day 5: Hofn – East Fjords – Egilsstadir
Approximate Distance:
260 km / 162 miles
Narrow Fjords – Steep Mountains – Picturesque Coastline – Local Microbrewery

Drive from Hofn through Almannaskard pass, stopping to admire the majestic coastline. Continue to the towering mountains plunging vertically into the sea that form the magnificent East Fjords. We’re sure you’ll love the amazing views, so keep your camera ready. You will also pass villages, each with its own special history and charm. You might enjoy visiting the town of Djupivogur, the gateway to the Eastfjords. It is nice to walk along the harbor and view the interesting art installation sculpture depicting seabird eggs. If you’re feeling thirsty for a local brew, we recommend a stop at the Beljandi microbrewery in Breiddalsvik. The brewery was a community project, so you’ll definitely get a feel for local life in the Eastfjords.

The road brings you to Egilsstadir town, located near Iceland’s largest forest and a lake said to be home to a legendary (friendly) monster. The area also has an excellent reputation for locally sourced cuisine, and you’ll enjoy some of it at dinner.

Dinner and overnight stay in the Egilsstadir area.

Day 6: Lake Myvatn Area
Approximate Distance:
255 km / 158 miles
Highland Desert – Bizarre Lava Formations – Geothermal & Volcanic Wonderland

Explore the empty vastness of the highland desert plateau Modrudalsoraefi, desolate and yet hauntingly beautiful, as you head towards the Lake Myvatn area. Your route takes you by a historical Modrudalsoraefi; it is located at the highest altitude of any working farm in Iceland. Stop at Dettifoss, Europe’s largest and most powerful waterfall. Continue onwards to the Namaskard pass with its boiling mud pools and vibrant colors. We often feel like we are visiting another planet when we come here, and you may the same way. It’s such a surreal experience!

Walk along the pseudo craters at Skutustadir and peek into Grjotagja, a cave with underground hot springs. Explore the peculiar lava formations at Dimmuborgir. They look as if they were built by fantasy creatures. Legend has it that elves live here, so be respectful during your visit. You’ll definitely see why the surreal Myvatn area has become so popular as a movie location.

Dinner and overnight stay in the Myvatn area.

Important

Please note Roads 864, 862 and therefore Road 85 are usually closed during the fall, winter and spring until the end of May. (Road opening dates are dependent on the weather conditions.)
Roads 864 and 862 are gravel roads, and you must heed warning signs in the area if road conditions are not good for driving.
It is not possible to visit Dettifoss between October and April, as the roads to the waterfall are not safe for winter travel. We recommend following Ring Road 1 from Myvatn to Egilsstadir.

Day 7: Lake Myvatn Area – Akureyri – Siglufjordur – Skagafjordur
Approximate Distance:
245 km / 152 miles
“Waterfall of the Gods” – The Beautiful Troll Peninsula – Historical Museum

Start your day’s adventure with a visit to magnificent Godafoss waterfall, one of North Iceland’s most important symbols. Afterwards, you’ll see Akureyri, the colorful northern “capital“ of Iceland. The town has charming buildings and a beautiful view of the Eyjafjordur fjord. After spending some free time in Akureyri, you’ll continue along the coastal roads of Eyjafjordur and the Troll Peninsula. You’ll surely be amazed at the steep mountains with amazing views over the Arctic Sea and its black sand coastline.

Stop in Siglufjordur, a town with some of the country’s most beautiful timber buildings. It’s a great idea to visit the town’s award-winning Herring-Era Maritime Museum. The museum recreates the atmosphere of the early 20th century, when Siglufjordur was transformed into a frontier-like boom town, thanks to a large migration of herring. The museum will transport you back to that exciting time.

Head along majestic mountains and narrow passes to your overnight in Skagafjordur, a scenic region full of historical sites and folk tales.

Dinner and overnight in Northwest Iceland.

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

Day 8: Skagafjordur – Borgarnes
Approximate Distance:
335 km / 208 miles
Viking History– Europe’s Largest Hot Spring – Picturesque Waterfalls

Cross the Holtavorduheidi plateau taking you into West Iceland. Drive through Borgarfjordur, a region that has been getting international recognition for its lovely volcanic and wooded scenery and for its Viking history. Walk up to the top of Grabrok crater for an amazing view. Listen to the powerful rushing waters of Deildartunguhver, Europe’s mightiest hot spring area. Stop to admire the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls, where brightly blue water rushes through black lava formations. Nearby is Barnafoss, a waterfall with even more brilliantly blue colors. There is an interesting and poignant legend associated with this waterfall.

A nice and relaxing activity is a visit to Krauma Natural Geothermal Baths. You can soak in water warmed by a blend of Deildartunguhver’s hot water and cool spring water.

Dinner and overnight stay in the Borgarfjordur area.

Day 9: Borgarfjordur – Snaefellsjokull National Park – Reykjavik
Approximate Distance:
405 km / 252 miles
Snaefellsjokull Glacier – Pebble Beaches – Sea Cliffs with Birdlife – Quaint Fishing Villages

Today you will explore the amazing variety of natural landscapes in Snaefellsjokull National Park. The park’s crown jewel is Snaefellsjokull glacier itself, which covers a dormant volcano that last erupted in 250 AD. In addition, you’ll also see Kirkjufell, one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland. Walk along the uniquely pebbled seascape of Djupalonssandur beach. At the picturesque harbor village of Arnarstapi, you can observe magnificent basalt rocks in stacked formations.

One Icelandic Saga mentions that Snaefellsnes and its people are protected by a benevolent half troll who lives high on the glacier. You might even find a sense of magic and healing energy in this beautiful peninsula.

At the end of the afternoon, your journey to Reykjavik, Iceland’s amazing capital city.

Overnight stay in Reykjavik. Dinner is on your own.

© Promote Iceland

© Promote Iceland

© Promote Iceland