Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival
Highlights: Hveragerdi Hveragerdi Hot Spring Area The Blue Lagoon
Geothermal Lagoon – Flower Village – Geothermal Greenhouses
Approximate distance: ca 100 km / 62 miles

Pick up the car at the airport and start your Iceland experience.
From Keflavik International Airport, we recommend driving the southern coast of the Reykjanes peninsula towards your first overnight stay in the charming village of Hveragerdi. This village 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.”
If your flight arrives early in the day, you might stop at the Blue Lagoon (a short distance from the airport) for a chance to relax in the soothing geothermal mineral waters.

Important: Please note that admission to the Blue Lagoon must be booked in advance.

Overnight stay in Hveragerdi.

Optional Tours:
Standard Lava Tunnel Tour (from Basecamp): Do you like caving? Are you into spelunking? Going underground in Iceland offers many great opportunities to explore the hidden landscapes beneath our feet. Check out these great caves in Iceland.

Day 2: Thingvellir - Gullfoss – Fludir:
Highlights: Gullfoss Geysir Geysir Center Kerid Skalholt Laugarvatn Fontana Nature Baths Thingvellir National Park
National Park with Geological Wonders (UNESCO) – Exploding Geysers – Massive Waterfall
Approximate distance: 165 km / 103miles

Breakfast at your accommodation. Visit the Golden Circle natural wonders. 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 favorite; natural steam soothes away aches and pains, followed by relaxation in a series of hot spring pools.

Overnight in the Fludir area or similar.

Optional Tours:
The Cave People: Can you imagine how it is to live in a cave? Believe it or not, but during the 20th century, a normal Icelandic family actually did! The caves, called Laugarvatnshellar are two man-made caves that are located in unspoiled nature between lake Laugarvatn and Thingvellir National Park. The renovated caves give you insight into how life was like for the Cave People.
Snowmobile tour on Langjokull Glacier from Gullfoss: Don’t have a 4×4 vehicle, no problem! You can still add a snowmobile tour on Langjokull glacier to your Iceland holiday!
Horse Riding Tour in South Iceland (from Sydra Langholt Farm): Get to know Iceland‘s unique wilderness in a way you may not have seen before by riding on horse back! Go on a horse riding tour in South Iceland. The Icelandic Horse is truly unique, bred since the settlement in isolation from the outside world. Enjoy its smooth riding qualities, namely the tolt gait.

Day 3: South Shore - Vik – Kirkjubaejarklaustur:
Highlights: Seljalandsfoss Skogafoss Hekla Thjorsardalur Dyrholaey Vík Eyjafjallajokull
Hekla Volcano – Thundering Waterfalls – Seabird Colony – Black Sand Beaches – Lava Fields
Approximate distance: 305km / 190 miles

Breakfast at your accommodation. Drive along the spectacular south coast and view highlights along the way such as Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls and Myrdalsjokull glacier. If the skies are clear, you might even have a glimpse of beautiful Mt. Hekla, Iceland’s most frequently erupting volcano. The glacier offers great opportunities for guided snowmobile or ice hiking tours.
Head to Vik, Iceland’s southernmost village. In the area you can view the seabird cliff of Dyrholaey* and the black sand beach of Reynisfjara.
Continue over Eldhraun, Iceland’s largest single lava flow, towards Kirkjubaejarklaustur, a picturesque village that is the former site of a 12th-century Catholic convent. The town is known for its excellent farm-raised arctic char trout, which you might like to try tonight.

Overnight in southeast Iceland.

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

Optional Tours:
Ice cave in Myrdalsjokull: The Fast-track Ice cave tour is perfect for all travelers stopping in Iceland for a short period of time or with an action-packet plan. We offer a great and easy way to put ice cave exploration on your agenda in the fasted way without taking anything away from the experience.
Lava Iceland - Icelandic Lava Show: The Icelandic Lava Show is an exciting and educational show where a typical Icelandic volcano eruption is recreated. This is the only show in the world where you can get up close and personal to a real lava flow while staying in a safe environment. You will be so close to the lava that you can actually feel the heat from it!

Day 4: Skaftafell - Vatnajokull National Park- Jokulsarlon – Egilsstadir:
Highlights: Skaftafell National Park Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon Hofn Vatnajokull Egilsstadir
Glacier-Rimmed Oasis – Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs – Europe’s Largest Glacier – Narrow Fjords and Steep Mountains
Approximate distance: 399km / 248 miles

Breakfast at your accommodation. Today you will be in the southern area of Vatnajokull 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 Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, where you should take time to 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.
Drive through the spectacular East Fjords with towering mountains and charming fishing villages to the fertile Egilsstadir area. On the way, you might opt to visit the quirky egg sculptures in the harbor of charming Djupivogur village or visit Petra’s famous local stone and mineral collection at Stodvarfjordur.
Drive through Fagridalur (the Beautiful Valley) to Egilsstadir. You might opt to end the day at Lake Urridavatn’s new Vok Baths, where you can unwind in untouched nature in distinctive floating geothermal pools.

Overnight in the Egilsstadir area

Optional Tours:
Zodiac Boat Tour on Fjallsarlon Ice Lagoon: Fjallsarlon Ice Lagoon is a very unique place. A slightly smaller lagoon, yet just as spectacular as the nearby Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and less crowded. Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Europe towers overs the area in all its glory, crawling down a steep slope all the way down to the water. At the glacier’s edge, icebergs break off into the lagoon where they drift around peacefully before eventually melting away.

Day 5: Egilsstadir and Surroundings:
Highlights: Petra’s Minerals Reydarfjordur Lagarfljot The Wilderness Center Seydisfjordur Hengifoss Hallormsstadur Borgarfjordur Eystri
East Fjords – Legendary Lake Monster – Largest Forest in Iceland
Distance is variable

Breakfast at your accommodation. Explore Egilsstadir and surrounding area, one of the oldest regions in Iceland, shaped by glaciers during the Ice Age. Although many are uninhabited, each fjord has its own grandeur. The natural harbors in the fjords led to the development of fishing villages that have still hung on to a degree of old-world charm. Each village has its own character. Faskrudsfjordur has a historical connection with France. Reydarfjordur is known for World War II history. Neskaupsstadur has a wonderful foodie and music scene to enhance its amazing views, plus great boat tours.
You can discover elf legends and local art, as well as great day hiking trails, in the Borgarfjordur Eystri area.
Explore the quaint village of Seydisfjordur, where multi-colored wooden houses are sheltered by a jaw-dropping backdrop of snow-capped mountains and tumbling waterfalls. This community has been gaining an international reputation for its excellent focus on art and art education.
Visit Hallormsstadur the largest forest in Iceland set along Lake Lagarfljot, which according to legend contains a monster.
Visit the award-winning Wilderness Center located at the edge of the hauntingly beautiful eastern highlands. Here you can discover Iceland’s pioneer history and highland nature in a clever interactive way. Take a guided horseback tour to an abandoned farm or relax in the Wilderness Spa. Or enjoy a chat with the center’s hosts as they prepare you a meal made from wilderness sourced ingredients.

Overnight in the Egilsstadir area.

Optional Tours:
Reindeer Safari Tour (from Egilsstadir, East Iceland): Reindeers are only found in the eastern part of Iceland. Join a local guide specialized in tracking these majestic animals roaming the breathtaking landscape and go on a unique reindeer safari.

Day 6: Dettifoss - Asbyrgi - Husavik :
Highlights: Jokulsargljufur National Park Dettifoss Ásbyrgi Húsavík Whale Museum Saenautasel
Europe’s Most Powerful Waterfall – Glacier-Carved Gorge – Whale Watching
Approximate distance: 280km / 174 miles

Breakfast at your accommodation. Today you will be in the northern area of Vatnajokull National Park, which actually covers 14% of Iceland’s landscape. This region of the park has its own distinctive character. Less visited than the southern area, this area shows Iceland’s wild side to its fullest
Travel across the vast Modrudalsoraefi highlands and into the wilderness. The route takes you to the mighty Dettifoss waterfall. A few moments here listening to the heavy thundering water against a surreal landscape is one of Iceland’s most amazing experiences.
Head through the park and its amazing canyon areas carved by the Jokulsar river. Explore the impressive horse-shoe-shaped Asbyrgi canyon, said to be formed by the god Odin’s stallion. Several walking trails lead to beautiful viewing areas. You can enjoy hiking here and even guided horseback riding tours in the summer.
Drive around the fossil rich Tjornes Peninsula to the Husavik area. A great way to end this exciting day is with a relaxing swim in the warm sea waters of Husavik’s GeoSea Baths.

Overnight in northeast Iceland

*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). Until these roads are open, please take the scenic Ring Road 1 to Road 87 and on to Husavik.

Please also note that Roads 864 and 862 are gravel roads, and you must heed warning signs in the area if road conditions are not good for driving

Optional Tours:
Classic Whale Watching from Husavik: Go whale watching in the historical Whale Capital of Iceland, Husavik, on this Classic Whale Watching Tour. See the gentle giants in their natural habitat.
Husavik was among the first place in Iceland to offer whale watching tours and is still one of the places to see the gentle giants that swim around Iceland‘s coastline.
Experience this classic whale watching tour from Husavik and sail in the magnificent nature of Skjalfandi bay in hopes of seeing whales, dolphins and seabirds in their natural habitat.
To make your experience even more authentic you will sale in a traditional Icelandic oak boat by the pioneers of whale watching in Iceland while you enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and traditional Icelandic Scones.
Big Whale Safari and Puffins in RIB boats (from Husavik): Go on a Big Whale Safari and visit a Puffin Island in a RIB boat from Husavik, located in North Iceland, Europe’s whale watching capital. Enjoy an unique adventure at sea looking for whales and puffins in the beautiful surroundings of Skjalfandi Bay.
In a new RIB boat it is possible to offer passengers more area to cover in the search for whales. During the summer time whales of different sizes and shapes visit the bay. A visit to the Puffin Island (Lundey) is also included. The Puffin Island reaches 34 m above sea level and is around 200 m in length and 100 m wide. There you can experience thousands of puffins, “The Clowns of the Ocean”, during the nesting period (May 1st – August 20th).

Day 7: Lake Myvatn - Akureyri :
Highlights: Myvatn Dimmuborgir Krafla Myvatn Nature Baths Lofthellir Cave Godafoss
Bizarre Lava Formations – Geothermal Activity – Waterfall of the Gods
Approximate distance: 165km / 103 miles

Breakfast at your accommodation. Spend the day exploring the natural wonders of Lake Myvatn and the surrounding area. Visit highlights such as the lava citadels at Dimmuborgir, the pseudo craters at Skutustadir, the colorful sulphurous slopes of Namaskard and the Krafla volcano area.
If you want to add some activities, you can enjoy guided bike tours or horseback riding around the lake. Afterwards, relax in the azure blue waters of the charming Myvatn Nature Baths.
It’s great to have lunch in the Myvatn area, and we suggest trying the local specialty of smoked arctic trout served on geothermally baked rye bread.
Depart Myvatn and drive westward, visiting beautiful Godafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods. Head on to Akureyri, a vibrantly colorful town set against the dramatic Eyjafjordur fjord.

Overnight in the Akureyri area

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

Day 8: Akureyri and Eyjafjordur region:
Highlights: Akureyri Kjarnaskógur The Christmas Garden Akureyri Folk Museum Nonni House
Iceland’s “Capital of the North” – Botanical Gardens – Local Museums – Arctic Circle
Distance is variable

Breakfast at your accommodation. Spend the day exploring Akureyri the “capital of the North” and its surrounding area. This charming town is small in size but has a vibrant cultural scene. Wander through a street dedicated to art galleries. Visit museums and historical wooden homes. Swim in the magnificent geothermal pool. Enjoy a guided food walk and town tour. And take a walk through a beautiful botanical garden on the edge of the Arctic Circle.
If you enjoy outdoor recreation, Akureyri is great for whale watching, fishing, horseback riding or hiking in the trails around the fjord.

Overnight stay in Akureyri

Optional Tours:
Game of Thrones Air tour: Experience the most epic landscapes seen in the television series, The Game of Thrones, from the sky on the Game of Thrones Air tour.North Iceland is well known for its special energy, scenic landscapes and epic natural wonders. There is a reason why the Game of Thrones crew keeps returning year after year making the most of the awesome nature of the north!
How does flying through these dramatic landscapes and explore the places seen in The Game of Thrones sound? Take off from Akureyri airport and enjoy the view from air.
From Akureyri Airport we start by flying over the beautiful Godafoss or “Waterfall of the Gods” and then we head over to the Geological wonderland Myvatn. Myvatn holds numerous of scenic attraction, pseudo craters, sulphur pools and the steam-energy electric powerplant of Krafla, with its deepest hole reaching two kilometres into the earth’s crust. From Krafla we fly over Vatnajokull National Park to see Dettifoss, a spectacular waterfall where cascades plunge from a height of 144 feet (44 meters) into a narrow canyon. From Dettifoss waterfall we follow the magnificent canyons, before turning back for Akureyri, overflying the Theistareykir lava field and geothermal area, with sinkholes Little Hell and Big Hell.
On the descent into Eyjafjordur, there might be an opportunity to see whales on the approach into Akureyri Airport.
Soaking in the Beer Bath Spa: Bjorbodin Beer Bath spa is located in Arskogssandur in the north of Iceland. When taking a beer bath, you bathe in a big tub filled with beer, water, hops and yeast. After 25 minutes, you get up from the tub and go to a relaxation room for another 25 minutes. Bathing in beer has been known to give relief to ailments like diabetes, high blood pressure, eczema and other skin problems, for example. It is possible for people to go one at a time, or two together. There is no age limit for the beer bath because the bathwater is undrinkable, but there is a beer draught at every bathtub for anybody over 20 years of age.
Grimsey Summer Daytour: Cross the Arctic Circle on this full day summer tour!
The Grimsey daytour begins in the small town of Dalvik where you will take the ferry Saefari to the island of Grimsey, the northernmost island of Iceland. The ferry ride can be quite exciting with the possibility of seeing dolphins, humpback whales and even the enormous blue whales along the way! Once in the island of Grimsey, you will be greeted by your local guide who will take you around the main areas of the island and across the Arctic Circle. If weather conditions allow, you will get to see the Orbis et Globus monument that is located in the northern part of the island. During the tour, you will also get an insight into the history of Grimsey village, its local inhabitants and how they have managed to survive in such a remote area. The guided tour includes light refreshments.

Day 9: Akureyri - Laugarbakki - Stykkisholmur:
Highlights: Saudarkrokur Drangey Island Hvítserkur Vatnsnes Peninsula Grettislaug Geothermal Pool Eiriksstadir Viking Home
Fertile Farmlands – Folk Museum – Viking Horses
Approximate distance: 395 km / 245miles

Breakfast at your accommodation. Travel to the horse-breeding valley of Skagafjordur fjord. If you are a history buff, we suggest a stop at the manor farm of Glaumbaer. This is a turf home that dates back to the 18th century. Visiting here gives a sense of life in Iceland in the old days. Glaumbaer was an inspiration for Hannah Kent’s famous novel Burial Rites, now being produced as a movie. The actual events in the story occurred in the Vatnsnes area of North Iceland.
Near Varmahlid town, you can visit Lytingsstadur family horse farm. Meet Icelandic horses, see the replica of a turf stable and learn about why horses are important to Icelandic history. You can also arrange guided riding tours here. 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 are available to suit different skill levels.
Continue to the shores of Hunafloi bay, an area rich in Icelandic history. An interesting place to visit is Borgarvirki, a natural rock formation that has been used as a citadel since Viking times. Explore Dalir, the region of Eric the Red and birthplace of his son, the great explorer Leif Eiriksson at a living replica museum before driving to Snaefellsnes peninsula.
Overnight stay in Stykkisholmur, an eco-friendly town with beautiful wooden buildings originally brought over from Norway in the 1800s. Stykkisholmur is a lovely place to take an evening walk, and you will surely enjoy the nice selection of cafes and restaurants available.

Optional Tours:
Seal and Nature Watching (from Hvammstangi): Go seal and nature watching in North Iceland. Board a boat from Hvammstangi to look for these friendly animals. See the seals in their natural environment.From Hvammstangi sail towards Midfjordur and Hunafloi and watch seals playing and resting in their natural habitat. Seals are sea mammals that live in the northern hemisphere. They keep close to the shores so they can crawl up on big rocks or beaches to rest. Even though seals are wild animals, it does not take them long to get used to the closeness of humans.
Family River Rafting (from Skagafjordur): Fun and scenery swirl around you to deliver an unforgettable rafting adventure in Iceland! Go river rafting in Skagafjordur with your family.This West Glacial River trip features steaming riverside hot springs and magnificent canyon landscapes. A gentle rafting tour offers everyone, from the novice rafter to the whole family, an opportunity to pick up a paddle and explore the stunning river wilderness of Iceland.

Day 10: Stykkisholmur - Arnarstapi - Borgarfjordur:
Highlights: Stykkisholmur Ólafsvík Songhellir Shark Museum Kirkjufell Arnarstapi Snaefellsjokull National Park
Magical Glacier Volcano– Sea Cliffs with Birdlife – Volcanic Crater
Approximate distance: 234 km / 135 miles

Breakfast at your accommodation. Today you will explore the ever-changing beauty of Snaefellsnes peninsula and the Snaefellsjokull National Park.
Continue around the Snaefellsnes peninsula, passing the small fishing villages of Grundarfjordur and Hellissandur. Keep an eye out for Kirkjufell, Iceland’s most photographed mountain. Make a stop at the rocky beach of Djupalonssandur. as well as the magnificent columnar basalt rock formations at Arnarstapi
The crown jewel of the region is Snaefellsjokull, a glacier-topped volcano that is said to be the home of a benevolent troll spirit.
You can enjoy guided activities in the region such as glacier hiking on Snaefellsjokull, visiting Vatnshellir lava cave, whale watching near Olafsvik, and sea kayaking in the vicinity of Kirkjufell.

Overnight stay in the Borgarfjordur area

Optional Tours:
Puffin tour from the town of Grundarfjordur: This tour is a must for birdwatchers because it takes you to one of the best places to see the breakthrough stars of Iceland, Puffins. Join a puffin tour from the town of Grundarfjordur.
Vatnshellir Caving (from Snaefellsnes Peninsula): Explore the unique colours of Vatnshellir Cave on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. One of the most interesting features of Snaefellsjokull National Park is Vatnshellir Cave, a great example of a lava cave typical to Iceland.
Viking “Sushi” Boat Tour – Short Version (from Stykkishólmur): Admire Seabirds and Sea life and taste sushi straight from the sea. During the tour a shellfish plough is lowered into the ocean and a wonderful selection of shellfish and sea life is caught for viewing and tasting: scallops, sea urchins, crabs, starfish, sea cucumbers, and much more. Some of these are possible to eat fresh from the sea, such as scallops and sea urchins.

Day 11: Borgarfjordur - Reykholt - Hvalfjordur - Reykjavik:
Highlights: Hraunfossar Barnafoss Deildartunguhver Borgarnes Settlement Center of Iceland Husafell Snorrastofa – Reykholt
Picturesque Waterfalls – Europe’s Most Powerful Hot Spring – Blue Lagoon
Approximate distance: 205km / 127miles

Head through Borgarfjordur, one of Iceland’s best kept secrets. This is a beloved vacation spot for Icelanders from Reykjavik. It contains a charming mix of miniature forests, waterfalls, caves and views of Langjokull Glacier. If you want to add some adventure to your day, a visit to the colorful Vidgelmir caverns or the unique Into the Glacier ice cave is an unforgettable experience. The charming Husafell area has a mix of hiking trails that suit all skill levels, including a history-themed trail. Scattered around Husafell are rock paintings created by a local artist.
Visit Hraunfoss waterfall where the water seems to burst from lava formations into the cerulean blue river below. The nearby Barnafoss Falls have a mysterious secret to reveal. Be sure to stop at Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, where you can buy organic tomatoes grown using geothermal heat. Deildartunguhver you can also enjoy the Krauma natural geothermal spa, which uses a blend of the hot spring’s water and glacier cold springs. The spa’s restaurant specializes in dishes made with ingredients from area farms and greenhouses.
Continue via Hvalfjordur (the Whale Fjord) to Reykjavik.

Overnight stay in Reykjavik

Optional Tours:
Krauma Nature Baths: Enjoy a soothing bath at Krauma geothermal baths in an authentic Icelandic nature, near Deildatunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring.
Into the Glacier – Classic Tour (from Husafell Hotel or Klaki Base Camp): Explore the stunning blue worlds of the Langjokull Ice Tunnel on the Into the Glacier Day Tour! This exceptional tour is must for the adventure seeker. An unforgettable opportunity to explore the the magical and mysterious netherworld of Langjokull glacier, as well as see some beautiful Icelandic nature.
Important: This tour will not be offered during the Summer of 2021. The tour will start operating again in September 2021

Day 12: Departure:
Highlights: Reykjavik The Blue Lagoon
Approximate distance: 52 km / 32 miles

Breakfast at your accommodation. Drive back to Keflavik International Airport. * We recommend departing your hotel in Reykjavik 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.

**IMPORTANT**
*You must be 21 years of age to rent a car, 23 years of age to rent car cat. 5.0 or higher.
*A valid driver’s license from the US, Canada or the European Economic Area is required to drive in Iceland. A license from other countries can be used if it: a) has a valid license number, b) the license holder’s photograph, c) is printed in Latin alphabet characters and d) is valid at the time of travel. Otherwise an international driver’s license is required.
*Please note that changes to the packages will incur a service fee. Your Companion app will not reflect the changes.

© Promote Iceland

© Promote Iceland

© Promote Iceland