Arctic Iceland
You also get a chance to visit the peaceful Snaefellsnes peninsula with the Snaefellsnes Glacier as the crowning jewel. Also explore Melrakkasletta, the northernmost point of the mainland, abundant with arctic wild foxes and birdlife.
Tour Itinerary
Geothermal Lagoon – Flower village – Geothermal Greenhouses
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. The 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.
Depending on your arrival time in Iceland it is ideal to visit the renowned Blue Lagoon to relax in the geothermal water.
Overnight stay in Hveragerdi.
Options:
Overnight stay in Hveragerdi
National Park with Geological Wonders (UNESCO) - Exploding Geysers - Massive Waterfall - Hekla Volcano
Today's highlights include Thingvellir National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site), a place of great geological and historical interest. Then take in the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir hot-spring area. Drive along the mighty Thjorsa river to Thjorsardalur valley with Mt. Hekla, Iceland's most famous volcano towering above. Continue to the South Shore area.
Overnight in South Iceland
Thundering Waterfalls - Puffin Colony - Black Sand Beaches - Lava Fields
Visit Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, each with its own unique character. Continue to Dyrholaey* a rocky headland where thousands of puffins nest in the summer (puffins are in Iceland usually between mid May and early August). Travel across the vast lava field of Eldhraun to the picturesque village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur, former site of a 12th-century Catholic convent.
*Please note that Dyrholaey is closed during nesting season in spring, from around mid May until June 23rd.
Overnight in South Iceland
- Overnight in South Iceland
Glacier-Ringed Oasis - Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs - Europe's Largest Glacier
Today you will be in the area of Vatnajokull National Park, named after Europe‘s largest glacier. Visit the park´s Skaftafell area, a green oasis nestling below the great Vatnajokull glacier. There are many excellent hiking trails here. Continue to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, where huge icebergs float and grind together in the still, deep waters of the lagoon. Drive along the rugged and varied coastline of the magnificent East Fjords to Egilsstadir the largest town in the east.
East Fjords - Legendary Lake Monster - Largest Forest in Iceland
Explore Egilsstadir and surrounding area. Visit Hallormsstadur the largest forest plantation in Iceland set along Lake Lagarfljot, which according to legend contains a monster. A highlight of this area is the new Wilderness Center, which offers exciting hiking and horseback riding day tours visiting mountains, waterfalls and abandoned farmhouses. An interactive exhibit also shows how Icelanders lived here in the old days.
Dinner with the Locals
Glacial Rivers - Small Fishing Villages - Northernmost Point in Iceland
Drive to Vopnafjordur village, with its spectacular coastline and natural hot springs. Continue to Thorshofn village (population: 500), which is situated on Langanes peninsula.
Overnight in Northeast Iceland
- Overnight in Northeast Iceland
Drive to Vopnafjordur village
Glacier Carved Gorge - Whale Watching - Volcanic Area
Travel across the Oxafjardarheidi plateau. Visit Asbyrgi, a magnificent horseshoe-shaped canyon in Jokulsargljufur National Park. Local legend says this was formed by the hoof prints from Odin‘s magical horse. Drive along Tjornes peninsula at the edge of the Arctic Circle en route to the fishing port of Husavik. Spend some time in this charming town before continuing to Lake Myvatn.
Overnight stay in Northeast Iceland.
- Overnight stay in Northeast Iceland
Volcanic Area - Lava Formations of Lake Mývatn - Botanical Gardens
Explore the Lake Mývatn area´s natural wonders, including the fantastic lava formations of Dimmuborgir the Krafla volcanic area, and the pseudo craters at Skutustadir. Stop at Godafoss waterfall, a legendary cascade said to contain the statues of Norse gods tossed there in 1000 AD. Head onwards to the scenic Eyjafjordur fjord and Akureyri, Iceland's "Capital of the North." Spend some time in this town of beautifully preserved historical buildings. Though small in size, Akureyri has a vibrant cultural scene, including a street dedicated to art galleries. It also boasts one of the best geothermal swimming pools in Iceland.
Overnight stay in Akureyri area
- Overnight stay in Akureyri area
Fertile Farmlands - Viking Horses - Quaint Fishing Villages
From Akureyri, continue over the Oxnadalur pass to the historical region of Skagafjordur, renowned for horse breeding. You might visit the old farmstead at Glaumbaer, a great example of Icelandic architecture from the last few centuries. Continue the journey Snaefellsnes peninsula.
Overnight in West Iceland.
- Overnight in West Iceland
Coastal Villages - Sea Cliffs with Birdlife - Volcanic Crater - Picturesque Fjord
Circle around the legendary Snaefellsjokull peninsula, passing the small fishing villages of Hellissandur and Grundarfjordur. Don't miss the striking columnar basalt rock formations at Arnarstapi. Make a stop at the rocky beach of Djupalonssandur. Pass Eldborg crater on route to the agricultural region of Borgarfjordur before returning to Reykjavik.
Overnight in Reykjavik
- Overnight in Reykjavik
Drive back to Keflavik International Airport and even stop at Blue Lagoon as it is on your way to the airport, if you did not have time to do it on you arrival day.*
**Please note that the package price is based on 10 x 24-hour rental days starting at the time of rental. If your flight arrives early on day 1 and departs late on day 11 an additional supplement will be necessary unless you choose to return the car in Reykjavik when the 10 day rental is up and use our Flybus Plus departure transfer.
- Flybus Plus departure transfer
Customer reviews
Iceland was more than what we had hoped for. You made a very well planned itinerary for us and provided with all possible information, and we had so much fun during all 11 days of our fantastic holiday. We visited the fascinating places without rush and worry. We stayed in very good hotels with excellent local food mostly and had a very good time, though the weather was not the best we expected. Iceland is fantastic and we will return to explore it more someday.
Doris Ripert, Los Angeles
Everything was truly fine and very well organized. Snaefellsnes Glacier left the unforgettable image in my mind as well as other stunning scenery. Undoubtedly, a trip that will remain in our memories for a long long time.
Thanks again and best regards,
Kim Jorken and friends
