Approximate Distance:
270 km / 168 miles
Magical Waterfalls – Viking History – Hot Springs and Glacier
This morning head to West Iceland’s Borgarfjörður region via an undersea tunnel. This region is popular with locals, but it is getting known internationally for its volcanic beauty, local cuisine and handicrafts, and Viking legends.
If you would like to experience a traditional and rustic hot spring, we suggest first visiting Hvammsvík Nature Area after you head out of Reykjavík. Hvammsvík offers a series of stone-lined circular pools with geothermal sea water or fresh water. The peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views of the nature and fjord are just as refreshing as the hot springs.
Interested in history? You might enjoy a stop in Borgarnes town where you can learn about the first Viking settlers in the area at the interactive Settlement Museum. Visit the beautiful Hraunfossar (the Lava Falls), where melted water from a glacier flows through interesting lava formations. Nearby is Barnafoss (the Children’s Falls) and its brilliant blue waters. Make a stop at Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot springs. Nearby (within walking distance) you can indulge in hot spring relaxation at the Krauma Natural Geothermal Baths. Krauma is known for its “fire and ice” experience since it combines Deildartunguhver’s hot spring waters with cool mountain spring water. Krauma’s restaurant serves healthy food using ingredients from local farms and greenhouses.
Langjökull glacier offers exciting adventures such as exploring an ice cave and tunnel built into the icy-blue heart of the glacier. Start with an adventurous ride up the glacier in a monstrous 18-wheeled vehicle. Once in the tunnel, you’ll view a glacier from the inside and learn how these icy wonders are formed.
Continue your journey, heading into North Iceland.
Overnight in Northwest Iceland.
Our Recommended Hot Spring Experiences: Hvammsvík Nature Area; Krauma Natural Geothermal Baths. We’re happy to book one of these experiences for you!

• Breakfast
• Overnight in Northwest Iceland
• 168 miles

Approximate Distance:
305 km / 190 miles
Local Hot Springs – Waterfall of the Gods – Volcanic Wonderland
Continue your journey in North Iceland, passing coastal villages and heading into a region of towering mountains and fertile valleys. If you’re interested in an authentic and rustic hot spring experience, we recommend a detour to Fosslaug, a tiny, traditional hot spring bathing area made with stones and earth. It is located in a secluded area near a waterfall, so the free in-car Wi-Fi for your mobile device’s GPS will come in handy! Please note there are no changing facilities. It is extremely important to treat this beautiful, fragile pool with respect and not leave any trash behind.
You can live like a local by visiting one of the geothermal public pools in the towns of Hvammstangi, Þelamörk or Blönduós. Enjoy experiencing North Icelandic daily life and chatting with the locals as you relax in the hot tubs. You might even pick up a few recommendations about local favourite restaurants and shops!
Drive through beautiful alpine scenery en route to Goðafoss (the Waterfall of the Gods). Here, glacial water thunders around surrounding lava to create a beautiful half-circle shaped cascade. Travel to the unforgettable Lake Mývatn area, a geological wonderland that includes the peculiar lava formations at Dimmuborgir, and the pseudo-craters at Skútustaðir. Some of the most bizarre places in the region are the bubbling mud pits and vibrant colours of Námaskarð geothermal area. It’s like walking on another plane t- perhaps even Mars? Mývatn’ s fantastical landscapes have made it a filming location for the HBO Game of Thrones series, as well as several Hollywood movies (Star Wars, Oblivion, Fast and Furious).
A great evening activity is a visit to the Mývatn Nature Baths, where you can relax in the azure blue waters in a tranquil wilderness setting. Restaurants in the area offer local specialties such as arctic charr, traditional smoked lamb, and geothermally baked rye bread.
Overnight in the Lake Mývatn area.
Please Note: The Ring Road route today contains a toll tunnel. More information on the tunnel and fees is here.
Our Recommended Hot Spring Experiences: Fosslaug; swimming pools in Hvammstangi, Þelamörk, and Blönduós; Mývatn Nature Baths (we can book Mývatn Nature Baths for you)

• Breakfast
• Overnight in the Lake Mývatn area
• 190 miles

Approximate Distance:
130 km / 81 miles
Whale Watching – Ocean Hot Springs – Colourful Northern “Capital”
Start your day by visiting places in the Mývatn area you might not have seen yesterday. Then head to Húsavík, a charming fishing town known for its great whale-watching opportunities. This town close to the Arctic Circle has become world famous thanks to the 2020 Netflix film Eurovision Song Contests: The Story of Fire Saga. You might enjoy a whale watching tour (available between March and November). We also highly recommend a visit to the town’s GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths. Relax in naturally warmed sea water and enjoy a scenic view far out to the Arctic Circle. The town also has interesting museums, restaurants, and a local favourite bakery.
After visiting Húsavík, drive to Akureyri, a charming town with a very lively cultural and dining scene. The locals call it the “capital of North Iceland.” In the winter it becomes a ski resort town with Hlíðarfjall ski area just minutes away by car. Akureyri also has a fantastic swimming pool complex with many pools and hot tubs. A visit here is a fantastic way to end your day.
Overnight in the Akureyri area.
Our Recommended Hot Spring Experience: GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths (we can book this for you!); Akureyri public swimming pool

• Breakfast
• Overnight in the Akureyri area
• 81 miles

Approximate Distance:
395 km / 245 miles
Forest Geothermal Pool – Local Heritage and Horses – Sky Lagoon
Today you are heading to Reykjavík on a route filled with history and, of course, hot spring bathing. Before you leave the Akureyri area, we suggest a visit to the Forest Lagoon (Skógarböð) in a small woodland near the town. This is a lovely geothermal experience with pools, a sauna, relaxation room, two in-water pool bars and an on-site restaurant. The pools have a pleasant view of the area’s flat-topped mountains and the fjord.
Drive through Skagafjörður, a region known for interesting historical sites and excellent Icelandic horse farms. Depending on your schedule, you might visit Glaumbaer, an interesting turf manor house. Occupied between the 18th century and the 1940s, Glaumbaer is now a museum showing how rural Icelanders lived. There are also several places where you can enjoy a guided horseback tour through pretty countryside.
Continue to Reykjavík along Road 1, perhaps stopping to visit places in Borgarfjörður you did not see earlier in the trip.
There’s always time for one last hot spring pool and, as you head into Reykjavík, the Sky Lagoon is a “must.” This unique hot spring experience blends historical architecture and modern facilities, along with unforgettable views over the sea and mountains. Indulge in a relaxing seven step geothermal experience called the Ritual. It will leave you rejuvenated and in touch with Iceland’s nature. You’ll be invigorated and ready to enjoy the evening in Iceland’s vibrant capital city.
Overnight in Reykjavík.
Alternative Route: During the summer, if you upgrade to a 4WD vehicle you can opt to traverse the magnificent uninhabited interior of Iceland via the unpaved Kjölur highland track (open 20.6. – 15.9 ; subject to weather conditions). Category 5.0 (KIA Sportage 4WD or similar) or higher 4WD vehicle is needed to drive on Kjölur.
Our Recommended Hot Spring Experiences: The Forest Lagoon; The Sky Lagoon (we can book these experiences for you!)

• Breakfast
• Overnight in Reykjavík
• 245 miles

Approximate Distance:
50 km / 30 miles
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 the check-in will start 2 hours before your departure.

If you did not visit the Sky Lagoon or the Blue Lagoon earlier but have some free time today, you might want to use the opportunity to enjoy one of these experiences 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 to enjoy hot spring bathing.

• Breakfast
• 30 miles