Around Iceland
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. 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.
62 mi
Hveragerdi
Optional: Blue Lagoon Visit
Greenhouses - Exploding Geysers - National Park with Geological Wonders (UNESCO) - Massive Waterfall
Drive to the legendary waterfall Gullfoss and the hot springs at Geysir. Visit Thingvellir National Park, site of the ancient Icelandic parliament, before driving through Hvalfjordur fjord to the historic and scenic Borgarfjordur region.
If you have a 4WD vehicle, you can also take the scenic highland wilderness Kaldidalur track alongside Langjokull glacier to Borgarfjordur. The road generally is open between mid-June and mid-September.
Breakfast- 193 mi
- Borgarfjordur area
- Optional: Laugarvatn Fontana Bakery
Fertile Farmlands - Glacial Rivers - Iceland's Second Largest Community - Viking Horses
Drive north through Borgarfjordur to the shores of Hunafloi bay and the towering mountains and horse breeding valley of Skagafjordur. Continue to Akureyri, the capital of the north.
- Breakfast
- 174 mi
- North Iceland
Botanical Gardens – Quality Museums - Waterfall Of the Gods
Spend the morning exploring the town of Akureyri. Continue your journey to the unique Lake Myvatn area. Stop en route to Myvatn to view the beautiful Godafoss waterfalls, which have a unique connection to Iceland‘s Viking Age.
- Breakfast
- 162 mi
- North Iceland
Bizarre Lava Formations - Geothermal Activity - Rich Birdlife
Explore the natural wonders of Lake Myvatn and the surrounding area. Stroll along the mystical lava formations at Dimmuborgir. Visit the volcanic area of Krafla along with the colourful sulfurous slopes of Namaskard pass. Enjoy the views of the pseudo craters at Skutustadir.
- Breakfast
120 mi- North Iceland
Whale Watching – Glacier- Carved Gorge - Europe's Most Powerful Waterfall
Drive north to the fishing port of Husavik, where you might stop to enjoy a whale watching boat tour. Head around Tjornes peninsula on the edge of the Arctic Circle. Visit Asbyrgi, a magnificent horseshoe-shaped canyon, and Jokulsargljufur National Park. Proceed to the mighty Dettifoss waterfall, the most powerful ones in Europe. Then head across the vast highland plateau to Egilsstadir in the east.
- Breakfast
- 193 mi
- East Iceland
- Optional: Whale Watching in Husavik
Narrow Fjords - Steep Mountains - Picturesque Coastline – Unique Mineral Collection
Drive south through the spectacular East Fjords, where towering mountains plunge vertically into the ocean. Leave yourself plenty time, both for safe driving and for amazing views of the coast and Vatnajokull glacier. The journey continues to the town of Hofn in Hornafjordur, also known as the lobster capital of northern Europe.
- Breakfast
- 186 mi
- Eastfjords Area
Europe's Largest Glacier - Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs – Glacier-Ringed Oasis
Today you will be in the vicinity of Vatnajokull National Park, named after Europe‘s largest glacier. Visit the shimmering icebergs and the still, milky waters of Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon before continuing to the Skaftafell area of the park, a beautiful green oasis surrounded by glaciers. There are many great hiking trails here. Head wards to the picturesque village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur.
- Breakfast
- 124 mi
- Kirkjubaejarklaustur.
- Optional: Skaftafell Hike, Amphibian Boat Tour on Glacial Lagoon
Lava Fields - Black Sand Beaches - Seabird Colony - Thundering Waterfalls
Drive along the spectacular south coast, a sweeping landscape of sandy deserts, rocky shores and rolling farmlands sandwiched between snow-capped glaciers, mountains and the ocean. Stop to admire the black sand beaches and cliffs at Dyrholaey. There are also vast bird colonies here, including puffins (generally seen mid May to early August). Also visit the beautiful waterfalls of Skogar and Seljalands, each with its own character. You will also see the mighty Eyjafjallajokull volcano, famous for its 2010 eruption. An interesting volcano center at the base of the mountain tells the story of this event. Return to Reykjavík in the late afternoon.
Overnight in
Options:
(from Basecamp)
- Breakfast
- 162 mi
- Reykjavik
- Optional: Snowmobiling on Myrdalsjokull Glacier
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 your arrival day.
- Breakfast
- 32 mi
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
