Iceland Grand Discovery

Today you’ll experience some of Iceland’s most iconic natural and geological landmarks as you travel from the Golden Circle toward West Iceland. Begin with Kerið Crater, a striking volcanic crater filled with a vivid blue-green lake and surrounded by colorful red volcanic slopes.

Continue to Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls, where the Hvítá River plunges in two dramatic stages into a rugged canyon. Nearby, explore the geothermal area of Geysir, home to steaming vents, bubbling hot springs, and the famous Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes.

Your journey then takes you to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Iceland’s most historically and geologically significant locations. Here, you can see the dramatic rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates and explore the area where Iceland’s ancient parliament, the Alþingi, was established. Within the park, Öxarárfoss provides another beautiful example of Iceland’s volcanic landscape, with water cascading through a rocky tectonic canyon.

Continue west toward Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, where enormous quantities of steaming geothermal water rise continuously from the earth. The journey continues to Hraunfossar, a remarkable series of waterfalls that emerge directly from beneath a lava field and flow into the bright blue Hvítá River. Just a short distance away, Barnafoss rushes dramatically through a narrow rocky gorge, creating a striking contrast with the delicate cascades of Hraunfossar.

After a day filled with volcanoes, waterfalls, geothermal activity, and fascinating geological history, continue to the countryside near Borgarnes.

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• West Iceland

Today you’ll explore the spectacular Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often described as “Iceland in miniature” because of its remarkable variety of landscapes, including golden beaches, volcanic cliffs, lava fields, glaciers, fishing villages, and dramatic mountains.

Your journey begins along the southern coast of the peninsula at Ytri Tunga, a beautiful golden-sand beach known for its resident seal colony. Continue to Arnarstapi, a charming coastal village surrounded by dramatic basalt cliffs, sea arches, and rugged ocean scenery. The coastline here is particularly spectacular, with walking paths offering wonderful views of the Atlantic. Look for Gatklettur, a distinctive natural rock arch rising from the sea.

Continue west through Snæfellsjökull National Park, one of Iceland’s most beautiful protected areas. The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic as you approach Snæfellsjökull, the glacier-capped volcano that dominates the western tip of the peninsula. The surrounding lava fields create an almost otherworldly landscape. If conditions permit, you can also take a short detour to the Svörtuloft cliffs, known for their rugged black lava coastline and bright orange lighthouse.

Continue north to Hellissandur, a historic fishing village now known for its colorful outdoor murals and peaceful coastal atmosphere. From here, the route follows the beautiful coastline toward Grundarfjörður, a picturesque fjord town surrounded by dramatic mountains.

One of the highlights of the area is Kirkjufell, Iceland’s iconic cone-shaped mountain and one of the country's most photographed landmarks. With its distinctive shape and nearby waterfalls, it offers an unforgettable photo opportunity.

Continue to Stykkishólmur, a charming and colorful harbor town overlooking Breiðafjörður Bay. Known for its historic wooden houses, picturesque harbor, and connection to the Westfjords, Stykkishólmur is a wonderful place to relax after exploring the peninsula.

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• Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Today you’ll leave Fosshotel Snæfellsnes and continue your self-drive adventure toward Iceland’s remote and spectacular Westfjords. The day begins with a scenic drive through the northern part of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula before reaching Stykkishólmur, a charming fishing town overlooking Breiðafjörður Bay.

From Stykkishólmur, board the Baldur car ferry for the crossing to Brjánslækur in the Westfjords. The ferry sails across Breiðafjörður, passing numerous small islands and skerries, with the possibility of seeing seabirds and other marine life along the way. The ferry also stops at Flatey, one of Iceland’s most picturesque historic islands. Vehicle space on the ferry should be reserved in advance.

After arriving at Brjánslækur, continue by car into the southern Westfjords. The landscape changes dramatically as you drive through remote valleys and along winding fjords, with towering mountains, steep cliffs, and virtually untouched wilderness surrounding the route.

Depending on the ferry schedule and available daylight, you may have time to make a short detour toward Rauðasandur, the spectacular red-sand beach framed by steep mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. Another option is to continue toward the Látrabjarg cliffs, one of Europe’s largest seabird cliffs and a spectacular viewpoint along Iceland’s westernmost coast. These detours require additional driving time, so they are best considered according to the ferry arrival time and weather conditions.

Continue to Patreksfjörður, a small fishing village nestled along a beautiful fjord.

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• Westfjords

Today is one of the most spectacular driving days of your Iceland adventure as you travel from Patreksfjörður to Ísafjörður, exploring the remote southern and western reaches of the Westfjords. This is a region of dramatic fjords, towering mountains, remote beaches, bird cliffs, and some of Iceland’s most untouched landscapes.

Begin your journey with a drive to Rauðisandur, one of Iceland’s most unusual beaches. Its extensive red and golden sands create a striking contrast with the surrounding mountains and deep blue Atlantic Ocean. The beach is particularly beautiful when the changing light and tides bring out different shades of color. The route includes gravel-road sections, so allow extra time and drive carefully. From the nearby Melanes viewpoint, you can enjoy sweeping views over the beach and surrounding coastline.

Continue toward Látrabjarg, one of Europe’s largest seabird cliffs and the westernmost point of Iceland. The immense cliffs stretch for many kilometers along the Atlantic and provide spectacular views of the ocean. During the summer months, the cliffs are home to enormous colonies of seabirds, including puffins. Along the way, Breiðavík offers another beautiful coastal landscape and a peaceful place for a short break.

Continue east toward Hellulaug, a small natural geothermal pool located right beside the sea. With its warm waters and spectacular ocean setting, it provides a memorable opportunity to relax in nature. There are no major facilities here, so the experience is wonderfully simple and authentic.

Your route then takes you along the dramatic Arnarfjörður to Dynjandi, one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls. Often described as resembling a bridal veil, Dynjandi cascades down the mountainside in a series of increasingly smaller waterfalls. A walking trail leads uphill from the parking area, allowing you to experience several of the cascades along the way.

Continue through the spectacular Westfjords landscape toward Ísafjörður. Depending on time and road conditions, you may have opportunities to stop at historic and picturesque villages such as Bíldudalur, Þingeyri, or Flateyri. You can also visit Hrafnseyri, the birthplace of Jón Sigurðsson, an important figure in Iceland’s independence movement.

The final part of the drive winds through the dramatic fjords and mountain landscapes of the northern Westfjords, with possible views over Önundarfjörður and its distinctive sandy coastline. Eventually, you arrive in Ísafjörður, the largest town in the Westfjords and a charming harbor settlement surrounded by steep, flat-topped mountains.

Enjoy a relaxing evening with time to explore the harbor, walk through the historic town center, and have dinner at one of the local restaurants.

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• Isafjordur Area

Today you’ll leave Ísafjörður and venture into the remote landscapes of the Westfjords and the wild Strandir Coast, where dramatic mountains, deep fjords, geothermal waters, and isolated settlements create an unforgettable sense of wilderness.

Begin your drive through the spectacular fjord system surrounding Ísafjörður, following winding coastal roads and passing through mountain tunnels as you make your way toward Bolafjall. Rising high above the coast near Bolungarvík, the mountain offers one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the Westfjords. On a clear day, the panoramic views stretch across Ísafjarðardjúp, the surrounding fjords, the ocean, and countless layers of rugged mountains. The final approach is steep and exposed, so access is dependent on road and weather conditions.

Continue along the shores of Ísafjarðardjúp to Litlibær, a tiny historic turf farmhouse that has been preserved as a charming café. This atmospheric little building offers a glimpse into traditional life in the Westfjords and is a wonderful place to enjoy homemade pancakes or waffles while taking in the peaceful fjord scenery.

Your journey continues toward the eastern Westfjords and the Strandir region. Along the way, enjoy the ever-changing scenery of steep mountains descending directly into the sea, remote valleys, and quiet coastal viewpoints. Arrive at Drangsnes, a small fishing village famous for its natural geothermal hot pots located directly on the shoreline. Take a relaxing soak in the warm water while enjoying views across the ocean and surrounding fjords.

Continue to Hólmavík, the main service center of the Strandir region. This small harbor town is a convenient place to refuel and enjoy a meal. If you are interested in Icelandic folklore and history, you can also visit the Icelandic Sorcery & Witchcraft Museum, which explores the fascinating history of magic and witchcraft in Iceland.

For those looking for a truly remote experience, continue deeper into Strandir to Djúpavík, one of the most isolated and atmospheric settlements in Iceland. Nestled at the head of a remote fjord, Djúpavík is dominated by the remains of a historic herring factory and surrounded by dramatic mountains and waterfalls. The abandoned factory and tiny settlement provide a remarkable glimpse into the region’s former fishing industry.

If road and weather conditions permit and you have enough time, adventurous travelers can continue even farther north toward Krossneslaug, a spectacular seaside geothermal pool where you can swim while looking out over the open ocean.

Overnight: Depending on your itinerary, continue toward your next accommodation or return to the Hólmavík area.

Important: The roads into the remote Strandir region can be narrow, gravelly, and slow-going. Allow plenty of time and check current road and weather conditions before setting out.

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• Holmavik

Today you’ll leave the remote Strandir region and continue east and then north toward Akureyri, traveling through some of North Iceland’s most beautiful and varied landscapes. The route takes you from the quiet fjords of the Westfjords into broad valleys, historic sites, dramatic canyons, and the agricultural landscapes of northern Iceland.

As you leave Hólmavík, follow the scenic coastal roads toward Hvammstangi, a charming village on the Miðfjörður coast. Here you can visit the Icelandic Seal Center, which offers an interesting introduction to Iceland’s seal population and the wildlife of the surrounding Vatnsnes Peninsula. Keep an eye along the shoreline, as seals can sometimes be spotted resting in the water or on nearby rocks.

Continue through the countryside to Kolugljúfur Canyon, a spectacular gorge carved by the Víðidalsá River. Several waterfalls cascade through the deep canyon, creating a dramatic contrast with the surrounding green landscape. Short walking paths lead to viewpoints overlooking the gorge.

The journey continues to Borgarvirki, a fascinating volcanic rock formation that was used as a natural fortress. Climb to the top for sweeping views across the surrounding plains and mountains while learning about the site's historical significance.

Continue toward Varmahlíð, a small but important crossroads in North Iceland surrounded by farmland and the mountains of the Skagafjörður region. It is a convenient place to pause before continuing toward the coast and Akureyri.

Nearby, Reykjafoss offers a peaceful waterfall experience away from the larger tourist crowds. The falls are surrounded by green countryside and are reached by a relatively short walk, making it a pleasant stop to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery.

Your final drive takes you toward Akureyri, Iceland’s largest town outside the Reykjavík area. Beautifully situated at the head of Eyjafjörður, Akureyri is surrounded by mountains and offers a lively harbor, cafés, restaurants, shops, and a charming town center. Spend the evening exploring the town and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of North Iceland.

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• Akureyri

Today you’ll enjoy a scenic self-drive excursion from Akureyri through the spectacular Tröllaskagi Peninsula to Siglufjörður, one of North Iceland’s most picturesque fishing towns, before returning to Akureyri.

Leave Akureyri and follow the shores of Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord, with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and coastline. Continue north toward Dalvík, a charming fishing village nestled between the sea and the dramatic peaks of the Tröllaskagi mountains. The route offers plenty of opportunities to stop for photographs and enjoy the peaceful coastal scenery.

From Dalvík, continue along the rugged coastline toward Siglufjörður, passing through dramatic mountain scenery and tunnels along the way. Once Iceland’s center of the herring industry, Siglufjörður is now a beautifully preserved town with colorful historic houses, a picturesque harbor, and an impressive mountain setting.

Spend some time exploring the town and visit the Herring Era Museum, where you can learn about the fishing boom that transformed Siglufjörður during the early 20th century. Enjoy a walk along the harbor and through the historic streets before beginning your return journey.

Return to Akureyri by the scenic route along Eyjafjörður, arriving in the late afternoon or evening with time to enjoy the town’s restaurants, cafés, and relaxed atmosphere.

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• Akureyri

Today you’ll leave Húsavík and continue through the spectacular volcanic landscapes of North Iceland toward Lake Mývatn, one of the country’s most fascinating natural regions.

Begin with a visit to Goðafoss, the magnificent “Waterfall of the Gods,” where the Skjálfandafljót River cascades over a broad horseshoe-shaped basalt cliff. Take time to enjoy the waterfall from different viewpoints and appreciate the surrounding countryside.

Continue toward Lake Mývatn, where the landscape becomes increasingly volcanic and otherworldly. Explore the Námaskarð geothermal area, with its steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and vivid mineral-colored earth. The strong geothermal activity offers a fascinating glimpse into the powerful forces beneath Iceland’s surface.

Continue to Dimmuborgir, a remarkable lava field filled with unusual rock pillars, arches, and caves formed by ancient volcanic activity. Walking trails lead through the dramatic formations, which are said to resemble a dark fortress.

Continue around Lake Mývatn, surrounded by volcanic craters, lava formations, wetlands, and mountains. The area is also an important habitat for numerous bird species during the summer. At Skútustaðir, you can take a short walk among the distinctive pseudocraters and enjoy beautiful views across the lake.

For a relaxing end to the day, consider visiting the Mývatn Nature Baths, where you can soak in warm geothermal waters surrounded by lava fields and mountains.

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• Lake Myvatn

Today you’ll leave the volcanic landscapes of Lake Mývatn and travel east into some of Iceland’s most dramatic and remote scenery. The route takes you through rugged highlands and deep valleys, with spectacular waterfalls, basalt canyons, and remote coastal landscapes before reaching the East Iceland town of Egilsstaðir.

Your first major highlight is Dettifoss, often described as Europe’s most powerful waterfall. Enormous volumes of glacial water thunder into the deep Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, creating an impressive display of raw natural power. Depending on road and weather conditions, you may also visit nearby Selfoss, a wide and elegant waterfall upstream from Dettifoss.

Continue through the remote Jökuldalur Valley toward Stuðlagil Canyon, one of East Iceland’s most remarkable geological sights. The canyon is famous for its towering basalt columns and striking turquoise glacial river, creating a dramatic combination of geometric rock formations and vivid water. A walking trail leads to viewpoints overlooking the canyon.

From Stuðlagil, continue toward the remote Eastfjords and Borgarfjörður Eystri, a small and picturesque village surrounded by steep mountains and beautiful coastal scenery. The area is particularly famous for its rich birdlife, and during the summer months you may have the opportunity to see puffins at Hafnarhólmi, one of the region’s best-known wildlife locations.

Continue south through the spectacular mountain scenery toward Seyðisfjörður. Along the way, stop at Gufufoss, a beautiful waterfall cascading down the mountainside. If time permits, take a short detour into Seyðisfjörður, one of Iceland’s most charming villages, known for its colorful historic buildings, artistic atmosphere, and famous rainbow-painted street.

Continue to Egilsstaðir, the main service center of East Iceland, situated beside Lagarfljót, a long and scenic lake surrounded by forests and mountains. The lake is also associated with Icelandic folklore and the legendary Lagarfljót worm.

After a spectacular day of waterfalls, canyons, mountains, and remote East Iceland landscapes, settle into your hotel in Egilsstaðir.

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• Egilsstadir

Today you’ll leave Egilsstaðir and continue south through the spectacular landscapes of East Iceland and the Eastfjords. The route combines peaceful lakes and forests with dramatic waterfalls, colorful fishing villages, winding fjord roads, and some of Iceland’s most impressive coastal scenery.

Begin with Lagarfljót, a long, narrow glacial lake surrounded by mountains and countryside. The lake is famous not only for its beautiful scenery but also for the legend of the Lagarfljót Worm, Iceland’s mythical lake creature. Nearby, Hallormsstaður is home to Iceland’s largest forest and offers opportunities for a short walk among the trees.

Continue to Hengifoss, one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls. The hike leads through a dramatic landscape to the waterfall, where water plunges over cliffs marked by distinctive layers of red and dark basalt. Along the trail, you’ll also encounter Litlanesfoss, framed by impressive basalt columns.

From the interior, descend toward the coast and the beautiful Eastfjords, arriving at Seyðisfjörður, one of Iceland’s most charming towns. Surrounded by steep mountains and cascading waterfalls, the colorful town is known for its historic wooden houses, vibrant arts scene, and famous rainbow street. Just before reaching town, you can admire Gufufoss, a picturesque waterfall beside the road.

Continue along the winding Eastfjords coastline toward Fáskrúðsfjörður, a small fishing village with a distinctive French heritage. The town’s historic buildings and coastal setting reflect its long connection with French fishermen who operated in the area.

The journey continues through the spectacular fjord scenery to Djúpivogur, a peaceful harbor village known for its artistic character. Along the waterfront, you can see Eggin í Gleðivík, a collection of stone egg sculptures representing local bird species.

Continue south toward Almannaskarð, where the landscape begins to change dramatically as you approach Southeast Iceland. The mountain pass provides expansive views toward the coast, black-sand plains, and the glaciers beyond.

Your next highlight is Stokksnes, a spectacular coastal area where black sand and shifting dunes contrast dramatically with the towering mountains of Vestrahorn. The combination of rugged peaks, dark beaches, and reflective wet sand creates one of Iceland’s most iconic landscapes and an exceptional photography opportunity.

Continue a short distance to Vestrahorn, the distinctive jagged mountain rising dramatically from the coastal plain. Take time to enjoy the views before continuing to Höfn, a picturesque fishing town known for its harbor and famous lobster dishes.

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• Hofn

Today you’ll leave Höfn and travel along one of Iceland’s most spectacular stretches of coastline, following the southern edge of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. The journey combines glacial landscapes, floating icebergs, black-sand beaches, waterfalls, moss-covered lava fields, and dramatic coastal scenery.

As you leave Höfn, the road follows the southeast coast with mountains and glaciers on one side and expansive black-sand plains stretching toward the Atlantic on the other. If time and weather permit, you can make a short detour toward the Hvalnes Peninsula, a remote and windswept coastal area with a lighthouse, black-sand beaches, and beautiful views across the surrounding mountains.

Continue west toward Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most extraordinary natural landmarks. Here, enormous pieces of ice calve from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and float slowly through the lagoon toward the ocean. The constantly changing shapes and colors of the ice make every visit unique, and seals are sometimes spotted swimming among the icebergs. Across the road, Diamond Beach offers a completely different perspective, where pieces of glacial ice wash ashore on the black volcanic sand.

Continue to Skaftafell, part of Vatnajökull National Park, where lush vegetation creates a striking contrast with the surrounding glaciers and volcanic landscape. The area offers several hiking opportunities and spectacular views toward the surrounding mountains and ice caps. If you have enough time and energy, the hike to Svartifoss is particularly rewarding, with the waterfall framed by distinctive hexagonal basalt columns.

Continue west through the vast moss-covered lava fields toward Kirkjubæjarklaustur, a small village surrounded by dramatic volcanic scenery. It makes a convenient place for a break before continuing along the South Coast. If time permits, a detour to Fjaðrárgljúfur offers the chance to see a spectacular canyon carved through the landscape by glacial water.

Your journey continues toward Vík í Mýrdal, Iceland’s southernmost village and a perfect base for exploring the dramatic South Coast. The area is famous for its black volcanic beaches, towering sea stacks, cliffs, and powerful Atlantic waves.

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• South Coast

Today you’ll leave Vík and continue west along Iceland’s spectacular South Coast, traveling through a landscape shaped by volcanoes, glaciers, powerful waterfalls, and the Atlantic Ocean. The route offers some of the country’s most iconic scenery before bringing you back to Reykjavík.

Begin with a visit to Reynisfjara, Iceland’s famous black-sand beach. The beach is framed by dramatic basalt columns and the towering Reynisdrangar sea stacks, which rise from the ocean just offshore. The powerful waves are an impressive sight, but great care should be taken along the shoreline, as sneaker waves can reach much farther up the beach than expected.

Continue to Dyrhólaey, a spectacular promontory rising above the southern coastline. From the cliffs, enjoy sweeping views over the black-sand beaches and surrounding countryside, as well as the distinctive natural rock arch extending into the Atlantic. During the summer nesting season, the cliffs can also provide opportunities to see puffins.

Continue inland toward Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls. The Skógá River plunges from a high cliff in a broad curtain of water, often creating rainbows in the mist. A staircase leads to a viewpoint above the falls, while the area below provides an excellent perspective of the immense cascade. Nearby, the Skógar Museum offers an opportunity to learn more about Iceland’s traditional way of life.

Continue along the coast to Seljalandsfoss, another of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. A walking path leads behind the cascading water, creating a memorable experience and unique views. Nearby Gljúfrabúi, a waterfall partially hidden inside a narrow canyon, is another worthwhile short walk if conditions permit.

Continue through the agricultural landscapes around Hvolsvöllur and Hella, where you can stop for fuel, lunch, or refreshments. If you are interested in Iceland’s volcanic history, the Lava Centre provides an engaging introduction to the country’s volcanoes, earthquakes, and geological forces.

From here, continue west toward Reykjavík, gradually leaving the open landscapes of South Iceland behind as you approach the capital.

Arrive in Reykjavík with time to explore the city, enjoy its restaurants and cafés, or take an evening walk around the harbor and downtown area.

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• Reykjavik

Enjoy your final morning in Iceland before beginning your journey home. Depending on your departure time, you may have some free time to enjoy a last breakfast or take a short walk through Reykjavík.

Allow approximately 1 hour to drive from Reykjavík to Keflavík International Airport, allowing extra time for traffic and rental-car return procedures. Upon arrival at the airport, return your rental car at the designated rental-car facility and proceed to the terminal.

We recommend arriving at Keflavík Airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure to allow sufficient time for check-in, baggage drop-off, security, and any other airport formalities.

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