Highlands and Lowlands
Tour Itinerary
Geothermal Lagoon & Geothermal Greenhouses
Pick up the car at the airport and start your Iceland adventure. From Keflavik International Airport, we recommend driving to the southern coast of the Reykjanes peninsula for your first overnight stay in the small town of Hveragerdi. The town is one of the few spots worldwide directly located on top of a geothermal area, which explains the number of greenhouses heated by hot water from nearby springs. It is If your flight is early, consider stopping at the Blue Lagoon for a relaxing soak in the geothermal mineral waters.Pick up the car at the airport and start your Iceland experience.
Hveragerdi
62 mi
Optional: Blue Lagoon Visit
National Park with Geological Wonders (UNESCO) - Exploding Geysers - Massive Waterfall
Drive from Hveragerdi to Thingvellir National park, the site of the ancient Icelandic parliament and a jewel of nature. The park offers a stunning volcanic landscape of mountains and lava flows. Today you´ll also visit the geothermal area of Geysir and the beautiful Gullfoss waterfall.
Breakfast- Golden Circle area
- 150 mi
- Optional: Laugarvatn Fontana Bakery & Baths
Wilderness Interior – Highland Geothermal Area - Natural Bathing Pool - Viking Horses - Glacial Rivers
Today’s journey takes you along the historic highland route, Kjölur, which requires a 4x4 vehicle (car category 5.0 or higher). This track is open from mid-June to mid-September and offers a truly unique adventure. Travel through the stunning geothermal area of Hveravellir, nestled between the Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers. During your drive you’ll experience the same breathtaking landscapes that Vikings once traversed centuries ago. The trail eventually leads you into the picturesque horse-breeding valley of Skagafjörður, known for its glacial rivers and idyllic scenery. This route is a perfect blend of history, nature, and adventure.
- Breakfast
- Highlands area
- 143 mi
Akureyri - Waterfall "Of the Gods" - Bizarre Lava Formations - Geothermal Activity - Rich Birdlife
Drive to Akureyri, the "capital of the north." Stop at the lovely Godafoss waterfall before driving to the intriguing Lake Myvatn area. The natural wonders of Lake Myvatn area include the unique lava formations of Dimmuborgir, Krafla volcanic area, and the pseudo craters at Skutustadir.
- Breakfast
- North Iceland
- 118 mi
Whale Watching Village – Glacier- Carved Gorge - Europe's Most Powerful Waterfall
From Lake Myvatn drive around Tjornes peninsula. Travel through the fishing village of Husavik to Jokulsargljufur National Park, including the impressive horseshoe-shaped Asbyrgi canyon and the mighty Dettifoss waterfall. Continue east to Egilsstadir.
- Breakfast
- East Iceland
- 199 mi
- Optional: Whale Watching from Husavik
Narrow Fjords - Steep Mountains - Picturesque Coastline - Mineral Collection
Drive south through the spectacular coast line of the East Fjords with charming fishing villages and towering mountains that plunge vertically into the sea. Remember to give yourself plenty of time to drive carefully and enjoy the amazing scenery. One of these is the Almannaskard pass, which offers a striking view of Vatnajokull glacier and the coastal area.
- Breakfast
Eastfjords area
186 mi
Europe's Largest Glacier - Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs – Glacier-Ringed Green Oasis
Today you will be in the vicinity of Vatnajokull National Park named after Europe´s largest glacier. Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon by Vatnajokull glacier offers a beautiful view of the glacier, and the floating icebergs will leave a deep impression on you. Head onwards to the park‘s Skaftafell area, an ice-ringed green oasis with various hiking possibilities. Get closer to the beauty with an optional ice hiking tour on one of Vatnajokull‘s glacial tongues. Continue along the south coast for an overnight stay.
- Breakfast
- South Iceland
- 137 mi
- Optional: Glacier Hike, Amphibian Boat Tour on Glacial Lagoon
Multicolored Highland Mountains - Lava Fields - Hot Spring Bathing - Hekla Volcano
Travel along the Fjallabaksleid highland interior track. Cross several unbridged rivers to Landmannalaugar, a magnificent area surrounded by colorful rhyolite mountains, with the option of bathing in a natural warm pool (do not forget to bring a swimsuit). Throughout the day you'll enjoy views of the towering Hekla, Iceland´s most frequently erupting volcano. Explore the ever changing scenery of Thjorsardalur, a valley sculpted by Hekla´s past eruptions, before heading back to Reykjavik.
Note: If you prefer not to visit Landmannalaugar, you can continue along the south shore exploring black sand beaches, bird colonies, towering waterfalls and crossing fertile farmlands towards Reykjavik.
- Breakfast
- Reykjavik
- 149 mi
- 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 you arrival day.
- Breakfast
- 32 mi
- Optional: Blue Lagoon
Customer reviews
Our private driving trip was the best holiday we have ever had. Thank you Nordic Saga Tours for helping us to have this enjoyable holiday. The best part of it was that there were so many choices to fulfill our different wishes. We had just to follow the itinerary which you built up according to our wishes. All accommodations were very well chosen with good service and food. The only thing we had to do was to enjoy the fantastic scenery which was around us all the time. Look forward to our next trip.
Austin Sarat, Belgium
