Northern Lights and Volcanic Views in Winter

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland is the Golden Circle. Here’s a guide to the main attractions along the Golden Circle:

Þingvellir National Park (Thingvellir) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of geological and historical significance. It is located on the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, which creates dramatic rift valleys and fissures.
Gullfoss, or the “Golden Falls,” is one of Iceland’s most famous and impressive waterfalls. It features a dramatic two-tiered drop with a powerful flow of glacial water. The Geysir geothermal area is home to the famous Strokkur geyser, which erupts regularly and is one of Iceland’s most active geysers. Kerið is a volcanic crater lake located near the end of the Golden Circle route. It features a striking, vividly colored caldera with a lake at the bottom. Located in Flúðir, the Secret Lagoon is a natural geothermal hot spring pool. It’s a less touristy alternative to the Blue Lagoon, offering a more relaxed and authentic Icelandic bathing experience.
Friðheimar is a unique greenhouse farm specializing in tomatoes. Visitors can experience Icelandic farming methods and enjoy tomato-based dishes in a greenhouse.

After the Golden Circle, drive to the South Shore, stopping at the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls.

• Breakfast
• Vik area
• 180 mi
• Optional: Laugarvatn Fontana Bakery

Vast Lava Fields – Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs – Europe’s Largest Glacier

Continue your journey on the Ring Road. Cross Eldhraun is the most significant lava field recorded on the planet during the massive eruption of 178-1784. The raw, untamed landscape is covered in soft moss and looks like a scene from another planet.

Visit the town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, the former site of a 12th-century Catholic convent. The tour continues over the Skeiðarársandur to Skaftafell, a beautiful glacial area in the Vatnajökull National Park. 

Continue to the stunning Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon to see the birthplace of icebergs. Nearby is the famous Diamond Beach, where glittering chunks of ice rest on black sand. Enjoy magnificent views of the mighty Vatnajökull Glacier.

• Breakfast
• Höfn area
• 180 mi
• Optional: Glacier Hike, Amphibian Boat on Glacier Lagoon

Narrow Fjords – Steep Mountains – Picturesque Coastline

Drive from Höfn through Almannaskarð Pass, stopping to admire the fantastic coastline. Continue to the mountains that plunge vertically into the sea and create the most incredible landscapes of Eastfjords. These dramatic peaks, carved by glaciers over thousands of years, create breathtaking vistas where rugged cliffs meet the deep blue waters below. The cascading waterfalls, rock formations, and tranquil fjord waters are a perfect setting for photographers and nature lovers. Whether you explore by car, boat, or on foot, the awe-inspiring beauty of these fjords is an experience you’ll never forget. 

Watch for possible reindeer sightings; during winter, reindeer will sometimes come down the mountains to the coast. You will also pass villages, each with its unique history and charm. You might enjoy visiting the town of Djúpivogur, the gateway to the Eastfjords. It is nice to walk along the harbor and view the interesting art installation sculpture depicting seabird eggs.

The road brings you to Egilsstaðir town, located near Iceland’s largest forest and a lake said to be home to a legendary (friendly) monster. The area also has an excellent reputation for locally sourced cuisine, and you’ll surely enjoy the restaurant selection.

• Breakfast
• Egilsstaðir Area
• 158 mi

Highland Desert – Bizarre Lava Formations – Volcanic Wonderland 

Explore the immense emptiness of the highland desert plateau Möðrudalsöræfi as you drive towards the Lake Mývatn area. The historical Möðrudalur farm and its charming Fjallakaffi café, located at the highest altitude of any working farm in Iceland, are worth a tiny detour. 

Visit boiling mud pools and vibrant colors at Mývatn’s Námaskarð Pass. It feels like stepping onto another planet—it is an otherworldly, surreal experience! Explore the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir, the Grjótagjá cave with underground hot springs, unique lava formations at Dimmuborgir. They look as if they were built by fantasy creatures. Legend has it that elves live here, so be respectful during your visit. You’ll see why the Mývatn area has become popular as a movie location.

Note:  It is not possible to visit Dettifoss between October and April, as the roads to the waterfall are not safe for winter travel.

• Breakfast
• Myvatn area
• 162 miles

“Waterfall of the Gods” – The Beautiful Troll Peninsula – Charming Towns

Begin your day by exploring the unique lava formations of Dimmuborgir in Mývatn, a landscape unlike any other. Next, visit the stunning Goðafoss waterfall. Known as the "Waterfall of the Gods," it is one of Iceland's most iconic and beautiful waterfalls. 
Continue to Akureyri, the northern capital of Iceland. The town has charming, colorful houses and a beautiful view of the Eyjafjörður.  pend a few hours in Akureyri and continue along the coastal roads of Eyjafjörður and the Troll Peninsula. After a breathtaking drive along steep mountains with fantastic views over the Arctic Sea and black sand coastline, arrive in the small town of Siglufjörður, nestled in a beautiful fjord of the same name. The city has some of the finest restored timber buildings in the country and a fascinating Herring Era Museum.

• Breakfast
• Northwest Iceland
• 105 mi

Icelandic History and Horses – Fertile Farmlands – Glacial Rivers

Head along majestic mountains and narrow passes to Skagafjörður considered one of the finest places in Iceland for horse breeding. Hólar is one of Iceland’s cultural centers and has buildings from nine centuries of Iceland’s history that you can visit. Medieval and military history buffs might enjoy the new 1238: Battle of Iceland exhibit in Sauðákrókur town. Cutting-edge virtual reality technology brings to life the drama and history of a pivotal 13th-century battle that changed Iceland’s people forever. The Glaumbær turf manor house at the Skagafjörður Regional Museum is a fascinating glimpse into how people lived in Iceland until the early 20th century. Glaumbær inspired the manor farm in Hannah Kent’s award-winning novel Burial Rites (a movie now in production).
Cross the Holtavörðuheiði plateau through Borgarfjörður to the beautiful town of Borgarnes.
Overnight in the Borgarfjörður area.

• Breakfast
• Borgarfjörður area
• 211 miles

Powerful Hot Spring – Lava Waterfalls – Famous National Park
Drive to Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe. The nearby Krauma Natural Hot Spring Spa is a beautiful place to enjoy a refreshing morning bath surrounded by gorgeous landscapes.
Stop to admire the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfall before continuing via Hvalfjörður fjord to Lake Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest lake and Þingvellir National Park. This UNESCO heritage site is where the world’s oldest continuing parliamentary government was founded in the 10th century. It is also the place where the North American and European tectonic plates meet.
After your visit here, head on to Reykjavík, Iceland’s culturally vibrant capital city. Enjoy exploring the city’s many dining options. You might also enjoy late afternoon and evening activities such as a visit to FlyOver Iceland or whale watching (during the summer). If you’re looking for hot spring bathing why not visit the amazing Sky Lagoon and try the uniquely soothing Seven Step Ritual Therapy?
Overnight in Reykjavík.

• Breakfast
• Reykjavík
• 131 miles

Approximate Distance:
50 km / 30 miles
Return to Keflavík International Airport
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 check-in will start 2 hours before your departure.
If you did not visit the Blue Lagoon earlier but have some free time today, you might want to use the opportunity 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 at the lagoon. Your rental car should be returned to the airport service area, which is located only 2 minutes from the airport building. A shuttle will then transport you to the departure hall.

• Breakfast
• 30 miles