Day 1: Arrival:
Highlights: The Blue Lagoon Hveragerdi Hveragerdi Hot Spring Area
 
Geothermal Lagoon – Flower Village – Geothermal Greenhouses

Approximate distance: 100 km / 62 miles

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.

Important:  Please note that admission to the Blue Lagoon must be booked in advance.

Overnight stay in Hveragerdi.

Day 2: Golden Circle:
Highlights: Gullfoss Geysir Kerid Thingvellir National Park Laugarvatn Fontana Nature Baths
 
World-Renowned National Park – Bubbling Geysers – Golden Waterfall

Approximate distance: 186 km / 115 miles

Drive to Thingvellir National Park, the site of Iceland’s ancient parliament and a real gem natural scenery. The park itself is situated in a stunning volcanic landscape of mountains and lava flows, on the border of Iceland’s largest lake. Continue to the famous Geysir hot spring area and the mighty Gullfoss waterfall.

Overnight stay in the Fludir area.

Day 3: Black Sand Beaches of the South Coast:
Highlights: Skogafoss Myrdalsjokull Vík Eldhraun Lava Field Seljalandsfoss Eyjafjallajokull
 
Southern waterfalls – Black sand beaches – Bird Cliff – Vast Lava Field

Approximate distance: 215 km / 133 miles

Drive along the spectacular south coast, viewing highlights such as Skogafoss waterfall, Myrdalsjokull glacier, the bird cliffs of Dyrholaey* and the black sand beaches of Vik. Continue across the vast Eldhraun lava field to the village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur, which is known for its fabulous trout fishing.

Overnight stay in Southeast Iceland.

*Please note that Dyrholaey is closed during nesting season in spring, from around mid-May until June 23rd.

Day 4: Fjadrargljufur and Lakagigar Craters:
Highlights: Laki & Lakagigar Eldhraun Lava Field
 
Spectacular Canyon- Crater Area – Historic Eruption Site

Approximate distance: 120 km / 74 miles

Enjoy the day exploring this little known area. We recommend a hike in magnificent Fjadrargljufur, one of the most spectacular canyons in Iceland. If you are traveling in June, July, or August a longer detour to the volcanic Laki craters (Lakagigar) is a great option. The drive, for which you’ll need a rental car category 5.0 or higher, takes you to the site of a catastrophic eruption in 1783-84 and includes beautiful sights such as Laki, the largest of the craters, which is 818 meters (2684 feet) high and affords a breathtaking view over the craters.

Overnight stay in Southeast Iceland.

Day 5: Skaftafell and Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon:
Highlights: Skaftafell National Park Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon Hofn Vatnajokull Svartifoss Waterfall
 
Glacier-Rimmed Green Oasis – Glacial Lagoon – Europe‘s Largest Glacier

Approximate distance: 204 km / 126 miles

Today you will be in the area of Vatnajokull National Park, a vast area named after Europe‘s largest glacier. You will have many amazing views of this glacier as you head along your route. Visit the park‘s awe-inspiring Skaftafell area, a green oasis that is set between glaciers and offers many hiking possibilities. Continue to the shimmering icebergs of Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon and the harbor town of Hofn, also known as the lobster capital of northern Europe.

Overnight stay in Hofn.

Day 6: Eastern Fjords and Highland Wilderness:
Highlights: Skrudur Island Egilsstadir Petra’s Minerals The Wilderness Center Hengifoss Hallormsstadur Lagarfljot
 
Spectacular Fjord Views – Charming Fishing Villages – Ancient Rocks – Wilderness Center

Approximate distance: 187 km / 116 miles

Drive through the spectacular East Fjords region, past towering mountains, and through charming fishing villages, to the fertile Egilsstadir area. On the way, it is possible to take a boat tour to Papey Island, where thousands of puffins nest in the summer (mid-May to early August) or visit Petra’s famous local stone and mineral collection at Stodvarfjordur. In the Egilsstadir area, you can visit the beautiful Hallormsstadur forest and a river reputed to be the home of a friendly sea monster. Visit the new Wilderness Center located at the edge of the hauntingly beautiful eastern highlands. Here you can discover Iceland‘s pioneer history and highland nature in a clever interactive way.

Overnight stay in Egilsstadir.

Day 7: Seydisfjordur and Borgarfjördur Eystri:
Highlights: Seydisfjordur Borgarfjordur Eystri Skalanes
 
Artistic Fjord Villages –  Elfin Folklore – Amazing views of fjords and sky

Approximate distance: 140 km / 86 miles

Explore the quaint village of Seydisfjordur, the port for the ferry from Europe. Here you can visit an artistic display where the wind makes a beautiful singing sound. Also explore Borgarfjordur Eystri, steeped in the folklore of elves. This area also has excellent hiking paths. Both villages are known for their friendly locals and rich artistic communities.

Overnight stay in Egilsstadir area.

 

Day 8: Jokulsargljufur National Park:
Highlights: Jokulsargljufur National Park Dettifoss Ásbyrgi Saenautasel Húsavík

Vast highlands – Northern Vatnajokull National Park – Echo Rocks – Whale Watching Capital

Approximate distance: 175 km / 108 miles

Travel across the vast Modrudalsoraefi highlands, which are renowned for their stark beauty, to the mighty Dettifoss waterfall. Explore the many wonders of northern Vatnajokull National Park, such as the strange formations of Hljodaklettar (Echo Rocks) and the impressive horseshoe-shaped Asbyrgi canyon. Continue along the Tjornes peninsula at the edge of the Arctic Circle to the fishing village of Husavik. This town is known as the capital of whale watching for its excellent sightings. Perhaps you will enjoy a whale watching tour on a beautifully-restored oaken boat.

Overnight stay in the Lake Myvatn area.

Read more
Optional Tours:

Environmental Friendly Whale Watching tour from Husavik

Day 9: Lunar Landscapes of Lake Myvatn:
Highlights: Myvatn Hverfjall Krafla Dimmuborgir Myvatn Nature Baths

Volcanic Wonders- Dark Citadels – Colorful Thermal areas – Nature Baths

Distance is variable.

Spend the day exploring the natural wonders of Lake Myvatn and the surrounding area. Visit highlights such as the surreal dark citadels at Dimmuborgir, the pseudo craters at Skutustadir, the colorful sulfurous slopes of Namaskard and the Krafla volcano area. Get closer to the region with guided tours on bikes or horseback. After a fun day, you might relax in the peaceful Myvatn Nature Baths, a favorite of both locals and visitors.

Overnight stay in the Lake Myvatn area.

 

Day 10: Explore North Iceland:
Highlights: Godafoss Akureyri The Christmas Garden

Waterfall of the Gods – Iceland´s “Capital of the North” – Botanical Gardens

Approximate distance: 91 km / 57 miles

Spend the day driving from Lake Myvatn to the majestic Godafoss waterfall and onwards to explore Akureyri, the capital of the north. Explore the second largest town in Iceland, perhaps visiting the famous thermal swimming pool, the many museums, and the landmark church.  Activities are plentiful in the area, including horseback riding, hiking on local trails, a guided art gallery walk, fishing and whale watching.

Please Note:  The Ring Road route today contains a toll tunnel.  More information on the tunnel and fees is here. 

Overnight stay in Akureyri.

 

Optional Tours:

Akureyri Food Walk

Game of Thrones Air tour

Whale Watching (from Akureyri)

Soaking in the Beer Bath Spa

Day 11: The Troll Peninsula and Skagafjordur:
Highlights: Siglufjordur The Herring Era Museum Hofsos Icelandic Emigration Center Vatnsnes Peninsula Hvítserkur Skagafjordur Fjord Skagafjordur Heritage Museum – Glaumbaer

Beautiful fjord coastline – Herring Boom Town – Infinity Pool – Saga and Horse Heritage

Approximate distance: 250 km / 155 miles

Drive to Siglufjordur along the Troll Peninsula, one of Iceland´s most beautiful coastlines, where you’ll get a unique view towards the North Atlantic. In the charming town of Siglufjordur enjoy discovering the history of the town at the award-winning Herring Museum.  This accounts in the early 20th century days that transformed a small fishing village temporarily into a boomtown.

Stop in Hofsos town, where you can visit the beautiful Infinity Pool and its unique optical illusion. Explore the fascinating area of Skagafjordur, renowned for horse breeding and many sites from Icelandic Saga History, before driving to Hrutafjordur. A recommended stop along the way is Vatnsdalsholar, a cluster of hills found in Vatnsdalur valley. Vatnsdalur is an area renowned as the home of a famous female Viking chieftain. It is also the haunting setting for the famous historical novel by Hannah Kent, Burial Rites, which describes the last execution in Iceland in the 19th century.

Overnight stay in Varmahlid/Laugarbakki area.

Optional Tours:

Soaking in the Beer Bath Spa

Family River Rafting (from Skagafjordur)

Day 12: Strandir, Holmavik, and Drangsnes:
Highlights: The Icelandic Seal Center Hólmavík Sorcery and Witchcraft Museum Strandir Coast

Icelandic Witchcraft Museum – Isolated Beauty- Spine of the West Fjords

Approximate distance: 250km / 155miles

Drive along the low hills of Hrutafjordur Fjord towards jagged mountains that rise straight from the sea in the area of Holmavik and Drangsnes. For centuries, this was one of the most isolated regions in Iceland. It is a region of remote and spectacular beauty. Here you can enjoy the peace and solitude that is rare in so many places. Strandir is literally the spine of the Westfjords, a place of spiky fjords and majestic crags. In ancient times, the inhabitants were reputed to have knowledge of magic. You can find out about these traditions at the Icelandic Museum of Sorcery and Witchcraft in Holmavik town.

Overnight in the Holmavik area.

Optional Tours:

Seal and Nature Watching (from Hvammstangi)

Whale Watching from Holmavik

Day 13: Westfjord’s Wonders - Isafjordur:
Highlights: Isafjordur Isafjordur Maritime Museum Vigur Island

Capital of the Westfjords- Rich Birdlife – Island in Harmony with Nature

Approximate distance: 221 km / 137 miles

Thread your away along the numerous uninhabited fjords of Isafjardardjup, which boasts a beautiful coastline alive with seals and birds. Continue to Isafjordur, the largest town in the Westfjords. This town has some of the oldest buildings in the country, many beautifully-restored. Enjoy a guided walking tour through back streets and history. Take a ferry to the island community of Vigur, where locals practice the sustainable tradition of eider duck farming. This is also the only place in Iceland with a traditional windmill. If you enjoy activities, Isafjordur is well known for its sea kayaking in the glassy fjord waters.

Overnight in the Isafjordur area.

Optional Tours:

Figure – Paradise Island (from Isafjordur)

Calm Water Kayaking (from Isafjordur)

Day 14: Isafjordur – Bolungarvik - Sudureyri:
Highlights: Isafjordur Bolungarvik Sudureyri Hornstrandir Adalvik Bay Hesteyri

Friendly towns – traditional and modern fishing heritage – Hornstrandir Nature Reserve

Distance is variable.

Spend time in Isafjordur and the surrounding area, including the neighboring towns of Bolungarvik and Sudureyri.  Sudureyri offers a friendly and informative walking tour focused on the town‘s eco-friendly fishing. Along the route, you can sample gourmet and traditional fish delicacies. Discover older fishing traditions at the Osvor traditional fishing camp, a restored 19th-century area where locals fished at sea using simple wooden rowboats.

Mountain biking, hiking, paragliding, mountaineering, you name it, Westfjords can serve it all. For calmer activities, there are several golf courses in the region, and sea kayaking is a peaceful way to spend the afternoon exploring the picturesque fjords

Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is another place worth visiting. It is remote and off-limits to all motorized traffic, so the pure and wild nature can only be accessed by boat and is ideal for hikers and nature lovers alike.

Overnight in Isafjordur is
Optional Tours:

Calm Water Kayaking (from Isafjordur)

Food Trail (from Sudureyri)

Day 15: Thingeyri – Dynjandi - Latrabjarg:
Highlights: Onundarfjordur Fjord Dynjandi Bildudalur The Icelandic Sea Monster Museum Talknafjordur Patreksfjordur Raudisandur Latrabjarg

Multi-tiered waterfall – Europe‘s Westernmost point- Europe´s largest bird cliff

Approximate distance: 287 km / 178 miles

Drive from Isafjordur through the beautiful West Fjords. En route, enjoy provincial charms in the fishing villages of Thingeyri before arriving to the beautiful Dynjandi. At Dynjandi waterfall, the thunderous power of the main cascade drops 100 meters (329 ft) off the edge of a mountain. The waterfall base provides views seaward over lush valleys, making it an ideal picnic stop.

Outdoor bathing in natural hot springs is a common activity enjoyed in the Westfjords, which has many hidden bathing spots in remote locations.

Visit Latrabjarg cliffs, the westernmost point in Europe. The remarkable 441-meter-high (1,447 ft) sea cliffs are alive with millions of playful puffins, gannets, guillemots, and razorbills.  This beautiful natural sculpture has been recognized by both Lonely Planet and National Geographic as one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in the world. The cliffs make a stunning viewpoint to the beautiful beaches below during the Midnight Sun of summer.

Overnight in the southern part of the Westfjords

 

Day 16: Raudisandur – Breidafjordur – Stykkisholmur:
Highlights: Raudisandur Flatey Island Breidafjordur Stykkisholmur

Red Sands –  Picturesque Islands and Coastline–  Charming Village

Breakfast at your accommodation.  Continue along the southern coast of the Westfjords. Raudasandur is a gorgeous stretch of beach where you can see different colors of sand ranging from white to yellow to red to black. Definitely take your time here and enjoy the different moods of the sea and sands.

Depending on your schedule, maybe you’ll stop to take a dip in the Hellulaug natural geothermal pool in Vatnsfjordur fjord. This is a simple little natural pool with a lovely view of the ocean. There are no changing facilities. There is no admission fee, but we encourage you to leave some money in the donation box since this is how the locals ensure the pool is regularly cleaned and safe to use.

Now you have two options: you can either drive the coastal road to Stykkisholmur town or take the ferry across Breidafjordur to the town.

Driving: Drive along the coast of Bardarstrond and into West Iceland. You can explore Dalir, the region of Eric the Red and birthplace of his son, the great explorer Leif Eiriksson at a living replica museum before driving to the Snaefellsnes peninsula. Approximate distance: 325 km (202 miles)

Ferry: Head to Brjanslaekur ferry dock. Sail with the ferry Baldur across Breidafjordur bay with its countless islands and rich birdlife. (Please note the price of the ferry ride is not included in the package.)  You will pass by the island of Flatey, a beloved summer holiday area for Icelanders. Enjoy the ride and the views of islands and birds. Approximate distance: 137 km (85 miles). The ferry ride is about 2,5 hours.

Please note: After Sept. 1. the ferry Baldur departs once per day and does not sail on Saturdays. If you are planning this trip in late August or September, please make sure Day 16 is not on a Saturday.

From Brjanslaekur: 18:00 (6:00pm)*

From Stykkisholmur: 15:00 (3:00pm)*

*This schedule is subject to change

Your destination today is the charming town of Stykkisholmur. This eco-friendly town has beautiful wooden buildings originally brought over from Norway in the 1800s. Stykkisholmur is a lovely place to take an evening walk, and you will surely enjoy the nice selection of cafes and restaurants available.

Overnight in Stykkisholmur area or northern Snaefellsnes Peninsula

 

Day 17: Stykkisholmur – Arnarstapi - Borgarfjordur:
Highlights: Stykkisholmur Grundarfjordur Kirkjufell Ólafsvík Arnarstapi Djupalonssandur Eldborg Crater Hraunfossar Barnafoss Deildartunguhver

Magical Glacier Volcano– Sea Cliffs with Birdlife – Picturesque Waterfalls

Approximate distance: 300 km / 186 miles

Continue around the Snaefellsnes peninsula, passing the small fishing villages Hellissandur and Grundarfjordur. Make a stop at the magnificent columnar basalt rock formations at Arnarstapi, as well as the rocky beach of Djupalonssandur. Pass Eldborg crater en route to the agricultural region of Borgarfjordur.  Explore the history-rich Borgarfjordur area and visit the beautiful Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls and Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring area.  Delve into Icelandic Saga folklore with a visit to Reykholt, the home of Medieval chieftain, poet and Saga author Snorri Sturluson.

Overnight in Borgarfjordur.

 

Optional Tours:

Puffin tour from the town of Grundarfjordur

Vatnshellir Caving (from Snaefellsnes Peninsula)

Krauma Nature Baths

Day 18: Borgarfjordur – Borgarnes – Reykjavik:
Highlights: Husafell Borgarnes Settlement Center of Iceland Hvalfjordur Fjord Glymur Reykjavik

Viking Settlement – Second Highest Waterfall – Picturesque Fjord

Approximate distance:  200 km / 125 miles

A unique experience in the Borgarfjordur area is the chance to go into the very heart of a glacier with an Into the Glacier experience. Tours depart from Husafell village. Take a ride in a monster-sized vehicle up the sides of Langjokull Glacier and into a glacial ice tunnel.  Here you can learn about glaciers and how they formed in a setting with a great focus on environmental conservation and education.

Borgarnes is located near the homestead of a famous Viking saga hero, Egill Skallagrimsson. You can learn more about him and the first Viking settlers in Iceland at the Settlement Museum in the town of Borgarnes. Continue via Hvalfjordur fjord, a scenic fjord where you might stop to visit Glymur, the highest waterfall in Iceland.  Then continue to Reykjavik.

Overnight in Reykjavik.

Optional Tours:
Glacier Tunnel in Langjokull
Into the Glacier – Classic Tour (from Husafell Hotel or Kalki Base Camp)

The Reykjavik Beer Tour
Icelandic Sagas
Icelandic Sagas: The Greatest Hits

Day 19: Departure:
Highlights: Reykjavik Viking World The Blue Lagoon Keflavik

Approximate distance: 52 km / 32 miles

Breakfast at your hotel. Drive back to Keflavik International Airport. * We recommend departing your hotel in Reykjavik 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.