Here is your opportunity to really connect with the landscapes and culture in the Golden Circle, South Shore, and Glacier Lagoon regions. Stay in fewer hotels and have more moments each day for those special experiences and adventurous discoveries.

Want a less rushed driving holiday? Travel at a pace that lets you connect with South Iceland’s nature and culture. Staying in just three hotels puts more time in your hands to discover the hidden gems around the Golden Circle, South Shore, and Glacier Lagoon areas. If you like adventure this itinerary is perfect for adding in those outdoor activities that make Iceland so much fun.

Itinerary

Approximate Distance:

100 km / 62 miles

Arrival in the Land of Fire and Ice

Once you have landed at Keflavik Airport, please pick up your luggage and head through customs. Collect your rental car at the airport and proceed to your hotel.

Drive along mystical lava landscapes to the charming village of Hveragerdi for your overnight. This town is perfect for getting to know typical small-town Icelandic culture, but with a unique twist. Hveragerdi is one of the few sites in the world located directly on top of a geothermal area. Because of its many greenhouses heated by hot water from nearby springs, it is often called the “flower village.” There are plenty of outdoor and wellness activities to enjoy here, and a great local restaurant/coffee house culture.

If you arrive earlier in the day, you can take advantage of afternoon and evening activities such as hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking or SuperJeep safaris. Or you might just relax and enjoy a visit to the town’s geothermal pool and having a nice dinner at a cozy restaurant.

Please note check-in for most hotels begins at 14:00 – 16:00 (2:00pm-4:00pm).

Overnight in the Hveragerdi area.

Golden Circle Area

Approximate Distance:

210 km / 131 miles

National Park – Famous Golden Falls – Bubbling Geysers

Today is open for you to explore the wonders of the Golden Circle region. We suggest a visit to one of Iceland’s unique pollution-free power stations: Ljosafossvirkjun. This historical hydropower station has a wonderful interactive exhibit (in English) where you can learn how Icelanders have harnessed the power of water, geothermal heat and wind to create electricity. Visit Thingvellir National Park, site of the ancient Icelandic Viking parliament and a jewel of nature. Here you can see the meeting point between the North American and Europe continents. Several walking trails and hiking trails take visitors to historical points of interest.

Continue to the amazing sites of Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir hot spring area. Gullfoss is considered by many visitors to be Iceland’s most beautiful waterfall. Geysir is an active geothermal field with many bubbling steam vents and spouting hot springs, including the famous Strokkur geyser.

If adventure is your style, try activities such as snowmobiling on Langjokull glacier, visiting a unique crystal ice cave (winter only), or snorkeling at Silfra.

If you want to connect with local culture, visit Fridheimar farm, where you can enjoy wholesome cuisine made with vegetables from the farm’s greenhouse. Or visit Efstidalur dairy, where you can indulge in home-made ice cream. We also suggest a relaxing visit to the Secret Lagoon in Fludir, a historical natural swimming pool that is now a cozy geothermal hot spring experience. You can lie in the soothing water and watch the Secret Lagoon‘s own little geyser erupt every few minutes.

Overnight in the Hveragerdi area.

Optional tours:

Silfra Snorkeling (Meet on Location)

Gullfoss Canyon Rafting – From Drumbó Base

Fontana Geothermal Bath

Secret Lagoon

Gullfoss Basecamp Snowmobiling

Ice Cave and Glacier Expedition

Iceland’s South Shore

Approximate Distance:

170 km / 106 miles

Volcanic Views – Magnificent Waterfalls – Black Sands and Thundering Waves

Drive along the scenic South Shore. If the skies are clear, you’ll get a great view of two famous volcanoes. Hekla is Iceland‘s most frequently erupting volcano. Eyjafjallajokull is the (in) famous volcano whose 2010 eruption impacted air traffic around the world.

The route also leads by two beautiful waterfalls. Seljalandsfoss is a ribbon-like waterfall that you can walk behind if trail conditions are good. Skogafoss is believed to contain hidden treasure from the middle Ages. Near Skogafoss is an interesting folk museum that has examples of different buildings from different eras of Icelandic history, including a turf farmhouse.

Admire the black sand beach, basalt columns and powerful Atlantic waves of Reynisfjara beach near Vik village. Far out to sea are huge sea stacks that local tales say were once trolls. Dyrholaey* is a rocky headland famous in photos for its black lava arch. During the summer, thousands of sea birds and puffins nest here (puffins are generally in Iceland between mid-May and early August).

The area around Vik is great for trying out activities such as snowmobiling on Myrdalsjokull glacier or an ATV tour on the black sand beaches. We also recommend glacier hiking on Myrdalsjokull, an adventure open to people of all skill levels. You’ll have the rare chance to touch a glacier while learning amazing facts about how they are formed.

*Important: Please note that Dyrholaey is closed during nesting season, from about the middle of May until late June

Overnight in the Vik area.

Optional tours:

Kayaking by Solheimajokull Glacier

Solheimajokull Glacier Walking Tour (from Basecamp)

Black sand beach ATV tour

Snowmobiling on Myrdalsjokull glacier

Zipline adventure in Vik

Vatnajokull National Park

Approximate Distance:

395 km / 245 miles

Glacier National Park – Europe’s Largest Glacier – Iceberg filled Lagoon

This is a day full of opportunities, so we recommend an early start. Drive through an impressive and surreal lava field as you head east. This is Eldhraun, the world‘s largest known single flow of lava, created by the eruption of Laki in 1783. Enjoy the chance to snap some unique lava images.

The path takes you over vast black sand plains created by glacial floods and on to the town of Kirkjubaejarklaustur. This town named after a convent is a good place to stop. The town is also near Systrafoss, a double-ribbon waterfall that falls like a ribbon into the gorge.

You will soon be in the vicinity of southern Vatnajokull National Park, named after the largest glacier in Europe, and you’ll see amazing views of Vatnajokull through the day. Take the day to enjoy the journey and the beautiful views and magnificent atmosphere of the area.

We highly recommend visiting the Skaftafell area of Vatnajokull National Park. There are some good hiking trails with views of glaciers. (Check the park’s visitor center to see which trails are open during your visit). You can also take a glacier hiking tour with an expert glacier guide. Near the park is the Glacier Lagoon (Jokulsarlon), where icebergs drift and collide with each other in a lake formed by Vatnajokull glacier. It’s a fantastic location for photographs, and there is an opportunity to take a boat tour among the icebergs (April – October). Ten minutes away is a smaller and more secluded lagoon, Fjallsarlon (Iceberg Lagoon). Here you can take a Zodiac boat tour into the lagoon (April – October) .

Some icebergs have drifted up onto a nearby black sand beach that provides a dramatic setting for photos. Known as the Diamond Beach, this is a beautiful place to linger, catching views of icebergs and seals.

If you want a unique wintertime adventure, you might join a guided SuperJeep and glacier hike tour visit a beautiful blue ice cave.

Overnight in the Vik area.

Optional tours:

Amphibian Boat Tour on Glacial Lagoon (from the lagoon)

Crystal Ice Cave Tour from the Glacier Lagoon

Glacier Wonders – Glacier Hike in Skaftafell

South Coast Explorations

Approximate Distance:

328 km / 203 nukes

Take the less-traveled road to Reykjavik

Take your time and enjoy a leisurely drive to Reykjavik. As you drive along Road 1, make a stop at Urridafoss, a mighty waterfall just off of Road 1. It’s great to feel the power from the view of the rushing waters.

Drive along the south coast road to Reykjanes Peninsula, a colorful UNESCO Geopark that is a paradise for photographers and geology buffs. The road first leads first through several charming villages. Stokkseyri village is a favorite stop for us. There are some great walking trails near the sea, perfect for viewing birdlife and area nature.

Drive along seacoast with amazing views of powerful waves, stopping to view Strandakirkja. This lovely church is the spot where many Icelanders have prayed for the safety of loved ones who worked or traveled on the sea. It’s very special to spend some moments outside the church and take in the views of the mighty ocean and rocky coastline.

Visit the moon-like surroundings of Lake Kleifarvatn and the Krysuvik geothermal area with its multicolored bubbling mud pools. You can also walk across the Mid-Atlantic ridge on the Bridge between Continents.

In the area is the famous Blue Lagoon where you can relax in the soothing mineral waters. Important: admission to the Blue Lagoon needs to be booked in advance. We can help you with that! If you enjoy adventure a great experience are guided ATV tours year-round.

Afterwards head to Reykjavik for your overnight. Enjoy the food scene and lively culture of Iceland’s capital.

May – September Alternative: Want to take a less travelled road with lots of changing landscapes? Take Road 26 and then Road 32 to explore Thjorsardalur valley. Named after Iceland’s longest river, this valley hides two beautiful waterfalls, woodlands and the site of a Viking-age longhouse excavation, Stong. The route connects back with Road 1 where you can drive to Reykjavik.

Overnight in Reykjavik.

Approximate distance: 328 to 436 km / 203 to 271 miles, based on roads chosen.

Optional tours:

Blue Lagoon

Sky Lagoon entrance

ATV tour of Reykjanes Peninsula

Enjoy your day in the world’s northernmost capital city!

No trip to Iceland is complete without a visit to Iceland‘s capital city! The day is open for you to explore the vibrant culture of Reykjavik. Stroll the Old Harbor area, known for its artistic shops and unique eateries, including the Grandi Food Hall. Browse for Icelandic products on Laugavegur, Iceland‘s main shopping street.

It’s also fun to explore the areas around the city with your car. The Arbaejarsafn Museum is a village-like Open Air museum with a collection of houses from two hundred years of Reykjavik’s history. You can stroll around the “village” and see how people lived in the past. Hafnarfjordur town has an interesting connection to legends of elves and Hidden People, and a charming harbor area that is ideal for a seaside walk and a visit to a café or art shop.

You can also enjoy activities like horseback riding in a nearby nature reserve, whale watching, and a visit to a colorful lava cave outside the city.

Overnight in Reykjavik.

West Iceland Option: Another suggestion for today is to visit the interesting Borgarfjordur region in West Iceland. Just an hour’s drive from Reykjavik, Borgarfjordur has different landscapes from South Iceland and is a great day trip. Enjoy natural wonders such as the beautiful Hraunfossar (Lava Waterfalls) or the brilliantly colored Vidgelmir lava cave. Take part in an unforgettable experience with the Into the Glacier ice cave on Iceland’s second largest glacier. After a day of exploration, it is a lovely experience to relax at the Krauma Natural Geothermal Baths, where you can soak in water from Iceland’s largest hot springs.

Return to Keflavik International Airport. **

Approximate distance: ca 50km / 30miles

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.

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

Notes