12-Day Southern Iceland Outdoors Adventure

Overview: Experience Iceland at it's most exhilarating with this outdoors and adventure focused itinerary. Perfect for active travelers, this trip focuses on getting you up close and personal with Iceland’s stunning natural scenery.

Trip Outline:

Day 1: Arrival to Iceland. Food and sightseeing tour in Reykjavik

Day 2: Volcano hike in Geldingadalur and then a visit to the Blue Lagoon

Day 3: Silfra snorkeling, a visit to Thingvellir National Park, and a Lava Tunnel tour in Raufarholshellir

Day 4: Snaefellsnes Peninsula & Láki Whale Watching Tour

Day 5: Snaefellsnes Penninsula Day 2 - journey to the center of the Earth at Kirkjufell

Day 6: Snaefellsnes to the South Coast with sightseeing stops at waterfalls and geysers

Day 7: Adventure sports in the South Coast: Super Jeep and snowmobile tours

Day 8: Vatnajokull National Park - guided glacier hike

Day 9: Vatnajokull National Park Day 2 – Zodiac boat tour, Diamond Beach, & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.

Day 10: South Coast Adventure to Skatafell National Park, Vik, and Reynisfjara

Day 11: Free day in Reykjavik.

Day 12: Departure from Iceland.

DAY 1: Arrival to Iceland. Private transfer from the airport to the Alda Hotel in Reykjavik, followed by an afternoon food and walking tour of the city.

You will arrive at KEF airport. When you exit customs and head into the general waiting area, your driver will have your name up for show. Private transfer from KEF international airport to your accommodation in Reykjavík city. Your trip will start by travelling through the moonlike landscape on the Reykjanes Peninsula. You will soon get a feeling of what Iceland stands for, travelling through endless lava fields and geothermal areas in all volcanic surroundings. The transfer from the airport and to Alda Hotel takes about 45 mintues. Here you will have the opportunity to stretch out after a long flight and get to know our small city a little. I highly recommmend setting the Food Walk tour for the day of arrival, beacause it is a very nice introduction to both local Icelandic cuisine and culture.

Reykjavík Food walk tour:

When you meet your local food walk guide in front of Harpa Concert Hall at 17.00 you can look forward to three to four hours of the most delicious tastes within Icelandic cuisine, and the best sights to be found in the heart of Reykjavík. First and foremost, you will experience Reykjavík through sampling the local food. On this unique walking tour, over three to four hours we will visit five or six unique restaurants to try their best Icelandic culinary delicacies. The restaurants have been selected by your specialist local food guide for one reason only – they offer the most delightful Icelandic food to entrance your sense of taste. Some of these places are famous ‘must-visit Reykjavík restaurants’, and others are little-known but characterful local places which are hidden down the back streets of the city.

This really is a walking tour for foodies, so make sure you wear your comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather! Along the way you will see some of the best-known buildings and sights in Reykjavík and learn some fascinating stories about them. You can rest assured your guide has an eye for the quirky and the less obvious, so you will get to know some amazing titbits of information as you wander around. Your stream of footsteps will frequently be punctuated by another ´food visit’, and yet more great culinary wonders to try. So, you will never be walking for long without an interesting and delicious food break.

We want you to enjoy the wonderful tastes at the heart of Icelandic cuisine, as well as giving you a taste of Icelandic history in more ways than one. You will see the buildings of Reykjavík, and learn some of their stories, and among many other delicacies, you will get to taste the famous Icelandic Skyr. This beautiful and somewhat yoghurt-like dairy product, goes right back to the time when Iceland was settled by the Vikings, more than 1100 years. How do we know this? There are references to Skyr in the legendary Icelandic Sagas. Of course, we can say this about other foods you will be offered, lamb and fish featured heavily in the Icelandic diet right from the beginning.

What’s included:

• Private transfer from KEF international airport to ALDA hotel in Reykjavík capital

• Reykjavík Food walk at 17.00. The guides are by the entrance to Harpa concert hall, wearing backpacks with the Reykjavík food walk logo on it. Ask your hotel reception for directions. Walking distance about 15-20 minutes.

• Accommodation at Alda hotel for three nights, including breakfast. Breakfast buffet is from 7-10 a.m.

DAY 2: Self-drive tour with guided volcano hike in Geldingadalur and then a visit to the Blue Lagoon (through their premium entrance).

After a nice breakfast at your accommodation in the capital, we are set for a hike out to the site of the until-recently-active volcano in Geldingadalur Valley located between KEF international airport and Reykjavík Capital. Be well prepared for spending the whole day outdoors. Distance of hiking is around 5-7 miles. You will be picked up by your driver at 9 a.m. and transfered to your Europcar rental car. There you will have your 4x4 vehicle. Next activity; volcano hike. It will take you around 40-50 minutes to drive from Reykjavík to the Parking area for Geldingadalur volcano.

From there you have 1-2 hours of walking/hiking. Easy level hiking along a path that has been specially made for the traveler. Same route back. Total duration 4-6 hours, depending on time of travel and weather conditions.

After a day full of hiking, it is time to relax and get warm in the natural baths of the Blue Lagoon resort. With a premium entrance you will have a bathrope, towel, slippers, face masks and a complimentary drink in the lagoon. As you have enjoyed the geothermal pools, you will travel with your private driver  from the Blue Lagoon to to Reykjavík Capital.

What’s included:

• Private transfer at 9 a.m. from Alda hotel to Erupcar car rental pick up.

• Rental car from Europcar for the next 9 days. Class I1. Toyota Landcruiser or similar. Premium Protection package.

• Blue Lagoon premium entrance at 3 p.m.

• Accommodation at Alda hotel in Reykjavík Capital, including breakfast.

DAY 3: Another day of self-drive touring, with a stop for Snorkeiling in Silfra, a visit to Thingvellir National Park, and a Lava Tunnel tour in Raufarholshellir.

After a nice quality breakfast at Alda hotel your first activity of the day is the amazing Snorkelling tour in Thingvellir National Park. It will take you around 40-50 minutes to arrive in the National Park. When you are back on dry land, you have a few options for a late lunch, in Efsti dalur Farm or Friðheimar Tomato farm. From there you want to traverse down to the South coast and onto the Atlanric Ridge for joining up with the Lava tunnel tour in Raufarhólshellir lavatunnel.

Silfra Fissure-Snorkeling at 11.00 a.m. please be on location 30 minutes before departure. Transfer from and to Reykjavík.

The Silfra fissure is one of the world’s most desirable snorkeling spots. Located in the heart of Thingvellir National Park, this narrow channel of blue water meandering through a giant lava field does not look like much on the surface. But below, supernatural shades of blue, perfect visibility and incredible rock formations make up a magical sub-aquatic paradise. As if this wasn’t alluring enough Silfra fissure is also the only place in the universe where you can go snorkeling in between the continental plates.

Þingvellir National Park

Þingvellir (often anglicized to Thingvellir) is without question the most historically significant site in Iceland and is beloved by visitors and locals alike. The Icelandic parliament was founded here by the Vikings in 930 AD and remained until 1798, before moving to Reykjavik; this makes Iceland the world’s longest running ongoing democracy, and home to the oldest representative parliamentary system. It is the site of many battles and duels, featured in the sagas and folklore; the location of many witch trials; and the place where almost all of Iceland’s most significant moments in history occurred. It was here that Iceland declared its conversion to Christianity, its independence from Denmark, and elected its first President. It was made a national park in 1928, and in 2004, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Besides its history as a birthplace of democracy, Þingvellir is also a site of incredible geological features. It does not exist on either the Eurasian or North American continents, but in the valley between the two, known as the North Atlantic Dorsal Rift. The edges of both tectonic plates are clearly visible within the park, and the magnificent gorge Almannagjá, which marks the eastern boundary of the North American plate, can be walked through to reach the waterfall Öxarárfoss. It is surrounded by a beautiful mountain range and sits to the north of Iceland’s largest natural lake, the stunning Þingvallavatn. Popular HBO series Game of Thrones has filmed here to take advantage of these beautiful surroundings.

Lunch recommendations:

Icelandic Farm

We will make a pleasant stop at Efstidalur farm that has been owned by the same family since 1850. This Icelandic family-run business sticks to traditional Icelandic farming culture and focuses on horse and cattle breeding. You will be able to enjoy their tasty farm-to-table dairy products, see the stunning mountain view and pet the friendly animals. Taste the home-made ice cream.

Tomato Farm

The second option for a nice local lunch would be Friðheimar Tomato Farm were everything is about tomatoes. The Tomato farm is located inside a geothermal heated Green house. In all organic surroundings you can choose between tomato soup, tomato pizzas and tomato pasta dishes. Let´s not forget about the tomato ice cream, tomato pie and tomato coffee….tomato everything.

Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel

Explore the magnificent lava tunnel Raufarhólshellir, one of the longest and best-known lava tubes in Iceland. It is located just 30 minutes from Reykjavík and is easily accessed year around.  A journey into Raufarhólshellir is a unique experience and a great opportunity to witness the inner workings of a volcanic eruption as one walks in the path of lava that flowed during the Leitahraun eruption, which occurred east of the Bláfjöll mountains about 5200 years ago. Every winter spectacular ice sculptures are formed inside the entrance of the cave making the experience of visiting the lava tunnel even more breathtaking.

The total length of the tunnel is an impressive 1360 m (4500 ft), the main tunnel being 900 m (3000 ft) long. The tunnel is up to 30 m wide with headroom up to 10 m high, making it one of the most expansive lava tunnels in Iceland. Near the entrance of the tunnel the ceiling has caved in creating three beautiful columns of light inside the tunnel. At the end of Raufarhólshellir the tunnel branches into three smaller tunnels where magnificent lavafalls and formations are clearly visible.Raufarhólshellir is a lava tube formed during the Leitahraun eruption and is one of Iceland´s longest cave. Lava tubes are a natural conduit formed when an active low-viscosity lava flow develops a continuous and hard crust, which thickens and forms a roof above the still-flowing lava stream. Up until the last century, the tunnel was full of stalactites but in the 1950s, more and more people started visiting the tunnel and as a result the stalactites began to disappear and today almost none are left.

What’s included:

• Rental car from Europcar. Class I1. Toyota Landcruiser.

• Snorkelling in Silfra Fissure at 11.00 a.m.

• Lava tunnel tour at 4 p.m.

• Accommodation at Alda hotel in Reykjavík Capital, including breakfast.

DAY 4: Snaefellsnes Peninsula & Láki Whale Watching Tour

After a wonderful breakfast buffet at your hotel we leave the capital and head north. We will travel along the magnificent coastline of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, circling one of our most famous volcanos on the island; Snæfellsjökull. With a glacier on top we will witness different lava fields from past eruptions. We will visit sights like the isolated Búðir black church, Djúpalónssandur black sand pebble beach and other secret spots before lunch in  the local fishing village Grundarfjörður. The highlight of the day will most likely be the amazing whale watching tour with Láki wahle watching tours. Nowhere else in Iceland is there a better chance to see two of the ocean’s top predators, sperm whales and orcas, than along the Snæfellsnes Peninsula coastline. Join our whale watching Snaefellsnes tour from Olafsvik and experience the amazing whales in the wild nature.

Whale Watching from Ólasvík village. Departure at 2 p.m. Please be on location 20 minutes before departure.

This unique trip takes us into the water around Snæfellsnes where ocean giants swim in the shadow of the magnificent Snæfellsjökull Glacier. Nowhere else in Iceland is there a better chance to see toothed whales such as orcas, sperm whales, and pilot whales than along this beautiful coastline. The orcas are more often seen in winter, spring, and early summer, February to early July, but there is a chance of seeing them all the way through the summer months. Male sperm whales can be seen between about March and June in deeper water regularly. In July and on into the autumn the chances of seeing pilot whales, often in groups of hundreds of animals, increases. Other whales that can be seen are humpback whales and minke whales as well as white-beaked dolphins. We get as close as we can without disturbing the whales.

Atfer the whale watching tour you head for Stykkishólmur village and spend the rest of your evening there in one of the most beautiful fishing villages on the island. The local fish restaurant comes highly recommended.

Búðir.

This tiny site is located on the south part of Snæfellsnes peninsula. In ancient times it was a landing place for merchant ships. A few years ago revealed that the estuaries in the sand outside Búðir is a big wreck that thought to be from the 17th or 18th century. In Iceland some of the beaches contain shell sand, and of all such beaches the largest one in Iceland is the one along Búðir. When the sun shines during the summer, the beach is suitable for sunbathing or swimming in the sea.

However the main reason for people to visit Búðir is the little church there, Búðakirkja. It is a black wooden church and its look is very unique. The church is visited by couples from all over the world who want to get married there. It was built in 1703 by the Swedish-born merchant named Bendt Lauridsen after the bishop Jón Þorkelsson Vídalín gave permission to build it two years earlier. Later on, Bendt’s church was pulled down by Jakob Eiríksson and a new one was built. In 1816 the church at Búðir was deconsecrated by royal decree.

Djúpalónssandur:

It is just a short drive from the main road to Djúpalónssandur, and you can leave your car in the parking lot just above Djúpalónssandur. You reach the beach by walking down Nautastígur path - the Path of the Bull. The name of the path, Nautastígur - the Path of the Bulls, derives from bull being led down this path and watered by the lagoon. There are two small freshwater lagoons behind Nautastígur, called Djúpulón - the Deep Lagoons, but this beach got its name from these lagoons; Djúpalónssandur - the Deep Lagoon's Sand or Beach. The lower lagoon was said to be abysmal as it was so deep.  

On the beach, you will notice the iron pieces from the British trawler, The Epine GY7, which was wrecked east of Dritvík cove on the night of 13th March 1948. Fourteen men lost their lives and five were saved by the Icelandic rescue team in the neighbouring villages, which managed, after two long and cold hours, to get a line to the trawler. There was a blizzard on this cold winter night in March and the fishermen were losing their grip and had started falling into the cold sea. One of them fell overboard and washed up on the beach where the rescue team managed to save him. Three others were already dead, and their bodies washed up on the beach. Many of the fishermen were never found :(The iron remains, which washed up on the beach, are protected and should not be touched. They are kept here in memory of these brave fishermen from England, so let's respect them and leave them in peace. There have been other shipwrecks in this area.

When you exit the lava field up opens the black Lava pearl beach as the whole beach is made of small black smooth pebbles called Djúpalónsperlur - Pearls of Djúpalón. The black lava pearls of Djúpalón are protected, but I have seen them used for beautiful jewelry.  

What’s included:

• Rental car from Europcar. Class I1. Toyota Landcruiser.

• Whale watching tour at 2 p.m.

• Accommodation at Fosshotel Stykkishólmur hotel in Stykkishólmur village for two nights, including breakfast.

DAY 5: Snaefellsnes Penninsula Day 2 - journey to the center of the Earth!

As you travel along the magnificent coastline of the Snæfellsnes peninsula a stop by the monumental mountain Kirkjufell is a must.  After lunch in one of the villages you will be circling one of our most famous volcanos on the island; Snæfellsjökull. Snæfellsjökull has been one of our most famous volcanos on the island since the publication of the book The journey to the center of earth by Jules Verney. With a glacier on top you will witness different lava fields from past eruptions. You will visit sights like, Kirkjufell mountain, Lóndrangar stone formations, Arnarstapi and other secret spots. A short hike between Arnastapi and Hellir comes hihgly recommended. You also have the option to take a detour from Arnarstapi and up to Snæfellsnesjökull glacier. It is a mountain road that will take you closer to the glacier and (according to Jules Verne)Ycloser to the center of earth. You will spend another night at your hotel on Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

Kirkjufell Mountain:

Peaking at 463 metres, 1519 feet, Kirkjufell is an impressive landmark. Throughout the centuries, Kirkjufell’s striking slopes have acted as a visual landmark for seafarers and travellers. More recently, it has attracted amateur and professional photographers alike.

Within walking distance from Kirkjufell is the serene and perfectly located waterfall Kirkjufellsfoss, or 'Church Mountain Falls', an excellent subject for photographers who can easily frame the mountain in the background. Despite its relatively diminutive height, Kirkjufellsfoss’ three-steps, gentle flow, and dramatic differences between seasons make it as impressive as some of Iceland’s larger waterfalls. At the base of the mountain, visitors will also be able to find a lake; on calm and clear days, this lake reflects a perfect mirror image of Kirkjufell, only adding to the fantastic photo opportunities around this area.

On top of that, the colours of Kirkjufell change with the passing seasons; the summer sees it a lush green, full of life, whilst the winter months scar the mountain’s face with a mask of barren brown and white. Of course, it is more impressive under the midnight sun in the weeks surrounding the June equinox, and under the northern lights, best seen between September and April.

Fans of the HBO series Game of Thrones will recognise Kirkjufell as a shooting location from Season 7 of Game of Thrones. The mountain is showcased from the scenes ‘North beyond the Wall’ when Jon Snow, The Hound and Jorah Mormont, amongst others, brave the wilderness in hopes of catching an undead wight.

Lóndrangar;

Once a volcanic crater, all that remains after eons of ocean battering are two great pillars upon a cliff, one 75 meters (246 ft) high and the other 61 meters (200 ft).

Their dramatic scale has earned this incredible formation the nickname ‘the rocky castle.’The cliffs can be accessed easily from the Visitor’s Centre, through fields of mossy lava, but they can also be seen from the sea. Surfing is relatively popular in the area and doing so in the shadows of these great peaks only adds to the experience. The surrounding lands are steeped in folklore; farmers have never made use of the fields around the Lóndrangar basalt cliffs due to the elves that are rumoured to live there.

Arnarstapi:

Arnarstapi was an important trading post in the past and had a much bigger population than it has now.Columnar basalt, ravines and grottoes surround the Arnarstapi pier. There is good anchorage for small boats.

There is quite a large arctic tern colony in the village itself. A walk along the coastline is recommended to watch the birds and the magnificent lava formations. The seaside and the cliffs between Arnastapi and Hellnar have been made a Natural Reserve in 1979. A very interesting old path follows the coastline where you can see old lending places of fishermen, lots of birds like the kittiwake, the Arctic tern and the fulmar and pass through a lavafield. If you take a guided tour, you will also hear a ghost story. A sculpture of Bardur Snaefellsas by Ragnar Kjartansson stands by the beach at Arnarstapi.

What’s included:

• Rental car

• Accommodation in Fosshotel Stykkishólmur. Breakfast included.

DAY 6: Snaefellsnes Peninsula to the South Coast.

As you will leave Snæfellsnes Peninsula and traverse to the direction of the south coast of Iceland, you will take a small detour/short cut inland to Borgarfjörður, historically the home one of the oldest Viking settlements and the author of the Viking Sagas. We enjoy lunch in Húsafell and visit sites like Hraunfossar and Barnafossar waterfalls. As you head for the south coastline of Iceland you will croiss the harsh Kaldidalur calley or Cold Valley, ending up in the Thingvellir National Park. Depending on your time of travel and weather condition you have the option of exploring the park further. From Thingvellir Nationap Park you drive down to the south coast of Iceland, seeing the typical Iceland country side, with possible views of some of the most notorious volcanoes on the island, HEKLA volcano.  You arrive to your accommodation in the afternoon, in good time before dinner.

Deildartunguhver:

Deildartunguhver is Europe's most powerful hot spring. It provides 180 l/sec of 100°C hot water. Most of the water used for central heating in the towns of Borgarnes and Akranes is taken from Deildartunguhver. The hot water pipeline to Akranes is 64 km long, the longest in Iceland and the water is about 78 - 80 degrees when it reaches Akranes. If you take a shower anywhere within a 65 km radius of the spring, you have already bathed in the hot water from this powerful spring!

Lunch recommendation in Húsafell - mere minutes away/past the two waterfalls listed.

Barnafossar: 

The meaning of this waterfall translates into "Children's waterfall", but the signs here indicated that there was a saga describing why it got this name. The saga said that there were two children in the Hraunsás household who were supposed to stay home while the parents went to church for Christmas Mass. When the parents returned from mass, they discovered that the children had disappeared (possibly because the children got bored and decided to go out). They then followed the children's tracks to this waterfall at the stone natural bridge where the tracks disappeared. The mother concluded that the children must have fallen into the river and drowned. Then, the mother had the arch destroyed in order to ensure no one else faces a similar fate. I've seen some accounts say it was by spell or curse, which induced the bridge's collapse by earthquake. In reality, natural bridges usually collapse over time, and given the powerful erosive forces from the rapidly moving river that undercut whatever was supporting the bridge, that could very well have been the fate of the natural arch here.

Hraunfossar:

Hraunfossar Waterfalls runs down the brims of Hallmundarhraun lava field and into Hvítá River in Borgarfjörður. Become amazed by the waterfall’s majestic blue glacial waters, which come from Langjökull Glacier – the 2nd largest glacier in Iceland. Hraunfossar is a must-see stop when traveling through the remote nature of Borgarfjörður in West Iceland.

The awe-inspiring Hraunfossar waterfalls are located in the enchanting Hallmundarhraun lava field in Borgarfjörður bay, West-Iceland. The stunning white uncountable falls run in a cascade series down a lava cliff of about 900 meters wide.

The water originates from Langjökull glacier the second-largest glacier in Iceland, therefore, making it the twin brother to the powerful Gullfoss waterfall. The glacial meltwater has to travel quite a long distance to Hallmundarhraun filtering through the lava field and spouting out again in an incredible water array.From there the water runs into the famous Hvítá river which despite its name (Hvítá meaning white river) is not white at all. There is a viewing platform only a short distance away from the car park that provides you with the most amazing view over the waterfall, the flowing river, and the surrounding flora.

Reyholt-Snorrastofa-Snorri Sturluson

Reykholt in Borgarfjörður is one of the most remarkable historical sites in Iceland, largely because of the medieval scholar and author Snorri Sturluson, who lived there from 1206 until 1241. The role of Snorrastofa is to promote and research , medieval culture, local history and the works of Snorri Sturluson.

Reykholt in Borgarfjörður is one of the most remarkable historical sites in Iceland, largely because of the medieval scholar and author Snorri Sturluson, who lived there from 1206 until his assassination there in 1241. For many centuries, Reykholt has also been the site of a church and rectory, and of a country school between 1930-1997. Thousands of travellers visit the area each year.

The cultural and medieval centre Snorrastofa was founded in 1995 in memory of Snorri Sturluson. A beautiful new building, housing both the church and Snorrastofa, was built 1988-2000. The church was inaugurated during a on July 28, 1996, and the Snorrastofa section was opened ao July 20, 2000, in the presence of the President of Iceland and the King of Norway.

What’s included: 

• Rental car

• Accommodation in Lækur Farm Hotel for two nights (cottage suite). Breakfast included.

DAY 7: Adventure sports in the South Coast.

After a nice local breakfast buffet your first activity of the day is snowmobiling on top of a volcano. The tour starts at 10 a.m. at Gljúfrabúi meeting point. Please be on location no later then 9.30. a.m. While the south is certainly spectacular from "below” nothing beats experiencing it from "above”!  Snowmobiling on top of Eyjafjallajökull glacier is an extraordinary experience and an adventure not to be missed!

Our adventure begins when we all meet at our base camp close to the legendary Eyjafjallajokull Glacier. There, one of our friendly certified tour guides will provide you with all the equipment that you need and give you a short safety briefing. Then it’s time to ride a specially designed super jeep to the starting point of your snowmobile ride.

This tour is the perfect length of time for 'first-time riders' and individuals looking for a scenic, fun-ride, exploring and experiencing the wilderness, the glacier and the breathtaking views over south Iceland.In perfect conditions the jaw dropping view includes Westman Islands, the whole south coast all the way to Ingólfsfjall and even a big part of the highlands!The tour starts from our base, Gljúfrabúi by Road 249. After a short briefing where your guide takes you through safety procedures we put on a snow suit and helmet (gloves and a mask are also provided) and hop into our modified super jeep. We then drive towards Eyjafjallajökull and up it's slopes, onto the glacier and to the base where we keep our snowmobiles.

Once there, we’ll climb onto snowmobiles for a heart-pumping experience of Iceland at its absolute best. As soon as we get onto the glacier, prepare to be struck by its size: a pristine expanse of snow dotted with rock formations and majestic ice sculptures. As we push deeper into this icy wilderness, we’ll start to see some of the most impressive views over South Iceland. It is an enthralling experience with vast snowfields, towering mountains, and more majestic landmarks. Glide across the powdery snow with ease. Your friendly guide will teach you all about glaciers and the myths that define them. 

As you have enjoyed this amazing ride on top of Eyjafjallajökull you have the choice of grabbing some snacks or samwiches for the road or to enjoy on location by Seljalandsfoss waterfall. We also recommend having lunch in one of the restaurants by Skógafoss waterfall. Depending on your time of travel and if you still have some energy for more adventures, it is definately worth visiting another glacier with a glacier lagoon; Sólheimajökull glacier. Not for a glacier hike, but to hike up to the glaicer and witness it up close. In the end of day you are meant to spend another night at Skálakot Manor Hotel.

Seljalandsfoss.

Seljalandsfoss in South Iceland is one of the most iconic waterfalls in the country. Visible from Route 1, it is an impressive 63 metres (207 ft) tall waterfall, and though its cascade is narrow, a large cavern and path behind it mean that it can be walked all the way around. Looking out from behind the waterfall, across green fields to the ocean, gives visitors a unique perspective that will stay with them for life. Its location means that it makes a great stop for visitors travelling along the south coast.

Skógafoss

Skógafoss waterfall is located on the Skógá river along Iceland's southern coast, clearly visible from Route 1 and an excellent place to stop and stretch the legs while travelling. It is one of the biggest waterfalls in the country, a width of 25 meters (82 ft) and a drop of 60 meters (200 ft); even from a distance, its power seems almighty. Due to the amount of spray the waterfall consistently produces, a single or double rainbow is often visible on sunny days. Visitors can see this waterfall from below and take a staircase up beside the falls for a different perspective. According to legend, the first Viking settler in the area, Þrasi Þórólfsson, buried a treasure in a cave behind the waterfall. The legend says that locals found the chest years later but were only able to grasp the ring on the side of the chest before it broke away and the treasure disappeared again. The ring was given to the local church and can now be seen at Skógar’s folk museum nearby. There is a restaurant and hotel right beside the waterfall.

What’s included:

• Rental car

• Super Jeep and Snowmobile tour with south adventure at 10 a.m. from Gljúfrabúi meeting point for 4 participants.(15 minutues from accommodation). Duration around 3 hours. Please be on location around 9.30. a.m. Phone number; +354-8673535

• Accommodation in Lækur Farm Hotel (cottage suite) with breakfast included.

   

DAY 8: Vatnajokull National Park - glacier hike with local guides

On this day your journey along the coast will continue, you will press on towards the Skaftafell national park, nestled under the largest glacier in Iceland, Vatnajökull. The next two days will be spent travelling in and around Vatnajökull National Park. You'll get to know glaciers inside and out as towering over the park is Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier.

There are countless natural wonders to see here, and you'll start with a glacier hike on Falljökull glacier where you'll trek across the white expanse, past deep crevasses and strange ice sculptures.

After about three hours of outdoor activities, you'll get some hot beverages for the road. You'll then head for Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. There, icebergs that have broken off a nearby glacier float peacefully on the serene lake.We will enjoy the rest of the day in Vatnajökull National Park, visiting some locations away from the crowds. Accommodation in Hali Farm Hotel for two nights.

Eldhraun:

The vast Eldhraun lava field (“Fire Lava“), in the south of the Icelandic highlands, was created in one of the greatest eruptions in recorded history and is of the largest of its kind in the world. The Lakagigar craters were also created during this eruption.This eruption lasted from 1783 to 1784 and is known as the Skaftáreldar (The Skaftá River Fires). This was a cataclysmic event for Iceland and beyond. In Iceland, it lead to disease, crop failure and disasters. The eruption affected Europe as well. In Great Britain, that summer is known as the Sand-Summer in Great Britain due to the fallout of ash and it is believed that the airborne haze and blocking of sunlight may have contributed to the French Revolution. Despite the abysmal effect the eruption had, this lava field of 565 km2 is today one of the most stunningly attractive ones in Iceland.The area features one of the most magnificent lava tube systems in the country, located north of the Lake Laufbalavatn. More than 200 caves have been found there, extending for more than five kilometers and 14 cu. Meters.

Fjaðrárgljúfur:

Fjaðrárgljúfur is a magnificent and massive canyon, about 100 meters deep and about two kilometres long. The canyon has sheer walls, and is somewhat serpentine and narrow. The bedrock in Fjaðrárgljúfur is mostly palagonite from cold periods of the Ice Age and is thought to be about two million years old. The river Fjaðrá has its source in the mountain Geirlandshraun and falls off the heath edge in this stunning canyon until it makes it down into Skaftá river. Fjaðrá has changed a lot in the course of time. Today Fjaðrá is often rather low in water and therefore hikers can safely choose to walk inside the canyon. However, wading is necessary fairly often. Deep in the canyon there are waterfalls so one needs to walk the same way back. Most people choose to walk along a walking path up on the canyon's edge while simultaneously enjoying the view above the canyon.It is believed that Fjaðrárgljúfur formed at the end of the last Ice Age, about nine thousand years ago. When the glacier retreated, a lake formed in the valley behind a hard resistant rock. The run-off from the lake flowed to where Fjaðrárgljúfur is today. Glacial rivers from the glacier's edge carried a lot of sediment into the lake and the river which ran from it dug itself down into the rock and down onto the palagonite in front of it. Because the cascade has been so large, it was powerful in digging out the canyon. Eventually the lake filled with sediments and the river's strength dwindled. When the lake filled up completely, the river began to dig itself into the sediment layers which it had previously left in the valley. Fluvial terraces on both sides in the valley give an indication about the original height and location of the lake while a deep channel in the palagonite serves as a silent reminder to the power of nature.

Glacier hike on Falljökull glacier. 

Your only scheduled activity of the day is the amazing glacier hike on Sólheimajökull/Falljökull glacier. This glacier hike is perfect for those with limited time or looking to have an introductory glacier tour in Iceland.  After a quick walk to the edge of the glacier you will learn to put on crampons and have a small safety briefing. With an ice axe in hand, you will then embark for an hour on a guided excursion of the glacier. Your guide will be pointing out some of the fascinating features of the ice whilst on the hike and teaching you about some of the local geography and history. The glacier surface and colors change a lot depending on the time of year, but summer is the perfect time to get up on the ice to explore and enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the valley.

In the end of the day and if time and weather conditions are in our favor, we can visit some secret locations before heading back to Hali Hotel

What’s included:

• Rental car. Class I1.

• Glacier hike with Local Guides for 4 participants.

• Accommodation in Hali Hotel for two nights, including breakfast.

DAY 9: Vatnajokull National Park Part 2 – Visits to Diamond Beach, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, and Zodiac Boat Tour.

After a quality breakfast at your hotel, I highly recommend that we start our day down by the black sand diamond beach. The first scheduled activity however is the amazing  Zodiac boat tour, that is definitely one of the highlights of the trip. This tour comes highly recommended. You will be sailing in Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon among the crystalized iceberg that can date back more than on thousand years. After the boat tour, we are going to enjoy the Vatnajökull glacer Park to the fullest, visting the Black Sand Diamond beach and Jökulsárlón glaicer Lagoon. We will also visit Fjallsárlón glacier Lagoon away from the crowds, surrounded by icebergs that have broken off a nearby glacier floating peacefully on the serene lake. With several options for this particular day, then a 2-3 hour hike into one of the massive glacier canyons comes highly recommended. A short hike to Svartifoss waterfall also comes recommended. To be decided.

You will stay at Hali Hotel another night, mere minutes away from Jökulárslón, with great views of the glacier in the peaceful countryside of Iceland.

Diamond Beach

Just a short walk from the incredible glacier lagoon, Jökulsárlón, is the Diamond Beach. Here, many of the icebergs that have broken free from the lagoon wash up on their way to the ocean, and form sculptures so beautiful that they seem to be carved and polished by a divine hand. It is an incredible location for photo opportunities. The beach is also a very popular seal watching site, and due to the number of seals in the area, the Diamond Beach is also one of the best locations in Iceland for spotting orcas from the shore. Another notable animal in the area is the Arctic tern, which nests in vast numbers between the lagoon and beach; just be careful to keep a respectful distance, as they are notorious for the fierceness with which they protect their eggs.

Jökulsárlón

Jökulsárlón, also known as the glacier lagoon, is one of the most awe-inspiring and popular places in Iceland. Huge icebergs break from glacier Breiðamerkurjökull year-round, filling the lagoon as they serenely make their way to the ocean. As diverse as they are beautiful, the bergs can be the powder white of snow, an almost unreal shade of electric blue, or veined with the black ash of centuries-old eruptions. Some tower from the water, taller than a two-story building. Many make a comfy resting place for the seals who call the lagoon and beach home. Watching the ice from the shore of Jökulsárlón, listening to the almost organic sound as it breaks apart, is mesmerizing in a way that must be experienced to be truly felt. For an even more intimate experience, there are amphibian and zodiac boat tours which run several times a day throughout summer, and get you close enough to be able to taste the ice. Its beauty has not gone unnoticed by the film industry; it is possible to find the shooting locations of ‘A View to a Kill’, ‘Die Another Day’, ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’ and ‘Batman Begins’ all nearby. The lagoon is located right off of Route 1, and a visit to it should never exclude a trip down to the Diamond Beach.

What’s included:

• Rental car. Class I1.

• Private Zodiac boat tour for 4 participants. Please be on location 30 minutues before departure.

• Accommodation in Hali Hotel , including breakfast.

DAY 10: South Coast Adventure to Skatafell National Park

Today is our last day in the National Park. We will start the by by going to Skaftafell National Park. There we have the option of hiking to one of the outskirt glaciers of Vatnajökull Glacier or hike to the beautiful Svaritfoss waterfall with amazing views on the way. After spending time out doors we should get a hot beverage for the road, as we will sadly need to leave the national park and drive back to Reykjavík Capital, along the ancient seabed of Iceland, with our final destination set for ALDA Hotel. We will surely make some pleasant stops on the way that were not covered during the drive to Vatnajökull National Park. You plan to be at the Capital in good time before dinner. Rental car drop off is at Europcar when you arrive to the capital. You will have a private transfer from Europcar to your accommodation.

Skaftafell National Park

Skaftafell, once a National Park in its own right and now part of the greater Vatnajökull National Park, is a beautiful oasis of trees, waterfalls, glacier tongues and lava fields. For hikers, it is a paradise. There is a wealth of short walks to stunning locations, such as to the waterfall Svartifoss, which falls from a dramatic array of hexagonal lava columns, or the glacier Skaftafelljöjull, which visitors can take a guided hike upon. Those who seek a longer visit can take the trails to Morsárdalur valley and Kristínartindar mountain, and the very ambitious can use Skaftafell as a basecamp from which to climb Iceland‘s highest mountain peak, Hvannadalshnjúkur. Camping is available here, with showers and a well-equipped visitor's centre, so that visitors can truly make the most of this jewel in Iceland’s crown.

Vík

Vík, also called Vík í Mýrdal, is located 186 km south-east of Reykjavík and is the southernmost village in Iceland. With only 300 inhabitants, it is a charming place to spend the afternoon and a great base from which to visit many beautiful sites. It is located south of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which is on top of the notorious Katla volcano, and to the west of Sólheimajökull glacier which visitors can take a guided hike upon. It is also nearby the waterfalls of Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. The town is most notable for its proximity to dramatic black sand and pebble beaches; the coastline was voted one of the top ten most beautiful non-tropical beaches by Islands Magazine in 1991, and it has many incredible geological features. Visitors can easily see the basalt stacks Reynisdrangar that jut up to 66m out to sea, beneath the mountain Reynisfjall, from the village; they may also travel to nearby cave framed by lava columns named Hálsanefshellir, within the step-pyramid-like mountain Hálsanef. This area has a wealth of seabirds and is most notably a nesting site for Arctic terns. If travelling out to these beaches, especially Reynisfjara, be sure to stay away from the water as it is notorious for its sneaker waves and powerful currents. On the closer beach to Vík, Víkurfjara, there is less risk, but care should still be taken.

Reynisfjara

Reynisfjara is a black pebble beach near Vik, and part of the coastline that was chosen in 1991 by Islands Magazine as one of the ten most beautiful non-tropical beaches in the world. It is a popular stop on the south coast due to the surrounding geology. The beach sits in the shadow of Hálsanef, a magnificent cliff face of basalt columns which resembles a step pyramid, and out to sea, one can spot the 66 meters (217 ft) tall Reynisdrangar basalt stacks. The area is also popular amongst bird watchers; visitors can spot puffins, fulmars, Arctic tern and guillemots which nest in the area. As beautiful as the beach is do not go near the water. Sneaker waves can quickly pull people out to sea, and the water is extremely cold. Even in the best of weather, the waves can push forcefully high upon the land and have pulled people out to sea who were merely taking a walk too close to the water. Take care, and never leave children to play on this beach.

What’s included

• Rental car, class I1-rental car drop off before 6 p.m.

• Private transfer from Europcar to ALDA hotel

• Accommodation at Alda Hotel for two nights with breakfast.

DAY 11: Free day in the capital, Reykjavik

Here are some recommendations for things to do with your free day in Reykjavik:

Settlement museum, Hallgrímskirkja Church-View Point, Einar Jónsson Statue Garden, Laugavegur Shopping Street, Whale Museum, National Museum, Perlan Museum.

Dinner recommendations:

Grillmarket, Fish Market, Hofnin Restaurant Messinn Seafood Restaurant, Matur & Drykkur Icelandic Cuisine.

What’s included:

• Accommodation at Alda Hotel, with breakfast.

DAY 12: This is your departure day from Iceland. Get packed up and prepare to head to the airport.

Unfortunately, you’ll be leaving Iceland today. We’ll get you to the airport, and then it’s back home or on to your next destination. Safe travels!

What’s included:

• Private transfer from ALDA hotel to KEF airport