2-Week Iceland Ring Road Grand Tour

Overview

This full Ring Road itinerary is perfect for travelers with enough time to really explore Iceland. While possible in less time, attempting to the do the Ring Road with under two weeks results in a rushed experience and a very surface level visit.

On this trip, you’ll start in the south, visiting the Reykjanes peninsula, Þingvellir and Vatnajökull National Parks, then head to the fjords in the East, before continuing into the volcanic North, and finally west to iconic Snæfellsnes. You could visit Iceland 20 times and still not see everything, but this tour offers a fantastic introduction to many of the sites that have made Iceland world famous.

Itinerary

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

Day 2: Reykjanes Peninsula with helicopter tour to see the volcano in Geldingadalur, folllowed by a visit to the Blue Lagoon.

Day 3: Þingvellir National Park - waterfalls & volcanoes.

Day 4: Vatnajökull National Park, glacier hike with local guides, Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon

Day 5: Vatnajökull National Park Day 2 - Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Zodiac Boat Tour, Diamond Beach

Day 6: Vatnajökull to the East Fjords

Day 7: East Fjords to the Volcanic North. Stuðlagil Glacier Canyon, Möðrudalur Farm, Dettifoss, Lake Mývatn, Jardbödin Baths

Day 8: Volcanic Wonderland

Day 9: Travel to Akureyri, with stops in Goðafoss and Siglufjörður village

Day 10: Depart from Siglufjörður and head to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

Day 11: Snæfellsnes Peninsula - Journey to the Center of the Earth!

Day 12: Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Reykjavík with Viking sagas and waterfalls along the way.

Day 13: Free day to explore Reykjavík

Day 14: Departure from Iceland. Safe travels!

 DAY 1
Welcome to Iceland! Explore Reykjavik

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 traveling through the moon-like landscape on the Reykjanes Peninsula. You will soon get a feeling of what Iceland stands for, traveling through endless lava fields and geothermal areas in all volcanic surroundings. The transfer from the airport 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.  

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.

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 two nights, including breakfast. Early check-in. Breakfast buffet is from 7-10 a.m. Double deluxe room.

  DAY 2
  Reykjanes Peninsula with helicopter tour

After a nice breakfast at your accommodation in the capital, you are now set for relaxation in the natural baths of the Blue Lagoon resort. You have a reservation at the Lava Restaurant at 12 if you want. With a premium entrance you will have a bathrobe, towel, slippers, face masks and a complimentary drink in the lagoon. After you’ve finished enjoying the geothermal pools, you will again travel with your driver towards Reykjavík Capital.

Your next activity is the once in a lifetime experience of a helicopter ride over the now inactive volcanic eruption in Geldingadalur Valley. Departure is at 2.30.P.M with a total duration of about 50 minutes to 1 hour. I hope you enjoy!

Included:

• Private transfer from ALDA hotel to Blue Lagoon

• Blue Lagoon premium entrance

• Private transfer from Blue Lagoon to Reykjavík Helicopters.

• Helicopter tour with Reykjavík Helicopters at 2.30 p.m. at ACE FBO behind Hotel Natura Reykjavík airport. Please be on location 15 minutes before departure.

• Private transfer from Reykjavík Helicopters to Alda hotel.

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

DAY 3
Þingvellir National Park - waterfalls & volcanoes

Your day will start by a private transfer to pick up your rental car at 8.00 a.m. from ALDA hotel. You will be travelling in/driving a Toyota Landcruiser 4x4.

After an early breakfast in Reykjavik capital you are headed towards the National Park Þingvellir. It is an UNESCO heritage for two main reasons. Historically it is where our old parliament was established in 930 A.D. and geographically it is placed in a rift valley between the North American tectonic plate and the Eurasian plate. The Park is an absolute natural wonder and a short hike in the rift valley, in the foot steps of the vikings and in the set of Game of Thrones is recommended. After enjoying Thingvellir you travel to the ancient seabed of Iceland or the current south coast of Iceland. From the end of Ice age our volcanic island has been rising out of the ocean and still is. What we call mountains today was the coastline of our island 15000-20000 years ago.

You will stop by the famous waterfall Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. The black sand beach Reynisfjara is next on the itinerary, known for its epic beauty and the roaring ocean. Be very careful of the ocean by the beach. From there you travel to your guesthouse Hrifunes. Travelling to your hotel you will drive through the black desert Mýrdalssandur.. 

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.

Driving from the countryside and down to the south coast of Iceland, you will spend the day traversing the South Coast. You'll stop at the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss that are both fed by the infamous glacier volcano Eyjafjallajökull. Before you reach your accommodations close to the village of Vík, you'll visit the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, where you'll face the unbound North Atlantic Ocean.  After a local quality dinner, you'll head out to the wild nature in search of the Northern Lights if the forecast looks promising.

A lunch at Friðheimar Tomato farm is highly recommended. The restaurant is located inside an organic geothermal greenhouse were everything is about tomatoes.

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.

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.

Included:

• Private transfer from accommodation to Europcar/Höldur Car Rental

• Rental car-Toyota Landcruiser. Pickup at Njarðargata between 8-9 a.m.

• Accommodation in Hrífunes Guesthouse. Breakfast included. Breakfast buffet is from 7.30 -10 a.m. Double superior room.

• Parking fees at Thingvellir National Park not included.

  • The parking fee is 500 ISK. The ticket is valid for the day at all parking lots. Parking pay machines are on the parking lots where visitors are required to pay for a daypass which should be left visible on the car dashboard.

Note: Be sure to reserve a table at the guesthouse. Dinner is set at 7:30 PM and this is the best local cuisine on the island.

DAY 4
Vatnajökull National Park, glacier hike with local guides, Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon

After a pleasant breakfast in the countryside, you will drive to Vatnajökull National Park. (As your first day of travel was long distance it is expected that you can drive back to the enormous lavafield of fire or Eldhraun. Definitely worth the stop for viewing the destruction from the largest volcanic eruption ever recorded on the island. On leaving the epic florescent green lavafield of fire, a stop in Fjaðrárgljúfur Glacier Canyon is highly recommended. Remember to fill your rental car with gasoline at Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

Before you arrive in Vatnajökull National Park, Lómagnúpur mountain will stand tall and mighty, before you drive through the harsh black desert of Skaftafells sandur. When in the National Park a local lunch is recommended before enjoying the great outdoors. As you have arrived in the national park you can visit Skaftafell Nature Reserve. After lunch you are set for a glacier hike with Local Guides on Falljökull Glacier in the National Park at 2.15 P.M. Please be on location about 20-30 minutues before departure. After the amazing hike, you will travel to your Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon. On the way there are many things to see of course, but one more day in the national Park is perfect for enjoying them as well.

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.

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.

Glacier hike on Falljökull glacier:

Your first official activity of the day is the amazing glacier hike on Falljökull glacier. This glacier hike is perfect for those with limited time or looking to have an introductory glacier tour in Iceland. You will start with a short drive from our meeting point to Falljökull glacier, which is a neighboring outlet glacier descending from the vast Vatnajökull ice cap
. 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. Having spent about 3 hours in the great outdoors are are set for driving to your Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon.

Included:

• Rental car

• Glacier hike with Local Guides at 2.15 p.m. Meeting point Freysnes Gas station 15 minutes before set time.

• Accommodation in Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon in Vatnajökull National Park for two nights. Breakfast included. Breakfast buffet is from 6.30 -10 a.m. Double deluxe room.
  

  DAY 5
  Vatnajökull National Park Day 2 - Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Zodiac Boat Tour, Diamond Beach

Vatnajökull glacier is the biggest glacier in Europe with countless natural wonders to see. You will experience the glaciers from afar and up close. You will also visit sites around the glaciers, glacier lagoons, the Diamond beach and other secret locations in the area during your own adventures.

On your second day of travelling around the national park you will go on a Zodiac boat tour at 10.30 a.m. in Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon. As the boat tour should be the highlight of the day, the Diamond beach is an absolute equal. I recommend that you start of your day by the Diamond beach, with a beautiful sunrise and crystalized iceberg tumbling around on the black sand beach.

After your stay in the national park you will truly understand why our island is called Iceland. On this day it is worth spending time outdoors, hiking along the black sand beach or the glacier lagoon is highly recommended, surrounded by unbound nature and easy access.  Another night in Vatnajökull National Park.

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.

Svartifoss

To reach some of the most rewarding sites in Iceland, it is often required to take rather challenging hikes that are above the skill level of many; this is not the case with Svartifoss. It takes just a simple two-hour round trip through the beautiful Skaftafell park to reach and is well worth every step. Not only is it a stunning waterfall a decent 12m in height, but it is a geological marvel. The cascade tumbles from a cliff notable for its hexagonal lava columns, the same kind that makes the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland world-famous. These rare dark columns also lend the site its name, the Black Falls, and have inspired many artists and architects across Iceland; the largest church in Reykjavik, Hallgrímskirkja, was designed with them in mind. The trail visitors follow to reach it also passes two smaller, but still very appealing, waterfalls. For those planning to stay in the area, the path can lead hikers to many other parts of the incredible Skaftafell area.

Included:

• Rental car

• Zodiac boat tour at 10.30 a.m. at Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

• Accommodation in Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon. Breakfast included. Breakfast buffet is from 6.30-10 a.m. Double deluxe room

DAY 6
Vatnajökull to the East Fjords

Leaving the National Park and heading east, new natural wonders awaits, with their own special wildlife. You will visit some small and isolated fishing villages like Höfn í Hornafirði(gasoline stop) and Djúpivogur and drive along the jagged mountain peaks like Mt.Vestra Horn and other that seem to be collapsing into the ocean in every turn. To many the East fjords are a favourite with their powerful nature, isolated villages and locals all with their long history and traditions from the begin of settlement. You get to visit fishing villages like Eskifjörður that is the perfect place to end the day, at  the local Mjóeyri private huts with an exceptional ocean and mountain views.

Vestrahorn mountain;

Vestrahorn, Vesturhorn, and Stokksnes are all names for the same place. The area is approximately a ten-minute drive away from Höfn. The Horn area below Vestrahorn, a 454-meter high mountain. It is an interesting geological site composed of un-stratified plutonic rock, mostly gabbro but with some granophyre. East of the mountain is a strange-shaped outcrop called Brunnhorn that stretches out to sea. One of the first settlement farms in Iceland was Horn, Built by Hrollaugur, son of Rögnvaldur Earl of Møre in Norway. Hornafjörður Municipality and several natural sites are named after the settlement farm. In the Second World War, the Horn area became a base for the British army and later a NATO radar station was set up at Stokksnes, south of Horn. At Stokksnes you can feel the power of the Atlantic Ocean as the waves hit the rocky shore with massive force.Vestrahorn is a perfect place for photography or for quiet contemplation while enjoying the vast beauty of this unspoiled natural site. The shore features stunning lava dunes, that are constantly being shaped by the natural forces of water and wind. Down towards the sea, it is possible to get perfect reflections in the wet sand. Seals also tend to hang out on the stretch of sand, so if you’re lucky you can catch a picture of a lazing seal as well. Please note that the beach at Stokksnes is private and has a small entrance fee. It is a popular destination so be prepared for other tourists and photographers.

Höfn í Hornafirði-Lunch recommended;

Höfn is an Icelandic fishing town of just over two thousand people in southeast Iceland. It is the most significant settlement on Route 1 between the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur in the south and Egilsstaðir in the east.

Höfn means ‘harbour,’ as the town is located in one of the few natural harbours of Iceland’s south coast; unlike the rest of the country, this stretch is beachy and flat, and thus there are hardly any small coastal villages when compared to places such as the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.The town is right at the tip of its own peninsula, which is easy to reach throughout the year. It sits at the base of Route 99, which detours off from Route 1. It is surrounded on three sides by the ocean, which has been known to freeze over in extreme conditions. The town can also be reached by plane in good weather, as it is one of the few locations in the country with a domestic airport. Like many of Iceland’s small, coastal towns, Höfn has a surprising amount of culture. Its cuisine is particularly notable, with the celebration of it coming to a head at the annual Lobster Festival, held every July. This comes as little surprise, considering the town’s long history as an important fishing port.

Included:

• Rental car

• Accommodation in Mjóeyri private huts. Breakfast included. Breakfast buffet is from 8-10 a.m. Private hut - double occupancy.

DAY 7
East Fjords to the Volcanic North. Stuðlagil Glacier Canyon, Dettifoss, Lake Mývatn, Jardbödin Baths

Passing over from the east fjords and to the north you will cross various mountain ranges and highland passages with phenomenal viewpoints. In traversing along route number 1, your first recommended stop is by the phenomenal Stuðlagil canyon. There are two options how one can get to the canyon. From the farm Grund there is approx. 250 meters walk to the viewpoint where you can look down on the diverse dark colored columns and the contrast with the clear blue color of the river. You can also park your car on the parking lot at the farm Klaustursel. The hike is approx. 5 kilometers one way, but this way takes you closer to the canyon.

When reaching North Iceland, a visit to Möðrudalur Farm is highly recommended. Your first official stop is by one of the main landmarks of the north. Dettifoss is one of the most amazing waterfalls that can be visited on the island. It is the most powerful waterfall on the island as Europe and a definite must visit. Reaching your accommodation by the end of the day, you have the option to visit Námafjall geothermal area and Jarðböðin natural baths for relaxing after a long day of driving. Accommodation at Fosshotel Mývatn for two nights.

Stuðlagil Canyon;

In the valley Jökuldalur (Glacier Valley) in Austurland - East Iceland there is a marvelous natural site that almost nobody knew about until recently. For a long time it was hidden underwater or until the hydroelectric plant Kárahnjúkavirkjun was built and the water flow in the glacier river Jökulsá á Dal, a.k.a. Jökla, was remarkably reduced. This marvel is the part of Jökla's canyon, which is called Stuðlagil Canyon. Stuðlagil Canyon has one of the most significant and most beautiful basalt columns formations in Iceland.

Möðrudalur farm:

Right in the middle of "nowhere" in the wilderness of Iceland, you will find the highest inhabited farm in Iceland Möðrudalur á Fjöllum - Möðrudalur in Öræfi at 469 meters (1,539 ft) above sea level. It is like entering an oasis after having driven through the rugged wilderness of Iceland.

There has been a farm in Möðrudalur since the settlement of Iceland and one of the leading farms of Iceland was located here in the olden times. Some ancient farm-ruins have been discovered north of the farm in Möðrudalur, which have been declared as protected. The farmland here at Möðrudalur is one of the most extensive in the country. Möðrudalur, which is located north of Vatnajökull glacier, is mentioned in the Sagas, f.ex. in the Saga of Grettir The Strong  (ca 996 - ca 1040). Grettir was a belligerent Viking, who was an outlaw in Iceland for almost 20 years. He lived in several locations around Iceland during his outlawry and for one summer he stayed outside on Möðrudalsheiði heath and in other places in the vicinity.

Grettir the Strong would never have been able to survive on Möðrudalsheiði heath in wintertime as it gets very cold so high up in the highlands of Iceland. The lowest temperature recorded in Iceland, -38 degrees C (-36.4 degrees F) was recorded in Möðrudalur, and at the same time at Grímsstaðir á Fjöllum close by, on the 21st of January 1918, but that winter was so cold in Iceland that it has gone down in history as Frostaveturinn mikli or the Winter of the Great Frost.

Möðrudalur was once on the ring-road 1, but when the ring-road was moved north of Möðrudalur in 2001, Möðrudalur was literally cut off. The farmers were thinking of closing down and moving away.  Vilhjálmur Vernharðsson, the son of the owners of the farm, who by now was living in Reykjavík, decided on building up his birthplace. Vilhjálmur's ancestors had lived on Möðrudalur farm since 1875 and Vilhjálmur couldn't bear the thought of his family's farm being abandoned.  

Dettifoss waterfall;

Found in Vatnajökull National Park, Dettifoss is arguably Europe’s most powerful waterfall, pumping 96,500 gallons of water over its lip every second (—an incredible 193 m³/s flow rate).The waterfall is 100 metres in width and cascades 45 metres (150 ft) into the stunning Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, creating a plume of mist so great that, on clear days, is visible from several miles away. 

Námaskarð;

This geothermal valley, is widely compared to the landscape of Planet Mars thanks to its vermillion color sands and rocky craters, an otherworldly vista made all the more impressive with billowing pillars of steam and gurgling mud cauldrons. Wooden walkways make it simple to get a close-up look of this bubbling, hissing energy in action. 

Lake Mývatn:

Mývatn offers a unique natural environment. With large contrasts and short distances, you can experience the most and the best that Iceland has to offer. Large open spaces with roads and walkways lead travellers to unworldly locations, where volcanic eruptions have played a crucial role in the formation of the landscape. Whether the plan is to enjoy the landscape, examine unique natural phenomena or take a closer look at the plant and birdlife, Mývatn has it all. Furthermore, the area offers a variety of services in accommodation, food, and entertainment, based on years of experience and knowledge. Mývatn attracts huge numbers of travellers in the summer, but many believe the lake and its surroundings to be no less impressive in the wintertime. Mývatn is the 4th largest lake in Iceland, 37 km2 in area. Its shores are indented with many coves and inlets and its surface is dotted with around 50 small islets and skerries. Midges (Chironomidae) are abundant and the ubiquitous swarms of these tiny flies give the lake its name.

The lake itself is very shallow, and the rays of the sun reach the lakebed everywhere. The ecology of the lake area is extremely diverse and interesting; one important characteristic of Mývatn is the prolific growth and abundance of freshwater seaweed. On the bed of the lake there are great quantities of diatoms, while nearer the surface, Mývatn's famous arctic char weave their way between aquatic plants and little islets topped with fertile vegetation. On and around the lake there is a teeming and varied birdlife and Mývatn is the habitat of many kinds of lake and marsh birds. However, much of Mývatn's fame can be attributed to the fact that during summer, there is a greater variety of duck species gathered on and around the lake than anywhere else in the world. Mývatn is a legally protected conservation area and appears on the register of internationally important wetlands, along with the Laxá river which flows out of the lake.

Included:

• Rental car

• Entrance to Jarðböðin at 5 p.m. Ref:

• Accommodation in Fosshotel Mývatn for two nights in the Lake Mývatn area, including breakfast. Breakfast buffet is from 6.30-10 a.m. Double deluxe room.

DAY 8
Volcanic Wonderland

The area around Mývatn has nature and colourful birdlife like no other. It is a volcano wonderland with craters in every direction, expectional lava formations from past eruptions and colourful geothermal hotspots for viewing and even bathing. Mývatn is a part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a highly active volcanic area with the caldera Krafla last erupting in 1984.

On your second day in the Mývatn area you will spend it in the volcanic wonderland of the north. Námskarð geothermal hotspot ans Krafla krater are a must see both within a short driving distance. After a local lunch and short hike through the extraordinary lavafield of Dimmuborgir is manditory. For the ultimate experience you will end our day of adventures by visiting the natural baths Jarðböðin. ​Every day you can expect to visit and enjoy local sites that are not on the itiniary, making each day more complete.

Krafla Caldera

The Krafla central volcano forms a low, broad shield some 25 km in diameter, with a caldera in its centre. The caldera measures about 10 km east-west and about 8 km north-south. It formed during the last interglacial period and has since been filled almost to the rim with volcanic material. The collapse of the caldera almost certainly followed the eruption of a sheet of dacitic welded tuff which is exposed around the caldera. Field characteristics indicate that this is an airfall tuff, which was blown mainly towards NE from a source near the centre of the Krafla caldera. A lava shield with a diameter of about 20 km existed prior to the caldera formation. Remnants of this shield structure enclose the caldera on the east and west sides exposing lavas and breccias dipping outward at low angles. Dykes and eruptive fissures that trend parallel to the caldera ring fault occur.

Dimmuborgir:

This lava field, otherwise known as ‘The Dark Fortress’, is another fantastical site close to Lake Mývatn. Its characteristic dark pillars and gnarled rock formations are a result of the 2300-year-old historic eruptions, where the lava flow poured across the water body, thus quickening the cooling process.

 Included:

• Rental car

• Entrance to Jarðböðin nature baths at 4.30 p.m.

• Accommodation in Fosshotel Mývatn including breakfast. Breakfast buffet is from 6.30-10 a.m. Double deluxe room

DAY 9
Travel to Akureyri, with stops in Goðafoss and Siglufjörður

Its going to be a little bit difficult leaving this unique part of the island but more adventures awaits. Goðafoss waterfall or the waterfall of the Gods will be your first stop. You will visit Akureyri, the capital of the north, for a nice lunch then get ready for driving along the coastline of north Iceland, over the mountain ranges and plateaus with phenomenal viewpoints. You will drive through Dalvík village and Siglufjörður. Both villages have their long history of isolation and survival. They are both worth the stop as they are both a unique window into the lifes of traditional fishing villages of the north. You will enjoy a local quality dinner and spend the night in a hotel Sigló in Siglufjörður village.

Goðafoss

Goðafoss waterfall is located in the river Skjálfandafljót in north Iceland, the fourth largest river in Iceland. It is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the country, falling from a height of 12 metres (39 feet) over a width of 30 metres (98 feet).The name Goðafoss means either waterfall of the gods or waterfall of the 'goði' (i.e. priest/ chieftain). The reason for this is its fascinating history. When Iceland was first settled in the 9th and 10th Centuries, the vast majority (who were not slaves, at least) were Norwegians who followed the Old Norse religion, worshipping deities like Thor, Odin, Loki and Freya. However, after the Commonwealth was established in 930 AD, pressure to convert began to push from Christianising Europe.

By 1000 AD, it seemed that Norway would almost certainly invade if the country were to stand by their pagan beliefs. The issue was thus discussed at Þingvellir, where the parliament met once a year. The lawspeaker at the time, the Ásatrú priest (or goði) Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði, was given the responsibility to make the decision. It is said he lay under a fur blanket for a day and a night in silence, praying to his Old Gods for the right decision. Eventually, he emerged and said, for the good of the people, Christianity would be the official religion, but pagans could practice in private.To symbolise his decision, he returned to his home in north Iceland and threw idols of the Old Gods into a beautiful waterfall. Since then, it would be known as Goðafoss.

Siglufjörður village

Siglufjörður is Iceland’s northernmost town and is a historic fishing town whose fame, and fortune has always been linked to the ebb and flow of the fishing industry. A tiny shark fishing village in 1900, Siglufjörður soon became one of the largest towns in Iceland and the undisputed capital of herring fishing in the Atlantic. Siglufjörður is an area of spectacular natural beauty. The mountains and the fjords are awe-inspiring and the opportunities for outdoor activities and recreation are almost inexhaustible. The closeness to nature is always within reach, whether you wish to go on a hike, play golf, try ocean swimming or go skiing.  In Siglufjörður there is a flourishing cultural life. There are several restaurants, there are also numerous galleries and workshops, museums and our local church in Siglufjörður. 

Included:

•  Rental car

• Accommodation in Sigló Hotel in Siglufjörður, Breakfast included. Breakfast buffet is from 7-10 a.m. Double deluxe room.

DAY 10
Depart from Siglufjörður and head to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

After a delightful breakfast in the peaceful village of Siglufjörður you are headed for the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. During your day of driving through the Land of Seals, you will learn to understand the true countryside of Iceland, crossing mountain ranges with views of the untouched nature of Iceland. You will be driving through various towns and villages and Icelandic farmlands. As you reach Snæfellsnes Peninsula your surroundings will change dramatically. You will have beautiful views of Breiðafjörður bay, with countless islands and colorful birdlife. This area is one few places on the island were the Icelandic sea eagle can be spotted. Accommodation in luxurios Hotel Búðir on Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

Blönduós:

Blönduós is the most populated town by Húnaflói and is located by Road nr. 1. Through the town, runs one of the country's glacial rivers, Blanda and in the middle is the small island Hrútey, one of the area's natural wonders. The island is protected and closed due to bird nesting in the springtime, but for the rest of the year, you can cross a walking bridge to the island and there you can discover hiking trails. The walk along Blanda down to the shore is particularly romantic, overlooking the sea to the beautiful Strandafjöll. In addition to nature viewing, there are other recreational activities to be found in the area, the swimming pool in Blönduós is one of the best in the country, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee in the hot tub while the children play in the pool or take a run in the water slides. Next to the swimming pool is a large trampoline, located on the school grounds, there you can also spend time in the climbing castle, football field and at the skateboard ramps. Angling is a popular activity in the area. In Blönduós is also a good golf course.

Heimilisiðnaðarsafnið holds some of the nation's textile and handcraft history showing how the development has been throughout the centuries. The old women's school at Blönduós holds the Icelandic Textile Center but Blönduós is known for its history in textile.The old town of Blönduós stands by the open sea, where there are still many of the original houses that were built when that part of the town was in bloom in years before. The tourist information center in East Hunavatnssysla is located in the old town. Also located there is Hillebrandshús, one of the oldest wooden houses in Iceland, erected in Blönduós in 1877 but previously it had been in Skagaströnd for 130 years.

Included:

• Rental car

• Accommodation in luxurious Hotel Búðir for two nights Breakfast included. Breakfast buffet is from 8-10 a.m. Double Loft room.

DAY 11
Snæfellsnes Peninsula - 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 Verne. With a glacier on top you will witness different lava fields from past eruptions. You will visit sights like, Djúpalónssandur black pebble beach, Lóndrangar stone formations, Arnarstapi and other secret spots. You will spend another night at your hotel on Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

Included:

• Rental car

• Accommodation in Hotel Búðir. Reykjavík Capital. Breakfast included. Breakfast buffet is from 8-10 a.m. Double Loft room.

  DAY 12
  Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Reykjavík with Viking sagas and waterfalls

On your last day you travel along the Snæfellsnes Peninsula into the direction of Reykjavík City. On our way we take a small detour inland into 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 we head for the coastline again we have the option of driving through the Bay of Whales. We arrive in the capital in the afternoon, in good time before dinner. The last night is spent in Reykjavík Capital. If you prefer to skip the detour you can drive straight back to the capital.

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-mear 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.

Included:

• Rental car- Car rental Drop off in the end of day between 5-6 p.m.

• Transfer from car rental to accommodation. Please call +354-6960171 30 minutes before drop-off so a transfer can be arranged.

• Accommodation in ALDA Hotel for two nights, breakfast included. Breakfast buffet is from 7-10 a.m. Double deluxe room.
  

DAY 13
Free day to explore Reykjavík

Included:

• Accommodation at ALDA hotel, with breakfast. Breakfast buffet from 7-10 a.m. Double deluxe room

DAY 14
Departure from Iceland

You will have a private transfer from Alda hotel to KEF international Airport.

Included:

• Private transfer from your accommodation to KEF international airport.