This eight day itinerary takes in many of the
stunning sites and natural wonders in the
south of Iceland. In addition, it
explores the beautiful and dramatic west
coast with its imposing volcano and icecap,
Snaefellsjokull. There are plenty of well
known sights to see, which take on a whole
new look during the winter season.This
itinerary begins with a night in the
capital. For the rest of the trip you’ll
stay in the countryside and visit many
of Iceland’s highlights including the famous
geysers at Geysir, at least four magnificent
waterfalls: Gullfoss; Skogafoss;
Seljalandsfoss and Hraunfossar and the
magnificently rugged Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
Travel further east and explore
Skaftafell National Park, where you could
make the short hike to Svartifoss, bringing
the total number of waterfalls to five! A
little further east again, is the
breathtaking glacial lagoon at Jokulsarlon –
a hauntingly beautiful place at any time of
year and one where you’ll definitely need a
camera! Also have time at the end of the
trip to visit the famous Blue Lagoon.
Day 1: Following your arrival at
Keflavik Airport in Iceland, transfer by bus
into Reykjavik for the first overnight stop.
Day 2: Pick up your car this
morning and head east over Hellisheidi, past
the greenhouse village of Hveragerdi to two
of Iceland’s best known waterfalls,
Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Visit the
Skogar Folk Museum or drive to Reynishverfi
and stroll along a volcanic sand beach,
backed by impressive basalt columns. Cross
eerie, moss-clad lava fields and check in to
your accommodation in the
Kirkjubaejarklauster area for two nights. Be
sure to take a walk up to the nearby lake of
Systravatn and view the delightful
waterfall, Systrafoss.
Day 3: Drive east to Skaftafell
National Park, nestled between glacier
tongues at the foot of Iceland’s highest
mountain and largest icecap, Vatnajokull.
Take a short walk either to the tip of the
Skaftafellsjokull glacier tongue, or
Svartifoss, a beautiful waterfall framed by
basalt columns, depending on the weather.
Visit the stunning glacial lagoon,
Jokulsarlon.
Day 4: Make your way back along
the south coast, past Myrdalsjokull and
Dyrholaey with its spectacular rock arch.
Visit the Thjorsadalur Valley, including the
reconstructed farm at Stong, which dates
from the Viking period, and Mt Hekla. If you
have opted for a high clearance 4WD vehicle,
experience some of the more rugged scenery
by driving through the ‘behind the
mountains’ route to the colourful
Landmannalaugar area. Spend two nights in
the Golden Circle area offering splendid
views of the surrounding countryside.
Day 5: A day to explore three of
Iceland’s best known natural wonders - the
Geysir hot springs area, mighty Gullfoss
and, depending on road conditions,
Thingvellir National Park for a walk around
the ancient assembly site.
Day 6: Head north to Borgarfjordur
and Hraunfossar and view a waterfall that
emerges from under a lava flow to cascade
into a glacial river. Visit nearby Reykholt
and Iceland’s largest hot spring
Deildartunguhver. Spend two nights in
Borgarnes or Stykkisholmur.
Day 7: Explore the scenic
Snaefellsnes Peninsula, walking among the
fantastic coastal formations at Arnarstapi
and visiting the fjords and fishing villages
along its north side. With good weather you
may have views of the mystical cone-shaped
volcano and Snaefellsjokull icecap.
Day 8: Drive back towards
Reykjavik but be sure to take a detour to
the Blue Lagoon for a bathe in its
mineral-rich geothermal waters, before
dropping off the vehicle at Keflavik and
taking the flight home.
