See three of Iceland’s national parks, Jokulsa, Skaftafell and Thingvellir in addition to the stunning Lake Myvatn. Discover sensational landscapes and the sheer pleasure of driving in Iceland. Moon-like volcanoes and brooding grey deserts contrast with shimmering icecaps. Vibrant green valleys, peaceful fjords, sleepy fishing villages and naturally, countless waterfalls in all shapes and sizes each contribute to the many wonders.
Flying part of the route allows you more time to spend in the most scenic places. Don’t forget that you can add an extra night anywhere along the route, for a surprisingly reasonable cost – please contact us to design an itinerary just for you!
Day 1: Arrive in Iceland. Transfer upon arrival from Keflavik Airport to the domestic airport in Reykjavik for the short flight north to Akureyri where you will pick up your rental vehicle and overnight.
Day 2: Explore the quaint northern town located almost at the head of Eyjafjordur then drive to Myvatn, making a detour at picturesque Godafoss for a photo stop. Spend two nights at Lake Myvatn.
Day 3: Experience the geothermal and volcanic wonders of Myvatn and its surrounds: mud pools, craters, surreal lava formations (Krafla & Namafjall), the lake with its prolific bird life and relax at the Myvatn Nature Baths.
Day 4: Visit the Jokulsa Canyon National Park and explore its gorges and waterfalls, including Dettifoss. Then cross a moody desert landscape and head east to Egilsstadir for an overnight stay.
Day 5: Perhaps head off to Mjoifjordur, considered by many to be the most beautiful of the stunning East Fjords, before continuing south through yet more striking scenery. Overnight in Hofn, a fishing port at the foot of Europe’s largest icecap, Vatnajokull.
Day 6: One eye-catching view follows another on the journey around the base of the icecap, Vatnajokull in sight of its many breathtaking glaciers. One has receded, forming a huge lagoon, where icebergs lie adrift – this is Jokulsarlon. In summer, take a boat trip amongst the icebergs and head over to the beach and watch as they drift out to sea. Stay two nights near Skaftafell.
Day 7: Go hiking in Skaftafell National Park and see stunning Svartifoss, a waterfall backed by basalt columns.
Day 8: Journey along the south coast past the turf church at Nupsstadir, the folk museum and the thundering falls, Skogafoss. Don’t miss the walk behind Seljalandsfoss and look out through its curtain of cascading water. Spend two nights in the Hveragerdi area.
Day 9: Enjoy the three great attractions of the ‘Golden Circle’ – the geothermal area at Geysir, the two-tiered waterfall at Gullfoss and historic Thingvellir (Almannagja, Hofdi), Iceland’s third national park.
Day 10: Continue back to Keflavik Airport, drop off your rental vehicle at the airport and return home. Allow time to have a relaxing soak in the geothermal mineral waters of the Blue Lagoon on your way.
Extra days can be added to give you the opportunity to enjoy a visit to Reykjavik, the cosmopolitan capital city.
