Complete Iceland: Full Road Trip
Itinerary
Days 1-3 – Welcome to Reykjavik!
Spot snow-capped peaks and volcanic craters from the plane window as you fly into Keflavik airport. Pick up your rental car from the airport and head into the city. Reykjavik is a compact and trendy city that is home to over half of the Icelandic population. The modern architecture, shops, young people and boutique restaurants give the city a quirky Nordic touch. You’ll stay in a hotel that is centrally located with authentic Scandinavian design, offering you a comfortable and stylish retreat amidst the city’s vibrant energy.
After breakfast today you will head out from the harbour on a traditional fishing boat for a whale-watching trip. These fisherman are experts in knowing where to find these gentle giants, whilst ensuring it is done without disturbing them or causing any stress. You’ll spend around three hours on the boat, eagerly seeking out these majestic beings. Gaze in awe at the sight of powerful fins splashing in the sea and if you’re lucky, you’ll see a full breach! These moments are nothing short of extraordinary and with every sighting, the connection with nature deepens, leaving you in awe of these gentle giants.
Days 3-4 – Spouting geysers & crashing falls
You’ll have already picked up your hire car at Keflavik airport on arrival, so you’re ready and set for the open road! After your stay you’ll drive from Reykavik to Golden Circle. The driving time is approx. 2 hours, but you may wish to make stops along the way. We recommend a stop at Thingvellir en route, where you’ll find a gap between the European and American continental plates in a national park that’s well worth checking out. From Thingvellir, you’ll then continue to the Golden Circle, where you will find Iceland’s highest spouting geyser, Strokkur. Be sure to have your camera ready, as you can take spectacular pictures here. In the evening, check into your charming countryside hotel and after such an exciting day seeing the sights, take the time to unwind and enjoy a comforting dinner. You’ll have a whole day free the next day and we’ll arrange tickets for you to visit the Secret Lagoon, one of the oldest thermal baths in Iceland. Between the different baths you walk through a world of moss and steam, giving you a magical feeling.
It’s worth getting up early before checking out and leaving today, so that you have enough time to visit the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall before all the day trippers arrive. This way you have all the peace and space to grab yourself some beautiful photos. The water begins at the glacial river Hvítá and plunges here like a perpendicular water curtain into a 70 meter deep gorge. There are also fantastic views over the Gullfoss from all sides and when the sun shines, you almost always see a rainbow here. After your visit to Gullfoss, you will leave the Golden Circle region and continue your journey through Iceland.
Days 4-5 – Vikings & volcanoes
Today you’ll drive from Golden Circle to Vik. The driving time is approx. 2 hours, but you may wish to make stops along the way. On the way, stop off at Iceland’s most active volcano, Hekla. Here you can view the ruins of an old Viking farm that was only excavated in 1900 and also see its replica. Make sure to also stop at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, two incredibly photogenic waterfalls. The area flourishes with green flora and at Seljalandsfoss you can actually walk behind the waterfall for a truly magical experience. With the Hekla summit to your left, continue your drive slowly eastwards.
Drive further down the ring road for a visit to the film exhibition of the mighty Eyjafjallajökul volcano, which shut down all European air traffic in 2010. In the evening you will arrive at the coastal village of Vík, where you will spend the night in a cosy guesthouse. Nearby are Black Sand Beach and Reynisfjara Beach, known for their black lava beaches and the angular basalt rocks that rise from the water. With a bit of luck you can also see puffins at Cape Dyrhólaey from the historic lighthouse there. After breakfast the following day, check out and continue your journey.
Days 5-7 – Glacier hikes in Skaftafell
Today you’ll drive from Vik to Skaftafell. The driving time is approx. 2 hours, but you may wish to make stops along the way. During your journey to Skaftafell from Vik, you’ll drive past the moss-lined lava fields of Eldhraun and beautiful panoramic views at the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon. You are now on your way to the largest glacier in Europe: Vatnajökull. You’ll spend your first night here in a comfortable hotel just outside of the national park. After a good night’s sleep and with your hiking boots on, you will drive today from Skaftafell to the starting point of the glacier walk. During the hike you will use your pickaxe to keep your balance on steep sections, as you walk over crevices and bumpy pieces of ice. Your guide knows where to find a number of ice caves where you can see into the deep blue ice well.
Having conquered the glacier hike, the afternoon the choice is yours: relax and take in the views from the hotel or venture out and explore the area further. The glacial lake is a magnificent sight, where you can see ice blocks crumble and spot swimming seals up close. This special location has been used as a film set several times, for example the James bond film “Die another day” was filmed here. The following day will be your last day at Skaftafell and after breakfast it is time for the next adventure.
Days 7-9 – Over to the East Fjords
Today you’ll drive from Skaftafell to East Fjords. The driving time is approx. 4.5 hours, but you may wish to make stops along the way. With the shrinking ice cap in the rear-view mirror of your car, you’ll head back onto the ring roadand northbound towards fjord coast. After the fishing village of Höfn, the road along the rugged coast becomes increasingly winding and you drive along deep ravines close to the sea. As you reach the East Fjords,you will find a haven abundant with puffins and devoid of crowds. Embrace the tranquility and serenity that this off-the-beaten-path destination provides, steering away from the well-trodden tourist hotspots. Check into your charming hotel and ask reception for their insider knowledge of the most beautiful hiking trails in the area.
After breakfast it’s time to lace up your trusty walking boots and head out on a remarkable adventure through nature’s embrace. There are brilliant hikes in the vicinity of your accommodation, or you can also drive to the Borgarfjörður Eystri region, where tales of elves and trolls intertwine with the local culture, shaped by the region’s remote nature and long, dark winters. If you’re here for the wildlife, a visit to the small rock nestled within the harbor of Hafnarhólmi, near the charming village of Bakkagerði, is an absolute must. This remarkable haven serves as a nesting ground for an array of captivating creatures, including wild puffins, gulls, and ducks, who grace the rock from late May to early August. You can get a close view of them here from the observation deck. The following day it’s time to leave this quiet part of Iceland behind you and head towards the next highlight.
Days 9-11 – Whales & tails!
Today you’ll drive from East Fjords to Akureyri. The driving time is approx. 4.5 hours, but you may wish to make stops along the way. You’ll check into your cosy guesthouse and take the afternoon to explore the city at your own pace. The following day you’ll want to dress warm and bring an extra jumper or coat, as you will be heading out to sea on your whale watching tour and it can get chilly. You’ll first drive over to the pleasant fishing village of Husavik, about an hour away. Here you will board a traditional Icelandic oak boat and hit the waves to look for whales, porpoises and dolphins. Occasionally you can also spot rare blue whales, the largest of all whales. On the way back to the quay, the rod often goes out for a fresher than fresh snack on board. When back on dry land, the rest of the day is free for you to do as you please. After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, you will continue your Iceland road trip.
Days 11-13 – Snaefellsness by the sea
Today you’ll drive from Akureyri to Snaefellsness. The driving time is approx. 4 hours, but you may wish to make stops along the way. Many travellers skip this part of Iceland making it a real hidden gem, and with its vast grasslands it’s a nice counterpart to the more rugged interior. As you approach the Snaefellsnes peninsula you’ll have a stunning view of the towering volcano in the distance, which makes for a great picture. You will be welcomed by an Icelandic couple as you pull up to their small family guesthouse.
Snaefellsness is a stunning area full of winding hiking trails and dramatic vistas. But we’ve found another great way of exploring it and taking in the views from a slightly different angle – a horse back. Today, together with your experienced guide and a small group of fellow equine lovers you’ll head out on an unforgettable ride. You’ll trot along the golden shoreline below Snæfellsjökull, on Hraunlandarif beach, between Búdir and Arnarstapi, where the views are simply breath-taking. The pace depends on the group but it usually is slow and you aren’t required to be an experienced rider. In the afternoon why not head to the shark museum on the north side and to explore the peninsula further.
Days 13-14 – Secrets of the Blue Lagoon
Today you’ll drive from Snaefellsness to Keflavik. The driving time is approx. 2 hours, but you may wish to make stops along the way. You’ll drive over the Reykjanes peninsula towards Keflavík to end your trip completely zen at the Blue Lagoon. You can arrange an entrance ticket with specific access time in advance. On the way to the natural baths you will see lava fields and hot springs with large plumes of smoke in the background. The lagoons are artificially constructed but heated by natural sources. On the sides there are large containers with purified clay for you to rub over your body. This has been scientifically proven that the mineral salts and algae of this geothermal seawater have a healing effect on the skin. On your final day, you’ll drop off your hire car at Keflavik airport and head to the terminal for your flight home.
Accommodation
For this itinerary we offer the following options
Complete Iceland - Winter Edition
Experience the winter wonderland of Iceland on this road trip, taking you around the island. Explore the highlights and the more remote areas of the land of snow and ice. You’ll walk on the glaciers, spot whales in the icy ocean, hunt the elusive Northern Lights, ride on a horseback along the fjord and soak in some incredible open-air natural baths. All in just 2 weeks. This is a modified version of the itinerary above, adapted for winter. Some locations and activities will vary, chat to your Travel Specialist for full details.
