Sunny Iceland 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 – Vikings & volcanoes
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 Vik. The driving time is approx. 3 hours. 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 4-5 – Spouting geysers & crashing falls
Today you’ll drive from Vik 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 5-7 – Snaefellsnes by the sea
Today you’ll drive from Golden Circle to Snaefellsnes. The driving time is approx. 3 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.
After a long drive, it’s time to get out and stretch your legs then next day. Take a walk along the deeply carved bird cliffs at Arnarstapi, where you can see fulmars and kittiwakes. Walk past bizarre lava formations and a waterfall to a coffee house with lovely terrace. They offer an incredibly tempting homemade chocolate cake and the waffles with whipped cream are delicious too. After your coffee stop, head back to the guesthouse for your trip to the lava cave.Just a few miles away is a lava cave that was formed long ago when a volcano erupted. Equipped with a flashlight and helmet, you will walk into the cave and down some stairs. With all the torches turned off, it is pitch black except for the glittering red glow of the walls. Your guide will tell you how the cave came to be and which trolls are said to exist here. In the afternoon why not head over to the shark museum on the north side and explore the peninsula further.
Days 7-8 – Secrets of the Blue Lagoon
Today you’ll drive from Snaefellsnes to Keflavik. The driving time is approx. 2.5 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
