Vikings & Volcanoes
Bite-sized trip
Day 1 – The volcano route to Vik
Leaving Reykjavik or the geyser area behind you, you’ll be on your way to the coastal village of Vik. On the way, stop off at Iceland’s most active volcano, the legendary Hekla. During an eruption some 900 years ago, the entire valley was buried under rubble. Here you can view the ruins of an ancient Viking farm that was only excavated in 1900. As you continue your journey, make sure to also stop at two of Iceland’s most mesmerizing waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. The area flourishes with green flora and at Seljalandsfoss you can actually walk behind the waterfall for a truly magical experience. With the towering summit of Hekla to your left, continue your drive slowly eastwards.
Prepare for another awe-inspiring natural marvel; the mighty Eyjafjallajökull volcano is about to reveal itself. Drive further down the ring road for a visit to the captivating film exhibition of this mighty 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 sleep in a cosy guesthouse. Nearby are Black Sand Beach and Reynisfjara Beach, renowned for their dramatic black lava shores and the striking basalt formations emerging from the ocean. With a bit of luck you can also see puffins at Cape Dyrhólaey from the historic lighthouse there.
Day 2 – Winter excursion: Sólheimajökull glacier hike
Get ready for an active day today as you venture to the Sólheimajökull glacier. At the meeting point you will meet your experienced guide and fellow adventurers for a good run through about how things work (because walking on a glacier is not entirely without danger) and then the irons go down. Hike along caverns meters deep and search for ice sculptures. You will see a thousand shades of grey, white, blue and of course transparent ice and if you look closely at the different layers in the ice, chances are you’re even looking at the ash from the 2010 Eyjafjallajökul volcanic eruption.
Back in the car, turn on the heating and warm yourself up for your next Iceland experience. Make a final stop at the black lava beaches of Vik, where the basalt rocks protrude high into the sky from the sea and look almost handmade due to their symmetrical shapes. If your Iceland trip is almost over, travel back to Keflavik and end your day in the steamy pools of the Blue Lagoon. Do you have the time and want to see more of Iceland? Then drive on to the Skaftafell Nature Park where you can explore one the many hiking trails.
Summer excursion: free time & departure from Vik
After breakfast this morning, it’s time to bid farewell to your cosy accommodations and embark on the next leg of your journey, heading eastward. For those early risers, a drive to Eldhraun is highly recommended, where a truly extraordinary sight awaits. Behold a moss-covered lava field, a peculiar and mesmerizing landscape that will leave you in awe. After experiencing the raw forces of earth, wind, and fire in recent days, prepare for a delightful change of scenery as Iceland reveals yet another facet of its natural wonders. Get ready to cool down and embrace a whole new adventure! Venture towards the foot of Europe’s largest glacier, immersing yourself in the captivating surroundings of Skaftafell National Park. Here, the glacier awaits, a breathtaking spectacle that will leave an indelible impression on your journey.
Accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options
Upgrade to our In Style accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we have an alternative option available for your accommodation. Our In Style version is something a bit more special or unique but still with lots of local flavour! If you would like to upgrade your accommodation for this bite-sized trip select our In Style option below.
Hvolsvöllur Lava Center (en route to Vik)
On the way to Vik you have the opportunity to visit the Lava Centre in Hvolsvöllur, where you’ll embark on an immersive journey to uncover the wonders of Iceland’s volcanic landscape. Experience a captivating blend of vivid presentations and informative displays, offering insights into the geological forces that shape this unique island nation.
Vik - Katla Ice Cave tour
Today you’ll explore a glacier from the inside. Your adventure begins with a fun-filled ride on a super-jeep from Vik to one of as many as 13 glaciers in the area. After a short briefing, you’ll put on all your gear (helmet, headlamp and crampons) and follow your guide into the 800 years old ice cave. Surrounded by black, white and bright blue ice, you’ll explore this ice kingdom and learn about the glaciers and the cave’s formation. At the end of the tour, your super-jeep will whizz you back to Vik.
