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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. |
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