Adventure Iceland
Adventure Iceland - Self-Drive - 11 days/ 10 nights
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN ICELAND
Pick up your rental car at Europcar desk, Keflavik Airport arrival hall. Drive to Reykjavik, aprox 45 min. Overnight in Hotel Island for next 3 nights. No activity is booked on this day. You can relax and explore the city at your own speed. Ideas for your free time in the capital.
Visit Hallgrímskirkja. Hallgrímskirkja stands guard over Reykjavík. The church is both a parish church and a national sanctuary in Iceland. Its stepped concrete facade is an ode to modernism and a reminder of the Icelandic landscape. The church is named after the 17thcentury clergyman Hallgrímur Pétursson, author of Hymns of the Passion. Hallgrímskirkja is an Evangelical-Lutheran church and is a part of the Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Iceland. Hallgrímskirkja is one of the most visited places by tourists in Iceland. Every day thousands of people visit the church. Admission to the church is free. Admission to the tower is ISK 900 HARPA REYKJAVIK CONCERT HALL Located at the harbor is Iceland’s main venue for cultural events, concerts and exhibitions and is the home of the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra. There is always something going on at Harpa. For further information and even calendar see: www.harpa.is Reykjavik old harbour: Reykjavík Harbour refers to the Old Harbour and is located close to Harpa Concert hall It is the main port of departure for whale and puffin watching tours. You can find many small charming restaurants that serve fresh catch of the day.
DAY 2: REYKJAVIK FREE DAY
No activity booked on this day. Here come suggestions of interesting places to visit in the capital. WHALES OF ICELAND – A GIANT EXPERIENCE .is The Whales of Iceland exhibition is the largest of its kind in Europe, and possibly the world, where guests can learn about the giants of the sea in a calm and modern environment. The permanent exhibition features whales like guests have never seen them before. It is truly a giant experience. It is a stunning exhibition space where whales are in the forefront and the atmosphere is like no other. Open daily from 09:00-18:00, located at Fiskislóð 23-25.
FLY OVER ICELAND SWEEPING GLACIERS, STUNNING FJORDS & ANCIENT MYSTERIES. FlyOver Iceland utilizes state-of-the-art technology to give you the feeling of flight. You will hang suspended, feet dangling, before a 20-metre spherical screen while our film whisks you away on an exhilarating journey across Iceland. Special effects, including wind, mist and scents, combine with the ride’s motion to create an unforgettable experience. https://www.flyovericeland.com Glacier and Ice Cave Museum at Perlan. The Glaciers and Ice Cave Exhibition is the first exhibition of the new Perlan Museum – Wonders of Iceland. The exhibition is built inside one of Perlan’s six hot water tanks. It illustrates the glaciers, their history and bleak future, and gives visitors the amazing opportunity to experience traveling through a real man-made Ice Cave. The 360°Reykjavík museum & observation deck is included in the admission fee. Another special place is Höfði: Höfði is a building in Iceland’s capital, most famous for being the meeting point of thenpresidents Ronald Reagan of the United States and Mikhail Gorbachev of the Soviet Union. SKY LAGOON https://www.skylagoon.com/ Immerse yourself in warmth at our oceanside geothermal lagoon, as the dramatic North Atlantic Ocean stretches out before you. Feel yourself relax and unwind as you take in the dazzling sunsets and moody skies and, if you're lucky, the dancing Northern Lights will put on a stunning show. Then, take your relaxation deeper with the Ritual, a unique sevenstep experience.
DAY 3: REYKJAVIK – FAGRADALSFJALL
FREE DAY (Optional ) Hike to Fagradalsfjall Volcano After being shaken by months of increasingly disruptive earthquakes in March 2021, Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula did finally experience the volcanic eruption that many geologists suspected was on its way. The hike will take approximately 1.5 hours from the parking place each way. Please note that this is an estimated time. The sites around the volcano are always changing Please walk only on the marked paths. Never step on the lava ! NOTE that you are at your own responsibility. The Blue Lagoon is just near by. You can take a relaxing bath among steep lava fields in geothermal water and cover yourself with the gravel mud containing lots of minerals. The water of the lagoon is known for its active natural ingredients and has a beneficial impact on body and soul.
DAY 4: REYKJAVIK – GOLDEN CIRCLE – SNORKEL and DIVE
Breakfast at the hotel. Take road # 1 in direction to Thingvellir National park. Thingvellir National Park From Reykjavik drive north on road #1. Shortly after passing Mosfellsbaer town take road #36 to Thingvellir National park. In this plain, north of the Thingvallavatn lake the first democratically elected parliament took place in the year 930. The plain lies in a geologically very interesting area. Iceland is on the mid Atlandic ridge, and it is here that you can visibly see the drifting apart of the American and Eurasian continental plates. We have booked for you Snorkeling and Diving in Silfra lake at 11:00. Be at location 30 min earlier. Please bring your vouchers and follow the instructions for meeting point. Silfra Continue with your sightseeing after activity at Silfra . Gullfoss (translated to ‘Golden Falls’) is one of Iceland’s most iconic and beloved waterfalls, found in the Hvítá river canyon in south-west Iceland. The water in Hvítá river travels from the glacier Langjökull, before cascading 32 meters (105 feet) down Gullfoss’ two stages in a dramatic display of nature’s raw power. Because of the waterfall’s two stages, Gullfoss should actually be thought of as two separate features. The first, shorter cascade is 11 metres (36 feet), whilst the second drop is 21 metres (69 feet). The canyon walls on both sides of the waterfall reach heights of up to 70 metres (230 feet), descending into the great Gullfossgjúfur canyon. Geologists believe that this canyon was formed by glacial outbursts at the beginning of the last age. In the summer, approximately 140 cubic metres (459 cubic feet) of water surges down the waterfall every second, whilst in winter that number drops to around 109 cubic metres (358 cubic feet). With such energy, visitors should not be surprised to find themselves drenched by the waterfall’s mighty spray. Geysir is a famous hot spring in the geothermal area of Haukadalur Valley, found in south-west Iceland. Though Geysir itself is rarely active these days, Haukadalur Valley boasts a plethora of hot springs and geysers, including the powerful Strokkur, Smiður and Litli-Strokkur. Strokkur is, arguably, the country’s most famous hot spring, shooting vast jets of boiling water from 20 metres (65 feet) up to 40 metres (130 feet) high. Don’t worry about missing this incredible spectacle of nature, as Strokkur erupts every five to ten minutes; just make sure to have your camera ready. Geysir is much larger, but years can go by between eruptions here; it is currently in an inactive phase. When it does erupt, the water can shoot up in the air as high as 70 metres (230 feet). Friðheimar is a family run farm using green enery to produce tomatoes and herbs. We stongly recomend that you stop there for lunch ( not included in this package ). Accommodation in Hotel Ork, Hveragerdi.
DAY 5: Optional RIVER HIKE – SOUTH COAST
VIK You can start the day by going for an early morning hike on your own to the hot river in Reykjadal. Check with hotel reception if the walking path is in good condition before you leave. Enjoy a morning bath in this geothermal natural water. Note that this can be done the evening before in order to save time for the long day ahead. It all depends on what time you arrive at the hotel. If you arrive at dark, it is not recommended to take this hike. Head to the south coast of Iceland. On the way to south, we suggest you make a stop at the Lava Center in town of Hvolsvöllur. Here you can learn about volcanic activity on the island and watch videos of recent volcanic erruptions. ( not included in this package ) Continue to the beautiful Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls. Seljalandsfoss waterfall, part of the river Seljalandsá, has its origins underneath the glacier Eyjafjallajökull. The volcano beneath this ice cap was the one that erupted in 2010 and caused havoc at airports across Europe. The cascade of the falls is relatively narrow but falls from a tall cliff that once marked the country's coastline, the sea is now located across a stretch of lowlands and is visible from the site. Skógar . On the ring road # 1 you find south of the Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers the famous Skógarfoss waterfall as well as the local museum of Skógar. A visit to this museum, led since 1959 by its very engaged founder Thórður Tómasson can only be recommended. Dyrhólaey, which translates to Door Hill Island, is of volcanic origin and was once an island before joining up to the Icelandic mainland. In ancient times, passing sailors used to refer to Dyrhólaey as ‘Cape Portland’. Dyrhólaey’s most instantly recognisable attraction is the promenade’s massive rock arch, a result of centuries of erosion. As a result, its name is in direct reference to this enormous arch. In fact, this natural feature is so large and dramatic that one daredevil pilot even flew through it, back in 1993. Boats can easily cruise through its opening. Dyrhólaey has an abundance of birdlife, the most common year-round being Eider Ducks. Iceland’s favourite winged resident, the migratory Atlantic Puffin, can be found here from May to September. Reynisfjara is a world-famous black-sand beach found on the South Coast of Iceland, just beside the small fishing village of Vík í Mýrdal. With its enormous basalt stacks, roaring Atlantic waves and stunning panoramas, Reynisfjara is widely considered to be the most beautiful example of Iceland’s black sand beaches. In 1991, National Geographic voted Reynisfjara as one of the Top 10 non-tropical beaches to visit on the planet. Please be careful and do not enter the water as the waves are very powerful in this location and you can put your life in great danger !!! Accommodation Hotel Vik, in the village of Vik.
DAY 6: VIK - SKAFTAFELL – JÖKULSÁRLÓN GLACIER LAGOON – HÖFN
Today you will explore the south coast from Vik driving east to Glacier lagoon. Kirkjubæjarklaustur Hiking paths lead to the freely standing Systrastapi basalt rock, west of the village, towards the lake Systravatn, the waterfall Systrafoss and to the „Kirkjugólf“ („Church floor“): a group of basalt columns forms a natural laid floor. Fjaðrárgljúfur, a magnificent and massive canyon, about 100 meters deep and about two kilometres long. The canyon has sheer walls, and is somewhat serpentine and narrow. The bedrock in Fjaðrárgljúfur is mostly palagonite from cold periods of the Ice Age and is thought to be about two million years old Skaftafell National Park The national park lies on the south west side of the Vatnajökull above the Skeiðarársandur sand region. The region surrounded by glacier tongues is delineated by a small forest, a moor, glacier river and lakes as well as numerous mountains. The landscape is very similar to some of the Alps, but it has been formed in thousands of years by different influences of volcanic eruptions, glaciers and enormous glacial rivers. Skaftafell is renowned for its agreeable climate, for its vast bird variety and arctic fox population. Jökulsárlón , Glacier Lagoon Jökulsárlón is a glacial lagoon, bordering Vatnajökull National Park in southeastern Iceland. Its still, blue waters are dotted with icebergs from the surrounding Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier, part of larger Vatnajökull Glacier. The Glacier Lagoon flows through a short waterway into the Atlantic Ocean, leaving chunks of ice on a black sand beach. Icebergs in all sizes drift in the water – an unforgettable natural spectacle on a lake, which had not existed yet at the beginning of the last century and which was formed due to the retraction of the Breiðarmerkurjökull glacier tongue. The Diamond Beach is a strip of black sand belonging to the greater Breiðamerkursandur glacial plain, located by Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon on the South Coast of Iceland. Here, the icebergs which fill Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon wash up on shore, standing dazzling and defiant in stark contrast to the black sand beach. It is, therefore, a favourite amongst photographers, nature-lovers, and wildlife-enthusiasts. Many seals call this beach hom and it is one of the best places in the country to see orcas from the shore Vatnajökull Glacier The ring road leads you along the lonely fjords to the picturesque fishing village Höfn. 6 km before Höfn, a small side street veers off to Stokksnes. Next to a colorful mountain landscape you will see with a bit of luck some seals lying in the sun. On a clear day you have the best view from Höfn to the biggest glacier in Europe, the Vatnajökull. The closer you get to the Vatnajökull glacier, the more its giant size becomes apparent. Glacial calving occurs all the way to the road. Accommodation in Hotel Höfn.
DAY 7: HÖFN – EASTERN FJORDS
Djupivogur village: One of the landscape highpoints is the long Berufjördur, overlooked on each side by cracked hill tops. South of its opening is the sea; the village Djupivogur (450 inhabitants) lies at the foot of the almost 1000 m high mountain pyramid Bulandstindur. Stöðvafjörður is a neat small town on the northern side of the fjord by the same name. The locals sustain themselves by fisheries, aluminium industry, tourism and art. Like most of the eastern fjords, it is surrounded by spectacular mountains. Lovers of nature will enjoy contemplating the beautiful waterfalls of the river, Stödvará, which joints the ocean at the bottom of the fjord. Many rare and peculiar types of stones and minerals can be found in the surrounding mountains, some of which have contributed to the lifelong collection of Petra Sveinsdottir. Petra´s stone collection in Stöðvarfjörður is a feast for the eye. Drive to Breiðdalsvík: “The tiny town of Breiðdalsvík – population of 139” The area has the setting for the most picturesque and wonderful visit in the warm embrace of the mountains, the valley and village. For nature lovers this is the perfect place. We recommend stopping at Gamla Kaupfélagði, for a coffee/tea and cake and The old fish factory/Frystihúsið which offers food daily. Fáskrúðsfjörður The route from Reyðarfjörður along the coast is very scenic and should not be missed. It offers great views to the hollow cliff island of Skrúður. The island is home to a colourful birdlife, with the unique wonder the 'Puffin Cave' sheltering thousands of puffins and a great colony of Gannets that can be seen plunging like arrows into the water. The town at the bottom of the fjord goes by the name of Búðir, but everyone calls it Fáskrúðsfjörður. The town is famous for its French heritage and has a strong connection to its French counterpart, Gravelines. It is worthwhile to visit the French Museum and learn more about these historical connections. There used to be a French consul, a French hospital and a French chapel. It is also believed that France had a say in the fact that the district doctor was positioned in Búðir. The village road signs are also in French. Don't forget to visit the local Café, Café Sumarlína, which is known for great cakes and refreshments that can be enjoyed in cosy surroundings. Reyðarfjörður is the longest and widest of Iceland's eastern fjords; more than 30 km. long. During World War II, Reyðarfjörður was occupied by British forces. The remains of the occupation are fairly visible, ranging from an airport and old barracks to small gun shelters. In 1995 a War Time Museum was founded in an empty Freezing Plant and now extends to some of the old barracks. An interesting museum in a country that was never at war. A walk up to the waterfall in Búðará is recommended - as is the walk towards the town centre, along the 'Love lane'. In the centre you will find the shopping centre Molinn ('The Nugget'), and the restaurants at Fjarðahótel or Tærgesen, clocated in a couple of old houses, where history took place in every corner. Fishing at the local pond - Andapollur - is a relaxing occupation - and a hike to the friendly, sheltered area beneath the shrubcovered slopes of Mt. Grænafell is an absolute must. An easy, marked hiking path leads onto the mountain from Fagradalur valley and there is also a magnificent hiking path along the beautiful Geithúsaá river ravine. Large boulders in the shrubbery could be mistaken for elf domiciles but are in fact deposits left by avalanches and landslides from the mountain. It is currently the most popular walking and hiking area for residents of the town. Hallormsstaður Hallormstaður is a former parsonery. A small village has formed in this area through the years in connection with the school, travel industry and the work at the forest. The forest of Hallormsstaður is the largest forest in Iceland. In 1903 the Forest Department was founded in Hallormsstaður. Egilsstaðir: The town is young, even by Icelandic standards where urbanization is a fairly recent trend compared to mainland Europe. It was established in 1947 as an effort by the surrounding rural districts recognizing it had become a regional service center. The town, which is named after Egilsstaðir farm, is near the bridge over Lagarfljót where all the main roads of the region meet, Route 1 as well as the main routes to the Eastfjords. In written accounts, Egilsstaðir is first mentioned in the 15th century as a place for legislative assembly. Accommodation in Hotel Valaskjálf
DAY 8: EGILSSTADIR – MYVATN – AKUREYRI
Today you head to Myvatn area. Best to leave very early in the morning. Passing through the highlands on the way to Myvatn we recommend that you stop at Fjalladyrd café . Right in the middle of the wilderness of Iceland, you will find the highest inhabited farm in Iceland Möðrudalur á Fjöllum , located at 469 meters above sea level. It is like entering an oasis after having driven through the wilderness of Iceland. Mývatn In this region „earth and heaven“ unite. One side offers distinct traces of volcanic activity, the other side exhibits fruitful plains with scrumptious green and diverse bird life. The pseudo craters (Skutustadir) arose from gas explosions in humid areas under the hot lava. The volcano-like craters have never bee in contact with a magma chamber. The impressive black lava burgs of Dimmuborgir „Dark Burgs“ are what remains of a lava lake, whose dam broke after partial freezing, so that the already frozen parts remain as bizarre formations. At the foot of the Námafjall on ring road # 1 about 5km east of Reykjahlíð there lies the Námaskarð Solfataren region with earth cracks, from which fumes exit continuously. The bubbling mud and hot water sources with their sulfuric deposits are definitely worth a visit. Further sights are the active volcanic zones Krafla and Leirnhnjúkur The foot path to the volcanic zone Leirhnjúkur leads through a Solfataren field – smaller than Námaskarð, but less populated. The lava lying behind it stems from an eruption of the Leirnhnjúkur in September of 1984. One can reach its crater if one follows the foot path to the end. You can enjoy a visit to the Blue lagoon of the north, the Nature Baths of Myvatn. ( not included ) The water supplies for the lagoon run straight from the National Power Company´s bore hole in Bjarnarflag. The water has a temperature of about 130°C when it arrives to the huge basin beside the lagoon itself forming an impressive, man-made hot spring. Altogether, the lagoon and the basin contain around 3.5 million litres of water with a temperature of 36 – 40°C. https://myvatnnaturebaths.is Husavik in Skjalfandi Bay in North Iceland is called the whale watching capital of the world. Whale watching is highly recommended from Husavik and visiting the village whale museum. Other places that visitors might like to visit are the wooden Húsavikurkirkja church, built in 1907, and the civic museum for culture and biology, which amongst other things features a stuffed polar bear and ancient boats, bearing witness to the history of seafaring in Iceland. In Husavík you'll find cute cafés and restaurants offering tasty treats, and you'll have a gorgeous view over the Skjálfandi Bay from this small town of about 2,000 inhabitants. We strongly recommend that you book a whale watching safari https://www.gentlegiants.is/ Dettifoss is Europe’s most powerful waterfall, 44 metres high, and 100 metres wide and with an average flow of 500 cubic meters per second. Perhaps a waterfall so wild and fierce just screams natural and raw as it flows on the glacial river Jökulsá á Fjöllum meandering through Iceland‘s version of the Grand Canyon – Jökulsárgljúfur. A walking path takes you right to the falls, where the wall of water that flows over the rocks has carved its way into the canyon over aeons. It takes a few minutes to walk from the parking area to reach the falls, but once you're there, you’ll be greeted by the gorgeous sight. Góðafoss Waterfall The Góðafoss, the "waterfall of the Gods", belongs to the best known waterfalls in Iceland (Ring road # 1 between Akureyri and Mývatn). Cliffs split the water masses of the Skjálfandafljót in several – impressive due to their power – falls. Accommodation Hotel Kea in town of Akureyri
DAY 9: AKUREYRI – SKAGAFJORD – BORGARFJORDUR
Akureyri Akureyri, the Northern metropolis. Take your time to stroll through the beautiful town and the botanical garden, established by the local women’s club in 1912. All wild flowerrs of Iceland are presented here – an impressive multitude, if one thinks of the almost arctic geographic position of its facilities. „Minjasafnið“: the local museum of Akureyri and the Eyjafjörður region. The „Nonnahús“ is the birth house of the youth author Jón Sveinsson, born in 1859 (today a memorial museum). The Nonni books, written since 1913, tell the life story of an Icelandic boy and became popular even outside Iceland. Sauðárkrókur Sauðárkrókur, is the largest urban area in Skagafjörður in north Iceland and the secondlargest town of the north. Its population is roughly 2600. It is the centre for commerce, services, and food production for the area. The Minjahús in Sauðárkrókur focuses on workshops from 1925-1985 and is worth a visit. You may also see an iron workshop in the town, operated from 1925 to 1926. Glaumbær Peat Farm On Road # 75 (Crossing in Varmahlíð towards Saudárkrókur) lies the interesting Glaumbaer peat farm, inhabited up to the 40s, whose history goes back a thousand years. It represents a style, which was prevalent in the country regions of Iceland well into the last century. By now the farm hosts a museum. Hvammstangi Hvammstangi is a village on the Vatnsnes Peninsula, six kilometres north of the Ring Road. Nestled beside the Miðfjörður fjord, Hvammstangi is the most densely populated area in West Húnaþing County, with roughly 600 inhabitants. Hvammstangi is home to the Icelandic Seal Centre, found right beside the town’s picturesque harbour. Here it is possible to learn about the different seal species around Iceland, their importance to the country’s folklore and their historical cultivation by the people Accommodation Hotel Hamar.
DAY 10: BORGARFJORD – REYKJAVÍK
Spend the day exploring the Borgarfjordur area. Reykholt Use your time for a visit to Reykholt . Snorri Sturluson, one of the most important European literates of the 13th century, had lived here and written among other things the SnorraEdda and the Heimskringla. The Snorri-Museum shows works of the poet as well as an outside swimming pool heated with water from a hot source (possibly the oldest in the country). Just by Húsafell, you will find the beautiful waterfalls Barnafossar and Hraunfossar. Hraunfossar. Across the Uxahryggir-Pass you reach the West and finally the waterfalls Hraunfossar .The water masses of an underground river come down here over numerous terraces and cascade into the river Hvitá. Barnafoss Just a few meters upriver behind the Hraunfossar the Hvita River runs into the deep over the beautiful Barnafoss waterfall. From Bjarnafoss head back south towards Borgarnes. Deildartunguhver, Europe's largest geometric hot water source. It produces 150 liters of boiling water per second! The steaming water testifies to the inner forces of the earth. At this location you will find Krauma Spa Arrive back to Reykjavik in the afternoon. Accommodation at Hotel Island.
DAY 11: DEPARTURE FROM ICELAND
* This itinerary can be modified to suit your travel needs. (IcelandTP)
