Majestic Fjords

DAY 1 Reykjavik - Hveragerdi
Approximate distance: 100km / 62miles, with Reykjanes Peninsula 130km / 81miles

Your tour commences with the collection of your rental car from the airport depot to make your way to your hotel in Hveragerdi. This village is one of the few sites in the world located directly on top of a geothermal area and, because of its many greenhouses heated by hot water from nearby springs it is often called the “flower village“. Depending on your arrival time in Iceland, we suggest that you take some time to travel via the Reykjanes Peninsula to explore this UNESCO GeoPark site. You will see unusual and stunning craters, lava cliffs, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and charming fishing villages and lighthouses along the peninsula. If time permits you might enjoy the opportunity to relax in thermal waters of the renowned Blue Lagoon - it is suggested to book in advance so you do not miss out.

Overnight: Hveragerdi area

DAY 2 Hveragerdi - Thingvellir – Gullfoss – Fludir
Approximate distance: 165km / 103miles

Enjoy the day exploring the natural wonders of the Golden Circle region. Start with a visit to Thingvellir National Park, the site of the ancient Icelandic parliament. Then take a scenic drive to the legendary waterfall Gullfoss and the bubbling steam vents and spouting hot springs at Geysir. We recommend taking advantage of geothermal activity in this area with a relaxing soak in the Fontana Steam Baths in Laugarvatn or the Secret Lagoon in Fludir, the oldest natural pool in Iceland.

Overnight: Golden Circle area
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 3 South Shore – Vik – Kirkjubaejarklaustur
Approximate distance: 245km / 152miles

Today, drive along the spectacular south coast and view highlights such as Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss waterfalls, and Myrdalsjokull glacier. If the skies are clear, you might even have a glimpse of beautiful Mt. Hekla, Iceland’s most frequently erupting volcano. Then continue to Vik, Iceland’s southernmost village, perhaps stopping in the area to see the seabird cliff of Dyrholaey or the dangerous waves at the black sand beach of Reynisfjara.
The road takes you over Eldhraun, Iceland’s largest single lava flow, towards Kirkjubaejarklaustur, a picturesque village that is the former site of a 12th-century Catholic convent. The town is known for its excellent farm-raised arctic char trout, which you might like to try tonight.

Please note that Dyrholaey is closed during nesting season in spring, from around mid-May until June 23rd.
Overnight: Kirkjubaejarklaustur area
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 4 Vatnajokull National Park – Jokulsarlon – Hofn
Approximate distance: 230km / 143miles

Today as you travel the southern area of Vatnajokull National Park, you will have Europe‘s largest glacier, the magnificent Vatnajokull, in view as you follow the route. You can visit the park’s amazing Skaftafell area, a green oasis nestled between glaciers that offer many hiking possibilities.
A highlight today is to see the shimmering icebergs floating in Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon and you may even glimpse a few seals. Nearby is the aptly named Diamond Beach, where parts of the broken icebergs come to rest on the black sand beach, creating a magical contrast between the white ice scattered across the black sands.
Continue towards the harbour town of Hofn, perhaps taking a detour to the beautiful and much photographed mountain of Vestrahorn.

Overnight: Hofn area
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 5 Djupivogur -– Reydarfjordur – Egilsstadir
Approximate distance: 295km / 183miles

After breakfast drive through the spectacular East Fjords, one of the oldest regions in Iceland, shaped by glaciers during the Ice Age. Although many fjords are uninhabited, each fjord has its grandeur. The natural harbours in the fjords led to the development of fishing villages that have still hung on to a degree of Old-World charm. On the way visit Djupivogur to see its unique egg sculptures or stop at Stodvarfjordur to visit Petra's famous collection of local stones and minerals. Depending on your arrival time in Egilsstadir, you may wish to visit nearby Vok Baths.

Overnight: Eastfjords area
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 6 Dettifoss – Vatnajokull National Park – Husavik/Lake Myvatn
Approximate distance: 280km / 174miles

Travel across the Modrudalsoraefi highlands renowned for their stark, untouched beauty towards Dettifoss, Europe's mightiest waterfall. Visit the magnificent horseshoe-shaped canyon Asbyrgi in northern Vatnajokull National Park. Drive onwards to Tjornes peninsula and the friendly fishing port town of Husavik. You can visit the Whale Museum or take a whale watching tour for the chance to see them in real life. Depending on your overnight stay, relax at the GeoSea Geothermal Spa which has views towards the Arctic Circle, or continue to Myvatn, where you can also end your day with a visit to the Nature Baths.

Important: Please note Roads 864, 862 and therefore, Road 85 are usually closed during the fall, winter and spring until the end of May (Road opening dates are dependent on the weather conditions). Until these roads are open, please take the scenic Ring Road 1 to Road 87 and on to Husavik. Also note that Roads 864 and 862 are gravel roads, and you need to pay attention to warning signs in the area if road conditions are not good for driving.

Overnight: Husavik or Lake Myvatn area
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 7 Lake Myvatn – Akureyri – Siglufjordur
Approximate distance: 240km / 150 miles

Explore the highlights of the Lake Myvatn area, including the mystical volcanic formations at Dimmuborgir, the pseudo craters at Skutustadir, the colourful sulphurous slopes of Namaskard, and the Hverfjall volcanic crater. If you didn't yesterday, it is also possible to visit the azure blue Myvatn Nature Baths, where you can enjoy the soothing waters and the natural steam baths and sauna. Drive to Akureyri, making a stop at Godafoss waterfall en route before arriving at the charming “capital” of North Iceland. Enjoy a walk through the village atmosphere of Akureyri's Old Town, before continuing to Siglufjordur. There are many beautifully restored, colourful buildings and excellent options for outdoor recreation, from golf or hiking to whale watching.

Overnight: Siglufjordur area
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 8 Siglufjordur – Skagafjordur – Laugarbakki
Approximate distance: 310km / 193miles

Drive through the historical region of Skagafjordur renowned for horse breeding. This makes it an ideal place to try out riding one of these friendly Viking horses with several farms in the area offering guided riding tours. There is also an abundance of medieval history in the area. To learn about it you could visit the cultural centre at Holar, the virtual reality experience of 1238: Battle of Iceland in Saudarkrokur or visit a turf home at Glaumbaer. Another interesting place to visit today is Borgarvirki, a natural rock formation that has been used as a citadel since Viking times. Enjoy the drive along the beautiful coastline where the sea seems to meet the sky as you head to your evening accommodation.

Overnight: Laugarbakki area
Meals included: Breakfast


DAY 9 Laugarbakki - Holmavik – Isafjordur
Approximate distance: 365km / 227miles

Today you will explore a part of Iceland most visitors never experience, the remote Westfords. Ancient Icelandic tales depicted the Westfjords as an area full of sorcery, magical spells, and witchcraft. Stop to visit Holmavik, a village renowned for its museum of witchcraft to learn more. Thread your way around the numerous uninhabited fjords of Isafjardardjup, a beautiful coastline alive with seals and birds, heading towards Isafjordur, the largest town in the area.

Overnight: Isafjordur area
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 10 Isafjordur
Approximate distance: variable

After breakfast, the day is yours to spend time in Isafjordur or explore the surrounding area. In town you can take a guided walking tour through the historic back streets or kayak in the calm fjord waters. The neighbouring towns have much to offer too. In Sudureyri you can take a pleasant walking tour around the town and become acquainted with the town’s unique sustainable fishing industry and sample some gourmet and traditional seafood products along the way. The town of Bolungarvik has a renovated fishing camp from the 19th century that shows you how people made their living, fishing from wooden row boats. Alternatively, you might take a tour to Vigor Island and its tiny community where you can learn how the local people sustainably collect eider down or visit the remote nature reserve, Hornstrandir where you can go hiking or Arctic fox viewing.

Overnight: Isafjordur area
Meals included: Breakfast


DAY 11 Isafjordur - Thingeyri – Bildudalur – Latrabjarg – Flokalundur
Approximate distance: 350km / 218miles

This morning, drive through the beautiful northern Westfjords. We recommend a stop in Thingeyri, a charming village with a cafe locally loved for its servings of Belgian waffles. Along the way to Bildudalur, you might stop and enjoy the view of the stunning multi-tiered Dynjandi waterfall, one of the symbols of the region and the view the series of six smaller waterfalls nearby. Then, visit Latrabjarg cliffs, one of Iceland’s best areas for bird watching, as well as an amazing area to capture views of the sea cliffs. Afterwards, head to the southern coast of the Westfjords area ensuring time at Raudisandur, a gorgeous stretch of beach with sand ranging in colour from white to yellow to red to black. For an authentic geothermal experience, stop in at Vatnsfjodur fjord, a simple natural pool with a view to the ocean. Overnight in the Flokalundur area, named after one of the first settlers of Iceland, a Viking named Raven-Floki.

Overnight: Flokalundur area
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 12 Southern Westfjords – Breidafjordur – Stykkisholmur
Approximate distance: 280km / 175miles
Approximate distance: 64km / 40miles (the ferry ride is about 2.5 hours)

Today you can choose to drive the coastal road to Stykkisholmur or drive to Breidafjordur and take the ferry across the bay. If you take the coastal road, drive along to Bardarstrond and into West Iceland. Here, you can explore Dalir, the region of Eric the Red, and the birthplace of his son, the great explorer Leif Eiriksson. Visit the living replica museum to discover more before driving to Snaefellsnes peninsula.
If you take the ferry, head to Brjanslaekur ferry dock and sail across Breidafjordur bay with its countless islands and rich birdlife. You will pass by the island of Flatey, a beloved summer holiday area for Icelanders.

Either way, your final destination today is the charming village of Stykkisholmur. This eco-friendly town is pleasant to meander with beautiful wooden buildings originally brought over from Norway in the 1800s and has a good selection of cafes and restaurants.

Please note: The ferry is not included but can be pre booked/purchased. If you are planning this trip in late August or September, the ferry Baldur only departs once per day and does not sail on Saturdays.

Overnight: Stykkisholmur area (Northern Snaefellsnes)
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 13 Northern Snaefellsnes Peninsula – Borgarfjordur – Reykjavik
Approximate distance: 420km / 261miles

Drive along the ever-changing beauty of Snaefellsnes peninsula and the Snaefellsjokull National Park. See small fishing villages and keep an eye out for Kirkjufell, Iceland’s most photographed mountain and the iconic Snaefellsjokull, a glacier-topped volcano said to be the home of a benevolent troll spirit. Perhaps stop at the rocky beach of Djupalonssandur, or the magnificent columnar basalt rock formations at Arnarstapi before arriving in Borgarfjordur, a charming area of volcanic landscapes and Viking history. Here, you can find beautiful handicrafts and taste local farm products. As you head towards Reykjavik in the afternoon, you may wish to take in two more impressive waterfalls. Hraunfossar, the Lava Falls, that appear as though glacial water is bursting through lava formations and witness the brilliantly blue waters of Barnafoss falls. Or alternatively, stop at the 'fire and ice' geothermal spa, Krauma, which uses both hot spring and glacial water.

Overnight: Reykjavik
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 14 Reykjavik
Approximate distance: 50km / 30miles

Return the car to Keflavik International Airport today before taking your onward flight. Depending on your flight time, enjoy your day exploring Reykjavik, or visit the famous Blue Lagoon which is on the way to the airport.

Meals included: Breakfast