Across the Wilderness – Iceland‘s interior mysteries and more

Please note: If you have added extra nights in Reykjavík before your tour, the guide will meet your group for the start of the tour on the morning of Day 2 according to the standard “Across the Wilderness” itinerary. Please check the “Services“ section in your travel documents to see how to meet your guide at the start of the tour.

Arrival at the Keflavik airport. Transfers to Reykjavik are not included in the tour. We would be happy to arrange shared or private transfers for you, so let us know at booking time.

If you are arriving earlier in the day, you might consider adding a day tour. We’d be happy to make suggestions based on your interests. One of our favorite activities after a long flight is to visit one of the neighborhood geothermal pools. It is so refreshing to relax in the warm water, breathing in the fresh Icelandic air. It’s a great way to get to see Icelandic daily life and maybe meet a few locals. It’s also nice to take a stroll in the old city center, perhaps visiting one of the museums or relaxing with a cup of coffee in a cozy café.

Dinner this evening is at your leisure. Reykjavik offers a multitude of restaurants and/or coffee-houses, making dinner a great way to get better acquainted with Iceland’s capital.

Please note that hotels in Iceland start check-in around 14:00 (2:00pm), and early check-in is not guaranteed. Most hotels will be happy to store your luggage if you are not able to check in early.

Viking Heritage site with Geological Wonders – Glorious Waterfall& Exploding Geysers – Iceland Travel’s Conservation Project

Approximate Driving Distance: 279 km /173 miles

Breakfast at your hotel. Meet your guide at the hotel and start your adventure! Your first day begins with a visit to Thingvellir National Park, the ancient site of the world’s first parliament. Here you can see the dramatic continental drift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Your guide will share interesting facts about some of the interesting historical events that have happened at Thingvellir.

An hour’s drive away, visit the popular Geysir geothermal area. The most active geyser, Strokkur, shoots water high into the air every few minutes, but you’ll also see several other boiling pools and hot springs.

Next your group will take part in Iceland Travel’s reforestation program, located in Haukadalur valley. You can help your group plant a total of five trees, which not only allows you to leave your mark in Iceland but also for your tour group to reduce your carbon footprint!

Now it’s time to head onwards to Iceland’s most popular waterfall, the impressive two-stage Gullfoss (“Golden Falls”). A series of easy footpaths leads around the waterfall, giving you the chance to get excellent views from different angles.

Dinner and overnight stay in the Hella area.

Thundering Waterfalls – Seabird Colony – Black Sand – Lava Fields

Approximate Driving Distance: 190 km /118 miles

Breakfast at your hotel. Start the day by driving along the highway, making a stop at two impressive waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Head to the black sand beaches to enjoy the far-reaching views from Dyrholaey headland, where thousands of puffins and other sea birds nest (puffins generally seen between May and mid-August. Enjoy a stop in the quaint village of Vik before crossing the Myrdalssandur volcanic ash outwash plains created by flowing water from nearby glaciers. The day ends after passing through the vast Eldhraun lava field, the world’s largest recorded single lava flow in the last 10.000 years.

Dinner and overnight stay in the Kirkjubaejarklaustur area for the next two nights.

Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs – Scenic Glacial Park – Europe’s Largest Glacier

Approximate Driving Distance: 260 km /161 miles

Breakfast at your hotel. Today you will be in the area of Vatnajokull National Park, the largest national park in Western Europe. The day starts with a drive through beautiful scenery towards Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Europe. You will also get a view of Hvannadalshnjukur, the country’s highest peak. The highlight of the day will surely be the Fjallsarlon and Jokulsarlon lagoons, where huge icebergs dance around in icy seawater. Experience up close this stunning sight on a Zodiac tour among the icebergs. You will also view the much-photographed Diamond Beach area, where glittering shards of ice rest on a black sand beach. Continue on your way, passing by several outlet glaciers from Vatnajokull. Along the route you also will get magnificent views of Skaftafell, a glacier-crowned wonderland within Vatnajokull National Park.

Dinner and overnight stay in the Kirkjubaejarklaustur area.

Multi-colored Wilderness Mountains – Lava Fields – Hot Spring Bathing

Approximate Driving Distance: 200 km / 124 miles

Note: Today some of the roads will be bumpy since you’re on highland wilderness tracks, but it’s all part of the adventure and the views will be amazing!

Breakfast at your hotel. It’s now time to leave the asphalt behind and meander along the scenic and rugged Fjallabaksleid interior track to Landmannalaugar, an astonishing area surrounded by colorful rhyolite mountains. The surreal beauty of the uninhabited interior reveals deep valleys and sculptured mountains, many formed by volcanic eruptions that happened beneath glaciers during the Ice Age. After a nice walk in the nature reserve (optional), enjoy a relaxing bath in a warm brook created by the convergence of hot and cold springs. It’s an authentic Iceland experience!

Dinner and overnight stay in the Thjorsardalur area.

Wild Heart of Iceland and Black Sand Desert

Approximate Driving Distance: 300 km / 186 miles

Note: Today some of the roads will be bumpy since you’re on highland wilderness tracks, but it’s all part of the adventure and the views will be amazing!

Breakfast at your hotel. Today wilderness adventure awaits! It’s time to head north through the very heart of Iceland. Discover hidden treasures of Iceland’s uninhabited interior along the Sprengisandur highland route, a vast, barren, black desert connecting Iceland’s north and south. With only rough tracks and un-bridged glacial rivers, your group will rely on your experienced driver to navigate the rugged passage between the glaciers. This is a true taste of Iceland’s wild side: rough gravel roads and fording rivers are a part of the amazing experience! (Note: If Sprengisandur is closed due to road conditions, your group will take the Kjolur highland route instead.)

Dinner and overnight stay in the Akureyri area for the next 2 nights.

Magnificent Canyon – Europe’s Mightiest Waterfall – Volcanic Wonderland

Approximate Driving Distance: 300 km / 186 miles

Breakfast at your hotel. Today you will visit the northern part of Vatnajokull National Park, as well as Lake Myvatn. Travel to the unforgettable Lake Myvatn area, a geological wonderland and paradise for bird watchers. Some of the most visually bizarre attractions in the region include the colorful boiling mud pits of Hverarond and the still-warm lava fields of Krafla volcano, teeming with lava flows, fissures and explosion craters. The journey continues to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, located in the awe-inspiring Jokulsargljufur canyon. Discover the impressive 100 meter (328 feet) high walls of the horseshoe-shaped canyon of Asbyrgi. According to Norse mythology, the canyon is the hoof-print left by Sleipnir, the magical eight-legged horse of the pagan god Odinn. Drive around the Tjornes peninsula, the northernmost point of your journey. In the afternoon drive to the town of Husavik where you have the option to experience the hot spring bath named GeoSea.

Dinner and overnight stay in the Lake Myvatn area.

Waterfall “Of the Gods” – The Capital of the North – Scenic Historical Fjord

Approximate Driving Distance: 285 km / 177 miles

Breakfast at your hotel. Start the adventure today with a visit to Godafoss, one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country. (The name means “Waterfall of the Gods”,) Continue to Akureyri, the vibrant “Capital of the North”. Enjoy some free time to explore this colorful and charming town. Some activities might include a visit to the delightful botanical garden, a swim in the local geothermal pool, or perhaps enjoying the culture, art and fine food of the Listagil artists’ district.

The route then continues to the Skagafjordur area, known as the traditional heart of horse breeding in Iceland. This area also contains many historical sites from the classic Viking-age Sagas. Tonight, horseback riding on a purebred Viking horse might be an appealing option. Or simply enjoy a peaceful walk in the countryside around your hotel.

Dinner and overnight stay in the Laugarbakki area.

Historical Farmlands – Mysterious Scenic Peninsula – Birthplace of Leif Eiriksson

Approximate Driving Distance: 150 km / 93 miles

Breakfast at your hotel. Your journey continues around Vatnsnes Peninsula, which contains the extraordinary rock formation of Hvitserkur, a 15 meter (49 feet) tall cliff jutting out straight from the sea. This off-the-beaten path peninsula is part of the newly designated Arctic Coast Way, which focuses on the enchanting and wild wonders that border the Arctic Circle. This is an area where the sea and the sky seem to meet together, and there are inspiring views far into the distance. You might also see seals resting close to the beach.

In the afternoon, drive through rolling farmlands and across Laxardalsheidi heath to the Viking Age house at the Eric the Red Museum. This was the original homestead of Eric the Red, as well as the birthplace of his son, Leifur Eiriksson. These men are two of the most legendary Vikings in the world. In a replica of a grass-roofed house, meet modern day Vikings who will show you the lifestyle from 1.000 years ago, sharing some of the crafts and knowledge.

Dinner and overnight stay in the Fellsstrond or Snaefellsnes area.

Snaefellsjokull Glacier – Pebble Beaches – Sea Cliffs with Birdlife – Quaint Fishing Villages

Approximate Driving Distance: 340 km / 211 miles

Breakfast at your hotel. Today you will explore the amazing variety of natural landscapes in Snaefellsjokull National Park. The park’s crown jewel is Snaefellsjokull glacier itself, which covers a dormant volcano that last erupted in 250 AD. In addition, you’ll also see Kirkjufell, one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland. Walk along the uniquely pebbled seascape of Djupalonssandur beach. At the picturesque harbor village of Arnarstapi, you can observe magnificent basalt rocks in stacked formations and perhaps take a walk along the unique hiking trail linking the historical settlements of Arnarstapi and Hellnar. At the end of the afternoon, the journey leads back to Reykjavik. Your guide will bid you farewell at your hotel.

Overnight in Reykjavik. Dinner is on your own.

Breakfast at your hotel. Please note that this might be a light breakfast if you are taking an early morning flight. Transfer on your own to the international airport for your departure flight. The airport transfer is not included, but we are happy to help you arrange shared or private transfers. We recommend you depart your hotel no later than three hours before your departure flight.

We wish you a pleasant trip back to your homeland and hope to see you in Iceland again!