Iceland Grand Discovery

Geothermal Lagoon – Flower Village – Geothermal Greenhouses

Approximate distance: 100 km / 62 miles

Pick up the car at the airport and start your Iceland experience.

From Keflavik International Airport, we recommend driving the southern coast of the Reykjanes peninsula towards your first overnight stay in the charming village of 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.“

If your flight arrives early in the day, you might stop at the Blue Lagoon (a short distance from the airport) for a chance to relax in the soothing geothermal mineral waters.

Important:  Please note that admission to the Blue Lagoon must be booked in advance.

Overnight stay in Hveragerdi.

World-Renowned National Park – Bubbling Geysers – Golden Waterfall

Approximate distance: 186 km / 115 miles

Drive to Thingvellir National Park, the site of Iceland’s ancient parliament and a real gem natural scenery. The park itself is situated in a stunning volcanic landscape of mountains and lava flows, on the border of Iceland’s largest lake. Continue to the famous Geysir hot spring area and the mighty Gullfoss waterfall.

Overnight stay in the Fludir area.

Southern waterfalls – Black sand beaches – Bird Cliff – Vast Lava Field

Approximate distance: 215 km / 133 miles

Drive along the spectacular south coast, viewing highlights such as Skogafoss waterfall, Myrdalsjokull glacier, the bird cliffs of Dyrholaey* and the black sand beaches of Vik. Continue across the vast Eldhraun lava field to the village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur, which is known for its fabulous trout fishing.

Overnight stay in Southeast Iceland.

*Please note that Dyrholaey is closed during nesting season in spring, from around mid May until June 23rd.

Spectacular Canyon- Crater Area – Historic Eruption Site

Approximate distance: 120 km / 74 miles

Enjoy the day exploring this little known area. We recommend a hike in magnificent Fjadrargljufur, one of the most spectacular canyons in Iceland. If you are traveling in June, July, or August a longer detour to the volcanic Laki craters (Lakagigar) is a great option. The drive, for which you’ll need a rental car category 5.0 or higher, takes you to the site of a catastrophic eruption in 1783-84, and includes beautiful sights such as Laki, the largest of the craters, which is 818 metres (2684 feet) high and affords a breathtaking view over the craters.

Overnight stay in Southeast Iceland.

Glacier-Rimmed Green Oasis – Glacial Lagoon – Europe‘s Largest Glacier

Approximate distance: 204 km / 126 miles

Today you will be in the area of Vatnajokull National Park, a vast area named after Europe‘s largest glacier. You will have many amazing views of this glacier as you head along your route. Visit the park‘s awe-inspiring Skaftafell area, a green oasis which is set between glaciers and offers many hiking possibilities. Continue to the shimmering icebergs of Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon and the harbour town of Hofn, also known as the lobster capital of northern Europe.

Overnight stay in Hofn.

Spectacular Fjord Views – Charming Fishing Villages – Ancient Rocks – Wilderness Center

Approximate distance: 187 km / 116 miles

Drive through the spectacular East Fjords region, past towering mountains and through charming fishing villages, to the fertile Egilsstadir area. On the way it is possible to take a boat tour to Papey Island, where thousands of puffins nest in the summer (mid May to early August), or visit Petra’s famous local stone and mineral collection at Stodvarfjordur. In the Egilsstadir area, you can visit the beautiful Hallormsstadur forest and a river reputed to be the home of a friendly sea monster. Visit the new Wilderness Center located at the edge of the hauntingly beautiful eastern highlands. Here you can discover Iceland‘s pioneer history and highland nature in a clever interactive way.

Overnight stay in Egilsstadir.

Artistic Fjord Villages –  Elfin Folklore – Amazing views of fjords and sky

Approximate distance: 140 km / 86 miles

Explore the quaint village of Seydisfjordur, the port for the the ferry from Europe. Here you can visit an artistic display where the wind makes a beautiful singing sound. Also explore Borgarfjordur Eystri, steeped in the folklore of elves. This area also has excellent hiking paths. Both villages are known for their friendly locals and rich artistic communities.

Overnight stay in Egilsstadir area.

Vast highlands – Northern Vatnajokull National Park – Echo Rocks – Whale Watching Capital

Approximate distance: 175 km / 108 miles

Travel across the vast Modrudalsoraefi highlands, which are renowned for their stark beauty, to the mighty Dettifoss waterfall. Explore the many wonders of northern Vatnajokull National Park, such as the strange formations of Hljodaklettar (Echo Rocks) and the impressive horseshoe-shaped Asbyrgi canyon. Continue along Tjornes peninsula at the edge of the Arctic Circle to the fishing village of Husavik. This town is known as the capital of whale watching for its excellent sightings. Perhaps you will enjoy a whale watching tour on a beautifully-restored oaken boat.

Overnight stay in Lake Myvatn area.

Volcanic Wonders- Dark Citadels – Colorful Thermal areas – Nature Baths

Distance is variable.

Spend the day exploring the natural wonders of Lake Myvatn and the surrounding area. Visit highlights such as the surreal dark citadels at Dimmuborgir, the pseudo craters at Skutustadir, the colourful sulphurous slopes of Namaskard and the Krafla volcano area. Get closer to the region with guided tours on bikes or horseback. After a fun day, you might relax in the peaceful Myvatn Nature baths, a favorite of both locals and visitors.

Overnight stay in Lake Myvatn area.

Waterfall of the Gods – Iceland´s “Capital of the North” – Botanical Gardens

Approximate distance: 91 km / 57 miles

Spend the day driving from Lake Myvatn to the majestic Godafoss waterfall and onwards to explore Akureyri, the capital of the north. Explore the second largest town in Iceland, perhaps visiting the famous thermal swimming pool, the many museums, and the landmark church.  Activities are plentiful in the area, including horseback riding, hiking on local trails, a guided art gallery walk, fishing and whale watching.

Please Note:  The Ring Road route today contains a toll tunnel.  More information on the tunnel and fees is here. 

Overnight stay in Akureyri.

Beautiful fjord coastline – Herring Boom Town – Infinity Pool – Saga and Horse Heritage

Approximate distance: 250 km / 155 miles

Drive to Siglufjordur along the Troll Peninsula, one of Iceland´s most beautiful coastlines, where you’ll get a unique view towards the North Atlantic. In the charming town of Siglufjordur enjoy discovering the history of the town at the award-winning Herring Museum.  This accounts the early 20th century days that transformed a small fishing village temporarily into a boom town.

Stop in Hofsos town, where you can visit the beautiful Infinity Pool and its unique optical illusion. Explore the fascinating area of Skagafjordur, renowned for horse breeding and many sites from Icelandic Saga History, before driving to Hrutafjordur. A recommended stop along the way is Vatnsdalsholar, a cluster of hills found in Vatnsdalur valley. Vatnsdalur is an area renowned as the home of a famous female Viking chieftain. It is also the haunting setting for the famous historical novel by Hannah Kent, Burial Rites, which describes the last execution in Iceland in the 19th century.

Overnight stay in Varmahlid/Laugarbakki area.

Icelandic Witchcraft Museum – Isolated Beauty- Spine of the West Fjords

Approximate distance: 250km / 155miles

Drive along the low hills of Hrutafjordur Fjord towards jagged mountains that rise straight from the sea in the area of Holmavik and Drangsnes. For centuries, this was one of the most isolated regions in Iceland. It is a region of remote and spectacular beauty. Here you can enjoy the peace and solitude that is rare in so many places. Strandir is literally the spine of the Westfjords, a place of spiky fjords and majestic crags. In ancient times, the inhabitants were reputed to have knowledge of magic. You can find out about these traditions at the Icelandic Museum of Sorcery and Witchcraft in Holmavik town.

Overnight in the Holmavik area.

Capital of the Westfjords- Rich Birdlife – Island in Harmony with Nature

Approximate distance: 221 km / 137 miles

Thread your away along the numerous uninhabited fjords of Isafjardardjup, which boasts a beautiful coastline alive with seals and birds. Continue to Isafjordur, the largest town in the Westfjords. This town has some of the oldest buildings in the country, many beautifully-restored. Enjoy a guided walking tour through back streets and history. Take a ferry to the island community of Vigur, where locals practice the sustainable tradition of eider duck farming. This is also the only place in Iceland with a traditional wind mill. If you enjoy activities, Isafjordur is well known for its sea kayaking in the glassy fjord waters.

Overnight in Isafjordur area.

Friendly towns – traditional and modern fishing heritage – Hornstrandir Nature Reserve

Distance is variable.

Spend time in Isafjordur and the surrounding area, including the neighboring towns of Bolungarvik and Sudureyri.  Sudureyri offers a friendly and informative walking tour focused on the town‘s eco-friendly fishing. Along the route you can sample gourmet and traditional fish delicacies. Discover older fishing traditions at the Osvor traditional fishing camp, a restored 19th century area where locals fished at sea using simple wooden rowboats.

Mountain biking, hiking, paragliding, mountaineering, you name it, Westfjords can serve it all. For calmer activities, there are several golf courses in the region, and sea kayaking is a peaceful way to spend the afternoon exploring the picturesque fjords

Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is another place worth visiting. It is remote and off limits to all motorized traffic, so the pure and wild nature can only be accessed by boat and is ideal for hikers and nature lovers alike.

Overnight in Isafjordur area.

Multi-tiered waterfall – Europe‘s Westernmost point- Europe´s largest bird cliff

Approximate distance: 287 km / 178 miles

Drive from Isafjordur through the beautiful West Fjords. En route, enjoy provincial charms in the fishing villages of Thingeyri before arriving to the beautiful Dynjandi. At Dynjandi waterfall, the thunderous power of the main cascade drops 100 meters (329 ft) off the edge of a mountain. The waterfall base provides views seaward over lush valleys, making it an ideal picnic stop.

Outdoor bathing in natural hot springs is a common activity enjoyed in the Westfjords, which has many hidden bathing spots in remote locations.

Visit Latrabjarg cliffs, the westernmost point in Europe. The remarkable 441-meter-high (1,447 ft) sea cliffs are alive with millions of playful puffins, gannets, guillemots and razorbills.  This beautiful natural sculpture has been recognised by both Lonely Planet and National Geographic as one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in the world. The cliffs make a stunning viewpoint to the beautiful beaches below during the Midnight Sun of summer.

Overnight in the southern part of the Westfjords

Raudisandur beach – Ferry Ride across a Bay of a Thousand Islands

Approximate distance:  100 km / 65 miles

On the southern shore of the Westfjords is the Raudasandur beach, meaning ‘The Red Sand Beach‘. A lot of people associate Iceland only with black beaches, but Raudasandur beach throws that assumption out the window, with its golden and red colours set in magnificent surroundings of blackcliffs and blue ocean.

Sail with the ferry Baldur across beautiful Breidafjordur Bay, with its countless islands and rich birdlife. You will pass by the island of Flatey and its timber buildings on the way to the charming village of Stykkisholmur for an overnight stay. You might recognize the town from movies such as The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and Pawn Sacrifice. The Museum of Water – featured in author Rebecca Solnit’s memoir The Faraway Nearby – is a popular place for visitors with its unique architecture.

Overnight in Stykkisholmur.

Magical Glacier Volcano– Sea Cliffs with Birdlife – Picturesque Waterfalls

Approximate distance: 300 km / 186 miles

Continue around the Snaefellsnes peninsula, passing the small fishing villages Hellissandur and Grundarfjordur. Make a stop at the magnificent columnar basalt rock formations at Arnarstapi, as well as the rocky beach of Djupalonssandur. Pass Eldborg crater en route to the agricultural region of Borgarfjordur.  Explore the history-rich Borgarfjordur area and visit the beautiful Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls and Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring area.  Delve into Icelandic Saga folklore with a visit to Reykholt, the home of Medieval chieftain, poet and Saga author Snorri Sturluson.

Overnight in Borgarfjordur.

Viking Settlement – Second Highest Waterfall – Picturesque Fjord

Approximate distance:  200 km / 125 miles

A unique experience in the Borgarfjordur area is the chance to go into the very heart of a glacier with an Into the Glacier experience. Tours depart from Husafell village. Take a ride in a monster-sized vehicle up the sides of Langjokull Glacier and into a glacial ice tunnel.  Here you can learn about glaciers and how they formed in a setting with a great focus on environmental conservation and education.

Borgarnes is located near the homestead of a famous Viking saga hero, Egill Skallagrimsson. You can learn more about him and the first Viking settlers in Iceland at the Settlement Museum in the town of Borgarnes. Continue via Hvalfjordur fjord, a scenic fjord where you might stop to visit Glymur, the highest waterfall in Iceland.  Then continue to Reykjavik.

Overnight in Reykjavik.

Approximate distance: 52 km / 32 miles

Breakfast at your hotel. Drive back to Keflavik International Airport. * We recommend departing your hotel in Reykjavik no later than  at least 3 hours before your flight departure. It takes approximately 1 hour to drive to the airport, and check-in will start 2 hours before your departure.

If you did not visit the Blue Lagoon on your way to the city on your first day but have some free time today, you might want to use the opportunity en route to the airport. For this detour, please be sure to allow for at least 2-2,5 hours extra so you’ll have ample time at the lagoon. Your rental car should be returned to the airport service area,  which is located only 2 minutes from the airport building. A shuttle will then transport you to the departure hall.