Iceland Explorer

Iceland Exploration Itinerary

Iceland is a land of extraordinary natural beauty, shaped by powerful geological forces. Beyond the popular tourist spots in the south, there are stunning hidden gems waiting to be explored. From the spectacular volcanic landscapes and glaciers to the serene fjords and fishing villages, this itinerary will introduce you to the most iconic and lesser-known regions of Iceland. Choose between visiting during the winter for a chance to witness the Northern Lights or during the summer for the magical 24-hour daylight.

Highlights

• Volcanoes, waterfalls, and geysers
• Fishing villages and puffins
• 24-hour daylight in summer, or Northern Lights in winter

Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavik

• Fly to Keflavik Airport, then take a Flybus transfer to your Reykjavik hotel.
• Depending on your arrival time, visit one of the public hot tubs (don’t forget your swimsuit).
• Evening: Briefing at the hotel, with some free time to relax and explore the city.

Day 2: Golden Circle Exploration

• Thingvellir National Park: Visit the volcanic rift and the site of the world’s first democratic parliament. Learn about the tectonic plates pulling the earth apart in this World Heritage Area.
• Geysir: Watch the Strokkur geyser erupt every 5-10 minutes with jets of steam and water.
• Gullfoss Waterfall: Explore this dramatic waterfall cascading into a 70m deep canyon.
• Drive to Hella for overnight accommodation.

Day 3: South Iceland and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

• Head towards Eyjafjallajokull Volcano and visit Kvernufoss and Skogafoss Waterfalls.
• Stop at Dyrholaey promontory, rich in birdlife, especially puffins.
• Continue to Vik and cross the black flood plains of Solheimasandur and Myrdalssandur.
• Visit the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs drift away from the Vatnajokull glacier and float in the lagoon.
• Explore the nearby black sand beach where chunks of ice wash ashore.

Day 4: Scenic East Iceland

• Travel through the picturesque Eastern Fjords, stopping at fishing villages and rich wildlife areas.
• Pass the Alftafjordur (Swan Fjord), where whooper swans feed in late summer.
• Continue to Egilsstadir for overnight accommodation.

Day 5: North Iceland – Studlagil Canyon & Dettifoss

• Visit Studlagil Canyon, famous for its dramatic basalt columns.
• Explore the Saenautasel farm, abandoned after ashfall from the 1875 Askja eruption.
• Stop at Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, set in a barren desert-like landscape.
• Visit Krafla Volcano, explore its craters and lava fields from the 1975-1984 eruptions.
• Stay overnight at Lake Myvatn.

Day 6: Lake Myvatn & Akureyri

• Visit the stunning lava towers and natural arches at Dimmuborgir.
• Hike around Mt. Hverfjall, a massive 2500-year-old volcanic crater.
• Explore Grjotagja, a rift crevasse with crystal-clear warm water.
• Visit the Godafoss Waterfall and then continue to Akureyri, Iceland’s second-largest town.

Day 7: Siglufjordur & Kolugljufur Canyon

• Free morning in Akureyri, explore the town, visit the Into the Arctic exhibition, or enjoy a whale watching tour.
• Drive around the Troll Peninsula, visiting fishing villages.
• Stop at Hofsos for a swim in a geothermal pool with scenic views over Skagafjordur Bay.
• Visit Borgarvirki, a Viking fortress, and continue to Kolugljufur Canyon, known for its waterfalls.
• Stay overnight nearby.

Day 8: Snaefellsness Peninsula & Viking Heritage

• Head to the Snaefellsness Peninsula, famous for its Snaefellsjokull Volcano, featured in Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth.
• Visit the reconstructed Viking house at Eirikstadir, home of Eirik the Red and his son Leif Eiriksson.
• Explore the village of Stykkisholmur and learn about its connection to the Icelandic Sagas.
• Stay on the southern side of the peninsula with views of Snaefellsjokull.

Day 9: Snaefellsness Coastal Drive & Reykjavik

• Drive along the stunning Snaefellsness coast, visiting Budir church, Arnarstapi sea cliffs, and Djupalonssandur beach with its shipwreck sites.
• Stop at the iconic Mt. Kirkjufell, one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland.
• Head back to Reykjavik for overnight accommodation.

Day 10: Departure

• Transfer from your hotel to Keflavik Airport for your return flight.

Note: You can choose to visit Iceland during the winter for the chance to see the Northern Lights or during the summer when the country experiences 24-hour daylight.