Home / Multi-Day Tours / Around Iceland / Iceland Complete Round Trip: 21 Days
This Iceland grand tour is perfect for those who want to fully explore Iceland while also having the opportunity to relax and get to know the culture of Iceland. This Iceland self-drive tour will take you to each area of the island, with the opportunity to explore parts of the unique Icelandic highlands. If you are looking for an extended vacation and want to enjoy the amazing nature of Iceland at a relaxed pace, this is the tour for you.
If you are interested in receiving more information about this tour, please click on the “Request a quote” widget on the left side of the page. A quick form will open up where you will provide us with more information about your travel expectations. You will then be connected with your specialized travel agent who will assist you throughout the planning a provide a fully detailed quote.
Please note that this itinerary can be adjusted and customized to meet your travel needs and preferences. The package can also be offered as a privately guided tour if a self-drive option is not what you had in mind for your Iceland experience.
SD-10
May - Sept
Self-Drive
21 days / 20 nights
Iceland
Welcome to your self-drive holiday in Iceland! After you clear customs, you will either hop on the Flybus (budget) or be met by a driver from Iceland Unlimited in the arrival hall of Keflavík International Airport (comfort & quality). Transfer to your accommodation in the city center in Reykjavík. Your travel documents will either be handed to you by your driver or wait for you at your hotel/guesthouse. We also invite you to come by our office for a private information meeting to go over your travel plans. Afterwards, enjoy a day in this vibrant capital of the North. Visit sights such as the Sun Voyager sculpture, the Harpa Music and Conference hall and the old harbor in Reykjavík.
No visit to Reykjavík is complete without a visit to Hallgrímkirkja church, where you can take an elevator to the top and enjoy spectacular views over Reykjavík. In the evening, we recommend a cozy dinner in one of the city’s gourmet restaurants to celebrate the start of your Iceland adventure. Overnight in Reykjavík.
Today your Iceland complete tour starts for real! In the morning you will receive your rental vehicle and hit the road. Today you will be doing a reverse Golden Circle. Start your day by driving to Selfoss. On the way you can stop at the Hellisheiðarvirkjun geothermal power plant and visit it’s interactive Geothermal Energy exhibition. From Selfoss you will venture on the famous Golden Circle. Visit sights such as the Kerið crater, Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir sprouting spring and Þingvellir, a UNESCO heritage site. If you want to add more adventure to your day, you can enjoy optional activities such as snorkeling, snowmobiling or horseback riding. After a day full of exploring it’s time to say goodbye to the Golden Circle and head towards the town of Borgarnes. You’ll stay the night in the Borgarnes area.
After breakfast at your accommodation it is time to explore some of the pearls of West Iceland. From Borgarnes, make your way up to Húsafell, which has long been known as a haven for those who love the outdoors. In Húsafell you will find plenty of hiking trails to enjoy, along with sights such as the Hraunfossar and Barnafossar waterfalls, the Deildartunguhver geothermal area and historic Reykholt, which was home to Snorri Sturluson – author of the Edda Prose. In this area it is also possible to add optional activities such as the Into the Glacier tour, where you literally go inside a glacier, or a tour of the Víðgelmir lava tube. Families with children will enjoy visiting Háafell goat farm where you can meet and learn more about the Icelandic Settlement goat.
After exploring the highlights of this lush area, it’s time to head back towards Borgarnes. From here you will continue up to the dynamic Snæfellsnes peninsula. On the way you can stop at the Eldborg crater. You’ll stay overnight in Snæfellsnes
Today you will have a full free day to explore the wonders of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Sights in this area include the old church at Búðir, Arnarstapi and Hellnar, Djúpalónssandur pebble beach, Snæfellsjökull glacier and Öndverðanes. Continuing on, you’ll find the picturesque Kirkjufell mountain, the Berserkjahraun lava field, the famous shark museum in Bjarnarhöfn and the charming village of Stykkishólmur. It is also possible to add activities, such as a visit to the Vatnshellir Lava Cave, a whale watching tour or a Viking Sushi boat tour, where you get to taste some fresh fish directly from the sea. You’ll stay for another night in the same accommodation as the night before. If you are interested to read more about the highlights of Snæfellsnes please have a look at our blog about the top things to do in this area.
Today you will travel to the wonderful West Fjords region of Iceland. In the morning you will board the ferry, along with your car, that will take you across Breiðafjörður Bay. The ferry ride takes about 3 hours to complete and if you are lucky with the weather, the ride provides spectacular views over the thousand islands of Breiðafjörður. Once ashore in Brjánslækur, head for the amazing Látrabjarg cliff. With a 444-meter vertical drop and 14 kilometers length, it’s the most awe-inspiring bird cliff in Iceland and the westernmost point of Europe. In summer the cliff is home to thousands of puffins and other seabirds. If you choose to drive to Rauðisandur red sand beach, prepare to be truly amazed by its spellbinding beauty. After a day of exploring this amazing area, head towards the town of Patreksfjörður, where you will stay overnight.
Another day, another adventure! It’s time to leave Patreksfjörður behind and head further north. Today you will be faced with some challenging roads, but you will also be rewarded with beautiful sights. After passing through the town of Tálknafjörður, you will find yourself in the tiny village of Bíldudalur. Those who are interested in curious attractions can make a detour from here and visit Samúel Jónsson’s Art Farm in Selárdalur. Afterwards, it’s time to brave the famous Dynjandisheiði. This rocky road will take you to one of Iceland’s most spectacular sights, Dynjandi waterfall. This tiered waterfall is by many considered one of Iceland’s most beautiful, and we recommend taking the hiking trail all the way up to the waterfall.
After viewing the waterfall you can visit Hrafnseyri, a museum dedicated to Iceland’s independence hero, Jón Sigurðsson. Continuing on, you will pass through charming fishing villages and drive past endless waterfalls until you reach the town of Ísafjörður. You will stay in this area for the next two nights.
Today you have the opportunity to enjoy some optional activities in the amazing scenery of the Westfjords, or you can simply relax and enjoy the charming town of Ísafjörður. Optional activities in this area include sea-kayaking, horseback riding and hiking tours to the remote and wild Hornstrandir area. Those who decide to stay in town can enjoy a walking tour in the area or some self-guided hikes in the surrounding mountains. You can also visit the small towns near Ísafjörður, such as Súðavík where you will find the Arctic Fox center which is dedicated to Iceland’s only native mammal.
In the evening we recommend dinner at the famous Tjöruhúsið, one of the best seafood restaurants in the Westfjords and possibly in all of Iceland. Stay for another night at the same accommodation as the night before.
Today you have the opportunity to visit some of the most remote areas of Iceland. From Ísafjörður, weave your way to the village of Hólmavík on a road characterized by steep fjords and towering mountains. Arrive in Hólmavík, the capital of ancient sorcery and mysticism and home of a museum dedicated to the history of sorcery and witchcraft in Iceland through the centuries.
If you have time, after checking into your hotel you can drive to the remote region of Strandir until the road ends. Here you will find amazing scenery, the village of Djúpavík and what is likely one of the most remote swimming pools in the world, Krossneslaug. If you are lucky, you might spot dolphins playing in the sea while you relax in the geothermal pool and hot pots. Afterwards, make your way back to the Hólmavík area where you will stay overnight.
As you continue your travel in Iceland, drive from Hólmavík passing fertile farmlands and barren mountain roads. Once you reach Hvammstangi, we recommend that you make a detour to the Vatnsnes peninsula where you can view the Hvítserkur basalt stack that rises from the beach, and the seals that bask nearby. Continue on to the Tröllaskagi peninsula. Once you reach the village of Hofsós we recommend that you make a stop and dip into the beautiful geothermal infinity pool that offers great views out to the ocean. Continue on until you reach the town of Siglufjörður. This charming town offers great harbor views and fantastic restaurants where you can enjoy a nice dinner before staying overnight in the area.
After breakfast, make your way to the town of Akureyri. This is a day to take a break from nature and enjoy some culture. Akureyri is home to countless museums and artist’s workshops that you can visit today. Among them is the Akureyri Art Museum, Nonnahús – Jón Sveinsson Memorial Museum, the Aviation Museum, the Motorcycle museum of Iceland and many more. Akureyri also has a lovely geothermal swimming pool and water park which guests of all ages can enjoy.
Those who’d like to do more exploring today can head to the fertile Eyjafjörður valley. Here you will find peculiar sites such as the Museum of small things and the Christmas House. Here you will also find Kaffi Kú, a café where you can enjoy some nice waffles and coffee while watching the cows get milked. If you’ve never been on a farm before, this might be your chance to experience some real country living! You’ll stay overnight in Akureyri.
It’s time to continue your Iceland road trip. After breakfast, make your way to the charming small town of Húsavík. Make sure to stop by Goðafoss waterfall before turning north towards Húsavík. This town is known as the “Whale Watching Capital of Iceland” and when you roll into town, you will see why! This is the perfect location to enjoy an optional whale watching tour and you can also visit the Whale Watching museum, located in town. After lunch, continue on and visit Ásbyrgi. This horse-shoe canyon, which in ancient times was believed to have been created by Óðinn’s eight legged horse Sleipnir, is by many locals considered to be one of the highlights of Icelandic nature. Here you will find plenty of hiking trails and those who aren’t afraid of heights can even climb a ladder up to the canyon’s ridge.
After visiting Ásbyrgi, make your way down to Dettifoss waterfall. Dettifoss is the most powerful waterfall in Europe, something you have to see with your own eyes. Nearby you will also find the Selfoss waterfall. After a day full of exploring, make your way down to Lake Mývatn. You will stay for the next two nights in the Lake Mývatn/Laugar area.
Today you have free day by Lake Mývatn and we recommend that you use this opportunity to visit the northern part of the Icelandic highlands. We can arrange for you to join a unique super jeep tour that takes you all the way up to the Askja caldera. On the way you will be driven through the lunar like landscape that characterizes this stunning region and get to visit sights such as Drekagil canyon and Herðubreiðarlindir, from where you can enjoy views to the majestic Mt. Herðubreið which is often said to be the most beautiful of the Icelandic mountains. Once in the Askja caldera you will hike to the larger Víti crater and if conditions allow you may even be able to bathe in it’s opaque blue waters. After a full day of exploring, you will be returned to your accommodations for a good nights sleep.
Alternatively, you can enjoy sightseeing in the Lake Mývatn area and visit sights such as the Dimmuborgir lava maze, the geothermal area around Námafjall mountain, the Krafla volcano and Skútustaðir pseudo craters. You can also hike up to the Víti Maar and/or Mt. Hverfjall. There are always plenty of things to do around Lake Mývatn. If you’d like to enjoy some activities today we can arrange for you a horseback riding tour, a mountain bike rental or even a sightseeing flight. After a day full of exploring we recommend a visit to the Mývatn Nature Baths where you can relax in the milky blue waters and enjoy views over the Lake Mývatn area.
Today you will be leaving the North behind and heading to the East of Iceland. The way from Lake Mývatn to Egilsstaðir, the capital of the east, is a straightforward drive past the black sand desert. However, those who are feeling adventurous and are willing to brave more gravel roads will find plenty of detours to enjoy today. On the coastline, there are many small, coastal villages that are worthy of a visit. Enjoy off-the-beaten-path villages such as Vopnafjörður, visit the artsy Borgarfjörður Eystri or make your way to the charming town of Seyðisfjörður where you can say hello to the elves that supposedly inhabit Elf hill by Bakkagerði.
You will also find plenty of hiking trails in this area for you to enjoy at your leisure. In Egilsstaðir, you can also visit Lagafljót and try to spot Iceland’s version of the Loch Ness monster, Lagafljótsormurinn. You’ll stay overnight in the Egilsstaðir area.
Today you will be driving through the rugged East Fjords of Iceland and visit tranquil fishing villages along the way. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot some reindeer (rangifer tarandus) here and there. The drive is beautiful and the route provides many excellent views of the east coast of Iceland. Visit the village of Fáskrúðsfjörður, an old french shipping port where street signs are still both in Icelandic and French. From the village of Djúpivogur, you can enjoy the art instalment, The Eggs of Merry Bay. Then, on to the peaceful town of Höfn in Hornafjörður, where you will stay overnight. Höfn is sometimes dubbed as the “lobster capital of Iceland”. We recommend you take full mouth-watering advantage of this feature at a local restaurant.
The next couple of days of your self-drive holiday feature some of Iceland’s most spectacular sites such as Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon and the Skaftafell area in the Vatnajökull National Park. Drive west from Höfn towards the glacial lagoon. You can take an optional zodiac boat tour between the many beautiful icebergs, broken off the mighty Vatnajökull glacier and rising out of the clear cold waters.
Continue to Skaftafell, a lush green oasis between the vast glacier and the black volcanic Skeiðarársandur desert. From there you might enjoy an invigorating hike (usually less than an hour each way) to Svartifoss (Black Fall), so named for the pitch black basalt columns that surround it. Continue from there to the town of Vík where you can enjoy the view from the black sand beaches. You will stay the night in Kirkjubæjarklaustur/Vík.
Start your day early and travel along the south coast of Iceland toward Landeyjarhöfn. On the way you can visit sights such as the black sand beach in Reynisfjara and the mighty Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. After lunch, you will take the ferry from Landeyjarhöfn harbor over to the Westman Islands. It only takes about 40 minutes to get to Heimaey, the main island of the Westman Islands. You can take the car with you so you can enjoy exploring the island at your own leisure. You can take an optional boat tour which circles the island of Heimaey, halting at places of interest where passengers can see various caves, witness the bird life, and possibly observe whales. The trip ends by sailing into Klettshellir (Cliff Cave). Your guide will play a musical instrument to showcase the cave’s stunning acoustics, creating a sensational experience (not included).
Afterwards, you should visit the puffins in Stórhofdi (their nesting season is from late April until mid-August) and walk up to the crater of Eldfell which means “the Mountain of Fire”). Eldfell is a volcano which was formed in a volcanic eruption that began without any warning just outside the town of Heimaey on 23 January 1973. You’ll stay overnight on the island.
Enjoy a free morning on the Westman Islands. We recommend enjoying some of the easy hiking trails found on the island, or visiting some of the museums you may have missed the day before. Alternatively, you can simply relax and take in the island scenery or visit the local geothermal swimming pool. In the afternoon, you will board the ferry and be taken back to the mainland. From Landeyjarhöfn you will drive in the direction of the small town of Hella where you will stay overnight.
Today you will have the opportunity to experience one of the pearls of Icelandic nature, Þórsmörk. In the morning, you will be picked up at a meeting point in Hella and board the bus which will take you to Þórsmörk (self-driving is not recommended). Þórsmörk is known as a hiking paradise and you will be able to enjoy outdoor activities in this stunning landscape. You can choose between doing one or more easier hikes, or going all out for a more challenging hike.
The trails are well marked and most are accessible with man-made steps on the steepest parts. We highly recommend bringing a packed lunch and enjoying a picnic with spectacular views. The information center in Þórsmörk will provide you with up-to date information and advice on the hiking trails. After a full day in Þórsmörk you will be returned to Hella where you will stay overnight in the same accommodation as the night before.
Today you will be saying goodbye to the South Coast of Iceland and starting the last leg of your journey around Iceland. In the morning, make your way towards the town of Selfoss. From there you will turn towards the coast and drive to the Reykjanes peninsula via the south coast road. On the way, you can visit the charming villages of Eyrarbakki and Stokkseyri. Once on the peninsula, we recommend that you visit the geothermal area of Seltún and Krýsuvík before making your way towards the famous Blue Lagoon. If you’d like, you can round up the peninsula by visiting the Bridge between continents and the Viking World museum in Keflavík, where you can see a replica of a Viking longboat, before making your way to the Blue Lagoon.
Once there, we recommend that you enjoy a relaxing soak in the milky blue waters. This is a perfect way to unwind after your time on the road (needs to be booked in advance). When you are ready, it’s time to head back to Reykjavík where you will drop off your rental vehicle and check into your accommodation in the city center.
Today you have a full free day to explore Reykjavík and its surroundings. The vicinity of Reykjavík offers many opportunities for optional day tours, or you can simply roam around and explore the history and culture of Iceland. Interesting exhibitions in the downtown area include the National Museum, Reykjavík 871 +/- Settlement Exhibition, The Northern Lights Center and more. You can also take a ferry to the island of Viðey. In the evening we recommend dinner at one of the downtown areas gourmet restaurants to celebrate completing your Iceland journey. Overnight at the same accommodation as the night before.
Your Iceland grand tour is coming to an end. If your flight is in the afternoon you still have time to do some last minute shopping on Laugavegur shopping street or some sightseeing in the city. You will be transferred to Keflavík International Airport in time for your flight. We hope you had a wonderful time in Iceland and wish you safe travels back home!
Budget accommodations include shared facilities in guest houses, country hotels, farmhouses, etc. In some cases, the rooms might be equipped with a TV and a washbasin. The in-room amenities are limited and basic but they all adhere to a high standard of cleanliness.
Breakfast is included.
Comfort accommodations offer access to private facilities (shower and toilet). This type of lodges belongs to the 3-star hotel category. Most of these properties have an in-house restaurant. This section offers an upgrade in comfort and service compared to the budget category. Breakfast is included.
Quality accommodations offer private rooms with en-suite shower/bath and toilet. These rooms are the best available accommodations in 4-star hotels or the highest quality lodges in each region. Luxury accommodations - the highest class of lodges, suites, and penthouses - are available upon request. Breakfast is included.
Luxury accommodations include Suites and high-end rooms in Quality Accommodations. These types of lodges and resorts provide an upscale look and personalized services.
Classy, elegant, and comfortable, luxury accommodations strive to offer a first-class experience and top-quality services to ensure a truly extraordinary and memorable stay.
Type: SUV Economy
Passenger: 5
Luggage: 3
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)
Type: SUV Full Size Intermediate
Passenger: 5
Luggage: 4
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)
Type: SUV Full Size
Passenger: 5
Luggage: 4
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)
Hallgrímskirkja Church is most certainly Reykjavík´s best-known landmark. The white concrete Church whose image is printed in many postcards, dominates the city. As a matter of fact its tower can be seen from almost every corner of Reykjavík. Its distinctive and futuristic exterior made the Church one of the most visited spots in Reykjavík.
Harpa is the famous concert hall and conference center located in Reykjavik. The building features a distinctive and original colored glass facade inspired by the basalt landscape of Iceland. Its unique architecture makes it one of Reykjavik most loved landmarks.
Solfar Sculpture, also known as the Sun Voyager, is the famous steel sculpture created by artist Jón Gunnar Árnason. The art piece is located next to the Sæbraut road in downtown Reykjavík. Its shape reminds of a ship floating on air, facing the ocean.
Reykjavík Old Harbour is fast becoming the new lively center of the city. There you will find museums such as Maritime Museum, the Northern Lights center and the Whales of Iceland exhibition. The harbour, which is quickly transforming into a modern city space, is also home to restaurants and cafes. A local favourite is ice cream shop Valdís, which makes fresh ice cream every morning and always offers new flavours.
Alþingi is the national parliament of Iceland. It is one of the oldest parliaments in the world, founded in 930 at Þingvellir National Park. It is located in downtown Reykjavik.
Hellisheiði power station is the third-largest geothermal power station in the world, located in southwest Iceland. The plant has a geothermal energy exhibition and offers presentations on sustainable energy as well as educational tours.
Kerið is a volcanic crater lake located in the area called Grímsnes in the South of Iceland, along the famous Golden Circle route. The crater walls are steep and often covered with Icelandic moss. The inside of the crater is a lake whose water is aquamarine colored due to the minerals from the soil. The crater is 55 meters deep and about 3000 years old.
Geysir is the famous hot spring area located in the Haukadalur valley. The main attraction is known as Strokkur, which erupts energetically at regular intervals of 10 minutes or so its boiling waterjets can reach as high as 30 meters.
Gullfoss, also called the Golden Waterfall, is one of the most iconic gems of the likewise named Golden Circle. The waterfall is located in the upper part of the River Hvíta. Gullfoss is actually two separate waterfalls, the upper one has a drop of 11 meters and the lower one 21 meters.
Þingvellir National Park is the most important historic and geological sites in Iceland. The area is part of a fissure zone running through Iceland, being situated on the tectonic plate boundaries of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Major events in the history of Iceland have taken place at Þingvellir and today the entire area is a protected national treasure.
Grábrók Crater is the larger of three craters in a volcanic fissure belonging to the volcanic system of Ljosufjoll. Grábrók is located in the fjord of Borgarfjörður in West Iceland.
Hraunfossar is a series of waterfalls coming from underneath Hallmundarhraun, a lava field formed by an eruption of the volcano situated under the glacier Langjökull. The waterfalls pour into the Hvítá river. Hraunfossar is located near Húsafell and Reykholt.
Barnafossar, also known as Bjarnafoss, is a series of rapids coming from out of the surrounding lava plains. The name means "Children´s falls".
Deildartunguhver Hot Spring is the largest hot spring in Europe. It provides all hot water for the neighbouring villages.
Eldborg is a beautiful crater rising 60m above the surrounding lava in West Iceland. It is possible to walk all the way around the crater as well as up to it.
Arnarstapi is a small fishing village at the foot of Stapafell mountain, between Hellnar village and Breiðavík farms, on the southern side of Snæfellsnes, Iceland. It is famous for its extraordinary columnar basalt and rock formations.
Kirkjufell is a stunning 463 m high mountain on the north coast of Snæfellsnes peninsula in Iceland. It is located near Grundarfjörður village.
Búðakirkja Church is a famous black wooden Church built up in 1703. This fascinating building sits alone in the Búðahraun lava field.
Bjarnarhöfn is the region leading producer of hákarl (fermented shark meat), a traditional Icelandic dish. The Shark Museum at Bjarnarhöfn farm, on the northern side of Snæfellsnes peninsula, is where visitors can get a down-home taste of it.
Stykkishólmur is the largest town in Snæfellsnes Peninsula and also the gateway to the Westfjords via the ferry Baldur. It is a center of services and commerce for this region and it is based on tourism and on the fishing industry.
Breiðafjörður is a large bay, about 50 km wide and 125 km long, in the west of Iceland, between the Westfjords and the Snaefellsnes peninsula. It is surrounded by mountains, including the glacier Snæfellsjökull.
Latrabjarg cliffs in the Westfjords of Iceland is the largest sea bird cliff in Europe. It is a big bird colony and puffins can be spotted here during the summer months.
Rauðisandur is a red sand beach in the Látrabjarg area of the Westfjords, taking its name from the pulverized scallop shells that make up the beach, accumulated over the centuries.
Patreksfjörður is the biggest village in the southern part of the Westfjords, with a population of around 600. In the 20th century, Patreksfjörður was a pioneering force in Iceland's fishing industry.
Flatey Island (flat island) is one of the countless western islands in Breiðafjörður fjord. It is also the only island that has inhabitants the whole year.
Dynjandi, also known as Fjallfoss, is a series of waterfalls located in the Westfjords, Iceland. It is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland and is the biggest waterfall in the Westfjords with a total height of 100 metres.
Ísafjörður is the principal town of the Westfjords, in northwest of Iceland, with a population of approximately 3,000. It is an ancient church site and a trading post since at least the 16th century, although a real town did not start to form until after mid-19th century.
Samúel Jónsson’s farm is a display of naive art, offering an idea of the creator’s psyche well after his death. It is located in Selárdalur in Arnarfjörður at the west fjords of Iceland.
Hrafnseyri, located in Arnarfjörður, is the birthplace of Jón Sigurðsson. Today Hrafnseyri is a museum dedicated to him and his memory.
Jón Sigurðsson was the leader of the 19th century Icelandic Independence movement.
The Monster Museum located in the coastal village of Bíldudalur. This colorful museum showcases the legends of monsters that have existed in Icelandic folklore since the age of the settlement. The eerie atmosphere makes this museum worth the visit and gives travelers an insight into the beliefs people held in olden times.
Ísafjörður is the principal town of the Westfjords, in northwest of Iceland, with a population of approximately 3,000. It is an ancient church site and a trading post since at least the 16th century, although a real town did not start to form until after mid-19th century.
Hornstrandir is the most isolated area in Iceland, this nature reserve is popular amongst hikers and was established in 1975. Social upheaval caused the entire local population to abandon their farms during the second world war, there are however still houses in the reserve, both old and new in the area utilized as summer cottages. The features of this detached nature reserve include some of the most spectacular hikes, including mountain ranges, tundra, cliffs, and prairies.
The arctic fox center focuses on the sole native terrestrial mammal in Iceland, the Arctic Fox. The exhibit explains the biology, current status, and history of these elusive predators.
Krossneslaug is a great swimming pool located at Krossnes on Strandir in the Westfjords of Iceland. The surrounding area is beautiful with mountains on one side and the ocean on the other.
Drangsnes is a small fishing village in the Westfjords of Iceland, situated near Hólmavík. It is popular for the geothermal hot tubs.
Djúpavík is a small village in the North-West of Iceland. It is located at Reykjarfjörður on the Strandir coast in the Westfjords region. The village dates back to 1917, when a herring factory was established in this small creek by the fjord Reykjarfjörður.
Hvítserkur is a 15 m high basalt stack on the eastern shore of the Vatnsnes peninsula, in northwest Iceland. The rock has two holes at the base, which give it the appearance of an animal of some sort who is drinking from the ocean.
Hofsós Swimming Pool is a lovely swimming pool in North Iceland with astonishing view of Skagafjörður.
Siglufjörður, a lovely village, located in North Iceland, is often known as the Herring town as the herring industry was blooming in Siglufjörður in the 1940s and 1950s.
The Herring Era Museum in Siglufjörður opened in 1994 and is the largest maritime museum in Iceland. It covers the story of the „Herring Adventure“ which transformed the hamlet of Siglufjörður into a bustling town centered around the gold rush processing of herring.
Akureyri is the main town of northern Iceland. It is located at the base of Eyjafjörður Fjord and is the second largest urban area of Iceland. Akureyri is well known to be an important port and fishing center.
Akureyrarkirkja is an outstanding Lutheran Church in Akureyri designed by Guðjón Samúelsson. It is located in the center of the city, overlooking the town from the top of a hill.
Akureyri botanical garden is located in the southern part of the city, in North Iceland. The garden is exceptional for its extreme northern location. This is also known as a site of scientific research where it has been proven that shrubs, trees and other plants can survive on the edge of the Arctic.
Akureyri Art Museum is located in the center of Akureyri city, hosted in a building considered a major example of Bauhaus architecture.
The fire glows and crackles in the fireplace, while Christmas melodies and aroma fill the air. After only ten minutes drive from the center of the town of Akureyri you will find yourself within the magical world of Christmas in Jólagarðurinn, or the Christmas garden. On the outside, the red house resembles a cookie house but once inside you discover Christmas decorations from all over the world, alongside with traditional Icelandic Christmas items and variations of selected handicrafts from local craftsmen/women.
In the beautiful garden surrounding the house, there are benches and tables provided, making this an excellent spot for a picnic. The fairy-tale tower houses the world’s biggest Christmas calendar worth climbing the stairs for. In the garden, one can also find The Wishing well of unborn children, a place of tranquillity and peace.
Visit as well the Bakgarður „tante Grethe “and be inspired by gorgeous housewares and tasty delights. For all the connoisseurs and gourmets! In a quiet corner, you will find a workshop for spin art where you can explore Vera’s textured handmade yarn.
When the weather is fair they open the hatch to our Apple Cottage and warm up the waffle iron for hungry visitors.
Open all year around
No entrance fee
Jólagarðurinn:
June – August 10.00 - 21.00
September – December 14:00 - 21.00
Christmas days 24./25./26.Dec open 9:00-11:00 upon request the day before
January – May 14.00 - 18.00
Closed on 31. Dec and 1. Jan
Bakgarður „tante Grethe“:
June – August 10.00 – 18.00
September – May 14.00 – 18.00
Goðafoss Waterfall is located in the Barðardalur area in the northeastern region of Iceland. The water of the river Skjálfandafljót falls from 12 meters height. The river originates in the Icelandic Highland and runs from the highland through the Bárðardalur valley. It is amongst Iceland larger waterfalls.
Ásbyrgi canyon is located in the north of Iceland on the Diamond Circle Road. The crater has the shape of a horseshoe and measures 3.5 km in length and over 1 km wide.
Hljóðaklettar(translates: sound rocks) or Echo Rocks like they are sometimes called are a collection of basalts columns. They are the remains of an ancient volcano's which have been eroded by the Jökulsá river. These unique formations, arches, and caves are one of a kind and it seems like they have formed in every direction. There are two marked paths in blue from the parking lot that is ideal for a short hike. They are an easy stroll, one will take about 30-40 minutes (1km) and the Circle path takes about 1, 15 -1,5 hours(3km). The paths that are marked in red are longer and a bit more difficult.
Dettifoss is a waterfall in Vatnajökull National Park in Northeast Iceland. It is part of the Diamond Circle and it is the considered the most powerful waterfall in Europe. The water of the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river descends from the nearby Vatnajökull glacier and falls for more than 44 metres, causing a massive, crashing spray. This the largest waterfall in Iceland in terms of volume discharge.
Mývatn is a volcanic lake in northern Iceland. It is located in a geothermal area not far from Krafla volcano. The lake was formed by a volcanic eruption therefore the surrounding area is characterized by lava pillars and craters. The lake is also well known because of the rich waterbirds fauna that populates it.
Askja is a caldera situated in the central highlands of Iceland. The caldera contains several volcanoes, including Víti (explosive volcanic crater).
The Krafla Víti crater, located near lake Mývatn in North of Iceland, is a circular crater filled with blue water and surrounded by a geothermal area and beautiful mountains.
Dimmuborgir is a field of unusually shaped lava formations located east of Mývatn in Iceland. The area consists of caves and rock formations resembling an ancient collapsed fortress. The lava tubes were formed by a lava lake flowing in from a large eruption in the Þrengslaborgir and Lúdentsborgir crater row to the East. The legend wants Dimmuborgir to be connecting earth with the infernal regions.
Skútustaðir is a chain of volcanic pseudo craters in the Mývatn area. They were formed by gas explosions when boiling lava flowed over the cool, wet surfaces about 2,300 years ago.
Mývatn Nature Baths, located in the popular Lake Mývatn Geothermal Area, is an impressive man-made hot-spring. The characteristics of the water are unique in many ways. It contains a large amount of minerals, is alkaline and well suited for bathing.
Seyðisfjörður is a fjord located in East Iceland. It is believed to be one of the most beautiful fjords of Iceland, surrounded by steep mountains with small rivers running down the sides. The town Seyðisfjörður is named after the fjord.
This quiet little town in the area of Hérað is the capital of the east and sits on the banks of the Lagarfljót river with a population of 2300 inhabitants. This is one of the youngest towns in Iceland as urbanization began in the 1940s. Renowned for its warm weather in the summer and gorgeous northern lights in the winter.
Egilsstaðir has grown to become the largest town of East Iceland and its main service, transportation, and administration centre. It has an airport, college, and a hospital.
The lesser known of the two Borgarfjörður. This stunning fjord in the east of Iceland is the home of Bræðslan, a downtempo music festival in the middle of summer where the town and it‘s 88 residents welcome music hungry visitors. The fjord is surrounded by rhyolite and basalt mountains. During the summertime, you may see thousands of puffins flying around!
The Lagarfljót river is a 140 km long glacial river. The river forms a large lake next to the town of Egilsstaðir. The 112-meter lake is home of a local legend of a Wyrm that is said to reside in the deeps of the lake. This serpent is a source of many mythical stories and accounts dating back to the 13th century.
Fáskrúðsfjörður is a fjord located between Vattarnes and Hafnarnes peninsulas on the East of Iceland. The town at the bottom of the fjord is named after it and it has french heritage.
Petra's Stone Collection is a rock museum/ collection in Stöðvarfjörður, East Iceland. Petra was a local lady who collected various natural stones throughout her life, the stones that now make up her stone collection.
Höfn is an Icelandic fishing town located in the southeastern part of the Country. The town, the second largest in the southeastern part of Iceland, offers scenic views of Vatnajökull (the largest ice cap in Europe by volume). The main economic activities in Höfn are fishing and tourism. The location is also well known for its culinary tradition with lobster being the most acclaimed specialty of the area.
Búlandstindur is a mountain in Easter Iceland of 1069 meters above sea level. It is a pyramid-shaped stack of basaltic strata.
Djúpivogur is home to one of the most notable works of art found on the ring road around Iceland. „The Eggs of Merry Bay“ are located on the old harbor and were unveiled in 2009, the artist Sigurður Guðmundsson created 34 eggs out of granite that is identically shaped to the eggs of birds that nest in the area. Another feature of this small fishing town is the majestic mountain Búlandstindur that towers over at 1069 meters and is has been dated to be over 8 million years old.
Jökulsárlón is a large glacial lake located in the Southeast of Iceland on the edge of the Vatnajökull National Park. The Lagoon developed into a lake after the glacier started receding from the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The lake can be seen from Route 1 between Höfn and Skaftafell. The lagoon offers outstanding views of the ice cap and it is one of the most spectacular and loved, natural destinations in all Iceland.
Svartifoss, or the Black Fall, is a beautiful waterfall in Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park. It falls off dark lava columns. The hike to the waterfall takes approximately 45 minutes.
Svínafellsjökull is a part of the great Vatnajökull glacier. All glacier tongues have names and Svínafellsökull is the most famous with its raw and grand icy curves. This astonishing and majestic outlet of Vatnajökull Glacier offers amazing scenery and views all around with the possibility to see the glacier crevasses and sculptures.
Kirkjubæjarklaustur is home to Iceland’s first monastery, built in 1186. In the area of the village there are many of the South Coast's interesting attractions such as the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon and Kirkjugolf- the church floor.
Kirkjugólf Basalt Tiles or "the Church floor" is an 80 square meter expanse of columnar basalt stone slabs which have eroded over time. The hexagonal ‘tiles’ look as if they were man-made.
Reynisfjara is a famous black sand beach in the South of Iceland, just next to the village of Vik. Black sand, lava formations, and basalt columns make it a popular stop for all visitors.
Reynisdrangar cliffs are towering basalt-type rock formations situated near the shore of Reynisfjara black sand beach, on the South Coast of Iceland. The folk legend wants them to be the rocky representation of two trolls turned into stone after being caught by the sunlight after dawn.
Skógafoss is a waterfall located on the Skógá river on the South Coast of Iceland. This picture-perfect waterfall descends 60 meters from the cliffs. Before pouring down the cliffs becoming the famous waterfall, the river flows through the Skógárgil gorge.
Seljalandsfoss is one of the most famous and visited waterfalls in Iceland. It located along the South Coast of the Country right by the road n. 1. The waterfall is part of the Seljalands river that originated from the famous volcano glacier Eyjafjallajökull. The waterfall is approximately 60-meter high and it is famous for its path that leads visitor behind its powerful water flow.
The Westman Islands, Vestmannaeyjar, is an archipelago located a half an hour from Landeyjarhöfn harbor, South Iceland. It consists of 18 islands and about 30 low sea stacks.
Heimaey is the largest islands of the Westman Islands. It has a population of around 4000 people and it is the only inhabited island in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago. Heimaey features beautiful nature and history.
The Westman Islands, Vestmannaeyjar, is an archipelago located a half an hour from Landeyjarhöfn harbor, South Iceland. It consists of 18 islands and about 30 low sea stacks.
Heimaey is the largest islands of the Westman Islands. It has a population of around 4000 people and it is the only inhabited island in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago. Heimaey features beautiful nature and history.
þórsmörk is a nature reserve in the south Icelandic highlands. Many hiking trails can be found in the area. It was named after the Norse god Thor (Þór) and it is situated between the glaciers Tindfjallajökull and Eyjafjallajökull.
The Blue Lagoon is a famous geothermal spa located in Reykjanes peninsula nearby the International Airport of Iceland. It was formed during an operation at the nearby geothermal power plant. Reservations in advance are necessary for those who are planning a visit.
Seltún is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, a highly active geothermal area. Seltún consists of boiling mud pools and colourful mountains.
The Reykjanes peninsula is located on a drift zone, between two continents, the North American and Eurasian plate. It is a unique area where you can see different elements of the drift zone; very active geothermal energy, lava fields and other natural phenomenon. The Blue Lagoon and Keflavik international airport are also located in the area.
The Bridge Between the Continents is a small footbridge over a large fissure, where the continental plates are diverging. The bridge is located on the Reykjanes peninsula and is a symbol of the connection between Europe and North America.
Here you can have one foot in each continent at the same time.
Gunnuhver is an active geothermal area. It is located within the Reykjanes UNESCO Geo park and there you can find mud pools, boiling hot springs and steam coming up from the ground.
Gunnuhver is named after a female ghost named Gunna and she had caused great disturbance in the area until a priest set a trap for her and she fell into the spring.
This sublime museum displays artifacts from the settlement to the modern age of Iceland history. The exhibition gives you an excellent and enlightening overview of Iceland's history and culture. The museum functions as the center for the preservation of Iceland´s national heritage. It counts about 300,000 artifacts and nearly four million photographs in its collation.
Reykjavík is the capital and biggest city of Iceland with a population of approximately 124,000. It is the northernmost capital in the world. Despite its small size, you can find many attractions and museums, making Reykjavik a popular destination.
The Reykjavík Maritime Museum is located by the old harbour in Reykjavík, founded in 2004 and open daily from 10:00 – 17:00. One of their main exhibitions is the former coast guard vessel Óðinn, and is accessible for guided tours three time per day; 13:00, 14:00 and 15:00.
Alþingi is the national parliament of Iceland. It is one of the oldest parliaments in the world, founded in 930 at Þingvellir National Park. It is located in downtown Reykjavik.