Iceland Grand Tour

Day 1: Arrival

Upon landing in Iceland, collect your rental car at the airport. Embark on your journey from the airport, traversing the otherworldly lava fields that define the Reykjanes Peninsula. This unique, volcanic landscape, adorned with moss-covered rocks and framed by distant mountains, serves as a mesmerizing gateway to Iceland's natural marvels. Your first night will be spent in Reykjavík, the country's vibrant capital.

Driving: Approx 50 km (31 miles)

Accommodation: Reykjavík.

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Day 2: South Shore

Driving along Iceland's south coast is an expedition through some of the most breathtaking scenery the island has to offer. Your journey begins with a visit to Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where the water cascades over a cliff into a serene pool below, allowing visitors to walk behind the falls for a unique perspective. Continuing along the coast, Skógafoss awaits with its powerful water plummeting down from a height, creating a mist that dances in the light.

Further along the coast, Dyrhólaey presents a rugged promontory with panoramic views of the ocean and coastline, including the iconic arched rock that juts into the sea. Nearby, Reynisfjara beach astonishes visitors with its black sands, towering basalt columns, and the powerful waves of the North Atlantic crashing against the shore. Your journey culminates in Vík í Mýrdal, a charming village known for its picturesque church set against a backdrop of dramatic cliffs and the endless ocean.

Driving: Approx 200 km (124 miles)

Accommodation: Vík area.

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Day 3: Vatnajökull National Park

Departing from the charming village of Vík, known for its dramatic black sand beaches and iconic sea stacks, your route leads you towards the enchanting realm of Vatnajökull National Park. As you drive eastward, the road brings you closer to the majestic glaciers that spill from the ice cap of Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. The Skaftafell area within Vatnajökull National Park serves as a gateway to glacier hikes and stunning views of Svartifoss waterfall, framed by basalt columns.

The journey's highlight awaits at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the nearby Diamond Beach, where icebergs from the glacier float in a tranquil lagoon before washing ashore on a black sand beach, sparkling like diamonds under the sunlight. Your adventure culminates in Höfn, a picturesque fishing town with panoramic views of Vatnajökull and a reputation for some of the best lobster in Iceland. This drive from Vík to Höfn offers an intimate experience with the island's most captivating natural phenomena.

Driving: Approx 270 km (168 miles)

Accommodation: Höfn area.

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Day 4: East Fjords

Setting off from Höfn, your drive to Egilsstaðir takes you on an unforgettable journey through the East Fjords, a region famed for its dramatic landscapes, quaint villages, and serpentine roads that hug the coastline. This route unfolds a less-travelled side of Iceland, where the raw beauty of nature speaks volumes. As you leave Höfn, the scenery transitions to the rugged coastline of the East Fjords, where steep mountains plunge into deep, narrow fjords. Each twist and turn presents a new vista, with the ocean's vast expanse on one side and towering cliffs on the other.

The drive takes you through a series of charming fishing villages and hamlets, each with its own unique character. Djúpivogur is a delightful stop, known for its art installations and birdlife. Further along, the road winds through Fáskrúðsfjörður, where French fishermen once wintered, leaving a cultural imprint that lingers to this day. Reaching the northern part of the fjords, the landscape softens, revealing fertile valleys and rivers teeming with salmon. Egilsstaðir, the largest town in the East, serves as the gateway to the region's interior, including the mystical Lake Lagarfljót, home to tales of serpentine monsters and hidden forests.

Driving: Approx 260 km (161 miles)

Accommodation: Egilsstaðir area.

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Day 5: Egilsstaðir Environs

Spend this day visiting exciting places around Egilsstaðir. Only 30 minutes’ drive from Egilsstaðir you find Seyðisfjörður, a charming and vibrant town nestled in a fjord of the same name. Known for its well-preserved wooden buildings and colourful houses, the town exudes a distinctly artistic atmosphere, enhanced by a thriving community of artists and creative festivals. We also recommend you visit Bakkagerði in Borgarfjörður Eystri, a quaint and picturesque village surrounded by stunning natural beauty and known for abundant birdlife, especially puffins.

If you are interested in culture, a 35-minute drive from Egilsstaðir to Skriðuklaustur is an interesting option. Skriðuklaustur is renowned for its well-preserved ruins of a 16th-century monastery. Today, the site includes a beautifully restored manor house where Icelandic writer Gunnar Gunnarsson lived, which now serves as a museum. On the way from Egilsstaðir to Skriðuklaustur you can stop at Hengifoss, one of Iceland's tallest and most striking waterfalls (128 metres, 420 feet). You can view it from the road but to enjoy the waterfall up close you need to walk up to it (in total 2 hours of fairly light but steep walk).

After a long and arduous day, a soak in the Vök Baths near Egilsstaðir is well worth it. Situated directly on the pristine waters of Lake Urriðavatn, the baths are notable for their floating pools—a rare feature that allows guests to immerse themselves in hot, mineral-rich water while surrounded by the natural beauty of a cold lake.

Driving: Approx 250 km (155 miles)

Accommodation: Egilsstaðir area.

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Day 6: The Diamond Circle

Travel west from Egilsstaðir towards Dettifoss, one of Europe's most powerful waterfalls, located in Vatnajökull National Park. The drive takes you through diverse landscapes, offering dramatic changes in scenery as you approach the waterfall. Standing before Dettifoss, feel the mist on your face and the ground rumble underfoot from the force of the water plunging into the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon.

Next, head to Ásbyrgi, a spectacular horseshoe-shaped canyon that, according to Norse mythology, was formed by the hoofprint of Odin’s horse, Sleipnir. The canyon features steep cliffs and a rich variety of flora. A walk along the canyon’s rim or through the peaceful forest at the canyon floor offers tranquillity and stunning views.

Continue your journey to Húsavík, often referred to as the whale watching capital of Iceland. In Húsavík, embark on a whale watching tour to possibly see humpbacks, minkes, and even blue whales. Don’t miss the Húsavík Whale Museum, which offers insights into the diverse marine life of the North Atlantic. End your day by driving to Lake Mývatn, where you'll stay overnight.

Driving: Approx 330 km (205 miles)

Accommodation: Mývatn area.

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Day 7: Lake Mývatn

Today you travel around Lake Mývatn, a haven for birdlife, sitting amidst a volcanic wonderland. The order of your sightseeing stops will be guided by the location of your accommodation. We recommend visiting several key locations during your day's journey. You should visit the Krafla area, which includes the Víti crater and the Krafla lava fields. Víti is a large explosion crater filled with blue water, created during the Krafla fires, a series of volcanic eruptions in the 1970s and 1980s.  Not far off, the steaming fumaroles and boiling mud pots of the Námaskarð geothermal area display the earth's inner heat at the surface, painting the ground in vivid colours. Nearby, a visit to the Mývatn Nature Baths could provide a relaxing interlude.

We recommend a visit to Grjótagjá, a small lava cave with a thermal spring inside. Historically a popular bathing place but was more recently used as a filming location for "Game of Thrones." As you continue your journey the volcanic crater of Hverfjall presents an opportunity for a short hike. This tephra cone volcano boasts a nearly perfectly circular rim with a diameter of about 1 kilometre. A hike to the rim provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Your next stop should be Dimmuborgir lava formations that offer a maze of towering stacks and caves, creating a mythical atmosphere that legends say is home to elves and trolls. Finally, we recommend visiting the pseudo craters Skútustaðagígar, a fascinating glimpse into the geological processes that shape Iceland's dynamic landscape.

Driving: Approx 100 km (62 miles)

Accommodation: Mývatn area.

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Day 8: Akureyri & Skagafjörður

Drive west towards Goðafoss, one of Iceland's most majestic waterfalls. Known as the "Waterfall of the Gods," Goðafoss is significant in Iceland’s history as the site where the law speaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði made Christianity the official religion of Iceland by throwing his pagan idols into the falls around the year 1000. Continue your journey to Akureyri, known for its charming atmosphere and cultural vitality. Spend time exploring the city’s attractions such as the Akureyri Botanical Garden, the Akureyri Church, and the bustling downtown area. Akureyri is also great for whale watching, fishing, horseback riding or hiking in the trails around the fjord. Relaxing in the geothermal waters of the newly opened Forest Baths just outside the town is also highly recommended.

Leaving Akureyri, drive west towards the historical valley of Skagafjörður, renowned for its horse breeding and significant role in Icelandic sagas. Taking a detour from the main road, this area offers a chance to delve into the Viking history at the Icelandic Emigration Center in Hofsós and the medieval turf houses at Glaumbær.

Driving: Approx 220 km (137 miles)

Accommodation: Northwest area.

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Day 9: Borgarfjörður

Drive over the Holtavörðuheiði highland road to Borgarfjörður. When arriving in Borgarfjörður your first destination is Reykholt. Once the home of Snorri Sturluson, a medieval historian, poet, and politician, Reykholt offers a deep dive into the saga age. Visit Snorri's pool, an early geothermal pool, and the museum dedicated to his life and works. Continue to Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring. The sheer volume of boiling water produced here is awe-inspiring. A short drive brings you to the unique Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls. Hraunfossar, known as the 'Lava Waterfalls,' is a stunning series of cascades emerging from beneath a lava field, creating a breathtaking view. Nearby, Barnafoss, or 'Children's Falls,' has its own tragic saga that adds a mystical aura to its rushing blue waters. Immerse yourself in the rich saga history at the Settlement Centre in the town of Borgarnes, which provides insight into Iceland's early history and the sagas that have shaped Icelandic culture.

Driving: Approx 300 km (186 miles)

Accommodation: Borgarfjörður area.

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Day 10: Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Embarking on a drive around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula immerses you in a landscape brimming with geological diversity, mythical aura, and captivating coastal vistas. This region, often referred to as "Iceland in Miniature," distils much of the nation’s essence into one easily accessible peninsula. One of your first stops could be the Gerðuberg basalt columns, a striking cliff of geometrically perfect hexagonal columns that form a beautiful, natural structure. Your next destination could be Ytri Tunga beach, famous for its golden sands and a great spot to see seals lounging on the rocks during the summer months. As you continue, visit the small fishing villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar. Take a leisurely walk along the coastal path connecting the two villages to appreciate stunning sea stacks and the raw power of the Atlantic. Arnarstapi’s harbour is particularly picturesque, and the area is rich in bird life.

Driving further, you enter Snæfellsjökull National Park, dominated by the glacier capped Snæfellsjökull volcano, a famous landmark said to be one of the seven great energy centres of the earth. The park offers various hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and access to caves like Vatnshellir, a remarkable lava tube that delves deep into the volcanic underworld.

Another essential stop is Djúpalónssandur, a beautiful black pebble beach where remnants of a historic shipwreck still lie scattered near the shore. The beach is surrounded by dark lava formations and dramatic cliffs, providing a unique setting for exploration and photography. No tour of Snæfellsnes would be complete without visiting Kirkjufell, a beautifully symmetrical mountain near Grundarfjörður, famed as one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland. Its distinct shape and the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall make it a photographer’s dream.

Driving: Approx 300 km (187 miles)

Accommodation: Borgarfjörður area.

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Day 11: Golden Circle

Drive south towards Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Þingvellir is a place of significant historical, cultural, and geological importance, as it was the site of the world’s oldest recorded legislative parliament (Alþingi) and lies on the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Explore the walking trails, Almannagjá fissure, and Öxarárfoss waterfall. Continue your journey to the Geysir geothermal area in Haukadalur valley. Although the Great Geysir is mostly dormant, its neighbour Strokkur erupts every few minutes, shooting boiling water up to 30 meters into the air. The surrounding area is dotted with hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles.

A short drive from Geysir brings you to Gullfoss, one of Iceland's most stunning waterfalls. Gullfoss, or 'Golden Falls,' cascades down a deep gorge, creating a spectacular display of nature's power. There are several viewpoints to appreciate the waterfall's beauty from different angles. After exploring the Golden Circle, head back to Reykjavík.

Driving: Approx 290 km (180 miles)

Accommodation: Reykjavík.

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Day 12: Departure

Depart from your lodging in Reykjavík and make your way to Keflavík International Airport. Returning your rental car at Keflavík Airport marks the completion of your Icelandic adventure.

Driving: Approx 50 km (31 miles)

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