Trip “Iceland Express” covers all the places and the most interesting sights along the road that runs around Iceland, and also a few detours. Among the sites that you will visit: Thingvellir National Park (UNESCO), Park Geysir, Gullfoss Waterfall (Golden Waterfall), Ice Lagoon, Skaftafell National Park, the magnificent area of the Lake Mývatn, northern capital of Iceland – Akureyri, the historic site Reykholt, waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, Blue Lagoon and more…
Route Length: 1710 km. (Nerarly)
Season: All Year Round
DAY 1 – Landing at Keflavík Airport – Reykjavik
Car pick up is at the airport. After check-in at the hotel and quick arrangements, you may want to take a walk in the downtown of Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital. The small and lively downtown of the city is perfect for the walking tour. You should visit the Hallgrímskirkja church that allows to see an amazing view from its roof, observe the swans and ducks in the pond Tjörnin and get to know the beautiful city which is considered the “greenest” in the world.
Today’s main sites: Reykjavik.
Accommodation: Reykjavik.
DAY 2 – Thingvellir National Park – Geysir – Gullfoss waterfall – Dyrhólaey – South Coast
In the morning you will pick up the car and head toward the Iceland’s most famous route. Golden Circle tour will take us to the Thingvellir National Park, where the world’s first parliament gathered. The park is located on a boundary of two tectonic plates that connect the continents of Europe and America, Park Thingvellir was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004. You will continue to the park of geysers, there is located the geyser Strokkur bursting powerfully approximately every 8 minutes, the scenery that definitely should not be missed. Not far away from there, below the road there is the “Golden Waterfall”- Gullfoss, considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. You will continue our way to the impressive crater Kerið. It is a volcanic crater 55 meters deep and 270 meters wide. You will continue along the southern coast, first you’ll stop at the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, a beautiful waterfall with a walking trail behind the fall. Waterfall Skógafoss is not far neither, watching the amazing water column of this waterfall is an unforgettable experience. Two glaciers on the mountains above the waterfalls are their constant water suppliers – those are Eyjafjallajökull and Myrdalsjokull glaciers. You’ll continue driving along the southern coast toward the Dyrhólaey nature reserve, the southernmost point in Iceland and the nesting place for many birds, including puffins. In Reynishverfi You can walk on the beach with black sand and enjoy the view of the cliffs. Estimated driving distance: 300 km.
Today’s main sites: Thingvellir Park – Geysir – Gullfoss waterfall – Dyrhólaey – Reynishverfi .
Accommodation: Vik.
DAY 3 – Park Skaftafell – Jökulsárlón Ice Lagoon – Djupivogur
You will cross Eldhraun – the largest lava field in the world created by one single eruption. You will continue to Skeiðarársandur, a section of the black sand plain created by furious glacial rivers that reach Skaftafell. The natural beauty of the park Skaftafell is a result of weather conditions and the interaction of ice and fire. You will see the vast Vatnajökull Glacier towering over the Skaftafell, the largest glacier in Europe, under the surface of which is located one of the most active volcanoes in Iceland. At the Skaftafell National Park you will stop at the visitor center and then will go for a walk in the park. The park has many beautiful walking routes. One of this routes takes us to the Black Fall (Svartifoss) – one of the picturesque waterfalls in Iceland, famous for the basalt columns surrounding it. You will continue to the famous glacial lagoon Jökulsárlón which stared in many movies including James Bond. Huge icebergs, broken pieces of the glacier Breiðamerkurjökull, sparkle in the dark water of the lagoon, this is the place where seals can be seen very often. A special experience is cruise among the icebergs in the lagoon (available only in summer). From here, you will continue eastward to the town of Höfn. From Höfn you will continue through the Almannaskard road tunnel to the colorful Lónsöræfi area, the mountainous desert surrounded by extinct volcanoes traversed by rivers and glaciers. Overnight in Djupivogur village, The gate to the east fjords. Estimated driving distance: 370 km.
Today’s main sites: Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls – Park Skaftafell – Ice Lagoon.
Accommodation: Djupivogur area.
DAY 4 – East Fjords – Mývatn lunar landscapes
You’ll go through the mountains rising up against the East Fjords of Iceland, each fjord has its own uniqueness. You will continue to the town Egilsstaðir, the capital city of eastern Iceland and then move across the mountainous desert toward the Lake Mývatn. You will cross the Námaskarð pass where you will see the pools of boiling mud in different colors blended by ash and lava from the nearby volcanoes. You will walk in the Mývatn area, a genuine pearl of nature. This lake is known all over the world due to the many species of water birds that nest in the area, especially large variety of rare ducks. Youf will visit sites around the lake that should not be missed: Dimmuborgir Nature Reserve, Hverfjall Volcano, pseudo-craters and Krafla volcano which most recent eruptions were in 1975 and 1984. In the summer visitors can have a guided tour to Kröfluvirkjun – the site where the geothermal energy is generated. This is the power plant where vapor pressure is used to generate electricity (the entrance is free). Other attractions in the area: Víti Crater located near the Krafla and nature baths in Mývatn. You will continue our way to the beautiful town of Husavik which is also a world center of whale watching. Cruises depart throughout the summer. Estimated driving distance: 320 km.
Today’s main sites: East Fjords – Mývatn.
Accommodation: Mývatn area \ Husavik.
DAY 5 – North Iceland – Goðafoss waterfall – Akureyri – Skagafjörðu
You will continue our trip northward to Akureyri, Iceland’s northern capital. On our way you will stop at the beautiful Godafoss – “The Gods Waterfall”. Akureyri is a beautiful town which is a little different from other towns in Iceland. The city center is vibrant and full of activity and, thanks to the mild climate in the area, many species of plants grow there. You will visit the famous botanical garden in the town. The area around Akureyri is called Skagafjörður known for many horse farms, it is recommended to have a horse riding tour on an Icelandic horse and feel the nature like real Vikings. In Skagafjörður you can also join one of the best river rafting tours in Iceland. You should also visit the grass-roof houses in Glaumbær and the tiny old church in Víðimýri. Estimated driving distance: 300 km.
Today’s main sites: Godafoss waterfall – Akureyri – Skagafjörður.
Accommodation: Skagafjörður area.
DAY 6 – West Iceland – Glanni Waterfall – Blue Lagoon – Reykjavik
You will leave behind the district Skagafjörður and continue the journey towards Reykjavik. It is possible to make a detour through Vatnsnes peninsula and visit the seal colonies. Just before the university campus of Bifröst, you can see the rising Grábrók crater. Well organized hiking trail on a wooden path leads to the top of the crater. Waterfall Glanni is located not far ahead. In Borgarfjörður you will continue under the Whale Bay in a tunnel (toll apply). You’ll spend the last night in Reykjavik. From Reykjavik it is possible to continue to the Blue Lagoon for a cozy evening visit. The Blue Lagoon is one of the best Thermal pools and spas in the world. Estimated driving distance: 360 km.
Today’s main sites: Vatsnes peninsula – Grabrók crater – Glanni waterfall – Reykjavik
Accommodation: Reykjavik.
DAY 7 – Reykjavik – Keflavik (flight)
The rest of the day you will dedicate to the walking tour in Reykjavik, the return of the car is at the airport before the flight.