Southern Iceland

Welcome to Iceland! Your journey begins at Keflavík Airport, where you collect your rental car. The surrounding landscape of the Reykjanes Peninsula offers a striking introduction to the island, with its vast lava fields, steaming geothermal vents, and the rugged coastline of the Atlantic.

On your way toward your first stop, you have the option to visit the Blue Lagoon (optional, must be booked in advance). This mineral-rich oasis is set in the midst of a barren lava landscape and offers a relaxing start for those who wish to soak in its famous waters.

From the peninsula, your drive continues toward the town of Hveragerði. As you travel, you will see the steam rising from the earth in this highly active geothermal region. After settling into your hotel, you can take a walk through the town, which is known for its greenhouses heated by the earth’s natural energy.

Overnight: Hveragerdi area

Highlights:

• Blue Lagoon (geothermal spa, optional)
• Reykjanes Peninsula (volcanic landscapes)
• Hveragerði (geothermal village)

After breakfast at your hotel, leave the capital city area and travel south following Route 1. You will pass through the towns of Hveragerdi, Selfoss and Hella. East of Hvolsvöllur you will reach the two waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, two stops not to be missed. At Skógar you will also find a museum giving interesting insights into how Icelandic people lived in the past as well as in current times.

You can also explore the glacial tongue Sólheimajökull and the bird cliffs of Dyrhólaey, where many migrating sea birds nest, among them the famous puffins during spring and summer. The black lava beaches on the South Coast are renowned, and you can take a walk along the Reynishverfi beach or on the little beach in the village Vík. Be careful when walking too close to the waves, as their powerful pull can easily drag a person out to sea!

After Vík you pass through the black sand desert Mýrdalssandur and later the enormous lava field Eldhraun, which was formed during the big volcanic outbreak in 1783. You later arrive at Kirkjubæjarklaustur, a small town in beautiful surroundings. You can stop here to take a look at the so-called "church floor," formed by strange basalt cliff formations reminiscent of a tile floor and situated just east of town.

Overnight: Kirkjubæjarklaustur area

Highlights:

• Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss (iconic waterfalls)
• Sólheimajökull (glacier tongue)
• Dyrhólaey (puffin cliffs and sea arch)
• Reynisfjara (black sand beach)
• Eldhraun (moss-covered lava field)

Start your third day by driving to the area at the foot of the Vatnajökull glacier. On the way west you can see Dverghamrar, a belt of basalt columns a few kilometers from Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Continue east from here over Skeidarársandur, a wonderful viewpoint with views over Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull.

Past this wide stretch of desert is Skaftafell National Park, a beautiful area resting at the foot of the glacier known for its unique natural flora and lush green vegetation, like an oasis between the black desert and the ice. There are a number of walking paths you can take from here, for example through the park to the beautiful Svartifoss waterfall, or to the edge of the glacial tongue Skaftafell.

Further east you reach the magical glacial lagoon Jökulsárlón, where enormous icebergs released from the glacier float in the still blue water. It is possible to take a boat trip of 30-40 minutes here to get right in between the icebergs. After your visit, drive back via Kirkjubæjarklaustur to Vík or nearby.

Overnight: Vík area

Highlights:

• Skaftafell (part of Vatnajökull National Park)
• Svartifoss (basalt column waterfall)
• Jökulsárlón (glacier lagoon with icebergs)
• Diamond Beach (ice crystals on black sand)

During today you will visit some of the most famous and interesting attractions Iceland has to offer. Follow Route 1 through Hella until you pass the river Thjórsá, and then continue on in the direction of Flúðir. If there is enough time and you are interested we recommend a visit to the volcanic crater Kerið as well as the historically important Skálholt.

From there continue on to the world famous geothermal area of Geysir, where Strokkur, the most active of the geysers, has regular outbreaks every few minutes. Close by the Geyser area is the majestic waterfall Gullfoss, "the golden waterfall," described by many as Iceland’s most beautiful.

Next stop is Þingvellir National Park, an area interesting both historically and due to its fascinating geology, as it’s the meeting point of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. After exploring the park, make your way to Reykjavík for the evening.

Overnight: Reykjavík

Highlights:

• Gullfoss (the golden waterfall)
• Geysir (geothermal area and active geysers)
• Þingvellir National Park (historic rift valley)
• Secret Lagoon or Friðheimar Farm (optional)

If you booked a 4-night trip, it’s time to get ready for your journey home. Pack up, drive to the airport, drop off your rental car, and check in for your flight back to the US.

If you're staying 5 nights, you've got a full day to enjoy Reykjavík however you like. If the weather’s nice, why not take a stroll along the waterfront or head to Öskjuhlíð forest, where winding trails weave through lava and trees? Maybe a museum or an art gallery sounds more appealing.

Or, if you're in the mood for shopping, Reykjavík has plenty of small boutiques, vintage stores, and artisan shops where you might find something one-of-a-kind to bring home. End the day with a great meal at one of Reykjavík’s many fantastic restaurants. And if you’d like to add a guided day tour, our sales team is happy to help.

Overnight: Reykjavík (if staying 5 nights)

Highlights:

• Reykjavík city center (culture and shopping)
• Hallgrímskirkja and Harpa (architecture)
• Whale watching or city tours (optional)

Today is the departure day for those who have enjoyed a 5-night stay. Drive from Reykjavík to Keflavík Airport (approx. 45 mins) and leave the car there in connection with your return flight. As you depart, you carry with you the memories of the waterfalls, glaciers, and open roads of Iceland. Safe travels home!