Southern Iceland and Reykjavík

Welcome to Iceland! Upon arrival at Keflavík Airport, collect your rental car and drive towards South Iceland. On the way, you can stop at the Blue Lagoon for a swim in the mineral-rich, warm water. Continue to the Hvolsvöllur area, where you will stay for the next following four nights. The area is characterised by beautiful nature and stories from the Icelandic sagas. 

Today’s drive will bring you to some of South Iceland’s most famous places. Walk behind Seljalandsfoss and get misty. Not far away is Gljúfrabúi, hidden in a cliffside. At Skógafoss, ascend the stairs for sweeping views of the land. If you’re interested in local history, you can also check out the Skógar Museum.

Proceed to the black sands of Reynisfjara, with its basalt columns and sea leg­ends. Beyond Vík, you will hew through the Mýrdalssandur outwash plain, and the moss-covered lava field Eldhraun. If you can, make a stop at Fjadrárgljúfur — a narrow canyon with walking paths and beautiful views.

Make your way to Dyrhólaey in the evening. Look out for puffins nesting on the cliffs between May and August. Early or late in the day gives you the best chance. Overnight in the Hvolsvöllur area.

This day is open for you to explore at your own pace. Go horseback riding at Hestheimar, try a snowmobile tour on Mýrdalsjökull, or join an ATV ride to the old plane wreck on the beach. If you prefer something calmer, there’s golf near Flúðir and Hella—or simply relax and enjoy the surroundings. All tours are led by local guides, and can be booked in advance.

In summer, you can take the ferry to Heimaey in the Westman Islands. When you get there, you can hike the cliffs, search for puffins, take a boat tour or simply soak up the serenity. The ferry doesn’t run all year, so book early if you’re going. Let us know if you need help with that.

Not up for a ferry? Drive inwards instead. Þjórsárdalur is home to waterfalls, a Viking-era farm and the oasis of Gjáin. Alternatively, you can also visit the hot springs by Flúdir, the Lava Centre or relax in the Secret Lagoon. Visit the Saga Centre in Hvolsvöllur to learn about its history.

Overnight in the Hvolsvöllur area.

On your way to Reykjavík, you'll pass some of Iceland’s most iconic places. Start with Skálholt, once the country’s religious heart. 

Stop at Friðheimar to see tomatoes growing in geothermal greenhouses—and maybe try the tomato soup at their cozy café. You could also take a dip at the Secret Lagoon, Iceland’s oldest pool.

Next up: the hot spring area of Geysir, where Strokkur erupts like clockwork. Just down the road is Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls. Finish the day at Thingvellir National Park, where the tectonic plates meet—and where Iceland’s first parliament once gathered.

Overnight in Reykjavik.

Spend your last day exploring Reykjavík at your own pace. Walk up to Hallgrímskirkja for a view over the city, check out local shops, or stop by one of the museums. If you want to dive deeper, join a walking tour or taste your way through the city on a food tour.

If you're up for one more outdoor experience, take a day trip to Fagradalsfjall, Iceland’s newest volcano. Or end your trip with a soak at Sky Lagoon, a modern spa with infinity pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and warm, cold, and steam baths. Note that kids need to be at least 12 to visit Sky Lagoon.

Overnight in Reykjavík.

For those who are on the 6-night journey, it’s time to go home. Drive to Keflavík Airport, return your rental car, and check in for your flight. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Reykjavík. 

If you’re extending for an extra evening, you have one more full day to explore Reykjavík, and perhaps do something you didn’t get around to yesterday. You can walk along the harbor, visit Harpa Concert Hall or sit with a coffee at one of the city’s many cafés. If you’re in the mood to shop, Reykjavík has some wonderful local design stores. In the evening, indulge in dining at one of the city’s best restaurants. 

Got something still sitting on your list? This is the perfect time. Whale watching, tours of lava caves, horseback riding, glacier hikes, spotting puffins, snorkeling in Silfra, or an snowmobile ride — just let us know what you’d like to do, and we will help arrange it. 

All good things come to an end. If you’ve been here for seven nights, today it’s time to head home. Drive back to Keflavík Airport — the trip takes about 45 minutes, so give yourself a little extra time. Return the car, check in, and start your journey back.