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Geysers, Glaciers & Waterfalls

Explore Iceland's fantastic South and West regions
Skogafoss waterfall, Iceland © Siggeir M. Hafsteinsson

Experience all the must-see wonders of South and West Iceland, including hot spring areas, mystical glaciers and picturesque waterfalls, and witness the shimmering icebergs of Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon during this unforgettable tour. Additional nights can be added in Reykjavik at the end.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival Keflavik Airport - Hveragerdi 100km

Pick up your car at Keflavik Airport, then head to the charming village of Hveragerði. The village is one of the few sites in the world located directly on top of a geothermal area and because of its many greenhouses heated by hot water from nearby springs it is often called the flower village. Overnight in Hveragerði.

Day 2 South Coast 290km

Waterfalls - Geysers - Cliffs & Black Sand Beaches
Continue to the amazing sites of Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir hot spring area. Travel along the South Shore to Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the infamous Eyjafjallajokull glacier and surrounding area (where the volcanic eruption in 2010 took place) and Dyrholaey*, a rocky headland where thousands of sea birds and puffins nest during the summer. *Please note that Dyrholaey is usually closed during nesting season in the spring, from mid May until late June. Overnight in the Vik area.

Day 3 Vatnajokull National Park - Glacial Lagoon - Vik 400km

Europe's Largest National Park - Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs - Largest Glacier
Today you'll be in the area of Vatnajokull National Park, named after Europe's largest glacier. Visit the amazing Skaftafell National Park nestled between glaciers offering many hiking possibilities. Continue to the shimmering icebergs of Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon. Diamond Beach is nearby. Return to the charming village of Vík in the afternoon for 2nd overnight.

Day 4 Þingvellir – Borgarfjörður 345km

Geological Wonders & Powerful Hot Spring
Drive to Þingvellir National Park, site of the ancient Icelandic parliament and a jewel of nature. The park itself is situated in a stunning volcanic landscape of mountains and lava flows, on the border of Iceland's largest lake. Continue to Borgarfjörður and visit the historic site of Reykholt, the remarkably beautiful Hraunfoss and Barnafoss waterfalls and Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe. The nearby Krauma Geothermal Natural Spa is a great place to relax in a nice blend of water from Deildartunguhver and cool mountain springs. Overnight in Borgarfjörður area.

Day 5 Snæfellsnes Peninsula 330km

Sea Cliffs, Rock Formations & Quaint Fishing Villages
Explore the countless natural wonders of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Visit Arnarstapi sea cliffs with its varied birdlife and the rocky beach of Djúpalónssandur before driving along the north coast through lively fishing villages. In Stykkishólmur you can join a boat tour across the Breidafjordur Bay (approx. 2 hours) to admire the rich birdlife and sealife of the area - during the trip a shellfish plough is lowered into the ocean and a wonderful selection of shellfish and sea life is caught for viewing and tasting: scallops, sea urchins, crabs, starfish, sea cucumbers and much more. 2nd overnight in Borgarfjörður area.

Day 6 Reykjanes Peninsula - Blue Lagoon - Reykjavik 229km

Volcanic Landscapes & Mud Pools
Drive to Reykjanes peninsula and visit the moon like surrounding of Lake Kleifarvatn and Krýsuvík geothermal area with bubbling mud pools. Visit Grindavík fishing village and maybe the famous Blue Lagoon, for a relaxing dip in the pleasantly warm geothermal waters, rich in silica and minerals that are great for the skin. Note: The Blue Lagoon must be booked in advance. Drive into Reykjavik for overnight.

Day 7 Reykjavik Departure

Arrangements end with the return of your rental car to Keflavik International Airport today.


2024 departures: daily 01 May - 30 September 

Notes:

The first night of your tour is spent in the Hveragerdi area, a small town about 45km from Reykjavik, to enable you to then head off into the countryside the next day without having to go through Reykjavik. Additional nights can be added in Reykjavik at the end.

Choose from three different levels of accommodation:

Budget: 
- Shared facilities
- Standard rooms in budget hotels, guesthouses and farmhouse accommodation
- First night in Hveragerdi includes private facilities

Comfort: 
- Private facilities
- Standard rooms in comfort hotels, guesthouses and farmhouse accommodation

Quality:
- Private facilities
- Standard rooms in quality hotels and guesthouses
- Superior rooms in comfort hotels and guesthouses

The names for individual accommodations are not available prior to booking, as the tour package is based on specific hotel/price categories and not on specific hotels/accommodations. The exact location of the countryside hotels will vary according to availability- the itinerary indicates the region for each overnight stay (with the exception of the last night which is always in Reykjavik itself).

The price is based on 6 x 24-hour rental days starting at the time of car pick up and finishing at the same time. Additional use of the car beyond this time frame will incur additional days rental fee.

For other car types and accommodation prices, please enquire.

If you would like to have dinner in the hotel restaurant, we recommend making a reservation with the hotel reception desk at the time of check-in at each hotel en-route.

Nordic Travel is 100% Australian owned and operated