DAY 1

THE SOUTH COAST’S GREATEST WATERFALLS AND BLACKEST OF BEACHES

Approx. km driven:

Making your way to Jökulsárlón takes a few hours but fortunately, the drive is packed with locations worthy of a stop. You would do well to make an early start as there will be loads of tempting stop to make and you will want to enter the hotel before night falls.

Ultimately, it is you who decide where you make your stops as you cruise along the South of Iceland. Here are a few stops you probably do not want to miss. First off, there is Seljalandsfoss. This may not be the most powerful cascade in Iceland but the 60 metre-drop is impressive nonetheless and it presents a rare trait: you can actually walk behind the plunging water.

A little further inland is Gljúfrabúi waterfall, with a 40 metre drop inside a gorge, hence the name (“Gorge-dweller”). Legend has it some reclusive hermits lived here in centuries past and if they did, they were surely drawn in by the spectacular sight of the water plunging its way inside the gorge. Back to National Route 1, the Ring Road, and next up is Skógafoss, a massive waterfall with  booming noise as the 25-metre wide river crashes 60 metres below, resulting in a lot of spray and almost perpetual rainbows in the mist.

Next stop is an interesting one; not exactly a natural attraction but a popular stop nonetheless. In 1973, a US Air Force Douglas Dakota was flying towards Keflavík Air Base when it ran out of fuel and had to force a landing on Sólheimasandur Beach. Fortunately, there were no casualties except for the plane, which sits is the black sands to this day, subject to slow erosion by the sands of time. Literally.

Now for the famous Reynisfjara beach – The Black Beach. (Word of advise here: You need to be extra careful at this beach; the waves can be treacherous, to the point that several casualties have been recorded in the last few years as a result of reckless wandering too close to the waterfront)

This is a highly impressive shoreline stretch of pitch-black sand, a popular stop for tourists in Iceland and not just because of the impressive black sand. The beach also sports an impressive cliff of regular, octagonal basalt columns. The cliff, named Hálsanef, and Reynisdrangar, a row of tall basalt stacks out in the sea, add to the overall effect. A short drive takes you to the massive cliff og Dyrhólaey. End your day by checking in to you hotel.

Attractions on the way: Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi, Skógarfoss, Sólheimasandur, Reynisfjara, Dyrhólaey

DAY 2

VATNAJÖKULL ICE CAVE AND THE GLACIER

Approx. km driven:

After an early start and breakfast, remember to leave your luggage in your room as you will spend next night there as well.

Driving further East you will soon enter the realm of the Glacier Lagoon. You can choose between a few departure times for the Glacier Ice Cave tour, it is recommended you show up for the tour at least 20 minutes before your booked departure. You will reach the starting point of the tour on a modified 4×4 vehicle, and while you’re there you will have more than an hour to take in the immense beauty of the ice cave and surrounding area. Remember your camera and hiking shoes!

Make no mistake, this is where you will be blown away by radiant blue domes of crystal-like creations. Meltwater creates these awesome natural caves inside Vatnajökull, the biggest glacier in Europe, and the sunlight filtering through gives the ice a magical, blue tint. If someone asks if this place is worthy of Instagram, just tell them Instagram is hardly worthy of the Glacier Ice Caves of Vatnajökull. Joking aside, when you enter the cave you will understand.

For the latter part of the day, the famous Jökulsárlón – the Glacier Lagoon. The creation of this natural wonder can best be described like this: Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, a section of the great Vatnajökull, is slowly melting. Subsequently, giant icebergs keep breaking off and go floating through a lagoon. On their way towards the sea. Some of the ice collects on the shores of the lagoon while the majority of the pieces drift slowly out to sea. Here you can get tickets to a slow sightseeing cruise around the iceberg lagoon and rest assured; even if time seems to stand still, it actually flies because you’ve never seen a place like this before.

After a day of incomparable adventure, return to the hotel.

Attractions on the way: Jökulsárlón, Glacier Lagoon, Vatnajökull, Glacier Ice Cave.

DAY 3

SKAFTAFELL NATIONAL PARK

Approx. km driven:

On your way back to Reykjavík, we strongly recommend a stop at Skaftafell National Park. Here your options include a gaze at Hvannadalshnjúkur, Iceland’s highest peak, a fantastic hike to see the unique Svartifoss waterfall (approx 90 minutes) as it plunges from an impressive wall of black basalt columns, hence the name: The Black Waterfall. You can also go on a glacier hike on Svínafellsjökull glacier. The hike is not very demanding but rewards you with some spectacular views!

Head back to Reykjavík or Keflavik Airport (you might need to add one more night in Reykjavik, according to your travel plans)

Attractions on the way: Skaftafell, Svartifoss, Svínafellsjökull, Hvannadalshnjúkur.

All rooms are with a private bathroom at three star hotels or similar at quality guest houses. Located in the city center or in close vicinity. Breakfast is included.

Luxury Rooms

This category features rooms at design hotels in the city centre with a private bathroom at the absolute best locations downtown or seaside locations such as the Fosshótel Reykjavík. Breakfast is included.

Luxury Extra

For those who are in for the very best and prefer to stay at high end luxury accommodation, please email us to info@goicelandic.com directly after booking. We will suggest a specially customized upgrade for your stay. Please note that special requests are subject to additional cost.

GO ICELANDIC EXCLUSIVE –  VEHICLES

Go Icelandic offer just the right selection of vehicles to suit your wishes. Just book the one that fits your needs and travel plans. Our rental partners offer only highest quality vehicles and service to our guests and customers with care.

Our self-drive packages include only newest models of cars in each category or maximum two years old. Most of the fleet is equipped with a GPS for your safety and comfort. Please see the categories of available vehicles and select the car you need for a magical vacation in Iceland. Based on weather conditions we do recommend a comfortable 4X4 as a minimal standard for winter traveling due to a high probability of snow, and subsequently the possibility of icy and challenging road conditions.

Budget Option – 5 Persons Max

The great 2WD vehicle for your comfort. Great for regular road conditions and traveling enjoyment. We offer a selection of cars like KIA, VW, and Toyota or similar in all our tours. Note that 2WD vehicles are not suitable for F-roads.

Comfort 4X4 Option – 5 Persons Max

A medium sized SUV with 4 Wheel Drive (4×4), fit for most travel, and capable of snow and off-asphalt travel, such as Toyota, KIA or similar. This vehicle has basic highland capabilities.

Luxury 4×4 Option – 5 Persons Max

A large sized SUV with 4 Wheel Drive (4×4) such as Toyota Land Cruiser 150 or similar, capable of nearly all traveling routes. This vehicle has full highland capabilities to drive on accessible mountain roads.