DAY 1

VOLCANIC CRATER, STYKKISHÓLMUR AND A BAY OF THOUSAND ISLANDS

Approx. km driven:

Use the first day to  save some energy for the trip. Take a walk around the town center and hit the bets early for an early start. Hallgrímskirkja cathedral with its panoramic views of the city, Bæjarins bestu hot dog stand and Skólavörðustígur shopping street are all safe bets for a nice time out. Harpa Concert Hall by the harbour is also a place well worth visiting and entrance is free.

DAY 2

DRIVE ALONG THE SOUTH COAST TOWARDS THE EAST FJORDS

Approx. km driven: 343 KM

Making your way to the East 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 stops 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 meter-drop is impressive nonetheless, and it presents a rare trait: you can actually walk behind the plunging water.

Back to National Route 1, the Ring Road, and next up is Skógafoss, a massive waterfall with booming noise as the 25-meter wide river crashes 60 meters below, resulting in a lot of spray and almost perpetual rainbows in the mist.

Next option 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. Please note that the landowners have now banned automobile traffic to the wreck and that requires you to park your vehicle about 4 kilometers (approx. 2.5 miles) and walk the rest. But that’s not too much for a famous landmark, is it? Just make sure to have the right clothing for the stroll.

Now for the famous Reynisfjara beach – The Black Beach. A highly impressive shoreline stretch of pitch-black sand, Reynisfjara is a popular stop for tourists in Iceland and not just because of the impressive black sand. But be extra careful: the waves at Reynisfjara beach are exceptionally strong and unpredictable, to the point that fatal accidents occur there at a grim rate. Respect the tides – or that picture you’re trying for may just be your last.

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 further east takes you to the massive cliff on Dyrhólaey. End your day by checking into Fosshótel Glacier Lagoon.

Attractions on the way: Seljalandsfoss, Skógarfoss, Sólheimasandur Beach, Douglas Dakota US Air Force Plane, Hálsanef, Reynisdrangar, Reynisfjara, Black Sand Beach, Dyrhólaey

DAY 3

TIME TO ENTER THE EAST

Approx. km driven: 320KM

First stop today is 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.

Next up is a town situated where the South meets the East – Höfn. The town is based on fisheries and more especially, lobster fishing. You would do well to try some of the restaurants that serve the locally caught langoustine – they are exquisite. The town swimming pool has it all for a refreshing day: a hot tub, a jacuzzi, steam bath as well as ice bath, and some pretty impressive water slides in case you need to find the child within you again.

Next in line is the town Djúpivogur. Various activities are on offer, like a sailing trip to Papey Island. A famous local landmark in Djúpivogur is an eye-opener: Eggin í Gleðivík (The Eggs of Merry Bay) is a new outdoor artwork made by the Icelandic artist Sigurður Guðmundsson. The artwork consists of 34 eggs, each representing one of the local species of birds. The eggs represent a unique photo moment, and from the center of the village, it is easy to find them by the harbor, about 900 meters walking distance from the center of the village. The great mountain Búlandstindur dominates the town and is an impressive sight with its unusual shape.

Stöðvarfjörður is another tiny fishing village, surrounded by beautiful mountains on all sides as is often the case in the East Fjords. Around the village, you have Mount Steðji, Mount Súlur, and Hellufjall Mountain. A special attraction of Stöðvarfjörður stems from the rare and peculiar types of stones and minerals can be found in the surrounding mountains.

Petra Sveinsdóttir´s Mineral stone collection, one of the most impressive private collections of rocks and minerals in the world. Her home and adjacent garden are truly a collector´s paradise, visited by tens of thousands of guests annually.

After 25 minutes drive, you will reach Fáskrúðsfjörður. Check in at Fosshótel Fáskrúðsfjörður.

Attractions on the way: Jökulsárlón, Lobster-tasting, Outdoor Artwork, Papey Island, Mountains, Stöðvarfjörður, Stone collection museum

DAY 4

THE “FOREIGN” VILLAGES OF EAST ICELAND

Approx. km driven: 157 km

The village you are waking up in, Fáskrúðsfjörður has some strong ties to France. French fishing schooners would restock and rest in the town’s port during their fishing in Icelandic water around 1900 and the hotel where you just spent the night, the Fosshótel Eastfjords, is actually a reconstructed French 19th-century hospital, built to nurse and treat French fishermen at the time. The building preserves its rich history and heritage, and a walk around the facilities will teach you much about the town’s common past with the French fishermen who braved the harsh Icelandic waters, many of whom would never return to their native land. Quite a few of them lie in a specific cemetery just outside the town.

Head towards Neskaupstaður, the most densely populated town in the area. Hiking trails in the vicinity – the Norðfjörður nature reserve –  are renowned for imposing natural beauty, and the wonderful café Nesbær offers delicious refreshments and interesting exhibitions by local artists. Horse rental Skorrahestar offers long and short tours, and for some memorable hiking to local natural sights, we recommend the cave Páskahellir (Easter Cave) and Rauðubjörg (Red Cliffs), a stunning reddish rhyolite cliff which offers a spectacular view once you reach their top.

Finally for today, drive for 90 minutes to reach Seyðisfjörður, a village of 700 people living in delightfully colorful Norwegian-style wooden houses, dating from the early years of the 20th. Century. Once another tiny fishing village, Seyðisfjörður is now a welcoming town booming with creativity with a flourishing art scene. Plenty of guided tours and delightful hiking trails are available. Seydisfjordur is one of Lonely Planet’s top picks in Iceland.

Head back to your hotel in Egilsstaðir in time for a decent night’s sleep.

Attractions on the way: Fáskrúðsfjörður, French 19th century hospital, Nesbær Café, Horse rental, Hiking, Páskahellir, Rauðubjörg, Seyðisfjörður, Fishing villages

DAY 5

VISITING THE ELVES’ COURT IN BORGARFJÖRÐUR

Approx. km driven:

Start the day by driving to Borgarfjörður Eystri. The Borgarfjörður region is known for its great natural beauty. Borgarfjörður is famous for fantastic hiking trails called “Víknaslóðir” leading to the deserted fjords and coves. The area has become a hiker´s paradise with local people marking numerous trails, comfortable hiking huts, and a good hiking-map. But you are advised to tread carefully; Borgarfjörður happens to be the home of the Queen of Elves, no less. You can walk to the hill “Álfaborg” – The Elves´ Castle –  where the queen of the Icelandic elves allegedly resides with her court. The “Álfacafé” is also well worth a visit for trying out the local fish dishes.

Nearby you will find the magnificent Dyrfjöll and Stórurð. Dyrfjöll is doubtless one of the most majestic mountains in the East. The name means “Door mountain” and draws its name from the huge opening in the middle of the mountain ridge. The mountain is 1136 meters high, and the top can be reached in about 3,5 – 5 hours hike. The view from the top is absolutely breathtaking! Below Dyrfjöll lies Stórurð, one of East Iceland’s best-hidden gem.

Stórurð is an incredibly picturesque place with gigantic boulders of rock, green meadows, and turquoise colored little ponds. A pretty little stream runs through stórurð and the entire area wouldn’t be out of place in Bilbo Baggins’ Shire. The 2.5-hour hike to Stórurð is well worth it for all nature lovers. Simply drive up on the Vatnsskarð pass, National Road nr. 94 and find the “Stórurð” sign. From there the path is clearly marked.

Check in at your hotel for the night.

Attractions on the way: Víknaslóðir hiking trails, Álfaborg, Dyrfjöll, Stórurð

DAY 6

EGILSSTAÐIR AND THE MIGHTY HENGIFOSS WATERFALL

Approx. km driven:

Pack your bags and set sails for Egilsstaðir, a young and lively town of 2700 people that is among few townships in Iceland not situated by the seaside. Water flows by, nevertheless, in the form of the great river Lagarfljót. Egilsstaðir is a gourmand’s paradise, and an absolute must is the famous reindeer steak.

Nearby you will find Hallormsstaður, surrounded by Iceland’s largest forest, complete with an arboretum consisting of 70 different species of trees. Numerous marked trails offer some highly enjoyable strolls and hikes through the woods.

Further on Road 931, you will find the tremendously impressive Hengifoss waterfall. Hengifoss has a drop of 128 meters, making it one of the highest waterfalls in Iceland. The hike up to the waterfall from the parking lot is fairly easy and takes about 45 minutes. On your way, you will also see the beautiful waterfall Litlanesfoss, surrounded by some of Iceland’s longest basalt columns.

Finish your day trip by visiting Skriðuklaustur, a house generally regarded among the more beautiful in the entire country. Built in 1939, the house is a historical site not only because it was the home of famous writer Gunnar Gunnarsson, but the lot also has the ruins of a fully excavated 16th-century monastery. Mr. Gunnarsson donated the house to the nation in 1948. The facilities also feature a museum with exhibitions and events of various kinds.

Check in at your hotel for the night.

Attractions on the way: Lagarfljót river, Egilsstaðir swimming pool, Hallormsstaðaskógur forest, Hengifoss, Skriðuklaustur museum

DAY 7

THE PICTURESQUE DRIVE BACK TO REYKJAVÍK

Approx. km driven:

From Höfn the drive back to Reykjavík takes around 5.5 hours in a straight run, but we know you’ll want to stop now and then, for refreshments as well as photographs, so we highly recommend you start the day early and allow for a longer ride back to the capital. Think of it a bonus opportunity to revisit your favourite spots from the initial drive towards the East.

Have a safe trip back home and until we meet again – bless!

All rooms are with a private bathroom at three-star hotels or similar at quality guesthouses. Located in the city center or in close vicinity.

Luxury Rooms

This category features rooms at a design hotel in the city center 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 2 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 the high probability of snow, and subsequently the possibility of icy and challenging road conditions.

Budget Option – 5 Persons Max

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. Does not fit for offroad driving.

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.