On your own – Along the coastline – 15 days

A car can be picked up in Keflavík airport terminal and agenda organised this day according to arrival time, interest and circumstances. An option is exploring Reykjanes peninsula, enjoy the Blue lagoon, or mix of nature and the city. Another option is using a convenient transfer to Reykjavik and pick-up the car there the next morning. Overnight in the city of Reykjavík.

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Today’s itinerary might include some of Iceland’s most famous attractions, such as Þingvellir National Park, where the world’s first parliament convened in 930 C.E. It lies in the deeply fractured rift zone where the tectonic plates are spreading apart and upwelling lava creates new land.
Next are Strokkur and Geysir, which gave its name to geysers worldwide and Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls. You will get an overview of mt. Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull, and have chance to visit the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Overnight in Vík or nearby. 

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Today, you cross the vast sandur, the coastal plain formed of sediments from jökulhlaup, glacial outburst floods. The lava field Eldhraun is nearby Kirkjubæjarklaustur. You pass Lómagnúpur (Loon Peak), one of Iceland‘s most recognizable mountains. From there you head to Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park, one of biggest national park in Europe, to see and maybe touch Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull. Continuing east, the Ring Road takes us to Jökulsárlón, the glacial lagoon, before reaching Höfn. Overnight in Höfn or nearby.

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From Höfn the Ring Road takes us along the scenic coast to Lón and Djúpivogur, a small fishing village. There are more than one option or routes from here. Take a mountain route and spend time in Egilsstadir before exploring the fjords. Overnight in or nearby Borgarfjörður Eystri. 

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Heading north over some of the most spectacular mountain routes experiencing breathtaking views whilst hugging the dramatic coastline. You explore the hidden fjords, Vopnafjörður and two charming fishing villages, Bakkafjörður and Þórshöfn. And a detour to the beautiful Langanes peninsula (bird cliffs) is a great option. In late afternoon, drive to Raufarhöfn, a fishing village with beautiful views of the coast. In Raufarhöfn, an Arctic Henge is being built, i.e. a stone circle formation celebrating Nordic mythology and Icelandic folklore. Nearby is Hraunhafnartangi, the northernmost point of mainland Iceland. Overnight in Raufarhöfn.

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Follow the coast of Melrakkaslétta plain, which is renowned for the natural splendor of its spring and summer nights, numerous lakes and rich bird life. An area of tranquility. A stop in the village Kópasker to learn about its culture and visit the Kópasker Earthquake Center and the Folk Museum. And continue to horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi.
Depending on season and circumstances, it is possible to take the eastern or western area of the glacier river Jökulsá á Fjöllum. Amongst other places, see the splendid waterfall Dettifoss, which is considered the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Arriving to Mývatn area, there are nice spots to visit, such as Krafla and Námafjall. Visit to Mývatn Nature baths might be considered in the evening. Overnight in Mývatn area.

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Lake Mývatn is one of the highlights of the north and one of the places most people want to visit and explore. Travelling around the lake, and there are several great places to visit. For example Hverfjall volcano, Dimmuborgir lava field and Skútustaðir pseudo craters. Head towards Húsavík and explore local history and culture. According to the Landnámabók (“Book of Settlement”), Húsavík was the first place in Iceland to be settled by a Norseman. The Swedish Viking Garðar Svavarsson stayed there for one winter around 870 A.D. The name of the town means “bay of houses” which refers to Garðar’s homestead. Húsavík is also known for its coastal culture and being „whale capital of Iceland“. In summer seasons are many departures from mornings to evenings. Overnight in Húsavík.

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After leaving Húsavík, the route might lead to the turf house/ farm museum Grenjaðarstaður. For a long time it was one of the area’s chief farms, and the picturesque turf house, dating from 1865, was one of Iceland’s largest. It is a unique experience to wander through it and imagine how life once was. Next is Goðafoss, one of Iceland’s scenic waterfalls. The day ends in Akureyri, a center of North Iceland, and a very lovely city – small, attractive and easy to navigate. Explore its harbor along Eyjafjörður; its several museums; the Botanical Garden, which has Icelandic native plant species or enjoy other options. Overnight in Akureyri. 

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From Akureyri, the route goes along Eyjafjörður, and give chance to visit and get bit to know villages and towns, such as Árskógssandur, Dalvík and Ólafsfjörður. Siglufjördur is a very scenic and historic fishing village, situated on the magnificent peninsula “Tröllaskagi” that with its high mountains and deep fjords and renowned for its beauty. The Herring Museum in Siglufjörður is the largest seafaring and industrial museum in the country. Overnight in Siglufjörður. 

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Leave Siglufjörður and head towards Skagafjörður, exploring Fljót, visit Hofsós and Sauðárkrókur.  Skagafjörður has endless number of natural treasures, rich cultural heritage and many historical sites. Horses are strong item in culture and activities in the region. Then, continue to the historic Húnavatnssýsla. Visit Blönduós and head to Hvammstangi, but on this way are several places to visit. Like the rock Hvítserkur. Overnight in Hvammstangi or nearby. 

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Today, the route leads to West Fjords. You will visit the fishing village Hólmavík, before travelling to Ísafjarðardjúp,  which is one of the longest fjords in Iceland. On the way to Ísafjörður, explore the fjords and mountains of this amazing landscape. Ísafjörður is the largest town on the peninsula. Overnight in Ísafjörður. 

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After exploring the town of Ísafjörður, you might go to Bolungarvík and visit the maritime museum Ósvör. As you continue to Patreksfjörður, there are several spots to consider, such as nice villages, the waterfall Fjallfoss (or Dynjandi), marvellous fjords and mountainous landscape.  Depending on timings, you might want to visit Látrabjarg, the cliff of all cliffs. Home to birds in unfathomable numbers and the westernmost point of Iceland. Overnight in or nearby Patreksfjörður. 

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In the morning, the route leads towards Brjánslækur, where a ferry leaves around lunch time. Accross the bay Breiðafjörður, which has spectacular land and seascape of shallow seas, small fjords and bays and intertidal areas dotted with very many islands, islets and skerries. The ferry make a short stop by the island Flatey. Stykkishólmur is a town on the northern side of Snæfellsnes peninsula.  In the town center are baeutiful and well-preserved old houses. Overnight in Stykkishólmur. 

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This 90-km long peninsula comprises a world of diversity. Friendly towns and villages, spectacular mountains, a multitude of bird species on treacherous cliffs, beaches of sand and pebbles, remnants and relics scattered here and there of times and ways of life long past. Saga sites and  hiking trails. The Snæfellsjökull National Park is at the westernmost part of the peninsula, including the mystical glacier Snæfellsjökull, as well as other unique sites such as Djúpalónssandur. Overnight in Snæfellsnes. 

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Leave Snæfellsnes and head towards Reykjavík area. With option of exploring Borgarfjörður area, and learning a bit about history of Iceland in the Settlement Centre, located in Borgarnes. From here, you can choose to drive on the main road to the city or possible to go bit out of the beaten track with a detour around Hvalfjorður. Overnight in Reykjavík / or this day might possibly end in Keflavík, depending on the plan of departure from Iceland. 

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