On your own – Iceland’s number 1 – 10 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 after exploring the fjords. Overnight in or nearby Egilsstaðir . 

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Heading north over some of the most spectacular mountain routes experiencing breathtaking views.
Depending on season and circumstances, it is possible to take the eastern or western area of the glacier river Jökulsá á Fjöllum up to 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” whichrefers 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 end 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, leave the Eyjafjörður, cross the Skagafjörður area and 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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Complete the circle driving south to Borgarnes first, where you can learn 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 a bit out of the beaten track with a detour around Hvalfjorður. Overnight in Reykjavík.

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Day dedicated to the capital and its many attractions. This day might possibly end in Keflavík, depending on the plan of departure from Iceland. 

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