Arrival

Your jeep will be waiting for you upon arrival at Keflaví­k airport. On the way into the city, you can take an optional detour to the Blue Lagoon Spa for a relaxing bath. 1 night in Reykjaví­k (ca. 50 km)

Reykjavík, National Park Þingvellir & the historic bishop’s residence Skálholt

Drive along the pipeline that supplies Reykjavík with hot water into the geothermal area Nesjavellir and continue around Lake Þingvallavatn to National Park Þingvellir, recently included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Drive further through the Lyngdalsheiði area to Lake Laugarvatn and further towards the historic bishop’s residence in Skálholt. Continue along the glacier river Þjórsá and the volcano Hekla to reach the highland centre Hrauneyjar. 2 nights in Hrauneyjar. (ca. 200 km)

Landmannalaugar and Volcano Hekla

Today you will experience the colourful rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar. After a short stop at the explosion crater Ljótipollur an extraordinary hiking area will come in view. You can hike in the obsidian lava field and take a relaxing bath in the warm nature springs. Through the scenic Dómadalur valley with the famous cave Landmannahellir and the ash desert along Hekla volcano you will get back to your accomodation. If your time schedule allows it and you are not too tired yet, you can experience the interesting young volcanic region Veiðivötn with its many lakes on a short detour in the evening. (ca. 150/230 km)

The interior Sprengisandur

Today should be interesting for those who like driving on gravel roads (in various conditions) and crossing unbridged rivers. Europe‘s vastest desert between the two majestic glaciers Hofsjökull and Vatnajökull towards the north part of the country. The glacier Vatnajökull is the largest glacier in Europe, covering 8400 km² of Iceland. Make sure to stop for a view of the beautiful waterfall Aldeyjarfoss, surrounded by basalt columns. When you reach the ring road again, be sure not to miss the “waterfall of the gods” Goðafoss. 2 nights near Lake Mývatn or the fishing village of Húsavík. (ca. 300 km)

Jökulsárgljúfur in Europe’s biggest National Park

Driving through Aðaldalur valley alongside the river Laxá the route will lead to the fishing village of Húsavík, with options of a whale watching tours or a visit to some of the town’s many museums. Continue around Tjörnes peninsula to Jökulsárgljúfur, part of Europe’s largest national park, where some of the main attractions of Iceland can be seen, e.g. the continent’s most powerful waterfall Dettifoss, the horseshoe shaped lava canyon Ásbyrgi and the “echoing cliffs” of Hljóðaklettar. On the way back a short walk past the sulphur springs in Námaskarð or a relaxing bath in the Nature Baths near Lake Mývatn are options to end the day. (ca. 250 km)

Nature paradise Lake Mývatn

The area around Lake Mývatn has many things to offer! Various short hikes can be recommended e. g. to the pseudocraters of Skútustaðir, the lava labyrinth of Dimmuborgir, explosion crater Hverfjall or the new lava from the volcano Krafla. On the way from Mývatn drive along the west side of the lake to Akureyri, the “capital” of Northern Iceland, and over the mountain pass of Öxnadalsheiði into the horse-breeding area Skagafjörður. The folk museum in Glaumbær as well as the horse farm Flugumýri are well worth a visit, before reaching the over night stay. 1 night in the Skagafjörður region. (ca. 250 km)

Kjölur and Hveravellir - Geysir and Gullfoss

Today you take the Kjölur route due south again. Stop in the geothermal area Hveravellir on your way over Kjölur. There you have the opportunity to take a bath in a warm natural pool. Continue your drive along the gravel road until you reach the waterfall Gullfoss. A bit further you will find the hot spring area at the old Geysir, where you can see Iceland‘s most famous example of geothermal activity before heading back to Reykjavík. 1 night. (ca. 200 km)

Departure

Drive to the airport in Keflaví­k, where you return the rental car before catching your flight back.