Arrival

Arrival in Keflavík and pick up of rental car. First impressions of Iceland in Reykjavík or a direct drive through lava fields and green landscapes to the holiday home in the south. 3 nights in the house (about 140 km).

Hot springs and dark gorges

Drive to the geyser area, where the lively Strokkur will amaze your family. The nearby waterfall Gullfoss with its impressive gorge is sure to inspire you. Drive towards the small town and lake of Laugarvatn, where you will find a boat rental and two swimming pools. A high plateau leads to the Þingvellir National Park, with many opportunities for pastime at the Öxaráfoss waterfall. During a short hike at the Almannagjá ravine to the Hakið lookout point, you will discover many historical insights into the former gathering place of the Icelandic people. Perhaps the kids are interested in trying out a ride on the gentle Icelandic horse? Several horse riding providers are available within the “Golden Circle” area. Relax in the evening at your cottage. (about 240 km).

Nature and volcanoes on the Westman Islands

Experience a first-class adventure on this day trip by a ferry to the volcanic island of Heimaey. Through a boat trip around the island or during a walk you can search the ledendary “stone elephant”. Those who wander to the young vulcanic crater Eldfell, will be rewarded with a view of the south coast. Nearby there is also a lovingly landscaped volcano that invites you to linger. At the Aquarium & Museum of Natural History you can look into the eyes of the various fish species of the North Atlantic and get to know the most important species of seabirds and maybe a live puffin.The outskirts of the island will reveal half-buried houses telling the exciting story of the last volcanic eruption. (about 120 km).

The price for the ferry is not included in the price of the trip. 

Discover waterfalls and coasts

On the way along the south coast dive into the hot world of volcanoes at the LAVA Centre in Hvolsvöllur. Subsequently, you will leave the Ring road which gives an opportunity for a picnic in the greenery at waterfall Gluggafoss. At Seljalandsfoss walk behind the waterfall and delight in the drizzle and sparkle. Walk further and discover the hidden neighbor Gljúfrabúi, where you have to work a little bit harder. At Skógafoss indulge your urge for action while climbing up the observation deck. For families with youth we recommend a glacier hike, where you can admire splits and grinds in the glacier. At the southernmost point of Iceland, Dyrhólaey and at Reynisfjara beach, the mighty waves and the puffins plunging into the sea wield a special charm and a unique impression. 1 night in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur (about 110/180 km).

Encounter with ice and glaciers

After crossing the desert-like Skeiðarásandur, immerse yourself in the icy glacier world of the giant Vatnajökull. In the Skaftafell National Park, a beautiful and easy trail through birch forests leads to the Svartifoss waterfall. A little further east you can observe the island mountain Ingólfshöfði´s sea bird colonies from close range during a novel hay wagon ride through the tideland. The highlight of the day are the glacial lagoons Fjallsárlón and Jökulsárlón with colossal icebergs. The Jökulsárlón lagoon is an ideal place for an amphibian boat tour and walks to the coast will give your children the opportunity to look for seals. Very young animal lovers will get their money’s worth in the petting zoo at the Hólmur farm. 1 night at Höfn (about 170/240 km).

Coastal landscapes of the Eastern fjords

After leaving the glacier you will encounter the steep mountains characteristic for the east of the country. At Djúpivogur, one or the other washed-up treasure can be found on the beach in the harbor area. In the house and garden of Petra Sveindóttir in Stöðvarfjörður there is a substantial private collection of stones and minerals in which all age groups can go exploring. The beautiful Fagridalur valley with its many waterfalls will take you to Egilsstaðir on Lake Lagarfljót, which is said to house a monster. In the late afternoon you can bathe in the village´s swimming pool to your heart’s desire. 1 night at Egilsstaðir (about 250 km).

The Queen of the Mountains & a Strange Planet

Today, when crossing the desert-like Möðrudalsöræfi area, highland mood comes up! Maybe, as luck will have it you might see a reindeer herd? In the restored peat homestead Sænautasel with its quaint café you might imagine how people used to manage this remote farm. With a view of the Queen of the mountains, Herðubreið, you will continue on the Ring road further north. Shortly before the famous Lake Mývatn, foul-smelling sulfur fumes rise from a marshland like landscape. Here you can enjoy hikes between bubbling mud springs and hissing fumaroles on a brightly colored earth. On the way to Akureyri don´t miss the mighty waterfall of the Gods, Goðafoss. Continue to the holiday home in Ýtri-Vík in the fjord Eyjafjörður. 3 nights (about 310 km).

Humpback whales & fishing pleasure

We definitely recommend a whale watching tour from Hauganes which is near your home. The sociable and playful humpback whales stay almost at your doorstep in Eyjafjörður. If you opt for whale watching with the deep-sea fishing tour, with a little luck you can prepare a freshly filleted cod in your cottage. Here you also get to know the Northern fulmar. Especially nice for smaller children is a day on the small island of Hrísey, where you will find (almost) tame rock ptarmigans and the few residents in the process of banning tractors on the road! You can also spend enjoyable hours in the city of Akureyri: there is an excellent swimming pool, a botanical garden and a sizable inner city for strolling and eating ice cream. End the day with a wonderful relaxation in the hot pot at your cottage. (about 60 km).

Trolls in the Lava Labyrinth & Hellish Crater

The day is dedicated to the natural paradise Mývatn. At the information center in Reykjahlíð, you will discover the secrets of mosquitos and bird life in the lake. In the lava labyrinth of the “Dark Castles”, your children may imagine fossalized trolls while taking a look at the bizarre lava columns. With older children you can climb on the edge of the explosion crater Hverfjall. What does it look like from the inside? The water-filled Grótagjá Cave is also an exciting underground discovery. In the area of the fiery volcano Krafla lies the infernal crater Víti, which may be circumnavigated. A walk in the midst of new, strangely frozen lava fields stimulates the imagination even further. If you want to bring the bird life closer to your children, decide on a tour of the pseudocraters on the shores of the lake. Return to the house in the late afternoon. (about 280 km).

Icelandic horses, seals & Reykjavík

The day begins with the crossing of Öxnadalsheiði surrounded by pointy mountains. If your kids want to go horseback riding, the Skagafjörður horse region offers a variety of tours. Further animal encounters can be made in Hvammstangi during a seal watching tour where the animals sometimes play and dive next to the boat. From there drive to the south and through the tunnel of Hvalfjörður to Reykjavík. The afternoon hours are ideal for digging in the geothermal beach Nautholsvík or a visit to the dome Perlan with a viewing platform and a Natural History Museum. Exciting for young and old is a visit to the tower of Hallgrímskirkja or the exploration of the old city centre with the harbor. 1 night in Reykjavík or near the airport. (about 390 km).

Please note that you can extend your stay in Reykjavik by one night.

Return home

Farewell to beautiful Iceland, rental car return and departure. (0/60 km).