Around Iceland with Hikes - 11 Days

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Geysir Strokkur erupting

Glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón

The mighty waterfall Dettifoss in the north-east of Iceland

Vulcanic eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in 2010

Über die Reise

Our motto for 35 years has been „walk and enjoy“. On this classic round trip you will be able to explore Icleand´s untouched nature on foot. We have laid out for you an itinerary with detailed hike descriptions previously created for our group tours. Several exciting areas suitable for 2-5 hour long hikes will await you to explore with numerous diverse tours and attractions along the way. You will discover in one route the best Iceland has to offer while experiencing up close the contrasts and wonders of the country‘s nature. We will secure your accommodation and rental car for a hassle free, enjoyable vacation. Detailed route description and further information upon booking.

Highlights

Hike and walk along beautiful trails
Delight in hot springs, glaciers and magnificent waterfalls
Hike on Vatnajökull, Europe´s largest glacier
Wander in the massive East Fjords and in Jökulsárgljúfur National Park
Enjoy the volcanic lake Mývatn and nature baths
Visit the horse abundant Skagafjörður and Akureyri, the capital of the North

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Leistungen

10 nights in three-star hotels or guesthouses, incl. breakfast
10 days rental car, incl. unlimited mileage, CDW, Icelandic VAT and pick-up/drop-off at the airport in Keflavík
Detailed itinerary for each day and hiking descriptions
Location description of your accommodation
Road map 1:500 000
Iceland Road and Travel Guide
VAT and accommodation tax
Insolvency Insurance

Not included:
Fuel, meals other than breakfast, admission to museums/exhibitions, GPS system and tunnel toll (Hvalfjörður). Extra driver €45.

Reiseverlauf

Arrival

The rental car will be at Keflavík airport upon arrival. An optional detour can be a relaxing dip in the Blue Lagoon Spa on the way into the city. (reservation is required in the summer). 1 night in Reykjavík (ca. 50 km)

Reykjavík, National Park Þingvellir & hot springs at Geysir and waterfall Gullfoss

Drive through the geothermal area of Nesjavellir, passing a geothermal power station, and around Lake Þingvallavatn into Þingvellir National Park, which was recently added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Drive across the mountain plateau of Lyngdalsheiði to the small village Laugarvatn. From there continue to the unique hot spring area at Geysir and the breath-taking waterfall Gullfoss. Here we suggest a hike along the Gullfoss gorge which will take about two hours. On the way to the accommodation, an optional stop can be at the historical cathedral site at Skálholt or at some of the Greenhouse farms for fresh vegetables. 1 night in or near the geothermal area of Flúðir (ca. 170 km)

The South Coast and the Local Heritage Museum in Skógar

Drive down to the south coast with a stop at the waterfall Seljalandsfoss, where you have the opportunity to walk behind the waterfall. Nearby, in Skógar, we recommend a visit to the local folk museum, as well as a hike along the river Skógá towards the infamous volcano and glacier Eyjafjallajökull (1-2 hours). A visit to the museum about the volcanic eruption of Eyjafjallajökull glacier at the farm Þorvaldseyri is also very interesting. Continue to the next stop at the bird cliff peninsula Dyrhólaey and drive to the top to see the archway beneath (closed during the nesting period until the end of June). We also recommend a short walk along the coast of Reynisfjara. After crossing the black desert sands of Mýrdalssandur and the lava field „Eldhraun“ (the fire lava), you will reach the accommodation in the area around Kirkjubæjarklaustur. 1 night (ca. 250 km).

Vatnajökull glacier national park

A drive through the black sandy deserts of Skeiðarársandur will lead to Skaftafell in Europe’s largest national park at Vatnajökull glacier. A hike to the stunning waterfall Svartifoss, known for its impressive basalt columns is recommended, before driving alongside the glacier Öræfajökull with Iceland’s highest peak, Hvannadalshnjúkur (2110m). We recommend a short stop at the old Danish trading place of Djúpivogur, where you can take the so called „birdwalk“, as well as visiting the country‘s largest mineral collection, founded by Mrs Petra Sveinsdóttir in Stöðvarfjörður. Driving further through the „beautiful valley“ Fagridalur, with its many waterfalls, you will eventually reach the largest town in the region, Egilsstaðir. 1 night in or near Egilsstaðir (ca. 250 km).

The dramatic fjords of the East

A visit to the lobster village of Höfn with a fantastic view at the glacier Vatnajökull can be an option before driving through the jagged fjord landscape of the east. A short stop at the old Danish trading post Djúpivogur, where a ”bird walk” can be taken, on the drive further east is the country’s largest mineral collection, founded by Mrs Petra Sveinsdóttir, in Stöðvarfjörður. Driving further through the tunnel by Fárskrúðsfjordur and throguh the ”beautiful valley” Fagridalur, with its many waterfalls will eventually lead to the largest town in the region, Egilsstaðir. 2 nights in or near Egilsstaðir (ca. 250 km)

An Icelandic forest and the waterfall Litlanesfoss

Today you drive to the biggest forest in Iceland, Hallormsstaðarskógur, which offers a variety of hiking options. After crossing the river Lagarfljót, you can hike to the waterfall Litlanesfoss. This trip can easily be extended all the way to the Hengifoss, the second highest waterfall in Iceland. After this we recommend a visit to the museum and archaelogical site at Skriðuklaustur. Nearby, you can learn more about the unique geological and natural phenomena in Europe‘s biggest national park, Vatnajökullþjóðgarður. For lunch or dinner we provide you with the location of a lovely small restaurant that is highly recommended.

Jökulsárgljúfur in Europe‘s biggest National Park

On your way through the desolate landscape of Möðrudalsöræfi, you can take the old ring road and visit a gem of a secluded café before reaching the magnificent canyon of Jökulsárgljúfur. Here you will find some of the main attractions in Iceland, including the continent‘s most powerful waterfall Dettifoss, the vast horse shoe shaped lava canyon Ásbyrgi and the „echo cliffs“ of Hljóðaklettar. This area also offers a number of hiking routes. Your journey continues around the Tjörnes peninsula to the fishing village Húsavík, where you have the opportunity to go whale watching or to visit one of the town‘s many museums. 2 nights near Húsavík or Lake Mývatn (ca. 250 km).

Nature paradise at Lake Mývatn

The area around Lake Mývatn offers many spectacular and unique sites. Following hikes can be an option: Dimmuborgir (1 hour), a hike up the crater Hverfjall (2 hours), the new lava fields around Krafla (2 hours) and a visit to the sulphur springs in Námaskarð. Finally, a relaxing swim in the “Blue Lagoon of the North” can be enjoyed. (ca. 150 km).

Akureyri and Skagafjörður

On the way to the charming “capital” of North Iceland, Akureyri, a stop at the waterfall Goðafoss is a must! When in Akureyri, we recommend a walk around town that includes the botanical garden, the church and the birthplace of writer Jón “Nonni” Sveinsson. Drive over the mountain pass Öxnadalsheiði and into the area of Skagafjörður, renouned for its horses, where the folk museum Glaumbær is well worth a visit. In Skagafjörður, we recommend an ambitious hike to the top of the mountain Mælifellshnúkur (3-4 hours), an easier hike along the river from the farm Reykir to the waterfall Reykjafoss (2 hours) or a river-rafting trip from the farm Bakkaflöt. 1 night in the area of Skagafjörður (ca. 200 km)

Back to Reykjavík

Drive on the ring road towards Reykjavík. In the Borgarfjörður area we recommend a hike on the mountain Grábrók and to the waterfall Glanni or you can take a short detour to visit Reykholt with its Saga museum and Deildartunguhver, Europe‘s largest hot water spring. A detour drive around the scenic Hvalfjörður fjord can be taken or just drive the faster route through a tunnel under the fjord to spend more time in Reykjavík. Once you arrive in the Icelandic capital, take a sightseeing walk to the old harbour, the cathedral-like church Hallgrímskirkja and take in the panoramic view of the city from the futuristic strurcture at Perlan. We especially recommend a sight-seeing voyage on the traditional fishing boat Lundi RE 20, which departs from the old harbour located downtown. In the evening, you can relax with the natives in one of Reykjavík‘s many outdoor geothermally heated swimming pools. 1 night in Reykjavík (ca. 200 km).