(Photo: S.A.)
Spectacular South and West - Winter Self-Drive- 10 Days
Über die Reise
Iceland in winter is the perfect experience for everyone who is crazy about lights and colors. During the daylight the sun lingers just above the horizon crafting fabulous soft light for your pictures. The Northern Lights, fresh fallen snow, blue skies and hot springs change Iceland into a mystical place. This ten-day-tour to the South and the West of the country will give you the opportunity to breathe fresh winter air, touch blue icebergs and marvel at endless, uninhabited landscapes.
Highlights
- Iceland in miniature
- Rugged cliffs & black sand beaches
- Volcanic landscapes and lava fields
- Floating icebergs
- Steaming hot geyser
Leistungen
- 9 pre-booked overnight stay with breakfast
- 9 days rental car incl. unlimited mileage, CDW, Icelandic VAT and pick-up/drop-off at the airport in Keflavík
- 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 € 30.
Reiseverlauf
1
Arrival
Arrive in Keflavík. Your car will be ready to be picked up at the airport. A visit at the Blue Lagoon on the way to Reykjavik can be included. 1 night in Reykjavík. (Approx 50 km.)
2
Reykjavik, Þingvellir National Park, Geysir and Gullfoss Waterfall
Drive over plateau Mosfellsheiði to the national shrine Þingvellir National Park. Walk on hiking trails along the impressive Allmannagjá gorge, visit the law rock and take a look at waterfall Öxaráfoss. Continue to the town Laugarvatn with a swimming pool and Fontana Spa & Wellnes Center. Then, the road leads to Geysir hot spring area and waterfall Gullfoss which might be frozen in late winter. On the way to the accommodation a short visit to the waterfall Faxi inTungufljót river and to diocese Skálholt just south of Faxi is an option. In Flúðir a relaxing trip to the natural swimming pool “Secret Lagoon” is another geothermal experience. 1 night in or near the thermal area Flúðir. (about 170 km)
3
The south coast with Þorvaldseyri and museum in Skógar
From Flúðir area the first recommended stop could be at waterfall Seljalandsfoss where you can walk behind into a small cave. After the refreshing walk, visit the information center about the volcanic eruption in Eyjafjallajökull glacier on the farm Þorvaldseyri. Waterfall Skógafoss is a short distance to the east. Nearby, an interesting folk museum gives great insight into the lifestyle and culture in past days. The magnificent beach Reynisfjara surrounded by thick basalt columns and raging sea is a stop not to miss. The road will then go through extended black sand desert Mýrdalssandur and the lava field Eldhraun („Fire lava”) to the small town Kirkjubæjarklaustur. 2 nights. (About 250 km.)
4
Vatnajökull National Park and the oasis Skaftafell
Drive through the black desert to Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park. A hike to the beautiful Svartifoss waterfall is worth taking before continuing the journey to the southern tip of the glacier Öræfajökull with the highest peak of Iceland. Further east is the famous glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón with its drifting icebergs. Take either an easy walk on the moraines and on the black beach or take a boat trip between the icebergs (except for the middle of winter). Return to accommodation. (About 200 km.)
5
The North Atlantic and Mýrdalsjökull Glacier
On the way back the south coast and shortly after Kirkjubæjarklaustur, the canyon Fjaðraárglúfur is worth a longer visit. In the village of Vík, enjoy the powerful scenery and the raging waves braking on a black sandy beach. At Dyrh-ólaey, the southernmost point of Iceland, marvelous geological rock formations and the wide and sometimes wild ocean can be viewed as far as one can see. At Mýrdalsjökull you will have the possibility for a ride on a Snow-Scooter or further east, a guided walk on Sólheimajökull glacier might be an alternative. 1 night near the town of Selfoss or near lake Þingvallavatn. (Approx 230 km away.)
6
Lava waterfalls - Hraunfossar
Drive through the national park Þingvellir and the valley Mosfellsdalur towards the coast. Through the tunnel under the fjord Hvalfjörður proceed to Saga Centre in Reykholt, where you will have the incredible chance to enter the world of mythology and ocean voyages. Continue to the lava waterfalls Hraunfossar which burst out of lava field and take a stroll to the wonderful waterfall Barnafoss. In the village of Borgarnes, head to the Settlement Center and experience two unique exhibitions that tell the story of the first settlers. 1 night in the village of Borgarnes. (About 200 km.)
7
Snæfellsnes, Snæfellsjökull Glacier & Stykkishólmur
On the way to the long Snæfellsnes peninsula, explore the mighty basalt columns Gerðuberg. Near the farm Hof in Ytri-Tunga might be a chance to see seals on the coast or off the coast, before continuing the journey. Hotel Búðir with its fantastic yellow sand dunes is worth a visit before heading to the port of Arnarstapi. Hiking along the wonderful rocky coastline is a popular activity. The tiny village Hellnar just west of Arnarstapi has a perfectly located little restaurant worth stopping at. In Hellnar, a visit to the information center about the National Park Snæfellsjökull is definitely recommended. The road leads to the west of Snæfellsjökull glacier with quite a few interesting geological places e. g. the rock formations of Lóndrangar, the beach Djúpalónssandur and the lighthouse Svörtuloft. The accommodation will be in the fishing village Grundarfjörður. 1 night. (Approximately 150 m.)
8
Shark fishing & village Stykkishólmur
In Grundarfjöður you could start your day on a whale watching tour that provides an opportunity to see orcas as they are feeding, travelling and socializing. Drive to farm Bjarnarhöfn to explore a private museum about the history of shark fishing in Iceland. Then drive into the fishing village of Stykkishólmur. A nice option is to go on a boat trip on the bay Breiðafjörður with its numerous islands and an extremely diverse birdlife. A taste of fresh scallops straight from the sea on the Viking Sushi Adventure might be right for you. Just south of Stykkishólmur an easy hike is up the “holy mountain” Helgafell: one is not supposed to look back on the way up, then make a wish on the top! 1 night in Stykkishólmur (About 100 km.)
9
Reykjavík
On the way back to Reykjavík choose between two routes: One is the route into the idyllic and secluded fjord Hvalfjörður or, alternatively, a shortcut through the tunnel under the Hvalfjörður. In Reykjavík, definitely take a stroll in the city center visiting the church Hallgrímskirkja, the town hall by the pond “Tjörnin” and the old harbor. From the panoramic platform Perlan there is a wonderful view over the city and its surroundings. The Blue Lagoon can also be an option as a half day trip or just any of the many swimming pools in Reykjavik with all their hot tubs and saunas. A number of museums and galleries are also located in the nearest neighborhood of downtown. 1 night in Reykjavík or near the airport
10
Departure
Drive to Keflavík Airport and catch your flight back. (Approx. 50 km.)
Anreise
Zu den Flugverbindungen und Informationen zur Flugbuchung.
Wir bieten die Anreise nach Island mit der Fähre Smyril-Line ab Hirtshals in Dänemark an. Sie können mit dem eigenen Fahrzeug anreisen oder haben die Möglichkeit, ber der Ankunft in Seyðisfjörður, im Osten Islands, einen Mietwagen übernehmen. Wir machen Ihnen gerne ein individuelles Angebot mit Reiseroute und Unterkünften.
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