Arrival

NB: This itinerary makes suggestions for each day. But you decide on the things you want to see – and in what order. Unlike all the other trips, no mileage information is given, because distances depend on the location of your holiday home.

Arrival at the airport in Keflavík. Rental car pick-up, drive to Reykjavík, 1 night stay near the airport or in Reykjavík (depending on your choice and the time your flight arrives)

The Golden Circle

Today you move into the holiday home you have selected, which is ideally situated for excursions in the surrounding area. The attractions of the so-called “Golden Circle” will be within easy driving distance. The waterfall Gullfoss, often partially frozen in late winter, is a magnificent experience. The Geysir area, with its bubbling hot springs, presents a strong contrast to that icy landscape. Every few minutes, a column of hot water rises from the hot spring Strokkur. You complete the Golden Circle with a stop in Þingvellir National Park, with its living history and eerie beauty.

The waterfalls and glaciers of the south coast

This excursion, which focuses on the beauty of winter, is an absolute must! The first stop on the south coast is the waterfall Seljalandsfoss, which plunges off 60-meter high cliff. At the foot of the volcano and glacier Eyjafjallajökull there are other attractions, such as the exhibition on the volcanic eruption in 2010 and the waterfall Skógafoss. At the next glacier, Mýrdalsjökull, which rests on top of the volcano Katla, you can drive right up to the glacier tongue Sólheimarjökull and its small lagoon. If you like, you can also drive to the little town of Vík, where you can feel the cold spray from the North Atlantic. The beach Reynisfjara and the cliffs near the island of Dyrhólaey are also worth a visit!

The “Whale Fjord” and Borgarnes

If you do not want to miss West Iceland, we recommend an excursion to Hvalfjörður, the “Whale Fjord,” where you will see magnificent landscapes. At Ferstikla there is a small exhibition on the whaling that takes place in this area. You can drive along the west coast until you reach Borgarnes, an attractive town on a rocky headland. Here you should definitely visit the Settlement Center, a museum on the settlement of Iceland. For families with children, there is the unique Bjössurolo playground. If you want to drive further into the fjord Bargarjördur, you can visit the unusual lava waterfalls at Húsafell.

Excursion to Reykjavík

There is no lack of things to do in Reykjavík in winter. The city has a lot to offer, everything from whale watching and city tours to art and history exhibitions. You can take a walking tour through the old harbor, starting at the Harpa concert hall and cultural center and ending on the square Austurvöllur in front of the parliament building. You can also stroll along the shopping street Laugavegur with its many small stores, pubs, and restaurants. And then there is the church Hallgrímskirkja with its high tower, from which you have a wonderful view over the colorful roofs of the city.

Reykjanes Peninsula

Drive via Selfoss along the south coast to the towns of Eyrabakki and Stokkseyri where you will see many refurbished, historic houses. Passing through the port of Þórlákshöfn, you come to the geologically interesting lake Kleifarvatn with the geothermal field Seltún, where you can follow paths between the mud pots. In the Blue Lagoon, you can enjoy pure relaxation in the midst of a lava field. Afterwards, you can visit the fishing village of Grindavík.

Hveragerði

Today you leave your holiday house and spend a night in Reykjavík. But before you return to the capital, you should take a look at the greenhouse town Hveragerði, where there are three swimming pools and a geothermal field with hot springs. At the post office and library, there is a “moving house” in which you can experience a simulated earthquake. There is also a small but interesting exhibition there. 1 night near the airport or in Reykjavík (according to your preference and flight time)

Departure

Drive to the airport, rental car drop-off, departure.