Golden Circle

Collect your rental car at the airport and proceed to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time in Iceland, we suggest that you take some time to explore the UNESCO GeoPark Reykjanes Peninsula site before you head to Reykjavík. Reykanes is a great introduction to Iceland’s unique geology and volcanoes. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge dividing the European and North American tectonic plates cuts through the area. You’ll see unusual and stunning features around the peninsula, including craters, lava cliffs, fissures, and the Mid-Atlantic ridge itself. You can even walk on a bridge that divides Europe and North America. We also recommend a stroll in the surreal Gunnuhver area where you can view quirky colorful mud pools and steam vents bubbling away. If you are a Viking history buff, we recommend the Viking World museum, famous for the Islendingur, a Viking ship replica that sailed between Iceland and North America in 2000. Several charming fishing villages and lighthouses dot the peninsula, and the area has a reputation for tasty seafood fresh from the ocean.

Drive along the scenic South Shore and the area near the infamous Eyjafjallajokull volcano. This volcano’s massive 2010 eruption caused air traffic around the world to be canceled. We recommend a stop at the interactive LAVA Centre where you’ll learn about the powerful volcanic and tectonic forces that shaped both Iceland and Earth. Your journey takes you by the beautiful Skogafoss waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss waterfalls and Myrdalsjokull glacier. Stop by the seafront village of Vik to explore a dramatic stretch of coastline poised between glacier-topped mountains, rugged sea cliffs and black- sand beaches. Dyrholaey* is a rocky headland famous in photos for its black lava arch. During the summer, thousands of sea birds and puffins nest here. Overnight in the Vik area. (B)

Explore Thjorsardalur Valley and its ever-changing landscapes of birch woods, sandy lava fields, rivers, and waterfalls. You’ll also see the impressive and beautiful Mt. Hekla volcano towering over the region. During the summer you can visit the excavated site of a Viking age farm that was covered by lava from one of Hekla’s eruptions. Continue to the amazing sites of Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir hot spring area. Gullfoss is considered by many visitors to be Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls. Geysir is an active geothermal field with many bubbling steam vents and spouting hot springs, including the famous Strokkur geyser.

If you enjoy history, we suggest you visit Laugarvatnshellir, a cave cleverly converted into a home for two Icelandic families in the early 20th century. The cave has been restored to show how it looked in those days. A wonderful way to relax after an exciting day is to visit either the Fontana Steam Baths in Laugarvatn or the Secret Lagoon in Fludir. Both places are a part of the area’s history and popular with both Icelanders and visitors. Overnight in the Golden Circle area (B)

Visit Thingvellir National Park, site of the ancient Icelandic Viking parliament and a jewel of nature. Here you can see the meeting point between the North American and Europe continents. Many important historical events happened here. Several walking trails and hiking trails take visitors to historical points of interest. Then travel via either along scenic Hvalfjordur fjord or the vast Kaldidalur wilderness track (Open June-August, 4WD needed).

Your journey continues to the beautiful Borgarfjordur region and Reykholt, home of the colorful 13th-century chieftain and Saga author Snorri Sturluson. While in the area you might stop by the Sturlureykir Visiting Horse Farm, where you can take a guided tour around the farm, meet friendly Icelandic horses, and try home-made baked treats in the farm’s café. 

Within the area are also two scenic, impressive waterfalls. Hraunfossar, the Lava Falls, appear as though glacial water is bursting through lava formations. The nearby Barnafoss falls has brilliantly blue waters. Visit Deildartunguhver, the most powerful and fastest hot springs in Europe. You can’t bathe in these springs, but the nearby Krauma natural geothermal baths use water from Deildartunguhver combined with cool mountain springs to create the ideal temperature for relaxation. Head back to Reykjavík in the afternoon for your last night in Iceland. (B)

If you did not visit the Blue Lagoon on your way to Reykjavík on your first day and have some free time today, you might want to use the opportunity en route to the airport. For this detour, please be sure to allow for at least 2-2,5 hours extra so you’ll have ample time at the lagoon. (B)