Across the Wilderness 2020 - 11 days

Day 1. Arrival

Transfer to Reykjavík is on your own. We recommend the easy and convenient FlyBus Plus transfers.

Once in Reykjavik, check into your hotel. If you arrive early in the day, you might want to explore Reykjavik’s old town area, location of many museums and galleries. You might also enjoy visiting one of the city’s outdoor geothermal swimming pools where you can shake off your jetlag. In the afternoon you could take one of our day tours, such as whale watching or horseback riding, both bringing you close to Iceland’s nature and landscape. If you want to stretch your legs, the city has many scenic walking trails.

Dinner is on your own. Reykjavik offers a multitude of restaurants and/or coffee-houses, making dinner a great way to get better acquainted with Iceland’s capital.
Please note guaranteed early check-in is not included in the price. Most hotels begin check-in between 14:00 and 16:00 (2:00pm and 4:00pm).

Overnight stay in Reykjavik (airport transfer not included).
Dinner on your own.

Day 2. Þingvellir - Gullfoss - Geysir

The guide will pick you up at your hotel or from pre-arranged bus stops in Reykjavík to the tour’s meeting point. The first day begins with a visit to Thingvellir National Park, the ancient site of the world’s first parliament. Here you can see the dramatic continental drift between the North-American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Your guide will share interesting facts about some of the interesting historical events that have happened at Thingvellir.
An hour’s drive away, the popular Geysir geothermal area awaits. The most active geyser, Strokkur, shoots water high into the air every few minutes, but you’ll also witness several other boiling pools and hot springs.
Next your group will take part in reforestation programme, located in Haukadalur valley. You can help your group plant a total of five trees, which not only allows you to leave your mark in Iceland but also for your tour group to reduce your carbon footprint!
Then you‘ll head onwards to Iceland’s most popular waterfall, the impressive two-stage Gullfoss (“Golden Falls”). A series of easy footpaths leads around the waterfall, giving you the chance to get excellent views from different angles.

Highlights: UNESCO World Heritage site with Geological Wonders – The beautiful Golden Falls – Exploding Geysers - Conservation Project

Overnight and dinner: Hvolsvöllur area.

Approximate distance: 215 km (134 miles)

Day 3.Hvolsvöllur - Vík - Dyrhólaey - Kirkjubæjarklaustur

Start the day by driving along the highway, making a stop at two impressive waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Head to the black sand beaches to enjoy the far-reaching views from Dyrholaey headland, where thousands of puffins and other seabirds nest (puffins generally seen between May and mid-August. Enjoy a stop in the quaint village of Vik before crossing the Myrdalssandur volcanic ash outwash plains created by flowing water from nearby glaciers. The day ends after passing through the vast Eldhraun lava field, the world’s largest recorded single lava flow in the last 10.000 years.

Highlights: Thundering Waterfalls – Seabird Colony – Black Sand Beaches of the South Shore – Lava Fields

Overnight and dinner: Kirkjubæjarklaustur area for the next two nights.

Approximate distance: 185 km (115 miles)

Day 4. Jökulsárlón - Skaftafell

The day starts with a drive through beautiful scenery towards Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Europe. You will also get a view of Hvannadalshnjukur, the country´s highest peak. The highlight of the day will surely be the Fjallsarlon and Jokulsarlon lagoons, where huge icebergs dance around in icy seawater. Experience up close this stunning sight on a zodiac tour among the icebergs. You will also view the much-photographed Diamond Beach area, where glittering shards of ice rest on a black sand beach. Continue on your way, passing by several outlet glaciers from Vatnajokull. Along the route you also will get magnificent views of Skaftafell, a glacier-crowned wonderland within Vatnajokull National Park.

Highlights: Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs – Scenic Glacial Park – Europe’s Largest Glacier

Overnight and dinner: Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.

Approximate distance: 255 km (158 miles)

Day 5. Landmannalaugar

Today some of the roads will be bumpy since you’re on highland wilderness tracks, but it’s all part of the adventure and the views will be amazing! It’s now time to leave the asphalt behind and meander along the scenic and rugged Fjallabaksleid interior track to Landmannalaugar, an astonishing area surrounded by colorful rhyolite mountains. The surreal beauty of the uninhabited interior reveals deep valleys and sculptured mountains, many formed by volcanic eruptions that happened beneath glaciers during the Ice Age. After a nice walk in the nature reserve (optional), enjoy a relaxing bath in a warm brook created by the convergence of hot and cold springs. It’s an authentic Iceland experience!

Highlights: Multi-coloured Wilderness Mountains – Lava Fields – Hot Spring Bathing

Overnight and dinner: Thjorsardalur area.

Approximate distance: 140 km (87 miles)

Day 6. Sprengisandur

Today wilderness adventure awaits! It’s time to head north through the very heart of Iceland. Discover hidden treasures of Iceland’s uninhabited interior along the Sprengisandur highland route, a vast, barren, black desert connecting Iceland´s north and south. With only rough tracks and un-bridged glacial rivers, your group will rely on your experienced driver to navigate the rugged passage between the glaciers. This is a true taste of Iceland‘s wild side—bumpy roads and driving through rivers are a part of the experience. (Note: If Sprengisandur is closed due to road conditions, your group will take the Kjolur highland route instead.)

Highlights: Wild Heart of Iceland and Black Sand Desert

Overnight and dinner: Lake Mývatn area for the next 2 nights.

Approximate distance: 259 km (161 miles)

Day 7. Lake Mývatn – Dettifoss – Ásbyrgi – Tjörnes

Today you will visit the northern part of Vatnajokull National Park, as well as Lake Myvatn. Travel to the unforgettable Lake Myvatn area, a geological wonderland and paradise for bird watchers. Some of the most visually bizarre attractions in the region include the colorful boiling mud pits of Hverarond and the still-warm lava fields of Krafla volcano, teeming with lava flows, fissures and explosion craters. The journey continues to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, located in the awe-inspiring Jokulsargljufur canyon. Discover the impressive 100 meter (328 feet) high walls of the horseshoe-shaped canyon of Asbyrgi. According to Norse mythology, the canyon is the hoof-print left by Sleipnir, the magical eight-legged horse of the pagan god Odinn. Drive around the Tjornes peninsula, the northernmost point of your journey. In the afternoon drive to the town of Husavik where you have the option to experience the hot spring bath named GeoSea.

Highlights: Magnificent Canyon – Europe’s Mightiest Waterfall – Volcanic Wonderland

Overnight and dinner: Lake Mývatn area.

Approximate distance: 245 km / 152 miles

Day 8. Akureyri - Skagafjörður

Start the adventure today with a visit to Godafoss, one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country. (The name means “Waterfall of the Gods,) Continue to Akureyri, the vibrant “Capital of the North”. Enjoy some free time to explore this colorful and charming town. Some activities might include a visit to the delightful botanical garden, a swim in the local geothermal pool, or perhaps enjoying the culture, art and fine food of the Listagil artists‘ district. The route then continues to the Skagafjordur area, known as the traditional heart of horse breeding in Iceland. This area also contains many historical sites from the classic Viking-age Sagas. Tonight, horseback riding on a purebred Viking horse might be an appealing option. Or simply enjoy a peaceful walk in the countryside around your hotel.

Highlights: Waterfall “Of the Gods” – The Capital of the North – Scenic historical fjord

Overnight and dinner : Laugarbakki area.

Approximate distance: 239 km (149 miles)

Day 9. Hvammstangi - Eiríksstaðir - Vatnsnes Peninsula

The journey continues around Vatnsnes Peninsula, which contains the extraordinary rock formation of Hvitserkur, a 15 meter (49 feet) tall cliff jutting out straight from the sea. This off-the-beaten path peninsula is part of the newly designated Arctic Coast Way, which focuses on the enchanting and wild wonders that border the Arctic Circle. This is an area where the sea and the sky seem to meet together, and there are inspiring views far into the distance. You might also see seals resting close to the beach. In the after-noon, drive through rolling farmlands and across Laxardalsheidi heath to the Viking Age house at Eiriksstadir. This was the original homestead of Erik the Red and birthplace of his son Leif Eiriksson, two of the most legendary Vikings in the world. In a replica of a grass-roofed house, meet modern day Vikings who demonstrate the lifestyle from 1000 years ago, sharing their crafts and knowledge.

Highlights: Historical Farmlands – Mysterious Scenic Peninsula – Birthplace of Leif Eiriksson

Overnight and dinner: Fellsströnd or Snæfellsnes.

Approximate distance: 215 km (134 miles)

Day 10. Snæfellsjökull National Park

Today you will explore the amazing variety of natural landscapes in Snaefellsjokull National Park. The park‘s crown jewel is Snaefellsjokull glacier itself, which covers a dormant volcano that last erupted in 250 AD. In addition, you’ll also see Kirkjufell, one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland. Walk along the uniquely pebbled seascape of Djupalonssandur beach. At the picturesque harbor village of Arnarstapi, you can observe magnificent basalt rocks in stacked formations and perhaps take a walk along the unique hiking trail linking the historical settlements of Arnarstapi and Hellnar. At the end of the afternoon, the journey leads back to Reykjavik.

Highlights: Snaefellsjokull Glacier – Pebble Beaches – Sea Cliffs with Birdlife – Quaint Fishing Villages

Overnight: Reykjavik.
Dinner on your own.

Approximate distance: 435 km (270 miles)

Day 11. Departure

Breakfast at your hotel. Please note that this might be a light breakfast if you are taking an early morning departure flight.

Transfer to the airport not included, but we would be happy to book a transfer for you. We recommend departing your hotel no later than three hours before your international flight

GeoSea geothermal baths - per adult
Price: 5364 ISK (33 EUR)

GeoSea geothermal baths - per child
Price: 2832 ISK (18 EUR)

Evening Horse Riding Tour in the North - per adult
Price: 10281 ISK (64 EUR)