Highlands and Lowlands Adventure 11 days
This tour covers many of the most interesting lowland sights in Iceland, as well as being a real highland adventure. It includes rough trails, only passable in summer by 4x4 vehicles with high road clearance.
BP22 Map
Upon your arrival at Keflavik airport a meet and greet service is provided by a TOURIS representative who will take you to your Reykjavik hotel.
Highlights of the day:
Reykjavík
Overnight:
Reykjavík
Pick up your car in the morning and head to Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park, a unique place from a geological point of view and a place of great beauty. Research has shown that Thingvellir is a natural wonder on an international scale. The faults and fissures of the area are clear evidence of the rifting of the earth's crust. Thingvellir is also the most historical place in the country and a place of exceptional beauty. After exploring the area continue further inland to the Great Geysir area. Explore the numerous hot springs and see the famous Great Geysir and Strokkur, a very active geyser that spouts every few minutes. The Geysir Service Center offers a hotel, restaurant, a swimming pool, snack bar, souvenir shop, gas station, a geo-center multimedia show, horse rental, quad bike tours, and a camping area. From here, drive to the majestic waterfall Gullfoss one of Icelands most beautiful waterfall. Turn around at Gullfoss and head back to the circular highway, don´t miss the pretty waterfall Faxi, hidden a short distance from the road. Continue to the volcanic crater Kerið for some photos. Continue to the village Hvolsvöllur.
Driving distance
210 kilometers
Highlights of the day:
Þingvellir
Gullfoss Waterfall and Geysir Hot Springs
Faxi waterfall
Kerið
Overnight:
Hvolsvöllur area
Recommended optional activity:
Horse Riding Tour South
Today you will drive to Landmannalaugar area, only passable by a 4 x 4 vehicle in summer. The track passes through a wide variety of canyons, valleys, over rock ridges and black lava, weird plain of lava rocks surrounded by captivating mountains. The mountain track over Landmannaleið offers some of the finest scenic views available throughout this fascinating region. Off the track there are various trails leading to the volcano Hekla, which is in view on and off to the south of the trail. Come to Landmannahellir, a cave that runs some distance into a hillside. The scenic interest in the area is tremendous. The surrounding mountains are perhaps the most varied and colourful in Iceland. On a clear day you can see the snow covered peak of the great Mt. Hekla crowning the magnificent landscape. This area is highly recommended for nature lovers and those interested in geology. It offers numerous hiking trails for long and short hikes. The trail proceeds cutting across some relatively recent lava streams and through the Dómadalur valley.
At Landmannalaugar is a warden station, mountain hut and a popular camping site. Near the hut is a warm water pool created by the confluence of natural hot water and cold water springs which issue within a short distance of one another from underneath the edge of the obsidian lava field. Here you can take a relaxing bath in the beautiful and almost surreal surroundings. Head back for the circular highway. Stop at the waterfall Seljalandsfoss where it is possible to walk behind the waterfall in summer. The waterfall Skógafoss is a little further east and don’t miss the Folk Museum at Skógar, close to the waterfall.
The glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull are towering above.
On March 20th 2010, a volcanic eruption started on Fimmvörðuháls, a mountain ridge between the glaciers, Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. The eruption on Fimmvörðuháls lasted a couple of weeks. After this eruption came to an end a new and bigger eruption started underneath the nearby icecap of Eyjafjallajökull Glacier. This eruption came to an end on 23. May 2010.
Underneath the icecap of Mýrdalsjökull is Katla, one of Icelands most dangerous volcano. Make a short detour to the glacier Sólheimajökull (passable only during summer) before continuing to Dyrhólaey natural reserve and a nesting colony of numerous seabirds. Drive to Reynisdrangar, with spectacular coast and beautiful rock formations. The promontory at Dyrhólaey is a massive natural arch carved by the relentless pounding of the winds and surf with rich birdlife in summer.
Driving distance
330 kilometers
Highlights of the day:
Landmannalaugar
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Skógafoss Waterfall
Reynisfjara beach
Dyrhólaey Nature Reserve
Overnight:
Vík area
Continue across the Mýrdalssandur floodplains and Eldhraun, the largest lavafield ever to flow on Earth in historical time and to the small village Kirkjubaejarklaustur. At Kirkjubæjarklaustur, see Kirkjugólfið (the Church Floor). Kirkjugólfið is columnar basalt, eroded and shaped by wind and water. Drive across Skeiðarársandur, vast tracts of black sandy desert washed down by torrential glacial rivers to Skaftafell. Its natural beauty is a result of favourable weather conditions and the interaction of fire and ice. Beneath the Vatnajökull ice cap, towering above Skaftafell is Grímsvötn, one of Iceland’s most active volcano. In the afternoon of 21. May 2011, a sub-glacial eruption started in the Grímsvötn volcanic system underneath Vatnajökull Glacier. Later the same day, the eruption broke the ice cover of the glacier and started spewing volcanic ash into the air. The amount of ash fall was the greatest close to the village Kirkjubæjarklaustur. The eruption went on for about a week. It ceased on 28. May 2011. Stop at the Skaftafell National Park to see the interesting Visitors Center and for a walk. In the area are many interesting hiking trails. An interesting hiking trail takes you to Svartifoss, one of Icelands most picturesque waterfall, famous for basalt columns which surround it and the hiking trail to Skaftafellsjökull Glacier is accessible even to wheelchair. A video of a volcanic eruption in the area in 1996 can also be viewed. Continue to Jökulsárlón, the Glacial Lagoon where huge icebergs, broken off the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier float and grind together in the deep waters of the lagoon and seals are frequently seen. A cruise among the icebergs on the Lagoon is available in summer. From here, continue east towards the Höfn area for an overnight stay. The Glacier Exhibition at Höfn is a very interesting place to visit, not to be missed and snowmobiling tours are available on the Vatnajökull glacier in summer.
Driving distance
280 kilometers
Highlights of the day:
Kirkjubæjarklaustur town
Skaftafell National Park
Svartifoss waterfall
Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon
Höfn
Kirkjugólf Basalt Columns
Overnight:
Höfn area
Recommended optional activity:
Amphibian boat Tour on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
From Höfn, drive through the Almannaskard tunnel and past the colourful Lónsöræfi district, a mountainous wilderness ringed by extinct volcanoes and traversed by glacial rivers. Drive past towering mountains, and to the magnificent East Fjords, some now deserted. An interesting option is taking a boat tour to Papey Island from Djúpivogur where thousands of puffins and other seabirds nest in summer. Enroute stop at the small fishing town Djúpivogur and at Stöðvarfjörður the Stone Collection of Petra is an interesting place to visit. Continue to Egilsstaðir town.
Driving distance
270 kilometers
Highlights of the day:
Egilsstaðir town
Hallormsstaðaskógur Forest
Overnight:
Egilsstaðir area
Start the day by heading to the powerfull Dettifoss waterfall, the largest waterfall in Europe. From Dettifoss proceed further to the north and drive to Ásbyrgi canyon, a strange and spectacular horseshoe shaped canyon not to be missed. From Ásbyrgi drive a short distance to the west and make a detour to Vesturdalur and Hljóðaklettar, the Echo rocks, an extremely beautiful canyon carved by the river Jökulsá á Fjöllum. This area offers many interesting hiking trails to explore the many wonders of the Jökulsárgljúfur National Park. After exploring Hljóðaklettar and Vesturdalur, proceed to Húsavík, sometimes called “The Whale Watching Capital of The World”. Húsavík was the first place in the country to offer very successful Whale Watching cruises. The Whale Museum in Húsavík is an educational centre on marine wildlife. Visit the Húsavík Natural and Maritime Museum, one of the best museums of its kind in the country. Whale watching cruises are available daily from early morning until late at night during summer season.
Driving distance
250 kilometers
Highlights of the day:
Dettifoss Waterfall
Ásbyrgi Canyon
Hljóðaklettar rock formations
Húsavík Town
Overnight:
Húsavík area
Recommended optional activity:
Whale Watching From Húsavík
Head to Lake Mývatn. The Lake Mývatn area is known worldwide for the abundance of birdlife and its exceptionally many breeding duck species. The lake's surroundings show great variety in stunning landscapes and amazing geological formations. Explore the natural beauty of the Lake Mývatn area, the wonderland of strange rock formations. Stop at Dimmuborgir, the "Dark Castles" and see the pseudocraters near Skútustaðir and many other scenic spots in the area surrounding the lake. See Krafla volcanic system where the most recent eruptions took place in 1975 - 1984. In summer visitors can have a guided tour through the Kröfluvirkjun Geothermal Power Station where steam pressure is harnessed for generating electricity (admission is free of charge). The explosion crater Víti is near Krafla and the Mývatn Nature Baths are an outstanding attraction too. Stop at the Námaskarð pass where boiling mud pools and flashing colours of the pass merge with lava and ash from the Krafla volcanic system.
Driving distance
100 kilometers
Highlights of the day:
Lake Mývatn area
Nature Baths
Dimmuborgir
Overnight:
Lake Mývatn area
Recommended optional activity:
Nature Baths
Head towards Akureyri, the capital of the north. Stop enroute at the beautiful waterfall Goðafoss. One of the most extraordinary aspects of Akureyri town is its unusually warm climate. Although it is situated only 40 km south of the Arctic Circle, it has some of the best weather in the country. See the famous Botanical Gardens of Akureyri and some of the many museums and art galleries. Drive through the majestic mountains surrounding Öxnadalur valley and across the Öxnadalsheiði pass which leads to the Skagafjordur district. Popular horse riding tours for beginners and experienced riders are available here. In Skagafjörður you will also be able to join some of the best white water rafting in Iceland. Here we recommend a visit to the old turf and stone farm / museum at Glaumbær and the old tini church at Víðimýri. An interesting boat trip is available during summer from near Sauðárkrókur to the spectacular Drangey Island on the Skagafjörður fjord with its sheer cliffs and rich birdlife, certainly a great experience.
Driving distance
230 kilometers
Highlights of the day:
Goðafoss waterfall
Akureyri
Glaumbær Folk Museum
Overnight:
Skagafjörður area
Different options:
Explore Tröllaskagi Peninsula. Take road 82 to the north along the western shore of Eyjafjörður Fjord to Dalvík town. A short (15 min.) ferry ride is available several times daily (every 1-2 hours) during summer from Árskógssandur to the Island Hrísey. Hrísey has earned a reputation as a bird watching destination. There are no natural predators on the island, making it an ideal bird sanctuary. Drive further to the north to Ólafsfjörður town. An approximately 11 km new tunnel has recently been opened that cuts driving distance between Siglufjörður and Ólafsfjörður by about 47 km. It enables easy access to the isolated and pretty Héðinsfjörður valley, that in the past used to be the most remote settlement in North Iceland. Due to the remoteness, the valley was abandoned in the middle of the 20th century.
The tunnel is in two sections: Siglufjörður to Héðinsfjörður: 3.7 km and from Héðinfjörður to Ólafsfjörður 6.9 km. Drive to Siglufjörður fishing town, a remotely located fishing town that during the herring boom in early 20th century used to be the most prosperous fishing town in Iceland. Visit the award-winning Siglufjörður Herring Era Museum. It charts the rise and decline of the former "Herring Capital of the World" and the great Herring Adventure that lasted until 1968. Continue on 76 to the south along the shores of Skagafjörður Fjord to Hofsós town and further to Sauðárkrókur.
The route leads over the interior highland track Kjölur, "The Keel", a broad rocky lava covered pass between the giant icefields, Hofsjökull and Langjökull. Kjölur or Kjalvegur as it is also called is one of two major interior tracks leading across the country. On a fine day, - Kjalvegur is an unforgettable drive of breathtaking beauty. Drive past manmade Lake Blönduón, a large water reservoir for an electric power station Blönduvirkjun. The power station is usually open to visitors during summer. From here enter the Kjölur. Along the uninhabited highland route there are extensive views of mountains of all sizes and shapes, the two ice fields Langjökull and Hofsjökull, a black desert and towards Kerlingarfjöll a colourful range of rhyloite mountains, their highest peak rising 1477m. This is a true mountain wilderness of spectacular peaks, canyons and hidden here are strange and colourful thermal areas. Exploring here on foot is the only way, brings the thrills of all sorts of unexpected discoveries. At Hveravellir is a colourful geothermal area between the glaciers Langjökull and Hofsjökull a picturesque hot-spring area on the northern fringe of the Kjalhraun lava field, in a shallow valley-like depression. The springs are surrounded by sinter terraces and display different colours and a variety of forms. There is a mountain hut and a warden station at Hveravellir open during the summer months. Close to the mountain hut there is a small pool ideal for a dip in the thermal water. Follow the Kjölur route to the majestic Waterfall Gullfoss and further to Geysir area with its numerous geyser’s and hot springs.
Driving distance
240 kilometers
Highlights of the day:
Hveravellir Geothermal Area
Langjökull Glacier
Gullfoss Waterfall and Geysir Hot Springs
Overnight:
Geysir area
Take road 35 to Selfoss. Stop enroute at the crater Kerið. Take road 1 towards Reykjavík. Cross the plateau Hellisheiði, with a lot of geothermal activity and plumes of steam rising from the ground. Numerous boreholes have been drilled on Hellisheiði in the last years for hot water and steam, some of the cleanest energy available. Stop at Hellisheiði Geothermal Powerplant where natural hot water and steam pressure from the ground is used for generating electricity. Here, you can enjoy an optional tour through the power station and and learn about the eco-friendly geo thermal energy. Close up the circle to Reykjavík and head out to the Reykjanes Peninsula and to the Bláa Lónið, - the Blue Lagoon. Enjoy a relaxing bath at the Blue Lagoon in an otherworldly setting where lava and thermal water complement each other to prepare you for your journey home. Soak in the refreshing waters of the lagoon and have a wonderful last unforgettable taste of Iceland that ensures you will be fully relaxed when you leave the country. If you plan to take a bath at the Blue Lagoon, we strongly recommend that you book your ticket in advance. It can be booked at www.bluelagoon.com Return to Reykjavík and drop off the car.
Driving distance
200 kilometers
Highlights of the day:
The Blue Lagoon
Overnight:
Reykjavík
Transfer from your hotel by FLYBUS to Keflavík airport.
Rooms in guesthouses with shared facilities but sometimes with washbasins in the rooms. Breakfast is included.
Double rooms at most Icelandic hotels are twin rooms with two single beds. In most cases the two single beds can be put together to make a double bed. However this varies from one hotel / guesthouse to another.
Triple rooms are in most cases double rooms with an extra bed and therefore floor space may be limited when an extra bed has been added.
Rooms in guesthouses or hotels with private shower or bath and WC. Breakfast is included.
Rooms in the best quality accommodation available with private shower or bath and WC. Breakfast is included.
Double rooms at most Icelandic hotels are twin rooms with two single beds. In most cases the two single beds can be put together to make a double bed. However this varies from one hotel / guesthouse to another.
Triple rooms are in most cases double rooms with an extra bed and therefore floor space may be limited when an extra bed has been added.
Transmission: Manual
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 3
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 3
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 3
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 4
Doors: 5
Transmission: Manual
Seats: 9
Suitcases: 4
Doors: 3
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