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Iceland at a Glance: South, Kjölur, Snæfellsnes
Visit the pearls of south Iceland; geysers, waterfalls, black sandy beaches and then cross the highlands to the north via the Kjolur highland route with a stop at the Hveravellir hot springs. Top it off with a visit to the Snæflellsnes peninsula.
Tour code: ISD3A
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
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The pearls of south Iceland with Hveravellir and Snæfellsnes
An ideal road trip for those with a limited number of travel days, this trip plan covers key highlights and also takes you off the beaten track in to true Iceland. First visit the pearls of south Iceland; geysers, waterfalls, black sandy beaches and then cross the highlands to the north via the Kjolur highland route with a stop at the Hveravellir hot springs , it is possible to take a soak in this natural geothermal pool. We conclude this circle route of the south and west of Iceland by exploring the magical Snaefellsnes peninsula.
Tour Overview
- Language
- Travel documents are in English
- Accommodation
- Hotel or Guesthouse
- Transport
- Rental car
- Driving per day
- 340 - 470 km
- Duration
- 5 days
- Duration
- 5 days
- Difficulty
- Easy
Tour Highlights
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Included
- 4 nights accommodation in double/twin rooms with private facilities and breakfast
- 4 days car rental (group FG) with unlimited mileage
- Insurance CDW, GP, TP, SCDW
- Airport pick up / drop off fees at Keflavík airport
- Detailed itinerary
Not included
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Optional tours and activities
- Admissions
Optional extras
- Car upgrade to group I or J
- Single room (single travelers and groups with odd numbers must choose the single supplement option during the booking process)
Tour Map and Itinerary
Click map for detailed itineraryIceland at a Glance: South, Kjölur, Snæfellsnes
Day 1
Arrival in Iceland. Pick up rental car at Keflavik international airport and drive to your accommodation in Reykjavik.
Distance: ~50 km
Day 2
Drive east along the south coast of Iceland towards the towns of Hveragerdi and Selfoss. Further along the way stop at the inspiring waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss – two of the most iconic waterfalls in Iceland. The drive continues along the foot of the Eyjafjoll mountains where the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano rests under the glacier of the same name. Drive on to the village of Vik with a chance for a stop at Reynisfjara black sand beach with a view of Reynisdrangar cliffs in the sea and the Dyrholaey promontory. Drive back west, ending the day in Selfoss.
*Optional tours available: Glacier hike, snowmobile tours and more!
Distance: ~340 km
Day 3
The day starts with a drive along the southern shore of Lake Thingvallavatn with views of the steamy slopes of Mt Hengill. Visit the Thingvellir national park – the site of the old parliament and place of great geological interest. The route continues to the Geyser area, where the most active one named Strokkur spouts impressively every 5-10 minutes. Short drive further there is the breathtaking Gullfoss waterfall (the Golden Falls). Further north via the Kjolur highland route. This off road experience takes us between the Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers. Mid point we reach Hveravellir a geothermal area with a natural pool where you have the chance to take a dip in its geothermal waters or take a stroll around the hot springs at this desert oasis. We drive further north enteringno man‘s land, cutting across the interior of the island; experiencing the highlands of Iceland is an amazing adventure and most memorable, the day ends in the area of Miðfjörður.
Distance: ~380 km
Day 4
Today it is time to visit the Snaefellsnes peninsula which we can refer to as »Iceland in miniature«; practically all natural phenomena that exist all around Iceland can be found on the peninsula – only on a rather smaller scale! There are volcanic mountains and craters, lava fields, a glacier, waterfalls, sandy beaches, columnar basalt formations, bird cliffs, etc. Snaefellsnes peninsula is also the only area in Iceland where mineral water springs can be found. Circle around the peninsula, then drive via Borgarnes to Reykjavik where you stay overnight.
Distance: ~470 km
Day 5
Drive to Keflavik airport in time for check in for your international flight.
If your flight departs late afternoon, then you have the possibility to add an optional whale watching boat tour in the morning, drive around the Reykjanes peninsula or visit the Blue Lagoon before dropping of the rental car at Keflavik airport.
Distance: ~50 km
Keep informed about Iceland at a Glance: South, Kjölur, Snæfellsnes
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