Magical West & the Pearls of South Iceland

Arrival in Iceland. Pick up rental car at Keflavik international airport and drive to your accommodation in Reykjavik.

Distance: ~50 km

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. Skogafoss – two of the most iconic waterfalls in Iceland. The drive continues at the foot of Eyjafjöll 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 the area of Hvolsvollur or Hella.

Distance: ~300 km

Visit the colorful Landmannalaugar national park area. Drive north will bring you close to Mt Hekla, Iceland's most active volcano which has erupted over 20 times since the settlement, its last eruption bein in year 2000. Continue by a narrow highland road through picturesque landscape to Landmannalaugar. There you have a chance for a short hike in the fascinating volcanic surroundings or take time for a dip in the warm geothermal river at the edge of the lava field. From Landmannalaugar drive towards the Hrauneyjar highland post in the middle of the highland desert. Here is the end of the highland track and the route continue west along Iceland‘s longest river, Þjórsá. One of the attractions along the way is the Reconstructed farm at the excavated Stöng farm from the settlement period. Continue to Gullfoss waterfall. Overnight in the area.

Distance: ~300 km

From Gullfoss waterfall – the Golden Falls the road goes past the Geysir geothermal area with an abundance of hot springs. Wait for the most active of the geysers, Strokkur, which spouts a steaming column of water into the air regularly every 5-10 minutes. Continuing past Lake Laugarvatn drive to Thingvellir national park, the site of the first parliament, founded in 930 and a place of great geological interest. Thingvellir was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its cultural value. From here continue towards Borgarfjörður and end the day either at Bifröst or Sælingsdalur valley in West Iceland.

Distance: ~260 / 330 km

The travel continues along the southern coastal road of the Westfjords which winds its way along the fjords and across some of the mountain plateaus. The route offers great views of Breidafjördur bay and its islands as well as slopes with tiny waterfalls and lush vegetation. The drive takes you all the way to the westernmost point of Europe at Látrabjarg where you can take a short hike on top of the bird cliffs with thousands of nesting sea birds, with puffins and guillemots. Enjoy the serenity of the wild nature high above the ocean before starting to make your way back towards Patreksfjörður and the accommodation in the area.

Distance: ~350 / 410 km

In the morning there is a chance for another waterfall – driving up Dynjandisheiði plateau visit the Dynjandi - the largest waterfall of the Westfjords which drops down from the hilltop like a wide curtain. Then drive back to the coastal road and to Brjánslækur harbour and board the ferry which will take you across the Breidafjördur bay. While sailing to Stykkisholmur enjoy the scenery of the distant mountains of the Westfjords as well as Snaefellsnes peninsula. We pass the island of Flatey where you get a glimpse of the old houses near the harbor. Disembark in Stykkisholmur and continue along the northern coast of the Snaefellsnes peninsula, driving through small fishing towns and villages and around the Snæfellsjökull glacier/volcano. Accommodation in the area of Hellnar.

Distance: ~300 km

Explore the sights along the southern side of Snaefellsnes peninsula. Snæfellsnes is often referred to as "Iceland in miniature" since practically all natural phenomena that can be found around Iceland can be seen there – only on a slightly smaller scale!. Snaefellsnes peninsula is also the only area in Iceland where mineral water springs can be found. Drive towards Borgarnes and further to Hvalfjöordur, through the submarine tunnel and end the day in Reykjavik for the last night.

Distance: ~200 km

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