Snæfellsnes & the Diamonds of North Iceland

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

Distance: ~50 km

First highlight of the day will be Thingvellir national park - the site of the first parliament, founded in 930. Thingvellir was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its cultural value. The Thingvellir Lake with its surroundings is a place of great geological interest. From there you continue by Kaldidalur highland route which takes you close to Langjökull glacier. Taking this route also gives you the chance for an optional Into the Glacier tour on Langjökull. Continue towards Borgarfjorður, stopping at the Hraunfossar waterfalls where cold springs of subterranean water seep through the lava and run as tiny waterfalls and rapids into the Hvita glacial river. Drive through the historic Reykholt and stop at the geyser Deildartunguhver with a chance to visit Krauma baths & spa take a relaxing soak in the geothermal water from the hot springs. Accommodation in Borgarnes.

Distance: ~200 km

Make a day tour to one of the most beautiful parts of Iceland, Snaefellsnes peninsula. Starting along the southern shore of the peninsula we can observe most of the natural phenomena that can be found around Iceland – only on a much smaller scale: lava fields, volcanic craters, glacier, waterfalls, sandy beaches, charming fishing towns, bird cliffs and more. On Snæfellsnes peninsula you will also find one of the most photographed Icelandic mountains – Mr.Kirkjufell. From Stykkishólmur there is also a possibility to take a short optional boat tour around the Islands of Breidafjördur. Return to Borgarnes for another overnight.

Distance: ~400 km

Drive north along the ring road will take you across the Holtavörðuheiði heath over into Hrutafjordur and further along the fjords, through green pastures and valleys towards Blönduós and Skagafjordur with possibilities for several detours along the way. Holar in Hjaltadalur with the old cathedral is one of the historical sights of interest on the „Troll peninsula“. In Siglufjordur you have the opportunity to visit the award-winning Herring Era museum that will give you a glimpse into the times when this charming little village was a thriving fishing town. The route then continues through three tunnels and along the coastal road to Akureyri where you stay the next 2 nights.

Distance: ~450 km

Daytour to some of the most impressive sights in north Iceland. Godafoss waterfall is one of the gems in the nature of North Iceland and also played an important part in the historical events. From here you continue to Lake Myvatn area where you spend the day exploring the natural volcanic wonders: entering the Rift zone and along the way you will see clear signs of past activity, as recent as 1975-84. Among the highlights of the day are pseudocraters at Skutustadir, Dimmuborgir (The Dark Castle) and the solfatara field at Namaskard with its boiling mud pits and steam vents.

In summer months the Lake is teeming with bird life as various bird and duck species come nesting in the surroundings of the lake. A stop at the Mývatn Nature Baths where there is a possibility for a relaxing dip in the geothermal lagoon is a perfect way to end the day of sightseeing before returning to Akureyri for another overnight.

Distance: ~250 km

From Akureyri by the ring road back west towards Varmahlid and further south via the Kjölur highland road. A stop at Hveravellir hot spring area gives you a chance for a quick dip in the natural geothermal pool or a stroll around the boiling hot springs. The road further south goes in between the Langjokull and Hofsjokull glaciers across the desert land. Passing the glacial lake of Hvitarvatn we reach Gullfoss waterfall – the Golden Falls and visit the Geysir area where we wait for most active of the geysers Strokkur to spout - usually every 5-10 minutes! Accommodation in the area.

Distance: ~300 km

Drive south towards Selfoss and further east along the ring road which will bring you to Seljalandsfoss and 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. Head back west ending the day in Reykjavik for the last overnight.

Distance: ~400 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