South Iceland at a Glance: Waterfalls, Ice & Fire

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 – 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. Accommodation in a country hotel near to the area of Vik. The hotel is situated in a rural location away from the village and so offers the excellent possibility for observing the northern lights if they appear during your stay, directly from the hotel.

*Optional tours: Glacier Hike, Snowmobile Ride

Distance: ~200 km

Drive across the black sands, glacial rivers and moss-covered lava fields east towards Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Crossing Skeidararsandur we reach Skaftafell national park, the largest national park in all of Europe. One of the park‘s main attractions is Svartifoss waterfall. From here you also get the best view of Hvannadalshnjukur - Iceland's highest peak. Continuing at the foot of Vatnajökull you reach the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon with thousands of icebergs of different shapes, sizes and colours slowly moving from the calving glacier towards the sea. Following the river we reach the ocean and the "Diamond beach" where impressively beached large pieces of glacial ice glitter on the black sand before the they melt or are washed away by the sea.

Drive back the same way to Vik area for another overnight.

*Optional tour available: Glacier hike in Skaftafell, Boat tour at Jokulsarlon (October only)

Distance: ~200 km

Leave the Vik area, driving back to towards Selfoss from where you continue to some of the best known natural wonders of Iceland. Stop at the Geysir area where the most active of the geysers, Strokkur spouts a column of hot water regularly every 5-10 min. Take a walk around the other hot springs of this high-temperature geothermal area. A short drive towards the highlands will bring you to Gullfoss waterfall - the Golden Falls which cascades into the deep canyon of Hvítá glacial river. Continue past Lake Laugarvatn towards the Þingvellir national park by Lake Þingvallavatn - a site of the first parliament as well as a place of great geological interest and natural beauty.

Continue to Reykjavik for the last overnight.

Distance: ~290 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.

Possibility for add-on: Winter Highlights of North Iceland or Northern Lights Special (upon request).

Distance: ~50 km