ICELAND – 10 Days, Active Ring Road

Pick up your rental car at Keflavik International airport and make your way to Reykjavík.
Overnight in Reykjavík.

Start with a visit to Thingvellir National Park, the ancient site of the world’s first parliament and a jewel of nature. Afterwards, head to the nearby geothermal area of the great Geysir and witness several boiling mud pools and hot springs. The most active geyser, Strokkur, shoots water high into the air every few minutes. Onwards to the beautiful Gullfoss (Golden waterfall) considered by many to be the most impressive in Iceland.

Overnight nearby Mt. Hekla.

Interior Pearl – Deep Valleys – Volcanic scenery
Follow an interior track to Landmannalaugar (only accessible with a 4w4 jeep), a magnificent area surrounded by colourful rhyolite mountains with the option of bathing in a naturally warm geothermal pool. This pearl of the interior consists of deep valleys and mountains, formed in volcanic eruptions under the icecap during the ice-age, molding this uniquely colourful landscape.

Overnight nearby Mt. Hekla

Spend today exploring the Thorsmork area, a beautiful nature reserve situated between three glaciers. One of them, the towering strata volcano Eyjafjallajokull, is probably the most famous volcano in the world today. In Þórsmörk there are many hiking trails through valleys with birch trees, glacial rivers, streams and wonderful mountain scenery. As you need to cross the glacial river Krossa to get to Thorsmork, a transfer is provided to Þórsmörk and back. Passing through rough mountain tracks and crossing un-bridged glacial rivers adds to the delight and excitement of this spectacular area. On your way to/from Thorsmork, stop and admire the two beautiful waterfalls, Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss, and later enjoy the great views on Dyrholaey headland.

Europe’s Largest National Park and Glacier – Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs.

Start the day by visiting Skaftafell National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty, dominated by Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest ice cap. Continue to Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon where huge icebergs float and grind together in the still, deep waters of the lagoon.

Overnight in Hofn area.

Majestic Steep Mountains – Narrow Fjords – Bird Life – Small Fishing Villages

Drive from Hofn through the towering mountains plunging vertically into the sea that form the magnificent East Fjords. The East part of Iceland offers a little bit of everything; majestic and steep mountains and narrow fjords, forests, wide variety of birdlife, bird cliffs, deserts, and vast expanses. Last but not the least; it has a lot of small fishing villages which hold a special charm, developed because of the natural harbours in the area. In East Iceland, the landscape exhibits an extraordinary variety of colours and it´s truly a magical region of natural phenomena.

Overnight in Egilsstaðir area.

Highland Desert – Powerful Waterfall – Canyon – National Park – Whale Watching

Travel across Modrudalsoraefi highland desert renowned for its stark beauty to Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe, located in the majestic Jokulsargljufur canyon. Discover the enormous horseshoe-shaped canyon of Asbyrgi National Park that, according to Norse mythology, is the hoof-print left by Sleipnir, the magical eight-legged horse of the pagan god Odinn. Then travel around the stunning Tjornes Peninsula to Husavik village.

Overnight in Husavik area.

Bizarre Lava Formations – Geographical & Volcanic Activity – Rich Birdlife

Explore the natural beauty of the Lake Myvatn area, including the peculiar lava formations at Dimmuborgir, and the pseudo craters at Skutustaðir. A visit to Krafla caldera is highly enjoyable; among it a short walk to Viti (“Hell”), an explosive crater on the slopes of Krafla, and a longer walk to Leirhnjukur lava field. Visit Namaskard pass with its boiling mud pools and vibrant colours. Afterwards drive towards Godafoss waterfall before continuing to Akureyri, the vibrant “Capital of the North” and the second largest urban area in Iceland.

Overnight in Akureyri area.

Fertile Farmlands – Unique Viking Horse – Protected Salmon River.

Majestic mountains and narrow passes lead to Skagafjordur which is known for the breeding of the unique Icelandic horse. Continue towards the village of Blonduos built on both sides of the river Blanda, with Hrutey Island, a protected nature reserve, located in the middle of this popular salmon-river. Cross the Holtavorduheidi plateau through the historical Borgarfjordur district to the beautiful town of Borgarnes.

Overnight in Reykjavik.

Drive back to Keflavik International Airport and drop off rental car.