Once you have landed at Keflavík Airport, please pick up your luggage and head through customs.

Collect your rental car at the airport and proceed to your hotel.

Depending on your arrival time in Iceland, we suggest that you take some time to explore the Reykjanes Peninsula (a UNESCO GeoPark site) before you head to Reykjavík.

Reykjanes is a great introduction to Iceland’s unique geology and volcanoes, and the site of Reykjanes is a great introduction to Iceland’s unique geology and volcanoes and the site of eruptions between 2021 and 2025. You’ll see unusual and stunning features around the peninsula, including craters, lava cliffs, and fissures. We recommend a stroll in the surreal Krýsuvík area where you can view quirky colourful mud pools and steam vents bubbling away.

Reykjanes is also home to the renowned Blue Lagoon, and you might enjoy the chance to relax in the soothing azure waters.

Important: admission to the Blue Lagoon needs to be booked in advance. We can help you with that!

1 October – 30 April:

Drive to your hotel in Reykjavík, the colourful capital of Iceland. Overnight in Reykjavík.

(Approximate distance: 50 km / 30 miles, with Reykjanes Peninsula 95 km / 55 miles)

1 May – 30 September:

Drive along the southern coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula to the charming village of Hveragerði for your overnight stay. This village is one of the few sites in the world located directly on top of a geothermal area and, because of its many greenhouses heated by hot water from nearby springs, it is often called the “flower village.” There are plenty of outdoor and wellness activities to enjoy here, and several restaurants with a unique local focus. Overnight in Hveragerði.

(Approximate distance: 100 km / 62 miles, with Reykjanes Peninsula 130 km / 81 miles)

Please note: check-in for most hotels begins at 14:00 – 16:00 (2:00pm-4:00pm).

Approximate Distance: 215 km / 134 miles

Drive along the scenic South Shore and the area near the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano. This is the volcano whose massive 2010 eruption caused air traffic around the world to be cancelled. We recommend a stop at the interactive LAVA Centre where you’ll learn about the powerful volcanic and tectonic forces that shaped both Iceland and Earth.

Your journey takes you by the beautiful Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls (each one worth visiting) and Mýrdalsjökull glacier. You can opt for a fun snowmobiling trip on the glacier and (if the weather is clear) enjoy a splendid view over southern Iceland. Stop by the seafront village of Vík to explore a dramatic stretch of coastline poised between glacier-topped mountains, rugged sea cliffs and black-sand beaches.

Dyrhólaey* is a rocky headland famous in photos for its black lava arch. During the summer, thousands of sea birds and puffins nest here (puffins are generally in Iceland between mid-May and early August)

*Important: Please note that Dyrhólaey is closed during nesting season, from about the middle of May until late June.

Overnight in the Vík area.

Approximate Distance: 285 km / 177 miles

Explore colourful Þjórsárdalur valley and its ever-changing landscapes of birch woods, sandy lava fields, rivers, and waterfalls. You’ll also see the impressive and beautiful Mt. Hekla volcano towering over the region.

Continue to the amazing sites of Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir hot spring area. Gullfoss is considered by many visitors to be Iceland’s most beautiful waterfall. Geysir is an active geothermal field with many bubbling steam vents and spouting hot springs, including the famous Strokkur geyser. If you enjoy adventure, you might try snorkelling in clear waters between two continents or (during the summer) rafting in a river with water from Gulffoss.

A wonderful way to relax after an exciting day is a visit to the Fontana Steam Baths in Laugarvatn or the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir. Both places are a part of the area’s history and popular with both Icelanders and visitors.

Overnight in the Golden Circle area.

Approximate Distance: 300 km / 187 miles

Visit Þingvellir National Park, site of the ancient Icelandic Viking parliament and a jewel of nature. Here you can see the meeting point between the North American and Europe continents. Several walking trails take visitors to historical points of interest.

Then travel via either along scenic Hvalfjörður fjord or the vast Kaldidalur wilderness track (Open June-August, 4WD car needed). Your journey continues to the beautiful Borgarfjörður region and Reykholt, home of the colourful 13th-century chieftain and Saga author Snorri Sturluson. While in the area, you might visit the colourful Víðgelmir lava cave or take an exciting ride up Langjökull glacier in a special truck to view a unique ice tunnel and ice cave and see a glacier from the inside out.

Visit two scenic, impressive waterfalls. Hraunfossar, the Lava Falls, appears as though glacial water is bursting through lava formations. The nearby Barnafoss falls has brilliant blue waters. Stop at Deildartunguhver, the most powerful and fastest hot springs in Europe. You can’t bathe in these springs, but the nearby Krauma natural geothermal baths uses water from Deildartunguhver combined with cool mountain springs to create the ideal temperature for relaxation.

If you prefer a more nature-influenced hot spring experience, we recommend the Hvammsvík Nature Area in the Whale Fjord region. You can relax in a series of stone lined seaside pools with beautiful views over the sea and Icelandic nature. Though modern, this hot spring area’s design reflects the rustic charm of hot pools of Iceland’s old-fashioned days.

Head to Reykjavík in the afternoon for your last night in Iceland.

Overnight in Reykjavík.

Approximate Distance: 50 km / 30 miles

Drive back to Keflavík International Airport.

We recommend departing your hotel in Reykjavík no later than at least 3 hours before your flight departure. It takes approximately 1 hour to drive to the airport, and check-in will start 2 hours before your departure.

If you did not visit the Blue Lagoon on your way to the city on your first day but have some free time today, you might want to use the opportunity en route to the airport. For this detour, please be sure to allow for at least 2-21/2 hours extra so you’ll have ample time at the lagoon.

Another hot pool experience you might consider on your way to the airport is the Sky Lagoon located just outside Reykjavík. This seaside spa offers a wonderfully relaxing Skjól Seven-Step Ritual that combines modern and historical spa experiences.

Your rental car should be returned to the airport service area, which is located only 2 minutes from the airport building. A shuttle will then transport you to the departure hall.