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Today´s drive takes you towards the powerful Snæfellsnes peninsula, which is home to active volcanoes and a beautiful glacier. At the National Park, you can witness the impressive lava formations and on Djupalonssandur creek you can test your strength on its four stones. The Peninsula is the scene of many Icelandic sagas, e.g. Eyrbyggja Saga, the story of Barður Snæfellsáss and Björn the Hitadæla Champion and it is also the entrance to the centre of the Earth in Jules Verne´s book. If you want to learn more about the areas and the local folklore, we recommend you take a guided tour with the Local Storytellers of Snæfellsnes. Next stop is the Arnarstapi cliffs and then Hellnar- little village with a great little cafe at the ocean side. There are also some unique rock formations in the area with Baðstofa cave being particularly famous. Hellnar is the birthplace of Guðríður Þorbjarnardóttir,the wife of ÞorfinnurKarlsefni, a legendary Icelandic explorer.  Guðríður was one of the greatest travellers of medieval times, walking all the way to Rome, among other things.
In the northern part, visit Ólafsvik, Grundarfjörður and its well-known Saga and Heritage Centre. Not a long drive away is Stykkishólmur, where you can hike up the Helgafell.

Stay for the night in the area.

Day 2: A ferry ride to the West Fjords

In the morning take the ferry directly to Brjanslaekur in the West Fjords with a possible stop on Flatey island. When you reach the Westfjords, head towards Látrabjarg cliff, a favourite spot for bird-lovers and the westernmost point of Europe. It is the biggest sea-cliff in Iceland. Visit the fishing village of Patreksfjordur and on the way further make a stop at Jón Sigurðsson’s museum dedicated to the hero of the Icelandic battle for independence The museum features a recreated turf house modelled after the one that Jón grew up in. There is also an old church dating to 1886. On the way to Hrafnseyri visit Dynjandi – the largest waterfall in the West Fjords. For an insightful tour with a local guide contact the Eaglefjord Travel Agency. Overnight in the area.

Day 3: The most remote fjords of Iceland

Today you will continue the further exploration and drive up to Ísafjörður, which  is the largest settlement in the West Fjords. It is well known for its flourishing arts and cultural scenes and many prominent musicians and composers live here and frequent art exhibitions are held throughout the year. Most of the oldest houses in Neðstikaupstaðu area are protected and date from 1757-1784, the oldest of which is Krambúðin (“The Shop”), built in 1757. This part of town also houses the Westfjord Heritage Museum, a folk and maritime exhibition, which is well worth a visit for its remarkable collection of traditional tools and relics. If you are in for a local experience with a guide, contact the Ísafjörður Guide. Overnight in Ísafjörður.

Day 4: History of the West of Iceland and way towards North

Drive to the Strandir region via the village of Hólmavík. Strandir where you should check out the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery & Witchcraft. Driving in the southern direction you ca visit the the village of Búðardalur and the Eiríksstaðir Museum – a replica of Eirikur Rauði’s (Eric the red, father of Leif the lucky) farm. Eiríksstaðir in Haukadalur is believed to be the birthplace of Leifur Eiríksson, who is said to be the first European to set foot in North America around the year 1000 A.D. Archaeologists first studied this site in the mid-20th century, and excavations in the late 1990s uncovered a 10th century longhouse. The remains are visible to the public and guides in Viking-era costumes welcome visitors to a replica of the longhouse.

At the end of the day you can drive back to Reykjavik or continue to follow the ring road and drive towards the Troll Peninsula or Akureyri.

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If you have a day or two in Reykjavik, all museums and sights are within a walking distance, creating a wonderful opportunity to discover what the city has to offer. The area around the capital city is particularly worth exploring for the cultural and historical sights, providing the visitor with a remarkable experience.
All museums and sights are easily reachable by car, however for those who opt for the public transport, the capital area bus service www.stræto.is  will take you to your destination. 

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Today you will have a chance to explore the famous south coast of Iceland. If you have an extra day you can visit the Westman Islands located just a ferry ride away from the mainland. Below some suggestions for an extra day.
Once you get on the road, drive towards Hvolsvöllur and visit the Saga centre, with an exhibition about the thrilling Njáls Saga. At the centre it is also possible to participate in an exciting activity of sewing the Njal’s saga in a 90 m long tapestry form using a special type of stitch that was used in the Viking age.
Next on your way is the Keldur turf house and afterwards the Oddi church located in the area. This is a major historic site, that first became famous around the 11th Century, when a church was built here. It was a scholar, political and cultural center for centuries.

Continue driving to the breathtaking Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which offers great hiking opportunities in the area. Enjoy your lunch break here before the second part of your day on the road.
If you wish to explore the Westman Islands, this is where you can take your ferry. In Westman Islands it is recommended you visit the Sagnheimar Folk Museum and then Eldheimar, an exhibition focused on the 1973 volcanic eruption in Vestmannaeyjar.

Make your way further east towards Vík by first visiting the Skógar Museum next to the gorgeous 60-metre high Skógafoss waterfall and then the next by stopping at the black volcanic beach, from where you can view the rock formations Dyrhólaey and Reynisdrangar. Next up is the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, which offers stunning views over the plains and glacial brooks below. The canyon is also noted for the curious shape of its rock formations, including one that looks like a finger, where legend has it a troll is buried. The last stop of the day is Kirkjubæjarklaustur and the Convent at Kirkjubær, which is a centre of folktales of the area.

Day 2: Glaciers

Today enjoy the immense Vatnajökull National Park. Start off with Skaftafell, a place of great natural beauty with many interesting hiking trails, including a short path to the beautiful Svartifoss waterfall.  Afterwards continue to Jökulsárlón, an extremely picturesque glacial lagoon which is regarded as one of Iceland’s greatest natural wonders. Huge chunks of ice regularly calve off the glacier and make their way to the sea via the glacier lagoon.

As the next stop consider the Þórbergssetur museum in Hali with exhibitions dedicated to local history and the life and work of the author Þórbergur Þórðarson. In Höfn pay a visit to the Hornafjörður Art Museum. In the evening enjoy a delicious lobster for dinner in one of the famous restaurants and overnight in the area.

Day 3: Towards the East

Today your drive takes you along South-East Iceland and it is characterised by spectacular fjords, tranquil fishing villages, rugged tundra and sweeping landscapes.  Make a stop in Djúpivogur – this small town, situated at the mouth of Berufjörður fjord,  dates back to the 16th century when the Danes established a trading post there. Out of town you can see Búlandstindur, which is without a doubt one of the most beautifully shaped mountains in Iceland. Its pyramid is formed from basaltic strata and is thought by some to be one of the energy centres of Iceland. This beauty can be found standing 1069 meters tall between Berufjörður and Hamarsfjörður.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in the east of Iceland is in Stöðvarfjörður, where you will find a unique stone collection at Sunnuhlíð house and garden. The stones are owned by Petra Sveinsdóttir who began collecting rocks when she was a child. Over 70 years, Petra’s mineral collection has grown to the extent that it is now one of the largest of its kind in the world. It includes mostly minerals, but also other natural phenomena and a great collection of plants.

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Day 1: History and Nature of the East

When driving by the northern route towards Egilsstaðir, make sure to visit Sænautasel, a reconstructed turf farmhouse with a fascinating story connected to the last eurption of the Askja volcano. Explore the city of Egilsstaðir and head to the Hengifoss waterfall, surrounded with basaltic formations – is a sight you dont want to miss. Next, drive to the centre of culture and history – Skriðuklaustur Monastery, which is a historical site with the ruins of a 16th century monastery, revealed in an archeaological excavation in the years 2002-2012.

Afterwards take a walk in Hallormstaður, which is the largest forest in Iceland and try to spot a reindeer in the surroundings, as East of Iceland is the only place these beautiful animals reside.

Day 2: The Fjords

Venture out to the Eastern fjords. Seyðisfjörður is a great place to visit not only for its spectacular views and a truly cosy atmosphere, but also for its flourishing art and cultural scene. The Borgarfjörður Eystri region is a paradise for bird watchers, where excellent facilities provide an opportunity to spot up to twenty species at once.

On your way back to the city, visit Húsey a picturesque place situated between two glacial rivers with access to rich wildlife. Don’t miss stopping by Geirstaðakirkja, which is a beautiful little turf church with its ruins dating back to a thousand years ago.

Day 3: Hiking in paradise

The East of Iceland offers endless hiking opportunities for beginners and the more advanced. It is recommended to dedicate a day to explore these spectacular areas on foot, far into the untouched nature. A trip to the Kárahnjúkar dam as well as Hafrahvamma- and Dimmugljúfur canyons is one such option, but many others can be accommodated with a help of many local guides.

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Day 1: On the way North: Vatnsnes Peninsula and Skagafjörður

Begin your day early by making your way along Highway 1 towards North of the country. As your first stop, consider visiting Hvammstangi the seal centre before exploring the Vatsnes Peninsula with its rich history and mysticism. The regions of Vatnsdalur valley are the settings of the Saga of the Vatnsdalur People and here you can visit the stone church of Þingeyri, built in 1877, a historic home of chieftains and the elite.In this area you can also see Borgarvirki, the historic fortress and spot the unique dragon-like cliffs called Hvítserkur. Driving further along the coast visit the Vatnsdæla Tapestry where you will get a chance to participate in sewing the Vatnsdæla Saga onto a 46 meters long tapestry. Afterwards visit the Museum of Prophecies where you can have your fortunes told and your palm read on request and then Skagaströnd a historic fishing village. Next up is some relaxation in a man made rock pool built over hot springs – the famous Grettis pool, named after Grettir the Strong, one of Iceland’s best knows vikings. Stay in the area of Sauðárkókur for the night.

Day 2.The Troll Peninsula

Start your day with a short history lesson at the Skagafjörður Heritage Museum with various exhibitions and old turf buildings. To follow the historical events of the area and learn about the colorful characters that marked the history, take the Sturlung Trail around the area and information and maps will be provided at Tourist Information Centre in Varmahlíð. Next up is the picturesque Hólar in Hjaltadalur area and the oldest church in Iceland dating back to 1763. In the afternoon, visit the geothermal swimming pool in Hofsós, one of the oldest trading centres in Iceland, dating back to the 16th century.

As you continue driving around the Troll Peninsula, take the time to explore the beautiful fjords and the cosy fishing towns such as Siglufjörður where the renowned Herring Era Museum is located. Stay for the night in the area.

Day 3: Akureyri and Eyjafjörður

The North is home to Iceland’s second largest urban area, Akureyri. Before reaching the city however, take a short visit to Gásir, a medieval trading post, to experience the customs from the past. Akureyri is a city rich in culture and history with a charming downtown full of late nineteenth century wooden houses. Among many interesting sites in the city, the Akureyri Museum offers educational exhibitions and a beautiful garden with its 19th century church. Continue driving towards East of the country, to Goðafoss waterfall, a stunning location, featured in many international movies. Once you reach Húsavík visit the Húsavík Museum Centre and afterwards go for an exciting whale watching tour in Húsavík, the capital of whale watching in Iceland. In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to see the horseshoe-shaped rock formation – an impressive Ásbyrgi Canyon as well as the most powerful waterfall in Europe – Dettifoss. End your day adventures in the Mývatn area, with its geothermal wonders.

Day 4: Through Arctic Henge to the East

Make your way towards Kópasker, a small village situated on the eastern shore of Öxarfjörður in northeast Iceland, and contiue your journey to the Arctic Henge at Raufarhöfn. As you drive past the remote areas of Þórshöfn and Bakkafjörður, enjoy the serenity of the area. Next stop is Vopnafjörður , where you can learn about the Saga of the Vopnafjörður People, from the late 9th to the early 11th century. Before taking a turn to Egilsstaðir for the night, make sure to visit Möðrudalur, the highest inhabited place in the country with beautiful views.

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Day 1: West of Iceland – the Sagaland

Start in Reykjavik and drive towards Borgarnes. Borgarnes is one of the sites of the famous Saga of Egill Skallagrímsson therefore many places from the Saga can be found in the city, botanical garden with Egil‘s sculpture is one example. Visit the Settlement Centre with exhibitions that give you a great chance to put your Iceland visit into the context of the country’s past. Prepare for a 1-2 hours visit as the exhibition offers audio guides in many languages and here you can also enjoy your lunch at the in house restaurant, before driving further.

Next visit the Agricultural Museum of Iceland at Hvanneyri (Landbúnaðarsafn Íslands) and the cosy cafe in the city. Next is the visit to Reykholt and Snorrastofa, one of Iceland’s most important historic places. The scholar and famous author of many Icelandic sagas Snorri Sturluson lived here in the 13th century. This is where he wrote some of his extraordinary literary works, Heimskringla, Snorra-Edda and Egils saga, which give great insight into the Icelandic society of the time. At the cultural centre (Snorrastofa) located here, you can go for an exciting private group lecture (available in different languages) with one of the local experts. Interactive exhibition elements for children are also available.

It was very common for Icelandic people in the past to use hot springs for both washing and bathing. Today you can find hot pools all around the country, which are a great way to relax after a long day on the road. The original and still functioning hot tub in Reykholt was first of its’ kind in the middle ages, designed to feed the bath from nearby cold and hot water to adjust the temperature.

If you feel like some more adventure, you can drive towards Hraunfossar waterfall with a view of second largest glacier in Iceland, Langjökull. The Hraufossar falls emerge from under the moss-covered lava and form a cascade river of crystal blue water. On your way you will find the Europe´s most powerful hot spring – Deildartunguhver. This geothermal hot spring provides hot water for the central heating in the Borgarnes area.Stay overnight in the area or continue driving to the Þingvellir area for the night or back to Reykjavik.

Day 2: The Golden Circle

Start your day early with your camera fully charged. Today you will visit some of Iceland’s must sees – The Golden Circle, and explore a few key historical sites of the area. Begin with a walk around the Þingvellir National Park, where the first Vikings assembled forming a parliament. Here you can also see two tectonic plates diverge: Eurasian and American, therefore this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Next suggested stop is Laugarvatn, a beautiful area with hot springs and warm lake suitable for bathing whole year round. Afterwards continue driving to Geysir, a famous erupting spring which is a great example of Icelandic nature’s force. Here you can stop for late lunch and try the famous Icelandic lamb soup. To compete the famous circle head towards Gullfoss, the most famous Icelandic waterfall, offering an interesting story of the area and a spectacular view of the forces and beauty of untouched nature.

In the second part of the day prepare yourself for an Icelandic culture and history lesson. First on your way further south is Skálholt, one of Iceland’s most important historical sites, home to many bishops in the middle ages and center of culture and education for 700 years. Many churches stood here over the centuries and the modern cathedral was inaugurated in 1963. In the crypt is an exhibition from the National Museum, including the sarcophagus of bishop Páll Jónsson (bishop 1195-1211).

If you are in a mood for a delicious tomato soup and a visit to the famous Friðheimar greenhouse, make your way there for a short break. Next stop is Stöng – the reconstructed medieval farm in Þjórsá river Valley. The Commonwealth farm in Þjórsárdalur is one of Iceland’s best kept secrets. The turf house is a modern reconstruction of a longhouse from the saga age Iceland and if you are looking for unique experiences in Iceland, this is one of them. Also the orginal ruins of Stöng are accessible in the summer – ca. 5 km north of the reconstructed farm.

On your way back to Reykjavik don’t miss the Árnessýsla Heritage Museum – The House at Eyrarbakki, which is one of Iceland’s oldest buildings, built in 1765 when Danish merchants were allowed to overwinter in Iceland for the first time. For almost two centuries the House was the center for art and European culture in Iceland; fashion, music and literature spreading from there throughout the country. Next up is Hveragerði – a geothermal city where you can taste the traditional Icelandic ryebread cooked in hot steam and enjoy a beautiful hike to a hot river for a bath in the evening.

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