Step 1
Reykjavik
Reykjavik, the capital city, is a vibrant city known for its unique blend of modern culture and natural beauty. Located on the southwest coast, it offers stunning views of mountains and the sea.
This comprehensive tour of Iceland in winter will take you away from the trips traditionally organized at this time of year. Between sea and mountains, deserts and fjords, volcanoes and pastures, lakes and rivers, you will discover the full range of landscapes of this extraordinary island. Jules Verne imagined that it was possible to begin a Journey to the Center of the Earth from Iceland. From the slopes of the volcano-glaciers Snæfellsjökull to those of Eyjafjallajökull, from the glacial lagoon of Jökulsárlón to the steaming lava of the Krafla volcano, from the trembling of geysers to the roar of a thousand and one waterfalls, it is perhaps not at the center of the Earth that you will be evolving, but all around a multiple universe with incredibly diverse and always spectacular landscapes. And of course, that’s without considering the infinite pleasure of bathing in natural hot springs, lost in the middle of nowhere and enjoying the northern lights.
Regions visited during this trip to Iceland : Highlands & the North| Snaefellsnes & Westfjords | South Coast wonders | East wildness
N.B.: This trip to Iceland is an individual tailor-made tour, to be personalized with our Iceland specialist advisors.
Step 1
Reykjavik, the capital city, is a vibrant city known for its unique blend of modern culture and natural beauty. Located on the southwest coast, it offers stunning views of mountains and the sea.
Step 2
The Golden Circle is showcasing three of the country's most famous natural landmarks: Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. This loop offers a glimpse into Iceland's unique geology, including volcanic landscapes, geysers, and powerful waterfalls.
Step 3
Höfn is a small fishing town in southeast Iceland, famous for its stunning views of the Vatnajökull glacier. It is well known for its lobster catches and its peaceful atmosphere by the Atlantic Ocean.
Step 4
Egilsstaðir is the main town in East Iceland, located by the Lagarfljót River. It is known as a gateway to the Eastfjords and for its diverse natural landscapes.
Step 5
Mývatn is a volcanic lake in northern Iceland, surrounded by unique geological formations and hot springs. The area is famous for its rich birdlife and stunning landscapes.
Step 6
Snæfellsjökull National Park, located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, is home to the iconic Snæfellsjökull glacier-capped volcano. The park features diverse landscapes, including lava fields, rugged cliffs, black sand beaches, and caves.
Step 7
Reykjavik, the capital city, is a vibrant city known for its unique blend of modern culture and natural beauty. Located on the southwest coast, it offers stunning views of mountains and the sea.
Arrive in the morning at Keflavik International Airport, then enjoy a collective transfer to Reykjavík with our transfer service. Once in the city, settle into your accommodation and enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace in the world’s northernmost capital.
Observing northern lights is simple for travellers with a car! We will tell you how to read the aurora forecast in your roadbook. You must check the weather forecast and the northern light KP index. If the sky is clear and the KP index high, just step out of your accommodation, far from any light pollution and look up to the sky. There is no specific place in Iceland to admire northern lights but when they appear, you just enjoy the show!
Driving distance: 50km
Night in Reykjavík.
Breakfast included.
Today, depart for the Reykjanes peninsula. Savage coasts and lunar landscapes formed by numerous volcanic eruptions. Iceland’s Geothermal activity manifests itself here in many forms: the bubbling cauldrons of mud and steam at Krýsuvík as well as the thermal turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon. Option: Take a 3-hour return hike up the Reykjadalur Valley to a geothermal stream.
Driving distance: 150km
Night in Hveragerði area.
Breakfast included.
You’re off to discover Iceland’s famous Golden Circle. Your first stop will be Þingvellir to observe the effects of the oceanic rift and the site of the oldest parliament in the world. Then you’ll continue your drive passing through farmlands to reach the famous Strokkur geyser in Geysir (the place that originally gave the phenomenon its name). A bit further is the Gullfoss waterfall, where the Hvítá River has created an impressive canyon. On your way, why not make a stop at Fontana Geothermal Baths in Laugarvatn? (not included)
Driving distance: 150km
Night in Vík area
Breakfast included
Second day in the region of Skógar and Vík at the foot of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Discovery of the cliffs of Dyrhólaey, remains of an old crater. These volcanic cliffs were carved into arches, teeth and caves formed from basaltic organs. In Vík you can observe wide cliffs and go for a walk on the black sand beaches.
Driving distance: 150km
Night in Vík area.
Breakfast included.
Head eastward until the Skaftafell National Park. Numerous hikes are possible in the park depending on weather conditions, one of which leads you to the Svartifoss waterfall and its beautiful basalt columns, over-looking gigantic glaciers and endless plains. Further east, discover Jökulsárlón’s glacial lagoon and its Greenland-like landscapes complete with icebergs before moving to your accommodation in the Höfn region.
Driving distance: 180km
Night in Höfn area.
Breakfast included.
From the icebergs of Jökulsárlón to Cape Vestrahorn, explore in depth the region of Höfn, in the kingdom of the Vatnajökull glacier which dominates the landscapes with its majestic presence. More rarely, perhaps you will also see a herd of reindeer parading, because it is in this region of Iceland, and in this region only, that they have lived in the wild since their introduction into the country at the end of the 18th century.
Driving distance: 70km
Night in Höfn area.
Breakfast included.
From one fjord to the next, discover the wild landscapes shaped by the glaciers of the last ice-age, the seals of Lónsvík, the swans of Álftafjördur (depending on the season), the rocks and minerals museum of Petra at Stödvarfjördur, and the charming harbour of Djúpivogur.
Driving distance: 230km
Night in Egilsstaðir area.
Breakfast included.
The small town of Egilsstaðir is the starting point of beautiful detours. You’ll be spoiled for choice :
– Lagarfljót: Go around Lake Lagarfljót to go for a walk to the cataract of Hengifoss, suspended from a rock wall of 120m. On the way, also discover Hallormsstaður, a rare place on the island where you will have the wonderful surprise to discover the “Icelandic forest” and perhaps some reindeers.
– Seyðisfjörður, little village nested in a fjord, famous for its vibrant culture.
– Stuðlagil canyon: one of the gems of east Iceland, a glacial river canyon where basalt organs appeared after a dam was built higher up land.
Driving distance: 160km
Night in Egilsstaðir area.
Breakfast included.
Crossing semi-desert expanses to the Dettifoss waterfall, the most powerful in Europe (detour possible depending on the conditions of the road which is not maintained in winter). You then reach the Lake Mývatn region where you can stroll through the Dimmuborgir lava field or relax in geothermal baths.
Driving distance: 200km
Night in Mývatn Lake area.
Breakfast included.
You deepen your discovery of the thousand and one wonders of the Mývatn region. Discovery of the Mývatn region which brings together some of the most surprising geological and geothermal phenomena in the country: pseudo-craters and explosive craters, recent and still smoking lava flows, bubbling mud pots… Walks in an atmosphere of genesis or end of the world. Winter also means possibilities of dogsledding, horseback riding on a frozen lake or snowmobile…
Driving distance: 60km
Night in Mývatn Lake area.
Breakfast included.
When ready, drive west via the Góðafoss Waterfall and the city of Akureyri, the “capital of the north”, before entering the Skagafjörður fjord area.
Option: If the roads and conditions allow, a detour is possible around the beautiful Tröllaskagi Peninsula between Akureyri and Skagafjörður.
Driving distance: 200km
Night in Skagafjörður area.
Breakfast included.
A transition day as you make your wat to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Along the way, there’s the possibility to make a detour to the coast of the Vatnsnes peninsula to observe the seal colonies and enjoy its peaceful shoreline. There is also Þingeyrarkirkja, Kolugljúfur, Borgarvirki, Hvítserkur and Hvammstangi to enjoy!
Driving distance: 250km
Night in Snæfellsnes area.
Breakfast included.
This day is dedicated to the discovery of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula including the Snæfellsjökull National Park, both of which are dominated by the volcano-glacier of the same name where Jules Verne imagined the beginning of his “Journey to the center of the Earth”. Starting along the northern coast of Snæfellsnes, discover the contrasting landscapes between the Grundarfjörður fjord, dominated by the impressive silhouette of Kirkjufell, and the fishing port of Stykkishólmur, not far from the colourful foothills of the Drápuhlíðarfjall mountain. On the way, discover the beautiful waterfall at Kirkjufellsfoss and the old lava flow of Bersekjahraun. Stroll between the tiny port of Arnarstapi and Hellnar. You will also discover on this day landscapes of genesis, born from an ancient encounter of lava and ocean, such as the reefs of Djúpalónssandur or even the cliffs of Svörtuloft. Note: In winter, the hot spring at Landbrotalaug is only sometimes accessible.
Option: Go horse riding along the southern shoreline of the peninsula and visit the Vatnshellir cave.
Driving distance: 150km
Night in Snæfellsnes area.
Breakfast included.
From this small town which was settled as a lookout at the entrance of the Borgarfjörður Fjord of you then head through the valley of Húsafell and Reykholt where one finds the hot springs of Deildartunguhver which are said to be the most important in the world. But with water at 100 ° c gushing with big broth, no question of swimming unless the Krauma spa is open! Possible stops also at the beautiful falls of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss not far from Húsafell. Time now to make your way through the impressive Hvalfjörður whale fjord and then Reykjavík as you make your way to the Reykjanes Peninsula where Iceland´s geothermal activity manifests itself with fumaroles, mini geysers and of course, the Blue Lagoon.
Driving distance: 200km
Night in Keflavik.
Breakfast included.
Drop off the rental car in Keflavík international airport in time for your flight home.
Option: If you have a late afternoon or evening flight you can either explore more of the Reykjanes Peninsula or enjoy a relaxing pre-flight soak at the Blue Lagoon.
Breakfast included.
