Properly-known and well-traveled for its extensive number of landscapes and waterfalls, Iceland is actually a pure wonderland.
I’ve been fortunate sufficient to go to Iceland three separate occasions, and I believed I’d do you a favor and put collectively a pattern itinerary to provide you some concepts on your journey! I’m leaving out soooooo a lot on this itinerary however I believe it’s an excellent introduction to this unbelievable nation.
Day One: Drive as far east as you possibly can
So right here’s the fundamental deal about Iceland: most journeys (except the Golden Circle, which is, you guessed it, a circle) are out-and-backs. The principle freeway, Freeway 1, is known as the Ring Street as a result of it goes across the total island, but it surely takes longer than 4-5 days to drive. You’ll be touchdown in Keflavik, on the Reykjanes peninsula within the southwest a part of the nation. Decide up your rental automotive there and head in the direction of Reykjavik.
The well-known Blue Lagoon is between Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik in the event you fancy a go to. I personally have by no means been however I do know many who’ve they usually loved it.
The plan for Day One…it’s a drive to the southeast a part of Iceland. It is going to be a protracted drive however you will notice some unbelievable surroundings alongside the way in which.
Let’s check out a Google Map.
Okay okay okay I do know it says it’s a six-hour drive. That’s a protracted drive in the event you’re jet-lagged. However don’t fear, we’re going to cease alongside the way in which.
You’ll drive into Reykjavik in your technique to the Ring Street. They drive on the precise facet of the street and visitors legal guidelines are just like the USA (there’s no idea of Proper on Crimson) It’s a straightforward drive, however prepare for the pace restrict. It’s 90km/h, roughly 55mph. Don’t pace. There are cameras. The fines are spensive.
There are many fast stops in Reykjavik you can also make. There’s the Hallgrimskirkja, an incredible Lutheran church constructed to resemble the basalt columns well-known round lots of Iceland’s waterfalls.
There are additionally just a few Costco shops in the event you’re a member and wish to get some snackies on your journey, as meals costs in Iceland will be very excessive.
Don’t tarry lengthy in Reykjavik, we have to hit the street. Head over to Freeway 1 and level east, in the direction of the city of Vik.
(be aware: I received’t choose you if the thought of a six-hour drive sounds brutal after a too-short flight throughout the Atlantic, be at liberty to seize a lodge in Reykjavik and luxuriate in exploring the town!)
As you’re driving, you’ll encounter unbelievable landscapes and a few fantastic photograph spots. Cease and take some photos! After about an hour and a half you’ll see an infinite waterfall simply off the freeway, the legendary Seljalandsfoss. Hold going, we’ll cease by Seljalandsfoss on our manner again! half-hour later, you’ll see a mammoth waterfall again a methods from the freeway. This is able to be the mighty Skogafoss. Yep, hold going, we’ll come again.
A fast vocabulary lesson: “foss” loosely means “waterfall” in Icelandic. So the waterfall referred to as Skogafoss is the waterfall from the Skogar River that runs via the city of Skogar. Yep, you guessed it, Seljalandsfoss is the waterfall close to the group of Seljaland
Again to the street journey. Cease when you might want to cease, get you some caffeine (for some purpose I solely drink Crimson Bulls in Iceland throughout street journeys). You might also see a random parking zone in your proper stuffed with automobiles and folks strolling out in the direction of the coast. However we’ll get to that later. We’re lastly at our first relaxation cease: the stunning city of Vik.
Vik, Iceland
Vik is a superb place to cease for lunch in your manner east. One of the best place to cease for lunch? The Smidjan Brugghus (working with restricted hours proper now from Thursday-Sunday however hopefully will open up extra broadly quickly). It’s an excellent little microbrewery that cooks an exquisite burger and serves an exquisite beer.
After lunch, you’ll need to stretch your legs and see a number of the magnificence that Iceland has to supply. Head up the hill in the direction of this little church, referred to as Reyniskirkja. There’s a parking zone on the church, you don’t must stroll.
In the summertime you will notice fields of lupines round Reyniskirkja, however even within the late fall just like the above image it’s only a stunning scene.
Oh, and the view from the church isn’t dangerous both.
There’s extra to do round Vik, however let’s hold going east as a substitute. After one other hour or so that you’ll begin seeing some mountains. “Massive deal Andy, we’ve already seen a ton of mountains,” you’ll say, alarming everybody else in your automotive whereas they surprise who Andy is and what was in that Crimson Bull are you able to have been consuming. You may have seen mountains, however these mountains have glaciers on them.
This implies you’re getting shut. Your first official vacation spot of The Official Andy’s Journey Weblog Intro to Iceland Itinerary.
Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon
The Vatnajökull glacier is Europe’s largest glacier. Glaciers are in movement, carving out their path towards the mountain as they slowly creep alongside. The place does all that ice find yourself? Properly, numerous it results in the Jokulsarlon lagoon. The ice breaks off into icebergs that float via the lagoon. The lagoon itself is the deepest physique of water in Iceland and also you’ll sometimes see numerous seals swimming across the lagoon on the lookout for meals, dodging icebergs on their quest.
(I simply realized these two photos are of the identical iceberg, sorryyyyyyyy)
There are all kind of Zodiac excursions via the lagoon you could e-book whenever you’re there. Covid restrictions have shrunk the dimensions of the excursions a bit however they’re nonetheless operating, in order that’s good. Benefit from the unbelievable surroundings of icebergs, wildlife, and thousand-year-old icebergs floating idly by.
When you’re finished naturing, get in your automotive and drive throughout the freeway to the coast, you’ll see automobiles parked within the makeshift parking zone. Get out of your automotive and seize your digicam since you’ve arrived at Diamond Seaside
Diamond Seaside
What occurs to the icebergs within the Jokulsarlon lagoon? Over time they regularly make their manner via the lagoon and out to the ocean. The ocean then rudely slams them again onto the shore of the seaside. So in the event you’ve ever needed to see iceberg fragments, some the dimensions of hatchbacks, on a seaside, that is the spot.
If I do know my timing proper, you must find yourself at Jokulsarlon and the Diamond Seaside pretty near sundown (relying on the time of 12 months), so there are such a lot of superb photos to take right here.
The place to remain for Day One
Jokulsarlon isn’t extremely near any massive cities. There’s a city about an hour east referred to as Höfn and a few smaller villages earlier than then. You’re going to drive previous the lagoon a bit however I believe it’s price it. The place I like to recommend is definitely a bit remoted from Höfn, it’s referred to as the Viking Cafe. It’s…nicely, a restaurant, however they’ve constructed an addition onto the facet of it. The lodging are humble, however the location is ideal, as a result of the cafe sits subsequent to a film set constructed for a film about Vikings which was by no means filmed, and that’s all nicely and good, however the Viking Cafe additionally sits subsequent to the unbelievable Vestrahorn Mountain.
When you’re within the space throughout aurora season (October-March), there’s an excellent probability you could find the aurora with the mountains under!
Whether or not you sleep in Höfn or the Viking Cafe, get some relaxation, and it’s okay in the event you’re exhausted. This was a protracted day.
Day Two: Let’s do some mountaineering
When you’re coming from the USA, you’ll most likely be up early from jetlag. If you’re and fancy an excellent place for dawn, head out to Vestrahorn! That is a lot simpler in the event you’re staying on the Viking Cafe, for the reason that street out to Vestrahorn is on personal property (it’s about $9 to enter). Photographically the mountains look comparatively remoted towards the foreground of a black sand seaside, only a stunning sight to see early within the morning. You’ll see a photographer right here and there taking some photos however there’s numerous nice views to absorb, particularly in colder climate when the water freezes on the shoreline.
Day Two can actually start wherever you’d prefer it. When you’re at Vestrahorn, go get you some Vestrahorn. When you stayed in Höfn, seize some breakfast and a few espresso and put in your favourite mountaineering clothes.
When you haven’t figured it out by now, we’re on an out-and-back journey from Reykjavik. I do know it appears bizarre that we’re already “heading again” firstly of the second day however I promise there’s a lot to see alongside the southern coast that it’ll be advantageous.
Get again to Freeway 1 and head west.
Elective: Revisit Jokulsarlon
Relying on whenever you go there (and the way Covid-y issues are), morning will be one of the best time to go to Jokulsarlon and the Diamond Seaside once more, away from the crowds. Spend so long as you’d like right here (in the event you’re a photographer and need to get some Streaky Water Iceberg Photographs on the seaside, bear in mind your ND filters). If you’re finished, head west to Skaftafell Nationwide Park and prepare for 4 stunning waterfalls.
Elective: Hike to Mulagljufur
This can be a fantastic hike that feels a bit extra rustic than different well-marked tracks alongside the south coast. I posted a weblog put up about discover the path, which isn’t removed from Jokulsarlon.
My information to Mulgljufur is right here.
Svartifoss
Svartifoss is an exquisite and “skinny” waterfall that has an infinite chamber of basalt columns round it. I’m regularly fascinated that nature would align basalt into columns like this and, perhaps other than Aldeyjarfoss within the north, there’s no higher place to see it than Svartifoss.
An Editor’s Be aware about calling this a “Hike”: I’m basing the classification of the hike as much as Svartifoss as a “hike” as a result of I stay a comparatively sedentary life and have a desk job. Except for my Pelaton, I don’t actually get into cardio regularly. This isn’t a tough hike.
If you enter Skaftafell, park in one of many clearly marked heaps and go pay for parking on the little stanchion. Then head in the direction of the very clearly marked path. The path goes uphill fairly rapidly, so be prepared for that (my calves felt it for just a few days). All in all, although, it’s 1.5 kilometers and will take you 45 minutes or so. It’s not exhausting. Alongside the way in which, you’ll see three different waterfalls, however there shall be no query whenever you’ve made it to Svartifoss. Benefit from the energy of the waterfall because it strikes the rocks under, slowly carving out a canyon over the subsequent ten thousand or so years. Odds are there shall be loads of different folks ready to see it, so ensure you have a plan for the images you’d prefer to take when it’s your flip and play good with everybody.
When you’re a photographer, the rock I took this from shall be fairly apparent. It’ll assist you probably have waterproof footwear for this one however they’re not completely obligatory. Simply be actually cautious on the slippery rocks, I practically fell into the river with my $10,000 Fuji GFX100 in my hand.
If you’re finished with Svartifoss, head again right down to your car. There are many different issues to see and do in Skaftafell, so free-style and keep longer if you want!
Fjaðrárgljúfur
This canyon is as stunning because the identify is difficult to pronounce. It’s simply off Freeway 1, not removed from our final cease.
This is without doubt one of the most outstanding This Seems Like One other Planet areas we’ll see on our journey.
You’ll be able to park very near the canyon and the paths alongside the canyon are simple to observe (you possibly can now not go into the canyon, sadly). The footpath will take you all the way in which up the perimeters of the canyon to the countryside past. It’s price a cease to see simply how loopy the panorama turns into.
By this level you’re most likely a bit hungry. Let’s head again west to a now acquainted place: Vik.
Up Subsequent: Reynisfjara
There are two fantastic scenic locations to see in and round Vik. We’ve been to the church, the microbrewery, now it’s time for The Nature. Two choices to select from (don’t fear, we’ll go to the opposite one tomorrow): black sand epic seaside with basalt columns or an exquisite cliff overlooking the ocean.
Reynisfjara
Reynisfjara is an exquisite black sand seaside that runs alongside the coast. It’s tremendous near Vik and has handy parking proper subsequent to it.
There are different black sand seashores by Vik however Reynisfjara is by far essentially the most well-known. If you get to the parking zone, in the event you head to the left you’ll see some unbelievable basalt columns and a very cool cave. When you like, you possibly can pose in entrance of a number of the columns and attempt to look majestic.
When you go to the precise from the parking zone and stroll for a methods you’ll find yourself with an excellent view of Dyrhólaey, the arch within the cliff. There are some actually cool lava stacks near the arch referred to as Reynisdrangar. I didn’t stroll all the way in which over to the cliff after I visited final time however I’d assume it’s completely well worth the (roughly 2-mile) stroll.
The place to remain for Day Two: Vik, Iceland
Seize your self a bit to eat someplace in Vik (perhaps a return to the Smidgen Brugghus even) and loosen up for a minute! I’m saying you may get one thing to eat in Vik, however realistically lots of you’ll have eaten lunch someplace else and this shall be across the finish of your Day Two. Vik is a decently-sized city, so seize a mattress someplace in Vik or close by. You’ve already seen far more than most individuals see of their total journey and also you’ve solely been in Iceland for 2 days!
Practical Be aware: You don’t have to maneuver this quick
Okay, so this itinerary is kind of aggressive. There may be heaps to see on this nice nation, and also you don’t must see every thing in your first journey. When you really feel like doing every thing I’ve stated to this point, go for it! When you don’t really feel like doing every thing, relaxation!
Day Three: Extra Waterfalls
Take pleasure in a well-deserved good night time of relaxation in or round Vik. Tomorrow you don’t must stand up fairly as early in the event you don’t need to. Take pleasure in some espresso, yawn a bit. Our first vacation spot isn’t far in any respect. In reality, it’s on prime of the arch that you simply noticed final night.
Dyrhólaey
Going atop the cliff may be very simple, however, a small warning, throughout some summer time months, you’ll have to park away from the cliffside a bit to guard the mating floor of birds who nest within the cliffs. You’re in a position to stroll as much as the cliffs however please respect the nesting grounds and hold your distance from the wildlife.
Okay now that I’ve disclaimer’d at everybody: OH MY GOSH THERE ARE PUFFINS ON TOP OF DYRHOLAEY. I’ve by no means seen them in individual however they’re normally there from April-August/September. They’re merely essentially the most superb and cute birds ever. I can’t wait to see them for myself sometime.
From Dyrhólaey you possibly can see down both coast for miles, or you possibly can flip north and see Mýrdalsjökull glacier. There’s additionally an exquisite (and nonetheless lively) lighthouse on prime as nicely. Benefit from the views for some time after which get able to see a airplane!
The DC-3 Aircraft Wreck
A brief drive away from Dyrhólaey you’ll see a parking zone to your left. Park there and stroll about 2 miles south (the trail is simple however not extremely well-marked, ensure you don’t attempt to go in dangerous climate) and also you’ll see the wreckage of a crashed airplane. In 1973 a US Navy DC-3 was flying round South Iceland and ran out of gasoline. It crash-landed on the seaside and, fortunately, everybody survived. The airplane continues to be there at this time. It’s free to go to and you’ll truly go into the airplane and discover via it. It’s nicely price a go to!
Now, lastly, prepare for 2 of Iceland’s most well-known waterfalls!
Skogafoss
The unbelievable Skogafoss waterfall is absurdly near the DC-3 parking zone. Like 10 minutes away.
You’ll be able to see the waterfall from the street, it’s that large. Towering 200 toes (60 meters) above the panorama, it’s extremely highly effective and you’ll stroll proper as much as it!
As you get near the falls you’ll get moist so do watch out in the event you’re bringing good digicam tools!
Skogafoss will most likely be crowded, because it’s tremendous common, and for good purpose! You’ll be able to climb the steps subsequent to it to get an excellent view of the water flowing over the falls.
(Shhh…there’s a waterfall referred to as Kvernufoss actually near Skogafoss, go there too)
From the Skogafoss parking zone, head over to the Skogar Museum (detailing the historical past of the small city of Skogar). Park behind it. Face the fence in entrance of you and look to the left. You’ll see a tiny little ladder going over the fence. Climb over that ladder and stroll alongside the trail that runs alongside the hillside. When you possibly can flip left, flip left. You’ll see Kvernufoss within the distance.
I like Kvernufoss. It’s proper subsequent to Skogafoss however is just not practically as crowded as its extra common neighbor. Skogafoss was massively full final time I visited and there have been solely a handful of individuals at Kvernufoss. You’ll be able to even stroll behind the falls like Seljalandsfoss!
I can’t advocate you go to Kvernufoss strongly sufficient!
Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss is without doubt one of the most well-known waterfalls in Iceland. It’s unbelievable, highly effective, and boy is it common. You’ll be able to simply see the falls from Freeway 1 and there are two large parking heaps across the falls. You do must pay for parking, as a warning. Both manner it’s a brief drive over from Skogafoss.
There are going to be so much of individuals at Seljalandsfoss. It’s so good although, it’s undoubtedly price a cease. You’ll be able to stroll as much as the falls and stroll proper behind them as nicely for some actually cool views of the countryside. It will get very moist behind the falls, so once more watch out with nicer digicam gear.
(Shhh…there’s a waterfall referred to as Gljúfrabúi actually near Seljalandsfoss, go there too)
Identical to Kvernufoss and Skogafoss, there’s one other waterfall by Seljalandsfoss. It’s comparatively hidden however tremendous shut by. Odds are will probably be far much less crowded as nicely.
You don’t even must park anyplace else. Within the image above, in the event you stroll counter-clockwise across the again of the falls, and go to the precise, stroll alongside the trail the place the hillside meets the plains. You’re on the lookout for a large crack within the hill.
You’ll must stroll via some water for this one, so have some waterproof footwear or anticipate your footwear to get moist. Wait your flip (it’s form of a one-way entry) and stroll 10-20 toes and also you’ll see it: Gljúfrabúi, the hidden waterfall.
It’s completely stunning. And you may climb up on that rock to the precise and get some cool photos taken. There received’t be as many individuals right here as there are at Seljalandsfoss but it surely may really feel somewhat extra crowded, as a warning, simply because the waterfall chamber isn’t fairly as massive.
The place to remain for Day Three
If you’ve had your fill of Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi, guess the place you’re heading subsequent? Again to Reykjavik!
I like to recommend going again into Iceland’s capital and making it your own home base for the subsequent two nights. I do know it isn’t essentially the most native place ever, however I’ve stayed on the Hilton Nordica in the course of city and have loved it each time, although it’s extra like a typical large lodge right here within the states.
Whereas in Reykjavik, like I discussed firstly of this itinerary, there are cool sights to see on this walkable capital. The meals scene, and particularly the espresso scene, is burgeoning within the aftermath of the pandemic, so discover some good eating places and test them out! When you’re not within the temper for a full restaurant vibe, there are many sizzling canine stands across the capital (they’re cheap and style nice!).
You’ve been seeing a lot nature, so many waterfalls, I’m certain the town is a pleasant change of tempo.
Day 4: Golden Circle or Volcano, your selection!
One of many most important causes we’re again in Reykjavik, relying on whenever you’re studying this put up, is that Reykjavik has loads of COVID testing obtainable for individuals who want a detrimental check to re-enter their house nation. Andrew at The Factors Man posted an excellent information on pandemic journey to Iceland, together with how he acquired his check, right here. I posted my expertise in Akureyri, on the northern coast, right here. Beginning your remaining full day in Iceland with a COVID check shall be crucial in the event you’d prefer to board your flight house! Be sure to inform the workers that you simply want a printout of your check outcomes as nicely and ask the place to choose up the printout.
The Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is a (you’d by no means guess this) round drive from Reykjavik that’s simply doable in a day. It hits three nice spots:
- Þingvellir (Thingvellir) Nationwide Park
- Geysir Geothermal Space
- Gullfoss waterfall
The drive solely takes about 3 hours spherical journey, however it is going to take you the higher a part of a day to do, since there are many nice stops alongside the way in which.
There are various nice guides to the Golden Circle on the market, one in every of my favorites (as a result of I’ve by no means finished it myself) is that this one from Information to Iceland.
Elective: The Blue Lagoon
Yep, the Blue Lagoon: Iceland’s super-popular geothermal vacationer attraction. It’s truly actually near Keflavik (the place the airport is positioned) however a comparatively drive from Reykjavik, about an hour away. Their web site has all the good particulars you’ll want, particularly opening hours, which range from season to season. I’ve identified many individuals who tried to go the morning that they have been leaving however the opening hours didn’t depart them sufficient time to essentially benefit from the expertise, so I like to recommend going the day earlier than you permit.
The Blue Lagoon’s web site has all the data you might want to know. I’ve by no means personally visited however I think about I’ll in some unspecified time in the future. From every thing I’ve heard, sure it’s touristy but it surely’s nonetheless fairly cool. I’ve visited different geothermally-heated swimming pools in Iceland and loved it, the Blue Lagoon is only a extra commercialized model of it.
The place to remain for Day 4
I might keep again in Reykjavik, an excellent ending to an exquisite journey. Exit to a pleasant restaurant and have just a few drinks, and gawk on the worth you paid for these drinks.
Day 5: Fly Residence!
In the present day will characteristic a drive to Keflavik Airport, delivering your rental automotive, boarding your flight and heading house!
Okay so what did I pass over from this itinerary?
Omg there’s a lot to see in Iceland. Subsequent time you go to you would go up the west coast to the Snaefellsness Peninsula to see Kirkjufell and hold going into the Westfjords. You would take the Ring Street across the total nation. You would go to the north coast and locations like Akureyri or Siglufjordur. You would actually go distant and head into the Highlands throughout the summer time for some tenting.
Iceland lovers will little question say this can be a very touristy take a look at Iceland, they usually’re not fallacious. It’s exhausting to take something aside from a sip from this nice nation the primary time you go to. I at all times encourage folks to journey as in the event that they’ll go to once more, and Iceland is not any exception. An space I might like to drink deeply of is the Westfjords, I simply sampled its greatness in 2018 and will simply spend per week or longer in that area.
Most of all, I actually hope this information comes throughout as a love letter to this stunning nation. I’ve many nice recollections right here and stay up for creating extra of them within the years forward. I hope this offers you some concepts of what to do whenever you go to and, most of all, will get you excited to go to Iceland!
This was my first-ever information to a rustic after solely 8.5 years of running a blog, how did I do? What would you prefer to see in future guides like this? Inform me within the feedback under!
