Iceland Geology & Hot Springs Self-Drive - 8 Days

Today you'll explore the nearby Reykjanes peninsula, a region of intense volcanic activity and dramatic landscapes. From Reykjavík, it's an easy drive to explore this fascinating area. Visit the Reykjanes Lighthouse perched on dramatic coastal cliffs, and walk across the Bridge Between Continents, a symbolic footbridge spanning the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Reykjanes is also home to a series of eruption sites caused by the Fagradalsfjall volcanic system, which has erupted multiple times in recent years. 

If you're up for the challenge and the weather allows, you can take on the hike to see the fresh lava fields up close. The terrain is rugged and otherworldly, with steaming vents and colorful mineral deposits. The trail is around 7 kilometers each way, approximately 4 hours of walking in total. You'll need to be in good physical shape to complete it and wear appropriate footwear and weather-resistant clothing. The reward is standing on some of Earth's newest land, surrounded by fresh black lava. After your volcanic exploration, drive to Hveragerði for your overnight stay. This charming town is built on top of a highly active geothermal area, with steaming vents throughout the settlement. 

Today you have the option to start with a visit to Raufarhólshellir, the Lava Tunnel, one of Iceland's longest and most impressive lava tubes. This underground passage was created thousands of years ago when a river of lava flowed beneath a hardened crust. Walk through the tunnel to see incredible lava formations, colorful mineral deposits, and learn about how these geological features form. Then dive into the highlights of the Golden Circle, a famous route full of stunning natural attractions. Wander around Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the geological wonders of the world. Here you can see the effects of tectonic plate movements which have opened various cracks and fissures in the earth's crust. Walk through the Almannagjá rift valley where the continents are literally pulling apart. 

Continue to the famous Geysir geothermal area, where you can witness the impressive Strokkur hot spring erupting every 5 to 10 minutes. You'll also find several other smaller hot springs boiling and bubbling nearby, showcasing Iceland's intense geothermal activity. Last but not least, visit Gullfoss, one of Iceland's most beautiful waterfalls, where massive volumes of water plunge into a rugged canyon. The sheer power of this glacial river is awe-inspiring. Spend the night in the area. 

Today brings one of the most unforgettable journeys in Iceland as you venture to Landmannalaugar in the remote highlands. This is a true adventure requiring a 4x4 vehicle. To reach the colorful rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar, you'll cross rivers and navigate mountain passes, traveling across vast lava fields and moon-like landscapes that create a true highlight of Iceland's geological diversity. The drive itself is an adventure, taking you through terrain that feels like another planet. Here you can walk between colorful mountains painted in incredible shades of red, orange, yellow, green, and blue from various mineral deposits. Admire black obsidian lava fields, their glassy surfaces glinting in the sunlight. Dip in natural hot springs located at the bottom of rivers, where geothermally heated water mixes with cold stream water creating wonderful temperatures for a relaxing natural bath. It's an ideal location for hiking, and you'll get comprehensive information about all the hiking tracks from the mountain hut. The landscape is unlike anywhere else on Earth, with steaming vents, colorful peaks, and vast lava fields creating a surreal environment. 

Later, continue your journey over lava fields and moon-like terrain along the highland road to Kirkjubæjarklaustur for the night. The route takes you through some of Iceland's most remote and spectacular highland scenery. 

You have another day of delving into Iceland's volcanic wonders, exploring geological features that few visitors ever see. Start by venturing to Laki, or Lakagígar, a volcanic fissure of 27 kilometers created during the catastrophic 1783 eruption, one of the most significant volcanic events in recorded history. Located in the western part of Vatnajökull National Park, this dramatic landscape features a row of craters stretching across the highlands. The eruption had global climate impacts and remains one of Iceland's most important geological sites. The desolate beauty and sheer scale of the fissure are awe-inspiring. 

Continue to Fjaðrárgljúfur, an impressive canyon that shows off the grandeur of Icelandic landscapes. This narrow gorge with its winding river and towering walls is believed to have been formed at the end of the last Ice Age, around 9,000 years ago. Walk along the rim for spectacular views down into the canyon, where the river snakes through the narrow passage. Return to Kirkjubæjarklaustur for a second night, where you can relax after another day of geological exploration in Iceland's dramatic highlands. 

You have many activity choices today in this spectacular region. Follow some of the excellent hiking trails through Skaftafell, ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs. Capture the beautiful Svartifoss waterfall, famous for its backdrop of dark basalt columns that look like organ pipes. You could book a guided glacier walk for a memorable excursion, strapping on crampons to trek across ancient ice. Continue to another spectacular sight: Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Watch enormous icebergs constantly breaking off from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and bobbing their way across the lagoon out to sea. The icebergs range from brilliant white to stunning shades of blue. Cross the road to Diamond Beach, where ice chunks wash up on black sand. 

Later, follow the south coast all the way to the village of Vík í Mýrdal, a charming settlement surrounded by dramatic landscapes. A walk onto the nearby Reynisfjara black sand beach is absolutely essential, where you can admire hexagonal basalt columns and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks offshore. Continue along the coast passing the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers, both volcanic systems topped with ice. Stop at Skógar, where we recommend visiting Skógafoss waterfall and the folk museum showing how Icelanders lived centuries ago. Spend the night in the south. 

Today you get to experience one of Iceland's best-kept secrets: the volcanic island of Heimaey in the Westman Islands archipelago. On your way to the ferry crossing at Landeyjarhöfn, stop by Seljalandsfoss waterfall. This famous waterfall allows you to walk behind the water curtain for an iconic view and unique photo opportunity. Board the ferry for the short crossing to Heimaey, a true gem of an island with fascinating volcanic history. Learn about the island's dramatic story and the 1973 Eldfell volcano eruption that nearly destroyed the town. Lava flows threatened to close off the harbor, and residents fought the advancing lava with seawater pumps in one of the most dramatic volcanic responses in history. Hike to the top of Mount Eldfell, where you can still feel warmth from the ground decades after the eruption and enjoy incredible views over the archipelago and mainland. Discover the famous Elephant Rock formation, a natural sea arch that remarkably resembles an elephant. Sail around the islands on a boat tour, where you may catch sight of whales swimming in the surrounding waters, seals basking on rocks, and millions of puffins nesting on the cliffs during summer months. The Westman Islands are home to the world's largest Atlantic puffin colony. In the afternoon, take the ferry back to the mainland and drive back to Reykjavík for your final night in Iceland. 

Your journey to fabulous Iceland is coming to an end today. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few hours to enjoy a final morning in Reykjavík. Take a leisurely breakfast, do some last-minute souvenir shopping, or take one final walk through the colorful streets. If your flight is later in the day, you may be able to squeeze in a few last activities in Reykjavík for a final taste of what this colorful capital city has to offer. Consider visiting any museums or attractions you might have missed, or simply relax at a cafe reflecting on your incredible geological journey. 

Drive back to Keflavík Airport to return your vehicle and catch your flight home, carrying memories of fresh lava fields from recent eruptions, ancient lava tubes, the colorful highland mountains of Landmannalaugar, dramatic volcanic fissures at Lakagígar, the Westman Islands' volcanic history, floating icebergs, and countless geological wonders. You've experienced Iceland's volcanic forces like few visitors do, exploring both famous sites and hidden geological treasures. You're already planning your return to witness more of Earth's creative power in action.