Iceland Complete Circle

Your memorable Icelandic adventure begins the very moment you arrive at Keflavík Airport. After picking up your rental vehicle, you head for the capital for your first night in Iceland.

If your flight arrives early enough you might like visiting the famous Blue Lagoon to for a relaxing moment in its soothing geothermal blue and warm waters. Be sure to pack your swimsuit!

You start the day today by visiting the culturally and historically rich Borgarfjörður area. The landscape is made of vast fields and waterfalls which water seems to magically flow from the lava bed into the river below. Heading now to the Snæfellsnes peninsula many exciting visits await you along the way: from Gerðuberg an impressive wall of basalt column, Arnarstapi, Djúpalón and its pebble beach famous to Hellnar and many more on the way to your accommodation in the Snæfellsnes area.

Your day begins with a 3 hours ferry ride from Stykkishólmur across the Breiðfjörður bay to the reach the south coast of the west fjords where you visit Rauðisandur among others, a beautiful and unique beach where the reddish colour of the sand contrast with the landscape around. You head to Patreksfjordur at the end of the day where you spend the night.

Today you continue up north along the West Fjords, one of the most remote regions of Iceland. The landscape is breathtaking as you cross mountains and heaths driving along the dramatic fjords at the foot of amazing cliffs. You stop along the way at the majestic Dynjandi waterfall that lies in the northern arm of the fjord Arnarfjörður. You continue your route towards the north until you reach the village of Flateyri and onwards to reach your accommodation near the Ísafjörður town.

Today your journey through the most remote places in Iceland continues. Next up is Strandir, the eastern part of the West Fjords.  You experience the spectacular landscape while driving along the numerous small fjords of Ísafjarðardjúp and passing Vigur Island along the way.

Your next day’s journey continues toward the northern part of Iceland, ending in the north’s capital Akureyri passing through Skagafjörður known for exceptional horse breeding. You might see a lot of Icelandic horses along the way in the many farm lands during your drive.

In the morning you can spend some time in Akureyri before heading towards the Lake Mývatn area. It is undoubtedly one of Iceland’s most renowned areas due to its volcanic activity and its amazing bird life.
On the way to Mývatn, we recommend visiting the impressive Goðafoss waterfall known as “the waterfall of the gods”.

Your day starts with a visit of the charming fishing village of Húsavík before driving along the coastline of the Tjörnes Peninsula. You might like to make a quick stop on the way at the extremity of the peninsula to enjoy the view and spot some seabirds. The journey then continues to the eastern part of Iceland with a few stops on the way for your next evening’s stay.

Today is the day to discover the East Fjords. Start towards the fjord Reyðarfjörður where a small-but-fascinating World War II history museum is located, and continue along the fjords toward Southeast Iceland. At times, the road hangs high on the mountain slopes offering spectacular view. Finally, you drive through the tunnel of Almannaskarð to arrive in the Höfn region where you will spend the night.

Your next stop is Iceland’s scenic southeast. After passing various outlet glaciers belonging to Vatnajökull which is Europe’s largest ice cap you’ll arrive at the stunningly surreal beauty of Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon. This exceptional sight sits at the foot of Iceland’s highest mountain, Hvannadalshnúkur.
Skaftafell National Park is another area definitely worth a visit. This oasis surrounded by glaciers and black sand plains offers a broad range of options for great hiking. Continue through Kirkjubæjarklaustur village, the Eldhraun lava field and the Mýrdalssandur plain before you arrive in the Vík area.

Continue westbound to the south coast of Iceland and explore the Golden Circle, which takes you to the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland: Gullfoss, Geysir and Þingvellir National Park. On your way you will pass the magnificent waterfalls, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss.
Your day will end in Reykjavík where you will spend your last night in Iceland.

It seems as if your journey to fabulous Iceland only began a moment ago but now it is time to head back home driving back to Keflavík Airport for your flight. Depending on your flight’s time, you may be able to squeeze in a last day in Reykjavík to experience all the amazing things that the city has to offer.

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Hike to the Meradalir Eruption Site

If you have time before you leave Iceland, you can hike to the latest volcano eruption site at Meradalir on the Reykjanes peninsula. In August 2022, new fissures opened close to the site of the 2021 Fagradalsfjall eruption. Why not take this rare chance to see a fresh caldera and newly solidified lava?

On this self-guided hike, you can see the lava fields produced by both eruptions. You might also be lucky enough to glimpse fountains of molten lava gushing from the ground. No matter how active the volcano is that day, you’ll be able to witness the incredible power of the natural forces that produced the lava.

A volcanic eruption is a natural phenomenon and activity levels vary from day to day, so sightings of molten lava cannot be guaranteed. It’s also worth bearing in mind that the eruption site may be closed for your safety during periods of bad weather.

This hiking tour is only recommended for people with a good level of fitness, used to walking over rough terrain in poor weather. Marked paths are only available for part of the route.

For more information, check out this Volcano Eruption Update.

Tour: Hike to the Meradalir Eruption Site (no extra cost)
Duration: 9 hours, including driving time
Hiking duration: 4–5 hours (2–2.5 hours each way)
Total distance: 14 kilometers (8 miles)
Total elevation gain: 300 meters (990 feet)
Required equipment: Hiking shoes, warm and waterproof clothing, packed lunch, drinking water
Parking: There’s a parking lot near the start of the trail. The entry cost is ISK 1,000. Parking along road 427 is prohibited
Minimum age: 12 years