South Iceland Glacier Whistlestop

Your memorable, Iceland adventure begins the very moment you arrive at Keflavik Airport. Once you pick up your rental vehicle, you’ll head directly for Reykjavik and your exciting, first night in Iceland.

If your flight arrives early enough, we have a great suggestion for starting your trip off the right way: Plan a visit to Iceland’s world-famous Blue Lagoon. Be sure to pack your swimsuit, so you can take a relaxing dip in the Lagoon’s soothing, geothermal waters, before heading to your hotel.

You can start by a drive to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the geological wonders of the world where you can see the effects of the tectonic plate movements which have opened various cracks and fissures in the earth’s crust. You continue to the famous Geysir Area where the Strokkur hot spring ejects its water column high into the air every 5 – 10 minutes and where numerous small springs are boil and bubble. Afterwards you only have a short drive to reach Gullfoss, surely one of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls.On your way along the south coast you will pass the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and you can actually walk behind it. A little further you pass Skógafoss waterfall, one of the highest in Iceland. Next you can stop at the magnificent Dyrhólaey Cape. You can either take the road up to the top of the cape, and have a look at the bird cliff there or drive to a beautiful black sand beach at the foot of the cape. (Please note that Dyrholaey is closed during nesting season from May 15 til June 23 and from mid- August the puffins will have gone to sea!).

Your next stop is Iceland’s scenic southeast. After passing various, outlet glaciers belonging to Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap, you’ll arrive at the stunningly surreal beauty of Jokulsarlon, 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. You will now head back to Reykjavik through the South Coast, Selfoss and Hveragerði. You can visit the places you missed on the previous day if you still have time.** Please be aware that this itinerary has really long driving distances but will allow you to see all the highlights of the South coast of Iceland in record time.

Now it is time to head back home, after an amazing journey through one of the world’s most picturesque landscapes. You will drive back to Keflavík Airport for your flight back home. Depending on your flight time, you may be able to enjoy your last day strolling around Reykjavík. Or, even better, consider booking an extra night in Reykjavík to really give yourself time to experience all the amazing things Iceland’s capital city has to offer.