Iceland Glacier & Hot Spring Winter Road Trip

On your way along the south coast you will pass two spectacular waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, two stops you must not miss. At Skógar, you will find a folk museum showing how people lived in past centuries in Iceland. The black sand beaches of the south coast are famous and you can take a walk on them in the little village of Vík or in Reynishverfi. If you wish you can go swimming in one of Iceland’s oldest swimming pool, the Seljavallarlaug, a naturally-heated thermal pool located in a beautiful hidden valley.

Today you will visit one of the most popular and beautiful sights of Iceland. Enjoy the breathtaking sights of the Skaftafell Nature Reserve, an oasis surrounded by glaciers and black sand with many hiking possibilities and at the spectacular Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Enormous icebergs drift where you can walk along the banks of the lagoon to admire the fantastically-shaped icebergs. Drive back to Vík/Kirkjubæjarklaustur area for a second night.

Today it is time to visit some of the most interesting and famous areas of Iceland: the famous geothermal area of Geysir where the Strokkur hot spring ejects its water column high into the air every 5–10 minutes and where numerous small springs boil and bubble. After this you only have a short drive to reach Gullfoss, surely the country’s most famous waterfall. If you wish you can continue to Lake Laugarvatn for a nice thermal bath at Laugarvatn Fontana spa, composed of a series of interconnected baths and steam rooms that complement each other to create a healthy, natural and unique spa experience.

Now you will continue your drive to Þingvellir National Park (Thingvellir), considered 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. It was here that the Icelandic parliament was founded in the 10th century. Today you will take the time to explore the region along the Hvalfjörður to Borgarnes. You can make a stop at Deildartunguhver hot spring (the biggest in Iceland in terms of water production per second), Reykholt where the famous medieval writer Snorri Sturluson lived and the Hraunfossar waterfalls where the water flows out from beneath a lava field into the river below. The Barnafoss waterfall is just a short walk away from Hraunfossar.

Today you will be exploring the natural wonders of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, which is known for the stunning Snæfellsjökull National Park and the Snæfellsjökull glacier that towers above the region. Today’s itinerary takes you through lava fields and fertile farming land. Explore the charming village of Arnarstapi where basalt columns have been eroded by the pounding waves, Hellnar, Djúpalónssandur, Snæfellsjökull glacier and the crater Eldborg. Drive through the north part of the peninsula passing through Stykkishólmur, a charming fishing village beautifully situated overlooking the Breiðafjörður bay. Return to Borgarnes for a second night.

Drive back to Reykjavík. Take some time to explore Iceland’s capital, with its cool cafés and restaurants, interesting shops, and captivating museums and galleries. And why not relax and unwind in a “hot pot” at one of the city’s many pools? This is a great way to experience authentic Icelandic culture.

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 or an extra night in there to experience all the amazing things that the city has to offer.