Spectacular 6 Day Self Drive Camping Trip in the Highlands of Iceland

Next on your route is the geothermal valley where you can see Geysir - the original “geyser” after which all others in the world are named - and its more active neighbour, Strokkur. This geyser spouts boiling water up to 20 m (66 ft) high every ten minutes or so. End the circle with a visit to the dramatic and powerful Gullfoss Falls; you can approach it right up to the water's edge, and really get a taste for the power of Iceland's nature.

From Gullfoss, it is possible to take a snowmobiling tour up on the glacier Langjökull, an activity not to be missed by thrill-seekers. You can also use this free time to take a two-hour long horse-riding tour nearby.

A site that is often missed by those on the Golden Circle is the volcanic crater lake of Kerið. It is a stunning location, the crater coloured with rust-red and fire-orange rocks, contrasting against the azure blue of the permanent lake within it.

After a long day of exploring, you'll make your way to a campsite in the Hvolsvöllur area where you will spend the next three nights. 

After walking amongst steaming rivers and rhyolitic mountains, you'll make your way back to the campsite in the Hvolsvöllur area.

You can take the walking track that leads to the main area of Þórsmörk. Þórsmörk means 'Thor's land', and its incredible beauty will leave you in no doubt as to why it took the name of the most powerful of the old Norse gods. This incredible forested valley is sheltered by three mighty glaciers, meaning it is usually very temperate, perfect for hiking.

Spend the day exploring and drinking in some of the purest mountain air in the world, before heading back to the campsite at Hvolsvöllur.

This area is also a very good location to see puffins, especially around the promontory Dyrhólaey, which is easily accessible from the small, charming village of Vík.

Further west is the plane wreck of Sólheimasandur, which has become a very popular attraction. It has been there since the winter of 1973, exposed to the elements and yet, like so many things in Iceland, has endured them steadfastly. A quick stop here allows for an excellent photo opportunity.

One of the most popular features on this stretch is the magnificent waterfall Skógafoss. It is 60 m (197 ft) in height, and after a heavy rain, can be a third of that in width. It releases so much spray that on a sunny day, the foot of the falls throws off many rainbows.

While travelling the south coast you can opt for several icy-tours such as a snowmobile tour or a glacier hike on Sólheimjökull glacier. You can also go for an ice cave tour near Katla volcano on the glacier Mýrdalsjökull. Whatever you choose, you'll be sure to leave these glacier adventures with memories that will last forever. 

You'll spend your last night in Iceland at a campsite in the town of Þorlákshöfn.

For those who have a later flight and choose to visit the Blue Lagoon today, you will finish off your stay unwinding before you head to the airport. This is the perfect place to relax as you bathe in the warm, mineral-rich waters as you look back on the incredible adventure you have just taken in the land of fire and ice. If your flight is later there are plenty of things to do in Reykjavik. If you have an early flight back home, we wish you a pleasant journey.