One Week North Iceland Expedition

Welcome to Iceland! 

It's time to explore the rugged wilderness and beautiful nature of the volcanic land of fire and ice. You'll collect your car at the Keflavik International Airport and begin your adventure. 

On your way to Iceland's capital city of Reykjavik, you can stop at the Blue Lagoon. It's a world-renowned spa known for its healing waters, vivid azure colors, and luxurious treatments. It's in the middle of a moss-covered lava field, giving it a unique atmosphere.

Its regenerative water features silica and sulfur, benefiting people with various skin ailments. Moreover, the lagoon's water temperature averages around 98 to 102 F (37 to 39 C), offering a comfortable and relaxing feeling.

If you add the Blue Lagoon, it will be arranged according to your flights. If there's no time to visit the lagoon today, it can be added to another day. Your travel consultant will be able to arrange this for you. 

Alternatively, there's plenty to see and do in Reykjavik and the Reykjanes Peninsula if you have extra free time. When you're ready, you can head to your accommodation in Reykjavik to settle in, freshen up, and get ready to explore the city. Check out its museums, galleries, restaurants, cafes, landmarks, swimming pools, and boutiques.

Visit the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center, the city's premier cultural destination. It's a favorite venue for concerts, exhibitions, and festivals. Moreover, it has a beautiful facade featuring 714 glass panels with LED lights, illuminating the building at night.

Next, about 2.4 miles (3.9 kilometers) from Harpa, is the Perlan museum. It features interactive displays and exhibits about the country's rich nature. The museum's hemispherical rotating glass dome doubles as a viewing deck for visitors to appreciate the cityscape.

Remember to stop at the Hallgrimskirkja church, about 1.6 miles (2.5 kilometers) away. Standing 245 feet (74.5 meters) tall, the church is Iceland's tallest and one of Reykjavik's most famous landmarks.

After going around the city, you'll spend the night in your Reykjavik accommodation.

Today, you'll journey north along the famous Ring Road to Iceland's capital of the north, Akureyri.

There are, however, plenty of great spots to check out along the way. For instance, you should visit Deildartunguhver, home to the largest hot spring in Europe. This geothermal wonder boasts a rapid flow rate of 380 pints (180 liters) per second.

However, it has a constant temperature of 207 F (97 C), which is dangerous when you get too close.

You should also visit the picturesque neighboring waterfalls of Hraunfossar and the more powerful Barnafoss. Hraunfossar is a series of waterfalls streaming from the Hallmundarhraun lava field. The waterfalls flow from ledges of rocks and pour into the Hvita river. On the other hand, Barnafoss is a rapid waterfall with a rich history and intriguing folklore.

If you're a big history buff, visiting Reykholt is a must. Located 11 miles (18 kilometers) from Barnafoss, this small village was the home of the famous poet of the early settler Snorri Sturluson, famous for writing the Saga Heimskringla in the 13th century.

We recommend a stop at the waterfall, Fossatun. Ancient folklore states the waterfall is guarded by a troll woman named Drifa. 

For another dose of history and folklore, a quick visit to the Icelandic Settlement Center in Borgarnes is also a must. The place will help you understand the story of one of Iceland's most cherished heroes, Egill.

While in this region, you can also make a quick stop at the delightful Krauma Geothermal Baths for some natural rest. Alternatively, you can take in some added adventure by joining a tour of Vidgelmir cave.

After you get to Akureyri, you should explore its many landmarks. These include the iconic church in the city center, a variety of boutique shops, some very creative galleries, and the delightfully peaceful botanical gardens. Make sure you also try some of Iceland's best ice cream from the ice cream shop, Brynja.

One of the best ways to enjoy the dramatic nature of the surrounding area is through a horse riding tour. You'll get to ride on the iconic and stylish Icelandic horse across the incredible terrains of North Iceland. You'll experience the comfortable and unique gait associated with this horse breed.

After a thrilling day, you'll retire to your accommodation in North Iceland for the night.

On the third day of your trip, you'll have a couple of options for spending your day, depending on how much driving you prefer.

If you enjoy driving longer distances, you should travel the Arctic Coast Way. You'll want to make sure you set off early to give yourself enough time to complete this route.

On this journey, you'll first visit the quiet fishing village of Svalbardseyri. It's iconic for its black sand beaches and perfectly contrasting orange lighthouse. Interestingly, this village only has about 245 inhabitants and has a geothermal pool that only opens during summer.

Next, you'll head 20 miles (32 kilometers) to Grenivik, a small town offering the most spectacular views of the Eyjafjordur fjord. Take some time to breathe in your surroundings in this town. If you're keen on photography, this is the perfect setting to get some dramatic photos.

These towns are lesser-known hidden gems that only some include in their tour itineraries. It's a great way to enjoy a couple of unique spots away from the crowds.

However, if you're keen to drive less and prefer more sightseeing, you should skip the two towns and head directly to the Diamond Circle trail.

Firstly, you'll head across the fjord from Akureyri and north towards the town of Husavik. Known as the whale-watching capital of Europe, summer is the perfect time to join a tour and check out some of these magnificent creatures of the deep with your own eyes.

Husavik also hosts the famous Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths, which allow guests to enjoy bathing in naturally warm seawater in a very picturesque setting. It's also a great way to relax along your journey.

Next, you'll drive towards the vast horseshoe-shaped Asbyrgi canyon, said to be shaped by the stamping of Odin's eight-legged horse (Sleipnir) from Norse mythology. A little further along this route and you'll find the most powerful waterfall in Europe, Dettifoss. It's well-known for its ominous presence, and it was also featured in the hit movie Prometheus.

After a day of sightseeing, you'll retire for the night in your accommodation in Northeast Iceland.

On your fourth day, you'll explore the volcanic region of the Lake Myvatn area. It's the perfect time to visit in summer with the snow and ice melted. The season will reveal a landscape of impressive views across the lake surrounded by nesting birds who arrive to nest for the season.

One of the most impressive spots in this region is the Dimmuborgir lava fields, which translates to "the dark fortress." It was formed around 2,300 years ago following an eruption. Check out the area's caves, caverns, and large stacks of rocks.

Though not an actual fortress, the lava formed some incredible shapes resembling castles, turrets, and towers. Its somewhat ominous presence led those in bygone eras to believe it was one of the entrances to hell itself.

Spend some time at the Namaskard geothermal area just past the mountain pass. This surreal environment pulsates with steam vents and poisonous gasses. It's also a landmark not to be missed.

The area features slopes and springs, with the ground showing colorful streaks. You'll see vivid colors like red, green, yellow, and orange, adding to the area's unique character. However, Namaskard doesn't have vegetation mainly because of the soil's heat and acidity.

Alternatively, you can join a day tour of Askja volcano to discover Iceland's incredible otherworldly lunar-like landscapes. It will better explain why this region is the testing ground for the upcoming Mars mission.

After another beautiful day in the volcanic paradise of North Iceland, take your time to relax and rejuvenate in the soothing geothermal waters of the nearby Myvatn Nature Baths under the glorious midnight sun.

Since 2004, the steam baths and heated pools have evolved into something comparable to the Blue Lagoon spa. The heated pools surround a large lagoon with temperatures ranging from 100 to 104 F (38 to 40 C). In addition, the water contains minerals that benefit people with skin and respiratory problems.

As you end another day of adventure, you'll retire once more in your accommodation in the North.

Your fifth day will take you on a drive to Saudarkrokur while stopping for a selection of breathtaking sights along the way.

We highly recommend driving along the unique and picturesque Trollaskagi Peninsula or "The Troll Peninsula," with plenty of Arctic Coast Way sights. Some great stops include the beautiful coastal towns of Dalvik and Siglufjordur, the Hofsos infinity pool, and the quirky Beer Spa just outside Arskogssandur.

The Beer Spa is a great way to start the day. You'll bathe in a wooden Kambala bathtub of beer, relaxing in the hops and yeast, and enjoy a cold one (as long as you're not the driver!).

If a beer bath is not your thing, taking a whale-watching tour from the village of Hauganes is also a great activity before continuing along the Arctic Coast Way.

After driving through a one-way tunnel at the tip of the Trollaskagi Peninsula, you'll arrive at the stunning fishing village of Siglufjordur. Known as the fishing capital of Iceland, you should check out the Herring Era Museum. 

The place showcases exhibits that will help you better understand the importance of the fishing industry in Iceland and its economic and cultural impact on this tiny island in the North Atlantic Ocean. Some of the items you'll see in the museum include old photos, fishing equipment, machines, and interactive presentations. It also has a simulation of an old herring salting station.

After this, you'll go to the west side of the peninsula, about 37 miles (60 kilometers) from Siglufjordur, towards the village of Hofsos. It's one of Iceland's oldest trading posts, dating back to the 1500s. Here, you can relax in the famous infinity pool and marvel at the mountainous and fjord-filled landscapes.

In addition, the Althydulist or Runalist galleries are nearby, where you'll find local Icelandic handicrafts.

Having traveled around this incredible part of Iceland, you'll rest for the night in your accommodation in Northwest Iceland.

Today, you'll make your way back to Reykjavik. En route, many worthy detours await.

For instance, you can come off of the Ring Road and visit the Vatnsnes peninsula. Check out the most visited spot of Hvitserkur. This strange basalt rock stack is a remnant of a dormant volcano.

Hvitserkur stands 49 feet (15 meters) tall, protruding from Hunafloi Bay. Folklore says the rock stack used to be a troll from the peninsula. It was so angry at Iceland's conversion to Christianity that it tried to rip down the bells of a convent. 

While consumed by anger, the troll failed to notice the rising sun. As a result, the sunlight petrified him and turned him into the "Troll of Northwest Iceland."

Today, the basalt rock stack is a nesting ground for various birdlife. Shags, seagulls, and fulmars are some of the most common bird species around the area.

It's now a fan favorite of photographers for its bizarre shape and beautiful setting. Frequently, travelers ask, "Does it resemble a drinking elephant or a dragon more?"

If you continue around the peninsula, you'll find several excellent stops to capture more beautiful photos. Most notably, around the western side, near the small settlement of Illugastadir, you'll see a local seal colony with the backdrop of Iceland's Westfjords in the distance.

Shortly after, you'll pass through the small town of Hvammstangi and rejoin the Ring Road on your way back to Reykjavik. If you're feeling extra adventurous on this day, you can take a helicopter tour over Iceland's vast geothermal areas from the domestic airport in Reykjavik.

Alternatively, if you arrive back in Reykjavik in good time, you can join a tour entering the empty magma chamber of the Thrihnukagigur volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula.

After an exciting day of adventure and exploration, you'll spend your final night in Iceland in Reykjavik.

On your seventh and final day in Iceland, you’ll drive to the Keflavik International Airport to drop off your rental car and take your return flight home.

If you have a late flight, you can take the extra time to explore some parts of Reykjavik you missed on the first day of your trip. This is an excellent opportunity to check out some less touristy areas. You can visit the delightful Seltjarnarnes peninsula, which hosts the poignant Grotta Lighthouse. 

Alternatively, you can relax at the Kvika geothermal foot spa or enjoy the lovely coastal walks in Vesturbaer, the west part of town. You can also use the time to do your last bit of souvenir shopping to tempt yourself with a final treat before heading for the airport.

If you have an early flight, we wish you a safe journey home and look forward to welcoming you back to Iceland.