Off-the-Beaten-Path 8-Day Summer Vacation Package | Iceland’s South Coast, Westfjords & Highlands

Today, you'll step into Iceland's most beloved region, the sublime South Coast. With its postcard-perfect scenery, charming towns, and many attractions, it's no surprise the south is Iceland's most visited region, boasting glistening glaciers, roaring waterfalls, and domineering mountain peaks.

Your day will begin in the city, where a minibus driver will pick you up from your accommodation. With a small group size and comfortable seating arrangements, you'll find your journey along the coast filled with interest and awe.

The day's first sight is the stunning Seljalandsfoss waterfall. There, you'll quickly rediscover the glittering cave found behind the cascade. This makes Seljalandsfoss a rare sight and is one of the major reasons it's a favorite among nature photographers.

Skogafoss waterfall, only a short distance away, is much broader than Seljalandsfoss and can be viewed from both the bottom—visitors can get right up to where the water hits the rocks—and from an observation deck above. The large amount of spray ejected by Skogafoss causes rainbows to form.

Next up on the day's itinerary is the possibility of glacier hiking, one of the most authentically Icelandic experiences open to travelers.

If you opt for the activity, you'll first meet your friendly and experienced guide, who will give a safety briefing and lesson on hiking the glaciers and provide you with all the equipment necessary to keep you safe. This includes a helmet, crampons, and ice poles if required.

As you ascend one of these ancient forces of nature, you'll be privy to some truly spectacular views over the landscapes of the South Coast. This is one location where you won't want to forget your camera.

From there, you'll move to the black sand beach, Reynisfjara, an area known for its stunning volcanic pebbles, peculiar basalt cliff faces, and the "rock needles," Reynisdrangar, that stand protruding from the ocean just off-shore.

For your first evening, you'll stay at accommodation on the South Coast.

At the beginning of your second day on the South Coast, you'll visit what is colloquially called "the Crown Jewel of Iceland," Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, in Vatnajokull National Park.

This incredible attraction has an almost tangible, ethereal ambiance, instilling a sense of tranquility in visitors who love to sit idly watching the lagoon's enormous floating icebergs. Surrounded by sweeping mountain slopes and glassy glaciers, this is, without doubt, one of Iceland's most unforgettable regions.

If you take a boat trip to Jokulsarlon, you'll have the opportunity to see entirely new aspects of the attraction up close. Sailing among the icebergs, you can look out for the region's wildlife, including the lagoon's curious seal colony and its dive-bombing Skuas, a type of seabird.

Jokulsarlon is not just a testament to the raw power of nature but also a reminder of climate change's impact on glacial retreat. As these ancient ice masses break away, they create a dynamic landscape, ever-evolving, ensuring each visit is distinct from the last. Yet, even as the environment changes, Jokulsarlon remains an iconic symbol of Iceland's unparalleled beauty and the fragile balance of its ecosystems.

From the lagoon, you can walk a short distance to the adjacent Diamond beach, an area of black shoreline where icebergs from Jokulsarlon wash up on the coast as they enter the Atlantic. Diamond beach is justly named, attracting landscape photographers and filmmakers from across the world who are set on capturing this area's timeless beauty.

It's a surreal spectacle to witness the interplay of light as the sun illuminates the ice chunks against the jet-black sand, creating a mesmerizing contrast. The transient nature of these glacial remnants, constantly shaped by the ocean's tides, makes every visit to Diamond Beach a unique experience. 

Visitors often find themselves entranced, walking amidst these natural ice sculptures, feeling as though they've stepped into an art gallery crafted by Mother Nature herself.

After an unforgettable day, you'll return to Reykjavik, stopping at some surprise waterfalls during the journey. Tonight, you'll retire at a comfortable hotel or guesthouse in the city.

Your day begins at the stunning Arnarfjordur fjord. Its deep history of sorcery and magic adds a strange, almost haunting ambiance to the setting. Your guide will tell you about the area's fascinating and imaginative stories, adding an element of intrigue to today's exploration.

According to folklore, this fjord has long been the home of monsters and dangerous spirits, and there's little surprise as to why. Nature here is fantastical, as though it were taken directly from the pages of an adventure novel, sporting glorious waterfalls and dramatic mountain ranges. 

From your vantage point at Arnarfjordur, you'll have incredible views of Kaldbakur, the tallest peak in the Westfjords.

The fjord's pristine waters also reflect tales of hidden treasures beneath, waiting to be discovered. As you gaze out, the shimmering reflections of the surrounding landscape on the fjord's surface seem to tell stories of their own. It's easy to get lost in the captivating beauty and mystery of Arnarfjordur, making it a favorite for locals and tourists alike.

Next, you'll visit Dynjandi, a 328-foot (100-meter) high series of waterfalls that tumble down the cliffside in a pyramid formation. Dynjandi is widely regarded as the most beautiful waterfall in the Westfjords and the whole of Iceland.

Dynjandi's grandeur is not just in its impressive height but also in how each tier of cascading water fans out, resembling an elegant bridal veil. As you approach, the thundering sound of water crashing down amplifies, creating a rhythmic backdrop to this serene location.

The base of the falls offers a perfect vantage point to capture photographs. Still, many visitors also opt for the short hike up, providing panoramic views of the fjord and a closer look at the smaller waterfalls leading up to Dynjandi's main drop.

When your tour ends, your driver will take you back to Bildudalur, where you'll catch your return flight to the Reykjavik domestic airport.

Today, you'll experience the many joys in the Icelandic Central Highlands, an area of colorful rhyolite mountain slopes, trickling glacial rivers, and cragged canyons. The Central Highlands are only accessible during the summer, making this a must for visitors who have only traveled to Iceland during winter.

Landmannalaugar ("The Pools of the People") is widely considered to be the best location for hiking trails in the whole of Iceland. Not only does it boast the incredible Laugavegur trail, but also countless other smaller hikes and scenic attractions. Thankfully, you'll tackle this region in a monster 4-wheel-drive, a well-equipped vehicle for handling the Highlands' rough gravel roads.

As its name suggests, Landmannalaugar is known for its abundant geothermal hot pools, perfect for hot spring bathing after a long day's hike. Remember your swimsuit and towel, because you can't get more Icelandic than this!

The landscape here is truly otherworldly, marked by rhyolite mountains that shift from pink to brown, green, and yellow. The contrasting vibrant hues, often enhanced by snow patches, create a surreal palette, making it a dream destination for photographers. Besides its colorful mountains, the area's vast lava fields and steaming vents offer a glimpse into the raw geothermal power of Iceland.

Alternatively to Landmannalaugar, you could opt for a day tour to Thorsmork valley, equally famed for its incredible natural landscapes. You can choose between an affordable 4WD bus trip or a more intimate super jeep version of either route. 

Thorsmork, named after the Norse god Thor, is a lush oasis surrounded by glaciers and rugged terrain. This sanctuary, with its intertwined rivers, lush meadows, and jagged canyons, offers a contrasting beauty to the icy realms of Iceland. The valley is a favorite among hikers, providing numerous trails that lead to panoramic viewpoints and hidden natural gems.

Due to the accessibility of mountain roads, tours to the highlands are available from June. If the highland options are not available during your travel dates, your travel agent will find something else to your liking.

After an unforgettable day trip traversing Iceland's wild landscapes, your driver will take you back to Reykjavik, where you'll spend the night.