Top things to do in Iceland
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Guide to Iceland
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Join this small group guided minibus tour to travel the full circle around Iceland in 8 days. Explore and experience the country's most iconic natural attractions. This tour is tailored to travellers who are looking to maximise their vacation time by experiencing the full breadth of Iceland's unmatched diversity.
From the snow-wreathed mountains of the Eastfjords to the rugged, dried lava fields of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, there's no telling of the adventure that awaits. Throughout this 8-day winter journey, you will visit numerous towns and coastal villages, scale glaciers, discover charming lakes, marvel at cascading waterfalls, and so much more.
There is also ample opportunity to add extra excursions to your trip during the booking process. You can go glacier hiking up Sólheimajökull, venture into a lava tube at Vatnshellir Cave, go horse riding, or partake in the incredible chance to go inside an authentic ice cave.
You will spend time in many of Iceland's wondrous national parks and nature reserves, including UNESCO World Heritage Site, Þingvellir and Vatnajökull National Park. For landscape photographers and nature lovers, these regions offer a fantastic opportunity to revel in Iceland's incredible landscapes and geology.
This is a guided tour, meaning there will be plenty of opportunities to soak up the Icelandic culture, ask questions and garner a real understanding of the geological makeup and natural phenomena that make the country so attractive. You'll not only be shown around but get the most out of every experience as you explore the wonders of Iceland.
Every night will conclude with a possible display of the celestial phenomenon, the Northern Lights. Their appearance can never be guaranteed, but exploring the country in wintertime is your best chances of spotting them. You will also rest at the end of each day at the best available accommodation available throughout your entire stay.
So, don't delay - hop on this fantastic guided bus excursion and you, too, can experience the best of Iceland's natural delights!
Check availability by choosing a date and book your Iceland adventure now.
The Golden Circle is a 300 kilometre (186 mile) route to the three most popular natural attractions in Iceland: the Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss Waterfall and Þingvellir National Park.
With its popularity, the trail is featured in many guided packages, including this immersive 6-Day Winter Package, and self-drive tours, such as this 10-Day Road Trip. It is easy to do within half a day by those who join a Golden Circle tour or rent a car.
Many of these excursions have additional activities, such as snorkelling or snowmobiling, or are conducted in a unique style, such as by helicopter, or under the midnight sun.
Within the three locations of the Golden Circle are some of the clearest examples of Iceland’s fascinating geological forces, magnificent landscapes, and rich culture.
The Geysir Geothermal Area is a hot-spring haven in Haukadalur Valley. As could be guessed, it is home to a famous geyser, the name of which has named all others: Geysir itself.
Though this feature is currently in a phase of inactivity, its neighbour Strokkur more than makes up for it. Every five to ten minutes, it blasts a column of boiling water to heights that can reach over 40 metres (131 feet).
The surrounding area is dotted with fumaroles, hot springs, and mud-pits. There are also two other smaller geysers, Smiður and Litlí-Strokkur, that can be easily visited, as well as a hotel, restaurant, cafe and gift shop across the road.
The 'Golden Waterfall', Gullfoss one of the most beautiful and powerful waterfalls in Iceland, plummeting 32 metres (105 feet) in two tiers into the river gorge of the popular rafting river Hvítá. It is just a ten-minute drive from Geysir and is the furthest point on the Golden Circle from Reykjavík.
Gullfoss was very almost lost in the early 20th century when British developers sought to harness its incredible power for geothermal energy. Though they got the lease to the land, allowing them to go ahead with their plans, they met an unlikely adversary: the daughter of the farmer who owned it, Sigríður Tómasdóttir.
This resilient woman refused to see the waterfall, to which she and her sisters paved the first path, destroyed. She, therefore, walked over 200 kilometres (124 miles) to Reykjavík and back multiple times to meet with a lawyer in order to help change the decision.
Though the process was arduous and took years, eventually Sigríður managed to exhaust the resources of the businessmen and they withdrew their plans. Because of her, all Icelandic waterfalls are now protected from foreign investors, and she is considered one of Iceland’s first environmentalists and most important historical people.
The largest attraction of the Golden Circle is Þingvellir National Park. The Icelandic parliament was founded here in 930 and remained until the year 1798 before moving to Reykjavík, making it the original site of what is now the world’s longest ongoing parliament.
Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important places to visit in Iceland. This is not just for its historical and cultural values, but for also its magnificent landscape and dramatic geology.
Þingvellir is surrounded by a beautiful mountain and volcanic ranges, as it is located in a rift valley directly between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. This makes it one of the few places in the world where you can walk between the continents, in the Mid-Atlantic Rift.
The daring and qualified even have opportunities to snorkel or scuba dive in this no-mans-land, in a ravine filled with crystal-clear spring water called Silfra. The visibility here can exceed 100 metres (328 feet), revealing incredible geological sites. Though it never freezes over due to the constant flow of water into it, it is 2°C (35°C) throughout the year, thus underwater explorers are always equipped with protective suits.
Other sites of note are the magnificent Almannagjá gorge, which you can walk down into to reach the rift valley from the North American tectonic plate, and the beautiful lake Þingvallavatn, the largest lake in Iceland, which gleams to the south of the National Park.
Due to its convenient location in south-west Iceland, it is easy to visit the Golden Circle alongside with many other sites. Those seeking relaxation could head to the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir or Fontana Spa in Laugarvatn, those seeking adventure could book a trip to the ice tunnels of Langjökull glacier, and those seeking culture could visit the Sólheimar ecovillage. For more natural beauty, you can visit the nearby Kerið crater lake.
There are many tours that include such bonuses, but if driving yourself, you should check out this guide to great detours off the Golden Circle.
North Iceland is a beautiful region, hosting some of the best attractions on the island.
Explore North Iceland on one of these Akureyri tours or trips in the Myvatn area.
Home to the Lake Mývatn region, the town of Akureyri (otherwise known as the 'Capital of the North'), the whale-watching hot-spot of Húsavík and the northern parts of Vatnajökull National Park, the North attracts visitors throughout the year.
It is divided by fjords and mountain ranges into many beautiful regions.
Within the bay of Eyjafjörður is Akureyri, a town of 17,000 inhabitants. It is the largest settlement outside of the Greater Reykjavík Area.
It is easy to reach via the Ring Road, and many cruise ships land in the port of the town.
The older part of Akureyri is particularly worth a stroll, as it contains many historic buildings. The town is also home to many interesting museums, galleries, and the world’s northernmost botanical gardens.
If you like skiing or snowboarding, one of the best skiing sites in the country is located nearby.
Siglufjörður straddles the border of Eyjafjörður and Skagafjörður and is most famously home to a charming settlement of the same name.
Other than its natural beauty, with huge cliffs bordering the town, Siglufjörður is renowned for its fascinating museums.
There is a folk music museum, which comes alive during an annual festival, and the Herring Era Museum. The latter is the only Icelandic museum to win an international award and is much more interesting than it sounds; it explains how Iceland managed to survive a millennium in such harsh climes by relying on the seas.
The Vatnsnes Peninsula gets its fame for two reasons. Firstly, it is the best seal-watching location in the whole country, with colonies hauling out throughout the year. In the town of Hvammstangi, you can visit the Icelandic Seal Centre to learn more about these animals.
It is also famous for hosting the coastal rock formation of Hvítserkur. This bizarre feature is said to be a troll frozen by the light of the morning sun, but to most, it appears to be more like an elephant drinking from the ocean.
Þingeyjarsýsla county is home to many incredible sites, particularly due to the fact that the Lake Mývatn region is nestled within it. This beautiful area is renowned for its lava formations, pseudocraters and rich birdlife.
Near Mývatn is the impressive lava field Dimmuborgir, which was featured in the Game of Thrones series. There is also the incredible waterfall Goðafoss, a beautiful feature between Lake Mývatn itself and Akureyri.
Húsavík is a nearby town, considered the whale watching capital of Europe. In summer, many operators see Humpback Whales every time they leave the port.
The Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon is home to some of Iceland's most beloved natural attractions; the river Jökulsá á Fjöllum runs through it and holds several waterfalls including Europe's most powerful, Dettifoss. Nearby to here is the spectacular, horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon.
Far north, straddling the Arctic Circle is Grímsey island, the northernmost inhabited territory of Iceland, with a population of about 100 people. It is renowned for its fishing, its rich vegetation and birdlife, particularly puffins.
West Iceland is home to the country’s capital city, Reykjavík, and an array of impressive natural sites. These include Europe's most powerful hot spring, Iceland's most significant lava tube, fascinating glaciers, beautiful waterfalls important historical sites and more. It has three main districts outside of the capital area: Borgarfjörður, the Snӕfellsnes Peninsula, and Breiðafjörður.
Browse a wide range of Westfjords tours.
Though also in the west, the Westfjords and Reykjanes Peninsula are considered to be in separate regions.
Iceland’s capital city is Reykjavík, a settlement of 120,000 people (over 200,000 in the Greater Reykjavík Area) that was founded in 870 AD by Ingólfur Arnarson; this makes it the country’s oldest inhabited area.
It is a hot spot of culture, with festivals such as Sónar, Airwaves and Secret Solstice, events such as Pride and Culture Nights, and countless museums and galleries. The city is also renowned for its vibrant live music, cabaret and drag scenes, its street art, many sculptures, and its delicious cuisine.
Its architecture is particularly of note, with impressive buildings such as Hallgrímskirkja Church and the Harpa Concert Hall.
Reykjavík is where most visitors base themselves and the point from which most tour leaves. There is a comprehensive guide to Reykjavík on this site.
Borgarfjörður is the fjord north of Reykjavík, within which is a wealth of beautiful historical and natural sites. Reykholt, for example, is a tiny village where medieval historian and poet Snorri Sturluson, author of Snorra-Edda and Heimskringla, once lived. Borgarnes, the main village of Borgarfjörður, is one of Iceland’s earliest towns, and home to the fascinating Settlement Centre.
In terms of nature, Borgarfjörður is home to the second highest waterfall in the country, Glymur. Other beautiful waterfalls include the magical and peaceful Hraunfossar and the raging rapids of Barnafoss which lie only a stone's throw apart. The area is also home to the longest lava cave in the country, Viðgelmir, the highest flowing hot spring in Europe, Deildartunghver, and just inland is Iceland’s second biggest glacier, Langjökull.
The Snӕfellsnes peninsula is a marvellous stretch of land in west Iceland. It is home to a unique mountain ridge with the majestic Snӕfellsjokull glacier and National Park at its westernmost point.
The region is often called Iceland in miniature due to its diverse sites, which include beautiful mountains such as Kirkjufell, geological wonders such as the Gerðuberg cliffs, and coastal formations such as Lóndrangar rock pinnacles.
Breiðafjörður is the fjord that separates the Westfjords from the Snӕfellsnes Peninsula. It is a natural reserve with countless small islands and home to thousands of birds, including puffins.
The inner part of Breiðafjörður is the old farm site Eiriksstadir, the home of Eric the Red, the first European to land in Greenland, in the year 984 AD. His son was Leif Ericsson, the first European to land in America, in the year 1000.
Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland and the northernmost capital of any sovereign state in the world.
Browse a large range of Reykjavik tours to learn more about the city.
Despite a small population (approximately 120,000, with just over 200,000 in the Greater Reykjavík area), it is a vibrant city that draws an ever increasing number of visitors every year. It is the financial, cultural and political centre of Iceland, and has a reputation of being one of the cleanest and safest cities in the world.
The city of Reykjavík is located in southwest Iceland by Faxaflói Bay. Throughout the ages, the landscape has been shaped by glaciers, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions and the area is geothermal; after all, its name translates to ‘Smoky Bay’.
Much of the current city area was subglacial during the Ice Age, with the glacier reaching as far as the Álftanes peninsula, while other areas lay under the sea. After the end of the Ice Age, the land rose as the glaciers drifted away, and it began to take on its present form.
The coastline of Reykjavík is set with peninsulas, coves, straits and islands, most notably the island of Viðey, and seabirds and whales frequent the shores. The mountain ring as seen from the shore is particularly beautiful.
Mount Esjan is the highest mountain in the vicinity of Reykjavík and the most distinctive feature of the coastline. This majestic summit is also highly popular amongst hikers and climbers. Other notable mountains that can be seen from the seaside are Akrafjall and Skarðsheiði.
On clear days, one may even see as far to the legendary Snæfellsjökull glacier, at the end of the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
The largest river to run through the city is Elliðaá in Elliðaárdalur valley, which is also one of Iceland’s best rivers for salmon fishing.
There are no trains or trams in Iceland, but most people travel by car. The city also operates a bus system. There are two major harbours in town, the old harbour in the centre and Sundahöfn in the east.
The domestic Reykjavík Airport is located at Vatnsmýrin, not far from the city centre and close to the hill Öskjuhlíð and the restaurant, vantage point and exhibition centre Perlan. The international Keflavík Airport at Miðnesheiði heath then lies around 50 kilometres (31 miles) from the city.
Cars, jeeps and bicycles can be readily rented in the city and many organized tours are also being offered. It is, however, quite easy to walk between the major sites.
The local arts scene is strong in Iceland, with annual events and festivals, many of artists from which have hit the international stage.
Major events taking place in Reykjavík include Iceland Airwaves, Reykjavík Pride, RIFF (The Reykjavík International Film Festival), The Reykjavík Literature Festival, Culture Night, the Reykjavík Arts Festival, Food & Fun, the Reykjavík Fashion Festival and the Sónar music festival.
Amongst the famous people from Reykjavík are musicians like Björk Guðmundsdóttir and Sigur Rós, and writers Halldór Laxness (born on the main street, Laugavegur) and Arnaldur Indriðason.
Those eager to soak up the local culture should visit the city’s many museums, exhibitions and galleries, and check out live music at the cafés, bars, and concert venues dotted around. You could look at the programmes of what’s on at the Harpa music hall or the theatres, or else plan a few hours at the lighthouse at Grótta, the shopping street of Laugavegur, or the old harbour and the flea market.
You could even book a bird- and whale watching tour or a visit to Viðey island. There are a lot of things to do and the possibilities are endless.
Make sure to visit the public square of Austurvöllur, one of the city’s most popular gathering places, where you’ll also find the national parliament, the Alþingi, as well as the state church, a statue of independence hero Jón Sigurðsson, cafés, bars and restaurants.
Austurvöllur was central in the protests following the banking collapse of 2008, along with Lækjargata, home to the House of Government. You are also not likely to miss the great church of Hallgrímskirkja that towers over the city from the hill of Skólavörðuholt, from which you’ll get a great view of the city.
Try a walk by the city pond, Tjörnin, to greet the many birds that frequent the area and to visit the city hall, stationed by its banks. A beautiful park lies by the pond, ideal for a nice walk, and sometimes concerts get held there.
Further off is the campus of the University of Iceland, the Nordic house and the Vatnsmýrin wetland, a particularly pleasant place, but be mindful to not disturb the wildlife there by keeping to the pathways.
For a nice swim on a warm day, we particularly recommend Nauthólsvík beach, which is heated with geothermal water. Those who love a dip should also visit the Laugardalur valley, home to one of the city’s best swimming pools, which sits a short walk away from Ásmundarsafn gallery, a beautiful botanical garden and a domestic zoo.
A walk by the Ægissíða beach, with its old fishing sheds, in the west part of Reykjavík also holds a particular charm. From there, you can see all the way to president’s house at Bessastaðir, which is also a historical site in its own right, having been the educational centre of Iceland for centuries.
Another place that offers one of the city’s best views is Perlan, up on Öskjuhlíð hill. The hill itself is a popular place to spend a few hours, with over 176,000 trees and great opportunities for walking and cycling. Perlan also has and observation deck with great views, a café and an exhibition centre.
Furthermore, the city is a short drive from many of Iceland’s major attractions, most famously the Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon. In close vicinity you’ll also find the Heiðmörk preservation area, a favourite local site of the people of Reykjavík, as well as the Blue Mountains, one of Iceland’s best skiing venues.
Finally, we’d like to stress that these are only some suggestions of the many things you might check out in Reykjavík. Whatever you choose to do, we hope you’ll be able to make the most of your visit and we wish you a pleasant stay in our capital.
Akureyri, ‘The Capital of the North’ is a town in the fjord Eyjafjörður in North Iceland.
It lies just 100 kilometres (62 miles) away from the Arctic Circle. It is Iceland’s second-largest urban area with a population of about 17,800.
Learn more about this area on an Akureyri tour.
Akureyri is an important fishing centre and port, but in the last few years, tourism, industry, higher education and services have become the fastest growing sectors of the economy.
An airport is located about three kilometres (two miles) from the centre and a large number of cruise ships lay anchor in its busy harbour.
Traditionally Akureyri has survived on fisheries and some of Iceland’s largest fishing companies such as Samherji, have their headquarters there. Other large companies are also based here, such as Vifilfell hf, the largest brewery in Iceland, which produces the famous Kaldi beer.
FSA/Akureyri Hospital is a significant employer in the area and is one of two major hospitals in Iceland.
Akureyri has excellent facilities for travellers and is located a short drive from many of Iceland’s top natural, cultural and historical attractions. Additionally, one of Iceland's best skiing sites is found by Akureyri, at Hlíðarfjall and it is the location for Ak Extreme, an annual skiing and snowboarding festival.
Akureyri is surrounded by mountains, the highest one being Kerling at 1,538 metres (5,064 feet). The area around it has rich agriculture and a beautiful mountain ring.
The island of Hrísey sits in the middle of Eyjafjörður and Grímsey Island, which straddles the Arctic Circle; both islands belong to the municipality of Akureyri. Hrísey is often called 'The Pearl of Eyjafjörður’ and Grímsey 'The Pearl of the Arctic', and these beautiful and peaceful islands are highly popular with travellers.
Both are also home to many puffins.
Furthermore, Akureyri is a very popular place to stay due to its proximity to the Lake Mývatn. This is one of the country’s most popular destinations, due to its incredible natural beauty, intense geothermal activity, a wealth of birdlife and many surrounding sites, including Dettifoss waterfall, the most powerful waterfall in Europe.
It is also close to the seal-watching capital of Iceland, Hvammstangi, on the Vatnsnes Peninsula. This peninsula is also home to the captivating ‘elephant rock’ formation, called Hvítserkur.
The convenience of Akureyri is added to by its position on the Icelandic Ring Road, a route that encircles the country, passing almost every major destination. This means that reaching it from Reykjavík is little trouble, even in winter and the journey takes just under five hours.
During World War II, Akureyri was an essential site for the Allies and the town grew considerably after the war, as people increasingly moved to urban areas.
Akureyri has an active cultural scene, with several bars and renowned restaurants as well as frequent concerts and shows. During the summer there are several notable festivals in Akureyri and its surroundings such as the Vaka Folk festival.
Sites of interest in Akureyri include the brand-new Hof concert hall, many museums and the Christmas house which is open all year round.
The city boasts the world's northernmost botanical gardens which are located close to the swimming pool which is worth a visit.
Akureyrarkirkja church sits in a prized position halfway up the hill upon which most of the city is built. It was completed in 1940 and was designed by one of Iceland's most famous architects, Guðjón Samúelsson, who also was also responsible for arguably Iceland's most famous church, Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavík.
Jökulsárlón is Iceland’s most famous glacier lagoon. Conveniently located in the southeast by Route 1, about halfway between the Skaftafell Nature Reserve and Höfn, it is a popular stop for those travelling along the South Coast or around the Ring Road of the country.
This beautiful location is the highlight of many self-drive tours and guided packages; both this 10-Day Summer Road Trip and 6-Day Summer Vacation feature it. Those renting a car can also access it in the south-east of the country. Alternatively, take a tour of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.
As a glacier lagoon, Jökulsárlón is a lake that is filled with the meltwater from an outlet glacier. In this case, it is Breiðamerkurjökull, a tongue of Europe’s largest ice cap, Vatnajökull.
It stands out, however, due to the fact that it also fills with icebergs breaking from the glacier, some of which tower several stories high.
These icebergs, other than their scale, are notable for their colouration. Although they are, as expected, largely white, most are also dyed electric blue in part, with black streaks of ash from eruptions centuries past.
When the icebergs finally make it across the lagoon, they either drift out to sea or wash up on the nearby shore. Because of the way they glisten against the black sands of Breiðamerkursandur, this area has been nicknamed ‘the Diamond Beach’.
In spite of being a rather recent formation, Jökulsárlón is the deepest lake in the country, with depths of 248 metres (814 feet). With a surface area of 18 square kilometres (7 square miles), it is also growing to be one of the largest.
Jökulsárlón has not been around since Iceland’s settlement; it only formed around 1935. This was due to rapidly rising temperatures in the country from the turn of the twentieth century; since 1920, Breiðamerkurjökull has been shrinking at a dramatic rate, and the lagoon has begun to fill its space.
Today, the expansion of Jökulsárlón is accelerating. In 1975, it had less than half its current surface area.
In the relatively near future, it is expected that the lagoon will continue to grow until it becomes a large, deep fjord.
Though a dark omen for Iceland’s glaciers and ice caps in general, the retreat of Breiðamerkurjökull has resulted in an incredibly beautiful, if temporary, site. This has not been overlooked by Hollywood.
Jökulsárlón has been featured in the James Bond films A View to Kill in 1985 and Die Another Day in 2002, 2001’s Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, and 2005’s Batman Begins.
In 2017, Jökulsárlón was enveloped into the Vatnajökull National Park, thus it is now fully protected by Icelandic law.
Because of the wealth of herring and capelin that the tides bring into the lagoon, Jökulsárlón is somewhat of a hot-spot for Iceland’s wildlife.
In summer, it is a nesting site for Arctic Terns; stay well away from their nesting area, as these birds are notorious for the fierceness with which they protect their eggs, dive-bombing the heads of any they see as a threat. Skuas also nest on the lake’s shores in this season.
Seals can be reliably spotted here throughout the year, swimming amongst or else hauling out on the icebergs. Jökulsárlón provides them with a safe haven to rest and socialise, especially considering the waters of southeast Iceland are renowned for their population of orcas.
Vatnajökull glacier is the largest glacier in Europe, covering 8% of Iceland’s landmass.
Due to its enormous size, parts of it are visited on countless self drive tours, guided packages and tours of the South Coast. This 10-Day Summer Self-Drive and 6-Day Summer Vacation are examples that provide opportunities to visit many of its corners. It can also be explored by those who rent a car.
The glacier is the central feature of the Vatnajökull National park, found in the south west of Iceland, a popular spot for activities like glacier hiking from Skaftafell, boat tours in the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, and ice caving tours between November and March.
Vatnajökull has a surface area of approximately 8,100 square kilometres (3127 square miles); though it is rapidly shrinking due to climate change, its recession is not quite as advanced as at other glaciers, such as Langjökull and Mýrdalsjökull. In parts, it is a kilometre deep (over three thousand feet), and its average thickness is around half of that.
Vatnajökull also holds the tallest peak in Iceland beneath its ice; Hvannadalshnjúkur is 2,200 metres tall (7,218 feet). It also conceals some of the most active volcanoes in the country, the most notable being Grímsvötn, Öræfajökull and Bárðarbunga.
Volcanic activity in the region has occurred on and off throughout the centuries, and many geologists believe that several eruptions are overdue. If their calculations are correct, it would mean significant volcanic activity for Vatnajökull over the scope of the next half-century.
Depending on winds, this could result in worldwide consequences in terms of air-travel, agriculture and the general climate.
The glacier boasts over 30 outlet glaciers, which are channels of ice that flow out of ice caps but remain constrained on the sides of the valley. The major outlet glaciers of Vatnajökull include Dyngjujökull in the north, Breiðamerkurjökull, and Skeiðarárjökull to the south. To the west, one can find the outlet glaciers Síðujökull, Skaftárjökull and Tungnaárjökull.
Numerous rivers run out of Vatnajökull, making up some of the greatest glacial rivers in Iceland. The most notable are:
Tungnaá (west)
Köldukvísl (west)
Þjórsá (west)
Jökulsá á Fjöllum (north)
Skjálfandafljót (north)
Jökulsá á Brú (northeast)
Jökulsá í Fljótsdal (northeast)
Jökulsá í Lóni (south)
Hornafjarðarfljót (south)
Jökulsá á Breiðamerkursandi (south)
Skeiðará (south)
Núpsvötn (south)
Hverfisfljót (south)
Skaftá (south)
Vatnajökull National Park was established in June 2008 and has slowly grown to include more and more areas. The park now covers an area of 14,141 square kilometres (5,460 square miles), 14% of the country. It is the second largest national park in Europe.
Rivers divide the highland plateau to the north of the park. The volcanic table mountain Herðubreið towers over this particular region, along with volcanoes Askja, Snæfell and Kverkfjöll.
The canyon Jökulsárgljúfur was carved out by glacial floods centuries ago. At the upper end of the canyon, you'll find Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Further north, the horseshoe-shaped canyon Ásbyrgi is believed to have formed when Óðinn's eight-legged horse, Sleipnir, stepped his foot down from the heavens.
East around Snæfell, one can find wetlands and ranges, home to roaming herds of wild reindeer and abundant birdlife. Steep mountain ridges make up the south side of Vatnajökull, where outlet glaciers crawl onto the lowlands. The sandy plains of Skeiðarársandur also lie to the south, and the glacial river Skeiðará runs through this vast desert.
One of Iceland's most visited landmarks in the National Park is the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, which sits at the base of the outlet glacier Breiðamerkurjökull. Here, large icebergs that have broken off the glacier float across a vast lake before ending up in the Atlantic Ocean, or washed ashore on the nearby Diamond Beach.
This is one of the best seal-watching spots in the country.
The volume of Vatnajökull reached its peak around 1930 but has since been in a steady process of decline. Because of rising levels of global temperature, Vatnajökull has on average lost about a metre (three feet) of its thickness annually over the past 15 years.
If temperature levels continue to rise, the glacier could be all but gone nearing the end of the next century, leaving only small ice caps on top of the highest mountain summits.
Efforts are being made to prevent what some say is the inevitable, with reforestation projects going on all around the glacier, a proven method of cooling the area. Time will tell how successful they are.
The beauty of Vatnajökull National Park has not gone unnoticed by those in film or television. Many famous scenes have been shot here, starting with James Bond: A View to Kill in 1985. Other notable films with scenes here include Batman Begins, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, and James Bond: Die Another Day.
Most famously, however, many places in Vatnajökull have been used in the HBO Series Game of Thrones, north of the Wall. The Wall itself is constructed with CGI using shots of the glacier.
Mývatn is a beautiful lake with many small islands in the north of Iceland, the fourth largest lake in the country. Due to its serenity, birdlife and volcanism, the lake, including its surrounding area, is one of the most amazing natural attractions in the country.
Explore this region on a tour of Myvatn or a self drive package vacation.
Mývatn is, in fact, so beautiful that is was used as a site in the Game of Thrones franchise. In mid-winter it was used to represent the lands North of the Wall, namely Mance Raider’s Wildling camp.
Mývatn sits about an incredibly active geothermal area, giving it a unique and beautiful geology. After all, it is close to sites such as Krafla caldera, which contains the notorious Víti volcano, the name of which translates to ‘hell’.
Many of the islands here are thus pseudocraters, formed by steam explosions as magma rose beneath pockets of water, and many are bizarre basalt columns, rising vertically from the surface, formed by rapid cooling after an eruption.
The high amount of geothermal activity beneath Mývatn, of course, presents the opportunity for bathing in naturally heated waters. This is best done at the Mývatn Nature Baths, a beautiful establishment with serene waters, incredible views, and a reasonable entry fee.
Mývatn has some of the best bird-watching available in Iceland, although those seeking puffins will need to be at coastal cliffs such as those at Látrabjarg and Dyrhólaey, between May and September.
In fact, Mývatn has more species of duck than anywhere else in the world, with thirteen nesting species and many more visitors. Most popular (and common) amongst these is the harlequin duck sometimes referred to as the white-eyed diver after their unique white markings.
Mývatn’s surrounding vegetation and plentiful food make it a happy home for voles, mice and rats that have spread all over Iceland, providing tasty treats for Iceland’s only native land mammal, the Arctic Fox. Visitors, however, will have to keep a close eye out for these, as they are experts in camouflage.
In terms of flora, the most interesting plant life at Mývatn actually exists just beneath the surface of the water. Marimo are ‘moss balls’, bizarre spheres of fluffy green algae that are found in very few other places around the world, namely Japan (where they got their name), Scotland, Estonia and Australia.
Visitors to Mývatn often wish to spend more than just a single day exploring its many surrounding locations. Primary amongst these is Dimmuborgir, a lava field which truly reflects the dramatic consequences of a volcanism in Iceland. This area is steeped in folklore and is home to the thirteen ‘Santas’ of Iceland, the Yule Lads.
It was also here that many of the Game of Thrones scenes were shot such as Mance Rayder's wildling camp at Dimmuborgir and Grjótagjá cave, where Jon and Ygritte shared an evening together. Though this site can be admired from the shore, the water temperature is not monitored and can heat up very quickly, so visitors are asked not to take a dip.
Those with an interest in Iceland’s strange geothermal and geological sites should also check out the Skútustadagígar pseudo-craters and the aforementioned Víti crater and its surrounding lava field. There are also several geothermal hot spots around Krafla and the Námaskarð Pass which is a fascinating and primordial place.
Lake Mývatn is located on the Ring Road that fully encircles the country, making further sites easily reachable. To the west is the ‘Capital of the North’, Akureyri, a charming town with the highest population outside of the capital area.
To the east, you can find the largest waterfall in Iceland, Dettifoss which also happens to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe, and the incredible horseshoe-shaped canyon, Ásbyrgi. This feature was said to have formed by the stomping of one of the feet of Oðinn’s eight-legged horse as it leapt through the sky.
Dimmuborgir, or the Black Fortress, is a dramatic expanse of lava in the Lake Mývatn area. Steeped with folklore, it is one of the most popular destinations for travellers to north Iceland.
Visit this area on a Lake Myvatn tour or stop by on a longer self drive tour.
Photo above from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Gestur Pálsson
Dimmuborgir was formed in an eruption that occurred in the area 2,300 years ago; the Lake Mývatn area is highly volcanic, as can be further seen in nearby locations such as the geothermal Námaskarð Pass, the hot spring cave Grjótagjá, and the dramatic Krafla fissure.
As lava flowed across the area, it passed over a lake, causing it to boil. This both quickened the cooling of the lava and caused pillars of steam to shatter parts of it. After it solidified, Dimmuborgir area became defined by large stacks of rock and many caves and caverns, caused by bubbles of intense steam.
As such, many have compared Dimmuborgir to a medieval castle, with its many hidden chambers and its rising towers.
In Icelandic culture, lava caves are allegedly the homes of the nation’s brutal and vile trolls. The most famous of these were the half-troll, half-ogre Grýla and her submissive husband Leppalúði. Grýla was renowned for her insatiable appetite for children, and her gigantic pet cat, that would eat children over the Christmas period for not getting any clothes (encouraging kids to finish their weaving, knitting and sewing chores before the season set in).
Grýla and Leppalúði had thirteen sons who lived in Dimmuborgir and are now known as the ‘Icelandic Santa Clauses’ or Yule Lads. On the thirteen nights before Christmas, these trolls come one by one to terrorise Icelanders, each with their own strategy after which they were named.
Sheep-Colt Clod, for example, would harass livestock; Skyr-Gobbler would steal and lick the house's supplies of yoghurt-like skyr; and Window-Peeper would stare into houses, looking for things to burgle.
Like most frightening Icelandic stories, the Yule Lads were most likely created to keep children from going out into the cold Icelandic winter nights, where many disappeared without a trace for centuries. As the nation modernised, they became mischievous tricksters rather than devilish monsters. Now, they have been ‘Americanised’; rather than traditional Icelandic garb, they wear Santa costumes, and although they still steal skyr, they now also bring gifts.
Due to Iceland’s remoteness and fondness for storytelling, the nation developed many unusual Christmas traditions.
During the Christianisation of Iceland, Dimmuborgir developed a new set of tales. Many began to believe, due to its starkness, that it was where Satan landed when cast from heaven, and where he created the catacombs to hell.
Dimmuborgir recently saw a surge in popularity, as it was featured on HBO’s Game of Thrones. In the series, it is where Mance Raider held his wildling army. It was shot here in winter.
The popular Norwegian black metal band Dimmu Borgir is also named after the area.
Goðafoss waterfall is located in the river Skjálfandafljót in north Iceland, the fourth largest river in Iceland. It is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the country, falling from a height of 12 metres (39 feet) over a width of 30 metres (98 feet).
Day tours in North Iceland, especially Akureyri tours, often visit the waterfall, and it is easily accessed by those who rent a car. It is also a highlight of many guided packages and self-drives, such as this 10-day summer vacation.
The name Goðafoss means either waterfall of the gods or waterfall of the 'goði' (i.e. priest/ chieftain). The reason for this is its fascinating history.
When Iceland was first settled in the 9th and 10th Centuries, the vast majority (who were not slaves, at least) were Norwegians who followed the Old Norse religion, worshipping deities like Thor, Odin, Loki and Freya. However, after the Commonwealth was established in 930 AD, pressure to convert began to push from Christianising Europe.
By 1000 AD, it seemed that Norway would almost certainly invade if the country were to stand by their pagan beliefs. The issue was thus discussed at Þingvellir, where the parliament met once a year. The lawspeaker at the time, the Ásatrú priest (or goði) Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði, was given the responsibility to make the decision.
It is said he lay under a fur blanket for a day and a night in silence, praying to his Old Gods for the right decision. Eventually, he emerged and said, for the good of the people, Christianity would be the official religion, but pagans could practice in private.
To symbolise his decision, he returned to his home in north Iceland and threw idols of the Old Gods into a beautiful waterfall. Since then, it would be known as Goðafoss.
Goðafoss is located in north Iceland, on the Ring Road that fully encircles the country. It is considered part of the Diamond Circle sightseeing route.
This trail also takes visitors to the Lake Mývatn area, Dettifoss Waterfall, Ásbyrgi Canyon and the town of Húsavík.
Mývatn is a beautiful lake, filled with a wealth of birdlife, and it is renowned for it incredible surroundings, which include fortresses and of lava, geothermal areas, craters and basalt pillars. Dettifoss is another waterfall, and though it does not have the history of Goðafoss, it has much more power; it is, in fact, the most powerful waterfall in Europe.
Ásbyrgi Canyon, meanwhile, is also linked to the Old Norse Gods. Its perfect horseshoe shape was said to have been created by the stomping of one of the hoofs of the eight-legged steed of Odin. The final destination on the Diamond Circle is Húsavík, the best place for whale-watching in Iceland.
Outside of the Diamond Circle, Goðafoss, is easily reached by travelling for 45 minutes east by car from the capital of the north, Akureyri.
This is the largest settlement outside of the Greater Reykjavík Area and is a perfect place to stay for those travelling the circle around the country. It is a renowned cultural centre, with many museums, galleries and the world’s northernmost botanical gardens. Many tours depart from here.
Goðafoss can be reached throughout the year, although drivers in winter will want to be sure that they rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Today, you start your 8-day adventure. After being picked up, you will meet your experienced guide and acquaint yourself with the rest of the group. Then it's on to the real fun: the Golden Circle tour, one of Iceland's most popular attractions. First, you will discover Þingvellir National Park, one of only three national parks in Iceland, and the only site on the mainland with UNESCO World Heritage status.
The reasons for this are immediately apparent. First, this is the site where Iceland's earliest settlers formed what would later become known as the Alþingi, in 930 AD, making it the oldest surviving Parliament in the world. Second, the park is located directly atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge; both the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates can be seen here, standing out of the earth.
From Þingvellir, you will travel a short distance to two more attractions, Geysir and Gullfoss. The first is a geothermally active area where visitors can see the hot spring Strokkur, spurting out boiling water every five minutes or so—another intriguing insight into the country's geological activity.
From there, you will travel to Gullfoss ("Golden Falls"), one of Iceland's most iconic waterfalls. This powerful feature drops 32 metres over two rocky tiers, an incredible natural display.
If you wish to make this memorable day even more memorable, you can add on a horse riding tour during the booking process and ride the friendly Icelandic horse through the beautiful snowy countryside.
On your first evening, you will spend the night in an area near the Golden Circle, or in Hella village. Throughout your journey, you'll mostly be staying in countryside accommodations, providing excellent opportunities to witness the northern lights, should the skies be clear of clouds.
Icelandair Hotel Flúðir is located in the golden circle and is close to Geysir and Gullfoss waterfall. All rooms have wooden floors and a patio with garden access. Private bedrooms with private bathrooms. Free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is included.
Stracta Hotel Hella is a 3-star hotel in the town of Hella. The hotel has an on-site bar with a lounge for guests and a sun terrace. Free access to hot tub. Private bedrooms with private bathrooms. Free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is included.
Your second day will see you travelling down the South Coast of Iceland, one of the country's most beautiful areas. From your accommodations, you will pass scenery of great variety: rustic farmlands, cascading rivers and picturesque waterfalls, including Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss.
On your right side, the rolling blue waves of the Atlantic Ocean complement this Nordic paradise. There will be numerous stops to take photographs and soak up the scenery. There will also be a stop for an additional adventure: a glacier hike on Sólheimajökull (if you opted for that in your booking process).
On the hike, you will trek up the glacier, passing deep crevasses and jagged ridges, all the while taking in the incredible view of your surroundings. The ice itself is deep blue, but the glacier's snowy peaks are blackened by ash from volcanic eruptions.
Before you retire to your accommodations—either in or close to the small coastal village of Vík—you will visit the famous black sand beach of Reynisfjara where you will be able to get an up-close look at the naturally intricate basalt stacks.
The village is also an excellent stop to chow down on delicious, traditional Icelandic food and shop for homemade handicrafts.
Hotel Katla is a 3-star country hotel situated 5 km east of Vík. Comfortable private bedrooms with private bathrooms. Free access to a hot tub and a sauna. Free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is included.
Hotel Dyrhólaey is located 9 km from Vík. It has both a great view of the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier and the ocean. Private bedrooms with private bathrooms. Free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is included.
Your third day is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip. As you travel across the black sand desert of Skeiðarársandur, the sight of Skaftafell National Park emerges before you in a display of steep mountain ridges, carved ice sheets and dramatic wooded slopes.
As you proceed, you will stop at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, one of the most iconic spots in the whole of Iceland. Here you will see icebergs of pure white and cerulean blue breaking off from the enormous glacier, Breiðamerkurjökull, then floating out into the lagoon to create an awe-inspiring natural spectacle. If you keep your eyes peeled, you might even spot some resident seals playing in the water or lounging on the icebergs.
On this day you will also have the unique opportunity to explore the insides of a glacier on a trip to one of Iceland's ice caves. The full spectrum of colours is bound to entice you, as is the sense of adventure that comes with descending these icy inlets. If you are visiting between November and March, you'll visit a cave in Vatnajökull glacier. If visiting at other times of the year, you'll step inside the frozen world of the glacier Mýrdalsjökull.
Your night will then be spent in the area under Vatnajökull glacier.
Hotel Edda Höfn is located close to a harbour in a town called Höfn. Guests can enjoy a great view of the ocean in rooms with modern decor. Private bedrooms with private bathrooms. Free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is included.
Hotel Höfn is a 3-star hotel located in Höfn town central. Guests can enjoy a great view of the glacier or the ocean from most rooms. Private bedrooms with private bathrooms. Free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is included.
Today, you will continue towards the Eastfjords, one of the most spectacular and untouched wilderness regions in Iceland. The sense of peace and tranquillity that comes with exploring this diverse area can only be described as a true connection to nature.
Because of this region's lack of development, the East provides some of the best opportunities to potentially see wildlife, including herds of roaming wild reindeer.
There are a number of stops this day that, due to their natural splendour, are bound to defy the imagination, including the forest Hallormsstaðaskógur, the lake Lagarfljót, the sweeping fjords of the East and several charming fishing settlements.
Tonight, you will stay in accommodations in the Eastfjords area.
Icelandair Hotel Hérað is a 3-star hotel centrally located in Egilsstaðir town. Bright, private bedrooms with private bathrooms. Free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is included, with a focus on local ingredients.
Lake Hotel Egilsstaðir is a 3-star hotel located right by the lake Lagarfljót. It is also within a short walking distance from the centre of Egilsstaðir town. Private bedrooms with private bathrooms. Spa on site for an additional price. Free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is included.
At the beginning of your fifth day, you will head inward toward the scenic Lake Mývatn ("Fly Lake"). Thankfully, the flies are nowhere to be seen in the winter months, leaving you free to soak in the atmosphere of the lake and its dramatic volcanic scenery.
One point of interest here is Dimmuborgir ("Dark Castles"), an area characterised by its strange rock formations, some of which come together to resemble a dark, fantastical fort. Legends state that this is the home of the hidden people, but the harsh looking lava fields have also been used as mythical and otherworldly locations for film and television.
Another remarkable site is Námaskarð, a geothermal area of bubbling mud pools and steaming fumaroles. A local custom is to place dough of sweet rye bread in metal containers and bury them in the area overnight, leaving the land to slowly bake the most delicious meal.
During the day, you will also have the option to visit Mývatn Nature Baths, an excellent spa fed by warm and mineral-rich geothermal water.
On your way from Mývatn, you will stop at the waterfall Goðafoss, which is rich with history as well as beauty. As you drive through the Víkurskarð mountain pass, you can take in the stunning views of the surrounding Eyjafjörður fjord and snowy vistas. Soon you will enter Akureyri, where you can look forward to exploring the town, which is full of museums, shops and cafes.
You will spend the evening in the Akureyri area.
Icelandair Hotel Akureyri is a 3-star hotel centrally located in the town of Akureyri, right next to the swimming pool. Private bedroom and a private bathroom. Free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is included.
Hotel Norðurland is located in the centre of Akureyri and is close to many restaurants and shops. Private bedroom and a private bathroom. Free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is included.
Today you will be making your way to the west part of the island. Before you leave the North, however, you will visit some of the region’s spectacular sites.
First up is the peaceful, picturesque village of Hauganes. This tiny settlement is home to only about 140 people, but it is rich in charm. Here, you can spend some time strolling on the black sand beach found there or walk to the harbour to see the fishing boats bob up and down in the ocean.
If you are looking for some adventure, you could join a whale watching tour from the harbour and try and spot these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Of the many species found there, the great Humpback Whales, Minke Whales, Harbour Porpoise, and White Beaked Dolphins are the most commonly spotted, but there is always a chance to see other types such as Orcas or even Blue Whales.
If, however, you are in a mood for relaxation, but with a twist, the Bjórböðin Beer Spa might be the perfect option for you. There, you’ll have a chance to soak in warm beer and beer yeast, said to do wonders for both your hair and skin. If you wish, you can unwind with a cold beer in your hand as well.
As you continue your journey, your guide will tell you the folklore about the unique-looking rock, Hvítserkur, which is your next stop. This massive monolith is said to look like a dragon or an elephant drinking out of the surrounding water.
You will then arrive at your accommodations near the town of Borgarnes. Before going to bed, you could spend the evening relaxing in the hotel’s hot tub and gaze up at the sky in hopes of catching a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights.
Icelandair Hotel Hamar is a hotel just outside of Borgarnes. The hotel has great outdoor activities on site including an 18-hole golf course, outdoor hot tubs, and a great view. There is a restaurant on site. Private bedrooms with private bathrooms. Free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is included.
The hotel is located in Borgarnes and has impressive sea and mountain views from the rooms. Spa and fitness center are found on site. All bedrooms have private bathrooms that include shower or bath, hairdryer, and free toiletries. Free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is included.
Today, you’ll get to explore the beautiful West-Iceland before making your way to the magnificent Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
You’ll start the day by visiting Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring where boiling water bubbles up from the ground, which has been dyed red by the water’s minerals, and steam encompasses the area.
Then it is off to Reykholt, which is one of the most important historical locations in the country. It was the homestead of the poet, Saga-author, scholar, law-maker and chieftain, Snorri Sturluson, who was arguably one of the most significant figures of the Middle Ages.
From there, you’ll visit two vastly different but equally stunning waterfalls, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. The former is actually a series of rivulets that seep through pores in the surrounding dark lava field. The latter, Barnafoss, is a bright blue colour and rushes rapidly through a narrow gorge.
You will then make your way back to your accommodation. Get a good night’s sleep as you will spend the whole day tomorrow exploring the wondrous Snæfellsnes.
Icelandair Hotel Hamar is a hotel just outside of Borgarnes. The hotel has great outdoor activities on site including an 18-hole golf course, outdoor hot tubs, and a great view. There is a restaurant on site. Private bedrooms with private bathrooms. Free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is included.
The hotel is located in Borgarnes and has impressive sea and mountain views from the rooms. Spa and fitness centre are found on site. All bedrooms have private bathrooms that include shower or bath, hairdryer, and free toiletries. Free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is included.
This is the final day of your tour, sure to round off your trip to Iceland wonderfully. Today, you will explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula further. You will find here a world of dramatic mountainscapes, great cliff-faces, numerous bird species and ancient fishing settlements.
Your first stop will be at Gerðuberg, a stunning cliff made of hexagonal basalt columns. From there, you’ll head to Ytri-Tunga where you’ll see something unusual in Iceland, a white sand beach.
The beach at Ytri-Tunga is not made from black volcanic sand like most beaches in the country but golden sand. Impressive as that is here in this country, the most remarkable sight at Ytri-Tunga is actually the seal colonies which can often be seen lounging about on the beach
From there, you'll head to the black pebble beach of Djúpalónssandur. To get to the beach, you will have to walk through a natural maze of free-standing lava pillars. The scene looks like it was taken straight out of a fairytale.
Watching over you throughout your journey today is the massive Snæfellsjökull glacier. This natural feature was used as the entrance to the centre of the Earth in Jules Verne's classic sci-fi novel and today, you can go on your own underground adventure. One of Iceland's most extensive lava caves, Vatnshellir, is the next stop. This underground dome is easily accessible and explorable with a good guide.
No tour of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is complete without a visit to the iconic Kirkjufell mountain, your next stop. This picturesque mountain was featured in Game of Thrones as the 'mountain like an arrowhead', located beyond the Wall. Don't worry, there are no White-Walkers in Iceland (anymore).
When your excursion of this 90 km long peninsula comes to an end, you will head to Reykjavík, bringing your journey to an end. You can expect to arrive in Reykavík in the early evening, but it is highly recommended that you do not plan to fly out the same night in case of any delays or bad weather. Take the opportunity to explore the world's most northern capital Reykjavík and its exciting nightlife.
Customers travelling on their own will receive a single room. Reservations for 2 people will be allocated a double room. For bookings of 3 or more, triple rooms will automatically be allocated. For example, a group of 8 will receive 2 triple rooms and 1 double. If these arrangements do not meet your requirements, please contact the provider.
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and therefore cannot be guaranteed, but this itinerary is designed to maximise your chances to see them if weather allows. Please be advised that there is no specific Northern Lights hunt on this tour, but your guide will notify you if the conditions are favourable and advise you on how to best spot them.
It can happen, in the case of extreme weather, that an activity is cancelled. If your chosen activity is cancelled, we will assist you with rearranging or booking other activities when possible, and any potential price difference will be refunded to you.
Please note that only pick up and drop-off from designated pick up locations in the greater capital area is available, not from Keflavík International Airport. Therefore, we do not recommend attempting to start this tour on your arrival day in Iceland. Arrival time back to Reykjavík at the end of your tour can vary depending on weather and traffic.
It is highly recommended that you do not book your flight home the same night as bad weather or delays could affect your journey. Please be sure to arrange accommodation for this evening and an airport transfer the next day to take you to Keflavík International Airport for your departure.
Note that Icelandic roads and pavements can be slippery in the wintertime. We recommend you bring shoes with slip-resistant soles or ice-grip shoe covers. The covers can be purchased in most supermarkets and gas stations around the country.
This insurance guarantees that you can cancel tour and package bookings and receive a full refund, minus the insurance cost. The cost of your cancellation insurance depends on the duration of your tour or package. A base cost of 5,000 ISK per person is applied to all tours and packages with a duration of 5 days or less. An additional 1,000 ISK per person will be added to the insurance cost for each day after. The cancellation must be made more than 48 hours before the listed starting time on your voucher. To cancel your booking and claim your refund, simply contact info@guidetoiceland.is and declare full cancellation. COVID-19 Related Cancellations If you need to cancel your booking due to COVID-19 related reasons, the cancellation insurance provides further protection for your booking. If you purchase a self-drive tour or guided tour package along with the cancellation insurance, you will also get a full refund. If you test positive on arrival, to get the full refund after arrival, please email us at info@guidetoiceland.is with your booking details and your test result within 4 hours after you receive the test result. If your flight gets cancelled due to COVID, to get the full refund, please email us at info@guidetoiceland.is with your booking details and your flight cancellation confirmation prior to your scheduled flight departure time. Please note that this insurance covers the cancellation of the whole tour or package. Individual services cannot be cancelled and refunded separately, but are all covered and refunded in case of a full cancellation.
We always try to help travellers fulfil their dream vacation. If you need to change the details of your trip, you can do so by pressing the ‘Click here to edit booking’ button that will be on your electronic voucher. This electronic voucher will arrive to you via email upon booking.
Please bear in mind that Iceland has limited service availability and the best services with the best price and highest ratings get fully booked quickly. Completing your booking will ensure the best availability and pricing for your trip. Please find a summary of our cancellation policy and terms of service below. For further information, please see our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Due to COVID-19 Related Reasons
If you purchase a day tour, multi-day tour or rent a car on Guide to Iceland, but test positive on arrival to Iceland or if your flight to Iceland is cancelled due to COVID-19, you will get a full refund. If you purchase a self-drive tour or guided tour package along with the cancellation insurance, you will also get a full refund. The cancellation insurance is available for purchase during the booking process while you book your trip.
Alternatively, you can choose to reschedule your trip to another date.
If you test positive on arrival, to get the full refund after arrival, please contact us via email with your booking details and your test result within 4 hours after you receive the test result.
If your flight gets cancelled due to COVID, to get the full refund, please contact us via email with your booking details and your flight cancellation confirmation prior to your scheduled flight departure time.
Cancellations of Day Tours, Combo Deals and Multi-Day tours from independent operators
Day Tours and Combo Deals which only include day tours booked on the Guide to Iceland webpage that are serviced by independent operators can be cancelled up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. This can be done via the ‘Edit Booking’ button in your electronic voucher email.
All tours, regardless of operator, which last for two days or more (Multi-Day tours and Combos that are inclusive of any Multi-Day tours) can be cancelled up to 7 days before departure date notice for an 85% refund. The 15% service fee is to cover the operator cost of planning and arrangement. Please note that changing the number of people in a booking to a smaller number is considered cancellation for the change in the number of pax. No refund is given if tours are cancelled within 7 days notice.
In case of partial cancellations, e.g. an activity portion of a multi-day tour is cancelled by the operator, or a tour layout is changed due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances, a partial refund is due. If an activity is changed, the price difference between activities will be refunded, or a percentage stated by the tour operator as the standard refund due to changes in the program of the tour.
Cancellations of car rentals
Car rentals reservations can be cancelled up to 24 hours before departure and receive a full refund. This can be done via the ‘Edit Booking’ button in your electronic voucher email.
Cancellations of accommodation
The details of available refunds are dealt with on an individual basis depending on the accommodation provider. To cancel accommodation, select the ‘Click here to edit booking’ button in your electronic voucher email. Please note that if your accommodation booking is a part of an All-In-One Self Drive or Holiday package serviced by Guide to Iceland, you will not be able to cancel it via the button in the electronic voucher, you will need to contact us via info@guidetoiceland.is with the relevant information.
Cancellations of flights
Scheduled international and domestic flights are non-refundable, be they a part of an All-In-One Self Drive or Holiday package, multi-day tour, or any other service purchasable on the Guide to Iceland website, unless the Cancellation insurance is purchased. If a cancellation insurance is purchased, a full refund is given.
If flights are a part of a tour listed as a Day-Tour, standard terms of cancellations of day tours apply to a full refund. For cancelling and refunding of private flights (flights specifically arranged and scheduled for you personally or your group in specific), please contact your service agent.
Cancellations due to weather conditions
If your tour is cancelled by the tour provider due to weather conditions or any other environmental circumstances you will always receive a full refund. Exempt from this are any rescheduled second tries of tours which already have been serviced as a first departure. In the case of a volcanic eruption taking place on Icelandic soil stopping you from getting to Iceland, you will also receive a full refund on All products booked on Guide to Iceland.
Cancellation of All-In-One Self Drives and Holiday Packages arranged by Guide to Iceland
You can cancel your All-In-One Self Drive or Holiday package arranged by Guide to Iceland up to 7 days before departure and receive an 85% refund. The 15% service fee is to cover our cost of planning and arrangement. No refund is issued if there are less than 7 days to the starting date of the All-In-One Self Drive or Holiday package.
If a cancellation is made less than 24 hours after booking, Guide to Iceland will refund the tour fully, unless non-refundable separate booking has been made for said All-In-One Self Drive or Holiday package. In such cases, an amount to cover said object will be held, while the remaining amount will be refunded.
It is not possible to cancel or alter any individual services within a package within 7 days of Self Drive or package starting date. Please note that this includes reducing the number of participants within a self-drive or a package.
In cases where an All-In-One Self Drive or a Holiday Package is disrupted due to official road closure or Act of God, Guide to Iceland will reroute and or rearrange to the best of their abilities and assist with cancellations, making partial refunds when applicable and full refunds when applicable.
Clients who have purchased a Cancellation Insurance to accompany their Self Drive or Holiday package can request a full refund up to 48 hours before arrival. Please note that a Cancellation Insurance can only be purchased upon the time of booking or added to a product within 24 hours of booking. Please see Terms and Conditions for further information.
How to cancel or change a booking
All cancellations and changes must be made through the voucher that you receive on your email after booking. It will have an edit booking button that allows you to modify and cancel your bookings. After clicking the button you will be taken to a modification page where you can amend your booking details. There will be buttons available both to confirm changes and to cancel your booking. If you can not cancel or modify your booking then the time to do so has expired.
Refunds of past services need to be submitted within 15 days after the completion of the tour/package services. All refund requests must be made through email to booking@guidetoiceland.is with the email subject as: Refund Request - [Order number]. We do not charge anything for helping you change or make simple rearrangements to your booking for day tours, multi-day tours serviced by independent operators, and car rentals as long as they are requested within the window allowed for changes to a product, but costs can change accordingly with your new details. Please be advised that though we always try our best, due to high demand and low availability, rearrangements are not always possible.
For All-In-One Self-drives and Holiday Packages arranged by Guide to Iceland, please contact your travel planner for any changes needed. We do not charge anything for helping you change or make simple rearrangements to your All-In-One Self drive or Holiday Package, but please note that costs can change accordingly, depending on hotel rates, car rentals, change of included products etc. In that case, we will either notify you about the increased costs or refund you the difference. In cases where changes reach a form that require rebookings and tailoring of travel, a service fee of 15% of total tour price might apply. Please see full Terms and Conditions for further details.
Please note that changing the number of people in a booking to a smaller number is considered cancellation for the change in the number of pax.
Terms for accommodation in All-In-One Holiday packages and Self-Drives booked with Guide to Iceland
If you are booking an All-In-One Holiday Package or Self-Drive with Guide to Iceland, accommodation will be arranged as follows:
Super Budget level accommodation is set in hostel dormitories or rooms with shared facilities, regardless of the number of participants.
Budget, Comfort and Quality level accommodation will be arranged as follows: A single traveller will receive a single bedroom. Even number groups will receive twin/double rooms and odd-numbered groups of travellers will be booked into triple rooms.
Accommodation for children and teens is arranged so that they lodge with their guardians, either in a baby cot or on an additional bed in the room. Should the number of children and teens exceed the number of adults travelling with them, the exceeding number of children/teens will be subject to full adult prices.
Please note that you can contact us at any time to make changes to your accommodation level. Additional charges may apply.
Pickups
During the booking process you will be able to choose a pickup location and starting time. If you do not show up for the scheduled pickup time and location stated on your booking, your reservation is non-refundable.
If you do not know your pickup location at the time of booking, you can choose to update your pickup location later, up to 24 hours before tour departure. Click on the link in your voucher email to update your pickup location and other details. Please call the number listed on your voucher if you do not receive a confirmation of your pickup location update.
Terms of payment
When you reserve online a full payment is charged to your credit card. To reserve for group bookings and packages of more than 15 people, you can also contact us by email and make a 15% down payment. We will then start reserving your trip to secure you the best price. The rest of your payment must reach us 30 days before your arrival. Please contact info@guidetoiceland.is for this service.
All charges are made in Icelandic krona. On our website you can view an estimate of prices in a number of currencies. This is only to help you understand the approximate price in your preferred currency. Final payment is always conducted in ISK. We also refund in ISK. As Guide to Iceland does not charge any booking or transaction fees we can not be held liable to any loss in currency exchange during transactions, nor any third party transaction fees that may occur at the time of payment and/or refund.
Car rental terms
All drivers must be a minimum of 20 years of age and have had a driver’s license for at least 1 year. For certain vehicles, the minimum age might be 23 or higher. It is the responsibility of the client to understand and honour the driver minimum age. Please note that rentals are not obliged to honour a rental should the driver not meet the age requirements. Upon receiving the rental vehicle, a valid driver's license in the Latin alphabet and a credit card must be presented. You will be asked to sign a contract with the car rental. We advise you read this contract carefully and make sure that you are aware of the different insurances that you choose; what you are insured for, self-risk and more. Please note that security deposit from a valid credit card of attending traveller might be required upon pick up. The amount may vary depending on car rental and car model. Please contact the rental agency directly for further information. Upon return of the car, the deposit will be returned to you, provided the conditions of the car is the same as when picked-up. Please note that the car rental agreement will be between the renter and the car rental agency, and any disputes regarding damages etc. will need to be resolved between the two parties. Guide to Iceland cannot be liable for what you have agreed upon with the car rental company.
Guide to Iceland cannot be liable to any loss, damages, injuries, accidents, death or sickness during your stay in Iceland. All matters related to damages to the car are dealt with directly with the car rental. If you have any complaints about one of our car rental partners please send us an email to info@guidetoiceland.is and we will help you protect your rights.
General terms
Guide to Iceland cannot be liable to any loss, damage, accidents, injuries, death or sickness during your tour. The same applies for any changes in tour schedule due to weather, strikes or any other force majeure. Tour operators reserve the right to change routes, schedules and itineraries if needed because of weather, road conditions or should the necessity arise because of unforeseen reasons or circumstances.
We advise all travellers to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance to minimize possible losses due to unforeseeable situations during your travel. Guide to Iceland does not offer any travel insurance, so please contact your preferred private travel insurance company.
If you have a complaint about any of our partners please contact us at info@guidetoiceland.is and we will protect your rights.
What an amazing visit to Iceland. Troll Expeditions planned a fantastic tour. We were able to cover a significant amount of Iceland, stopping at all of the must see destinations, as well as some additional local options. Robert, our guide was knowledgeable, personable, enthusiastic, and a great guide. The accommodations were wonderful. I could not have asked for a better experience. I highly recommend Troll Expeditions.
The best 8 days tour we had!
From the moment we signed up for the tour, the staff was responsive to our questions on how best to pack and what to expect upon arrival. They were communicative and well organized about pick up times. Our tour guide, Robert, was knowledgeable, thoughtful about what the tour participants would like to see and was flexible to allow us a little extra time where we appeared to be enjoying ourselves most. I had a unique experience in that the day I arrived, I was experiencing some health challenges that required medical attention. You simply never want that to happen on a trip, but it was made more difficult by the relative remoteness of some of our stops. Robert was calm, responsive and worked together with the office staff to help me get medical attention while minimizing the impact to the other tour participants. The office sent Anna to help me get to the closest clinic. She went above the call of duty to ensure that I got to the clinic, navigated the process and get the medication that I required before she left me safely at a hotel to recover. As I convalesced, Robert and the office staff checked in to ensure I was feeling better and help me through the stress and embarrassment of the situation. A couple days later I was feeling much better and the most wonderfully kind and unexpectedly generous staff at Troll Expeditions helped me join a shorter tour that would cross paths with my original tour and travel partner! I cannot thank the Troll Expeditions staff enough for how flexible, thoughtful and professional they were at my time of need. Their efforts helped me feel better, salvage a once in a lifetime trip and go on to enjoy the unique beauty of Iceland. They have earned my endless appreciation and respect.
Something that I'll never forget. Happened to land right as restrictions for the COVID-19 travel bans to Europe were strengthened. We managed to get to our tour sites before they were shutting down due to social distancing. We had an amazing guide who got us through all kinds of crazy weather. I went during the winter and due to the natural wind currents in the area, the weather can change at the blink of an eye. I was able to walk on and in glaciers, I walked through steaming clay gysers, I was even able to see the aurora one night that happened to be clear. The longer we stayed out there however the travel restrictions began strengthening. Many of us had to cut our trip short due to our flights being cancelled left and right. Our guide was nice enough to drive us to a location where we could get to the airport. We were all able to make it home. I wasn't able to tip my guide at the time because I had to use the remainder of my money to get home, but once things get started back up I plan on paying her back for being such a wonderful guide!
Wonderful tour . Great tour guide, Einar Thor Johanson (sp?) He went out of his way to help us see the northern lights and many other spots. He was an excellent and safe driver during bad weather and went out of his way to make sure the studded tires were brand new for traction
This was one of our favorite vacations of all time! Our guide, Sigi, was so much fun and his playlist was incredible! We went days on end listening to great music and never hearing the same song twice. He did a great job getting us to tourist spots before the crowds arrived too. This was a fantastic package to see the beauty of Iceland including the northern lights!
Had a great time on our tour with our guide, Baddi. Even though we could not see all the sights due to the weather, our guide was able to keep us entertained and to meet some locals that we would not have otherwise met. Would love to come back in a different season, to see the changes to the landscape.
My sister and I went for this tour at the beginning of March. It’s a wonderful tour. We would highly recommend trying to personalize your experience with all available additional activities. They are a lot of fun and a very interesting specific Iceland experience. What made this trip exceptionally great was our guide and driver Gylfi. First of all, we all want a safe drive in Iceland winter/spring unpredictable weather, and we had it. Secondary, Gylfi knows so much about Iceland, opening your eyes on the history and current life of the country. He also has so much of his own experience as a child, young man, father, his different types of employment and places, where he traveled. He can compare, analyze and give you such an interesting approach to everything you see or want to know. He is fun, he is so human. He really helped each of us to enjoy the beauty of the Iceland and motivated us to come to see and explore more. The trip is very well organized by Troll Expeditions company: the small bus is very comfortable with WI-Fi all the time, hotels are good, food at the restaurants are wonderful. Every day our guide stopped at local supermarkets or gas stations, that carry snacks, yogurts and any necessities, so you can skip restaurant at night and have a lighter meal. Overall, we wish we can come back and see more of this beautiful, exotic country.
We really enjoyed our 8 Day Trip with Troll Expeditions. The tour was well organized and our Guide Julien did a great job in driving us save, giving us as much time as possible at each stop and entertaining us. We were 15 people, which was fine and all tried to be always on time, so we didn’t need to wait. Due to the bad weather we couldn’t do the glacier hiking and whale watching (after the tour we got the refund for these cancelled extras), but we saw all the other planned attractions. Highlights for us were for sure the Ice Cave and Diamond Beach. One Night, Julien took us to an extra Northern Lights Tour, as the forecast was good and from our hotel we wouldn’t have seen them- and we were lucky, we did see them and Julien stayed even longer with us, than he planned, so that we could all take a lot of good photos. Also on 2 other nights we could see northern lights directly from outside of our hotel. All hotels were good, provided delicious breakfast and one of them even had a hot tub. One evening Julien had to drive until 11 because there was heavy snowfall and if we had stayed in the planned hotel, we would have lost at least one day, because the next day so many roads were closed, but Troll planned ahead and changed our hotel. We met other groups which were not so lucky- some of them lost 1-2 whole days, where they couldn’t leave the hotel as all surrounding roads were closed. We saw a lot of snow, ice, waterfalls, rocks, seals, horses, reindeers, etc, took a lot of photos and enjoyed the scenery (although we often got cold) We can really recommend this tour- especially in winter!
We enjoyed our trip. By necessity it was a lot of driving time, no fault of tour company there. The van seemed crowded even though it was less than full on our tour. The seats have minimal leg room for average/tall people and are narrow for average/wide people. We had a five tall people crammed into seats. Perhaps removing a row and spacing out the seats would help.