Partez une semaine en Islande : terre de feu et de glace! Huit jours d'aventure est ce qu'il vous faut pour vivre une expérience complète et authentique en Islande le long de la route circulaire.
Durant ce voyage, vous longez la route 1 faisant le tour de l'Islande. Vous découvrez notamment Reykjavik, le Cercle d'Or et Akureyri : la capitale du Nord. Vous découvrez également la lagune glaciaire de Jokulsarlon, le lac de Myvatn et de nombreuses cascades. Le soir, vous logez dans des hébergements de qualité en chambre avec salle de bain privative et formule petit déjeuner.
Une fois votre voyage réservé, nous vous aidons à trouver des sites hors sentiers battus et dont la beauté est intacte. Ces sites, sélectionnés par des locaux experts, seront présentés dans vos documents de voyage. C'est une exclusivité des voyages Guide to Iceland.
Au moment de la réservation, vous pouvez ajouter des activités à votre programme comme partir à l'aventure en motoneige sur le glacier Langjökull, faire une randonnée sur glacier, une sortie en bateau au milieu des icebergs de Jokulsarlon, observer les baleines à Husavik, faire de la plongée à la fissure de Silfra ou même explorer l'intérieur d'un volcan.
Vous profitez également des eaux chaudes bleues laiteuses du Blue Lagoon au début ou à la fin de votre voyage.
Partez sur ce voyage de 8 jours/7 nuits à la découverte des plus beaux paysages islandais en faisant le tour de l'île!
Bon à savoir
Informations sur l'excursion
Disponible: Mai. - Oct.
Durée:
8 jours
Activités: Randonnée sur glacier, Plongée snorkeling , Grotte, Motoneige - Ski doo, Observation des baleines, Visite de sites naturels, Baignade sources chaudes, Visite culturelle, Observation d'oiseaux, Voyage autotour
Difficulté: Facile
Temps forts:
From Reykjanesta and the next 100 km onwards, the south shore is characterized by lava formations constantly battered by the wild ocean waves (‘brim’ in Icelandic). For the next 300 km after that the shore consists of sands with hardly any harbours.
South Shore
Along with the powerful brakers, there is rich birdlife in the lava shore area. As for the sand shores, despite the lack of harbours, people would set off for fishing there anyway, at tremendous risk and this would indeed often result in great losses of life.
Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland and the northernmost capital of a sovereign state in the world.
Despite a small population (120.000 and more than 200.000 in the Greater Reykjavik area), it is a vibrant city that draws an ever increasing number of visitors. It is the financial, cultural and governmental centre of Iceland. It also has a reputation of being one of the cleanest and safest cities in the world.
Geography
The city of Reykjavik is located in southwest Iceland by the creek of the same name. Throughout the ages, the landscape has been shaped by glaciers, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions and the area is geothermal. Much of the current city area 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 Reykjavik is set with peninsulas, coves, straights and islands, most notably the island of Videy, and seabirds and whales frequent the shores. The mountain ring as seen from the shore is particularly beautiful. Mount Esja is the highest mountain in the vicinity of Reykjavik and lends its distinct feature to the whole area. This majestic mountain is also highly popular for climbing. Other notable mountains that can be seen from the seaside are Akrafjall and Skardsheidi and on clear days one may even see as far to the legendary Snaefellsjokull glacier, at the end of the Snafellsnes peninsula.
The largest river to run through the city is Ellidaa in Ellidaardalur valley, which is also one of Iceland‘s best rivers for salmon fishing.
Transportation
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 Sundahofn in the east. The domestic Reykjavik Airport is located at Vatnsmyrin, not far from the city centre and close to Oskjuhlid and Perlan. The international Keflavik Airport at Midnesheidi heath then lies around 50 km from the city. Cars, jeeps and bicycles can be readily rented in the city and many organized tours are also being offered.
What to See & Do in Reykjavik
The local arts scene is strong in Iceland, with both annual events and single ones, many of whom have hit the international stage. For the annual ones please check our articles Best Annual Events in Iceland and the Top Ten Festivals in Iceland. Major events taking place in Reykjavik include the Iceland Airwaves, Gay Pride, RIFF (The Reykjavik International Film Festival), The Reykjavik Literature Festival, Cultural Night, the Reykjavik Arts Festival, Food & Fun, the Reykjavik Fashion Festival and the Sónar music festival.
Among famous people from Reykjavik are artists Bjork Gudmundsdottir, Sigur Ros, writers Halldor Laxness (born in Laugavegur) and Arnaldur Indridason and mayor Jon Gnarr. For more well-known and fairly-well known Icelanders, check our article on the subject.
You might also want to check our article on some of the many things to see and do in Reykjavik, such as visiting the city‘s many museums, exhibitions and galleries, checking out live music, visiting the Harpa music hall or the theatres, visiting the lighthouse at Grotta, the main shopping street of Laugavegur, visiting the old harbour and the flea market, going on a bird- and whale watching tour or visiting Videy island. We also have a top ten list of things to do.
Make sure to visit the public square of Austurvollur, one of the city‘s most popular gathering places, where you‘ll also find the national parliament, Althingi, the state church a statue of independence hero Jon Sigurdson, as well as cafés, bars and restaurants. Austurvollur was central in the 2008 protests, along with Laekjargata, home to the House of Government. You are also not likely to miss the great church of Hallgrimskirkja that towers over the city from the hill of Skolavorduholt, wherefrom you‘ll get a great view of the city.
Try a walk by the city pond, greet the many birds that frequent the area and visit the city hall, stationed by its banks. The Hljomaskalagardur is a beautiful park that lies by the pond, it 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 Vatnsmyri wetland, a particularly pleasant place, but be mindful of not disturbing the wildlife there and keep to the pathways.
For a nice swim on a warm day, we particularly recommend Nautholsvik beach.
Visit the Laugardalur valley, home to one of the city‘s best swimming pools, as well as the Asmundarsafn gallery, a beautiful botanical garden and a domestic zoo. A walk by the Aegissida beach, with it‘s old fishing sheds, in the west part of Reykjavik also holds a particular charm. The aforementioned Elllidaardalur valley is also a popular resort.
Another place that offers one of the city‘s best (and free) views is Perlan, up in Oskjuhlid hill. The hill itself is a popular resort, with over 176.000 trees and great opportunities for walking and cycling.
Travel to Alftanes to see the president‘s house at Bessastadir, which is also a historical site in it‘s own right, having been the educational centre of Iceland for centuries. Nearby is a beautiful lava field, Galgahraun, well worth a visit, though there is currently an environmental struggle going on as to it‘s future state.
The city is furthermore 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 Heidmork preservation area, a favourite pastime resort of the people of Reykjavik, as well as the Blue Mountains, one of Iceland‘s most beloved skiing venues.
Finally, we‘d like to stress that these are only some suggestions of the many things you might check out in Reykjavik. 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 Eyjafjordur in North Iceland. It lies just 100 km away from the Arctic Circle. It is Iceland’s second-largest urban area with a population of about 17,800.
Economy
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 international airport is located about 3 km from the center. A large number of cruisers also stop at Akureyri. One of Iceland's best skiing sites is found by Akureyri, at Hlidarfjall.
Traditionally Akureyri has survived on fisheries and some of Iceland’s largest fishing companies, like for example Samherji, have their headquarters there. Other large companies include Brim, Nordurmjolk, and Vifilfell hf, the largest brewery in Iceland.
FSA/Akureyri Hospital is a major employer in the area and is one of two major hospitals in Iceland.
Akureyri has excellent facilities for travelers and is located a short drive from many of Iceland’s top natural, cultural and historical attractions.
Nature & Landscape
Akureyri is surrounded by mountains, the highest one being Kerling (1538 m). The area around it has rich agriculture and a beautiful mountain ring.
The innermost part of the fjord, Pollurinn ('The Pool') further lends the town a special character. The climate in Akureyri is generally very pleasant.
The islands Hrisey in the middle of Eyfjordur and Grimsey, straddling the Artic Circle, both belong to the municipality of Akureyri. Hrisey is often called 'The Pearl of Eyjafjordur' and Grimsey 'The Pearl of the Artic' and these beautiful and peaceful islands are highly popular with travelers.
History & Culture
During World War II the town was an important site for the Allies and the town grew considerably after the war, as people increasingly moved to urban areas.
Akureyri has a strong cultural scene, with several bars and renowned restaurants. Folk culture in general is more prevalent there than in Reykjavik. During the summer there are several notable festivals in Akureyri and its surroundings.
Sites of interest in Akureyri include the brand-new Hof concert hall and Akureyri’s many museums, The Nature Museum, Nonnahus, a.k.a. Jon Sveinsson Memorial Museum, for the writer, David's house or David Stefansson Memorial Museum, for the poet, Akureyri Art Museum.
Akureyri also has several churches, Akureyrarkirkja being the most notable, as well as beautiful botanical gardens. The old town is particularly charming, ideal for a nice walk.
Jokulsarlon is a glacier lagoon in the south of Vatnajokull national park that is easily reached by the Ring Road.
Covered in thick glacial ice until the 1930’s when the glacier started retreating, the lagoon today measures 7 square miles (20 km2). More than 300 feet of ice still breaks away each year, reshaping the lagoon and filling it with icebergs - causing an alarmingly beautiful sight.
The water is freezing cold and contains a mixture of salt and freshwater giving it a blue-green color. There is plenty of fish and birdlife by the lagoon and the vast sand area of Breiðamerkursandur, and hundreds of seals stay there in winter.
Dimmuborgir (e. ‘Black Forts') is a large area of chaotic lava, situated right east of Lake Myvatn, in North Iceland. With its dramatic view, Dimmuborgir is one of Iceland's most popular attractions.
The area is composed of various volcanic caves and rock formations, reminiscent of an ancient collapsed citadel. In folklore the Dimmuborgir lava field has been connected with hell, Satan was to have landed there after being cast from heaven and the Norwegian symphonic black metal band derives its name from the region.
Goðafoss waterfall is located the river Skjálfandafljót in north Iceland, the fourth largest river in Iceland. It is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland, falling from a height of 12 metres over a width of 30 metres.
The fall's name means either waterfall of the gods or of the 'goði' (i.e. priest/ chieftain). It is said that when the lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði declared Christianity the official religion in Iceland, after his own conversion, he threw the statues of the old Norse gods into the waterfall.
Dettifoss, in the glacier river Jokulsa á Fjollum, flowing from the glacier Vatnajokull, is reputed to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe.
This thunderous fall has an average waterflow of 193 m3 per second. It is 100 meters (330 ft.) wide and plummets 45 meters (150 ft.) down to Jokulsargljufur canyon.
Skogafoss is one of the biggest and most beautiful waterfalls of the island with an astounding width of 25 meters and a drop of 60 meters.
This is one of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland for travellers to visit. It is located in South Iceland, not far from Skogar, which itself features a highly interesting regional museum. Due to the amount of spray the waterfall often produces a single or double rainbow on sunny days.
Seljalandsfoss in the river Seljalandsa in South Iceland is one of the most sought waterfalls in the country.
Seljalandsfoss has a narrow cascade but is one of Iceland's highest waterfalls, at 63 meters. The waterfall is highly picturesque and has the rare distinction that one can actually walk behind it.
Geysir is a famous hot spring in Haukadalur valley in South Iceland. Part of the ‘Golden Circle', Geysir gives its name to hot springs all over the world.
Though Geysir itself is hardly active anymore, the area features spectacular hot springs such as the powerful Strokkur, which spouts a vast amount of water every 10 minutes, around 15-20 meters into the air, Smidur and Litli-Strokkur.
North of Geysir are fumaroles, i.e. unlike the hot springs that emit hot water, only steam and gas emanate from these. You may be able to observe bright yellow stains at the fumaroles, this is native sulphur, which crystallizes from the steam. At the southern part of the geothermal area, called Thykkuhverir, you‘ll find various mud pots. Such mud pots are actually fumaroles that boil up through surface water/groundwater and may become steaming fumaroles during dry spells, rather than the usual boiling mud pots.
About 2 km from Geysir is an old preserved natural pool called Kúalaug. One can bathe in it and it has room for 3-5 people at a time, but care should be taken, as the area around the pool is very delicate. The temperature is 39-43°C, depending on how you are positioned in the pool. The water is slightly muddy, as the pool is built on soil, and the bottom is slippery due to algae, so caution is advised.
In Haukadalur there has also been tree planting in recent times and today the forest Haukadalsskógur is one of the largest in South Iceland. Aspen, various types of pine, and other plants have been tried out there and experiments and research continue. We also recommend visiting the tree museum, built in the memory of forester Gunnar Freysteinsson. There are good paths and roads in the forest and the wood is specially designed to accommodate wheelchairs.
Haukadalur has been a church site since ancient time. The current wooden church was last rebuilt in 1938 but the variety and appearance of the church dates back to 1842, making it one of the oldest of its kind in Iceland.
Haukadalur is indeed a historical place. It was settled during the age of settlement and scholar Ari “The Wise“ Thorgilsson grew up there. The first pastoral school in Iceland was also built there.
For accommodation, Hotel Gullfoss is about 7 km from the Geysir area, and closer still is the Hotel Geysir.
Gullfoss (translated to ‘Golden Falls’) is one of Iceland’s most iconic and beloved waterfalls, found on the Hvítá river canyon in south Iceland. The water in Hvítá river travels from the glacier Langjökull, finally cascading 32m down Gullfoss’ two stages in a dramatic display of nature’s raw power.
Because of the waterfall’s two stages, Gullfoss should actually be thought of as two separate waterfalls. The first, shorter stage of the waterfall is 11m, whilst the second stage is 21m. The canyon walls on both sides of the waterfall reach heights of up to 70m, descending into the 2.5km long Gullfossgjúfur canyon (geologists indicate that this canyon was formed by glacial outbursts at the beginning of the last age.)
In the summer, approximately 140 cubic metres of water surges down the waterfall every second, whilst in winter that number drops to around 109 cubic metres. With such energy, visitor’s should not be surprised to find themselves drenched by the waterfall’s mighty spray-off.
In the early days of the last century, Gullfoss was at the centre of much controversy regarding foreign investors and their desire to profit off Iceland’s nature. In the year 1907, an English businessman known only as Howells sought to utilise the waterfall’s energy and harboured ambitions to use its energy to fuel a hydroelectric plant.
At the time, Gullfoss was owned by a farmer named Tómas Tómasson. Tómas declined Howell’s offer to purchase the land, stating famously “I will not sell my friend!” He would, however, go on to lease Howells the land, inadvertently beginning the first chapter of Icelandic environmentalism.
It was Tómas’ daughter, Sigríður Tómasdóttir, who would lead the charge. Having grown up on her father’s sheep farm, she sought to get the lease contract nullified, hurriedly saving her own money to hire a lawyer. The ensuing legal battle was an uphill struggle; the case continued for years, forcing Sigríður to travel many times by foot to Reykjavík if only to keep the trial moving. Circumstances became so difficult that Sigríður threatened to throw herself into the waterfall if any construction began.
Thankfully, in 1929, the waterfall fell back into the hands of the Icelandic people. Today, Sigríður is recognised for her perseverance in protecting Gullfoss and is often hailed as Iceland’s first environmentalist. Her contribution is forever marked in stone; a plaque detailing her plight sits at the top of Gullfoss.
Restaurant / Cafe
Besides Gullfoss, visitors can enjoy the views from Gullfoss Cafe, a locally run delicatessen that serves a wide variety of refreshments and meals. The menu has options to tantalise everyone’s taste buds; hot soups, sandwiches, salads and cakes. There is also a shop on site where visitors’ can browse and purchase traditional Icelandic souvenirs.
The 120 meter high promontory Dyrholaey is the southernmost part of the mainland, only a short drive south of the Ring Road. It offers a breathtaking view and features spectacular outcrops and rock formations.
A notable attraction is the massive arch that the sea has eroded from the heartland, giving the island its name (‘dyr’=door’). One daredevil pilot even flew through it!
Dyrholaey has an abundance of birdlife, the most common being puffins and eider ducks. You can also enjoy the black beach, where the waves can provide an impressive sight. As these can be very wild, we do however advise uttermost caution.
Thingvellir is one of the most important sites to visit in Iceland for its landscape, history and cultural value.
The Icelandic parliament was founded in Thingvellir in 930 and remained there for centuries.Thingvellir is surrounded by a beautiful mountain range and is the site of a rift valley, marking the crest of the Mid-Atlantic range. Today it is a natural park, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and considered a vital part of the ‘Golden triangle’ (with Geysir and Gullfoss). Of particular note is the magnificent gorge Almannagja, which marks the eastern boundary of the north American plate and into which the beautiful waterfall Oxararfoss falls.
Other notable attractions within the park include the beautiful lake Thingvallavatn, the largest lake in Iceland, the Silfra fissure, one of the world's top dives, and Gjabakkahellir, one of Iceland's most interesting lava tubes.
Hraunfossar in Borgarfjordur district is a series of beautiful waterfalls formedby rivulets streaming from a short distance out of the Hallmundarhraun lava field.
The lava field flowed from an eruption of one of the volcanoes lying under the glacier Langjokull. The waterfalls pour into the Hvita river from ledges of less porous rock in the lava. These are some of the most magnificent falls found in Iceland and not to be missed.
Deildartunguhver, by Reykholt, in Borgarfjordur district, has the highest flow rate for a hot spring in Europe.
The flow rate of Deildartunguhver is 180 liters/second and water emerges at 97 °C. The place is also unique for being the only place in the country where the hard fern grows.
Hofn a Hornafirdi, is a fishing town in southeast Iceland, with a population of 1641 (as of 2011). It has a strong harbour and its main industries are fishing and tourism.
Of note are several interesting museums and the annual Humarhatid (lobster festival). The area is also rich and varied birdlife and migratory birds from Scotland land here around April and leave around August/September.
Vik in Myrdalur valley is the southernmost village on the Icelandic mainland, located 186 km from the capital Reykjavik.
Vik is important as a service centre for the inhabitants and visitors of the marvellous Reynisfjara beach.
Reynisfjara is widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches on earth (see for example Islands Magazine). This black pebble beach boasts an amazing cliff of regular basalt columns called Gardar, which resembles a rocky step pyramid and out in the sea are the spectaculary shaped basalt sea stacks Reynisdrangar. The area has rich birdlife, including puffins, fulmars and guillemots.
Blönduós is the largest urban area of Húnaflói bay in northwest Iceland, with a population of around 880 people. It is a service centre for the local area and a common stop for travellers of the ring road.
Economy, accommodation and services
Blönduós’s main economy is acting as a serving centre, particularly for dairy products, as well as fishing and light industy and tourism. A creamery and a butchery are both operated at Blönduós, as well as a hospital and a health service. The town has a hotel and a guesthouse, as well as summerhouses and a camping area and offers general commerce and services.
Attractions and activities
Birdwatching is popular in the area, as well as horse riding tours and the nearby lakes and rivers are some of the best in the country for fishing trout and salmon. Among these is the river Blanda, one of Iceland's longest rivers. In it is the beautiful island Hrútey, rich with vegetation and is a habitat for many bird species, such as geese. The Yndisgarður is a nice park with a variety of beautiful plants. A small golf course is also located in the town. The town is further a good set off point when travelling in Húnaflói bay.
You might also want to check out the handicraft museum, the Sea Ice Exhibition Centre and the textile museum, the only one of its kind in Iceland. The local church, i.e. 'the new church' with its interesting architecture, is also worth a look, inspired by nature and made to resemble a volcanic crater. The older church, built in 1894 is a real beauty, built in Romanesque style from ca. metre thick granite blocks. The ceiling is painted with a thousand stars and the church has a thousand small windowpanes. The altarpiece was made by Jóhannes S. Kjarval, one of Iceland's foremost painters.
Kerið is a volcanic crater lake in Grímsnes in south Iceland. It is a popular stop when traveling the Golden Circle.
It is believed that Kerið was originally a cone volcano that erupted and and emptied its magma reserve. Once the magma was depleted, the weight of the cone collapsed into an empty magma chamber, later to be filled with water.
The Kerið caldera is composed of red volcanic rock and is around 55 m deep, 170 m wide and 270 m across. There is little vegetation in the steep-walled crater, save for one wall with a gentler slope which is covered with deep moss. This wall is fairly easy to descend.
The lake itself is fairly shallow and is striking in its beauty. Opaque and aquamarine, surrounded by the red crater walls, Kerið offers a great contrast of colours and a highly impressive scenery.
The acoustics of the crater are considered to be fairly good, and a number of concerts have been held inside Kerið. There is a small admission fee to visit Kerið, 400 ISK per person (as of 2017).
Reynisdrangar are rock formations situated near the shore of Reynisfjara beach by the coastal village Vík í Mýrdalur on the South Coast of Iceland.
The formations are large and impending sea cliffs, made up of the rock type basalt, that serve as a vital part of the area’s allure as they shoot dramatically out of the ocean under the looming cliffs of Mt. Reynisfjall.
The village of Vík only houses around 300 permanent inhabitants, but on a daily basis, travellers scouting the South Coast make their way there to visit what has been voted as one of the most beautiful non-tropical beaches in the world. The beach of Reynisfjara, however, can be highly dangerous if proper caution is not taken. As is evident from how the waves of the Atlantic Ocean crash upon Reynisdrangar, the currents here are strong, and sneak waves can easily carry anyone that’s standing too close out to sea. The beach is not for wading, but for admiring, and especially the mighty surf bursting on the base of these rocky cliffs.
Folklore
There is an Icelandic folk tale that explains the origin of the pillars’ eerie appearance. According to legend, a couple of trolls were busy dragging a stranded three-masted ship to shore when the sunlight hit them and turned them into pillars of rock for all eternity. In fact, numerous rock formations in Iceland carry with them tales of trolls or elves, and one has only to look at them to fathom why.
Surroundings & Wildlife
An alternative view of the bewitching cliffs and their surrounding sea can be enjoyed by venturing up Mt. Reynisfjall, by a road to the west of the village. The mountain furthermore functions as a puffin colony every summer, from April to September, meaning guests can enjoy the view in good company. Other birds can be seen gliding around the cliffs such as Arctic terns, fulmars and seagulls.
Iceland has one main ring road: Route 1. This ring road goes all around the island and is 1332 km long (828 miles). The road connects the capital, Reykjavík, to the second biggest city in Iceland, Akureyri, in the north of the country. Other notable towns that are connected via the ring road are Borgarnes, Blönduós, Egilsstaðir, Höfn, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Vík, Hella, Hvolsvöllur, Selfoss and Hveragerði.
A number of popular tourist attractions are also found by the ring road, such as Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Lake Mývatn and the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and Goðafoss.
The ring road consists mainly of paved two lanes road (one each direction). Some parts of the ring road are still unpaved however. In various places the road contains single lane bridges, especially in the east part of the country. The speed limit is 90km per hour on the paved section of the road (lower when it passes through towns), but 80km per hour on gravel.
The road was only completed in 1974, with the opening of Iceland's longest bridge, that crosses Skeiðará river in southeast Iceland. In 1998 a tunnel below the fjord Hvalfjörður shortened the drive around Iceland by about one hour (or 45km along a winding fjord). Hvalfjörður tunnels are the biggest tunnels in Iceland, 5,8 km and 165m below sea level. The ring road has another tunnel called Almannaskarð in the southeast by Höfn and by 2017 the Vaðlaheiðar tunnels should be open in north Iceland, shortening the distance between Akureyri and Mývatn.
Some sections of the ring road are original 1940's country roads, and a number of sharp curves, blind curves, blind summits as well as single lane bridges mean that people need to drive cautiously. In wintertime most of the ring road is kept open, with the exception of a short passage in the east part of the country that may be closed due to heavy snow (a detour is needed to travel from the north to the east during wintertime).
Guide to Iceland would advise people to drive cautiously on the ring road both in summer and wintertime, but also to explore other roads leading from it to multiple attractions.
7 nuits en hébergement (catégorie à choisir dans les options - chambre avec salle de bain privative et formule petit déjeuner)
Location d'une voiture de location en Islande type VW Polo ou similaire durant 8 jours (surclassements disponibles)
Assurance CDW, SCDW et protection gravier inclus avec la voiture de location
GPS
Entrée standard au Blue Lagoon (surclassements disponibles)
Itinéraire de voyage
Assistance d'un agent de voyage veillant à la préparation de votre itinéraire de voyage
Taxes incluses
Vols internationaux et essence pour la voiture de location
Déjeuner / Dîner
A emporter avec vous:
Permis de conduire
Vêtements chauds
Maillot de bain
Appareil photo
Bon à savoir:
Le conducteur doit avoir un permis de conduire depuis plus d'un an. Notez que l'ordre de l'itinéraire peut évoluer en fonction de vos horaires de vol et des disponibilités des prestations.
Règlement du voyage possible en deux fois. Pour cela, merci de nous envoyer un email.
Itinéraire quotidien
Jour 1 - Arrivée à Reykjavik
Récupérez votre voiture à l'aéroport de Keflavik avant de rejoindre votre hébergement dans le centre de Reykjavík à travers une route de champs de lave séchée. Vous pouvez choisir de vous baigner au Blue Lagoon le premier jour en chemin entre l'aéroport et Reykjavik ou de garder cette expérience pour votre dernier jour en Islande.
Après installation à votre hôtel, profitez du reste de la journée pour explorer cette capitale animée, ses nombreux musées, restaurants et bars. Nuit à Reykjavik.
Exemple d'hébergement vers Reykjavík
Reykjavík en confort
La chaîne Fosshótel a 4 hôtels de 3-4 étoiles situés dans le centre de Reykjavik à proximité des points d'intérêt, cafés, restaurants, musées et bars. Ils offrent des chambres avec salles de bain privées. Wifi gratuit. Petit déjeuner inclus.
Reykjavík en sélection
Alda Hotel est un hôtel 4 étoiles situé sur Laugavegur, la rue commerçante de Reykjavik au coeur de la ville. Il offre des chambres avec salles de bain privées. Accès libre à la salle de fitness, au sauna et au jacuzzi. Wifi gratuit. Petit déjeuner inclus.
Jour 2 - Cercle d'Or et sud de l'Islande
Le deuxième jour, vous découvrez les sites naturels les plus connus d'Islande : le Cercle d'Or.
Le premier arrêt est le Parc National de Thingvellir. Vous avez la possibilité de marcher sur la dorsale médio-Atlantique, faire de la plongée à la fissure de Silfra et explorer les environs. Le parc est le lieu de création du premier parlement mondial en 930.
Vous poursuivez avec la visite de la vallée d'Haukadalur où vous pouvez admirer les geysers Strokkur et Geysir. Puis, quelques kilomètres plus loin, vous découvrez la puissante chute de Gullfoss. Un sentier vous emmène au bord de la chute où vous pouvez ressentir la puissance de cette cascade. Depuis Gullfoss, vous pouvez rejoindre une session motoneige au glacier Langjökull.
Le cratère de Kerid est également un des sites réputés qui vaut bien une visite avant de de reprendre la route vers la côte sud. Vous découvrez ensuite la cascade Seljalandsfoss et Skógafoss.
Le long de la côte à proximité de Vik, faites un léger détour pour admirer les plages volcaniques et les formations rocheuses de Dyrhólaey et Reynisdrangar. Nuit à Vik.
Exemple d'hébergement vers Vík
Vík en confort
Hotel Katla est un hôtel de campagne de catégorie 3 étoiles situé à 5 km à l'Est de Vik. Il offre des chambres avec salles de bain privées. Accès libre au sauna et jacuzzi. Wifi gratuit et petit déjeuner inclus.
Vík en sélection
Icelandair Hotel Vík est un hôtel 3 étoiles idéalement situé à Vik. Il offre des chambres finement décorées et munies de salles de bain privées. Vue sur l'océan ou la montagne. Wifi gratuit et petit déjeuner inclus.
Jour 3 - Skaftafell et plage de diamant
Vous avez la possibilité de partir pour une randonnée sur glacier au Sólheimajökull avant de vous rendre à la réserve de Skaftafell au sein du Parc National Vatnajokull.
Profitez de votre journée à Skaftafell pour admirer les paysages et faire des balades pédestres. Vous trouverez de nombreux chemins et sentiers accessibles à tous niveaux notamment le sentier menant à la cascade Svartifoss.
Puis cap vers la la lagune glaciaire de Jokulsarlon : un des sites les plus beaux et photogéniques d'Islande. A Jokulsarlon, montez à bord d'un bateau et naviguez au milieu des icebergs. Ne manquez pas de visiter la plage de diamant situé à proximité. Route et nuit à Höfn.
Exemple d'hébergement vers Jökulsárlón et Höfn
Jökulsárlón et Höfn en confort
Hotel Höfn est un hôtel 3 étoiles idéalement situé au coeur de Höfn. Il offre des chambres avec salles de bain privées. Wifi gratuit et petit déjeuner inclus.
Jökulsárlón et Höfn en sélection
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon est un hôtel 4 étoiles situé à proximité de la lagune glaciaire Jökulsárlón et la réserve naturelle de Skaftafell. Il offre des chambres avec salles de bain privées avec vue océan ou vue montagne. Wifi gratuit et petit déjeuner inclus.
Jour 4 - Fjords de l'Est
Aujourd'hui vous longez la belle route des fjords de l'Est. Chaque fjord a son charme. La nature est si différente dans cette région. Vous découvrez les montagnes verdoyantes et vous pouvez apercevoir de nombreux oiseaux.
En chemin, vous découvrez également des villages de pêcheurs. Nuit vers Egilsstadir.
Exemple d'hébergement vers Egilsstaðir
Egilsstaðir en confort
Lake Hotel Egilsstaðir est un hôtel 3 étoiles situé à proximité du centre-ville d'Egilsstaðir et non loin du lac. Il offre des chambres avec salles de bain privées. Accès au spa en supplément sur place. Wifi gratuit. Petit déjeuner inclus.
Egilsstaðir en sélection
Icelandair Hotel Hérað est un hôtel 3 étoiles idéalement situé à Egilsstaðir. Il offre des chambres lumineuses et avec salles de bain privées. Wifi gratuit. Petit déjeuner inclus.
Jour 5 - Journée au lac Myvatn
Cap vers le lac Myvatn. Profitez de cette journée pour explorer un peu plus les environs du lac Myvatn. Nous vous recommandons de longer Jökulsárgljúfur, faisant partie du Parc National Vatnajokull, mais aussi d"explorer le canyon d'Ásbyrgi et Dettifoss la chute d'Europe la plus puissante.
Une autre possibilité est de partir observer les baleines depuis Husavik sur un bateau traditionnel, capitale européenne de l'observation de cétacés ou bien partir en mer sur un zodiac observer les baleines et macareux.
Découvrez la source chaude de Námaskarð, le pseudo cratère Skútustaðagígar, les formations de lave de Dimmuborgir et le Mont Krafla, un des volcans les plus visités d'Islande.
En fin de journée, faites une pause aux sources naturelles de Myvatn pour vous relaxer après une journée de visite. Nuit à Akureyri.
Exemple d'hébergement vers Akureyri
Akureyri en confort
Hotel Norðurland est un hôtel 3 étoiles situé au coeur d'Akureyri. Il offre des chambres spacieuses et lumineuses avec salles de bain privées. Wifi gratuit. Petit déjeuner inclus.
Akureyri en sélection
Icelandair Hotel Akureyri est un hôtel 3 étoiles situé au coeur d'Akureyri, à proximité de la piscine. Il offre des chambres deluxe munies de salles de bains privées et d'un salon. Belle vue depuis le 5ème étage. Wifi gratuit. Petit déjeuner inclus.
Jour 6 - Chute de Godafoss et péninsule Tröllaskagi
Ce matin, vous visitez Akureyri : une ville de charme avec ses magasins et ses musées uniques et connue mondialement pour son jardin botanique.
Vous reprenez ensuite la route en faisant un détour par Godafoss "la chute des dieux" avant de poursuivre vers la vallée de Skagafjörður. Cette région est connue pour ses colonies de chevaux islandais. Vous traversez les magnifiques collines de Tröllaskagi, le village de pêcheurs Siglufjörður et à Hofsós où vous pouvez profiter du paysage depuis la piscine du village. Nuit à proximité de Blönduós.
Exemple d'hébergement vers Blönduós
Blönduós en confort
Hotel Blanda est idéalement situé au coeur de Blönduós dans le Nord de l'Islande offrant une vue sur la rivière Blanda et l'océan. Il dispose de chambres avec salles de bain privées. Wifi gratuit dans les parties communes. Petit déjeuner inclus.
Blönduós en sélection
Hotel Laugarbakki est un hôtel 3 étoiles au coeur de la nature situé au Sud d'Hvammstangi et offrant une vue sur la rivière. Il dispose de chambres supérieures : spacieuses avec salles de bain privées. Accès libre aux jacuzzis extérieurs et à la salle de gym. Wifi gratuit. Petit déjeuner inclus.
Jour 7 - Paysages le long de la route circulaire
Explorez l'Ouest de l'Islande et ses divers sites naturels comme le site de Borgarnes, haut lieu de rassemblement islandais et Deildartunguhver, la plus grande source chaude d'Europe. Un peu plus loin, découvrez les chutes saisissantes de Hraunfossar et Barnafoss.
Les passionnés d'histoire peuvent également visiter Snorrastofa, l'institut de recherche de Reykholt où Snorri Sturluson a écrit au 13ème siècle la Saga Heimskringla.
Aujourd'hui vous pouvez également visiter un tunnel de glace au coeur du glacier Langjokull ou l'intérieur du volcan Thríhnúkagígur.
Sur la route en direction de Reykjavik, faites une courte halte à Fossatún, une cascade qui est dit-on est gardée par un troll nommé Drifa. Nuit dans la capitale.
Exemple d'hébergement vers Reykjavík
Reykjavík en confort
La chaîne Fosshótel a 4 hôtels de 3-4 étoiles situés dans le centre de Reykjavik à proximité des points d'intérêt, cafés, restaurants, musées et bars. Ils offrent des chambres avec salles de bain privées. Wifi gratuit. Petit déjeuner inclus.
Reykjavík en sélection
Alda Hotel est un hôtel 4 étoiles situé sur Laugavegur, la rue commerçante de Reykjavik au coeur de la ville. Il offre des chambres avec salles de bain privées. Accès libre à la salle de fitness, au sauna et au jacuzzi. Wifi gratuit. Petit déjeuner inclus.
Jour 8 - Départ d'Islande
Vous déposez votre véhicule à l'aéroport de Keflavik avant de prendre votre vol international.
Si vous avez la chance d'avoir un vol dans l'après-midi ou la soirée, profitez d'une dernière expérience islandaise en vous rendant au Blue Lagoon. L'eau chaude bleue laiteuse est riche en minéraux et réputée pour être bonne pour la santé.
Si vous vous rendez au Blue Lagoon le premier jour de votre voyage, vous pouvez également partir faire une balade à cheval ou simplement profiter de vos dernières heures à Reykjavik pour faire un peu de shopping. A bientôt en Islande!
Hébergement
Ci-dessous, découvrez nos catégories d'hébergement. Si vous réservez pour 1 personne, vous aurez une chambre individuelle, si vous réservez pour plus d'une personne vous aurez une chambre double/twin ou une chambre triple. Guide to Iceland vous sélectionnera les meilleurs hôtels et guesthouses disponibles au moment la réservation de votre voyage. Merci de garder en tête que la catégorie sélection en Islande est très limitée géographiquement et la disponibilité est très limitée. Nous faisons toujours notre possible pour répondre à vos requêtes spéciales qui peuvent induire un coût additionnel.
Confort
Chambres avec salle de bain privative dans des hôtels 3 étoiles ou des guesthouses de qualité. Situation à deux pas des sites touristiques. Petit déjeuner inclus.
Sélection
Chambres avec salle de bain privative dans des hôtels 4 étoiles ou chambres supérieures dans des hôtels 3 étoiles de sélection idéalement situés en Islande. Petit déjeuner inclus.
Voiture
Ci-dessous découvrez les options de voitures de location pour votre autotour. Tous nos véhicules sont récents, de 2 ans d'ancienneté maximum, et équipés d'un GPS et des assurances CDW, SCDW et la protection gravier (GP). Surclassement gratuit en véhicule avec boîte automatique.
Economique
Une petite voiture 2 roues motrices idéale pour les voyages sur les routes principales comme une VW Polo, Toyota Yaris ou similaire. Ce véhicule n'est pas apte à aller dans les Hautes Terres.
4X4 Confort
Une Jeep de taille moyenne ou SUV avec 4 roues motrices (4x4) comme une Toyota Rav4 ou similaire convenant à la plupart des voyages et notamment sur routes enneigées et non pavées. Ce véhicule est adapté aux routes basiques des Hautes Terres.
4x4 Luxe
Une Jeep avec 4 roues motrices (4x4) de taille comme un Toyota Land Cruiser ou similaire, convenant à la quasi totalité des voyages. Ce véhicule est adapté à la conduite sur routes de montagne des Hautes Terres, lorsque celles-ci sont accessibles.
Assurance annulation voyage
Cette assurance garantie l'annulation et le remboursement de l'ensemble de votre voyage sauf le prix de la souscription à l'assurance annulation voyage : 5 000 ISK/participant.
L'annulation peut être demandée jusqu'à 48h avant le début de votre voyage. Pour annuler votre voyage et demander un remboursement, merci d'envoyer un email à info@guidetoiceland.is jusqu'à 48h avant votre voyage et en expliquant votre situation.
Merci de noter que l'assurance couvre l'annulation complète de votre voyage. Elle ne couvre pas l'annulation de prestations de voyage individuelles ou une partie de votre voyage. Le montant de l'assurance n'est ni remboursable ni transférable.
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