Travel across Iceland along the famous Route 1 and immerse yourself in the beauty and diverse landscapes of this incredible country. This 5-day guided tour will take you to the best-known wonders and some hidden gems that you can call your own.
The Ring Road, as its name suggests, is Iceland’s only road that circles the entire country, connecting cities, towns, and remote inhabitants. This fully paved 1,332 km road is open year-round and offers the best of Iceland’s most influential backdrops and tourist attractions. Grandiose waterfalls, moon-like landscapes, and imposing glaciers will become a reality, all within your reach on this unforgettable journey.
Today, we will explore the stunning south coast of Iceland, home to some of the country’s most breathtaking sights.
This region offers a spectacular combination of ice, lava fields, lagoons, towering mountains, volcanoes, and rugged black coastline. You’ll encounter magnificent waterfalls like Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and the hidden gem, Gljúfrabúi. We’ll immerse ourselves in pure nature and visit many places of interest, including the incredible Reynisfjara Black Beach, renowned as the most amazing beach in Iceland. Our final stop for the day will be at the charming village of Vík, the southernmost settlement in the country.
Minimum age: 8
Put on your crampons and immerse yourself in the magnificent, raw beauty of the glacier. Under the care of an experienced and skilled glacier guide, you will discover mind-blowing places, astonishing crevasses, and unique ice formations. Solid hiking shoes are necessary, and we highly recommend wearing warm, windproof jackets. That’s all you need to bring, as we provide the crampons and all necessary equipment to walk safely on the glacier. This thrilling activity takes approximately 3 hours.
Our day begins with a visit to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, a world-famous glacial lake filled with floating icebergs calving from Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. Some icebergs wash ashore, dazzling in contrast to the black sands of the aptly named Diamond Beach, which is nearly as famous as the lagoon itself. This area is also rich in wildlife, including grey and harbor seals swimming in the icy waters or resting on the shore.
Next, we head to the iconic mountain Vestrahorn, one of Iceland’s top spots for photography. We continue along the dramatic east coast, which boasts long, narrow fjords with steep sides and jagged peaks, contrasting with the fertile farmlands inland. The natural harbors feature picturesque fishing villages, and the seemingly endless roads provide sweeping views with steep mountains towering just behind the houses.
One of our stops is the charming fishing village of Djupivogur, located in Berufjordur, a long and narrow fjord rich in birdlife. This village has a trading history dating back to the 16th century. Nowadays, the local harbor serves only fishermen, but you can still catch the spirit of this historic place with a short walk around the port buildings, including Langabud, an old trading station built in 1790.
Our day concludes in Egilsstaðir, the capital of East Iceland.
Embark on a thrilling 45-minute amphibious boat tour among the floating icebergs. This is your chance to get up close to these glittering giants as they sway around the lagoon.
You’ll hop onto an open-top 4WD vehicle and slide into the glacial waters for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with these magical mountains of ice. Be sure to wrap up warm and keep an eye out for seals!
Price: From ISK 6,300
Experience relaxation at its finest at the new geothermal spa built on the beautiful Lake Urriðavatn.
Put on your swimwear, unwind, and enjoy the stunning views over the untouched landscape. The pools are filled with warm waters streaming up from deep beneath the lake, providing a serene and rejuvenating experience.
Price: From: ISK 6.490
This part of Iceland is often considered the most beautiful in the country. We start the day with a visit to Studlagil Canyon, a hidden gem. Turquoise waters, originating from Vatnajokull glacier, flow between the largest basalt column formation in Iceland. You can admire this breathtaking sight with just a short walk from the parking lot. Unfortunately, due to its remote location, not many people have the chance to explore this area.
Next, we visit Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland’s natural wonders. Created by a lava eruption 2,300 years ago, this unique environment features geothermal hot springs, caves with steaming blue waters, large rock formations, and diverse birdlife and fauna. The most remarkable site here is Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. Before getting back on the bus, we’ll take a short hike to admire another beautiful waterfall, Selfoss.
During the day, we’ll also visit several fascinating spots in the area, including Hverir, Grjótagjá, Dimmuborgir, and the Krafla power station. Our final stop on this exciting route is Goðafoss, the majestic “Waterfall of the Gods.”
Experience serenity at the Forest Lagoon, set amidst tranquil birch and pine trees, making it a truly exceptional retreat.
The Forest Lagoon features two pools, with the larger pool spanning 530m² and maintained at a soothing temperature of around 37°C (98.6°F). Enjoy the relaxing dry sauna and invigorating cold pool.
Price: From ISK 6,900
Our last day begins in Akureyri, the capital of the North. This charming, remote city is nestled in a stunning, deep fjord. The city center, located next to the harbor, features a mix of modern architecture and historical wooden houses, with the Akureyri Church perched on a hill, doubling as a scenic viewpoint.
The day continues south toward Varmahlid village, home to a charming turf church. As we drive through the North Coast, you’ll notice how each region of Iceland has its own unique character, yet all are equally awe-inspiring.
In the North, we will visit Hvítserkur, a unique rock formation that’s perfect for photos, and Kolugljúfur Canyon, with its spectacular waterfall. This day promises a delightful mix of natural beauty and cultural history, providing the perfect conclusion to our Icelandic adventure.
If spotting whales from a distance isn’t enough for you, then secure your spot on this exhilarating activity.
The whale watching tour lasts approximately 3 hours, offering excellent chances to see these majestic mammals playing in the sea in this area of Iceland.
Price: From ISK 12,990
Immerse yourself in the wonders of the Silver Circle, a journey that showcases some of Iceland’s most mesmerizing natural attractions.
Start your adventure at Hraunfossar Lava Waterfalls, where cascades of water flow from beneath a lava field, creating a stunning contrast against the dark volcanic rocks.
Next, experience the power of Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, where boiling water gushes at a remarkable rate.
Then, delve into the depths of Viðgelmir lava cave, the largest of its kind in Iceland, where you’ll marvel at the ancient lava formations and unique underground scenery.
Throughout your journey, be captivated by the breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders that make Iceland a truly unforgettable destination.
Get in touch with Your Friend in Reykjavik for all your Iceland travel planning needs. We love to help you plan the perfect trip, making personal recommendations for tours and activities you should check out during your visit. Craft your custom Iceland itinerary with our expert guidance!