Hot Springs And Cool Arctic Roads

Spectacular waterfall duo – Volcanic views – Black sandy beaches

Drive along the scenic South Shore and the area near the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano. This is the volcano whose massive 2010 eruption caused air traffic around the world to be cancelled. We recommend a stop at the interactive LAVA Centre where you’ll learn about the powerful volcanic and tectonic forces that shaped both Iceland and Earth. The centre has interesting exhibits for all age groups.

Your journey takes you by the beautiful Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls (each a photo worthy visit) and Mýrdalsjökull glacier. You can opt for a fun snowmobiling trip on the glacier and (if the weather is clear) a splendid view over southern Iceland.

Stop by the seafront village of Vík to explore Reynisfjara, a dramatic stretch of coastline poised between glacier-topped mountains, rugged sea cliffs and black- sand beaches.

Dyrhólaey* is a rocky headland famous in photos for its black lava arch. During the summer, thousands of sea birds and puffins nest here (puffins are generally in Iceland between mid-May and early August).

Overnight in the Vík area.

*Important: Please note that Dyrhólaey is closed during nesting season, from about the middle of May until late June.

Summertime option (May – September only): Extend your day and visit the Glacier Lagoon. After you visit Reynisfjara, you can head eastward to visit the legendary Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and the Skaftafell area of the national park. Head back to Vík for your overnight. October – April: This route extension is weather dependent in the wintertime and may not be viable due to road, weather, and daylight conditions. (This route adds an additional 390 km/242 miles and 4-5 hours to the day)

Our Recommended Hot Spring Experiences: Experience local culture with a visit to a to a community geothermal pool in Selfoss, Hella, Hvolsvöllur or Vík

Golden waterfall – Lively geysers – Famous national park

Today you are going experience the famous wonders of the Golden Circle.

Drive to the amazing sites of Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir hot spring area. Gullfoss is considered by many visitors to be Iceland’s most beautiful waterfall. Geysir is an active geothermal field with many bubbling steam vents and spouting hot springs, including the famous Strokkur geyser. If you enjoy adventure, you might try snorkelling in clear waters between two continents or (during the summer) rafting in a river with water from Gulffoss.

This area has two spa experiences you might consider: the Fontana Steam Baths in Laugarvatn or the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir. Both places are a part of the area’s history and popular with both Icelanders and visitors.

Next, visit Þingvellir National Park, site of the ancient Icelandic Viking parliament and a jewel of nature. Here you can see the meeting point between the North American and Europe continents. Several walking trails take visitors to historical points of interest.

Then travel along scenic Hvalfjörður fjord, heading northward. If you are seeking a more nature-influenced hot spring experience, we recommend Hvammsvík in the Hvalfjörður region. You can relax in a series of stone lined seaside pools with beautiful views over the sea and Icelandic nature. Though modern, this hot spring area’s design reflects the rustic charm of hot pools of Iceland’s old-fashioned days.

Your journey then takes you on the Ring Road to North Iceland.

Overnight in Northwest Iceland.

Our Recommended Hot Spring Experiences: Fontana Steam Baths, The Secret Lagoon, Hvammsvík Hot Springs. We’re happy to book any (or all) of these expriences for you!

Historical fjord – Infinity pool – Spectacular mountain and sea views

Start your day by driving past Húnaflói bay, a great area for seal watching. If you’re interested in learning more about seals, we suggest a visit to the Seal Centre in Hvammstangi.

You can live like a local by visiting one of this area’s geothermal public pools in the towns of Hvammstangi or Blönduós. Enjoy experiencing North Icelandic daily life and chatting with the locals as you relax in the hot tubs. You might even pick up a few recommendations about local favourite restaurants and shops!

The scenery changes to towering mountains and fertile valleys as you head into Skagafjörður, an area known for horse breeding and some of Iceland’s best-preserved historical buildings. If you’re a history buff you might enjoy Glaumbær (Skagafjörður Heritage Museum), where you can walk through a turf manor farm dating back to the 18th century.

If you are interested in Medieval/Viking history and battle strategies, we suggest a visit to the 1238: Battle of Iceland exhibit in Sauðárkrókur town. Innovative virtual reality transports you into the past and the fateful Battle of Örlýggsstaðir, part of a devastating civil war.

Drangey is the legendary hideout of the Viking saga outlaw, Gréttir the Strong. Between mid-May and August, you can take a guided boat tour out to Drangey. The tour departs from Sauðárkrókur town’s harbour.

The town of Hofsós has a public swimming pool cleverly constructed to appear as though it stretches far into the sea. Visitors enjoy the pool’s beautiful view and peaceful isolation.

Stop in Siglufjörður, a beautiful town with an even more beautiful fjord. The town’s award-winning Herring-Era Maritime Museum takes you back to the days of the early 20th century when a herring “gold rush” changed both Siglufjörður and Iceland.

Drive through the beautiful Troll Peninsula, which has some of Iceland‘s highest mountains. You’ll see waterfalls dropping into the ocean as you drive through charming fishing villages. You might take a whale watching tour in the town of Dalvík or visit the Beer Spa in Arskógasandur for hot spring bathing with a twist!

Continue to Akureyri, the colourful and friendly capital of the north.

Overnight in the Akureyri area.

Note: The route between Sauðárkrókur and around Siglfufjörður and the Troll Peninsula is may not be viable due to road and weather conditions. October– April: We instead advise staying on Road 1 and enjoying scenic Skagafjörður on the way to Akureyri.

Our Recommended Hot Spring Experiences: Swimming pools in Hvammstangi, Blönduós, Hofsós; Bjórböðin Beer Spa (we can help with booking this experience).

Waterfall of the gods – Ocean hot springs – Volcanic wonderland

Drive through beautiful alpine scenery en route to Goðafoss (the Waterfall of the Gods). Here, glacial water thunders around surrounding lava to create a beautiful half-circle shaped cascade.

Then head to Húsavík, a charming fishing town known for its great whale-watching opportunities. We highly recommend a visit to the town’s GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths. Relax in naturally warmed sea water and enjoy a scenic view far out to the Arctic Circle. Húsavík also has interesting museums, restaurants, and a local favourite bakery.

Travel to the unforgettable Lake Mývatn area, a geological wonderland that includes the peculiar lava formations at Dimmuborgir, and the pseudo-craters at Skútustaðir. Some of the most bizarre places in the region are the bubbling mud pits and vibrant colours of Námaskarð geothermal area. Mývatn’ s fantastical landscapes have made it a filming location for the HBO Game of Thrones series, as well as several Hollywood movies.

A local favourite is a visit to the Mývatn Nature Baths, where you can relax in the azure waters in a tranquil wilderness setting.

Overnight in the Akureyri area.

Please Note: The route today contains a toll tunnel which you’ll use twice during the day. More information on the tunnel and fees is here.

Our Recommended Hot Spring Experiences: GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths; Mývatn Nature Baths (we can book these experiences for you!)

Forest geothermal pool – Lava waterfalls – Unique spa ritual

Today you are heading to Reykjavík on a route filled with charming landscapes and, of course, hot spring bathing. Before you leave the Akureyri area, we suggest a visit to the Forest Lagoon (Skógarböð) in a small woodland near the town. This is a lovely geothermal experience with pools, a sauna, relaxation room, two in-water pool bars and an on-site restaurant. The pools have a pleasant view of the area’s flat-topped mountains and the fjord.

Head back to West Iceland to visit Borgarfjörður, one of Iceland’s best kept secrets. It contains a charming mix of miniature forests, waterfalls, caves, and views of Langjökull Glacier. If you want to add some adventure to your day, a visit to the colourful Viðgelmir caverns or the unique Into the Glacier ice cave is an unforgettable experience.

Visit Hraunfoss waterfall where the water seems to burst from lava formations into the brilliant blue river below. The nearby Barnafoss waterfalls have a mysterious secret to reveal. Be sure to stop at Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring. At Deildartunguhver you can also enjoy the Krauma natural geothermal spa, which uses a blend of water from the hot spring and cool, glacial spring water.

Continue to Reykjavík. There’s always time for one last hot spring pool and, as you head into Reykjavík, the Sky Lagoon is a “must.” This unique hot spring experience blends historical architecture and modern facilities, along with unforgettable views over the sea and mountains. Indulge in a relaxing seven step geothermal experience called the Ritual. It will leave you rejuvenated and in touch with Iceland’s nature. You’ll be invigorated and ready to enjoy the evening in Iceland’s vibrant capital city.

Overnight in Reykjavík.

Alternative Route: During the summer, if you upgrade to a 4WD vehicle you can opt to traverse the magnificent uninhabited interior of Iceland via the unpaved Kjölur highland track (open 20.6. – 15.9 ; subject to weather conditions). Category 5.0 (KIA Sportage 4WD or similar) or higher 4WD vehicle is needed to drive on Kjölur.

Our Recommended Hot Spring Experiences: The Forest Lagoon, Krauma Natural Geothermal Spa, The Sky Lagoon (we can book these experiences for you!)

Drive back to Keflavík International Airport. We recommend departing from your hotel in Reykjavík no later than at least 3 hours before your flight departure. It takes approximately 1 hour to drive to the airport, and the check-in will start 2 hours before your departure.

If you did not visit the Sky Lagoon or the Blue Lagoon earlier but have some free time today, you might want to use the opportunity to enjoy one of these experiences en route to the airport. For this detour, please be sure to allow for at least 2-2,5 hours extra so you’ll have ample time to enjoy hot spring bathing.