Compare Scenic Trails of Iceland by Nordika Travel vs Iceland: See & Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours by Charlie The Traveler

Day 1: Arrival

Accommodation: Reykjavík

Start your Iceland experience with an overnight stay in Reykjavík. (Airport transfer not included)

Day 2: Reykjavík – Hvalfjörður - Borgarfjörður

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Borgarfjordur area

Tallest Waterfall – Elfin Folklore – Ancient Crater

We begin the day with a short orientation tour of Reykjavik. We drive along the scenic coastline of Hvalfjordur Fjord, one of the longest and deepest fjords in Iceland, on our way to Glymur, Iceland's highest waterfall, which descends gracefully in streaming ribbons down a 200-metre (658 ft) drop into a massive canyon adorned in lush, green moss. Both the fjord and the waterfall are linked to a local legend about a mythical whale that swam up the waterfall into the lake at the top where, eerily enough, whale bones have been found.

We head through Borgarfjordur Valley to our first stop at Glanni waterfall, rumored to be a home of elves and trolls, before enjoying a short hike to 3,500 year-old Grabrok Crater, with remarkable views over the moss-covered lava fields.

Day 3: Reykir - Hofsós – Siglufjörður

Accommodation: Siglufjörður

Viking Folklore – Natural Geothermal Pool - Seaside Swimming Pool

Continuing our journey we cross Holtavörðuheiði plateau, the gateway between North and South, and eventually reach the Reykir geothermal area. Here we find Grettislaug, a pool built over a natural hot spring that is named after Grettir the Strong, one of Iceland’s most beloved Vikings. We continue to the charming village of Hofsós and take a short stroll down to Staðarbjargarvík inlet to admire the group of basalt columns located right at sea level. Then we visit the stunning geothermal swimming pool in the village of Hofsós. The pool is perched on the edge of the seashore, creating an optical illusion, as the pool and ocean appear to merge. We will have the opportunity to bathe in the stunning pool before heading to our accommodation.

Day 4: Siglufjörður- Whale Watching

Accommodation: Siglufjörður

Arctic Whale Watching – Award Winning Herring Era Museum – Remote Mountain Hiking

Today we'll enjoy a brisk sail on the Arctic Ocean aboard a whale-watching vessel from Dalvík village. In these pristine, icy waters we have an exceptionally good chance (98%) of encountering marine-life such as the great Humpback whale, white-beaked dolphins, minke whales, small harbor porpoises and if we are very lucky the majestic Blue Whale. To add to the adventure, we try our hand at sea angling and the freshly caught fish from Icelandic waters is grilled upon arrival in Dalvík for you to taste.

Also on today's agenda is a visit the award winning Herring Era Museum, where a 1950s harbor atmosphere is brought to life, and a nature hike over Siglufjarðarskarð, the old riding trail between Siglufjörður and the Fljót district.

The Siglufjarðarskarð mountain pass is 630 meters (2,068 ft) above sea level and is very rarely used so we will enjoy the sense of discovery in this uncrowded corner of the world, accompanied by a local mountain guide. Once we reach the other end of the pass we transfer back to Siglufjörður to replenish ourselves with a traditional meal of hearty Icelandic Meat Soup made from local ingredients.

Hiking time over Siglufjarðarskarð: About 3,5 hours

Day 5: Goðafoss – Hverfjall – Lake Mývatn

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Mývatn area

Waterfall of the Gods - Geothermal & Volcanic Activity – Outdoor Nature Spa

The day begins with epic views of picturesque Goðafoss, ‘Waterfall of the Gods’. Our journey continues with an exploration of the Lake Mývatn Nature Reserve, a geological wonderland of wildly contrasting nature. With the ominous peaks of Mt. Hverfjall and Krafla volcano as a backdrop, Lake Mývatn has a surprising serenity that is ideal for light hiking. Summertime during peak birding season is a good reason to have the binoculars on hand for the diverse species and rare sightings like the barrow’s goldeneye. Many enjoy the ominous scenery around Dimmuborgir (Dark Castles) with its rugged stacks of towering rocks.

Next we hike up to Mt. Leirhnjúkur hot spring area, which is part of the Krafla volcanic area and is teeming with ancient lava flows and fissures. Visiting Námafjall geothermal field we encounter boiling fumaroles and violently bubbling pools of mud. To enjoy the benefits of this highly active geothermal area, and to relax our muscles, a stop will be made at the Mývatn Nature Baths for an optional dip in the warm and soothing waters.

Day 6: Ásbyrgi - Jökulsárgljúfur - Dettifoss

Forested Area – Europe’s Largest National Park – Europe’s Mightiest Waterfall

We travel towards Tjörnes Peninsula where we discover the enormous horseshoe-shaped canyon of Ásbyrgi National Park that according to Norse mythology is the hoof-print left by Sleipnir, the magical eight-legged horse of the pagan god Óðin. Onwards to the entrance to Vesturdalur, Hljóðaklettar or ‘Echo Rocks’, a distinctive cluster of columnar rocks in all angles. The basalt columns in various shapes, cliffs, and honeycomb weathering create interesting acoustics and echoes, from which the cliffs derive their name.

We spend the remainder of the day exploring the lush vegetation and forested area of Jökulsárgljúfur the northeastern area of Vatnajökull National Park. Literally translated, Jökulsárgljúfur means glacial-river-canyon and it is aptly named for the country’s longest river canyon (25 kilometers / 16 miles).

The day ends with an unforgettable visit to Europe’s mightiest waterfall, Dettifoss, a thundering cascade of glacial water and mist among shattered cliffs.

Day 7: Kjölur - Hveravellir – Gullfoss – Geysir

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Hella area

Highland plateau – Geothermal Scenery - Waterfall Queen & Geyser King

Today we'll traverse Kjölur mountain track straight through Iceland’s uninhabited interior highlands. This unique trek through vibrant thermal areas between the Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers reveals Iceland’s true remoteness and nature at its rawest. This area has numerous walking paths along the way, dotted with hidden geothermal treasures and strange oases of vegetation. We’ll stop at Hveravellir, one of the most beautiful geothermal areas in the world, with a natural pool under open sky that is perfect for a relaxing break.

Upon arriving on the other side of the Kjolur highland route we’ll be at the Gullfoss and Geysir area, where we are introduced to the Queen of Icelandic waterfalls herself, Gullfoss. This majestic waterfall of sparkling mist and golden charm is situated on the Hvítá River, which is fed by Iceland’s second largest glacier, Langjökull. King of all geysers, the great Geysir resides nearby in a steamy geothermal field of bubbling mud and hot springs.

Day 8: Day In Landmannalaugar

Accommodation: Hella area

Untouched Interior – Hekla Volcano – Hot Springs

Iceland’s uninhabited interior sets a surreal stage for today's adventure. The untouched nature areas of Landmannalaugar and Fjallabak reveal geological elements in volcanic craters, multi colored Rhyolite Mountains, steaming lava fields, and the ominous Hekla volcano. There are many beautiful walking trails in the area and a crater-filled lake lush with brown trout.

We enjoy the benefits of this geothermal area with a refreshing dip in the Landmannalaugar Hot Spring, one of the less frequented but most scenic springs in Iceland.

Day 9: Þórsmörk - Seljalandsfoss – Reykjavík

Accommodation: Reykjavik

Thor’s Playground – Glacial Views – Walk Behind a Waterfall

Þórsmörk, a.k.a. Thor’s Playground, should be on every nature lover’s bucket list as this hidden valley resembling paradise is nestled between two glaciers and shielded by rivers and mountains. On our way to Þórsmörk we stop by Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can gain a different perspective by walking behind the curtain of cascading water. Once within the Nature Reserve, we walk along marked trails in the beautiful scenery of delicate trees and green grass surrounded by towering mountains and glacial tongues. We continue to Reykjavik.

Day 10: Departure

If your flight is in the afternoon we recommend taking the time to explore Reykjavík or to enjoy a relaxing dip in the popular Bláa Lónið (Reservation required) on your way to Keflavík airport. (Airport transfer not included)

Note: We reserve the right to alter routes without prior notice due to road conditions.

Day 1: Whale Watching & Colorful Skies

From mid-May to mid-October, our tour starts in Iceland's second most visited city, Akureyri. Get ready to go on a whale watching tour. From late October to early May, whale watching is done instead in the capital that is Reykjavík. From September to early March, also included is a night tour to an area where we see the northern lights.

Day 2: A Lake Created by Lava & Geothermal Eruptions

As a land daytrip from Akureyri (mid-May to mid-October) or a flight daytrip from Reykjavík (late October to early May), we are taken on a tour to Goðafoss Waterfall, Lake Mývatn, a geothermal area called Hverir and Dettifoss Waterfall. Goðafoss waterfall has a height of 12 meters over a width of 30 meters. Lake Mývatn was created by a large basaltic lava which erupted 2,300 years ago. The surrounding landscape is dominated by volcanic landforms, including lava pillars. Dettifoss is reputed to be the second most powerful waterfall in Europe.

Day 3: Approaching a Caldera & Bathing in a Crater or Iceland’s Best Bar Lagoon Accompanied with a City Tour

Today’s destinations and activities depend on the season. From mid-May to mid-October, as a daytrip from Akureyri, we first hike Askja Caldera and then visit a crater called Viti, the latter of which offers a pond where we go bathing. From late October to early May, we go bathing at a ‘fashionable’ geothermal spa called Sky Lagoon, located near to the capital. We are also provided with a tour of the capital.

Day 4: Why They Call This Area the ‘Golden Circle’

From mid-May to mid-October, we relocate from Akureyri to Reykjavík. From late October to early May, we are not based in Akureyri. Instead, we are still based in Reykjavík. Either way, today we are doing the so-called ‘Golden Circle’ as a daytrip from Reykjavík. Destinations include Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir/Strokkur geyser and Þingvellir National Park (a.k.a. Thingvellir National Park). Gullfoss is 32 meters tall and features not 1 but 2 drops. Geysir’s eruptions can hurl boiling water up to 70 meters in the air. Þingvellir is notable for its unusual tectonic and volcanic environment in a rift valley.

Day 5: One of the Ten Most Beautiful Beaches on Earth & Thundering Waterfalls

We leave Reykjavík and start the journey along the southeast coast. Highlights for today include Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Skógafoss Waterfall and the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. We end up lodging in the Skaftafell area. The Seljalandsfoss Waterfall drops 60 meters. Visitors can walk behind the falls into a fascinating cave. Skógafoss is one of the biggest waterfalls in the country, with a width of 25 meters and a drop of 60 meters. Reynisfjara was ranked by National Geographic as one of the ten most beautiful non-tropical beaches on Earth.

Day 6: Huge Icebergs, Exploring an Ice Cave & a Surreal Shoreline

Although today we head to Thorsmork Valley, many destinations are visited en route. They include Skaftafell Nature Reserve, Jökulsárlón Glacial Lake, the natural ice cave at Vatnajökull National Park and Diamond Beach. Skaftafell’s landscape is similar to some of the Alps. The difference is Skaftafell has been formed over thousands of years by different influences of fire and water. Jökulsárlón Lake provides outstanding views of icebergs which rise to a height of 910 meters. Jökulsárlón has been a setting for four Hollywood movies: (1) A View to a Kill, (2) Die Another Day, (3) Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and (4) Batman Begins. Vatnajökull’s ice cave contains canals for water which run through or at the bottom of the glacier. Diamond Beach features icebergs which float onto the shore from Jökulsárlón.

*Note that the surreal looking Svartifoss Waterfall is sometimes-but not always-included on today’s tour. It depends on many factors, including the weather. Also, note that the ice cave is not open June through September. It is open only during the winter season.

Day 7: A Hiker's Paradise

Before returning to Reykjavík, we hike around Thorsmork Valley. The highlights are Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Stakkholtsgjá Canyon, Nauthúsagil Canyon and Gígjökull Glacier. This is arguably the best area in the country from where to go hiking.

Day 8: Mud Pools, Hot Springs & Blue Waters

From Reykjavík, we make a daytrip to the Reykjanes Peninsula: Lake Kleifarvatn, a geothermal area called Krýsuvík, Gunnuhver’s mud pools and hot springs and the Blue Lagoon. Krýsuvík consists of several geothermal fields. Here solfataras, fumaroles, mud pots and hot springs have formed. The soil is colored bright yellow, red and green. Nearby are several craters which were created by the explosions of overheated groundwater. The Blue Lagoon, one of the most visited attractions in Iceland, is a geothermal spa. There we enjoy bathing inside the warm water.

Day 9: Our Tour Ends Today

Transportation will be arranged for you to reach the airport in Reykjavík.