Compare Scenic Trails of Iceland by Nordika Travel vs Wellness Iceland by G Adventures

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 Reykjavik

Arrive at any time. Enjoy an included airport transfer to your Reykjavik hotel and join the group for a welcome meeting. Take this opportunity to set your intention for the trip ahead.

Day 2 Reykjavik

Enjoy a CEO-led morning hike to Öskjuhlíð Hill. The rest of the day is yours to explore Reykjavik. Opt to visit the Nautholskvik Geothermal beach or Vesturbaejarlaug pools. Hop on a bike for a city tour of Reykjavik or go whale watching.

Day 3 Reykjavik/Hveragerdi

Leave the city behind and explore the famous Golden Circle. Explore and practice yoga in Þingvellir National Park. Afterwards, take some time to relax and soak in natural pools and hot springs, then visit a local bakery for a rye bread geothermal baking demonstration. Later in the afternoon, visit the Geysir Hot Springs and the Gullfoss waterfall.

Day 4 Hveragerdi

Enjoy a morning hike around the Reykjadalur area. Take in the stunning landscapes, explore natural hot springs, and enjoy a CEO-led meditation. In the evening, visit a nearby horse farm and enjoy a dinner of locally-sourced produce.

Day 5 Hveragerdi

Start the day strapping on your crampons for a glacier hike on Solheimajokul glacier. Later, enjoy a mantra meditation practice on the famous Reynisfjara black sand beach. Explore some of Iceland's most famous waterfalls, including Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss and take time for inner reflection with a guided meditation session.

Day 6 Hveragerdi

Start the day with a yoga practice at the largest lake on the Reykjanes peninsula, renowned for its depth. Spend the rest of the day exploring the beautiful Reykjanes peninsula, including colourful geothermal areas, dramatic coastal cliffs, and a footbridge spanning two continents, before enjoying a farewell dinner together.

Due to recent volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula, it is necessary to temporarily adjust activities on day 6 and 7 of this itinerary. Day 6 will now include a Kerið Crater Lake visit followed by yoga at Urriðafoss, with an afternoon visit at the Gjain Valley and waterfalls area.

Day 7 Hveragerdi/Reykjavik

Following a morning restorative yoga practice, head to the Blue Lagoon. Enjoy one last soak or opt for a treatment, before heading to the airport with your included transfer.

Due to recent volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula, it is necessary to temporarily adjust activities on day 6 and 7 of this itinerary. This morning includes restorative yoga as planned, followed by a visit to the Sky Lagoon. The below will come back into effect for regularly scheduled departures. You will arrive at the Blue Lagoon by 11:00am. An included airport transfer to Keflavik airport will depart at approximately 2pm from the Blue Lagoon. We advise to only book onward travel after 4:30pm.