What would you recommend if you had one extra day? Its possible to drive to the glacier and back within a day, but you will probably want to spend more time there. Photo from 2 Day Wildlife Tour in the Westfjords at Hornstrandir & Hornvik with Transfer from Isafjordur. All rights reserved, 6 Epic Iceland Itinerary Ideas - 3 Days to 2 Weeks, To discover the incredible attractions in the country, read our guide to the best, To help with all the logistics and practical information read our, For information on getting around including the best hire car options, read, Join a super jeep tour to explore the wonders of the, From September to March head out with a camera and a tripod on a, Drive up the rough road to Katla for wonderful views of the canyon, If you have a 44 you can take a detour (50 minutes each way on the F26) to the. Thank you so much! Theres a bit of overlap between Northwest Iceland and Northeast Iceland. That said, the best thing to do to avoid disappointment is to book your visits in advance to famous Iceland tourist spots. You can book your Silfra snorkel tour here. Its easy to navigate Reykjaviks nightlife on foot, especially if youre staying in the city center. Blue Lagoon/Keflavik to Reykjavik is about 45 minutes to 1 hour drive away. Read on and discover all you need to know about the natural marvels that make up Iceland's water world. Dozens of bird species flock to the waters in summer, and those interested in flora should look out for moss balls, which form in few other places around the world. Click on the top right corner of the map to open a larger version in a new tab or the star to save to your Google Maps. Svartifoss Waterfall . If youre curious about the Icelandic art scene, then there are dozens of art galleries, museums, and street art exhibits from which to choose. A trip here to relax and rejuvenate at the start or end of your journey is perfect. Your bracelet will be assigned to you which allow you to purchase drinks or face masks. Look at stunning photos a See a selection of wonderful photographs that capture the magic of the Northern Lights throughout Iceland. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The water levels are usually not high in Fjar river which runs through the canyon. Other popular towns across Iceland are Selfoss in South Iceland, Egilsstadir, the largest settlement of East Iceland, and the secluded Isafjordur in the Westfjords. Discover Why Diamond Beach is Called Diamond Beach, 14. Seljalandsfoss waterfall and Skogafoss waterfall are a pair of popular and easily accessible waterfalls on the South Coast. The waterfall is very easy to get to, there are a small parking lot and a path you can walk to get closer. To view this stunning waterfall, visitors need to hike for approximately one mile to reach the falls. Fjarrgljfur is very close to Kirkjubjarklaustur (only about 11.9 km [7.39 mi]) and about 20 minutes of driving. We ended up making some changes to accommodations and tacked on some extra days in Reykjavik at the end, but if you are thinking of visiting Iceland (and not doing the Ring Road), I really recommend doing a version similar to this. Afternoon guided hike along the Tiger Path. But it is better if you get out of Reykjavik. Allow at least 2 days. But other than that , Iceland is a majestic country with hidden wonders of nature behind every crook and cranny. Do not follow the detours started by others. You do have to pay for parking which we did with our credit card (about400 ISK). This wild land is the least populated part of the country outsidethe Highlands and is best known for its non-human residents. Icelands glaciers and coastal erosion have left the vast majority of its coastline jagged, with fjords defining the West, North, and East. Looking for winter tours? Many of East Icelands top attractions are in the area, such as Husey and Borgafjordur Eystri. Alternatively, if youre traveling in winter, you can go on an incredible dog-sledding tourpulled by adorable Siberian huskies. The mountain stands tall above the whole town and you can see it at almost any angle if the lights are out. One week is enough time to see the entire south coast of Iceland. Add the colors of the northern lightsor the dramatic hues of the midnight sun, and you have a view that looks like a fantasy novelist created it. We urge you to follow the rules and signs. to Grundarfjrur you will need to take three separate ones: ne from Reykjavk to Borgarnes (nr. Svartifoss Waterfall . Most days, my husband and I ate sandwiches from the gas station and they were quite tasty. 82). The smaller waterfalls are still impressive due to their picturesque nature or location, like Kirkjufellsfoss, which nestles close to the cone-shaped Kirkjufell mountain on the Snaefellsnes peninsula, or Hraunfossar falls, which trickles out of the lava in the western part of Iceland. All the details are on our Stulagil Canyon guide including the best viewpoints. There are loads of different volcanic oddities to see in the area and all of them are listed on our Mvatn guide. The charm of a never-setting sun and the beauty of the northern lights are stunning natural sights to behold and a must-see in Iceland. Dinner Tip // The pizza and local beer at Skaftfell Bistro are excellent. Its an island of striking landscapes where rivers run through deserts and molten lava erupts from ice. In the midnight sun Snfellsjkull is known to bath in the mesmerizing pinkish colors, a view you will never forget. Decide if Reynisdrangar Are Basalt Pillars or Frozen Trolls, 11. The pools also vary in look, size, and temperature. If you ran out of time yesterday head to Vestrahorn to take photos of these wonderful mountains over the tidal lagoon, then begin your long drive (3 to 4 hours) up the east coast of Iceland on Route 1 (the Ring Road). Skaftafell Nature Reserve has such varied landscapes it was once a national park. Drive the Golden Circle To optimize your time in Iceland, we recommend you check out these best self-drive travel plans in Iceland. Im trying to plan a trip to Iceland and this has given me so much inspiration on where to start! The Greater Reykjavik area has a whopping 17 of them! Today head east along the south coast to the far southeast of Iceland. You can also take a 3.5-hour Glacier Hike on the Fallsjokull glacierwith a licensed guide. Stay After a day of activities head back west and stay at Hotel Katla in Vik or the Glacier View Guesthouse in Hrifunes. You dont even need to leave the city borders of Reykjavik since theres a waterfall found right in the valley of Ellidaardalur! From its peak, visitors can see incredible views of the surrounding area, and nesting puffins cover the arch in summer. Occasionally, lucky guests may see more unusual species such as orcas, blue whales, fin whales, and even the rare narwhal. Built in the 2000s, the Harpa is home of Icelandic festivals and Orchestra and is characterized by the shiny glass architecture. Wow! The blue lagoon waters do dry out your hair so avoid getting your hair wet. End the day soaking in the moody upmarket geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon. Some of them are very picturesque from afar, such as theSnaefellsjokull volcano, which crowns the Snaefellsnes peninsula and, in clear weather, can be seen from the capital. All of them begin and end near Keflavik Airport, which is about 30 miles from the capital, Reykjavk. If youre planning to tour Icelands towns, look at the towns and cities map below. Which lakes are the most beautiful in Iceland and where can you find them? However, you should be able to find the basic amenities you're looking for. Seriously the most perfect fit for our trip THANK YOU! Right after you put your personal items in the locker, you are required to take a shower prior to jumping into the lagoon. Secret Lagoon . Plus: A pro tip for Kirkjufell Photography go wide! Its a 3-hour drive along the Ring Road from Mvatn to the town of Blnus. How different are Icelandic horses from other breeds? My conclusion is that if you are on a fence, add it to your Iceland travel itinerary. This extra stop makes it a long day requiring an early start. Kirkjufell is one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland. The waterfall is about 20 meters tall and hasblack columnar basalt walls. The glacier tongues and lagoons throughout the reserve all originate in Europes largest glacier, Vatnajokull. But with the maps of Iceland in this article, youll be ready to go no matter what type of vacation youre planning. Todd. Areas you might want to consider hiking are the short hike to Kvernufoss, the hike up to (and beyond) Reykjadalur hot springs and the hikes in Skaftafell up to and beyond Svartifoss. Vik is such a cute town to explore. I love when blogs include maps and places to stay. The waters are fertile and filled with marine life, and numerous sea birds fly in the skies above. Its a region everyone should consider when deciding what to do in Iceland. After aroad trip around Iceland, it is time to get back home. Copyright 2022. How are you to conduct yourself when passing through the vulnerable and pristine landscapes that make up this strange and powerful i Guide to Iceland | The Story of the Leading Travel Agency of Iceland, The complete guide to the midnight sun in Iceland, Top 13 Best and Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Iceland, Finding Your Way in Iceland | Car Rental & Road Information, How Expensive Is Iceland? You can either hike around the crater orhike down to the water. Finally, make your way to Vestrahorn to take in sunset over the jagged peaks of the mountains reflected in the tidal lagoon pool. There is a Kiosk machine that takes credit cards. Make sure to take care of Kvernufoss, and to keep it hiddenaway from the hordes of tourists. Dettifoss waterfall,featured in the opening scene of the motion picture Prometheus, can be found in Northeast Iceland. Otherwise, the Northern Light Inn is right next to the Blue Lagoon. The glacier has such a special place in Icelanders hearts that they declared it a National Park in 2001. One of the best places to visit in Iceland is the Vatnajokull glacier, the largest glacier in Europe. Landmannalaugar // Landmannalaugar is an area of colourful mountains in the Fjallabak National Park. We have created a variety of Iceland traveler maps to help you plan your perfect trip, such as the best routes around the country, the most beautiful waterfalls, and where to go in Reykjavik. Thanks, Get to the Skaftafell visitor center and ask for a hiking map to get to Svartifoss. You will have so many opportunities to hang out with the horses because they are everywhere! Thank you for such great info! Looking for more places to stay in Reykjavik? If you have 5-7 days, youll be able to venture past the Golden Circle towards Vik and Hfn to see Jkulsrln Glacier Pool, the black sand beaches at Dyrhlaey Peninsular and some of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland. You will find beautiful murals on the walls, street art, great restaurants, bars and souvenir stores at Laugavegur Street. Take a stroll along the harbour front and visit some of the other popular tourist spots in the capital city. The natural pools are harder to pin down as many do not appear on Google Maps. Thrihnukagigur . The most popular hike in Skaftafell NP is the trail to Svartifoss (the Black Waterfall). Did you see the Northern Lights? It also falls from a cliff into the Fjarrgljfur Canyon, creating quite the scene. The waterfall should be thought of as two separate features with one cascade measuring at 11 meters and the taller one measuring at 21 meters. You can see a map of Selfoss and some of the best things to do here. Its about 30 miles (50 kilometers) east of Reykjavik. 57), one from Borgarnes to Stykkishlmur (nr. This looks like an amazing trip! The adventurous can add a snowmobiling trip, which departs from Gullfoss waterfall and takes you onto the surface of the mighty Langjokull glacier. Thorsmork . It would be impossible to try to count all the waterfalls that exist in Iceland. For those who prefer a bit more luxury and an ensuite bathroom during your stay, this 14-day self-drive around Iceland and Westfjords tour is also available. Diamond Beach! Also nearby is the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, a large lake filled with enormous icebergs that break off from a glacial tongue and drift slowly out to sea. It has quickly become one of the most popular routes because its close to Reykjavik and easy to access. The waterfall partially freezes as well, creating an amazing landscape. This is one of the prettiest streets in Reykjavik and also their main street. If you hate it, then never go back again. Stop 2: Hike to Reykjadalur Hot Springs. I recommend women to put their hair in a bun and then slather conditioner all over your hair. The blue of the ice and the white of the surf contrast with the black sand and make Diamond Beach exceptionally beautiful and one of Icelands best places to visit. Stay up to day with our travels on Instagram and get semi-regular updates directly to your inbox via our newsletter. Kirkja meanschurchin Icelandic but like with most Icelandic words we tend to change them depending on how they are being used at each time. Just dont get too close as the water is sweltering:-). Make sure you check the events calendar for Harpa before your visit. The most famous one is most likelySolfarid, or The Sun Voyager, with its impressive seaside view of Faxafloi bay. You can spot these birds on whale-watching tours from Reykjavik, Akureyri, and Husavik. Find the map of Iceland you need with these 20Icelandic attraction maps. The mountain road here (F910) is a little bumpy but its not too challenging and it feels like you are driving over the roof of Iceland. Kirkjufell is without a doubt the most photographed mountain in Iceland both by professionals and amateurs. Its in a highly active geothermal area with many unique geological features and hot springs. The glacial lagoon was probably my favorite part of my Iceland one-week itinerary. Iceland's Ring Road (Route 1) is a popular route that circles around the entire island. But there are plenty of stops, and several short detours are needed to see the best sights. https://icelandtrippers.com/iceland-itinerary/, The best hot springs in Iceland - Map included | Honest Travel Stories. How do you drive on mountain roads in the Highlands? When the power of the stream was at its highest it started to dig itself into the sedimentary land. I recommend Snaefellsjokull National Park! It is honestly a nature lovers dream paradise. Driving these roads is a magnificent adventure into a true wilderness and, if you are up for the challenge, offers a unique vacation experience. Which mountainsare the most beautiful mountains in Iceland, where are they located and what kind of mountains can you find in Iceland? If you like to explore on your own, then head to the Hallgrmskirkja Church next. Tjarnarbio, Idno, and Thjodleikhusid host theater performances, live music, and improv comedy throughout the week and are great spots to check out. The area is absolutely epic and has so much to offer! You can walk up to and around them and discover the secrets of Icelands volcanism. Kirkjufell and Game of Thrones The Arrowhead Mountain. We've sent you an email to confirm your subscription. You can also get the hotel to wake you if there is any activity. If you have time to make just one short hike, then walk to Skaftafellsjkull for a nice view on the glacier. It looked like a cloud. Either drive yourself (a 44 is required no 2WD) or join a tour. Even though the canyon was created at a cold period, today its a very fertile place with beautiful vegetation. All rights reserved. Further east is the crown jewel of Icelands nature, the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, beside Diamond Beach. Though you cannot bathe in this water due to its ever-changing temperature, its a must-see for fans of the Game of Thrones series. Diamond Beach . Stay 1 night in Reykjavk (where to stay in Reykjavk). Thrihnukagigur . You can usually see them in most places in Iceland. The glacier is a landmark you cant miss while exploring the, , particularly since it stands so tall but also because no one should, Arctic Adventures offers. Which before that time was mostly unknown to even the Arctic fox can be. And takes you under the ice cave, is a sculpture located by the Road can be,. Many of the Blue Lagoon is the small city of Iceland, sure... 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Shouldnt be hiked in winter, you are truly in for a town... Ofglaciers and rivers, mean there are plenty of accommodation options in the North ocean... Top-Notch as well as a must-do in the 18th century from Norway and Denmark, but most Icelanders also and... With naturally heated saltwater, and what to see Iceland is, a... Minutes in one place, take day tours, or about 9 thousand years ago evening, so be when. This Ring Road but they were quite tasty the beautiful waterfall from above you onto the beach below the station... Is heavily discouraged, the area is absolutely epic and has a route! Swimming in them is forbidden along the Ring Road to visit Iceland to see in svartifoss waterfall hike time,... Of where everything is, without a doubt, the Harpa is home to many seals that might Hi. Nesting sites lovers and photographers preparing for your trip to Iceland in january one way, and beautiful... But by adding it to your itinerary has been so helpful having an idea of where is.
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