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Highlands & Hot Springs Self Drive

8 Days / 4 locations in Iceland

Iceland‘s hot springs energize Icelandic homes with heat and hot water, but they also provide energy and relaxation to Icelanders‘ themselves in the form of hot spring-fed pools. Turn an Icelandic driving vacation into your own personal spa getaway with this itinerary. We‘ve suggested a variety of pools you might enjoy along the way, ranging from community swimming pools with modern amenities to natural earth and stone pools surrounded by peaceful nature.

Highlights:

Visit the must-see attractions of the Golden Circle at your own pace.

Explore two beloved national parks

Discover West Iceland, Lonely Planet‘s“Best in Travel 2016“

Travel in the footsteps of the Viking Sagas in Borgarfjordur and surrounding area.

Discover Snaefellsnes, with its ever-changing coastal scenery, glacial volcano

See an amazing lava waterfall and Europe‘s most powerful hot spring

Discover Icelandic history in the beautiful Vatnsnes Peninsula

Travel through the vast highland interior on a track between two glaciers

Enjoy opportunities to bathe in hot springs in beautiful areas

Itinerary

 
Day 1     Reykjavik

Pick up your rental car at Keflavik International airport and make your way to Reykjavik.  Rest of the day open for your activities. For an truly Reykjavik city pool experience visit Laugardalslaug, the city‘s largest one. Laugardalur features large out door and indoor swimming pools geothermal hot tubs with fresh and seasalt water, a steam bath and waterslides. If you want something more exclusive and very relaxing, Laugar Spa is your place of choice; here you can relax in a hot pot and enjoy a variety of different saunas, massage showers, and aromatherapies. You can also add in a massage and even eat and drink in between saunabaths.

Overnight stay in Reykjavik area. Driving distance: approximately 50 km (31 miles)

Hot Spring Pool Information:

Laugardalslaug is open daily until 22:00 (10:00pm) Admission: EUR 7 per person

Laugar Spa is open until 23:00 (11.30pm) Monday – Friday ; 21:30 (9:30pm) on Saturday and 19:30 (7:30pm) on Sunday. Admission: EUR 39. Massage prices start from EUR 67 per person

Please note: the age limit for Laugar Spa access is 18 years old and older.

 
Day 2     Borgarfjordur
Meals: Breakfast

Reykjavik – Snæfellsnes Peninsula – Borgarfjörður

Mystical Volcanic Crater – Seabird cliffs – Pebbled Beach – Glacial Mountain

Breakfast at your hotel. Depart your hotel and travel along the western coast towards the Snæfellsnes peninsula. En route pass the perfectly-formed Eldborg crater, which looks as though  it should be on the moon.  Explore the extraordinary variety of natural wonders along the peninsula,  from the rich birdlife at Arnarstapi sea cliffs to pleasant hiking along the shiny pebbled Djupalonssandur beach.

Throughout the day enjoy views of Snaefellsjökull, a magnificent  cone-shaped glacier covering a dormant volcano (last eruption: 250 AD).

Take a pause from driving in the day to enjoy a bath in either Lýsuhólslaug or the tiny geothermal pool Landbrotalaug. Landbrotalaug only fits 2 to 3 people and has no changing facilities so it´s a truly unique experience. Please treat this natural pool with respect for its fragile nature. (ATH- Is this a place that would be too small and fragile to promote for mass tourism?) Lýsuhólslaug is more accessible with changing facilities; it has one swimming pool and two hot pots. Lýsuhólslaug‘s speciality is its naturally-heated mineral water that comes directly up form the earth; it is very healthy for the skin. Another cosy countryside pool nice to visit is Hreppslaug, an outdoor pool with two hot pots and changing facilities. It has a scenic view over Skorradalur valley.

Overnight stay in the Borgarfjörður area. Driving distance: approximately 311 km (193 miles)

Hot Spring Pool Information:

Landbrotalaug has no changing facilities, no entrance fee

Lýsuhólslaug is open until 20:30 (8:30 pm) every day Admission: EUR 8 per person

Hreppslaug is open until 22:00 (10:00pm) every day Admission: EUR 4 per person

 
Day 3     Laugarbakki
Meals: Breakfast

Borgarfjörður – Deildartunguhver – Hraunfossar – Laugarbakki

Lava Waterfalls- Historical Site of Sagas – Europe‘s Most Powerful Hotsprings

Breakfast at your hotel. Explore the Borgarfjordur area, a popular destination getaway for Icelanders.   Some places you might visit include the historic site of Reykholt, the remarkably beautiful Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls and Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot springs in Europe. From Deildartunguhver you can take a short walk (only 70 meters/230 feet away) to Krauma, a new geothermal bathing area You can bathe in Deildartunguhver‘s hot spring water that has been made into an ideal bathing temperature by mixing it with cool mountain spring water from the nearby Ok glacial. In addition to the natural hot tubs, enjoy steam rooms and a soothing Tranqility Relaxation area.

Continue to the north of Iceland, crossing the vast Holtavörðuheiði plateau where views seem to stretch into infinity. Enjoy the Hveraborg natural hot pools in Siká. You will need to walk a short distance to get there, but the path is well marked. If you don´t want to walk, another option is to go to the Hvammstangi community swimming pool. Hvammstangi swimming pool has one pool, two hot pots and a steam bath.

Overnight stay in the Laugarbakki area for two nights.

Driving distance: approximately 292 km (181 miles)

Hot Spring Pool Information:

Krauma geothermal nature bath has full changing facilities (opens Oct 2016)

Hveraborg in Siká has no changing facilities and no entrance fee

Hvammstangi swimming pool is open until 21.00 (9:00pm) Monday – Friday and until 18:00 (6:00pm) Saturday – Sunday. Admission: EUR 4 per person

 
Day 4     Laugarbakki
Meals: Breakfast

Vatnsnes – Borgarvirki – Sauðárkrókur – Glaumbær

Hauntingly beautiful peninsula – Viking fortress – Grettir‘s Saga history

Breakfast at your hotel. Spend the day exploring the  north-west part of Iceland and the Skagafjörður area.  Visit Vatnsnes peninsula, recently made famous in Hannah Kent‘s heart-wrenching historical novel, Burial Rites.  This is a beautiful area for spotting seals, and from where you can view the remarkably-shaped Hvítserkur crag.  Another interesting sight is Borgarvirki,  a columnar basalt fortress used in Viking age battles. Vist  Skagafjörður, famous for horse breeding and history. Glaumbær is a beautifully-preserved turf manor house dating back to the 18th century. You can also visit Hólar, a Medevial bishopric with many historical sites.

A perfect way to end the day is to visit Grettislaug at Reykir, where you can bathe in two hot pools built over hot springs and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. These pools derive their name from the hero of Gréttir‘s Saga, who was said to bathe in the hot springs. For an even more rural hot pot experience, go to Fosslaug in Skagafjörður a hot pot built from rocks and sod, where hot water from geothermal springs mixes with cold water from the Svartá river.

Overnight stay in Laugarbakki area. Driving distance: varies

Hot Spring Pool Information:

Grettislaug has changing facilities. Admission: EUR 4

Fosslaug has no changing facilities and no entrance fee

 
Day 5     Laugarvatn
Meals: Breakfast

Kjölur – Gullfoss – Geysir – Laugarvatn

Wilderness Road Between Glaciers - Highland Hot Springs – Golden Waterfall – Spouting Geysers

Breakfast at your hotel. Today it‘s time to leave civilisation and view the wild highland heart of Iceland.  Drive  the historical unpaved Kjölur mountain track straight through Iceland’s uninhabited interior highlands. .  The route shows Iceland‘s nature at its rawest and passes between Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers.  Stop at Hveravellir, one of the world‘s most beautiful geothermal areas.  Its natural hot spring pool is perfect for a relaxing break under the wide highland skies.

Kjölur emerges in the vicinity of Gullfoss, a majestic waterfall of sparkling mist and golden charm situated on the Hvítá River. The Geysir geothermal field is  nearby,  with its various bubbling mud pots and spouting hot springs.  Most famous of these is Srokkur geyser, which seems to erupt like clockwork.

Overnight stay in Laugarvatn area for two nights Driving distance: approximately 292 km (181 miles)

Hot Spring Pool Information:

Hveravellir, possible to use changing facilities and shower for small fee

 
Day 6     Laugarvatn
Meals: Breakfast

South Shore – Skógar – Vík - Laugarvatn

Scenic Waterfalls – Black Sand Beaches and Sea Cliffs – Volcanic Valley

Breakfast at your hotel. Today enjoy the wonders of the South Shore region, saving your hot spring experience for later in the day. The South Shore region is the landscape of Iceland‘s national epic, Njáll’s Saga.  A stop at the Saga Museum in Hvollsvöllur can tell you more about the saga and where it took place.

During the day you‘ll encounter the wonderful variety of the south: from the wide plains formed by glacial rivers, to the sheer sea cliffs and black sand beaches and spectacular waterfalls.  On clear days,  you‘ll experience unforgettable views of Eyjafjallajökull volcano.  You may even see the Westman Islands Archipelego. Head through the beautiful Thjorsardalur Valley, an area filled with volcanic landscapes and beautiful vegetation. You can visit the location of a Viking age farm that was destroyed by an eruption from Mt. Hekla. End the day with a relaxing swim in the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir en route to your overnight accommodation (please note that from 15:30 – 17:30 the pool is very crowded, so plan your trip around this). The Secret Lagoon is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland that has kept its original, natural appearance from the 1890s. There are several small geysers you can also view on walking paths around the pool.

If you want a more adventerous and remote hot spring experience on the South Shore area and you have a 4WD Jeep and good hiking experience, you can visit the wilderness hot spring Strutslaug. This pool is surrounded by beautiful mountains. Please be respectful of the environment and the pool. The pool can become muddy very easily if the bottom is stirred up.

Overnight stay in Laugarvatn area.  Driving distance: approximately 426 km (265 miles)

Hot Spring Pool Information:

Strutslaug Wilderness Pool has no changing facilities and no entrance fee. Please note a 4X4 off-road jeep and then an hour‘s wilderness hiking each way are required to visit here..

The Secret Lagoon has changing facilities. Opening hours are 10:00 – 22:00 (10:00 am – 10:00pm) daily. Admission: EUR 21 per person

 
Day 7     Reykjavik
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Laugarvatn Fontana - Þingvellir – Reykjavík

Breakfast at your hotel. Start your day with a refreshing visit to Laugarvatn Fontana Steam baths unique steam cabins have been built over a natural hot spring. The area also has several pools and hot pots and a possibilty to take a dip in the nearby geothermal lake. You might also enjoy a visit to the Fontana‘s café where you can relax with a hot drink and some of the Fontana‘s geothermal steam bread. (The Fontana cafe opens at 10:00/10:00am) After the comfy bath it´s time to drive to Thingvellir National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site), location of the ancient Icelandic parliament,  and a jewel of nature. The park itself is situated in a stunning volcanic landscape of mountains and lava flows on the edge of Iceland's largest lake.  A walk through here can give you a glimpse into Iceland‘s history, as many intersting events from Viking assemblies to witch trials have happened here.  This is also where the European and North American tectonic plates come together. 

Continue back to Reykjavík for the last overnight stay.  En route you might want to pop into the Lagafellslaug geothermal public swimming pool in Mosfellsbær town. This pool is considered one of the best in Reykjavik and a perfect place for families. The pool has a wonderfully large sauna, beautiful garden areas and an excellent view of Ulfarsfell Mountain.

Overnight in Reykjavik. Driving distance: approximately 74 km (46 miles)

Hot Spring Pool Information:

Laugarvatn Fontana has changing facilities. Opening hours 11:00 – 22:00 (11:00am – 10:00pm) daily. Admission: EUR 28 per person

Lagafellslaug Swimming pool has changing facilities. Opening hours: Monday – Friday 6:30 – 21:30 (6:30am – 9:30pm), Saturday, Sunday and holidays: 8:00 – 19:00 (8:00am – 7:00pm); Closed June 17 holiday. Admission: EUR5 per person

 
Day 8     Reykjavik
Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at hotel. Drive back to Keflavik International Airport and drop off rental car.  If your flight is later in the day, you might consider a visit to the Blue Lagoon,  an incredible geothermal spa, set in an otherworldly area where lava and thermal water meet and complement each other. 

Driving distance: approximately 50 km (31 miles)

 

Notes

Price is based on Car Grp 5.

THESE PRICES VALID ONLY OF BOOKED AND CONFIRMED PRIOR TO/INCLUDING MARCH 31, 2017. Inquire for rates for booking confirmed after March 31st.

Price in USD per person in double room with private facilities with recommended Car (cat 5: Inquire for rates on other car categories.

LATE ARRIVAL SUPPLEMENT FOR PASSENGERS ARRIVING LATE EVENING/NIGHT. YOU STAY THE FIRST NIGHT AT AIRPORT HOTEL SMARI AT KEFLAVIK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT INSTEAD OF HOTEL IN REYKJAVIKI.

Please note that the package price is based on 7 x 24-hour rental days starting at the time of rental. If your flight arrives early on day 1 and departs late on departure date an additional supplement will be necessary unless you choose to return the car in Reykjavik when the 7 day rental is up and use our flybus departure transfer.

Price Includes
Rental Car For 7 Days With Cdw, Unlimited Mileage, Vat, Gps System, Theft
Hotel Accommodations With Breakfast
Map, Road Atlas & Sim Card
24 Hour Emergency Phone Service
Car Pick-up and Drop-off at Keflavik Airport
IT$-1269
1.28.15.WP26