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Lush valleys, panoramic bays, snowcapped glaciers and two of Iceland’s national parks, are among the highlights of this self-drive tour. With focus on West Iceland, this 6 day tour boasts beautiful landscape, lush valleys, panoramic bays, snowcapped glaciers and two of Iceland’s national parks. The route winds through thriving farming regions along with circling the legendary Snæfellsjökull glacier, where you will experience incredible coastal scenery.

Itinerary

Geothermal Lagoon – Flower village – Geothermal Greenhouses

Approximate mileage: ca. 100 km / 62 miles

Pick up the car at the airport and start your Iceland experience.

From Keflavik International Airport we recommend driving the southern coast of the Reykjanes peninsula towards your first overnight stay in the charming village of Hveragerdi. The village is one of the few sites in the world located directly on top of a geothermal area and because of its many greenhouses heated by hot water from nearby springs it is often called the flower village.

Overnight at Hotel Ork or similar.

Depending on your arrival time in Iceland it is ideal to visit the renowned Blue Lagoon to relax in the geothermal water.

Gullfoss – Geysir – Thingvellir – Borgarfjordur

Exploding Geysers – National Park with Geological Wonders (UNESCO) – Massive Waterfall

The celebrated natural wonders along the 'Golden Circle' route are an absolute must for nature and history lovers alike. Thingvellir National Park (UNESCO) provides a visually stunning lesson in plate tectonics and is a historical treasure as the site of the world's oldest parliament. Nearby is the newly opened Fontana Nature Spa where you have the option to relax in the peaceful Lake Laugarvatn environment.

A drive along scenic Hvalfjörður (Whale) Fjord reveals Bjarteyjarsandur, a working horse and sheep farm where you may choose to stop for a friendly visit or even participate in fun farm activities. Driving further into West Iceland brings you to Borgarnes known for Iceland's beloved Sagas where you can go on a voyage of discovery at the Settlement Center which uses the Sagas to explore the history of Iceland's early settlement by Nordic Vikings.

Overnight at hotel in Borgarfjordur area.

Optional: Tree planting at Kvistar Garden Center, the Fontana Steam Baths, visit to the Settlement Centre, visit to Bjarteyjarsandur farm

Approximate mileage: ca. 290 km / 180 miles

Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Sea Cliffs with Birdlife – Rock Formations – Quaint Fishing Villages

Explore the countless natural phenomena of Snaefellsnes National Park from pebbled beaches to wonderful hiking at Arnarstapi sea cliffs with incredible birdlife. The beach near the farm of Ytri Tunga is famous for colonies of curious seals known to climb up on the rocks and well worth a visit.

Many visitors to this area like to visit the Shark Museum at Bjarnarhofn for a courageous taste of 'rotten' shark meat, a local delicacy, and a fascinating lesson on shark fishing.

Overnight in the area.

Optional: Horse rental at Lýsuhóll or Snorrastaðir, Bjarnarhöfn museum, guided tour of Vatnshellir caves

Approximate mileage: ca. 230 km / 140 miles

Snaefellsnes Peninsula - Laugar Saelingsdalur

Coastal Route - Viking Heritage – Birthplace of Leif Eiriksson - Icelandic Farm Life

Begin the day by exploring Stykkisholmur with its beautifully preserved town center, before driving the scenic route towards Budardalur village. At the nearby Erpsstadir dairy farm you can stop for an introduction to Icelandic farm life, pet the bunnies and taste the freshly made ice cream.

If you continue to Eiriksstadir, you'll see the Viking Age home and turf-covered replica longhouse of Erik the Red and birthplace of his son Leif Eiriksson, two of the most celebrated Vikings in the world.

In this area there is also the option to take a lovely ferry ride across Breidarfjordur Bay and discover the incredible birdlife, jaw-dropping seascapes and playful seals among the 3,000 tiny islands dotting the glistening waters.

Overnight in the area

Optional: Boat tour from Stykkisholmur, visit to Erpsstadir farm, visit to Eiriksstadir Museum

Approximate mileage: ca. 110 km / 70 miles

Borgarfjörður – Reykholt – Hvalfjörður – Reykjavík

Picturesque Waterfalls – Europe's Most Powerful Hot Spring

A drive through Borgarfjordur reveals a region proud of its legacy, serving as the setting for most of the Icelandic Sagas with the landscape, nature and culture reflecting this heritage and bringing history to life. While in Reykholt you'll be walking in the footsteps of Snorri Sturluson, famed Saga poet and author.

A drive further reveals two adjacent waterfalls, each with very different characters. At Hraunfoss (Lava Falls) the water seems to magically appear from the moss covered lava rocks and shiver down into the rushing turquoise blue waters below, while Barnafoss (Children's Falls) resembles a pale blue milkshake of short, fierce rapids that cut through a narrow canyon.

Nearby is Europe's most powerful hot spring, Deildatunguhver, where visitors can by organic tomatoes grown using geothermal heat in the nearby greenhouses.

On your way back we recommend a short detour to Háafell goat farm, that is proud to protect the Icelandic goat stock. You can play your part in the protection and adopt one of their goats for one year support or longer.

Overnight at Grand Hotel or similar.

Approximate mileage: ca. 290 km / 180 miles

Drop off car Reykjavik city late afternoon or tomorow morning at same time of pickup to avoid extra car day.

Departure today from Reykjavik.

Notes