Pearls of the South

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In five days, this self-drive route covers every Icelandic essential worth seeing: Reykjavík’s geothermal spas, the tectonic drama of Þingvellir, the Golden Circle’s geysers and falls, and the icebergs of Jökulsárlón and Skaftafell. It’s a route we’ve driven more times than we can count, and it still doesn’t disappoint. Just right for first-time visitors looking to see the highlights without making it an expedition.

Highlights

Walk the tectonic rift at Þingvellir, watch Strokkur erupt on cue at Geysir, and stand before Gullfoss, all in a single Golden Circle day

Soak in world-famous geothermal waters at the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon, with the option of a quieter dip at the Secret Lagoon along the way Get up close to Vatnajökull’s ice at Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón, where drifting icebergs make their way from glacier to shore

Itinerary

Welcome to the Land of Fire and Ice

Approximate Distance:

50 km / 30 miles

Once you have landed at Keflavík Airport, collect your rental car and head for Reykjavík, Iceland’s colorful capital. If your flight gets you in early, we suggest making the most of it with a visit to the Blue Lagoon or the newer Sky Lagoon. There’s no better way to ease into Icelandic time than a soak in geothermal water before you’ve even checked into your hotel. Important: admission to both lagoons needs to be booked in advance, and we’re happy to help you with that.

Please note check-in for most hotels begins between 14:00 and 16:00.

Overnight in Reykjavík.

The Golden Circle and South Coast

Approximate Distance:

300–370 km / 186–230 miles

First stop is Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, geologically speaking, rather a big deal. Walking trails lead you through the rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, and you’ll see the cracks and fissures left behind as the two continents slowly drift apart.

Continue to the Geysir geothermal area, where Strokkur sends its plume of water skyward every five to ten minutes, surrounded by smaller pools that bubble and steam away quietly. A short drive brings you to Gullfoss, often considered Iceland’s most beautiful waterfall, where the Hvítá river tumbles into a deep canyon in two dramatic stages. While you’re in the area, the Secret Lagoon offers a lovely, low-key spot for a hot spring soak amid its own small geysers; we can arrange the entrance for you.

From here, the road follows the South Coast towards your overnight stop in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Along the way, or on your return route later in the trip, you’ll pass Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, along with the black sand beach and basalt columns of Reynisfjara.

Overnight in the Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.

Optional Tours

Secret Lagoon

Fontana Geothermal Baths

Laugarás Lagoon Entrance

Gullfoss Canyon Rafting – From Drumbó Base

Silfra Snorkelling (Meet on Location)

Meet Us at Gullfoss / Basecamp Snowmobiling

Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon

Approximate Distance:

250–400 km / 155–249 miles

Between Vík and Kirkjubæjarklaustur, the route crosses the vast Mýrdalssandur sand plains and the Eldhraun lava field, formed by the 1783 Laki eruption, one of the most devastating events in Iceland’s history. Near Kirkjubæjarklaustur, the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon makes for a striking detour for its dramatic, winding beauty.

Further east, the towering Lómagnúpur cliffs rise 670 metres above the Skeiðarársandur sand plains, marking the approach to Skaftafell within Vatnajökull National Park. Framed by the glacial tongues of Vatnajökull on one side and open volcanic plains on the other, and watched over by Hvannadalshnúkur, Iceland’s highest peak, Skaftafell is a genuine oasis. If you’d like to get closer to the ice itself, a guided glacier walk here is a memorable way to spend an hour or two and we’re happy to arrange it for you.

Continue through the Vatnajökull glacier area, passing several glacial outlets, to Jökulsárlón. Here, icebergs calve from the glacier and drift quietly out towards the ocean, with many washing up on the black sands of nearby Diamond Beach. An amphibian boat or Zodiac tour among the icebergs is a wonderful way to experience the lagoon up close, and we can take care of that too.

Overnight in the Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.

Optional Tours

Amphibian Boat Tour on the Glacial Lagoon (meet at Jökulsárlón)

Zodiac Boat Tour on Fjallsárlón Ice Lagoon

Glacier Wonders – Glacier Hike in Skaftafell

The South Shore to Reykjavík

Approximate Distance:

200–280 km / 124–174 miles

Today gives you more time in the South Shore area around Vík and Skógar, in the shadow of the Katla and Eyjafjallajökull volcanoes and Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Revisit or discover Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls and the black sands of Reynisfjara, then take a short detour to Dyrhólaey*, the southernmost point of mainland Iceland. A narrow road climbs to the top of this 120-metre sea cliff, where puffins can often be spotted between late April and early August.

If you have time, the Sólheimajökull glacier outlet and its striking surroundings are worth a visit whether on foot with a guided glacier walk, or with an ATV tour along the black sand beach. We’re happy to book these activities for you!

Heading west, the day ends in Reykjavík for your final night in Iceland.

Overnight in Reykjavík.

*Please note that Dyrhólaey is closed during nesting season in spring, from around mid-May until June 23rd, and the puffins have generally moved back out to sea by late August.

Optional Tours

Black Sand Beach & Plane Wreck ATV Tour

Glacier Hike on Sólheimajökull

Kayaking by Sólheimajökull Glacier

Departure

Approximate Distance:

50 km / 30 miles

Drive back to Keflavík International Airport, returning your rental car ahead of your flight home. We recommend departing your hotel no later than three hours before departure, allowing time to return the car and complete check-in. Depending on your flight schedule, you might also have time for one last stroll around Reykjavík.

Notes