Around Iceland in 13 days | Winter



Around Iceland in 13 days | Winter

Explore the country for 13 days and 12 nights on a classic road trip of the island. Discover Snæfellsnes peninsula and other beautiful sights along Iceland’s Ring Road. Enjoy spectacular waterfalls, mystical glaciers, hot springs, villages in picturesque settings and endless black sand beaches. The self-drive tour is an ideal vacation for independent travellers to experience the best Iceland has to offer. Available 1 October to 30 April.

View summer version of this tour

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From:2,060 EUR
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Included

  • Accommodation for 12 nights, in rooms with private bathroom and breakfast
  • Rental car for 13 days, with unlimited mileage and CDW insurance (pick up & drop off in Reykjavik)
  • Two authorized drivers
  • Flybus transfer to and from airport
  • E-Itinerary with the tour map, location points, and pictures for you to view before you arrive.
  • Driver Guide tablet mapping and navigating your personalized journey and highlights of surrounding areas. Including a GPS Navigation system, recommendations along the way, Wi-Fi, helpful information, a messenger system to stay in touch with us, our Driver Guide will instantly become your best travel mate.
  • Free Wi-Fi Hotspot through tablet
  • Emergency phone line service
  • Taxes and service fee

Highlights

  • Explore the beautiful and mystical Snæfellsnes Peninsula
  • Walk along the black sands of Djúpalónssandur Beach
  • Spot seals basking on the beach at Vatnsnes Peninsula 
  • Visit Akureyri town, the capital of the north!
  • Drive through spectacular scenery and volcanic sites by Lake Mývatn
  • Marvel at the floating icebergs on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
  • View the tall mountains and friendly fishing villages of the Eastfjords
  • Taste delicious lobster at Höfn
  • Discover the sights of the south shore of the country
  • If you are lucky, marvel at the Northern Lights
  • Staff recommendations for excellent activities

    Available as

    Included - Your Personal Assistant

    The Hey Guide

    Hey Guide was designed to assist you on your journey to Iceland, guiding you through your personalized day-to-day itinerary. The guide also gives you recommendations along the way, and helpful information regarding driving conditions, weather forecast, and more. How does it all work?

    Learn more
    • Personal Wifi hotspot

    • Safe Travel Information

    • Digital Vouchers

    HeyGuide mynd vefur.png

    Itinerary

    Arrival day | Reykjavík

    Reykjavík is a safe, clean, and vibrant city that has great museums, historical attractions, galleries, shops, open-air geothermal swimming pools and much more – so there is something for all to enjoy! While exploring the city, a taste of delicious Icelandic cuisine can be found in a variety of exciting restaurants located all over the city. The Airport Direct shuttle will transfer you to your accommodation in Reykjavík from Keflavik Airport upon arrival. Optional, and not included in the price, is to pick up the rental car at the airport when you arrive.

    Accommodation is in Reykjavík Capital Area (optional not included in the price).

    Optional

    • Soak in the Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa (please make sure you reserve the admission to the lagoon in advance).

    Day 1 | Borgarfjörður Area

    Explore Borgarfjörður area known for its beauty and as the site of most of the Icelandic Sagas. Take time to enjoy Reykholt, one of Iceland’s important historical sites, and the stunning Hraunfossar, a series of waterfalls formed by rivulets streaming out of Hallmundarhraun Lava. Close by era Barnafoss Waterfalls and Deildartunguhver hot spring.

    Accommodation is in Borganes or Borgarfjörður area for two nights.

    Day 2 | Snæfellsnes Peninsula

    Explore Snæfellsnes peninsula known for its stunning nature, glaciers, waterfalls and small villages enriched by history. Take time to take in all the area has to offer with a stop to explore Arnastapi village, Búðir church, the black sands of Djúpalónssandur beach and the majestic Snæfellsjökul Glacier, which according to legend is one of earth’s seven energy points. Grundarfjörður village offers a spectacular view of Mt. Kirkjufell, Iceland‘s most photographed mountain, and Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall.

    View entire itinerary

    Day 3 | Northwest Iceland

    Watch seals bask on the beach while enjoying the view of Hvítserkur cliff off Vatnsnes peninsula, which legend claim is a petrified troll! The area is one of the largest seal colonies in Iceland, and at Hvammstangi, there is a Seal Center. Explore Skagafjörður area, famous for its horse breeding, and pretty Tröllaskagi Peninsula. In Varmahlíð visit Glaumbær farmhouse, a preserved turf house, and Víðimýrarkirkja turf church. If you still have time for a small detour, we recommend the swimming pool in Hofsós, right by the Atlantic Ocean, before you check in at your accommodation for the night.

    Accommodation is in Skagafjörður area.

    Day 4 | Akureyri & Lake Mývatn Area

    Visit Akureyri, the Capital of the North, and stroll around the Botanical Garden or visit the birthplace of author Jón “Nonni” Sveinsson. On your way towards Mývatn, take in the impressive Goðafoss, the waterfall of the Gods, one of Iceland’s most stunning waterfalls. Continue to Mývatn Lake area which has many incredible natural wonders such as Dimmuborgir lava fields and the Námafjall geothermal area. End the day by relaxing in the warm waters of Mývatn Nature Baths and enjoy the view of the rugged surrounding landscape.

    Accommodation is in Mývatn area for two nights.

    Day 5 | Northeast Iceland

    Explore Húsavík town, the island’s whale-watching capital, with its colourful houses, unique museums and snow-capped peaks across the bay. Go whale watching and see whales in their natural habitat (limited in winter). Visit Tjörnes, a peninsula known for its dense population of ptarmigan and rich fossil, as well as the lovely Öxarfjörður fjord that features woodlands and tuff mountains. Continue to the northern part of Vatnajökull National Park, which includes some of the most spectacular and diverse sights in Iceland such as Ásbyrgi Canyon, Dettifoss Waterfall and Hljóðaklettar Cliffs.

    Day 6 | East Iceland

    Head East towards Egilsstaðir town located near Lagarfljót River one of the region’s most renowned features and according to legend the home to a famous lake monster, Lagarfljót Wyrm! Explore Iceland’s largest woodland, Hallormsstaðaskógur, a national forest that offers great hiking trails from Vallanes, a farm and vicarage in the woodland. Further in the valley is a popular hiking trail that leads to two beautiful waterfalls, Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss. The backdrop of both waterfalls is picturesque and the scenery stunning, so make sure you stop to enjoy and snap some amazing photos!

    Accommodation is in Egilsstaðir area for 2 nights.

    Day 7 | A Detour to Borgarfjörður Eystri or the Wilderness Center

    If you like hiking, Borgarfjörður Eystri is the place to be! You can opt for a day hike in the area of the Stórurð Giant Boulders that lie below the small glacier west of Dyrfjöll Mountains, or for a shorter option along Brúnavík Bay. As an alternative, you can join one of the guided riding or hiking tours offered by the Wilderness Center – this might be of special interest for those that would like to get a small insight to the Icelandic interior.

    Day 8 | The Eastfjords

    The drive along the Eastfjords is very scenic with an endless view of mountains, fjords and beautiful fishing villages. The area offers many interesting stops along the way, including villages such as Djúpivogur, Neskaupstaður, Seyðisfjörður and Fáskrúðsfjörður, which has a great view of Skrúður, a hollow cliff island that rises steeply out of the sea east of the bay. End the day in Höfn town which is famous for its delicious lobster.

    Accommodation is in Höfn area.

    Day 9 | Vatnajökull National Park

    Admire the breath-taking scenery of the southeast coast of Iceland and stop to explore the biggest glacier lagoon of its kind, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. See the towering icebergs of the lagoon up close on a cruise and wildlife such as seals and birds in their natural habitat. Continue to Skaftafell National Park, which is an ideal destination to enjoy outdoor activities as the area offers both short and easy hiking trails.

    Explore the tiny village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Fjaðrárgljúfur, a beautiful canyon located not far from the village.

    Accommodation is in Vík area for 2 nights.

    Day 10 | South Iceland

    Visit Vík village and Reynisfjara, a black sand beach with walls of columnar basalt. South of the village is Dyrhólaey, a stunning rock arch from where you have a breath-taking view in all directions.

    Day 11 | Gullfoss & Geysir

    Take the time to enjoy the scenery before driving onwards to Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls from where you should follow the footpath to the hidden waterfall, Gljúfrabúi. Continue to the sights of the Golden Circle route which includes the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir Hot Spring area.

    Accommodation is in Gullfoss/Geysir area for two nights.

    Day 12 | Þingvellir National Park

    Spend time in Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of great historical and geological importance. You can snorkel between the continents in Silfra fissure or go for an adventurous snowmobile tour on Langjökull Glacier. Stop at Friðheimar greenhouse to learn about Iceland´s own tomato production and a taste of their delicious tomato soup and enjoy homemade ice cream at Efstidalur Farm for dessert. If you´ve not yet tried to ride the Icelandic horse, you can go for a short tour near Hveragerði before ending the day in the Secret Lagoon or the Laugavatn Fontana Spa.

    Day 13 | Departure

    Depending on the time of your flight you have a few option to explore today. You can explore the Geothermal Park in Hveragerði on your way back to Reykjavík and take time to enjoy the lively capital before your departure. Another option is to explore Reykjanes peninsula including the famous Blue Lagoon before heading to the airport

    Accommodation is in Reykjavík (optional and not included in the price).

     

    TripAdvisor reviews

    Outstanding Company. I planned a 13-day driving tour of Iceland with Anna Elísabet at Hey Iceland. She responded quickly to every email I sent, thoroughly answered all of my questions, and helped me to tailor a trip that met my family’s interests and needs. The actual trip was fabulous. The accommodations Hey Iceland selected were excellent! We also really liked the tablet for directions, recommendations, and our continuously customizable itinerary. Hey Iceland made our first trip to Iceland so easy. I can’t recommend this company highly enough!
    Hilary D

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