Across the Wilderness – Iceland’s Interior and More

Explore Iceland’s natural treasures and its “hidden pearl”, the Highland Interior. Gear up and join the adventure! Highlighted by the multi-coloured mountains of the Landmannalaugar Nature Reserve and the barren black sands of Sprengisandur, this highland tour includes visits to other major attractions such as the Geysir geothermal area, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Dettifoss waterfall. This tour is sure to conquer the hearts of all first-time visitors as well as those who have been here before!

Transfer from pre-arranged bus stops in Reykjavik to the tour’s meeting point. Your pre-arranged bus stop will be indicated on your confirmation. Please be at the bus stop at least 15 minutes before the indicated pick up time.

We begin the tour with a visit to Thingvellir National Park, the ancient site of the world’s first parliament and a jewel of nature. Next we travel to the nearby geothermal area of the great Geysir and witness several boiling mud pools and hot springs. The most active geyser, Strokkur, shoots water high into the air every few minutes. Onward to the beautiful Gullfoss of “Golden” falls considered by many to be the most impressive in Iceland. Overnight in Hvolsvollur area

Admire the two beautiful waterfalls, Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss before crossing Mýrdalssandur plains. Stop to enjoy the great views from Dyrholaey headland where thousands of puffins nest during the summer. In Reynishverfi we can go for a stroll on the black sand beach and enjoy a view to the Reynisdrangar cliffs. Drive through the vast Eldhraun lava field, the largest of its kind caused from a single eruption in Iceland. Overnight in Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.

Start the day by visiting the mystical Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon where huge icebergs float and grind together in the still, deep waters of the lagoon. It is possible to take an optional boat tour among the floating icebergs. Spend the afternoon hiking in Skaftafell National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty, dominated by Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest ice cap. Overnight in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.

Optional tours are booked with your tour guide and paid locally. Day 3: Boat tour on the Iceberg Lagoon (30-40 minutes)

Follow the Fjallabaksleid interior track to Landmannalaugar, a magnificent area surrounded by colourful, rhyolite mountains with the option of bathing in a naturally warm geothermal pool. This pearl of the interior consists of deep valleys and mountains, formed in volcanic eruptions under the icecap during the ice-age, molding this uniquely colourful landscape. There are several hiking trails in the area. Overnight in the Thjosarthalur area.

Discover hidden parts of the Icelandic interior, exploring the desolated wilderness of Sprengisandur highland route. Sprengisandur is the longest stretch between the South and North and is passable during the summer months. Traverse the rugged track with its scenic beauty, crossing rivers where necessary and driving over the largest continuous lava field in Iceland, Odathahraun. Overnight in the great Lake Myvatn area.

An adventure filled day with a backdrop of heavenly landscapes. This journey travels around the stunning Tjornes peninsula. Discover the enormous horseshoe-shaped canyon of Asbyrgi National Park that according to Norse mythology, is the hoof-print left by Sleipnir, the magical eight-legged horse of the pagan god Odinn. Continue to Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe, located in the majestic Jokulsargljufur canyon. Drive to the stunningly beautiful area of Lake Myvatn, a paradise for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. Explore the solfataras at Hverarond geothermal region, peculiar lava formations and the pseudo craters at Skutustathir. Overnight in the great Lake Myvatn area.

Drive towards Godafoss waterfall before continuing to Akureyri, the vibrant “Capital of the North” and the second largest urban area in Iceland. Spend time in Akureyri, which can include a visit to the beautiful botanical gardens. Continue to Skagafjordur with inspiring scenery. This area is renowned for horse breeding as well as being home to many important sites relating to the classic Icelandic Sagas. In the evening, optional horseback riding tour on purebred Viking horses or take a refreshing walk in the picturesque surroundings. Overnight in the Hvammstangi area.

Optional tours are booked with your tour guide and paid locally. Day 7: Horse riding tour in Gauksmyri (1.5 hours)

The journey continues through rolling farmlands and across Laxardalsheidi heath to the Viking Age living museum at Eiríksstadir, the original home of Erik the Red and birthplace of his son Leif Eiriksson, two of the most celebrated Vikings in the world. Travel through the small fishing villages of the northern coast of the Snaefellsnes peninsula. Overnight in the Snaefellsnes area.

Morning drive to Snaefellsnes National Park. Circle around the legendary Snaefellsjokull glacier, where, according to Jules Verne, the entrance to the centre of the Earth can be found. Continue to the beautiful rocky sea shore by Djupalonssandur. Stop at the picturesque harbor village of Arnarstapi with its magnificent columnar basalt rock formations. Take a unique walk between the villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar before driving to Reykjavik. Your tour ends on arrival in Reykjavík. You will be dropped off at the bus terminal and then transferred to pre-arranged bus stops in Reykjavik.

This day by day itinerary is subject to change by the tour operator without advance notice. The tour operator’s itinerary takes precedence over this outline.