14+ day trip around Iceland
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Berglind
Iceland24 |
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Here it is!
I have listed all the things we would like to see, but as time permits we might have to nix a few things. We will play that by ear. We are renting a 4x4 - there will be five of us: 4 adults and my nine year old. We will travel late June/early July 2018. Day 1 - KEF to Stori Napur. 2.5 hr drive time. Hveragerdi - geothermal town Reykjadalur – hike to the hotspring river – spend most of our day here and just relax Day 2 - Stori Napur to Landmannalaugar. 2 hr drive time. Gjain waterfall Hjálparfoss Haifoss Sigöldugljúfur Landmannalaugar STAY IN LANDMANNALAUGAR - huts Day 3 . Landmannalaugar Day 4. Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork - almost 4 hours drive time Drive to the Krossa car park up rd 249. Catch bus. Buses run 11:45am, 7:15PM, 10:40PM STAY AT VOLCANO HUTS Day 5. Thorsmork. Do an awesome day hike. Any suggestions? STAY AT VOLCANO HUTS AGAIN Day 6 - Thorsmork to Seljavallalaug Pool area - 1.25 hours drive See Gljufrabui and Seljalandsfoss STAY SOMEWHERE NEAR SELJAVALLALAUG Day 7 - Seljavallalaug to Vik Skogafoss and Dvernufoss The plane - Solheimasandur Dyrholaey Reynisfjara STAY SOMEWHERE NEAR VIK Day 8 - Vik to Skaftafell. About 2 hrs of driving. Spend more time in the Vik area if we want to. 1 hr drive to Fjaðrárgljúfur. 1.2 miles hike. Not sure how long to give us here..... Skaftafell Svartifoss STAY IN SKAFTAFELL Day 9– Jokulsarlon Area - 1 hr drive from Skaftafell to Jokulsarlon Fjallsárlón Jokulsarlon and black sand beach (M): we want to be here when the tide goes out. Sunset is perfect here. STAY AS CLOSE TO THE LAGOON AS POSSIBLE Day 10 - Jokulsarlon to Seydisfjordur. 4 hours drive time. Give ourselves some time to enjoy the beach - probably won't hit the road 2PM. Vestrahorn STAY IN SEYDISFJORDUR Day 11 - Seydisfjordur to Myvatn 2.5 hours drive time. Myvatn Nature Baths Dettifoss Dimmuborgir lava field and Grjótagjá cave with a geothermal beautiful pool in it Skútustaðir Namaskard Krafla Godafoss Aldeyjarfoss Askja STAY SAME PLACE IN MYVATN Day 12 – Myvatn See all the things we didn’t see the first day STAY IN MYVATN AGAIN Day 13 - Myvatn to Holmlavik (6 hours)- this day will suck. Hvitserkur rock formation on the Vatnsnes Peninsula STAY NEAR HOLMLAVIK Day 14 - Homlavik to Isafjordur (3 hr drive) See Sudavik STAY NEAR ISAFJORDUR Day 15 - Isafjordur to Brjánslækur (4 hr drive) See Arnafjordur and Dynjandi STAY IN BRJANSLAEKUR Day 16 - Catch ferry and see Snaefellsjoekull Peninsula Kirkjufell Mountain Snaefellsjoekull National Park - not sure what to see here? Dritvik and Djupalonssandur Londrangar Hellnar Arnastapi STAY SOMEWHERE AT THE END OF THE PENINSULA – any suggestions on how to do this? Day 17 - Snaefellsjoekull Peninsula to somewhere around Rey See the rest of the peninsula and find a place to stay somewhere that makes it easy to get to the airport the next day, depending on when our flight leaves. It's about 2 hr 45 min to glymur. 2 hours from glymur to the airport. Day 18 - driving to KEF Glymur – Iceland’s tallest waterfall My biggest concern is having enough time in the WF. Many thanks! |
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Dear chrissiepen,
Here you go: I recommend you to rent a big 4x4 (7 seats) for you to have room enough during your trip. Day 1 - KEF to Stori Napur. 2.5 hr drive time. Hveragerdi - geothermal town Reykjadalur – hike to the hotspring river – spend most of our day here and just relax. Great plan! Day 2 - Stori Napur to Landmannalaugar. 2 hr drive time. Gjain waterfall Hjálparfoss Haifoss Sigöldugljúfur Landmannalaugar STAY IN LANDMANNALAUGAR - huts Good. Did you book the accommodation? Day 3 . Landmannalaugar Very good. Day 4. Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork - almost 4 hours drive time Drive to the Krossa car park up rd 249. Catch bus. Buses run 11:45am, 7:15PM, 10:40PM STAY AT VOLCANO HUTS That make sense. Remember that Krosá is one of the most dangerous rivers in the country. Day 5. Thorsmork. Do an awesome day hike. Any suggestions? STAY AT VOLCANO HUTS AGAIN Look at the website of Volcano Huts. Day 6 - Thorsmork to Seljavallalaug Pool area - 1.25 hours drive See Gljufrabui and Seljalandsfoss STAY SOMEWHERE NEAR SELJAVALLALAUG I recommend you this wonderful farm. They have accommodation and horse riding tours to the beach. Day 7 - Seljavallalaug to Vik Skogafoss and Dvernufoss The plane - Solheimasandur Dyrholaey Reynisfjara STAY SOMEWHERE NEAR VIK Yes, good plan. Day 8 - Vik to Skaftafell. About 2 hrs of driving. Spend more time in the Vik area if we want to. 1 hr drive to Fjaðrárgljúfur. 1.2 miles hike. Not sure how long to give us here..... Skaftafell Svartifoss STAY IN SKAFTAFELL Nice day. Around 1h will be enough to explore Fjaðrárgljúfur area. May be 1,5h if you like to take photos. Day 9– Jokulsarlon Area - 1 hr drive from Skaftafell to Jokulsarlon Fjallsárlón Jokulsarlon and black sand beach (M): we want to be here when the tide goes out. Sunset is perfect here. STAY AS CLOSE TO THE LAGOON AS POSSIBLE That´s smart. Remember that sunrise is also amazing at Jökulsarlón. Day 10 - Jokulsarlon to Seydisfjordur. 4 hours drive time. Give ourselves some time to enjoy the beach - probably won't hit the road 2PM. Vestrahorn STAY IN SEYDISFJORDUR This is a nice fjord. Day 11 - Seydisfjordur to Myvatn 2.5 hours drive time. Myvatn Nature Baths Dettifoss Dimmuborgir lava field and Grjótagjá cave with a geothermal beautiful pool in it Skútustaðir Namaskard Krafla Godafoss Aldeyjarfoss Askja STAY SAME PLACE IN MYVATN This is not possible since Askja is a long day tour. I recommend you the bath at the end of the day. Day 12 – Myvatn See all the things we didn’t see the first day STAY IN MYVATN AGAIN Yes. Day 13 - Myvatn to Holmlavik (6 hours)- this day will suck. Hvitserkur rock formation on the Vatnsnes Peninsula STAY NEAR HOLMLAVIK Long day but worth it. Please visit Hvitserkur, in that peninsula you will find a large community of seals. Day 14 - Homlavik to Isafjordur (3 hr drive) See Sudavik STAY NEAR ISAFJORDUR Nice. Day 15 - Isafjordur to Brjánslækur (4 hr drive) See Arnafjordur and Dynjandi STAY IN BRJANSLAEKUR Perfect. While you are waiting the ferry you can take a pleasant bath at Hellulaug natural hot pot. Day 16 - Catch ferry and see Snaefellsjoekull Peninsula Kirkjufell Mountain Snaefellsjoekull National Park - not sure what to see here? Dritvik and Djupalonssandur Londrangar Hellnar Arnastapi STAY SOMEWHERE AT THE END OF THE PENINSULA – any suggestions on how to do this? I recommend you to read our post. Day 17 - Snaefellsjoekull Peninsula to somewhere around Rey See the rest of the peninsula and find a place to stay somewhere that makes it easy to get to the airport the next day, depending on when our flight leaves. It's about 2 hr 45 min to glymur. 2 hours from glymur to the airport. This is a good plan. I love Glymur. I recommend you to stay in Akranes or Mosfellsbær that night. Day 18 - driving to KEF Glymur – Iceland’s tallest waterfall My biggest concern is having enough time in the WF. Two days there is enough. This itinerary is realistic and well planned. Congratulations. Many thanks! Please send us your experience after your trip. Best regards,
Berglind
Iceland24 |
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In reply to this post by Iceland24
Hello,
So I have finally gotten my leaves approved from my company so have finalized my broad itinerary (as in I have finalized the major places I would spend my nights at and driving to) but yet to research about what are the places to visit on the way. Would really appreciate your feedback on how does it look and any further suggestions on the places I should visit along the way would be very helpful. 4-Aug: Arrive at KEF at late night, check into REK hostel 5-Aug: Explore REK and rest (It's a 18 hr flight from India :)) 6-Aug: Golden Circle guided tour 7-Aug: Rent a car and go towards Snaefellsjokull and stop at the attractions on the vew- Stay the night at Hellisandur 8-Aug: Explore around Snaefellsjokull and return to REK - Stay the night at REK 9-Aug: Start laugavegurinn trek 13-Aug: Last day of laugavegurinn trek - Return to REK and spend the night here 14-Aug: Rent a car in the morning and drive toward Akyureyri - Spend the night there, if possible go for a whale watching tour at Husavik 15-Aug: Move towards Myvtan area viewing the attractions in between and spend the night there 16-Aug: Start from Myvtan, Go to Deltifoss (if not covered on the previous day) and move towards Hofn exploring the Eastfjords on the way. Spend the night at Nesjum 17-Aug: Explore Jorkuslan and earby area and move towards Vik - spend the night at Vik hostel 18-Aug: Start from Vik and move towards REK/KEF exploring the attractions on the way - catch late night flight from KEF. I know it is still a skeleton of a plan but thought to put it out here to have early feedback which could help me in further fine tuning. I have booked my accommodation and car rental as per this plan as of now. Also if there are any fellow travellers who would like to share the transportation, they are welcome. Would be looking forward to your inputs. Many thanks! Kind Regards, Kalika |
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Dear kalika,
4-Aug: Arrive at KEF at late night, check into REK hostel Ok. 5-Aug: Explore REK and rest (It's a 18 hr flight from India :)) It would be better to rent and then explore Rvk. :) 6-Aug: Golden Circle guided tour. Perfect. 7-Aug: Rent a car and go towards Snaefellsjokull and stop at the attractions on the vew- Stay the night at Hellisandur. Look: http://www.iceland24blog.com/2014/04/the-snfellsnes-peninsula.html 8-Aug: Explore around Snaefellsjokull and return to REK - Stay the night at REK http://www.iceland24blog.com/2014/04/the-snfellsnes-peninsula.html 9-Aug: Start laugavegurinn trek 13-Aug: Last day of laugavegurinn trek - Return to REK and spend the night here It looks nice. Did you hire a guide or will you do it on your now? 14-Aug: Rent a car in the morning and drive toward Akyureyri - Spend the night there, if possible go for a whale watching tour at Husavik. You also have whale watching form Akureyri or from Dalvík. 15-Aug: Move towards Myvtan area viewing the attractions in between and spend the night there. Gódafoss! :) 16-Aug: Start from Myvtan, Go to Deltifoss (if not covered on the previous day) and move towards Hofn exploring the Eastfjords on the way. Spend the night at Nesjum Perfect. 17-Aug: Explore Jorkuslan and earby area and move towards Vik - spend the night at Vik hostel Good! 18-Aug: Start from Vik and move towards REK/KEF exploring the attractions on the way - catch late night flight from KEF. It sounds great! I know it is still a skeleton of a plan but thought to put it out here to have early feedback which could help me in further fine tuning. I have booked my accommodation and car rental as per this plan as of now. Also if there are any fellow travellers who would like to share the transportation, they are welcome. Please read our blog where you can find a lot of information. Best regards,
Berglind
Iceland24 |
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Thank you, Iceland24 :).
I am doing the trek with Utivist. After reading about Golden Circle, I am a bit confused. I have already visited Yellowstone and there are many reviews which say that Golden circle has become way too touristy with hoards of crowds and if you have seen Yellowstone and plan to see rest of Iceland (which off I do :)), Golden circle can be skipped. Would love to have your views about it. Also if I decide to skip Golden Circle, what alternate would you recommend for my that day. Appreciate your advise and help. :) Thank you! Kind Regards, Kalika Jain |
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Administrator
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Dear kalika,
Even you have visited Yellowstone, Golden Circle is a must do in Iceland. You will love Laugavegurinn trek. :) Best regards,
Berglind
Iceland24 |
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Hello Iceland24,
I have finally detailed out my itinerary and would love to have your comments on it. 5 Aug Reykjavik 6 Aug Golden Circle 7 Aug Borgarfjordur Gerduberg basalt columns Ytri Tunga beach (Seal watching) Bjarnarfoss Arnarstapi (Hike to Hellnar and back) Hellnar Snæfellsjökull National Park Helissandur 8 Aug Olafsvik Whale watching Kirkjufellsfoss Grundarfjörður Helgafell Mountain Stykkishólmur Reykjavik 9-13 Aug Lugavegurinn trek 14 Aug Start from Reykjavik Siglufjörður, Iceland Akureyri 15 Aug Godafoss Waterfall Husavik Asbyrgi Canyon Dettifoss Myvtan Area Is it doable or too much? Would I have enough time to explore Myvtan on 15th evening and 16th morning before I head to Hofn via East Fjords? 16 Aug Egilsstaðir Seydisfjordur Hofn 17 Aug Jökulsárlón Iceberg Lagoon Skaftafell National Park Vik 18 Aug Skógafoss Waterfall Seljalandsfoss Toward KEF to catch return flight P.S. - Your blog was a tremendous help in making this itinerary - thank you :) Appreciate your help! Thanks, Kind Regards, Kalika Jain |
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Administrator
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Dear Kalika,
Sorry for my late response. I´ve been on vacation. Even I´m a bit late I´lll comment your itinerary: 5 Aug Reykjavik 6 Aug Golden Circle Good, but short for one day (you can do it in half day). You can watch Barnafoss if you have time. 7 Aug Borgarfjordur Gerduberg basalt columns Ytri Tunga beach (Seal watching) Bjarnarfoss Arnarstapi (Hike to Hellnar and back) Hellnar Snæfellsjökull National Park Helissandur Perfect for one day. 8 Aug Olafsvik Whale watching Kirkjufellsfoss Grundarfjörður Helgafell Mountain Stykkishólmur Reykjavik Perfect. 9-13 Aug Lugavegurinn trek When did you book the huts? 14 Aug Start from Reykjavik Siglufjörður, Iceland Akureyri Perfect. You will like Siglufjörður. I recommend you the Herring Museum. 15 Aug Godafoss Waterfall Husavik Asbyrgi Canyon Dettifoss Myvtan Area Is it doable or too much? Would I have enough time to explore Myvtan on 15th evening and 16th morning before I head to Hofn via East Fjords? I´d rather skip SIglufjörður and stay more time at Mývatn. It is my opinion. Or may be use one day to make the Askja Tour by bus or Super Jeep. 16 Aug Egilsstaðir Seydisfjordur Hofn Perfect. 17 Aug Jökulsárlón Iceberg Lagoon Skaftafell National Park Vik Great! 18 Aug Skógafoss Waterfall Seljalandsfoss Toward KEF to catch return flight Yes. P.S. - Your blog was a tremendous help in making this itinerary - thank you :) Thank you for saying that. Best regards,
Berglind
Iceland24 |
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In reply to this post by Iceland24
Hello Fellow Travelers,
My husband and I are planning a trip to Iceland for around 3 weeks beginning the first of September. We are in our late 60s and have done a lot of traveling and have driven on some fairly precarious roads. We like to take our time to stop and enjoy the environment and do some small day hikes as we explore. Iceland has posed a different problem due conflicting reports about driving conditions and driving times. I am wondering if anyone would mind looking at our itinerary and making comments about any problems you see with driving times or route. I know this takes time, so any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Also, any car rental agency recommendations would be great. Would a Dacia Duster work for us on this itinerary? Arrive at Reykjavik 9:50 a.m. Day 1 KEF to Borgarnes (Night in Borgarnes) 1 1/2 hour drive Days 2 & 3 Borgarnes to Stykkisholmur (2 nights in Stykkisholmur) Days 4 & 5 Stykkisholmur to Patreksfjordur (either ferry or 5h 15m drive — 2 nights in Patreksfjordur ) Days 6 & 7 Patreksfjordur to Isafjardur (3 hr drive via Hwy 63 — 2 nights in Isafjardur) Day 8 Isafjardur to Djupavik (night in Djupavik (4 1/2 hr. drive) Day 9 Djupavik to Hvammstangi (night near Hvammstangi 4 1/2 hr. drive) Days 10 & 11 Hvammstangi to Siglufjordur (1hr 16m drive via 76 extended by lots stops —2 nights in Siglufjordur) Days 12 Siglufjordur to Husavik (2h 15 min. plus several stops along the way) Days 13 & 14 Husavik to Reykjahlíð via Asbyrgi (2 1/2 hrs. — 2 nights near Reykjahlíð/Myvatn) Days 15 & 16 Reykjahlíð to Seydisfjordur (2 1/2 hour drive — 2 nights in Seydisfjordur) Day 17 Seydisfjordur to Hofn (4 hr. drive) Day 18 Hofn to Kirkubaegjarklaustur (2h 40 min drive — plus stops along the way) Day 19 Kirkubaegjarklaustur to Hella (2h 8m drive — hoping for Thorsmork or Westman Islands on the way) Day 20 Hella to Landmannalaugar then a night in Fludir (around 3 hours to Landmannalaugar plus 2 hours to Fludir) Day 21 Fludir to Golden Circle/Thingvellir with night in Reykjavik (via Highway 30 to Gulfoss — about 30 minutes from fludir) Day 22 & 23 in Reykjavik |
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Dear Ginger,
Here you go a link where you can read and watch a funny video about how to drive in Iceland. https://www.icetra.is/road-traffic/how-to-drive-in-iceland/ Having 3 weeks is perfect because you will travel around Iceland without stress. Day 1 KEF to Borgarnes (Night in Borgarnes) 1 1/2 hour drive Perfect. Days 2 & 3 Borgarnes to Stykkisholmur (2 nights in Stykkisholmur) Good Days 4 & 5 Stykkisholmur to Patreksfjordur (either ferry or 5h 15m drive — 2 nights in Patreksfjordur ) Staying at Patreksfjordur and Isafjardur a total of 4 nights makes it worth it. Days 6 & 7 Patreksfjordur to Isafjardur (3 hr drive via Hwy 63 — 2 nights in Isafjardur) Ok. Day 8 Isafjardur to Djupavik (night in Djupavik (4 1/2 hr. drive) Okay Day 9 Djupavik to Hvammstangi (night near Hvammstangi 4 1/2 hr. drive) You can do it in around 3h so calculating more driving time is smart. Then I believe that you will make some stops. Days 10 & 11 Hvammstangi to Siglufjordur (1hr 16m drive via 76 extended by lots stops —2 nights in Siglufjordur) Good Days 12 Siglufjordur to Husavik (2h 15 min. plus several stops along the way) Great Days 13 & 14 Husavik to Reykjahlíð via Asbyrgi (2 1/2 hrs. — 2 nights near Reykjahlíð/Myvatn) Excellent area to discover. DO not forget the Myvath Nature Baths. Days 15 & 16 Reykjahlíð to Seydisfjordur (2 1/2 hour drive — 2 nights in Seydisfjordur) In my opinion one night in Seydisfjordur is enough. Day 17 Seydisfjordur to Hofn (4 hr. drive) Okay. Day 18 Hofn to Kirkubaegjarklaustur (2h 40 min drive — plus stops along the way) Cool. Nice area this one along the road. Day 19 Kirkubaegjarklaustur to Hella (2h 8m drive — hoping for Thorsmork or Westman Islands on the way) You need a super jeep to get to Thorsmork. I recommend you to spend one night at Westman Islands and hike to Eldfell crater. Day 20 Hella to Landmannalaugar then a night in Fludir (around 3 hours to Landmannalaugar plus 2 hours to Fludir) Great. Day 21 Fludir to Golden Circle/Thingvellir with night in Reykjavik (via Highway 30 to Gulfoss — about 30 minutes from fludir) Perfect. Day 22 & 23 in Reykjavik Good end. I´d recommend you to take a bath at Blue Lagoon just before you leave the country. Best regards,
Berglind
Iceland24 |
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Thank you for your reply. Your comments are very helpful. Do you think driving to Borgarfjordur Eystri would be a good idea while in Seydisfjordur? Thank you again for your time, which is much appreciated. Kind regards On Thu, Feb 7, 2019 at 2:17 AM Iceland24 [via Iceland Travel Forum] <[hidden email]> wrote: Dear Ginger, |
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