ICELAND - OFF THE PATH 8 days

This itinerary visits Reykjavik, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Strokkur Geysir, Gullfoss waterfall, the unique landscape of Landmannalaugar, Skogafoss, the Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail, Seljalandsfoss, the town of Vik and its black beach.

Iceland is a Nordic island country in the North Atlantic, population of 348,580, making it the most sparsely populated country in Europe. Iceland is volcanically and geologically active. The interior consists of a plateau characterized by sand and lava fields, mountains, tundra climate and glaciers. Iceland is warmed by the Gulf Stream and has a temperate climate, despite high latitude just outside the Arctic Circle.

Tips:

• To plan and explore the best of Iceland, do NOT make Reykjavik your home base.

  • Travel around the country. There is so much to see that it is impossible to reach it all from Reykjavik.

• Car rental is your best option with freedom to venture wherever.

• Safety tip: 112 Iceland is the app for the Icelandic Emergency Services, a necessary download if visiting the remote areas.

• Iceland does not officially use the Euro, but there are some businesses that accept it.

  • The only legal currency is the Icelandic Krona (ISK). ATMs are available throughout the country.

• Download the All-Trails app on your smartphone. Essential for any trek in Iceland.

• Weather in Iceland is unpredictable and can change quickly at any time.

  • No matter the season, visitors should always have wind and water-resistant outerwear plus extra thermal layers on hand before heading out on excursions. Bring windproof pants for most hikes.

  • The website Icelandic Meteorological Office and in Belging you can find good information about weather forecasts.

• Travel Guides: Fodor’s Iceland and Lonely Planet Iceland or DK Eyewitness Iceland.

  • Iceland Road map.

• On August 3, 2022, a new fissure eruption opened up slightly north of last year's eruption at Fagradalsfjall mountain on Reykjanes Peninsula. Note: How long a eruption lasts or stops is unpredictable.

  • Only 30-45 minutes from the airport, we recommend you stop for a visit. It’s a 14 km RT walk to the lava field. <map>

DAYS 2 and 3

• Explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in western Iceland.

  • The region is known for its dramatic landscapes. <Map>

• Snæfellsjökull National Park is dominated by Snæfellsjökull Volcano which is topped by a glacier. 

• Kirjkufell Mountain - one of the most photographed spots on the planet!

  • Located just west of the town of Grundarfjorour. Photgraphers line up near several small waterfalls on the left side of the main road. A short 5 minute walk gets you there. <Where to take the photo>

  • Impressive, gorgeous, stunning, beautiful. No more needs to be said.

• Raudfeldsgjaa Gorge - a deep, high and narrow ravine in the cliffs.

• Budir Black Church - the small distinct church is located in the rough nature of Iceland where the black color makes a beautiful contrast to the often distance cloudy mountains.

• Discover Arnarstapi and Hellnar Fishing Villages:

  • These two (2) small adjacent villages are in the southern part of the Snæfellsnes peninsula.

  • The scenic coast consist of a 2.5 km hiking trail that connects the two (2) villages.

  • At the start of the trail in Hellnar is Fjöruhúsið café. An excellent lunch spot !

  • In this region, visitors are exposed to stunning landscapes of the lava fields.

• Londranger Basalt cliffs - two large pillars towering along the shoreline.

• Djupalon - a scenic black beach worth a stop.

• Bjargarsteinn Mathus Restaurant in Grundarfjörður - excellent, reservations recommended.

• Overnight: Grundarfjorour

• Distance: Reykjavik ---> Snaefellsnes Peninsula 2.5 hrs.

DAY 4

• Next stop is thundering Gullfoss, the most famous in Iceland. Close by, witness the eruptions at the Geyser area.

• If time permits, continue to a hidden gem waterfall-Bruarfoss Falls. The water is a striking blue color resulting in a fascinating scene, and ideal as a photography location.

  • It is a easy 7 km flat trail. Learn more: <trail details> <directions>

• Overnight: Fludir area

• Distance: Snaefellsnes Peninsula ---> Fludir, 3.5 hrs. / 250 km.

DAY 5

• A breathtaking adventure to Landmannalaugar.

  • <Location>

• Landmannalaugar is a truly rare geological area. <Gallery>

  • The region is made up of windswept rhyolite mountains, which displays a full spectrum of dazzling color. Shades of red, pink, green, blue and golden yellow make for an exquisite location.

  • Make sure you do at least one hike in the region.

  • Three(3) popular trails are:

    1. Brennisteinsalda Loop: This short loop trail that takes you to the top of Brennisteinsalda, a volcanic mountain known for its vibrant colors. The hike offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, including lava fields, geothermal areas.

    2. Bláhnjúkur (Blue Peak) Trail: Bláhnjúkur is a distinctive blue-colored peak that can be reached by following a marked trail from Landmannalaugar camp site. The hike is moderate in difficulty and offers breathtaking views of the colorful mountains and the surrounding area. The trail takes around 2-3 hours to complete round trip.

    3. Ljótipollur Trail: Ljótipollur is a beautiful volcanic crater lake located near Landmannalaugar. The trail to Ljótipollur is relatively easy and suitable for families. It takes you through a scenic landscape with colorful mountains, lava fields, and moss-covered slopes. The hike is around 2-3 hours round trip.

• The only accommodations available are the campsite and the huts.

  • Bring plenty of snacks and water.

• Alert: make sure you’ve got enough petrol for your return journey. 

• If time permits make a quick stop at SIGÖDUGLJÚFUR, one of ICELAND’S most BEAUTIFUL WATERFALLS. <photo>

• <Getting there> You will be on F-roads, classified has mountain roads; unpaved gravel track. (more about F-roads below)

• Overnight: Fludir area

• Distance: Fludir ---> Langmannalaugar, 2 hrs.

F-Roads generally open June 15 to Sept 15.

• F-roads in Iceland are mountain roads; unpaved gravel track.

• Prefixed with an F, such as F210, they have large potholes, many ruts or boulders on their surface.

• Under NO circumstances should you attempt driving the F-roads to Landmannalaugar in a compact rental car.

• A 4 x 4 car is a must!

• Before you rent the vehicle, make sure that taking the rental car on the F-Roads is allowed.

DAY 6

Highlights in the Skogafoss region:

• One of the most famous hiking trails in Iceland, the Fimmvorduhals Trek is a legendary trail that passes between two giant glaciers, the Eyjafjallajökull glacier and the Mýrdalsjökull glacier.

• The Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail takes you through almost every landscape Iceland has to offer.

  • Always be prepared for changing weather. Starting Point: Skogafoss Waterfall parking lot.

  • For a WONDERFUL DAY HIKE, especially if you like continuous and varied waterfalls (about 12), walk north from the Skogafoss waterfall along the Fimmvorouhals trail for about 2-hrs one way, then return back.

• Alternative Option: The entire Fimmvörðuháls trail <Map> takes 14-16 hours to complete and covers approximately 25 km (15 mi). The trek can be completed in two (2) days depending on your speed and preference. Extra day and camping required. A tour operator (Extreme Iceland) highly recommended.

  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

• Continue to Vik, Iceland.

• The village of Vík is the southernmost town in Iceland, located on the Route 1, around 180 km southeast of Reykjavík.

• Overnight: Vik

• Distance: Skogafoss ---> Vik, 35 minutes.

DAY 7

• Explore the Vik region. <Map>

• Dyrholaey - a naturally formed arch on the coast making a nice photo-op.

• Reynifjara Black beach - the most famous black beach in Iceland. <video>

• Seljalandsfoss - between Selfoss and Vik. It is located along intersection Route 1 and Þórsmörk Road 249.

  • The falls is a popular Icelandic photography spot and has appeared on TV’s Amazing Race.

  • Why is the waterfall special? It’s the only waterfall that you can walk BEHIND it.

• Overnight: Reykjavik

• Distance:

  Vik ---> Seljalandsfoss. 50 minutes.

  Seljalandsfoss ---> Reykjavik. 2 hrs.

DAY 8

• End of your adventure. Return home.

• Historical Weather data.

  When is the best time to go to Iceland? Mid-June to mid September.

• On an annual basis Reykjavik has 225 precipitation days.

• The warmest months are June, July and August.

• The coldest months are November through February

• October is the wettest month. May is the driest.

• Approximately 20 hours of daylight during months of June and July

• Sunrise/sunset time.

• Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) Visible under dark clear conditions from October to mid- March.