Summary
- 7 Days / 6 Nights
- Vehicle: 4WD
- Season: July – Aug
Main areas of this itinerary:
Golden Circle, Iceberg Lagoons, Fjallabak and Landmannalaugar Nature Reserve, Thorsmork Valley
Embark on a thrilling 7-day journey through the stunning landscapes of Iceland, a perfect adventure for July-August. This itinerary promises a perfect blend of iconic attractions and hidden gems, best experienced with a 4WD vehicle.
Itinerary Map
Day 1 – Landing at Keflavik Airport, Reykjavik
We will pick up the rental car at the airport. A short drive of 40 minutes separates the airport located in the Reykjanes Peninsula from Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. After settling down at the hotel, we will go for a walk in a beautiful city considered one of the greenest cities in the world and manages to retain its unique character thanks to its colorful little houses. You should have a walk to the city center, go to the main square, climb to the top of the church tower and you will get to the most beautiful observation point in the whole city. Lake Tjörnin is a good starting point for a walk in the city.
Accommodation: Reykjavik
Optional Activities: FlyOver Iceland, Perlan, Sky Lagoon
Day 2 – Golden Circle Highlights
One of the must-see sites that should not be missed when visiting Iceland is the Golden Circle trip. Today is dedicated to this famous hiking route which is relatively close to the capital city of Reykjavík.
The route is mainly known for its three central sites: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir and Gullfoss Falls (Golden Falls). Thingvellir Park is the most important site in Iceland. Historically, the People’s Assembly convened in this place and laws were established for all residents of the country, thereby making the annual gathering the first parliament in the world. There are several unique geological phenomena in the park.
The fragments of the tectonic plates of Eurasia and America meet above ground in the park and the entrance path to the park allows visitors to “walk between continents”. Between the wrecks there are pools of the clearest water in the world and travelers can even dive with a snorkel or with balloons in Silfra, which is considered one of the most unique diving sites in the world.
In the Geysir Park which is not far away is one of the symbols of Iceland, the erupting Geysir. The jet of water that rises into the sky every few minutes is clearly visible from a distance. It is worth climbing on foot to the nearby hill and looking at the park from above.
Gullfoss Falls is one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland, it is a total of ten minutes drive from the geyser, the amount of water falling in the falls and their power will take your breath away. The source of the waterfall is the meltwater of the Langjökull glacier located in the center of the country.
When the sun rises you can see a spectacular rainbow above the waterfall. In the area of the Golden Circle there are several more unique and less-touristed sites that we also recommend to our travelers.
Our knowledge and experience in route planning is at your disposal in order to give you the added value during your trip in Iceland.
Accommodation: Gullfoss area
Optional Activities: Silfra Diving, Secret Lagoon
Day 3 – Fjallabak and Landmannalaugar Nature Reserve (4×4)
Today we are heading towards the center of the island to the Landmannalaugar Mountain Nature Reserve. This reserve is unique, combines some extraordinary phenomena such as geothermal valley with the hot spring ideal for bathing, and surrounded by wonderful rhyolite mountain chain colored in various shades and stained with the snow on their peaks.
The landscape in this area is breathtaking. The nature painted here a masterpiece of colors, smells and shades. The mountainous dirt road passes several lakes infested with the trout fish. From one of the craters there is a trail to the “Ugly Puddle” “(Ljótipollur), but don’t be fooled by the name – clear water got dark color and the surrounding scenery is no less than amazing.
There is a number of marked walking trails in the reserve. From Landmannalaugar the road crosses several rivers and continues to the back of the mountain Fjallabak southward to the “Fire Canyon” Eldgjá. It is an impressive 30-km long canyon crossing the ground in a straight line. Walking trail adjacent to the river in the center of the canyon leads to the waterfall Ófærufoss. You should stand on a rock near the waterfall, look to the both sides of the canyon and try to imagine the immense natural forces that gave birth to this spectacular place. Many people consider a road leading from the Landmannalaugar southward to the highway the most beautiful road in Iceland. Estimated driving distance: 220 km.
Accommodation: Klaustur
Optional Activities: Hiking in Landmannalauger
Day 4 – Skaftafell and Glacial Lagoon
We will dedicate this day to exploring the area located south of the glacier Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe.
The glacier covers some of the largest volcanoes in Iceland and is responsible for designing the surface in this area of the island. We will leave the village Kirkjubæjarklaustur and continue to the east on the Ring Road.
The trip along the drifting black coast will expose us to the evidence of violent outbreaks happening repeatedly and increasingly under the glacier. Skaftafell Park is located near the western edge of the glacier – green and fertile island surrounded by the wild landscape of the glacier and land erosion.
Excellent walking trails in the park bring us to the breathtaking viewpoints over the glaciers around. In the park there are several spectacular waterfalls, waterfall Svartifoss embedded with black basalt hexagons is one of the places you should see in the park.
At the entrance to the park there is an excellent visitor center and you can take guided walking tour on the glacier. Further east on the Ring Road is located the Glacier Lagoon – one of the most beautiful sites in Iceland by any standard. Broken pieces of the huge glacier floating in the deep lagoon on their way into the sea.
The cruise in a zodiac or in the amphibian or zodiac boat is available here. We will finish the day near the village Höfn – lobster capital of Iceland and a great starting point for a day dedicated to the trip towards the East Fjords. Estimated driving distance: 200 km.
Accommodation: Klaustur
Optional Activities: Zodiac in Glacier Lagoons, Glacier Walking tour
Day 5 – The south coast of Iceland
The south coast of Iceland is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful sections of the Iceland Ring Road. The road passes between a Black Sea beach and a ridge above which sit two large and active volcanoes on which lie two glaciers. Eyjafjallajökull is one of the volcanoes, in fact it is the smallest among them.
This is the same mountain that erupted in 2010 and closed Europe’s airports for days. It is interesting to describe what would happen if the largest mountain among them erupted? Countless waterfalls fall from the mountain ranges, the most famous of which is the impressive Skogafoss waterfall which falls powerfully and creates a permanent arc in front of it.
A staircase leads up the place and you can watch the water fall from above. Not far from it is the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, a short footpath allows travelers to walk behind it and watch the water fall from an unusual angle.
The town of Hveragerði lies at the connection between the Ring Road and the Reykjanes Peninsula. From the town there is a well-known walking trail to the “Smoky Valley”, an experience that every walking enthusiast will not want to miss.
Accommodation: Hella
Optional Activities: Horse Riding, Ice Cave
Day 6 – Thorsmork Valley
Thorsmork Valley is located on the ring road about 150 km southeast of the capital Reykjavík.
The place is considered, together with Landmannalaugr, to be one of the most beautiful places on the mountain level of South Iceland.
Thorsmork Valley is located between the glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Tindafjallajökull and is surrounded by natural boundaries of mountains, glaciers and rivers.
Because of its special location and the fact that it is closed from all directions, the valley enjoys relatively warm weather for the region. The moderate climate of the valley has resulted in the prosperity of a great variety of vegetation. About 170 species of plants and trees grow in the valley.
Accommodation: Reykjavik
Optional Activities: Super Jeep Tour
Day 7 – Reykjavik – returning the car at Keflavik airport (flight)
If time permits, you can spend the rest of the day until your flight to continue visiting Reykjavík. For maximum convenience, the vehicle is returned at the airport before the flight.
Among our collection of 50+ itineraries, the ‘South Coast inc Landmannalaugar (4X4) – 7 Days’ itinerary stands out as a perennial favorite, securing its place on the ‘Top Itineraries’ list of ‘Take Me There Iceland’. Explore the beauty of Iceland at your own pace, guided by our app for an unforgettable road trip experience.
