heading north tours iceland

HEADING NORTH Small groups - Big adventures

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We believe the proper way to experience the natural wonders of Iceland is in a small group. That's why our tours have a max ca pacity of 6 to ensure the best experience for our clients. Join us this summer for a unique visit to Vatnajökull's glaciers.

SKAFTAFELL GLACIER HIKE

ICE CAVE TOUR

FULL DAY GLACIER ADVENTURE

ICE CAVE & GLACIER WALK

Heading North

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Heading North - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Heading North

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Heading North - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Heading North

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HEADING NORTH (Jokulsarlon) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

The Traveler’s Guide to North Iceland – Weather, Landscape, and Things to do

• Last Updated: March 14, 2024
• Viktória Komjáti

Most Iceland visitors tour Reykjavík, the Golden Circle , and the country’s famed South Coast , then leave again. They’ll have a wonderful time, to be sure, but are also missing out. A stone’s throw from the Arctic Circle, North Iceland offers a remote grandeur that makes it well worth feeling like you’re at the edge of the world. Epic snow-capped peaks, lush pastures lining fjords, dramatic waterfalls and canyons, exciting volcanic history, and waters alive with dolphins, seals, and whales are yours to discover if you travel just a little further.

North Iceland’s capital is Akureyri, a delightful little city once deemed “ The Best Place to Visit in Europe ” by Lonely Planet. But most of the region is sparsely populated by around 40,000 people and many more sheep and horses.

Guided Tours

Infrastructure and road conditions, north iceland weather, geology and landscape, kayaking and sailing, whale watching, skiing, ski touring, and heli-skiing.

Read on to find out how the weather of North Iceland differs from that in the south, about the geology that formed its unique landscape, and what are the best things to do in the region. In a separate article, we’ve listed the 20 most exciting attractions you shouldn’t miss out on when visiting North Iceland .

How to Get About

Nordurland, as the area is known in Icelandic, is easily reached from Reykjavík via just one road: the Ring Road, which circles the country. Reykjavík to Akureyri is a trip of around five hours if you drive non-stop, but as you’ll certainly want to pull over frequently for photos, it’s best to plan a whole day for the journey. The route to North Iceland is lined throughout by glories and attractions you can’t possibly ignore.

You’ll need at the very least three days to feel like you’ve discovered most North Iceland has to offer. For those wanting to spend less time in a car and more time exploring, it’s best to plan for four to five days. Whether you hire a campervan, car, or motorhome or take a multi-day guided tour, you’ll make the most of being in this glorious region.

As buses to Akureyri run just once a day and don’t make stops at the natural attractions, public transport isn’t an option. So group tours with a guide are a great choice if you don’t want to drive. These tours aren’t much more expensive than traveling by public transport, with the bonuses of more stops accompanied by invaluable information delivered in English. Another great advantage of guided multiday tours is that accommodation and meals are included, simplifying your planning and removing the hassle and uncertainties of booking accommodation.

Tours to North Iceland depart from Reykjavík and last a minimum of three days. Or, if you prefer, you can join an “ around Iceland ” tour of the entire island lasting anywhere from six to twenty days. When deciding on the length, bear in mind that the longer tours provide an opportunity to capture both sweeping and intimate pictures of it all.

There are also many shorter guided activity tours you can book after you arrive. You can try exciting physical activities like Superjeep tours or horseback riding. Incredible whale-watching tours depart regularly from Akureyri, Dalvik, and Húsavík. Being the largest northern city, Akureyri offers many day tours, as well as multi-day trekking tours into the stunning Highlands area. Guesthouses, tourist information centers, and most other tourism facilities can offer detailed information to help you choose.

Self-Drive Tours

If guided tours aren’t your thing, you can, of course, plan your trip, requiring you to rent and drive your vehicle and journey around the North Iceland region without direct assistance. This takes some planning but is entirely doable. Remember to include a minimum of three to four days just to travel from Reykjavík to North Iceland and return, and plan for as many more days as you can spare in North Iceland for the most memorable experience possible.

We can make it easier for you here and create your custom self-drive itinerary, including accommodation and activity bookings and anything you need for a perfect plan! If you need our help, don’t hesitate to contact us!

The sparse population of North Iceland, mostly in small villages, of course, means there can be somewhat limited options when it comes to food shopping or eating out. Akureyri is the country’s second-largest city; however, it has a vibrant variety of city activities, cafés and restaurants, food, and other shopping, all with that unique Icelandic style and vibe.

Of the larger towns in the region, Dalvík, Húsavík, Siglufjörður, and Varmahlíð are the best known. They do contain some lovely places to eat, shop, and stay. But consider that options for countryside accommodation and shopping are more limited than those in the cities, so it’s advisable to plan and book ahead of time.

Iceland’s main Ring Road is easily navigated and in good condition. However, while it benefits from year-round maintenance, in winter, the weather conditions can change swiftly so that even that road can see closures for short spells. The smaller roads in fjord areas can be less well-maintained and tricky to drive on during that season.

It’s best to rent a four-wheel drive vehicle if choosing to explore North Iceland from November to April (or any time of year if approaching the region from the Highlands). If you’re not experienced in driving through the wintry conditions you might encounter during that period, it’s safest and best to join a guided tour instead. But you don’t have to worry about that during the summer months: driving around North Iceland in any kind of vehicle should be a breeze, provided that you stick to paved roads.

Average temperatures in the north are slightly cooler than in southern and western parts of the country, its proximity to the Arctic Circle sometimes feeling quite evident. Winter arrives sooner, and spring arrives later there than in Reykjavík.

Winter nights in the north are long and extra-dark, the daytime lasting as little as three hours. This makes the region the most statistically-probable place for clear winter skies. So if the aurora borealis, or northern lights, are what you’re after, North Iceland is your dream destination.

You’ll be pleased to hear that statistically, North Iceland is also the driest and sunniest part of the country. Somewhat lower precipitation and fewer clouds make it a bit more pleasant than the rest of the country. Though even the summer months are slightly cooler than elsewhere, the sunnier weather and longer days make it glorious. Unlike in the southerly regions, you may even be able to see the midnight sun: a true Arctic Circle experience.

Iceland is a latecomer to Europe, forming over 100 million years later than the continent, about 26-44 million years ago. The entire country lies directly on top of a geological hotspot; hence it is well-known for geothermal heat and volcanic activity.

North Iceland is divided in two by an active volcanic zone, a fissure in the Myvatn area, which runs from north to south and is part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. This accounts for the volcanic system of the region. It includes two central volcanoes, Askja in the eastern Highlands and Krafla in the North, associated eruptions, high-temperature geothermal fields, lava flows, and rhyolite and silicic rocks. So the dramatic and unusual landscape was formed by that very Krafla-Námafjall fissure, which has erupted many times for centuries.

The most famous eruption in the area is known as the Mývatn Fires, which occurred from 1724-1729. Many different fissure vents opened simultaneously, creating a lava flow that destroyed farms near Reykjahlíð, thankfully with no fatalities. The event caused lava fountains to be observed from the country’s south.

In December 1975, one of the largest modern Icelandic eruptions began, lasting almost nine years. The “Fires of Krafla” as it is known, saw the eponymous volcano erupt nine times over that period, taking a break now and then in between. By the time it was finished, a lava field measuring 36 square kilometers, or 13.9 square miles, had been formed.

There have been no further eruptions since 1984; nonetheless, a hot geothermal field remains inside Krafla’s crater, and the area continues to be replete with powerful volcanic activity. This is very useful for nearby communities that harvest geothermal power for electricity and hot water for their homes and swimming pools.

The famous Blue Lagoon in the south is matched by the northern Myvatn Nature Baths, a gift from all the geothermal activity to balance the risks. Lake Mývatn is part of the system and is surrounded by many great geological beauties, such as picturesque lava fields and pseudo-craters.

But the region offers more than ‘just’ volcanoes and volcanic offspring. It also contains incredible mountains, some snow-capped throughout the year, with the mountainous Highlands of central North Iceland hosting small cirque and rock glaciers. You can find those tall mountains on the Tröllaskagi Peninsula, which is an essential destination in summer or winter if you love hiking or skiing.

The incredibly varied and fascinating geological features of North Iceland are born of a complex interaction between fluctuating sea levels, glacial rivers, glaciers, lakes, and volcanic activity. It is, therefore unique, not just in the world but even in comparison to the landscape you’ll find in the east, south, or Westfjords of Iceland. And in addition to all of that, you can observe the boundaries between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. There’s nowhere else like it.

Things to Do in North Iceland

With so many astonishing sights and exhilarating activities in this most unique of countries, taking your time to travel extensively will make the most of it and leave you with far more memories and experiences than a flying visit. Exploring North Iceland thoroughly, whether self-driving or touring, is something you’ll never regret.

Start road-tripping by following the Ring Road northwards out of Reykjavík, but take detours as you go to explore the peninsulas we’ve described above. In a city, a detour is often a negative experience caused by roadworks; the opposite is true here.

Stop at every village possible for a coffee, which is a very important beverage in Iceland. Explore each place and enjoy what’s there, whether strolling in a harbor, chatting with local people, learning from a historical site, or trying a local specialty. Even the smallest and most remote villages are prepared for visitors, and you can expect warm welcomes.

We listed North Iceland’s must-visit attractions in this separate article .

You don’t have to feel rushed or regimented. Remember to breathe deeply in the crisp air, listen to the birdsong, watch the skies change, and relax as you soak in the plethora of geothermal pools.

If you’re touring in winter, be sure to have a suitable vehicle, and check weather and driving conditions frequently. Remember that if you don’t have winter driving experience, it’s easy to book a guided tour and put yourself in the safe hands of a local who knows the roads and meteorology.

The Ring Road is closed only occasionally when the weather is truly bad and rarely for longer than a few hours. While smaller roads may be difficult to drive or entirely inaccessible in winter, it’s always possible to get to Akureyri as long as the Ring Road is passable. In summer, however, it’s safe and simple to drive in North Iceland, though do consider a four-wheel drive vehicle if traversing the Highlands.

North Iceland is a paradise for people who love hiking in nature. Great trails can be found in the mountains near Akureyri, in the areas of Myvatn and Krafla, and on the peninsulas with their fascinating cliffs. But the best destination for hiking is probably Ásbyrgi Canyon because it is so unique in Iceland and the world.

Different paths crisscross the small but dense forest between the massive canyon walls. The trails end at an impressive wall 100 meters (328 feet) high, at the foot of which is a small turquoise and green pond, sometimes with birds floating calmly on it. It’s like stumbling across a colorful jewel at the foot of a castle. The most appealing thing about that place is the acoustics, which magnifies sounds. The ducks still quack away, but human visitors find themselves whispering, so they don’t disturb the peace or perhaps to avoid disturbing any ‘little people.

The fjord waters of North Iceland are generally safe and calm to paddle around, especially for experienced kayakers, so exploring and viewing the landscape from the water is highly recommended. If you have little or no experience with paddling or sea travel, you can gain some by booking a guided boat or kayak tour available in many villages. Some boat tours even give you the option of traveling to more remote islands and within the Arctic Circle, which also provides the bonus of possibly spotting such sealife as dolphins, seals, and even whales.

No matter what time of year you visit Iceland, heading north gives you the best chance of experiencing the unforgettable phenomena known as the northern lights and the midnight sun.

The northern lights can be seen between late August and late March. North Iceland is the ideal location to gasp and gaze at them due to its longer nights and clearer and less cloudy skies than the south. To maximize your chances, use apps and websites to track predictions of aurora activity and weather conditions, avoid city lights and a full moon, stay up late (there is statistically more activity from midnight onwards), look to the northern horizon, and look out for them on more than one night.

Northern Iceland is also best for seeing the midnight sun due to its proximity to the Arctic Circle. This unending sunset can be observed in June and July and only from a few places up north. So don’t try it from Reykjavik, and plan.

The GeoSea Baths mentioned above, set on a high cliff in Húsavík, have an idyllic viewpoint over the North Atlantic and opening times that make it possible to bathe and relax while witnessing the northern lights or the midnight sun as well as taking in the landscape.

It would be hard to find a more scenic spot to enjoy geothermal pools than this North Icelandic heaven. Having said that, the pool in Hosfós has just as beautiful a view, though it is perhaps a little less luxurious. Try them both and see which one is the favorite to which you’ll long to return.

The Mývatn Nature Baths are often referred to as the northern counterpart of the world-famous Blue Lagoon Spa. Its water has very similar characteristics to the Blue Lagoon. However, the facilities are less luxurious, but the entrance fee is also much cheaper. It’s the only pool of its size in the area and is ever-increasing in popularity.

As with sky watching, you’re better off dolphin, porpoise, and whale watching in North Iceland, as it’s the best part of the country for successful sightings of the marvelous creatures. You can take tours from the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Reykjavík, but the success rate in North Iceland is nearly 100% in the summer months. The proof is that northern companies offer a free second trip or a guaranteed refund if you see no cetaceans.

Iceland’s waters are host to over 20 species of these incredible creatures, some seen more frequently than others. Tours in the north tend to light upon eight cetacean species in particular. Humpback whales are naturally curious and friendly, so there’s a good chance of seeing those, as well as harbor porpoises and white-beaked dolphins. Minke and pilot whales are seen less often but not uncommonly. While shyer, the stupendous blue whales are seen at least a few times each summer season. Why not try your luck?

As for wintertime, there are still whale-watching tours in operation; it’s just that your chances of sightings are lower, at around 90–95% of North Iceland-based trips. But going whale watching at any time of year is more than just an adventure and often a delight. It also supports an economy that arose as an alternative to hunting and killing whales. For this reason, the Icelandic whale-watching industry motto is, “Meet us, don’t eat us!”

The ski areas in North Iceland offer especially breathtaking views and diverse landscapes. Seven well-equipped ski resorts in the region are open from mid-November to May. Offering ski rentals and ski schools for everyone, the slopes are suited to children and adults. Whether a beginner or an extreme skier, you’ll find what you’re looking for!

Experienced skiers can immerse themselves in backcountry skiing; the opportunities are endless. The most popular skiing destination is Troll Peninsula, where long runs can reach up to 1,500 meters (4 921 ft) vertical. With upwards of about 100 mountains to discover on the Troll Peninsula, there is an endless amount of untouched snow. The peninsula is surrounded by the Arctic Ocean, so you can ski down right to the coast. The terrain looks as if it had been specially created for ski touring, snowboarding, and heli-skiing, all of which are available activities for the avid skier.

Backcountry skiing on virgin slopes requires special snow conditions; therefore, the season differs from the regular ski season. In North Iceland, snow conditions usually remain favorable well into spring, the season lasting from mid-February to the end of June.

We’ve covered the most interesting facts and most exciting activities regarding North Iceland in our article. In this separate article , you can read about what to see in the region. Contact us for your tailor-made vacation package, and a local professional will personally help you to plan your perfect North Iceland holiday.

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North ice is a small family company founded in 2017. the company specializes in mountain and glacier tours, our number one priority is small groups and personal trips with local guide all over iceland., we offer wide range of glacier and mountain tours, we can also put together your personal tour., popular tours.

Try out glacier hiking / mountaineering on one of the most famous glaciers in Iceland. Snæfellsjökull is perfect place to hike, if you want few people around

Hvannadalshúkur

Hvannadalshnjúkur is a magnificent place, this expedition takes you to the highest peak in Iceland and on the third biggest glacier in Europe.

Eyjafjallajökull is a great opportunity to explore the high volcano and the beauty of Icelandic nature. Eyjafjallajökull is located on south coast of Iceland.

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Amazing opportunity to explore the glacier and try out some ice climbing. This is a introduction tour so you don’t need to be a professional ice climber

Rock climbing

Rock climbing is a really good way of enjoying nature and trying something new. We offer rock climbing for beginners to mid-level climbers.

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Glacier hike on Sólheimajökull is a perfect day tour from Reykjavik. Go and explore the nature and the power off the glacier. Our guides will show you.

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• 10 Things to Do in North Iceland

10 THINGS TO DO IN NORTH ICELAND

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Already soaked in the Blue Lagoon and drove through the South Coast? Go North! North Iceland is charming, unique and filled with fascinating attractions and wildlife.

Already soaked in the   Blue Lagoon   and drove through the   South Coast ? Go North! North Iceland is charming, unique and filled with fascinating attractions and wildlife. Get inspired, create your own Northern Iceland itinerary and have the adventure of a lifetime.

Here’s a list of the   best things to do in North Iceland :

1. Visit the Arctic Henge

The Arctic Henge is an enormous stone sculpture in the northeastern village   Raufarhöfn . It’s currently under construction and is intended to be a symbol of Nordic paganism in Iceland.

The Arctic Henge project started in 1996. Essentially it’s a sundial, which will capture the midnight sun perfectly in the aligned gateways.

Heimskautsgerðið   (The Arctic Henge) was inspired by the old Eddic poem Völuspá (Prophecy of the Seeress). The 72 small blocks of rock, each inscribed with their own dwarven name, represent the 72 weeks of the year. The rocks circle 4 bigger stone monuments, formed as an arch, which then circle one massive basalt column.

You can enjoy some solitude at the   Arctic Henge as it is yet to be discovered by the masses.

The mystical arctic henge in Raufarhofn in Iceland

How to get to the Arctic Henge?

Take Road 85 (Hófaskarðsleið) from the northern part of the Ring Road, then take Nordausturvegur Road and drive further up north. After 13mi (21 km) you should reach   Raufarhöfn . 

When can I go to Arctic Henge?

All year round. If you’re going there in the winter, beware of the road closures and weather conditions.

2. Explore Askja Area

For lunar-like landscapes and solitude, head to   Askja . Located in the northern Icelandic Highlands, Askja is a volcanic caldera with three geothermal crater lakes:   Askja Lake,   Öskjuvatn Lake , and   Viti Volcano Lake . It’s a breathtaking area, dwarfed by the high peaks of   Dyngjufjoll (Dragon) Mountains   and dotted with turquoise lakes. 

Hikers looking at Geothermal crater lake near the Askja volcano

Due to its otherworldly scenery, the Askja area was one of the main sites NASA used to train pilots before the Apollo 11 mission in 1969.

When can I go to Askja?

Due to unpredictable Icelandic weather, the Askja area is mostly accessible during the summer months. Before heading to bathe in Viti Lake, visit the visitor center. 

Oskjuvatn lake at Askja, Iceland

How to get to Askja?

To get to Askja, you’ll need a proper 4×4 vehicle. Make sure your 4WD will be able to cross at least two rivers. The easiest way to get to Askja Lake is by driving the   Ring Road   past   Akureyri and Myvatn . Get off the Ring Road onto Road 901 and turn right onto the F910. Drive for approximately 13 mi (21 km), take Road F910 and drive further for 38 mi (62 km). At the end of the road, you will see the visitor center and campsites.

3. Soak in Beer Spa

Soak in a warm beer bath – a unique experience that pretty much sums up the Icelandic way of living. Located not far from Dalvik,   Bjorbodin Beer Spa   combines young beer body treatment with a relaxing soak. The beer in the tub is undrinkable so there’s no age limit. Next to the tub you’ll find a draft with Icelanders’ favorite beer, Kaldi. 

Beer bathtubs are made of   Kambala wood   and filled with young beer, water, hops, live beer yeast, beer oil, beer, salt, and water. The contents of the bath are high in potassium, protein, iron, magnesium, and zink, which will revitalize your skin and hair. Note, it’s recommended not to shower for at least 4 hours after the soak.

When can I go to the beer spa?

North Iceland’s Beer Spa is one of the best Northern Iceland attractions and is available all year round.

How to get to Bjorbodin Beer Spa?

The Beer Spa is located in   Árskógssandur , a small community on the shores of Eyjafjörður Fiord between   Dalvik   and   Akureyri . You can get there by taking Road 82 on the northern part of the Ring Road. Head North for about 14 mi (24 km).

4. Feel the magic of Myvatn Area

Myvatn combines all the natural wonders that Iceland has to offer. Deserted craters, hot spring caves, and lofty lava formations are just a few highlights found in this microcosm.

The crown jewel of the area is   Lake Myvatn . This shallow lake is surrounded by high geothermal activity. Nestled among towering lava formations, the lake is the North’s answer to the Blue Lagoon. While you’re there, visit   Hverir Geothermal Area   and watch the ground melt away into hot mud puddles or feel the strength of   Dettifoss , Europe’s second most powerful waterfall.

Cap your day off with a hike up the   Hverfell Crater Mountain , a tuff ring volcano, or   Skutustadagigar Pseudocraters , a conservation area to the south of Lake Myvatn.

When can I go to Lake Myvatn?

The area around Lake Myvatn is open all year round. However, due to adverse winter conditions, some roads might be closed. 

How to get to Lake Myvatn?

Lake Myvatn is located next to   Reykjahlid , which is right on the   Ring Road . 

5. Voyage to Grimsey Island

If you’re looking to tick the   Arctic Circle   off your bucket list, then a voyage to Grimsey is perfect! Grimsey Island is located 25 mi (40 km) off the northern shores of Iceland and straddles the Arctic Circle. 

North Atlantic puffins sitting in front of orange lighthouse in Iceland

Home to more birds than people, Grimsey Island has a lot more to offer than just the Arctic Circle crossing. During summer, the   Midnight Sun   creates the perfect backdrop for nature and wildlife photography. While in the winter, the sky is colored with dancing flares from the   Northern Lights . Grimsey is one of the top destinations to watch the Northern Lights. 

Here you can also visit an 800-year-old church, try local cuisine, go for a swim in a newly built pool and visit the all-in-one school, library, and community center.

Lonely church and puffins at the cost of Grimsey island

A great variety of birds call Grimsey their home. Nearly all main birds that visit Iceland during the year can be found on the island. Some of the most popular ones include black-legged kittiwake, northern fulmar, Atlantic puffin, razorbill, and the black guillemot. Grimsey has one of the biggest tern nesting sites and   one of the largest puffin colonies in Iceland.

When can I go to Grimsey Island?

All year round. The guesthouse on the island is open throughout the year so you can visit anytime you want. Keep in mind though, Grimsey is a remote island with a northern climate so be prepared if you decide to go there during the winter.

How to get to Grimsey Island?

Take a ferry from   Dalvik   or a plane from   Akureyri . The ferry to Grimsey Island leaves three times a week all year round and flights from Akureyri are scheduled three times a week during winter and seven times a week during the summer. 

6. Whale watching in Dalvik

An authentic fishing village,   Dalvik   is Iceland’s whale watching capital. The village is located in   Trollaskagi Peninsula , right on the shores of the North Atlantic Ocean which is home to a variety of whales during the summer. Hop on a boat and sail out into the ocean in search of these gentle giants on our   whale watching tour from Dalvik . Our guides are experts in seeking out whale hiding spots with a 98% success rate. 

Iceland, Dalvik – watching crazy humpback whale

Besides whale watching, Dalvik is full of things to do for every adventurous soul. For one, this fishing village is home to the best alpine skiing in Iceland. Also, a great variety of hiking trails with views of the Trollaskagi Peninsula are available to you. 

When can I go whale watching in Dalvik?

The biggest success rate of whale sightings in Dalvik is during the summer months.

How can I get to Dalvik?

Take Road 82 off the Northern part of the Ring Road and drive for approximately 20 mi (33 km). If whale watching is a must, check the 5-Day North and West Iceland Tour which combines the best activities within these areas. A multi-day tour organises all the accommodation and transport, so you can sit back and enjoy the journey to your next activity.

7. A self-drive tour of the Arctic Coast Way

Looking for a true taste of Iceland? Go off the beaten path and discover Iceland’s hidden gems on a self-drive adventure of the   Arctic Coast Way . The road takes you through   18 geothermal pools ,   16 charming fishing villages ,   6 islands , and many attractions unique to North Iceland. Visit the most remote areas in Northern Iceland and seek out wildlife that call the Arctic their home.

The Arctic Coast Way is around 560-mi (900-km) long and can be driven in winter and summer. Both seasons will grant you with seasonal and unique Iceland adventures. During the summer, you will be rewarded with 24 hour days as the   Midnight Sun   never sets. During the winter, you’ll be able to watch   Northern Lights   dance across the Arctic sky form the best locations in the world.

Book our   self-drive Arctic Coast   tour and see the best that Northern Iceland has to offer.

When can I drive the Arctic Coastway?

All year round. However, keep in mind that winter in North Iceland can be harsh and it might take you longer than usual to reach certain sites. 

Scenic view of the historic town of Husavik

How to get to the Arctic Coastway?

If you choose to start your journey from the West –    Hvammstangi   is your starting point. If you choose to experience the Arctic Coastway from the East,   Bakkafjordur   is your starting point. 

8. Experience the Power of Dettifoss

Every waterfall hunter should add   Dettifoss   to their list, it’s a must-see in North Iceland. Dettifoss, the second most powerful waterfall in Europe is known for its size rather than beauty. The waterfall is 330 ft (100 m) wide and drops a whopping 144 ft (44 m). The sheer size of it is what will leave you stunned. Surprisingly, for such a vast waterfall, you won’t hear the cascading water until you get really close to it. 

Iceland waterfall – Dettifoss

To explore the waterfall will take you around 2 to 3 hours. Once you’re done, go on a 21-mi (34-km) long hiking trail. The trail will take you above and around the waterfall, and straight into   Asbyrgi Canyon   where you can further enjoy the Icelandic landscape.

When can I visit Dettifoss?

It’s best to visit the waterfall during the summer. In summer months, the waterfall is at its mightiest, rewarding you with the water show of a lifetime. During winter, you’ll have very little daylight and slippery approach to the waterfall, which can be dangerous. 

How to get to Dettifoss?

Turn onto Road 864 from the northern part of the Ring Road and head North for about 19 mi (32 km). 

9. Find the oldest turf church, Grafarkirkja

Grafarkirkja, the oldest church in Iceland, is located on the western shore of the   Trollaskagi Peninsula . Built in the 17th century the church is also one of the very few in Iceland that has been embellished. It is said that a carver by the name of   Guðmundur Guðmundsson   built the church on the remains of an even older church.

Grafarkirkja, the oldest church in Iceland

The church was deconsecrated not long after Guðmundur built it and used as a tool shed for quite some time. Surprisingly, the turf oratory remained in good condition and was easy to renovate for the   National Museum of Iceland   in the 1950s.

When can I visit Grafarkirkja Church?

All year round. As with other attractions in the North, it’s possible that you won’t be able to access the church due to adverse weather conditions during the winter months. 

How can I get to the church?

Take road 76 just off the northern part of the Ring Road and head towards the small town of   Hofsos .

10. Visit Hvitserkur Sea Stack

Looking for what to see in North Iceland? A truly unique attraction in North Iceland is the   Hvitserkur Sea Stack . The sea stack is located off the shores of the   Vatnsnes Peninsula   and is 49 ft (15 m) high. The monolith formation looks like an elephant or a dragon drinking water and is home to a variety of seabirds. 

Top places of Iceland – Hvítserkur

Legend has it that   the sea stack   was once a scarred troll, who was on his way to Þingeyraklaustur Convent from Strandir. Iceland’s trolls are not Christian, so Hvitserkur was on a mission to tear down the bells of the convent. He wasn’t fast enough and as the sun was rising, he turned into this charming monolith stack. 

The sea stack was getting worn with each wave of the North Atlantic Ocean and would’ve collapsed soon. Locals of the area wanted to save Hvitserkur so they all pitched in and got the base of the stack reinforced with concrete.

When can I see Hvitserkur Sea Stack?

All year round. In winter, beware of the possible road closures.

How to get to the Hvitserkur Sea Stack?

Take Road 711 from the northern part of the Ring Road and drive North for around 18 mi (30 km).

Fallen in love with North Iceland?   Book our   11-Day Self-Drive Tour on Iceland’s Arctic Coastway   and do all the things in North Iceland listed above! Or if you're a little more limited on time, see where our day tours could take you.

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Northern Lights Ring Road - Small Group Adventure

Explore jaw-dropping landscapes and learn about local culture from an expert guide

Join like-minded travelers on this wintry adventure around Iceland’s legendary Ring Road. Spend your days marveling at frosted waterfalls, gushing geysers, stunning black sand beaches and more.

At night, you’ll settle in at charming countryside hotels. Here you’ll have the chance to chase the Northern Lights away from the bright lights of the city. Just imagine them dancing above as you sip on a hot chocolate in your hotel.

On this trip, you’ll travel to almost every part of Iceland, including the lesser-visited north with its otherworldly geology. What’s more, you’ll see the stunning sights of the classic Golden Circle route and the magical Jökulsárlon glacier lagoon on the south coast. It’s hard to pack much more into a week-long winter trip to Iceland!

This tour is operated by a partner of Iceland Tours.

On this tour you will...

Stay in idyllic countryside locations, with opportunities to spot the Northern Lights

Glimpse remote corners of Iceland , like the stunning Eastfjords and Lake Mývatn

Check out the mind-blowing sights on the world-famous Golden Circle route

Witness plunging waterfalls and towering sea cliffs on the beautiful south coast

Explore the charming town of Akureyri , known as the ‘capital of North Iceland’

Visit entertaining museums and immerse yourself in Reykjavík’s great foodie scene

Top attractions

Downtown Reykjavík

Þingvellir National Park

Geysir and Strokkur

Seljalandsfoss

Vík í Mýrdal

Skaftafell Nature Reserve

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Lake Mývatn

Deildartunguhver

Hraunfossar and Barnafoss

Blue Lagoon

Why book a guided group trip with Iceland Tours?

Pick from wide range of departure dates

Expert local guidance in English

Small and big group options available

24/7 emergency helpline in Iceland

Secure your booking with just a 5% deposit

Handpicked local accommodation options

Your 8-day guided group itinerary

Day 1 – welcome to reykjavík.

Transfer from Keflavík International Airport to Reykjavík (included).

On arrival at Keflavík International Airport, you will be greeted by a driver who will transfer you to your hotel in the city center of Reykjavík. After settling in, the rest of the day is free for you to explore the vibrant capital city with its abundance of museums, restaurants, and bars to suit all tastes. 

If you’re interested in checking out Icelandic design or experiencing the city’s thriving coffee culture, head to the main street, Laugavegur, and enjoy its various shops and cozy cafés. At 6 p.m., you will meet your group and guide for a welcome drink and a short introduction about the itinerary and some useful information about the coming days.

For those arriving early today, you have the option to upgrade your journey from the airport with a visit to the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa before heading to the city. It’s the perfect way to start your Iceland adventure!

Extra activities

Arrival/Departure via Blue Lagoon

FlyOver Iceland

Perlan Museum Wonders of Iceland & Northern Lights Show

Northern Lights Super Jeep Tour

Day 2 – Winter wonders of the Golden Circle

This morning your guide will pick you and your fellow travelers up at the hotel. The first leg of the journey takes you around the famous Golden Circle, a popular route containing some of the best-known natural sites in Iceland. Highlights include Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO heritage site; the Geysir geothermal hot spring area and the powerful Gullfoss waterfall. The tour will also visit the geothermally-heated greenhouses at the Friðheimar tomato farm, where we will get to taste the fresh tomato products.

Enjoy dinner at the Hotel with the group (dinner is included).

Day 3 – Waterfalls, black sand beaches & Northern Lights

Today you’ll explore majestic waterfalls, black sand beaches, and learn about the unique geology of Iceland. You will start with a visit to the Lava Center, a one of a kind interactive exhibition about Iceland’s volcanic activity, its frequent earthquakes, and how Iceland evolved over millions of years. Next up is the  fairytale-like Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the icy cascade on a footpath. Close by your guide will take you to Skógafoss, an impressive 60-meter high waterfall located at the foot of a mountain range, followed by a visit to the Skógar Folk Museum.

The last stop before continuing to your accommodation is at the black sand volcanic beach near the village of Vík í Mýrdal. Here, you will be able to see the spectacular rock arch and steep cliffs of along with the Reynisdrangar basalt columns just off the shore.

Next, you will travel to your carefully selected charming boutique hotel, situated far from the city lights to give you the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Enjoy dinner at Magma Hotel with the group (dinner is included).

Day 4 – Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon & Diamond Beach

Start the day bright and early as you have a full day of exciting icy highlights ahead of you. You will spend some time exploring Skaftafell, part of the immense Vatnajökull National Park, and a place of great natural beauty. The tour will then head to the spectacular Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, famous for its floating icebergs in shades of milky white and bright blue. 

On a clear day, you may even get a good view of Breiðamerkurjökull glacier behind the lake. Next to the glacier lagoon, we will stop at the Breiðamerkursandur, aka Diamond Beach, where you will see large chunks of ice that have washed up on shore after being shaped and polished in the surf of the glacier lagoon. It’s truly a beautiful sight and a great photo opportunity!

After some time at the Diamond Beach, you will be driven to your accommodation for the night. A delicious local dinner will be served, and after, you can end the evening by putting on some warm clothes to gaze at the sky waiting for the Northern Lights to appear (dinner is included).

Day 5 – Eastfjords and Lake Mývatn area

Today you will get to experience a slice of Iceland that few travelers get to explore. Your group’s drive takes you along majestic East Iceland, with gorgeous scenery that includes tranquil fishing villages, narrow fjords, rugged tundra, and sweeping landscapes. If you are lucky, you might spot a reindeer or two as they come down from the mountains to stay close to the sea during the winter months.

Among other highlights, you will stop in the small villages of Stöðvarfjörður and Fáskrúðsfjörður, the latter known for its French heritage and a fascinating northern lights photo exhibition. The final destination of the day is the otherworldly Lake Mývatn area. Here, you have the option of either relaxing at the hotel after today’s drive or going to visit the warm alkaline geothermal lagoon and saunas at the Mývatn Nature Baths, with a view to mountains and lava fields (not included).

The Lake Mývatn area is known for being one of the best places in Iceland to view the Northern Lights due to the altitude and the lay of the land. We therefore highly recommend that you are on the lookout for the Aurora Borealis tonight!

Day 6 – North Iceland & Akureyri

Start the day by exploring the unusual, moon-like landscapes of the Lake Mývatn area, including the Námaskarð pass and the Skútustaðagígar pseudocraters: sights that are even more surreal in wintertime. You will also have a chance to see Goðafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods, which is among the most beautiful falls in the country. While the waterfall is not very tall, the cascade is divided into two horseshoe-shaped falls, making it unique among Icelandic waterfalls. 

You’ll then have some free time in Akureyri to explore on your own. Akureyri is a charming town with museums, shops, cafés, and a picturesque harbor area, before heading to Skagafjörður, where your will dine and stay at Hofsstaðir (dinner is included).

Day 7 – West Iceland & back to Reykjavík

Before heading back to Reykjavík, you will get the chance to explore the incredible western part of Iceland along beautiful Borgarfjörður. Your guide will stop at Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe, the beautiful and the spectacular twin waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. 

Hraunfossar is a thrilling series of waterfalls seemingly originating in a field without a river or lake. The water is actually streaming through rivulets in the Hallmundarhraun lava field. 

Meanwhile, Barnafoss is more like a series of rapids caused by the water of Hvitá entering a narrow passage. Next, you will be driven to the historical sites at Reykholt, which is rich in saga history. Reykholt was the home of 13th century writer, poet, and scholar Snorri Sturluson.

After being dropped off at your accommodation, you can spend the evening at your leisure in the city center of Reykjavík.

Day 8 – Goodbye Iceland

Shared airport transfer to Keflavík Airport for your return flight (included).

When it’s time for your Iceland adventure to end, you will be picked up from your hotel by a shuttle bus about three hours before your flight. If you’re flying in the afternoon, you have the option to visit the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa to relax in the warm mineral waters before continuing to the airport (not included).

What’s included?

Quality accommodation every night

Continental breakfast every day

5 two-course dinners in the countryside featuring local cuisine (Days 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6)

Airport transfer

Local transport with guidance in English

Admission to Friðheimar greenhouse

Admission to Lava Center

Admission to Skógar Folk Museum

Admission to Northern Lights photo exhibition in Fáskrúðsfjörður

24/7 emergency helpline when you’re in Iceland

VAT, taxes & service fees

Flights to Iceland

Food & drink, unless otherwise stated

Attraction entrance fees, unless otherwise stated

Personal travel insurance

Your accommodation

Stay in well-located hotels and guesthouses that are highly rated by visitors and handpicked by experts.

On this trip, you’ll stay at the following hotels or similar:

• Day 1 – Center Hotels Laugavegur 
• Day 2 – Hótel Selfoss 
• Day 3 – Magma Hótel 
• Day 4 – Hótel Framtíð 
• Day 5 – Hótel Laxá 
• Day 6 – Hofsstaðir Country Hotel 
• Day 7 – Center Hotels Laugavegur 

FAQs about our guided group trips

How does a guided group tour work.

On this type of tour, you’ll travel around Iceland by bus with the same driver-guide for the length of your trip. Guided group tours are a great way to make like-minded friends, as you’ll spend time with the same travelers for your whole vacation.

You’ll get to stay in accommodation around the country, and some tours include a few evening meals too. After a day’s exploring, you’ll go back to your private room and meet your guide and group the next morning to continue your trip.

All of our guided group tours start and finish in Reykjavík.

How big will the group be on the tour?

There are 2 group sizes available:

• Small group: Up to 16 people
• Big group: Up to 36 people

Small groups offer a more intimate travel experience, whereas big groups are more wallet-friendly.

What will the other people in my group be like?

You’ll likely be with people from a whole mix of backgrounds, from different countries and of different ages. Your guide will entertain you with fun facts and jokes as you journey around Iceland. It’s almost guaranteed you’ll be laughing along with your group!

There will most probably be a mix of solo travelers, couples, and small groups of friends and family.

Is there a luggage size restriction on the bus?

The luggage restrictions on guided group tours 3 days and longer are as follows:

• 1 suitcase or large bag per person for clothes and overnight items
• 1 day bag for essential items, like a camera, extra clothes, and valuables

The luggage restrictions on guided group tours up to 3 days are as follows:

• 1 small carry-on luggage, bag size: 50 x 30 x 60 cm (19.9 x 11.8 x 23.6 inches)
• If you have large luggage with you, please check with your accommodation if they offer luggage storage while on this tour. If that is not a possibility, you can pay an extra fee per luggage (2000 ISK) with 72 hours notice.

Each day your luggage will be loaded onto the bus. In the evening, you’ll take all your bags with you to your room.

Can I customize a guided group tour?

Our guided group tours have fixed start dates and itineraries. While it’s not possible to customize the actual tour, you can tailor your trip with extra days and activities before or afterwards.

For example, you could add a couple more days in Reykjavík at the end of your trip. Fill these with day tours or exciting activities like ice caving and snowmobiling.

Don’t take our word for it

See what hundreds of fellow travelers have to say about their trips with Iceland Tours.

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Driving The Ring Road in Three Days

• Þórunn Arnaldsdóttir
• March 15, 2024

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Iceland’s famous Þjóðvegur 1 highway, or the Ring Road, is a 1322 km long road that circles the country. Technically it can be covered from start to finish in less than 24 hours but rushing the road trip would defeat the purpose of experiencing the beautiful nature and eccentric small towns that Iceland has to offer. The optimal way to travel the Ring Road is in approximately seven days with plenty of pit stops, but it’s also entirely possible to have an enjoyable trip in much less than that. For those who have limited time to travel, here’s a guide to a three day trip around Iceland.

Where to Begin?

At the start of the trip, travellers have two options, driving north or south but for the purpose of this article, the northern route is chosen. Heading north takes travellers through the Hvalfjarðargöng tunnel towards Borgarnes which is a popular first quick stop for gathering snacks or having lunch, but for a little less crowded option we recommend Baulan, a small gas station twenty minutes past Borgarnes. Baulan is perfect for a coffee break and a hot dog before getting back on the road. About 40 minutes from Baulan marks the beginning of the drive through Holtavörðuheiði, a long stretch of road that ascends through barren hillsides. During the summer, Holtavörðuheiði poses no difficulty for drivers but during winter the road can get quite icy and it’s worth staying up to date on road conditions when travelling in the winter months. Coming back down from the hills, travellers are greeted by Staðarskáli, a good sized gas station and restaurant that was originally opened in 1960 and then reconstructed in 2008 under the N1 chain of gas stations. Due to its location right between Reykjavík and the North part of Iceland, it has been one of the most popular rest stops on the Ring Road. Although some of the old time charm was replaced by a more modern look by N1, it’s still a classic stop to restock on drinks and road snacks. Before getting to Akureyri, the road crosses Blönduós, a decent sized town named after the Blanda river that rushes through the area. Blönduós has a number of restaurants and gas stations to drop in, but for people who crave an old fashioned burger joint there is the North West restaurant in Víðigerði, some 39 km from Blönduós.

After that the Ring Road heads into Skagafjörður, a large region known for its dramatic history during the Sturlunga Era and for its rich horsebreeding culture . The last proper stop before Akureyri is Varmahlíð in Skagafjörður, a tiny community that still manages a hotel and a swimming pool along with a restaurant and gas station. From Varmahlíð it’s about an hour drive to Akureyri with no other options for pit stops through the sometimes treacherous Öxnadalsheiði. 

Akureyri, Capital of North Iceland

Akureyri, the second biggest town in Iceland, is nestled at the roots of Hlíðarfjall mountain, a popular skiing area during winter time. It has a more “city feel” than the other smaller towns that are scattered around the country, and is an ideal place to stop for the first night of the trip. Akureyri offers numerous hotels, guesthouses and camping areas along with a diverse restaurant scene and a huge swimming pool with a funky waterslide. The climate in Akureyri is often a lot calmer than in Reykjavík and during summer it’s more likely than not to catch beautiful, sunny days there while Reykjavík has more unpredictable weather. There is no shortage of activities available in Akureyri and it is sure to leave an impression on any traveller passing through. In 2022, a new geothermal bath spot opened right outside Akureyri called Skógarböðin, or Forest Lagoon, a beautifully designed, modern take on the natural bath. It’s a great spot to unwind after the long drive and enjoy the surrounding nature. For breakfast in Akureyri there are a few options, but a great little café called Kaffi Ilmur is a great choice. Kaffi Ilmur serves breakfast all day long and has amazing Dutch specialty pancakes that should not be missed.

Experiencing East-Iceland

Heading out east from Akureyri, the next stop should be Egilsstaðir, a small town with a big personality and a great natural bath called Vök, which is located on top of Urriðavatn lake. Visitors can soak in the hot pools and then take a dip in the lake to cool off. East-Iceland has a lot to offer and it’s the only part of the country where wild reindeer roam free. Because of the short trip and long drives between destinations, it might not be possible to go on many excursions, but travellers should try to squeeze in a reindeer safari to see these adorable animals in their natural habitat. On the South-Eastern edge of Iceland, close to Vatnajökull glacer is Jökulsárlón , a glacier lake that is a must see on the Ring Road trip. The lake runs directly from Vatnajökull and out to the ocean and carries with it beautiful icebergs from the glacier in all different colors of blue. Close by is the Diamond Beach where pieces of the icebergs have broken off and collected on the shore. It’s a stunning display of the ever changing elements of Icelandic nature.

  For the second night on the trip, Höfn í Hornafirði is a great spot, a small coastal town on the  South-East tip, or travellers can duck into Hotel Jökulsárlón, a cozy hotel close to the glacier lake. About 20 minutes before entering Höfn there are the Vestrahorn mountains, a picturesque range of ragged mountains that seem to rise up from the black, sandy beach. 

The Scenic South Coast

On the third day, driving from Höfn, begins the home stretch, a beautiful, scenic drive along the southern part of Iceland. This part of the country doesn’t have the many hills and valleys of the western and northern parts and so the drive is smooth and peaceful. The southern route also has some of the most popular nature highlights of Iceland, and as travellers get closer to Reykjavík, there are numerous spots to stop and enjoy the views. Three hours from Höfn is Vík í Mýrdal, another small seaside town that is surrounded by dramatic mountain formations. There are a number of food options in Vík, including a craft brewery pub called Smiðjan Brewery that offers a good selection of local specialty beers. Thirty minutes from Vík is the famed Skógafoss, an iconic waterfall that can be seen right from the highway. Continuing west is another, smaller waterfall, Seljalandsfoss, where visitors have a chance to walk up close and get behind the gushing water. Close by Seljalandsfoss is Seljavallalaug, a beautiful natural bath, hidden from the views of the Ring Road. It’s a bit of a hike to get to the pool but the soak is worth every minute.

Getting back on the road from Seljavallalaug, travellers have the option of taking a small detour to see Gullfoss waterfall and Strokkur geysir. As part of the Golden Cirlce , these spots are a popular attraction for tour groups, but it’s easy and fun to get around there on your own. From the Golden Circle it’s a short one hour drive back to Reykjavík where it all started. A short trip like this around Iceland is only able to give a small preview of all the possible things to see and do around the country, but it is a great way to get familiar with driving on the roads and to hopefully get hyped for a longer return trip in the future.

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Grand tour of Iceland

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12 days - Small Group tour of Iceland | Snæfellsnes Peninsula | Magical West Fjords

The Grand Tour of Iceland takes you on an unforgettable journey around Iceland including the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the magical West Fjords. These western areas are left unexplored by most of our visitors. Experience the spectacular splendor and untamed beauty of Iceland´s nature, breathtaking scenery and unique Icelandic history and culture. You will discover some of the most remote parts of the country and visit many well-known highlights as well.

The 'Grand Tour of Iceland' features all the best the country has to offer. Each day combines touring by bus, going for light walks, having soft adventures and experiencing Icelandic culture and history. You will stay in simple and charming guesthouses, farm- and tourist-class hotels, many of them set in the most stunning locations.

Highlights include

• Complete escorted tour around Iceland including Snæfellsnes Peninsula & West Fjords
• Discover three National Parks
• Explore an 8000-year-old natural wonder Lava Cave
• Ferry trip to West Fjords
• Dynjandi waterfall - The Crown Jewel of Westfjords
• Relax at Vök Baths in the floating series of geothermal pools
• Sail among the huge icebergs in the picturesque scenery of Jökulsárlón (glacier lagoon)
• Experience authentic culture, visit small local museums and take a selfie with Icelandic horses
• See more sea-cliff birds than you can ever count (June-August)
• Small groups, maximum 20 people

Please note that all our itineraries, inclusions, dates and prices displayed on this website may change at any time. If you book an itinerary today and have this confirmed it will be the itinerary that is delivered to you. However, the online itinerary on our website may change in the meantime.

As a Certified B Corporation, 50 Degrees North has designed this tour using handpicked local hoteliers and suppliers who share our ethos of delivering services and activities of high social and environmental standards.

The CO2-e per person per day of all tours is carefully measured following each season. We fully offset all emissions of our tours on your behalf, and we constantly look at ways to reduce emissions where possible.

Transportation

Fully escorted bus tour around Iceland

• 11 nights accommodation, in rooms with shower/WC • 10 days escorted tour with English-speaking guide/driver-guide • Arrival & departure airport transfer by Flybus shuttle (no guide) • 11x breakfast • 10x 3-course dinner • Discover three national parks • Lava cave in Snæfellsnes • Ferry trip to the West Fjords • Folk and transport museum at Hnjótur • Farm visit • Visit to a geothermal greenhouse and horse stables • Herring museum • Whale watching tour in Eyjafjörður fjord • Vök Baths, including towel • Petra’s stone collection • Boat trip on Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon • Exhibition and 4K movie at Lava Centre in Hvolsvöllur

Not Included

• Any private expenses
• Any additional services
• Meals that are not listed under "included"
• Single supplement (mandatory when in single room)

Portage is not included - you will be responsible for carrying all your luggage.

Nature Fees: There is a possibility that some of the nature attractions around Iceland might charge an entrance fee during the trip. These entrance fees are not included in the tour price and need to be paid by all tour members additionally on the spot when entering any of these nature sites. Locations, amount of entrance fee, form of payment and other details are not known at the present time and are subject to change.

Day 1 - Welcome to Iceland

Individual transfer by Flybus shuttle bus from Keflavik airport to your accommodation in Reykjavik where you spend the night.

Accommodation

Restaurants.

Day 2 - Golden Circle

See the classic highlights today, the Golden Circle Route. Start with a visit to a geothermal greenhouse and watch how Icelanders grow tomatoes. Next door, take a selfie with an Icelandic horse and learn about its unique qualities and history. You will explore Gullfoss, the beautiful double “Golden Falls”, and walk through the active geothermal area of Geysir, where Strokkur “the churn” spouts up to 25 meters (70 feet) every five to seven minutes. The next stop is the ancient Viking Parliament area and UNESCO world heritage site of Þingvellir National Park. The Þingvellir plain is situated on a tectonic plate boundary where North America and Europe are slowly tearing away from each other. As a result, the plain is scarred by dramatic fissures, ponds, and rivers, including the great rift Almannagjá.

Day 3 - Snæfellsnes Peninsula & Ferry trip to West Fjords

Today, you explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, which juts out from Iceland’s West Coast. A rugged mountain chain runs its length, capped by the 1,446-meter Snæfellsjökull glacier, a mystical cone-shaped stratovolcano. Travel around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, through lava fields, and along the ocean with many excellent Icelandic photo opportunities. See the most popular sites at the Snæfellsnes National Park where volcanic craters, lava flows, an ice cap, glaciated peaks, fjords, sandy beaches, and high cliffs shape its landscapes.

Follow the adventure of Jules Verne’s classic science-fiction novel about “The Journey to the Center of the Earth”. Do not miss your chance to go on a trip to the interior of the earth under the glacier Snæfellsjökull! This lava cave tour takes you 35 meters underground and about 200 meters into the lava tube called Vatnshellir. In the afternoon, catch the car ferry Baldur from Stykkishólmur to Brjánslækur in the West Fjords. On the 2,5-hour journey over Breiðafjörður Bay, pass the island of Flatey, which is inhabited only during the summertime. If the weather is beautiful, you will enjoy a magnificent view of the bay’s countless isles as well as the glacier Snæfellsjökull.

Day 4 - Iceland's Westernmost Point

Follow the coastline and stop at the folk and transport museum in Hnjótur. Continue through a very remote and sparsely populated region to the bird cliffs of Látrabjarg, the most abundant seabird cliff and the westernmost point of Iceland and Europe where you can see puffins from mid-May till mid-August. Take a walk in the wilderness to the top of the highest bird cliff in Iceland. Látrabjarg is known in the world for its density of Nordic birds. Puffins, razorbills, guillemots, fulmars, cormorants, kittiwakes, and other cliff birds flock either in hundreds, thousands and even in millions.

Látrabjarg is a place where you can get very close to the seabirds, and even if you’re not into bird watching, you are entertained by the comic puffins and mesmerized by the sheer number of birds. If weather and road conditions allow, we travel to Rauðisandur beach with endless red sand. Well, not endless but 10 km is a lot. The magnificent hues of the sand differ with daylight, tides, and weather. This pure sand beach is home to countless seabirds and seals and is an oasis of unique tranquillity. Forget everything, except maybe getting the perfect shot of the ever-changing hues of yellow, orange and red.

Day 5 - Beautiful West Fjords

Travel over mountains and along the shore of scenic fjords until we reach the majestic fjord Arnarfjörður, surrounded by high mountains. At the bottom of the fjord, you will come across the unique waterfall Dynjandi with its seven levels of plunging water, declared the country’s most beautiful waterfall by the people of Iceland.

Continue over a mountain pass and along the southern shores of the West Fjords which is a route less travelled and is characterized by sheer cliffs, deep cut bays and narrow stretches of coastal lowland. The landscape is dominated by mountains, lakes, valleys, sea and wide-open spaces. Visit a local dairy farm at Erpsstaðir, including ice cream taste directly from farm.

Day 6 - Heading North

Today’s journey is a little bit 'off the beaten track', around the Vatnsnes peninsula. Pass the fishing village of Hvammstangi, also called the seal capital of Iceland. A gravel road takes you around the peninsula to Hvítserkur, a highlight on the east coast of the region; a mass of igneous rock, about 15 meters high, situated on the seashore. Fulmars and gulls live on Hvítserkur. An old story has it that Hvítserkur is a petrified troll that intended to stone a nearby cloister, but dawn arrived before he could succeed.

We continue to Kolugljúfur canyon, where waterfalls cascade into the deep, rugged gorge. It is a breathtaking sight to walk on the viewing platform and watch the calm waters of the river suddenly leap and tumble onwards over so many impressive falls – a sight which will leave no one unmoved. Further north we stop at Víðimýri to visit one of the few preserved turf churches in Iceland. The church was built in 1834 and has turf walls, but timber gables both back and front. Continue along a high mountain road to Akureyri, also called the capital of North Iceland, where you stay for two nights.

Day 7 - Northernmost Town

Enjoy breakfast in the beautiful surrounding of the botanical garden in Akureyri. Afterwards enjoy a whale watching tour for 2-3 hours in Eyjafjörður – Iceland’s longest fjord right below the Arctic Circle. For additional bonus and fun, try your luck at sea angling towards the end of the tour.

In the afternoon see the spectacular fjord landscapes while travelling to Siglufjörður, Iceland’s northernmost town, known as the herring capital of the North Atlantic. Siglufjörður is located on the mountainous Tröllaskagi Peninsula. On the way, we pass small fishing villages and stop at a deserted valley that even most Icelanders have not seen. Included is a visit to the Herring Era Museum in Siglufjörður, Iceland’s largest maritime museum and the only one in Iceland that won the European Museum Awards. We won’t miss the opportunity to taste the herring along with Brennivín, Icelandic schnapps.

Day 8 - Geological Wonders and Nature Baths

Today, explore Goðafoss, the waterfall of the Gods, and continue to Lake Mývatn, known for its abundant bird life and amazing volcanic lava landscapes. See pseudo craters, walk in the mysterious lava field Dimmuborgir, see the tephra cone Hverfjall, explore the hot springs, fumaroles and bubbling mud pools of Námaskarð. You will travel to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, in the northern part of Vatnajökull National Park. The round-trip walk takes about 40-60 minutes.

Then continue east through the bare and sometimes deserted landscape with mountains all around and head through the uninhabited highlands to East Iceland. Explore the northernmost fjord on the East Fjord mountain range.

Day 9 - Eastfjords and Geothermal Bathing

It’s a day to admire the dramatic fjord landscape and its tiny fishing villages at the end of twisty roads in the East Fjords. Our first stop will be at Vök baths, a floating geothermal pool in Lake Urriðavatn where guests can soak in hot water within and surrounded by the lake. Later we visit Petra’s fascinating rock collection. A naturalist and a collector are two terms that have been used to describe Petra since she was a little girl. Petra collected for nearly 80 years this unique treasure of rocks, crystals, zeolites, quartz and more, all from the nearby area in the East Fjords. Finally, in the afternoon, we see Vatnajökull, Europe’s biggest glacier visible all over Southeast Iceland.

Day 10 - Vatnajökull National Park, Glaciers & Glacier Lagoon

Today we visit Vatnajökull National Park, which covers about 14% of Iceland, making it Europe’s 2nd largest national park in terms of area. We stop for a boat ride amongst the floating icebergs on the magnificent Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, considered one of the highlights on tour around Iceland.

Next, we walk along the black sands of the so-called Diamond beach. Afterwards, we explore the region of Skaftafell, which is nestled below Iceland’s highest mountain and the second biggest stratovolcano in Europe, the 2.110-meter high Hvannadalshnúkur. We walk close to one of the many glacial tongues in the area – a true photo moment. Finally, we cross a sandy desert before reaching our overnight location, Vík, the southernmost village in Iceland.

Day 11 - Vatnajökull National Park & The South Coast

Today you will travel along the South Coast of Iceland, between the sea, rugged mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls. Explore the black lava beach, Reynisfjara, and bird cliffs before stopping at the Skógafoss waterfall, another must-see location in South Iceland. The crashing water creates a mist that results in frequent and magical rainbows, just adding some more memorable experiences to the sheer beauty of this stunning scenery and place. Afterwards, reach Seljalandsfoss waterfall where you can follow a slick and wet trail and walk right behind it. Come prepared and bring a raincoat and good boots as you will get wet. New inclusion at Skógar folk museum is also included today.

Then visit the Lava & Volcano Exhibition Centre focused on geology and active volcanoes and watch a documentary film about volcanic eruptions in the past years in Iceland. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital.

Day 12 - Departure Day

Individual transfer by Flybus shuttle from your accommodation in Reykjavik to Keflavik airport. We suggest spending some time at the Blue Lagoon on your way out to the airport, ask us for advice.

Price per person twin share. You can also purchase an empty seat beside you. 20% discount for children 8-11 years of age if sharing room with parents. Triple rooms are actually double rooms with extra bed, ideal for 2 adults and 1 child. Available on request only. This tour is not recommended for children under 8. It is not possible to upgrade rooms.

All departures are guaranteed.

Important Information

It is not possible to upgrade rooms.

Itineraries may be subject to change at short notice during severe weather conditions and certain outdoor activities/day trips may be cancelled during the winter season in Iceland. In these rare cases, where situations of force majeure apply, excursions/activities cannot be refunded, but the local guides will try their best to find reasonable alternatives where and whenever possible.

NOTE: Accommodations are subject to change.

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HIDDEN ICELAND

Come & Find the Best of Iceland

PRIVATE GRAND CIRCLE TOUR | 8+ DAY RING ROAD

The private grand circle, ring road tour takes you around the entire island stopping at all the most celebrated sights that iceland has to offer, while taking in breathtaking scenery. this customisable trip can easily be extended or amended to match your number of days and desires. join our grand circle tour for the ultimate ring road trip, iceland’s unbroken ring road was only completed in the 1960s, finally giving the locals unencumbered access to the entire country. at over 800 miles, we can understand why it took so long. let’s explore it together., throughout this expansive itinerary we will visit the popular golden circle with its erupting geysers , thunderous waterfalls and scarred tectonic boundaries . we will travel the entire south coast making sure to stop at the vatnajökull national park  where there are countless glacier, icebergs and black sand beaches . in the eastfjords we will wizz around the winding roads with towering mountains on one side and dramatic coastal cliffs on the other. as we travel north we will visit iceland’s largest and most stunning waterfalls and take in the geothermally active sites of mývatn . in the north and west we’ll get a glimpse of rural life and ever changing landscapes before finishing in the south west with the blue lagoon , recently active volcanoes . to achieve iceland’s ring road is to really feel like you’ve ‘seen it all’..

PRIVATE GRAND CIRCLE TOUR | 8 + DAY RING ROAD

Tour summary, arrival & reykjavík |  take it easy on your arrival day and settle into the icelandic time, day 1 | golden circle with friðheimar tomato greenhouse lunch, day 2 | travel the entire south coast of iceland with black sand beaches and towering waterfalls, day 3 | explore jökulsárlón glacier lagoon aand diamond beach, then go off the beaten path through the eastfjords, day 4 | visit the mývatn geothermal area and dettifoss waterfall, day 5 | navigate the arctic coast way to west iceland, day 6 | traverse the snæfellsnes peninsula with its dramatic coastal views, day 7 | inland to the west of iceland and hvammsvík hot pool, day 8 | enjoy the reykjanes peninsula with its lava tunnel or volcano viewpoint and end at blue lagoon, departure day | all good things must come to an end, today is your departure day, please note: the proposed itinerary is 8 days in total. many days can be added to this itinerary with ease. arrival day, departure day and additional days are not part of the proposed itinerary but will be planned by our travel experts for you in your first quote. we also recommend having at least one full day in reykjavík before or after your tour. .

Day 1 | The Golden Circle

Today you’ll be picked up after breakfast by our guide to start the journey around iceland. on this first day we’ll see all of the most popular sights of the golden circle area, with some unique twists to make the first day even more special. we head first to þingvellir national park & unesco heritage site to see the effects of constant tectonic movement in the midst of an area which is as rich in history as it is beautiful. from there we’ll go to friðheimar for an all inclusive lunch at this one of a kind restaurant. tomato ice cream, anyone next up is the erupting geyser, strokkur and its neighbour, the one and only geysir , along with the impressive gullfoss waterfall. then we start heading towards our south coast accommodation., where do we stay we love staying at hotel vos , skálakot manor hotel & hotel umi ..

Day 2 | South Coast Highlights

Today we drive along the entire south coast with its many beaches and waterfalls. we walk behind seljalandsfoss waterfall and try to get as close to skógafoss waterfall as possible before admiring the basalt columns and taking a walk on the black sand beach of reynisfjara . here we can have lunch before continuing our drive through the seaside town of vík. we go past the vast eldhraun lava field and hike along the edges of fjaðrárgljúfur gorge. as we reach vatnajökull national park the landscape starts to change dramatically due to the effect of europe’s largest glacier and volcano. a s we come into skaftafell nature reserve we will stop at one of the numerous outlet glaciers here for views over these icy giants. , option 1 |  the  icelandic lava show i n the town of  vík  where the locals will share tales of past eruptions before pouring  re-melted lava  over ice just metres from your face. a great family friendly experience on a cold day., option 2 |  take a  horse ride  on the famous  icelandic horse  with its smooth 5th gait. these docile animals are as friendly as they are fast. this is a great way to see iceland’s hidden landscape off the beaten path., option 3 | go for an exhilarating  atv tour  through rivers and remote wilderness., where do we stay there are many lovely accommodation options in the southeast, such as fosshotel glacier lagoon ..

Day 3 | Vatnajökull National Park & Eastfjords

Today is all about the ice we start the day at one of our favorite locations in iceland at jökulsárlón glacier lagoon where we witness the giant icebergs floating in the 8 km long lagoon. if you’re lucky, you’ll be greeted by one of the friendly and curious seals that live in the lagoon. afterwards we pop over to the diamond beach where the smaller broken icebergs wash up on shore., from here we drive through the eastfjords, and what a drive that is often hailed as the best views in iceland, the winding roads, towering mountains, steep cliffs and dramatic coast lines will certainly have you believing it. as you head north through the eastfjords , you’ll want to stop every 5 minutes with breathtaking views at every turn. don’t worry, your guide knows the best places to stop today., where do we stay in egilsstaðir you can stay at the lake hotel , icelandair hotel hérað or 1001 nótt to name a few..

Day 4 | Mývatn, Dettifoss & Optional Stuðlagil Canyon Hike

Heading into the north of iceland we drive through a desert like landscape. really quite different from what we have seen so far. but this apparent barren tundra is secretly bursting with life and activity. in the afternoon, we continue into the mystical landscape around lake mývatn making sure to stop at iceland’s most powerful waterfall, dettifoss . there, we explore the mars like landscape by námaskarð and hverir , with their steaming fumaroles and bubbling mud pits. we’ll then peek into grjótagjá cave, made famous by game of thrones., what better way to end the day but at the recently opened forest lagoon , right on the towns edge with stunning views over eyjafjörður fjord., where do we stay we stay in the city centre of akureyri.

Day 5 | North Iceland

It’s time to depart the north and head west. this will be the longest driving day of the trip but don’t worry, you’ll have some great scenic views as we drive through rural iceland, passing through the small farming towns of northwest iceland while driving through the arctic coastway. we will stop by glaumbær farm where we can walk through and see the restored old turf houses and farms and get a sense of life in early times in iceland. before coming into our accommodation in the fishing village of stykkishólmur, located by breiðafjörður bay., where do we stay tonight we spend the night in the charming fishing village of stykkishólmur at hotel egilsen , or we can bypass stykkishólmur and head to hótel búðir..

Day 6 | The Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Today we explore snæfellsnes , a little miniature of iceland where you’ll see fjords, mountains, volcanoes, endless lava fields, glaciers, and dramatic coastal cliffs, all in one amazing peninsula. from stykkishólmur we make our headway around the peninsula made famous by jules verne and head to kirkjufell mountain, another game of thrones location known as arrow mountain, although in icelandic the name stands for church mountain. we explore the lava formations and black pebble beach of djúpalónssandur , no less impressive than the south coast shores. as we continue to go around snæfellsjökull glacier we head to the stunning lóndrangar basalt spires and the small village of arnarstapi , which is surrounded by impressive sea cliffs plummeting into the ocean and boasting its own guardian giant. we’ll make a quick photo stop by búðakirkja black church before heading to our accommodation for the night. , optional activities, from snæfellsnes peninsula we can join a whale watching tour out to breiðafjörður bay for the chance to see humpbacks, minke whale, pilot whales. to name a few, where do we stay stay a second night in the same hotel as the night before..

Day 7 | West Iceland & Hvammsvík Hot Pool

The lush countryside inland from breiðafjörður bay is famous for its beautiful waterfalls barnafoss and hraunfoss, and equally known for being the home to snorri sturluson who wrote the edda prone. there are many options for walks and hikes in this area through the lowland forested areas. by the end of the day, what better way but to end it at the newly opened hvammsvík hot springs, where the lagoons water levels move with the tide of the atlantic ocean., we’ll go to the newly opened hvammsvík hot pools, where do we stay, we come back to reykjavík after exploring west iceland today and stay in one of the hotels in the city.

Day 8 | Lava Tunnel, Volcanic Eruption Viewpoint & Blue Lagoon

The reykjanes peninsula and lava tunnel tour is all about the tectonic effects on the island. we spend the day visiting the  unesco global geopark of reykjanes peninsula  which is home to some incredible sights., we start with a visit to  raufarhólshellir , or more widely known as the  lava tunnel. this is one of the longest lava tubes in iceland. here we will explore the depths of this colourful lava tunnel. you will witness the inner workings of a volcanic eruption from 5200 years ago., afterwards, we will take part in a moderate hike to the newest lava field on the planet at the dormant volcano,  geldingadalur . we will walk around the lava field learning all about the eruption that started on the 19th of march 2021. there is  no hot lava on the surface these days but the dramatic landscape is still well worth the visit. on a clear day it’s possible to hike to the top of the nearby hill for a view of the volcanic crater . please note, although the volcano has stopped erupting it is not always possible or safe to visit the site. on these days we would add in other great spots on the reykjanes peninsula before finishing the day at the  blue lagoon ., where do we stay your guide will drop you off either at the luxurious silica by blue lagoon hotel. or, if you have a spare additional night you can opt for the 5 star retreat by blue lagoon (2 night minimum) for a unique treat to wrap up your stay in iceland. both these hotels give you access to their own secluded pools as well as access to the blue lagoon itself. if you are on a budget you can always opt to stay at the nearby northern lights inn once you’ve finished bathing in the lagoon. alternatively, we can head back to reykjavík ..

General Information

Inclusions all hotel choices are modern, spacious and comfortable with private bathrooms, and include breakfast. lunch at friðheimar tomato greenhouse (all inclusive except from alcoholic drinks) and entrance to the secret lagoon geothermal pool. general departure whale watching. entry to glaumbær farm. glacier hike with all safety gear (if chosen). entry to the lava tunnel. private transportation in a modern and comfortable vehicle and one of our wonderful english speaking  guides  for the duration of the 9 days., exclusions flights to and from iceland, meals unless otherwise specified. reykjavík based activities and accommodation., extensions / add-ons we can include reykjavík based accommodation and activities upon request it can easily be extended to 10 or more days with ease additional or replacement activities can be requested (see form below).

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Please try to give us as much information in your submission as you can. we respond to all tour requests within 7 days, but please reach out to us if your request is urgent, or you want to provide more info..

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The Dali was just starting a 27-day voyage.

The ship had spent two days in Baltimore’s port before setting off.

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By Claire Moses and Jenny Gross

• Published March 26, 2024 Updated March 27, 2024

The Dali was less than 30 minutes into its planned 27-day journey when the ship ran into the Francis Scott Key Bridge on Tuesday.

The ship, which was sailing under the Singaporean flag, was on its way to Sri Lanka and was supposed to arrive there on April 22, according to VesselFinder, a ship tracking website.

The Dali, which is nearly 1,000 feet long, left the Baltimore port around 1 a.m. Eastern on Tuesday. The ship had two pilots onboard, according to a statement by its owners, Grace Ocean Investment. There were 22 crew members on board, the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore said in a statement. There were no reports of any injuries, Grace Ocean said.

Before heading off on its voyage, the Dali had returned to the United States from Panama on March 19, harboring in New York. It then arrived on Saturday in Baltimore, where it spent two days in the port.

Maersk, the shipping giant, said in a statement on Tuesday that it had chartered the vessel, which was carrying Maersk cargo. No Maersk crew and personnel were onboard, the statement said, adding that the company was monitoring the investigations being carried out by the authorities and by Synergy Group, the company that was operating the vessel.

“We are horrified by what has happened in Baltimore, and our thoughts are with all of those affected,” the Maersk statement said.

The Dali was built in 2015 by the South Korea-based Hyundai Heavy Industries. The following year, the ship was involved in a minor incident when it hit a stone wall at the port of Antwerp . The Dali sustained damage at the time, but no one was injured.

Claire Moses is a reporter for the Express desk in London. More about Claire Moses

Jenny Gross is a reporter for The Times in London covering breaking news and other topics. More about Jenny Gross