8-day hiking trip in southern Iceland
This 8-day self-drive tour of Iceland takes you on an adventure along the country's stunning South Coast. Along the way, you’ll visit famous natural wonders such as the Golden Circle and the striking black sand beaches of the Southeast.
On this customizable trip, you can enjoy hiking in the wilds of the Southern Highlands and gazing at vast glaciers and thundering waterfalls. Aside from hiking through some incredible landscapes, you can soak in thermal hot springs deep in the Icelandic hills to soothe tired muscles.
Contact our handpicked local experts to receive a bespoke itinerary for this self-drive exploration of southern Iceland.
Services
Included:
- 7 nights accommodation in 3-4-star hotels
- Daily breakfast
- car rental
- Activities & admission fees to sites as per the itinerary
- Maps for each day
- 24/7 dedicated tour consultant throughout your trip
Excluded:
- International flights
Optional:
- Speak to your local expert if there's an experience that you'd really love to include in your trip.
Itinerary at a Glance
Thingvellir - Geysir - Gullfoss
The Golden Circle
Haifoss - Landmannalaugar
Hiking the highlands
Seljalandsfoss - Skogafoss - Reynisfjara
Waterfalls & black sand beaches
Fjadrargljufur - Skaftafell - Jokilsarlon
Glacier Lagoon & icy trails
Thakgil - Dyrhólaey - Solheimasandur Plane Wreck
Hidden gems of the south
Thorsmork
Hiking the Thorsmork Valley
Reykjavik
Journey to Reykjavik
Kleifarvatn - Gunnuhver - Reykjanesta
Hiking the Reykjanes Peninsula
Detailed Itinerary
Thingvellir - Geysir - Gullfoss
Day 1: The Golden Circle
Your Southern Iceland adventure begins with a tour of the sights of the Golden Circle, just a short drive away from Reykjavik.
The Thingvellir National Park is a historically and geologically significant area in the rift valley between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Every 8-10 minutes, the Strokkur Geyser shoots a plume of water 30 meters up into the air, making it the highlight of the Geysir Geothermal Area. Finally, visit Gullfoss, one of Iceland's most impressive waterfalls.
Haifoss - Landmannalaugar
Day 2: Hiking the highlands
Today, take the scenic road to Landmannalaugar, known as ‘The Pearl of the Highlands’. Here you’ll find a variety of hiking trails winding around colorful rhyolite mountains and beautiful blue lakes.
Enjoy a stunning drive as well as a rewarding hike with geothermal hot springs to welcome you at the end. This really is a hiker's paradise and a unique and fascinating landscape to explore.
Seljalandsfoss - Skogafoss - Reynisfjara
Day 3: Waterfalls & black sand beaches
Iceland's scenic south coast is home to many of the country's most famous natural attractions. As you cruise along Highway One, you’ll take in stunning views of glaciers and volcanoes across this mesmerizing landscape. Make sure to stop off at the unique Seljalandsfoss Waterfall as well as the picture-perfect Skogafoss Waterfall.
Later in the day, you'll reach the southeastern coast and the striking black sand beaches of Reynisfjara, offering fantastic views of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks and the Dyrholaey cliff.
Fjadrargljufur - Skaftafell - Jokilsarlon
Day 4: Glacier Lagoon & icy trails
The landscape of Southeast Iceland is dominated by the mighty Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier. Nestled between its glacier tongues lies the beautiful Skaftafell Nature Reserve, a wonderful place for hiking. There are many different trails to follow, including a short and picturesque hike to Svartifoss Waterfall.
Later, visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. It is dotted with icebergs that make their way out to sea and wash up on the sparkling Diamond Beach. If you visit during the winter, you could try glacier hiking or visit an ice cave. In summer, boat trips across the Jokulsarlon Lagoon are a great option.
Thakgil - Dyrhólaey - Solheimasandur Plane Wreck
Day 5: Hidden gems of the south
Today you’ll drive back west along the South Coast, stopping at some lesser-visited gems along the way.
The Thakgil and Solheimasandur black sand beaches are particularly striking. At Solheimasandur you’ll find the remains of a historic plane wreck stranded on the beach. You’ll need to hike to this destination as it can’t be approached by car. You might also choose to visit some of the museums along the route.
Thorsmork
Day 6: Hiking the Thorsmork Valley
Named after the Thunder God, Thor, the breathtaking glacial valley of Thorsmork is one of Iceland's most popular hiking destinations.
Nestled between three glaciers and surrounded by rivers, the area is lush with birch forests, moss and shrubs. With an endless variety of hiking trails of different lengths and difficulty levels, there is something for everyone.
Reykjavik
Day 7: Journey to Reykjavik
Set your sights on Reykjavik, the world's northernmost capital, and spend the day exploring its charming downtown area.
Discover impressive landmarks and visit one of the many museums. There’s a vibrant cultural and music scene with great design shops and world-class restaurants. Some optional extra tours in Reykjavik include a guided food walk or a whale-watching tour from the harbour.
Kleifarvatn - Gunnuhver - Reykjanesta
Day 8: Hiking the Reykjanes Peninsula
Between Keflavik International Airport and Reykjavik, the moon-like lava landscape of the Reykjanes Peninsula offers a new view of the many wonders of Iceland.
The geological features of this region remain much less visited. Here you'll find the Mid-Atlantic Ridge cutting across the peninsula, making it one of the most volcanically active parts of Iceland. There are colorful geothermal areas, a dramatic coastline, bustling bird cliffs and the Bridge Between the Continents. You can even take a tour into an actual volcano.
