South Iceland & the Westman Islands

Reykjavik

Day 1: Welcome to Reykjavik

Spend your first day in Iceland in the capital city of Reykjavik, the world's northernmost capital. Explore the museums and galleries of the downtown area and enjoy the vibrant cultural and music scene. There are great shops and world-class restaurants to break up a spot of sightseeing.

Some optional extra tours in Reykjavik include a guided food walk and a whale-watching boat trip from the harbor.  

Seljalandsfoss - Skogafoss - Reynisfjara

Day 2: South coast highlights

Hit the Ring Road east along the scenic south coast, a stretch of road that is home to many of Iceland's most famous attractions. As you drive, you’ll take in stunning views of glaciers and volcanoes across this mesmerizing landscape.

Seljalandsfoss is a unique waterfall with a path running around behind it that is worth exploring. Picture-perfect Skogafoss Waterfall is a favorite for photographers and filmmakers, while the black sand beach of Reynisfjara offers fantastic views of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks and the Dyrholaey cliff.

Skaftafell - Jokulsarlon - Fjadrargljufur

Day 3: The mighty Vatnajokull glacier

The landscape of Southeast Iceland is dominated by Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier. Nestled between its glacier tongues is the beautiful Skaftafell Nature Reserve, offering a variety of sights and hiking routes.

Jokulsarlon is the most famous glacier lagoon in Iceland, dotted with icebergs that flow out to sea and are then washed up on the glittering 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 - Solheimasandur - Hveragerdi

Day 4: The road back west

Today, you'll drive back west along the South Coast. Along the way, you have the option to stop anywhere you missed before or at some of the lesser-visited gems.

Consider visiting the beautiful Thakgil Valley and the Solheimasandur black sand beach. You could choose a hiking route, opt for an activity or visit some of the museums along the route.

Storhofdi - Eldfell - Stafkirkjan

Day 5: The Westman Islands

Today, take the ferry to Heimaey, the largest and only inhabited island in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago, or The Westman Islands.

This is an off-the-beaten-path gem featuring colorful lava landscapes, Iceland's largest puffin colony and some fantastic short hikes. The Eldfell Volcano erupted here in 1973 and is one of the youngest volcanoes in Iceland. The Eldheimar Museum tells the story of the eruption and features original houses that were buried under the lava.

Geysir - Gullfoss - Thingvellir P1

Day 6: The Golden Circle

Drive along the Ring Road to experience the remarkable Golden Circle. This is Iceland's most popular sightseeing route and is made up of a trio of incredible sights: Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss Waterfall. 

In addition to these most famous sights, there are several options for activities and visiting less-visited local gems, including the Kerid Crater Lake and the hot springs town of Hveragerdi.

Kleifarvatn - Gunnuhver - Reykjanesta

Day 7: The Bridge Between Continents

Located between Keflavik International Airport and Reykjavik, the moon-like lava landscape of the Reykjanes Peninsula is a sight worth seeing. Except for the famous Blue Lagoon, the geological wonders of this region remain much less visited.

The mid-Atlantic Ridge cuts across the peninsula, making it one of the most volcanically active parts of Iceland, with colorful geothermal areas, a dramatic coastline and the Bridge Between Continents.

You'll finish your adventure here within easy reach of the airport for your homeward flight.