Iceland Living Geology

Today you explore the nearby Reykjanes peninsula. From Reykjavík, it’s an easy drive to the Reykjanes Lighthouse and cross the Bridge Between Continents.

Reykjanes is also home to a series of eruption sites caused by the Fagradalsfjall volcanic system. If you’re up for it and the weather allows, you can take on the hike to go see the fresh lava fields up close. 

That said, we recommend booking a guided tour for safety reasons. The trail is around 7 km (4 mi) each way, so around 4 hours of walking in total. You’ll need to be in good shape to be able to do it and wear the appropriate footwear and clothes.

After your hike, drive on to Hveragerði for your overnight stay.

Today you have the option to start with a visit to the Lava Tunnel. Then dive into the highlights of the Golden Circle, a famous route full of stunning natural attractions. Wander around Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the geological wonders of the world. Here you can see the effects of the tectonic plate movements, which have opened various cracks and fissures in the Earth’s crust.

Continue on to the famous Geysir area where you can witness the impressive Strokkur hot spring erupting every 5-10 minutes. You’ll also find several other smaller springs boiling and bubbling nearby. Last but not least, pass by one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls, Gullfoss.

Take on the unforgettable journey to Landmannalaugar in the highlands. To reach the colorful rhyolite mountains, you will be crossing rivers and mountain passes. You’ll travel across lava fields and moon-like scenery for a true highlight of the Icelandic landscape.

Here you can walk between colorful mountains, admire black obsidian lava fields, and dip in hot springs by wild rivers. It is an ideal location for hiking and you’ll get comprehensive information about all the hiking tracks from the mountain hut.

Later, continue your journey over lava fields along the highland road to Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

You have another day of delving into the volcanic wonders of Iceland. Start by exploring Laki, or Lakagígar. It is a volcanic fissure of 27 km (16 mi) created in 1783 and located in the western part of the Vatnajökull National Park.

Then continue on to Fjaðrárgljúfur, an impressive canyon that shows off the grandeur of Iceland. It is believed to have been formed at the end of the last Ice Age, around 9,000 years ago.

Travel to one of the most popular and beautiful sights of Iceland, Skaftafell. This breathtaking area is located at the foot of the Vatnajökull glacier. So you know you’re in for a stunning backdrop.

You have so many choices of activities today. Follow some of the hiking trails, capture the beautiful Svartifoss waterfall, or you could book a guided glacier walk for a memorable excursion. Then comes another spectacular sight, the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Enormous icebergs are constantly breaking off the glacier and bobbing their way across the lagoon out to sea.

Later, follow the south coast all the way to the village of Vík í Mýrdal. A walk onto the nearby black sand beach is a must! Continue along the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers to Skógar, where we recommend stopping by its waterfall and folk museum.

Today you get to experience one of Iceland’s best-kept secrets, the volcano island of Heimaey in the Westman Islands archipelago. On your way to the ferry crossing, you can stop by Seljalandsfoss. This famous waterfall is where you can walk behind the water curtain for an iconic view and photo opportunity.

Then you’ll journey to Heimaey, a gem of an island. Learn about its history and the volcano eruption of 1973. Hike to the top of Mount Eldfell, discover the elephant rock formation, and sail around the islands. You may even catch sight of whales, seals, and puffins.

In the afternoon, you’ll take a ferry to the mainland and drive back to Reykjavík.

Your journey to fabulous Iceland is coming to an end today. Drive back to Keflavík Airport to return your vehicle and catch your flight home. Depending on your flight time, you may be able to squeeze in a few last activities in Reykjavík, for a final taste of what this colorful capital city has to offer.