ULTIMATE ICELAND 6 DAY TOUR

DAY 1: 

Geothermal power station Hellisheiði 

Day one of the amazing tour takes you 25 km east, from the center of Reykjavik to Mount Hengill, which is situated on an active volcanic mountain range. Here you will explore the largest power station not just in Iceland, but in the whole world, run completely on geothermal energy. Using flash streaming in its 50 wells (some reaching the depth of 2 km) it pumps out pressurized water at 300 degrees,which is transformed into 303 MW of electricity and provides the capital city with its hot water system. Check out the massive turbine hall that roars and see the surrounding area on one of the hiking trails covered in moss. Don’t be worried about the billowing “white smoke,” nothing’s burning, it’s 99.63% pure (H2O) steam!

Hveradalir geothermal area

For the photography lovers, we travel to Hveradalir, which is on another geothermal playground. This terrain will make you feel like you are on another planet plus you’ll find out why they called this place the land of fire and ice. The stunning rock formations, icy caps, and micro & macro nature will leave you speechless. Word of warning: to access some of the area, you might have to drive on unpaved and bumpy roads, and may have to cross the occasional river.

The Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel

After lunch, if you are up for another adventure, then you’re in luck. Right near Reykjavik, we will take you down the underground lava tunnel, Raufarhólshellir which would make a great addition to your Urbex tour bucket list. Formed by many volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago, the 1.36 km long lava tube is one of the longest and largest in Iceland. It is up to 10 m tall, and 10-30 m wide, stretching beneath a lava field. Parts of the cave ceiling have collapsed, which means you have to take care exploring. The unique lava formations in the tunnel add to its magic and there is plenty to see. At the end of Raufarhólshellir the tunnel branches into three smaller tunnels where magnificent lava falls and formations are clearly visible.

A Northern Lights hunt

In the evening, before some dinner, we are going on a hunt like no other. We are going to explore the night’s sky for a glimpse of the famous Aurora Borealis, aka The Northern Lights. This natural light display is certainly a treat on the tour, let’s hope the weather is kind. After the hunt, we head back to Reykjavik for the hotel and a good night’s rest.

DAY 2: 

The Golden Circle (Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall)

No visit to Iceland would be complete without the famous Golden Circle tour. Starting in Reykjavik after a full breakfast, this epic tour loops an almost 300 km round trip to three main locations in the south west of Iceland. First stop is the Thingvellir National Park, famed for its historical and political connections to Iceland’s independence, and also its geographical location on the Mid-Atlantic rift, which lets you “cross” over the North American and Eurasia tectonic plates. You can also trek down gorges, visit Iceland’s largest lake, witness stunning cliffs & rivers, and step through the black volcanic valleys.

Next amazing site is the great Geysir, which is found in the Haukadalur valley. It’s the original geyser, which is basically a very random spouting hot spring in a geothermal paradise that shoots boiling water 70 meters into the air. If it’s not exploding that often for you, there are other smaller geysers dotted around which are more predictable for that Insta shot. Definitely worth seeing. 

Now for the reason the tour is called “golden,” the third major stop is the Gullfoss waterfall (or Golden Falls), which is one of the most popular places to see in Iceland. Found half way along the Hvítá (white) river, which is considered to be the most dangerous river in Iceland that flows 40 km to reach the famous narrow gorge of Gullfoss waterfall and then makes the drop of 32 meters in a multistep cascade.

Fontana Spa

After some lunch, we head to another unique offering famous in Iceland, the Fontana Spa. This geothermal spa sits on Lake Laugarvatn which is heated by a volcanic bed. But this place is more than a relaxing spa – It’s got pools, saunas (natural one with floor vents, or a hotter Finnish-style one), hot tubs, and an awesome natural bakery where you can buy or cook bread and cake from the volcanic heat. Be sure to bring some toppings! We then head to the town of Selfoss where our hotel is located. Here you can dare yourself to an ice bath, or a hot tub. Of course a delicious dinner and a good night sleep is also available.

DAY 3: 

Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls 

Once the breakfast buffet has been emptied and your stomachs have been filled, we stay down on the South coast of Iceland for more exploring. First stop is the Skógafoss waterfall, which is one of Iceland’s biggest at an incredible 60 meters (about the size of a 20 story building). As you explore the area, the scenery reminds you of Games of Thrones (yes, it was filmed here!), you’ll be able to see the North Atlantic Ocean. If you thought that sounds incredible, then you’re going to love the next waterfall at Seljalandsfoss. Around the same height as Skógafoss, it gives you the perfect photo opportunity as you can actually walk behind this waterfall accessing a small cave. Lots of celebs, including Justin Bieber and Björk have used this place as film locations.

Skógar Museum 

Next on day 3 is a little time-traveling, where we’ll visit the Iceland of the past at the Skógar Museum. This charming Tolkienesque museum is divided into three fantastic parts – Folk Museum, Open Air Museum, and Technical Museum – each giving you a glimpse of life reaching back to the Viking days.

Reynisfjara Beach and the Dyrholaey Peninsula 

The black sand of Reynisfjara beach was once voted in the top 10 beaches in the world, and straight after lunch that’s exactly where we are headed. Made from volcanic ash and dark rocks it is ready a sight to behold. The wild and rough ocean of the North Atlantic rushing up to the sand on one side, and the basalt rock formations on the cliff face on the other. Legend says that one night Trolls sat there pulling the helpless ships to shore, but turned to stone once first light broke over the horizon. As well as being another location for the Games of Thrones series, there is also a great chance of seeing the beautiful wildlife too. Also, in the area is the Dyrholaey Peninsula, which stands 120 meters tall. This natural peninsula features a grand promenade out to sea, a historic lighthouse, more amazing wildlife (Puffins!), and a rock arch that is sure to have you gazing for hours. 

A couple hours drive later and we reach the town of Skaftafell, where the hotel, a yummy dinner and the fabulous views await.

 DAY 4: 

Glacier hike and the Crystal Ice Cave

The town of Skaftafell is located in the Southern Territory of the Vatnajökull National Park. Here we will lace up some hiking boots and head into the all year winter wonderland known as Europe’s largest glacier outside of the arctic. Fun fact: as there are buried volcanoes underneath and liquid water stored under the thick ice, it would take one of the largest rivers, Ölfusá, over 200 years to carry the water out to sea. Another epic Urbex takeaway from this hike is the Vatnajökull ice cave. The sapphire blue ice in and around the cave is picked as one of Iceland’s natural wonders, which is why they call it the “Crystal Ice Cave”. You might also hear the name “Anaconda Ice Cave”, but don’t worry, it’s for the winding long tunnels, and not the snakes. 

Jökulsárlón lake and Diamond Beach  

After lunch, we enter the film set of James Bond, Lara Croft, and Batman with a trip to Jökulsárlón lake, known literally as the ‘Glacier River Lagoon.’ This ever growing lake is the deepest in Iceland and was formed from the surrounding melting glaciers, and the mix of the saltwater of the Atlantic Ocean and the freshwater from the bergs, give off a fantastic color. While we check out this ghostly location, we can also find the infamous Diamond Beach, where the black ash sand and the scattered ice chunks give off the shimmering effect of a field of diamonds. We end day 4 back at the Skaftafell hotel for a warm dinner and some much needed rest.

 DAY 5: 

Skaftafell national park  

With breakfast out of the way, we venture into Skaftafell National Park, which was once a major sheep farm, that has been protected since 1967. Since the sheep had left in 1988, we can find adventure hikes, a variety of wildlife, including birds and Arctic mammals, and flowers, and a diverse array of landscapes. 

Lava show in Vík 

Experience the recreation of an actual volcanic eruption with the Lava Show in the town of Vík. Get up close and personal with molten lava, as it gets poured over ice right in front of your eyes. This once in a lifetime opportunity is the only lava show in the world, where you can feel the actual heat and hear the sizzling sounds. Once the hot show is over we head to Hotel Vík for an evening of brews, views, and Icelandic cuisine with a twist. 

DAY 6: 

Reykjavík city sightseeing – (Hallgrímskirkja Church with the city view, etc),

We take a morning drive back to the capital, Reykjavik for a day of city exploring. We will climb the 70 plus meters to the observation tower of the Hallgrímskirkja Church in the center of town. Being one of the tallest man-made structures in Iceland, it’s sure going to give you an excellent vantage point of the city. After trekking through the streets of Reykjavik, we might have time for some good old fashioned, Viking inspired axe-throwing at the Berserkir axarkast. Not so strange, there are rules on mixing alcohol and axe-throwing that apply. Plus, unfortunately you can’t bring photos of your targets. Shame… lunch anyone?

Blue Lagoon

The famous Blue Lagoon has been a “hot” spot for Icelandic tourism ever since a neighboring geothermal plant accidentally drilled down and found this superheated underground water source. This 6 day Iceland tour goes full circle from the morning of the first day at a geothermal station to the evening of the last at this natural spring. Bathe in the mysterious blue waters and feel the heating properties working on your body, or just relax in water with a drink in your hand. Find out why this location is on the top of everyone’s list when visiting Iceland. Time to head back to the hotel for the last supper on the tour and an evening of chats and drinks to wash it down.

We reserve the right to alter routes, itineraries or timetables should the necessity arise, including irregularities due to adverse weather or road conditions. No responsibility is taken for losses or expenses due to delay or changes of flights, injury, damaged, negligence, weather, war or other unforeseeable causes.

We advise all clients to have travel insurance.