Iceland, the land of beautiful nature. Where you can four seasons in one day. One of the best road trip countries in the world. An expensive country, but luckily the nature is free to visit. An one week itinerary in the south of Iceland with all the possible stops and tips for accommodations.
Day 1
Keflavik | Reykjavik
After getting the car we immediately started driving to Reykjavik. In winter time there are only a few ours on a day, so we had a little time to discover the most northern capital. We decided to see the Hallgrimskikja and the Sun Voyager. And of course we needed some food. Reykjavik is the best place to start your roadtrip in Iceland in winter. You don’t have that much hours to drive directly to the Golden Circle.
Things to see in Reykjavik:
- Hallgrimskirkja
- Sun Voyager
- Harpa
- Some strolling in the main street
Accommodation:
Restaurant:
- Big Lebowski
- Cafe Laundromat
Day 2
Reykjavik | Skeidflotur | Vik
During winter time, the first light of sun will be around 9.00 or 9.30. But , with the distance from Reykjavik to Seljalandfoss on the program, we decided to drive as early as possible. The first stop of the day: The Seljalandfoss waterfall. Meanwhile it is raining, but there are a lot of people outside. There’s no such thing as bad weather, but bad clothes. We decided to see the waterfall, but didn’t walk behind the water.
Just a short distance from Seljalandfoss, there is another famous waterfall: Skogafoss. We decided to see the waterfall from above and climbed all the 300 steps to get there.
Another adventure for today: walking to the air plane wreck in the middle of nowhere. Somewhere on the road, we had the possibility to stop and walk to the air plane wreck. (I’ve heard, there are more facilities for parking at the moment and much more people) It’s a black and white surrounding around you, magical. We are lucky that there where only two people out there.
The best way to end your day: a beautiful sunset at the clips of Dyrholaey.
Day 3
Skeidflotur (Vik) | Jokulsarlon | Kalfafell
One of the most beautiful places on earth: the glacier lake Jokulsarlon. What a wonderful kind of experience. Every where ice and a black beach with more ice cubes. If you are lucky you can spot some seals. Definitely make some time to visit Jokulsarlon.
After spending to much time at the lake, we wanted to make a short walk in Skaftafell National Park. It’s about time for the sun to go down, so unfortunately a short glance of the glacier before heading to the hotel.
Things to see on day 3:
- Jokulsarlon
- Diamond Beach
- Skaftafell Glacier
Accommodation:
Restaurant:
- Fosshotel Napur, the best option in the area, also for breakfast.
Day 4
Kalfafell | Skaftafell NP | Fjadrarglufur Canyon | Skogar
Because of the lack of time, we decided to go back to Skaftafell NP to see the Svartifoss waterfall. The first day of sunlight during our trip and that’s way easier to start your day. It’s a short walk to the Svartifoss and because we were alone, a perfect start of the day.
The Fjadrarglufur Canyon; the Grand Canyon of Iceland. Officially offroad to get there, but also possible to walk the last part. What a beautiful canyon with the small sunlight, it is magical.
And after the first sunlight for the week, also the first snow. Luckily just on the road. The last stop of the day is Reynisdrangar Beach. One of the most beautiful beaches in the world, only not for swimming. The sand is black and the waves are pretty high.
Things to see on day 4:
- Svartifoss
- Fjadrarglufur
- Reynisdrangar
Accommodation:
Restaurant:
- Near the Skogar Waterfall
Day 5
Skogar | Gulfoss (Golden Circle)
Just before sunset we started to drive to Solheimajokull, the glacier near to Skogafoss. It’s raining a bit and there is no bright sun, but the glacier is wonderful. You can walk pretty close to the glacier.
Time to drive a part of the Golden Circle. We made some stops during the trip in Skalholt, the Geysir to end the day at the Gulfoss. Just because of the limited sun in wintertime, we booked a hotel near the Gulfoss.
Things to see on day 5:
- Solheimajokull
- Skalholt
- Geysir
- Gulfoss
Accommodation:
Restaurant:
- Gulfoss Hotel
Day 6
Gulfoss (Golden Circle) | Thingvellir | Gulfoss
On the snowy roads we entered Thingvellir National Park. An important place in Icelandic history. And a national park with lots of beautiful spots to visit. Just make the walk to Oxarafoss or drive around to see Sifra where you can dive.
After Thingvellir we drove back to the Gulfoss to see the waterfall by light. There is still a lot of snow and some rain.
Things to see on day 6:
- Thingvellir National Park
- Gulfoss
Accommodation:
Restaurant:
- The tourist spots near the Geysir
Day 7
Gulfoss | Kerid Crater | Blue Lagoon | Keflavik
Almost time to go home, but not before we made it to the famous Blue Lagoon. But first things first on the way to Keflavik, the Kerid Crater. A volcano crater just near the road. Just make a short walk around the crater en walk towards the water.
Another stop on the way to the Blue Lagoon is Krisuvik; hot springs with a very welcome fragrance.
Finally time for our time slot at the Blue Lagoon. A very expensive experience, but worth to try it once in your life.
The last day before flying back to the Netherlands. An once of a lifetime road trip you have to make one day.
Things to see on day 7:
- Kerid Crater
- Krisuvik
- Blue Lagoon
Accommodation:
Restaurant:
- Pappa’s Pizza Grindvik
