SOUTH COAST

Follow the North Atlantic coastline from Reykjavík into the volcanic and glacier covered wonderland that is Iceland's South Coast.

The tour starts with a drive through lava fields, right by the actively volcanic Hengill mountain and then down to the rich coastline farmland. On clear days you will see Hekla Volcano and in the distance the glacier-capped Eyjafjallajökull Volcano will rise majestically above the coastal mountains at its base. Just a few kilometres off the coastline and easily visible are the volcanic Westman Islands, an archipelago of around 15 small islands, one of which is inhabited.

We stop by the powerful Skógafoss Waterfall where a short walk up a flight of steps will reveal one of Iceland's most scenic views that includes glaciers, volcanoes and black sandy beaches. Single or double rainbows are obten on display when it is sunny.

We then stop at the 60-metre high Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, famous for the hidden pathway behind and around it. Feel the spray on your face as you venture behind it.

ÞÓRSMÖRK NATURE RESERVE

Þórsmörk valley was named after the Norse god Thor. It‘s situated in the south of Iceland, between the glaciers Tindafjallajokull, Myrdalsjokull and Eyjafjallajokull. Þórsmörk is one of the most popular hiking areas in Iceland.

Þórsmörk is famous for having a great variety of natural features. It has been protected since 1921, in the care of the Forestry Service. Weather in Þórsmörk is often warmer than nearby, since it is protected by the three glaciers surrounding it. In the protected valley there is green vegetation of moss, fern and birch wood.

Locals, however, often use the name ‘Þórsmörk’ when referring to a much larger region that is composed of the area between Þórsmörk proper, and the Eyjafjallajökull glacier volcano, the peak that notoriously erupted in 2010 and caused widespread disruption to air traffic in Europe.

The valley's climate is warmer and calmer than usual in south Iceland, which often causes Þórsmörk's mountains to be cloaked in a veil of mist that materialises when the warm valley air ascends and mixes with the descending cold breath of the glaciers above. This is due to the colossal peaks that both surround and shelter it.

In spite of being warmer, Þórsmörk is also wetter than the rest of the country. This, however, only brightens the vegetation, giving the area a lush, emerald hue.

BORGARFJÖRÐUR

Get a glimpse of the highlands and immerse yourself in an area full of Nordic mythology, folklore and history.

Drive next to highly scenic and varied volcanic active mountains, and approach the highest flowing hot spring in Europe called Deildartunguhver. Get a glimpse of the ‘Ok’ glacier

We will drive under the Hvalfjörður Tunnel that reaches a depth of 165 meters (541 ft) below sea level to then stop shortly by the town Borgarnes, Hvanneyri and Reykholt.

These towns have inspired authors such as J.R.R Tolkien and G.R. Martin, and composer Richard Wagner.

A bay full of rivers and waterfalls.

REYKJANES PENINSULA

The Reykjanes Peninsula runs along the Mid-Atlantic Rift, where the Eurasian and the North American tectonic plates are drifting apart. Due to this geological setting, the whole peninsula is extremely volcanically active, covered with lava fields, and eruptions and earthquakes are very common here.

During the Middle Ages, many eruptions occurred in Reykjanes, last one happened in year 2021.

Reykjanes is hammered by some of the most breath-taking breaker waves in the world. A short drive from Krýsuvík is Selvogur, where one can witness mighty waves shattering against the rocks. These waves can reach up to 30 meters (nearly one hundred feet).

Because of this, coastal erosion is constantly ongoing at Reykjanes, and if it were not for the eruptions, it would either be much narrower or simply lost to the seas.

LANDMANNALAUGAR

Landmannalaugar is a truly rare area, both geologically and aesthetically. The dramatic region can be found nestled beside the raven-black Laugahraun lava field, a sweeping expanse of dried magma which originally formed in an eruption in 1477.

Landmannalaugar itself is made up of windswept rhyolite mountains, a rock type that creates a full spectrum of dazzling colour. Shades of red, pink, green, blue and golden yellow make for an ethereal location.

Landmannalaugar was historically best known for its natural geothermal baths, hence its name the People's Pools. For centuries, it served as an area of shelter and respite for weary travellers who use these soothing springs as a means to relax after tiring excursions.

The most popular road leading to Landmannalaugar, Sigölduleið, has such springs, and takes you past multiple stunning natural features, including Bláhylur lake, a magnificent body of water nestled in a dormant volcanic crater.