Iceland
“Iceland—tailor-made travel plan” is a 15-day trip around the island. Our route includes both the most popular attractions and those visited only by the most motivated tourists or locals.
I wrote the travel plan based on Polish guides, Icelandic travel agencies and numerous travel blogs. We found a few places by accident, some of which we only found on the spot.
Iceland – initial travel plan and last-minute changes
A trip to Iceland occurred in August 2020, during a global pandemic. Everything was already scheduled at the beginning of the year: air tickets, hotels and car renting. Back then, there was no sign that there would be a global “lockdown”, closed borders, cancelled flights and cancelled hotel reservations. All plans of my “carefully” prepared travel had to be revised several times. I changed the dates and places of departure, airlines, travel routes, and reservations. Until the last minute, it was unknown whether this trip would happen, whether the borders would be open, or whether there would be a need to stay in quarantine on-site.
A few days before departure, after buying air tickets for the third time (both previous flights were cancelled), Iceland introduced new border rules. The country has lifted the quarantine obligation for those who will voluntarily take a coronavirus-paid test on arrival.
Ultimately, we decided to go through the coronavirus tests at the airport. We hoped that in Iceland, there would be no crowds of tourists or queues to popular tourist attractions. We were hoping to travel in silence and be able to keep a social distance—so much these days recommended by WHO.
Our assumptions turned out to be true—there were almost no tourists in Iceland this year. We got a chance to see this beautiful country without rushing and without people around. We had the opportunity to spend this time surrounded by natural wonders, breathtaking views, and animals.
Iceland tailor-made travel plan (15 days, 14 nights)
Arrival, coronavirus tests and car rental
We arrived in Iceland in the afternoon. At the airport, we had to undergo COVID-19 tests. We waited in the queue for about one hour. There were 10 stations where doctors collected samples from all passengers. My doctor was from Poland, and he promised to run the examination smoothly and painlessly. I appreciated his efforts.
The company where we rented the car was already waiting for us in the arrival hall. We went with them to Keflavik, where several companies had car rental offices. After signing the agreement, we picked up our car, loaded suitcases into the trunk, and went to the hotel. We stayed in Keflavik that day, waiting for the COVID-19 test results.
Still, before sunset, we had time to walk around the small fishing port and along the coast.
Accommodation: Hotel Duus by Keflavik Airport, Keflavik
Reykjanes Peninsula
Keflavik, troll’s cave, Stekkjarkot, Viking World museum, Reykjanesta lighthouse, Valahnúkamöl cliffs, Gardur
⇒Route: Keflavik – Reykjanesta – Gardur
The day greeted us with thick fog and rain. In the morning, we received information via SMS about the negative results of our coronavirus tests. The virus had not been found, so we could start our journey.
We started our tour by visiting the troll’s cave—Skessa, who lives on the other side of the small port, near the Duus Hotel. Then we went to the place where the charming Stekkjarkot cottage-type houses stand. They were built between 1855 and 1924, and their roofs are covered with turf.
The Viking World Museum is nearby, and we spent almost three hours there. The main attraction is a 1:1 scale replica of the Viking ship Islendingur.
In the afternoon, we went to see the Reykjanesta lighthouse and the wonderful cliffs nearby – Valahnúkamöl cliffs.
On the way back, we stopped at the point where two tectonic plates meet: the Eurasian and North American plates. The canyon, which marks this place, is marked by an 18-meter bridge, where, of course, you need to take a commemorative photo.
At the end of the day, we went to Gardur, where on the Gardskaga headland, there were two lighthouses and a few fishing boat wrecks.
Accommodation: Lighthouse-Inn Hotel, Gardur
Blue Lagoon, Geothermal area Krýsuvík, Reykjavik
⇒Route: Gardur – Reykjavik
That day began again with showers of rain, cold gusts of wind, and dense fog. We were going from Gardur to Reykjavik, but on the way, we would visit some interesting places.
We started with a visit to the Blue Lagoon, but we only saw the part that was not commercial. Our initial plans to rest at the Blue Lagoon SPA were forced to cancel due to the constant wind, cold and rain that did not encourage swimming that day.
Then, we went to see the cliffs by the ocean – Krysuvikurberg Cliffs.
We were going to Reykjavik by Route 42, which is very picturesque and forced us to stop at every parking lot by the road. In my opinion, riding on this road is an attraction in itself ♥!
We also stopped by the geothermal field—Geothermal area Krýsuvík. At this point, for the first time, I was enjoying the rain. Thanks to rain, the omnipresent smell of sulfur (“rotten eggs”) was not so intense—and so, by covering the nose tightly, it was possible to breathe.
Reykjavik
In the afternoon, we arrived in Reykjavik and walked around the city. It was still raining, so we tried to do this tour as quickly as possible. On the way, we visited Hallgrimskirkja church, walked along Laugavegur Street, which is popular among tourists, and went to see the Town Hall situated by the lake. Then, we visited the Old Port and the wonderful and very modern Harpa building, which houses, among other things, a concert hall and philharmonic hall.
On our way back to the hotel, we walked along the shore where the Sun Voyager sculpture stands.
Accommodation: Klettur Hotel, Reykjavik (2 nights)
West Iceland
Golden Circle, Þingvellir National Park, Reykjavik Perlan Museum – Wonders of Iceland
⇒Route: Reykjavik – Pingvellir – Reykjavik
This day started once again with heavy rain and a very cold wind. Despite this, we have decided to follow our initial plan and not change it due to bad weather conditions.
We are going on a half-day trip to the Þingvellir National Park. Þingvellir is part of the Golden Circle route, one of the most popular attractions among Iceland tourists. Since 2004, the park has also been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. We spent about 3 hours there because it was completely cold and wet.
In the afternoon, we decided to warm up and visit a place “under the roof”, away from the rain. In our hotel, we found an advertising leaflet about the “Perlan – Wonders of Iceland” museum in Reykjavik. We went there and spent the rest of the afternoon.
Most of all I recommend visiting these two places, where an additional admission fee is needed:
- The Ice Cave is the first of its kind in the world. It is 100 meters long and built with over 350 tons of snow.
- The Planetarium with a rotating roof, and with a movie: “Áróra – Northern Lights”. It is the first Planetarium of its kind in Iceland.
-
Reykjavik, Perlan Museum
Golden Circle, Geysir, Gullfoss waterfall, Friðheimar greenhouse, Kerið Crater
⇒Route: Rejkiawik – Selfoss
This day began without rain, and the first rays of sunshine broke through the clouds. Finally, it was going to be a nice day. We left Reykjavik and saw the next two attractions – part of the Golden Circle. The first one was the Laugarvatin Geothermal Field. Some geysers shoot hot water up to 35 meters high. There is also Geysir – the first geyser after which all the others are named – unfortunately, it is no longer active.
Next, we saw the second important attraction: the Gullfoss waterfall, also known as the “Golden Waterfall“.
For lunch, we went to Friðheimar farm, which has greenhouses and a tomato farm. In one of the greenhouses, there is a restaurant serving delicious dishes made of tomato (including tomato mussels, tomato beer and cheesecake with tomato jam!).
At the end of the day, we went to see the Kerið Crater, which has a small lake at the bottom. You can walk around the crater and go down the stairs that lead to the small lake.
Accommodation: Hotel Selfoss Coast, Selfoss
South Iceland
Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Gljufurarfoss waterfalls, Reynisfjara Black Beach, Jokulsarlon Glacier, Diamond Beach
⇒Route: Selfoss – Reynisfjara – Jokulsarlon – Hofn
The day began with dark and low-hanging dense clouds. We planned to take a boat out to the glacier this afternoon, so we were keeping our fingers crossed for the weather conditions, hoping it was not going to be worse and that it would not rain.
We started our tour with two wonderful waterfalls. The first one was the 65-meter-high Seljalandsfoss waterfall. The path behind the waterfall allows you to go around the waterfall, which is a great experience!
The second waterfall is 500 meters away from Seljalandsfoss, and it is called Gljufurarfoss. To see it up close, you must go through a narrow crevice in the rock and through stones scattered in a swift water stream. Be careful, as there is a high risk of falling into the water (which I personally successfully did). The waterfall is over 40 meters high and is under protection as a natural monument.
Then we went to the Black Beach – Reynisfjara and the monumental basalt cliffs.
Jokulsarlon Glacier
In the afternoon, we had a boat trip on the lake around the Jokulsarlon glacier. We arrived 30 minutes earlier and changed into warm technical suits. With the whole group, we went by bus to the beach, where boats moored on the shore were waiting for us. The sun was coming out from behind the clouds, and the sky was getting clearer. We were lucky because the conditions for a boat tour on the lake were perfect.
The boat cruise around the glacier took 1 hour. The guide told us about the glacier and answered numerous questions. He explained why the icebergs were blue. Suddenly, he showed us the place where a big slice of the glacier broke off and burst into the lake. What a view!
Seals are swimming nearby and showing us several times.
Cruising around the glacier was, so far, the best experience we had in Iceland. We were convinced that it would stay in our hearts for a long time.
After the glacier cruise trip, we walked to the nearby beach. Huge chunks of ice lay on Black Beach and just on the shore, shimmering in the sun like sheets of glass. The beach is called Diamond Beach, and the blocks of ice that you can touch with your hand impressed us.
Back on Ring-road 1
We were driving all the time on Ring Road 1. The entire route from the Black Beach area to Hofn was beautiful and picturesque. On one side of the road, there were rocks, a glacier, mountains, and numerous waterfalls; on the other side, there were ocean shores, cliffs, lakes, rushing rivers, water cascades, and wetlands.
In the evening, we went to the small port town of Hofn, where we stayed overnight.
Accommodation: Hotel Edda (since May’23 under a new name) – Berjaya Höfn Hotel.
East Iceland
Hofn, Djupivogur, Gledivik, Egilsstadir
⇒Route: Hofn – Djupivogur – Rout 939 – Egilsstaðir
On this day, the first day of summer began in Iceland. It was warm in the morning, and the sky was pure blue. In the morning, we visited Hofn, a small port in the picturesque town centre.
After leaving Hofn by Ring Road 1, we admired the wonderfully scenic routes as the road led us along the ocean’s shore. Along the way, we stopped at every possible viewpoint, and our delight was endless.
We stopped for lunch in the picturesque town of Djupivogur, which belongs to a small group of Citaslow towns. We were having lunch at the restaurant in the historic building of the Framtid Hotel.
A few kilometres outside the town, in the village of Gledivik, there was an exhibition of sculptures depicting 34 eggs of birds that nest in Iceland. Gledivik Eggs is an interesting tourist attraction and a good photo spot.
ROUTE 939
We continued along Ring-road 1 and at a crossroad, turned left into Route 939. We were leaving the main road behind and changing asphalt to gravel and bumpy roads. That road was passable for owners of 4WD cars only. We were travelling that route for approx. 30 km until we reach the top of the mountain range, at an altitude of approx. 500 meters above sea level. It was a great road with breathtaking views. On the way, we passed by a dozen or so waterfalls, small swift streams and flocks of sheep. There was no one else on the road except us. There was wonderful silence everywhere. The sky seemed to be huge, like a big blue balloon that was hanging above us and reaching the horizon on each side.
We got to Egilsstadir and stayed in the town until the evening. We watched the sunset at Lake Lagarfljot, where the “sister” of the Loch Ness monster is said to live.
Accommodation: Icelandair Hotel Herad, Egilsstaðir (2 nights)
Lagarfjlot Lake, Hydropower Plant, Studlagil Canyon, Hengifoss and Rjukandi Waterfalls, Puffins, Lindarbakki Turf House
⇒Route: Egilsstadir – Route 931 – Route 910 – Bakkagerdi – Egilsstadir
We were driving along the shore of Lake Lagarfjlot.
We were following Route 931, which turned into Route 910. At its end, there was a large and modern hydroelectric power plant—the Kárahnjúkar Hydropower Plant. On the banks of the huge Halslon reservoir, there is an imposing dam that is 730 meters long and over 200 meters high.
Further, we continued our tour on Route 910, but beware – that road starts to become very gravelly and bumpy and is only for cars with powerful engines and 4WD. Again, we reached the top of the mountain range at an altitude of almost 800 m above sea level.
We took Route 923. Our next stop was the Studlagil Canyon basalt gorge, followed by the Hengifoss and Rjukandi waterfalls.
We are driving back to Egilsstadir
Searching for puffins
In the evening, we went east on Route 94 to search for the puffins. Route 94 is again a gravel road leading through the tops of the mountain range. We reached an altitude of about 500 meters above sea level. On our way, we passed a magnificent viewpoint, Vatnsskard, Storurd, from which we could see the shore of the ocean, mountains and valleys.
At the end of Route 94, there is a tiny fishing harbour.
At the end of the road, there is a small island, Hafnarholmi, where puffins nest. We were lucky to see a few of them, although, usually, in mid-August, they already depart from Iceland to spend winter by the ocean.
On our way back, we stopped in Borgarfjordur. This town’s main attraction is a charming house with a turf roof: Lindarbakki Turf House.
We returned to Egilsstadir after sunset, which started when we were driving along the road by the ocean shore. Beautiful views and magical moments. The section of Route 94 between Njarðvhík and Bakkagerði, called Njardvik Screes, made a big impression on us. We made another stop to admire breathtaking views.
North Iceland
Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, Dettifoss waterfall, Selfoss waterfall, Hverir, Myvatn lake, Hverfhall crater, Godafoss waterfall, Akureyri
⇒Route: Egilsstaðir – Akureyri
It was mid-August, the first day of summer in Iceland. We started our tour by visiting the Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon, the most spectacular canyon in Iceland. It is approximately 25 km long, 500 meters wide, and 100 meters deep in some places. There are a few great waterfalls in this gorge.
We started at the Dettifoss waterfall. This waterfall is about 45 meters high and almost 100 meters wide. Due to its combination of flow volume, width and height, it is one of the most energetic waterfalls in Europe.
On the road over the pebble beach, along the river, approx. 1400 meters further, you could go to another natural wonder – Selfoss waterfall. It is a journey worth the effort because Selfoss is majestic and powerful. This waterfall consists of about 100 smaller waterfalls that fall from basalt rocks next to each other. This is Iceland’s hidden beauty! ♥ You must see it.
We returned to Ring-road 1, and our next stop was at the Hverir geothermal area. It was quite a vast area. There are over a dozen fumaroles, i.e. hot volcanic fumes that flow from craters and volcanic crevices. It is an extremely interesting place to see, but the concentration of water vapour and gases (sulphur, carbon dioxide, fluorine, chlorine, hydrogen sulphide) is so high that it is impossible to stay there for a long time. The smell of “rotten eggs” is so intense that it is hard to take it.
We could spend only 15 minutes there.
Lake Myvatn and Akureyri area
The next stop was Lake Myvatn, also known as the “lake of flies.” Without a special head net, it is impossible to get out of the car. Please also close the windows because the midges bite and are extremely intrusive and hungry. On-site safety head nets can be purchased at the gas station and/or souvenir shops.
While you are there, it is worth seeing and climbing the Hverfhall crater (452 meters high). You can also go around the lake, hike the rocks, enter the cave, and stop at the place where pseudocraters are—Skutustadir Pseudocrators.
About 30 km before Akureryi, we stopped to see the last attraction. Just off the main road, there is another gorgeous Godafoss waterfall. It is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland ♥. It is shaped like a large horseshoe and consists of two streams with a total width of 30 meters. You must walk to that waterfall for about 1km, but you will spot several interesting water cascades on the way. This attraction cannot be missed; it is truly impressive!
We arrived in Akureyri in the evening. Our hotel was in the centre of the old town, with a window view of the fjords and sunset.
Accommodation: Hotel Kea by Keahotels, Akureyri (2 nights)
Husavik, whales, Whale Museum, Laufas Turf Houses, Akureyri
⇒Route: Akureyri – Husavik – Laufas – Akureyri
On that day, we went to Husavik. From Akureyri, we wanted to take Route 84 to avoid the toll tunnel. The route took us 1 hour.
In Husavik, we had a 3-hour boat trip for whale watching. We were sailing around the bay and “hunting” whales with our cameras. We could see a few dolphins, seals, and whales, including humpback whales. Some of the whales were “singing” loudly. On one hand, these sounds were delightful, but on the other hand, they evoke respect and cause “goosebumps” on our hands. One of the humpback whales emerged out of the water just right next to the ship’s side – in the place where I was standing with the camera pointed. This view was amazing. For a moment, I couldn’t move because of my emotions. When the whale dived and presented us with its great tail fin, everyone on the ship shouted with delight and joyfully clapped their hands.
After the tour, we stayed in Husavik for lunch and then visited the Whale Museum. The main attraction and the reason for the museum itself is the 25-meter-long blue whale skeleton. This is a great place and an interesting museum. It is a must-see attraction♥.
On the way back to Akureyri, we stopped to visit Laufas Turf Houses in Eyjafjörður, an open-air museum of turf houses. When we arrived, the museum was already closed to visitors. However, a small wooden church from 1865, “Laufás church,” was open on the same grounds as the turf houses. Therefore, we could enter through the church gate and see those houses from a short distance.
Walking around Akureyri
In the evening, we returned to Akureyri. We strolled through the district with its historic, colourful houses. We walked along the fjord coastline, and at the end of the day, we visited the Botanical Garden.
Penisnula Trollaskagi
Siglufjordur, Herring Era Museum, basalt cliffs in Hofsos
⇒Route: Akureyri – Hofsstadir
This day, we were leaving Ring-road 1 and travelling around the Trollaskagi Peninsula. First, we took Route 82 and then Route 76. Along Route 82, from Akureyri to Siglufjordur, several tunnels run through the centre of the mountains. In the short distance, we drove through four tunnels. The shortest tunnel was less than 900 meters long, and the longest was 3900 meters.
The interesting thing is that tunnels are carved directly into the rock, so the bare rock can be seen from the inside. Secondly, the tunnels are built almost in a straight line, so you can see an endless tunnel on both ends, without a way out. The most interesting thing, however, is that two of them had only one road with one lane, and the cars were passing in both directions simultaneously. When a car is approaching from the opposite direction, we must go hide in the bay (there are several of them in each tunnel) and wait for the car to pass us. There are also speed radars in the tunnels, so despite the “long – straight”, it is better to follow the rules.
It is worth taking this route because, apart from the tunnels, the whole way is extremely picturesque, with high cliffs and beautiful ocean views.
Siglufjordur Heering Era Museum
For lunch, we stopped in the town of Siglufjordur. We walked around the town and the small harbour. We had lunch at the Kaffi Raudka restaurant, which was located in a building that looked like a former port warehouse.
While walking through the town in the rain, we noticed interesting buildings where The Herring Era Museum is located. I never thought that such a museum could be created or that I would ever visit such a place. The museum is housed in five buildings and is … amazing! It is Iceland’s largest maritime museum and the only Icelandic museum that won the European Museum Award in the industry category. We spent almost two hours there and we came out delighted.
We continued on Route 76. We made another short stop at Hofsos to see the beautiful basalt cliffs on the beach. Although they are not high, they are impressive.
At the end of the day, we arrived at Hoffstadir, where our hotel was located. It was surrounded by nature and silence. There, an amazing red sunset awaited us. What surprised us was that at this latitude, we could still see the sunset at midnight.
Hotel: Hofsstadir – Country Hotel, Hofsstadir
Pingeyrar Church, Hvitserkur, Kolugljufur Canyon, Stykkishólmur
⇒Route: Hofstaðir – Stykkisholmur
We started our day by visiting Pingeyrar Church, one of the most important churches in Iceland. In the Middle Ages, the local parliament used to meet here. Unfortunately, when we got there (around 11:00 a.m.), the church was closed, and we could see the beautiful ceiling only through the windows from the outside.
Then, we drove to Hvitserkur, where a 15-meter-high basalt rock stands on the ocean’s shores. Some see it as a dragon drinking water, but local legend says it is a troll turned into a rock at sunrise.
Next, we went to see another natural wonder—Kolugljufur Canyon. The canyon is about 1 km long, and water cascades fall from its walls. It is worth walking the entire route. This is a great place♥! The canyon is about 25 meters high, and a rushing river meanders at its bottom. There are several viewing terraces and benches on site, so we will have a good time in this place.
We continued our journey on Route 54, but we drove slowly because we were not in a hurry. We stopped at every possible parking lot because the views outside the car window were breathtaking.
At the end of the day, we drove to the town of Stykkishólmur, which features picturesque wooden houses, a port, a ferry dock, and Sugandisey Mountain. From its top, you can see not only the town but also the neighbouring islands scattered across the ocean perfectly.
Hotel: Akkeri Guesthouse, Stykkisholmur
Snaefell Peninsula
Kirkjufell, Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, Olafsvik, Snaefellsjokul National Park, Black Church – Budarkirkja, Bjarnarfoss waterfall
⇒Route: Stykkisholmur – Langaholt
We were in the west of Iceland, on the Snaefell Peninsula. The peninsula is commonly known as “Iceland in miniature” because it is home to all Icelandic examples of natural wonders. We intended to tour the peninsula all day long and see most of the attractions. The plan was to stay the entire route, mainly on Route 54.
We started our tour from Mount Kirkjufell. It is said to be the most photographed mountain in Iceland, and the locals themselves consider it the most beautiful in the country. The mountain is over 460 meters high and is recognizable for its conical shape and steepness. On the other side of the road is the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, which consists of three branches. Both attractions blend well together, so the mountain is often photographed from the perspective of the waterfall.
We continued down the road and stopped for lunch in a small port town – Olafsvik.
A few kilometres away, signs informed us that we were approaching the viewpoint, the Svodufoss waterfall. From road 574, we turned left onto a gravel road towards the glacier. From the road, we saw a large parking lot on the left. There was a path that led us straight to the waterfall. We climbed to its top and admired the views from above.
Although the waterfall is only 10 m high, it looks spectacular surrounded by basalt rocks. It is a hidden gem of the Snaefellsnes peninsula, rarely visited by tourists, and it’s worth staying at.
Along the way, our attention was drawn to the small town of Hellissandur. Our tourist guide said that it was Iceland’s unofficial capital of street art and that there were over 30 murals scattered around the town. It is an interesting place, definitely worth visiting. Some murals are real works of art, and their authors are artists scattered all over the world.
Snaefellsjokul National Park
The road then led us to Snaefellsjokul National Park, where a glacier, a volcano, and numerous volcanic forms dominate the landscape. Lava fields, craters, and smaller volcanoes surround the park.
We visited the Saxholl crater, among other places. Long metal steps lead to the top of the volcano.
Then we went to Djupalonssandur beach, also known as Black Beach. On its shore are the remains of a British trawler that, in 1948, crashed against the rocks. These remains are testimony to the deaths of 9 sailors who died in this disaster, so they must not be touched.
Other attractions on the way
Next, we went to Svalpufa, where there were cliffs on the shore of the ocean, reaching 75 meters in height. These cliffs are a breeding place for seabirds – fulmars. It is a great place to see fulmars in their natural habitat.
Another stop on the route is the Black Church – Budarkirkja. It is especially popular with young couples who dream of marrying away from civilization.
The last stop on the tour was the magnificent Bjarnarfoss Waterfall, which can be seen from the road. Seen from a distance, it does not make a special impression, but up close, it surprises with its dynamics and height. The waterfall is 80 meters high, and when water falls, it creates a rushing river that meanders in a narrow stream towards the ocean.
We stayed overnight in a nearby hotel. Admiring the surrounding nature and the magical colours of the sunset was a great end to the day.
Hotel: Langaholt Guesthouse, Langaholt
West Iceland
Ytri Tunga Beach, lava field Hraunfossar, thermal spring Deildartunghver
⇒Route: Langaholt – Borgarnes
This was our last day to explore Iceland. First, we went to Ytri Tunga Beach, where seals are said to like to hang out. We arrived there around 11.00 a.m., but there was no seal on the spot. Maybe we came too late?
We left for the Snaefellsnes peninsula and, following Route 50, we passed by Borgarness. We were driving Route 518, which led to the lava waterfalls – Hraunfossar Watrefall. It is an extraordinary miracle of nature♥! It is a series of waterfalls that runs down the brims of the Hallmundarhraun lava field and into the Hvítá River valley. There are several hundred-meter-wide cascades. There is also the Barnafoss Waterfall upstream. No doubt, it is a great place. There are several viewing decks around, on both sides of the canyon. It is a must-see stop.
We spent the afternoon at the SPA in the Deildartunghver Hot Springs. These are the largest thermal springs in Iceland and the largest hot springs in Europe.
For the last night in Iceland, we returned to Borgarnes. Our house was located on the shore of the ocean, where we could observe beautiful sunsets. In the distance, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula was visible on the horizon.
Hotel: Hotel Hafnarfjall, Borgarnes
Coming back home: Reykjavik, Hafnarfjordur, Keflavik
⇒Route: Borgarnes – Keflavik – home
Driving towards Keflavik took us about 3 hours because, on the way, we stopped in Reykjavik to buy the last Icelandic souvenirs.
Then, we made a short stop in Hafnarfjordur, where there was an interesting Viking hotel and a Viking house. We were curious about this place because a few days earlier, we saw it on the Internet, so we decided to see the Viking house up close. We took a few pictures and return to the main road.
For lunch, we returned to Keflavik, to the Duus Restaurant, Kaffi Duus, where we were on the first day after our arrival. The restaurant is situated in front of a small fishing port, so the view is very pleasant. The Duus restaurant serves very tasty food, specializing in fish and seafood dishes. One day, I would like to be able to be back there again.
Because the weather was nice and we still had time – we went for a short walk around the town.
We went to the rental shop to return the car, and the car rental company drove us back to the airport.
Iceland’s tailor-made travel plan has come to an end
Our great adventure in Iceland has come to an end. We were coming back full of impressions but with painful legs from walking. In conclusion, we were tired but extremely happy. It was a wonderful trip: surrounded by natural wonders and clean air, with almost no people, no noise, no traffic jams and no rush on the road.
People say that Iceland is a land of fire and ice. For me, Iceland is more complex in its description. For instance, these are empty spaces, fields strewn with stones up to the horizon and uninhabited villages. Moreover, there are lunar landscapes, frozen lava fields, mountains, volcanoes and craters, hot springs and geysers. Numerous canyons, gorges, streams, rivers, lakes and waterfalls. These are also gorgeous fjords, rocky coasts, black beaches and basalt cliffs. For me, Iceland also means whales, dolphins, seals, puffins, sea birds, horses, sheep and goats. These are small towns, colourful houses, fishing ports and old fishing boats. The most wonderful memories, however, are related to the great and majestic glacier and the blue icebergs glistening in the sun drifting towards the ocean.
I keep such memories of Iceland in my heart, and Iceland is awaiting there for you.
Other useful notes:
For those who want to pick up a car in Reykjavik, there is a bus that runs between Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik City Center.
Flybus services from the airport to the city are timed to meet each arriving flight, so they will wait for any flights that are delayed as well. Passengers can check in 2 pieces of luggage and carry on 1 personal item. All guests receive guaranteed seating, and children under the age of 12 can use this service for free when travelling with an accompanying adult. All buses travel between Keflavik International Airport and Reykjavik City bus terminal in 45 minutes and are equipped with WiFi. Here, you can book your bus transfer from Keflavik airport to Reykjavik, Iceland*
Iceland, my other post
I encourage you as well to read my other posts about Iceland
- Akureyri – Northern Iceland
- Diamond Circle North Iceland
- East Iceland – the land of puffins
- Golden Circle – treasures of Iceland
- Húsavík, Iceland – time for whales
- Iceland in winter – how to organise the trip
- Iceland photos
- Reykjanes Peninsula, South West Iceland
- Reykjavik Iceland’s capital city
- Snaefellsnes Peninsula West Iceland
- South Coast of Iceland
- Troll Peninsula North Iceland
- Winter in Iceland travel plan
*Links to the offer from Klook are affiliate