
Iceland
Iceland - The interplay of the elements
Iceland - The interplay of the elements
Duration
10 days
Start/End
Keflavik
Tour type
Group
Level
Simple
Accommodation
Hotel / Guesthouse
Overview
This trip combines Iceland's famous highlights with remote regions. By off-road vehicle you cross the Kjölur highland track and travel to Landmannalaugar and Kerlingarfjöll, where you stay at the Highland Base. Easy hikes take you to waterfalls, geothermal areas and on to the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
Ideal for nature lovers who want to actively experience Iceland: The fascinating interplay of water, fire, ice, and earth is impressively evident in many places. The trip combines well-known highlights with remote regions far from the usual tourist routes. Traveling by off-road vehicle, you'll traverse the Kjölur highland track and visit Landmannalaugar and Kerlingarfjöll. A special highlight is the overnight stay at the uniquely situated Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll. Easy hikes and walks lead to breathtaking landscapes, waterfalls, geysers, and the Mývatn area.
Tour Code
Tour language
GermanItinerary
Day 1
Arrival – Reykjavik
Accommodation in Reykjavik
approx. 50 km
Flight to Keflavik and transfer to your accommodation in Iceland's capital. Evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Reykjavik.
Arrival – Reykjavik
Day 1
Accommodation in Reykjavik
approx. 50 km
Flight to Keflavik and transfer to your accommodation in Iceland's capital. Evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Reykjavik.
Day 2
Reykjavik – South
Accommodation in the south
ca. 265 km
In the morning, meet your tour guide and begin your tour. We drive along the south coast to Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the cascading water. Nearby, we visit the 60-meter-high Skogafoss waterfall. At the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, you'll be impressed by the basalt formations and the crashing surf. Overnight stay in the south.
Reykjavik – South
Day 2
Accommodation in the south
ca. 265 km
In the morning, meet your tour guide and begin your tour. We drive along the south coast to Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the cascading water. Nearby, we visit the 60-meter-high Skogafoss waterfall. At the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, you'll be impressed by the basalt formations and the crashing surf. Overnight stay in the south.
Day 3
Highland area of Landmannalaugar
ca. 200 km
In Kirkjubæjarklaustur, we leave the Ring Road and head towards the highlands. A gravel track with small river crossings leads us to the impressive Eldgjá fissure and the colorful rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar. The unique landscape is perfect for a hike (approx. 1.5-2 hours). Those who wish can bathe in the natural hot spring at the foot of the mountain. The journey continues along the foothills of the Hekla volcano to our next accommodation on the south coast.
Highland area of Landmannalaugar
Day 3
ca. 200 km
In Kirkjubæjarklaustur, we leave the Ring Road and head towards the highlands. A gravel track with small river crossings leads us to the impressive Eldgjá fissure and the colorful rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar. The unique landscape is perfect for a hike (approx. 1.5-2 hours). Those who wish can bathe in the natural hot spring at the foot of the mountain. The journey continues along the foothills of the Hekla volcano to our next accommodation on the south coast.
Day 4
Geysir and Gullfoss – Highland Route Kjölur
ca. 160 km
A day full of natural wonders awaits us. We'll visit the Haukadalur geothermal area with its famous geysers, as well as the impressive Gullfoss waterfall, which plunges in several stages into a deep gorge. Afterwards, the Kjölur highland track will take us through the fascinating expanse of the Icelandic Highlands, with views of the Hofsjökull and Langjökull glaciers, to our accommodation for the night, the Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll. Here, we'll have time to explore the captivating mountain scenery of Kerlingarfjöll on a short hike (approx. 1.5 hours). The colorful rhyolite mountains, steaming springs, and bizarre landforms make this region one of the most impressive areas of the Icelandic Highlands.
Geysir and Gullfoss – Highland Route Kjölur
Day 4
ca. 160 km
A day full of natural wonders awaits us. We'll visit the Haukadalur geothermal area with its famous geysers, as well as the impressive Gullfoss waterfall, which plunges in several stages into a deep gorge. Afterwards, the Kjölur highland track will take us through the fascinating expanse of the Icelandic Highlands, with views of the Hofsjökull and Langjökull glaciers, to our accommodation for the night, the Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll. Here, we'll have time to explore the captivating mountain scenery of Kerlingarfjöll on a short hike (approx. 1.5 hours). The colorful rhyolite mountains, steaming springs, and bizarre landforms make this region one of the most impressive areas of the Icelandic Highlands.
Day 5
Kerlingarfjöll – Hveravellir – Godafoss – North Iceland
Accommodation in North Iceland (2 nights)
ca. 315 km
Our journey today continues north along the Kjölur highland route. En route, there's an opportunity to enjoy a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs of Hveravellir. We then travel on to North Iceland with a stop at the majestic Godafoss, the "Waterfall of the Gods," whose thundering torrents plunge over a wide cliff edge into the Skjalfandafljot River. Overnight stay in North Iceland (2 nights).
Kerlingarfjöll – Hveravellir – Godafoss – North Iceland
Day 5
Accommodation in North Iceland (2 nights)
ca. 315 km
Our journey today continues north along the Kjölur highland route. En route, there's an opportunity to enjoy a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs of Hveravellir. We then travel on to North Iceland with a stop at the majestic Godafoss, the "Waterfall of the Gods," whose thundering torrents plunge over a wide cliff edge into the Skjalfandafljot River. Overnight stay in North Iceland (2 nights).
Day 6
Husavik – Lake Mývatn
ca. 140 km
Today we visit Husavík, picturesquely situated on Skjalfandi Bay. From here we embark on a whale watching tour, where with a bit of luck we can observe humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins and numerous seabirds. Afterwards, we explore the Mývatn area, a paradise for nature lovers with its diverse birdlife, unique vegetation, and fascinating lava formations. We hike (approx. 1 hour) through the bizarre lava formations of Dimmuborgir (meaning "black castles") and stop at the Skútustaðir pseudocraters.
Husavik – Lake Mývatn
Day 6
ca. 140 km
Today we visit Husavík, picturesquely situated on Skjalfandi Bay. From here we embark on a whale watching tour, where with a bit of luck we can observe humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins and numerous seabirds. Afterwards, we explore the Mývatn area, a paradise for nature lovers with its diverse birdlife, unique vegetation, and fascinating lava formations. We hike (approx. 1 hour) through the bizarre lava formations of Dimmuborgir (meaning "black castles") and stop at the Skútustaðir pseudocraters.
Day 7
Akureyri – Skagafjord – Borgarfjord
ca. 365 km
After a short city tour of Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland, the journey continues westward. The route leads through Skagafjörður, one of the most important regions for breeding Icelandic horses. The expansive landscape with its mountains, rivers, and fertile valleys characterizes this region steeped in tradition. We then continue to the Borgarfjörður region, where we will spend the next two nights.
Akureyri – Skagafjord – Borgarfjord
Day 7
ca. 365 km
After a short city tour of Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland, the journey continues westward. The route leads through Skagafjörður, one of the most important regions for breeding Icelandic horses. The expansive landscape with its mountains, rivers, and fertile valleys characterizes this region steeped in tradition. We then continue to the Borgarfjörður region, where we will spend the next two nights.
Day 8
Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Accommodation in West Iceland
approx. 280 km
A circumnavigation of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, an extinct volcanic region dominated by a mighty ice cap – for Jules Verne, the entrance to the center of the earth. On the southern coast, with its fishing villages of Hellnar and Arnarstapi, bizarre rock formations and striking bird cliffs await us. Overnight stay in West Iceland.
Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Day 8
Accommodation in West Iceland
approx. 280 km
A circumnavigation of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, an extinct volcanic region dominated by a mighty ice cap – for Jules Verne, the entrance to the center of the earth. On the southern coast, with its fishing villages of Hellnar and Arnarstapi, bizarre rock formations and striking bird cliffs await us. Overnight stay in West Iceland.
Day 9
Borgarfjordur – Thingvellir – Reykjavik
Accommodation in Reykjavík
approx. 200 km
On the way to Reykjavík, we will visit Thingvellir National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), an area of great historical and geological significance. Here, the Icelandic parliament, the Althing, was founded in 930, and the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates is also visible. Our tour concludes with a short orientation tour of Reykjavík. Afterwards, the tour guide will bid us farewell. The evening is at your leisure. Overnight stay in Reykjavík.
Borgarfjordur – Thingvellir – Reykjavik
Day 9
Accommodation in Reykjavík
approx. 200 km
On the way to Reykjavík, we will visit Thingvellir National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), an area of great historical and geological significance. Here, the Icelandic parliament, the Althing, was founded in 930, and the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates is also visible. Our tour concludes with a short orientation tour of Reykjavík. Afterwards, the tour guide will bid us farewell. The evening is at your leisure. Overnight stay in Reykjavík.
Day 10
Return journey
approx. 50 km
Transfer to the airport and return journey.
Return journey
Day 10
approx. 50 km
Transfer to the airport and return journey.
Services
What's included
Non-stop flight with Icelandair from various German airports to Keflavik
9 nights including breakfast in a room with shower/toilet in typical local hotels or guesthouses, including accommodation tax of 800 ISK per night/room.
7 dinners (days 2-8)
1 x Lunch box (3rd time)
Airport transfers in Iceland
Bus tour according to the program in a highland-suitable off-road bus with German-speaking tour guide (days 2-9)
1 piece of hand luggage & 1 piece of checked baggage per person
2 x museum admission
Whale watching tour from/to Husavik
Parking fees
Iceland travel guide with helpful tips and information
Guaranteed departures with a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 26 participants.
What's not included
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
personal equipment
Visa and vaccinations, if required
Tip
Single room supplement from €1,120
Meals not included in the services
For very early return flights, breakfast may be omitted, depending on the breakfast times of the respective accommodation.
Excursions not listed in the services
Fees for the use of public sanitary facilities
Personal expenses
Possibly additional flight surcharges
Feeder flights, other departure airports or Rail&Fly (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Character of the trip
Fitness
Simple
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Pure nature
This adventure tour with easy hikes is suitable for anyone with a normal level of fitness. The hikes, for example in Landmannalaugar, Kerlingarfjöll, and Dimmuborgir, usually last 1 to 2 hours. The trails are sometimes uneven, rocky, and slippery when wet.
You will travel with a German-speaking tour guide and stay in typical local hotels or guesthouses. Sturdy hiking boots and windproof and waterproof clothing should be packed.
Dates and prices
Group dates
Optional
Half a double room
Available upon request
per person
Notes on the trip
Notes
For groups of up to 16 people, the tour guide will usually also drive the bus. We reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary due to hotel changes or weather and road conditions. Half double rooms are available upon request. The following file contains important information about our group tours in Iceland. Scope of hikes - Info: Landmannalaugar: 1.5-2 hours Kerlingarfjöll: shortest hike approximately 1.5 hours In Dimmuborgir, everyone can run the lap they can manage: 15, 30 or 60 minutes. The 60-minute lap is the one where you can see the "church". A 3-bed room is a double room with an extra bed; it may be very cramped. Fixed price for children up to and including 11 years of age in a double room with their parents Half double rooms available on request!
