Iceland Grand Circle - Self-Drive

Description

This extensive tour gives you time to really explore Iceland. The sights and experiences will be with you for a very long time. If you enjoy day walks and nature then you will surely appreciate this itinerary. From Reykjavik you head off to the Snaefellsnes peninsula known for the volcanic icecap of the same name and also for the bird life along the cliffs and beaches of this coast. There is whale watching too and full day excursion, should you decide to take it goes out to seek blue whales. It is easy to enjoy a couple of days on the peninsula before heading off towards Akureyri.

The north is different again, there are mountain peaks around Akureyri and Husavik that make for an almost Alpine feel to the land, interspersed with deep fjords. At Husavik you can go out whale watching and a good number of species are usually present each summer. You are most likely to see minke whales as well as white-beaked dolphins and numerous puffins. Inland Lake Myvatn and the active volcanic surroundings are another of Iceland's natural wonders. Waterfowl nest around the lake and there are some pleasant walks in the area, including around a nearby crater rim. Over the ridge that defines the American and European tectonic sides of the island are the bubbling mud pools and steam vents of Namaskard and Krafla. A little further on is the horseshoe canyon of Asbyrgi and Europe's most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss. The whole of this northern area is a fascinating destination for the enthusiast who will wonder at nature's power.

Heading on you pass through Egilsstadir in the east and into the southeastern fjords. As you head along the south coat you will pass under Vatnajokull, the largest icecap and will see some of the many glaciers that descend from it. In particular it is worth exploring with some day walks around Skaftafell National Park.

Towards the end of the trip if you have a 4x4 vehicle you can take the mountain track to the warm waters and colourful hills of Landmannalaugar or otherwise cross the Eldhraun lava fields and black sands to Vik and visit the puffin colony on Dyrholaey and the nearby, coastal basaltic columns, this route will also take you past the curtain of Skogafoss waterfall and the fine Seljandsfoss waterfall eventually bringing you back to Reykjavik via a side excursion to Gullfoss and of course Geysir where Strokkur blows hot water into the air at regular intervals. To round off your trip you can soak in the waters of Blue Lagoon and explore a little of the Reykjanes peninsula that has its own volcanic activity.

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