5-Day Icelandic Nature Trip

  1. Day 1: Reykjavik and Hvalfjörður fjord
    76 km (47 miles) from Keflavik International Airport

    Start the day with a visit to Reykjavik's Old Harbour and take a boat tour to spot whales and puffins. Then, head out to the Hvalfjörður fjord to witness stunning views of the fjord and visit the powerful Reykholtsgljúfur waterfall.

  2. Day 2: Thingvellir National Park and Geysir
    59 km (37 miles) from Hvalfjörður fjord

    Explore the famed Thingvellir National Park and witness where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Then, head to the Geysir geothermal area to witness the erupting hot springs and take a relaxing dip in the Secret Lagoon.

  3. Day 3: Vatnajökull National Park and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
    466 km (290 miles) from Geysir

    Drive to Vatnajökull National Park, the largest glacier in Iceland, and explore the stunning ice caves nearby. Then, head to the famous Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where you can take a boat tour and get up close with the glaciers and icebergs.

  4. Day 4: Skaftafell National Park and Svartifoss waterfall
    64 km (40 miles) from Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon

    Explore the stunning Skaftafell National Park and hike to the stunning Svartifoss waterfall, known for its unique basalt columns. Then, you can take a glacier hike with a guide and explore the stunning natural wonderland.

  5. Day 5: Reykjanes and Blue Lagoon
    197 km (122 miles) from Skaftafell National Park

    Drive to the Reykjanes peninsula and visit the stunning Gunnuhver geothermal area, known for its steam vents and boiling mud pools. Then, end your trip with a visit to the world-famous Blue Lagoon, where you can relax in the warm, mineral-rich waters and unwind before heading home.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Whale and puffin watching tour (3 hours, $90)
  • Entrance to Secret Lagoon (2 hours, $30)
  • Boat tour at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon (1.5 hours, $60)
  • Glacier hike in Skaftafell National Park (3 hours, $100)
  • Entrance to Blue Lagoon (3 hours, $70)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $350 per person

Useful tips

If you have extra time, consider visiting the Diamond Beach, located near the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon to witness stunning icebergs wash up on the black sand beaches. If you have less time, consider skipping the Blue Lagoon and visiting the Reykjanesviti lighthouse and Grindavik fishing village for a more off-the-beaten-path experience.

0