Around Iceland: Drive & Hike
- A 360 degree journey around Iceland, travelling by car on Ring Road 1
- Thingvellir National Park, Gulfoss Waterfall and Geysir - Iceland's Golden Circle!
- The Snaefellsnes Peninsula on the west coast - "Iceland in miniature"
- Myvatn, scattered with bubbling mud-pots, lava formations and hot springs
- The colourful fishing villages of the East Fjords
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive ReykjavikArriving at Keflavik International Airport, you are immediately transported to other-worldly landscapes, as you travel by road through craters and lava fields to reach your hotel in downtown Reykjavik.
The vibrant, quirky city of Reykjavik is wonderfully cosmopolitan and easily explored on foot. Browse the many outdoor and handicraft shops and enjoy a delicious meal from one of the many fantastic seafood restaurants—we recommend the Arctic Char in particular!
A brand new, modern hotel in the city centre with tastefully decorated rooms. It sits on one of the oldest streets in Reykjavik, Hverfisgata and within walking distance from the main shopping street, Laugavegur.
A brand new, modern hotel in the city centre with tastefully decorated rooms. It sits on one of the oldest streets in Reykjavik, Hverfisgata and within walking distance from the main shopping street, Laugavegur.
A stylish 50 room boutique hotel in downtown Reykjavik. They offer newly renovated rooms along with service with a smile. Their restaurant is a popular meeting place in Reykjavik and offers outstanding Icelandic cuisine.
Head straight out into the countryside towards the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Thingvellir National Park this morning. Enjoy a walk here through the great rifts of the earths’ crust or if you fancy it you can even try snorkelling between them—an amazing experience!
Head north to Hvalfjordur, ‘Whale Fjord’ where you will find the highest waterfall in Iceland, Glymur Falls. Visit the Reykholt valley, once one of the most important intellectual centres of Iceland, where a small museum is dedicated to the 13th century Icelandic wrtier Snorri Sturluson.
Walk: 3hrs
Total Drive: Approx 160km, 3.5 hours
This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. Impressive sea and mountain views can be enjoyed from the hotel.
Enjoy magnificent views of the Borgarfjordur fjord whilst enjoying delicious, locally-sourced meals. The hotel is certified as an environmentally friendly 'green hotel!'
The western peninsula of Snaefellsnes with its rugged coastline, golden beaches, and ice-capped peak of Snaefellsnjokull is often referred to as ‘Iceland in miniature’ and was said to have inspired Jules Verne to write ‘A Journey to the Centre of the Earth.’Enjoy a walk today along the volcanic coastline of Arnarstapi with its basalt arches, caves and colonies of kittiwakes and guillemots.
Walk: 3hrs
Total Drive: Approx 121km, 2 Hours
This award-winning, eco-friendly hotel is on the Snæfellsnes peninsula, 3.7 miles from Iceland’s famous Snæfellsjökull glacier and volcano. It offers free Wi-Fi, along with hiking, horse riding and glacier tours.
Enjoy the small fishing village of Arnarstapi in every way possible at the Arnarstapi Center, they have multiple different types of accommodation in an area that is full of history, beautiful sceneries, and welcoming locals.
Continue around the peninsula, hopefully if the weather is good with magnificent views of the glacier and volcano Snaefellsjokull, part of the Snaefellsjokulll National Park. As well as the volcano the park features two massive lava formations Londranger, the ‘singing cave’ of Songhellir and the hidden waterfall of Raudfeldargja. Various walking trails are available in the park to choose from. Continue past the unique steeple-shaped mountain of Kirkjufell to the fishing village of Stykkishólmur.
Walk: Up to 3hrs
Total Drive: Approx 60km, 1-2 Hours
Each room has been furnished with all the latest amenities and have magnificent view, over harbour, the centre of the town, the mountains and towards the magnificent bay Breiðafjörður. The Fransiskus house was once a Catholic monastery and there is still a chapel inside the Fransiskus house which is open up to everybody to visit.
A long drive today links you to the north of the island via the Vatnsnes Peninsula, a wild and startlingly beautiful place home to one of the largest seal colonies in Iceland. Watch both harbour seals and grey seals in their natural habitat. Visit the Icelandic Seal Centre in Hvammstangi to get information on how best to see them before continuing to Hvitserkur, a prime viewing point!
Total Drive: Approx 315km, 4-5 hours
The charming Hotel Tindastoll is one of the oldest hotels in Iceland , housed in a beautiful old timber building. Rooms are either in the main building or the new annex.
This family-run country hotel is located in a quiet location in a beautiful setting on the shores of Héraðsvatn with a view of land and sea.
Less than 50km from the Arctic Circle, lies the beautiful northern peninsula of Trollaskagi—Troll Peninsula—made from 10-12 million year old basalt strata. Visit Siglufjordur, a charming fishing village located at the foot of towering mountains and ‘herring capital of Iceland’, before enjoying a lovely little walk to a beautiful mountain lake.
Walk: 2hrs
Total Drive: Approx 185km, 3.5 hours
Berjaya Iceland Hotel is located in Myvatn, Iceland.
Fosshotel Mývatn offers 92 rooms in wonderful surroundings north of Lake Mývatn, within 100 km from the Akureyri Airport. The hotel is designed by award-winning architectures and features almost exclusively low-environmental impact materials. The building is a low-rise, clad with larch wood and grass roof which makes it in perfect harmony with the surrounding nature.
All rooms have a modern design interior. They are fully equipped with complimentary Wifi, LCD TV, hairdryer, clothing rack, extra pillows, phone, soap and lotion, opening windows and a kettle.
Leaving Akureyri, head towards Godafoss Waterfall, a striking horseshoe shaped waterfall. An alternative would be to take a de-tour to the town of Husavik, Europe’s whale-watching capital for an optional whale-watching tour. (bookable locally).
Continue east to Lake Myvatn, which offers plentiful birdlife, bubbling mud pots, and the Nature Baths (a quieter version of the famous Blue Lagoon) where you can soak in the geothermal waters.
Walk: Up to 3hrs
Total Drive: Approx 240km, 2-3 Hours (via Husavik) or 100km, 1-2 Hours (via Godafoss
Fosshotel Mývatn offers 92 rooms in wonderful surroundings north of Lake Mývatn, within 100 km from the Akureyri Airport. The hotel is designed by award-winning architectures and features almost exclusively low-environmental impact materials. The building is a low-rise, clad with larch wood and grass roof which makes it in perfect harmony with the surrounding nature.
All rooms have a modern design interior. They are fully equipped with complimentary Wifi, LCD TV, hairdryer, clothing rack, extra pillows, phone, soap and lotion, opening windows and a kettle.
Berjaya Iceland Hotel is located in Myvatn, Iceland.
Head towards the East Fjords today with a short stop to do a bracing circular linking the powerful waterfalls of Selfoss and Dettifoss, Iceland’s most powerful waterfall.
Continue inland and south, through deserts of ash via the highest farm in Iceland to the pretty East Fjords village of Seydisfjordur. With its pretty church and colourful Scandinavian houses, this is a delightful place to put your feet up and relax for a couple of days!
Walk: 2 Hours
Total Drive: Approx 195km, 2-3 Hours
Lake Hotel Egilsstadir is an established and renowned, family-run, hotel in a farming district. It meets all modern requirements as to standards of services and amenities, quality, sophistication and comfort. Yet it faithfully maintains its ethnic origins as the hotel was founded in 1903 which provides its unique atmosphere.
Understated rooms have Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, as well as tea and coffeemakers.
Amenities include a bar, and a modern restaurant that specializes in locally sourced fare, plus a terrace, parking and an electric charging station. A breakfast buffet is available.
Hotel 1001 Nott is a boutique lakeside retreat in Egilsstaðir, offering stunning views of Lake Lagarfljót and the surrounding mountains. This family-run hotel provides a serene atmosphere, elegantly designed rooms, and a relaxing spa with a geothermal hot tub. With an on-site restaurant serving locally sourced cuisine, it’s a perfect escape for nature lovers and travelers seeking comfort in East Iceland.
A day at leisure to explore the East Fjords. We recommend a couple of walks close to Seydisfjordur including a riverside walk with fantastic views or an interesting walk around the nearby Hallormsstadur forest. Another option would be to explore Skaftfell, a wonderful visual arts centre, or one of the many other artists studios, workshops and boutiques. Kayak tours are also a popular choice (book in advance, payable locally).
Lake Hotel Egilsstadir is an established and renowned, family-run, hotel in a farming district. It meets all modern requirements as to standards of services and amenities, quality, sophistication and comfort. Yet it faithfully maintains its ethnic origins as the hotel was founded in 1903 which provides its unique atmosphere.
Understated rooms have Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, as well as tea and coffeemakers.
Amenities include a bar, and a modern restaurant that specializes in locally sourced fare, plus a terrace, parking and an electric charging station. A breakfast buffet is available.
Hotel 1001 Nott is a boutique lakeside retreat in Egilsstaðir, offering stunning views of Lake Lagarfljót and the surrounding mountains. This family-run hotel provides a serene atmosphere, elegantly designed rooms, and a relaxing spa with a geothermal hot tub. With an on-site restaurant serving locally sourced cuisine, it’s a perfect escape for nature lovers and travelers seeking comfort in East Iceland.
From Seydisfjordur drive deep into the East Fjords, stopping at Lagarfjlot lake to enjoy a walk to the waterfalls Litlanesfoss and Hengifoss, the third tallest in Iceland, which falls into a dramatic gorge.
Continue to the south coast and overnight in the village of Hofn, on the edge of Vatnajokull glacier.
Walk: 2 Hours
Total Drive: Approx 250km, 3-4 Hours
Hótel Höfn is a charming hotel with friendly atmosphere and a beautiful glacier view of Vatnajökull glacier, the largest glacier in Europe. It is located in Höfn, a fishing village on the south eastern coast of Iceland, famous for its delicious langoustine.
Staying at the Fosshotel Vatnajokull, you will experience an icy wonderland with beautiful views of the glacier Vatnajokull.
Entertainments include a restaurant, bar and a variety of activities, such as glacier hiking and ice caves.
This hotel has a relaxing and homely atmosphere. All rooms include a fridge, private bathroom and a TV.
On a family-run farm between Vatnajökull National Park and the Atlantic Ocean, this simple hotel with an annex is a minute’s walk from local history at the Þórbergssetur museum, and 14 km from Jökulsárlón lagoon.
Modest rooms with ocean or mountain views offer free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, as well as sitting areas and heated floors. Airy 2-bedroom apartments have kitchens, plus living rooms and sofabeds.
Parking and a breakfast buffet are complimentary. There’s a bright, relaxed restaurant, and a laid-back lobby lounge offering coffee and tea.
Head west from Höfn to Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon—one of Iceland’s most photographed places! The incredible icebergs floating in the water, with shimmering hues of blue make it easy to see why many Hollywood directors use this as a filming location—you may recognise scenes from James Bond Die Another Day, and Tomb Raider!
Walk: 2-4 Hours
Total Drive: Approx 135km, 2 Hours
A family run hotel in the vicinity of Skaftafell National Park. Anna Maria and her family take great pride in providing a comfortable place for guests to stay whilst they explore the beautiful surroundings.
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon is situated between two of Iceland's most spectacular natural attractions; Skaftafell National Park and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon is a 4 star hotel that offers 125 contemporary rooms with all necessary amenities including free parking, an electric vehicle charging station, a restaurant, gym, spa, and a hotel restaurant.
Part of the Vatnajokull National Park, Skaftafell sits on the edge of the immense Vatnajokull glacier which covers a massive 8% of Iceland!
We recommend several walks at Skaftafell—from a short 3 hour walk to Svartifoss Waterfall to longer full day walks which overlook the glacial valley.
Another option would be to do a guided glacier hike (book in advance, optional extra). With crampons on and accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, walk through a wonderland of glacial ice sculptures, ice ridges and deep crevasses.
A spectacular drive through the Eldhaun lava fields takes you to Kirkjubaelarklastur.
Walk: 3-8 Hours
Total Drive: Approx 70km, 1-2 Hours
Hotel Klaustur is a modern property and conveniently located for exploring the south of Iceland. You can relax on their sundeck or enjoy a swim in their neighbouring geothermal pool.
Surrounded by lava fields and offering views of Vatnajökull glacier, this modern hotel on Route 1 is 5 km from Vatnajökull National Park and 7 km from Svartifoss waterfall. The unfussy, airy rooms come with flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffeemaking facilities.
A country hotel in the heart of the wilderness, there are stunning views of glaciers, mountains and moors.
Hotel Laki has a range of entertainment to offer, including a bar, restaurant, plus a stunning swimming pool and waterfall in the nearby village.
The highlight of Hotel Laki is it's Northern Lights friendly service. It offers additional services, such as a Northern Lights wake up call, to maximise your chances of seeing this beautiful sight.
Visit another two of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls today - Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. At Seljalandsfoss take a walk behind the falls to experience the mighty power of nature up close. And walk to the top of Skogafoss falls for a different perspective.
Walk: 1.5-3 Hours
Total Drive: Approx 205km, 3 Hours
A quiet hotel with amazing amenities and comfortable rooms. Access to their geothermal spa is included and their restaurant "Varma" offers "slow food" made with the finest local ingredients.
Sustainable hotel with comfortable beds, locally made or recycled furniture, spacious bathroom and beautiful views. The unique decor is inspired by nature.
Enjoy a walk around Hveragerdi this morning, visiting hot springs, bubbling mud-pots and fumaroles.
Then head west back to Reykjavik via the geothermal area of Geysir, with its great spouts of boiling hot water, and the beautiful two-tiered Gulfoss waterfall.
Drop off your rental car at the depot in Reykjavik.
Walk: 3-4 Hours
Total Drive: Approx 190km, 3 Hours
A brand new, modern hotel in the city centre with tastefully decorated rooms. It sits on one of the oldest streets in Reykjavik, Hverfisgata and within walking distance from the main shopping street, Laugavegur.
A brand new, modern hotel in the city centre with tastefully decorated rooms. It sits on one of the oldest streets in Reykjavik, Hverfisgata and within walking distance from the main shopping street, Laugavegur.
A stylish 50 room boutique hotel in downtown Reykjavik. They offer newly renovated rooms along with service with a smile. Their restaurant is a popular meeting place in Reykjavik and offers outstanding Icelandic cuisine.
A transfer (included) will take you back to Keflavik International Airport for your flight home. If you have time, you may prefer to make your own way back to the airport via a stop at the famous Blue Lagoon (additional cost, bookable locally) for a welcome dip in it’s soothing geothermal waters.
This trip has a carbon score of 12kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 12kg is equivalent to 5 small bouquets of flowers (grown in the Netherlands). Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?This action packed grand tour of Iceland ticks off all the major highlights of this wild island in two weeks, travelling by car right round the country. You’ll be armed with comprehensive driving route notes, a road atlas and guide book, and some superb suggested walks.
Discovery | Think of it as a ‘local’s guide’ to the best of the region. It includes a combination of activity and transportation to give you the freedom to explore and cover more ground at your own pace. We do all the research and organisation for you. All you have to do is turn up and enjoy!
Drive and Hike | Exploration of picturesque and remarkable destinations by car combined with walks that highlight the best of a country or region.
Solo Travellers, Families with Teens
The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years
We grade this tour as easy-moderate as the suggested walks are all optional. They are between 1—6 hours in length, and up to 500m ascent/descent (most are less than 200m ascent/descent).
2 Night’s accommodation is included in a 3-star city hotel in Reykjavik. 12 Nights are in comfortable, countryside hotels and guesthouses. We have carefully chosen traditional countryside hotels which offer a warm Icelandic welcome, comfortable rooms and fantastic food! They are in spectacular locations and generally have great views of the surrounding countryside.
Alternative Accommodation
The hotels we normally use are detailed below but subject to availability we may accommodate you in alternative hotels/guesthouses of a similar standard.
Meals
14 breakfasts are included. You can pick up lunches during the day from many cafes or shops. All of the countryside hotels have a restaurant where you can have dinner as there are not usually many other options for places to eat nearby. Food is generally of a very high standard, and local specialities include Hangikjöt (a delicious smoked lamb dish), Saltifiskur (salted fish) and the delicious Arctic Char. For the more adventurous, there is also Hákarl (cured shark commonly accompanied by schnapps), only for the very brave!
Solo Walkers & Single Rooms
Single rooms are available on this trip and a supplement will apply. It is also available to solo travellers but prices are on a request basis.
We provide detailed route notes and maps to allow you to navigate the recommend walks without any problems. Footpaths are not always clearly marked but with the above you should not have any issues navigating. Paths can be slippy and rocky underfoot, so a good pair of walking boots is essential.
- 2 Nights at a 3* Hotel in Reykjavik
- 12 Nights in countryside hotels and guesthouses
- 14 Breakfasts
- 13 Days Group B car hire (from Day 2 to Day 14)
- Return transfers betweeen Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik accommodation
- Iceland Road Atlas
- Detailed pre-departure information pack
- Route notes, maps and driving instructions
- 24/7 support from our local partners and UK office
- Travel to and from Iceland
- Lunches and evening meals
- Fuel and oil
- Personal equipment
- Mountain rescue
- Travel Insurance
- Drinks and snacks
- Additional nights before, during or after the tour
- Car Hire Upgrades
- Glacier Hike
You can start this tour on any day of the week between the beginning of May and end of September. From June through to August is the most popular and best time to travel to Iceland due to the long hours of sunlight and the fact that the weather is at it’s driest and warmest then. This is also the best time for wild flowers. During this time, the main tourist sights such as the most popular waterfalls will get quite busy but you shouldn’t notice it too much whilst on the walks or driving. If you prefer a quieter experience, then we would recommend either May or September. The weather isn’t quite as reliable then but it is quieter, and the price also comes down during those months.
Fly into Keflavik International Airport, which is served by numerous airlines from UK, Europe and North America. Keflavik is just a short 3 hour flight from the UK and just a 5 hour flight from Boston. Icelandair and Wowair offer many direct flights from various US airports. On arrival at Keflavik airport, you will be met by a transfer to take you to your hotel in the centre of Reykjavik, and you will be transferred back to Keflavik at the end of your tour.
Your tour finished in Reykjavik. A transfer (included) will take you back to Keflavik International Airport for your flight home.
The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, (for example, proper rain gear jacket and pants, sun hat, sunscreen). Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes or the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.
Car Hire
We include Group B Car Hire from the morning of Day 2 up to the afternoon of Day 6. Group B Car Hire would be based on a Volkswagen Golf or similar and is suitable for 2-3 people with luggage. For parties of 4, we will automatically include an upgrade to a CAT N Car Hire (similar to a Skoda Octavia) and this is already included in the cost. For parties of 5-8 people, we will provide 2x CAT B for 5-6 people, and 2x CAT N for 7-8 people. If you prefer a larger car you can also choose to upgrade to CAT FG. Please select this option when making your booking. Car hire includes unlimited mileage, VAT, CDW insurance, 1 additional driver, One Way Drop off Fees, Pick up and Drop off fees. No insurance in Iceland covers the underside of vehichles and excesses can be expensive. For this reason we suggest you take out an excess reimbursement policy in advance of your arrival, or upgrade your insurance locally. Fuel and oil are not included in the rental of your vehicle.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.
From June through to August is the most popular and best time to travel to Iceland due to the long hours of sunlight and the fact that the weather is at it’s driest and warmest then. This is also the best time for wild flowers. During this time, the main tourist sights such as the most popular waterfalls will get quite busy but you shouldn’t notice it too much whilst on the walks or driving. If you prefer a quieter experience, then we would recommend either May or September. The weather isn’t quite as reliable then but it is quieter, and the price also comes down during those months.
If you would like to do some whale-watching you will need to travel between May and September.
Why Macs
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Founded in 2003
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At Macs, we don’t do tour buses, groups, or guides. Instead, we give you the freedom and confidence to have your own self-guided hiking or biking adventure.
This is active travel led by you.
You choose your departure date and who you travel with, we do the rest.
We sort accommodation and luggage transfers and provide your route in an easy-to-use app.
We give you everything you need to travel independently but we're here 24/7 if you need us.
Getting from A to B under your own steam is intensely rewarding. With Macs, you'll see the world, and yourself, differently.
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