The Ideal First Day in Iceland

Bridge Between Continents - A simple footbridge placed between the fissure, symbolically illustrating how Iceland represents the division of the North American and European tectonic plates.

Reykjanes Lighthouse - This iconic and oldest lighthouse in Iceland is situated on a hill near massive cliffs overlooking the ocean.

Valahnukamol - The Valahnúkamöl cliffs rise 33 feet from the ocean, shaped by the elements over thousands of years, giving them a rugged, weathered look.

Gunnuhver Hot Springs - A stunning and colorful geothermal field with various mud pools and fumaroles. The tale of Gunnuhver is a classic piece of Icelandic folklore, intertwining the island’s harsh life, ghosts, curses, and the redemptive power of Christianity.

Krýsuvík - The main geothermal areas in Krýsuvík feature banks around the hot springs colored in green, yellow, and red. Steam columns rise skyward, and the bubbling mud pools create a rhythmic symphony.

Kleifarvatn Lake - Kleifarvatn is one of Iceland’s largest lakes, covering about 10 km² and situated approximately 136 meters above sea level. Located on the Reykjanes peninsula between Sveifluhálsar and Vatnshlíðar, it is the largest lake on the Reykjanes peninsula and the third largest in South Iceland, with a maximum depth of about 97 meters.

Fagradalsfjall Volcano Eruptions: 2023, 2022, 2021 - A remarkable fresh dried lava valley from the most recent volcanic eruption.

Brimketill - A small, naturally carved pool formed by marine erosion at the lava shore’s edge west of Grindavík.

Grindavik - A charming fishing town on the Reykjanes Peninsula, home to Iceland’s coziest coffee house.

Hafnaberg - A long line of sheer sea lava cliffs south of the old fishing hamlet of Hafnir.

Golden Secrets aka Golden Circle

Thingvellir National Park - One of Iceland’s most remarkable geological wonders, this UNESCO World Heritage Site and Game of Thrones filming location features an epic Icelandic landscape where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.

Þingvellir, meaning assembly fields, was the site of Iceland’s historic democratic parliament, one of the world’s first, founded in 930 AD. Most Icelanders consider Þingvellir a sacred place, rich in beauty and historical significance.

Geysir - The Great Geysir, now inactive, is surrounded by steam vents, bubbling pits, and sizzling ponds with multicolored patches. The main attraction is the active Strokkur Geyser, which erupts 20 meters into the air every 5 to 10 minutes, offering a spectacular and lively sight.

Gullfoss Waterfall - Originating from Iceland’s second-largest glacier, Langjökull, this breathtaking waterfall cascades down a gradual slope for 11 meters before plunging 21 meters into a canyon, creating a magnificent mist that reflects a giant rainbow in the sunlight.

Kerid Crater - A stop at the Kerid Crater in the Golden Circle reveals a volcanic crater lake formed around 3000 years ago, known for its striking color contrasts of maroon mineral sediment, dark lava rocks, and bluish lake water.

Fridheimar - Enjoy the unique Friðheimar Tomato Soup buffet, served with sour cream, home-baked bread, cucumber salsa, butter, and fresh herbs.

Secret Lagoon - Gamla Laugin - Known locally as Gamla Laugin, the Secret Lagoon is Iceland’s oldest swimming pool, built in 1891 at Hverahólmi, a geothermal area near Flúðir.

Snæfellsnes - A Wonderful Northwestern Peninsula

Olkelda Mineral Spring - A natural mineral spring reputed to offer numerous health benefits. The iron-rich mineral water has stained the surrounding ground bright red and is accessible via a public tap.

Ytri Tunga Beach - A beautiful ocean setting home to a seal colony.

Budakirkja - This small church, constructed from black wood and rebuilt in 1987 on the original 18th-century site, is picturesque and surrounded by impressive scenery. A restaurant next to the church offers a possible lunch stop.

Sönghellir Cave - Sönghellir Cave provides further insight into Iceland’s rich history. Known as the “singing cave” for its excellent acoustics, it is famous for its echoes and centuries-old graffiti, including the names of two 18th-century travelers.

Londrangar Basalt Cliffs - Londrangar and the hill Svalthufa are remnants of a crater eroded by the sea. Local farmers avoid making hay on the hill, believing it belongs to elves. Younger lava fields surround this ancient crater ruin. The higher pillar (75m) was first climbed in 1735, and the lower (61m) in 1938.

Djupalonssandur Beach - One of Iceland’s most beautiful black lava pearl beaches, this arched bay features mysterious rocks, intense black sand, marvelous coast rocks, and black pebbles. Reynisfjara Beach, one of the world’s most famous black sand beaches, is known for its wild beauty and powerful Atlantic waves. In 1991, it was listed among the top ten most beautiful non-tropical beaches globally.

Saxholl Crater - Saxhólar Crater, an unplanned stop that caught attention from the road, is a 109m crater formed by a volcanic eruption 3–4000 years ago. A staircase leads to the top, offering fantastic views of the lava fields, mountains, and sea.

Kirkjufellsfoss - One of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls, not for its size but for its backdrop of the uniquely shaped Mt. Kirkjufell, featured in the Game of Thrones TV show.

Kirkjufell Mountain - The most photographed mountain in Iceland, recognized as “Arrow Head Mountain” in Game of Thrones, and ranked among the world’s top 10 most beautiful mountains.

Iconic and Impressive South Coast of Iceland

Seljalandsfoss - One of South Iceland’s most breathtaking waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss features a 196 ft (60 m) cascade. Visitors can walk behind the waterfall, offering a unique perspective of Iceland’s South Coast. It has appeared in movies and music videos, including Justin Bieber’s “I’ll Show You” and TV series like “The Amazing Race 6” and “CKY2K.”

Gljufrabui Waterfalls - Gljúfrabúi waterfall, one of Iceland’s most stunning hidden gems, is located just off the famous Ring Road. This 40-meter (131ft) waterfall flows from the Gljúfurá River.

Skogafoss - Skógafoss waterfall is a favorite in Iceland, known for its impressive size, with a 60-meter drop and 25-meter width. Visitors can walk right up to it, though they should be prepared to get wet.

Gluggafoss/Merkjarfoss - Gluggafoss waterfall, a hidden gem with a rare geological composition, is part of a series of falls from the Merkjá River. It drops in two steps, with an initial 146-foot plunge followed by a 28-foot fall through three channels, resembling an inverted trident.

Reynisfjara Beach - The most famous black sand beach on Iceland’s South Coast, Reynisfjara is known for its beautiful black sand, powerful waves, and nearby Reynisdrangar sea stacks. It is a popular filming location for shows like Game of Thrones and Star Wars.

Dyrholaey - A small peninsula named for its gigantic black lava arch. Dyrhólaey’s rocks attract thousands of migrating birds annually.

Vik - Iceland’s southernmost village, with a population of about 300, is a vital settlement in the area. In summer, visitors might spot puffins and enjoy delicious food at local restaurants. Overnight stay in Vik.

Solheimajokull Glacier - A stunning glacier in southern Iceland, located between the Katla and Eyjafjallajökull volcanoes, and part of the larger Mýrdalsjökull glacier.

South Coast Day 2 - Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, Canyons, and More

Kirkjubaejarklaustur - Witness the most extensive lava field ever to flow on Earth in historical times. Drive across Skeiðarársandur, vast black sandy deserts washed down by glacial rivers, to Skaftafell National Park.

Skaftafell National Park - Known for its natural beauty, resulting from favorable weather and the interaction of fire and ice. Beneath the Vatnajökull ice cap, one of Iceland’s most active volcanic systems towers above Skaftafell. Visit the Skaftafell National Park Visitors Center and explore exciting hiking trails.

Svartifoss Waterfall - Hike to Svartifoss, one of Iceland’s most picturesque waterfalls, famous for the basalt columns surrounding it.

Fjaðrárgljúfur - Hike to Svartifoss, one of Iceland’s most picturesque waterfalls, known for its surrounding basalt columns.

Jokulsarlon - The Glacial Lagoon, where massive icebergs from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier float and grind together in the lagoon’s deep waters. Seals are often seen, and kayaking or boating between the icebergs is an option.

Diamond Beach Jokulsarlon - A black sand beach with stunning icebergs.

Hofn - Overnight in the beautiful town of Höfn, known for its fantastic food and harbor.

The Journey Back

Heimaey - A viewpoint of a beautiful archipelago of 15 islands and 30 rock stacks off Iceland’s South Coast. The islands boast incredible natural beauty, the world’s largest population of nesting puffins in summer, and a fascinating history.

Kvernufoss - A stunning 30-meter (98 ft) waterfall, half-hidden in a gorge in South Iceland, yet close to the ring road.

Eldhraun Lava Field - The 565 km² Eldhraun lava field flowed from the Laki fissure eruption of 1783, the largest lava flow from a single eruption since Iceland’s settlement. At least 15 farms are buried under Eldhraun.

Svinafellsjokull Glacier - An outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap. It is a popular spot for glacier hiking due to its incredible formations and excellent views.

Sólheimasandur - In 1973, a United States Navy DC plane ran out of fuel and crashed on the black beach at Sólheimasandur on Iceland’s South Coast.

• Private transportation
• Professional guidance
• Photography services included
• Selection of Icelandic snacks
• Complimentary bottled water

• Accommodation
• Meals

Embark on an unforgettable and personally tailored journey through hidden Iceland, seen through the lens of a photographer! This experience is hassle-free - no need to stress over planning or car rental, as all will be handled for you!

This excursion is ideal for those with a tight schedule - a minimum of 6 days in Iceland - seeking to fully maximise their time without the burden of organising the trip!

Accommodation logistics during your visit can be arranged if you wish. You are welcome to incorporate any activities such as snowmobiling, ice-caving, among others into the tour.

Your adventure will kick off with a pick-up from your hotel or the Keflavik airport in my 4x4 off-road vehicle. We will then set off for the ‘alien world’ of the Icelandic highlands, uncharted craters, lakes, and hidden locales which are off the beaten track. Together, let’s craft lasting memories and stunning photographs (shared within 72h of the trip)!

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.