Guide

Explore Southern Iceland for your Holidays

Iceland Volcano eruption

Explore Southern Iceland on your Holiday Vacations in Europe.

This self-drive itinerary offers the opportunity to visit some of the island’s best known natural wonders in the scenic south.

Sights include waterfalls, sprouting geysers, hot springs, mighty glaciers and icecaps to name a few, which are simply stunning no matter what the season.

You’ll also have the chance to walk and explore further afield and gain a true sense of what Iceland has to offer.

Day 1: The Blue Lagoon

Fly into Keflavik International Airport collect your hire car and drive to the capital city, Reykjavik. A trip to Iceland would not be complete without bathing in the famous geothermal Blue Lagoon.

The mineral rich seawater in the lagoon is known for its positive effects on the skin. You can actually bathe between two continents as the Euro–Asian and American tectonic plates meet at the Blue Lagoon. Blue Lagoon entrance fee for adults is €23.

Day 2: The Golden Circle

Spend the day exploring Thingvellir National Park which houses the remains of the old Icelandic parliament site. Witness the boiling sprouting water of Strokkur Geysir which erupts every 10 mins and marvel at the two-tiered Gullfoss waterfalls. Head south and to Hveragerdi for an overnight stay.

Day 3: Myrdalsjokull Glacier & Basalt Columns

Drive along the south coast past the impressive waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. The road winds past the Myrdalsjokull icecap and over the moss clad Eldhraun lava field to Kirkjubaejarklaustur.

Take a walk to the ‘Sister’s falls’ (Systrafoss and Kirkjugolfid) a national monument of wind and sea eroded basalt columns.

Day 4: Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon

visit the turf church of Nupsstadur then drive across the outwash plains of Iceland’s largest icecap, Vatnajokull to Skaftafell.

Explore further east to the amazing iceberg lagoon at Jokulsarlon, not forgetting to walk across the road to catch sight of icebergs breaking up and heading out to sea or being washed ashore on the black sand beach. Continue to Smyrlabjorg for an overnight stay.

Day 5: Skaftafell National Park

Spend the day hiking in Iceland’s second largest national park Skaftafell is an area of almost 5000 square kilometres and is an oasis wedged between sand and glacier. Stay overnight in nearby Skaftafell.

Day 6: Vik

On the drive back along the south coast stop off at the stunning cliffs and beaches of Vik where the wildflowers are pretty in the summer. Continue west to Myrdalsjokull Glacier and take a snowmobile tour on the glacier.

Visit the Saga Centre at Hvolsvollur en route to Hveragerdi, the Centre offers guided tours through the exhibition on the Njál´s Saga and the Viking age of Iceland’s history.

Day 7: Horse Riding

Go hiking in Reykjadalur or perhaps go horse riding through meadows, farms and lava fields before driving back to Reykjavik. The Icelandic horse is a breed of horse developed in Iceland and resembles a pony rather than a horse.

The Icelanders are keen to keep the Icelandic horse breed pure, so Icelandic law prevents horses from being imported into the country and exported animals are not allowed to return. Spend your last night in Reykjavik.

Day 8: Whale Watching

Go on a whale watching tour from Reykjavik Harbor before driving through the black lava fields on route back to Keflavik Airport, drop off rental vehicle and catch your flight home.

If you want to really enjoy your driving adventure in Iceland, don’t forget to take out your cheap holiday insurance as soon as you book your trip. It is important that you remember to check that your cheap holiday insurance policy offers you the level of cover that you need for your break before you buy it.

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