9-Nights Iceland Complete Road Trip: Reykjavik, Akureyri, Hofn & More

Goway Travel

Embark on the complete Iceland adventure over 10 days, picking up your car from Reykjavik airport and circumnavigating the land of fire and ice.

Collect your vehicle and set off along the southwest coast, staying overnight in the ‘flower village’ of Hveragerdi, where geothermal springs power local greenhouses. See the full force of those springs as you explore Geysir National Park, as well as the famous Gullfoss waterfall. Overnight in Bogarfjordur, then catch a glimpse of rural life in Iceland, visiting the horse breeding valley of Skagafjordur, and Hunafloi Bay. Glaciers that cut through the landscape serve as a reminder that this is still nature’s show.

Overnight in Akureyri and explore the Lake Myvatn area, including the incredible Godafoss waterfalls. You’re deep in the northern part of Iceland now, seeing sights many tourists never reach. Enjoy the unique lava formations at Dimmuborgir, and colourful Namaskard pass. The following day, you’ll have the chance for whale watching before going on to Europe’s most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss. Drive south into the east fjordland, taking things slowly as you admire the Vatnajokull glacier.

Heading into the home stretch of your journey, Iceland’s southern coast, explore Vatnajokull National Park, named for Europe’s largest glacier. See Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon and the green oasis of Skaftafell before overnighting in Kirkjubaejarklaustur. The south coast is defined by glaciers, rocky shores, black sand beaches and in summer, Iceland’s adorable puffins. You’ll also see the infamous Eyjafjallajokull volcano, which grounded flights across Europe in 2010. A visitor’s centre at the base explains how.

Return to Keflavik Airport for departure. If you have time, stop in at the Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s must-do experiences, and a great way to soak away your aches and pains.

Vacation Inclusions

• Accommodation in your choice of tour category. Accommodation is a combination of hotels, farmhouses and guesthouses
• Icelandic-style breakfasts during tour (except arrival day)
• Rental car with unlimited mileage, CDW, theft protection and VAT
• Car pick-up/drop off at Keflavik International Airport
• Airport Service Charge
• Additional authorized driver
• Free in-car unlimited Wi-Fi to help you navigate with your personal mobile device
• The Iceland Travel app. Over a thousand points of interest with descriptions clearly displayed on your map. The points of interest can be customized to suit your interests and individual route
• Electronic version of the Iceland Travel Road Guide in English, Spanish, Italian, Dutch and French
• Emergency phone line open 24 hours, including weekdays and public holidays
• Customer care service during office hours
• Service fee and taxes

Featured Destinations

Borgarfjordur
Keflavík
Reykjavik Reykjavik The fire, frost and water symbolized by the red, white and blue of Iceland’s flag are manifested in this land. Reykjavik, or Smoky Bay, was so named in 874 A.D. by Ingolf Arnarson when he sighted the numerous hot springs on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula. Today this remarkably pollution-free city is wrapped around a sweeping bay and has managed to retain its charming Old-World atmosphere. A pastiche of red-blue-and green-roofed houses together with the tall gray tower of Hallgrim’s Church dominate the skyline. In Old Town, many of the wooden buildings have been lovingly restored and stand side by side with modern timber and concrete structures. There are fine museums and art galleries; historic pubs present activity in late afternoon. The beautiful countryside outside of Reykjavik includes such natural wonders as volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, mountains and spectacular waterfalls.	Destination Guide
Akureyri Akureyri Akureyri is one of Iceland's oldest towns, and features picturesque historic houses set below snowcapped peaks, botanical gardens and several museums. Explore the interior to see Godafoss Waterfall and Lake Myvatn. It is the largest settlement outside the south-west of Iceland, and one of the country's largest cities. The name means "Meadow Sandspit" in Icelandic. Akureyri is an important shipyard and fishing port, as well as a commercial and distributing centre for agriculture and manufacturing.	Destination Guide
Lake Myvatn Lake Myvatn The lake is a national conservation area because of its geological features and many species of ducks.  Heavy volcanic activity in the region has made this a hot spot for visitors looking for a thermal mud bath. The area is very diverse, ranging from hot thermal springs to mud pits, to barren lava fields.	Destination Guide
Egilsstadir Egilsstadir Egilsstadir is located in the eastern region of Iceland. It is a center for transportation and commerce and also provides quality accommodation and dining options. Egilsstadir is located near Iceland's third-largest lake, Lagarfljot, making Egilsstadir a great base to explore the forest on the lake's bank.	Destination Guide
Hofn Hofn The name of this town "Hofn" means, "harbour". Sprawled across a sandy spit in the lagoon Hornafjordur, Höfn is surrounded by spectacular scenery. You can buy locally made handicrafts, including Icelandic jumpers, at Handradinn Hornafirdi, in the historical Pakkhusid, near the harbour. The main attraction has to be the Vatnajokull Icecap. There are many routes up onto the Vatnajokull Icecap; the easiest is up the road on the broad glacier spur, Skalafellsjokull. Hofn is a thriving fishing port with associated industries such as fishing. It is also the commercial and market town for a prosperous agriculture inland.
Vik Vik Vik, Iceland, 120 mi/190 km southeast of Reykjavik, is near the Eldhraun lava fields and the beautiful sea-rock formations of Dyrholaey. You'll find fascinating needle rock formations and very active bird cliffs. (The campground and guest cabins at Vik are dramatically situated at the foot of one of the bird cliffs.) It's worthwhile to stop in town and stroll down to the sea and watch the brilliant white waves breaking over a black-sand beach of crushed volcanic lava. While in Vik, explore the small farms at Skogar. In addition to the farms, there is an open-air folk museum with exhibits on the traditions, history and mythology of the region. Nearby are the Myrdalsjokull and Eyarfjordurjokull glaciers.	Destination Guide
Hveragerdi Hveragerdi Hveragerdi, Iceland, offers walking trails, health spas and an opportunity to see vegetables and fruit growing in greenhouses heated by geothermal water. It's a nice place to relax. Located 30 mi/45 km southeast of Reykjavik, the town is a popular stopover for buses taking visitors on day trips, so there are tacky souvenir shops in town. However, it's easy to escape the kitsch and hike the nearby trails, where you will find a geothermal stream trickling through the mountains. It's the perfect temperature for bathing. The thermal activity brings a lively abundance of flowers in the spring and summer. In late June, the town plays host to a flower exhibition that attracts thousands of visitors. If you're there for a day or two, be sure to stop by the swimming pool at Laugaskard, a low-key structure with hot pots, steam baths and sunlamps. In 2008, a 6.3-level earthquake struck Iceland just 1 mi/2 km southeast of the town. At the tourist information center, you can see and walk over a glass-covered fissure where the earth opened up. There is also an earthquake simulator where visitors can experience firsthand how a 6-plus-level earthquake feels. Hveragerdi is easily accessible by car or by bus from Reykjavik's Mjodd bus terminal.	Destination Guide

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