Hot Springs & Cool Arctic Adventure Road Trip

Once you have landed at Keflavik Airport, please pick up your luggage and head through customs. Collect your rental car at the airport and proceed to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time in Iceland, you might enjoy exploring the unique Reykjanes Peninsula (a UNESCO GeoPark site).

Reykjanes is a great introduction to Iceland's unique geology and volcanoes, and the site of eruptions between 2020 and 2025. You'll see unusual and stunning features around the peninsula, including craters, lava cliffs, fissures, and the Mid-Atlantic ridge itself. We also recommend a stroll in the surreal Gunnuhver area where you can view quirky colourful mud pools and steam vents bubbling away.

Reykjanes is home to the renowned Blue Lagoon (included). The Blue Lagoon is a great introduction to Iceland's hot spring culture. Important: admission to the Blue Lagoon needs to be booked in advance. Drive to your hotel in Reykjavik, the colourful capital of Iceland. Overnight in Reykjavik.

Approximate distance: 50 km / 30 miles, with Reykjanes Peninsula 95 km / 55 miles). Please note check-in for most hotels begins at 14:00-16:00 (2:00pm-4:00pm)

This morning head to West Iceland's Borgarfjordur region via an undersea tunnel. This region is popular with locals, but it is getting known internationally for its volcanic beauty, local cuisine and handicrafts, and Viking legends.

If you would like to experience a traditional and rustic hot spring, we suggest first visiting Hvammsvik Nature Area after you head out of Reykjavik. Hvammsvik (included) offers a series of stone-lined circular pools with geothermal sea water or fresh water. The peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views of the nature and fjord are just as refreshing as the hot springs.

Interested in history? You might enjoy a stop in Borgarnes town where you can learn about the first Viking settlers in the area at the interactive Settlement Museum. Visit the beautiful Hraunfossar (the Lava Falls), where melted water from a glacier flows through interesting lava formations. Nearby is Barnafoss (the Children’s Falls) and its brilliant blue waters. Make a stop at Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot springs. Nearby (within walking distance) you can indulge in hot spring relaxation at the Krauma Natural Geothermal Baths (included). Krauma is known for its "fire and ice" experience since it combines Deildartunguhver's hot spring waters with cool mountain spring water. Krauma's restaurant serves healthy food using ingredients from local farms and greenhouses.

Langjokull glacier offers exciting adventures such as exploring an ice cave and tunnel built into the icy-blue heart of the glacier. Start with an adventurous ride up the glacier in a monstrous 18-wheeled vehicle. Once in the tunnel, you'll view a glacier from the inside and learn how these icy wonders are formed. Continue your journey, heading into North Iceland.

Continue your journey in North Iceland, passing coastal villages and heading into a region of towering mountains and fertile valleys. If you're interested in an authentic and rustic hot spring experience, we recommend a detour to Fosslaug, a tiny, traditional hot spring bathing area made with stones and earth. It is in a secluded area near a waterfall, so the free in-car Wi-Fi for your mobile device's GPS will come in handy! Please note there are no changing facilities. It is extremely important to treat this beautiful, fragile pool with respect and not leave any trash behind.

You can live like a local by visiting one of the geothermal public pools in the towns of Hvammstangi, Thelamork or Blonduos. Enjoy experiencing North Icelandic daily life and chatting with the locals as you relax in the hot tubs. You might even pick up a few recommendations about local favourite restaurants and shops!

Drive through beautiful alpine scenery enroute to Godafoss (the Waterfall of the Gods). Here, glacial water thunders around surrounding lava to create a beautiful half-circle shaped cascade. Travel to the unforgettable Lake Myvatn area, a geological wonderland that includes the peculiar lava formations at Dimmuborgir, and the pseudo-craters at Skutustadir. Some of the most bizarre places in the region are the bubbling mud pits and vibrant colours of Namaskard geothermal area. It's like walking on another planet- perhaps even Mars? Myvatn's fantastical landscapes have made it a filming location for the HBO Game of Thrones series, as well as several Hollywood movies (Star Wars, Oblivion, Fast and Furious).

A great evening activity is a visit to the Earth Lagoon Myvatn (included), where you can relax in the azure, blue waters in a tranquil wilderness setting. Restaurants in the area offer local specialties such as arctic charr, traditional smoked lamb, and geothermally baked rye bread. Overnight in the Lake Myvatn area. Please Note: The Ring Road route today contains a toll tunnel.

Our Recommended other Hot Spring Experiences: Fosslaug; swimming pools in Hvammstangi, Thelamork, and Blonduos

Start your day by visiting places in the Myvatn area you might not have seen yesterday. Then head to Husavik, a charming fishing town known for its great whale-watching opportunities. This town close to the Arctic Circle has become world famous thanks to the 2020 Netflix film Eurovision Song Contests: The Story of Fire Saga. We highly recommend a visit to the town's GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths (included). Relax in naturally warmed sea water and enjoy a scenic view far out to the Arctic Circle. The town also has interesting museums, restaurants, and a local favourite bakery.

After visiting Husavik, drive to Akureyri, a charming town with a very lively cultural and dining scene. The locals call it the "capital of North Iceland." In the winter it becomes a ski resort town with Hlidarfjall ski area just minutes away by car. Akureyri also has a fantastic swimming pool complex with many pools and hot tubs. A visit here is a fantastic way to end your day.

Please Note: The Ring Road route today contains a toll tunnel.

Our Recommended Hot Spring Experience: Forest Lagoon in Akureyri

Today you are heading to Reykjavik on a route filled with history and, of course, hot spring bathing. Before you leave the Akureyri area, we suggest a visit to the Forest Lagoon (included) (Skogarbod) in a small woodland near the town. This is a lovely geothermal experience with pools, a sauna, relaxation room, two in-water pool bars and an on-site restaurant. The pools have a pleasant view of the area's flat-topped mountains and the fjord.

Drive through Skagafjordur, a region known for interesting historical sites and excellent Icelandic horse farms. Depending on your schedule, you might visit Glaumbaer, an interesting turf manor house. Occupied between the 18th century and the 1940s, Glaumbaer is now a museum showing how rural Icelanders lived. There are also several places where you can enjoy a guided horseback tour through pretty countryside.

Continue to Reykjavik along Road 1, perhaps stopping to visit places in Borgarfjordur you did not see earlier in the trip.

There's always time for one last hot spring pool and, as you head into Reykjavik, the Sky Lagoon (included) is a "must." This unique hot spring experience blends historical architecture and modern facilities, along with unforgettable views over the sea and mountains. Indulge in a relaxing seven step geothermal experience called the Ritual. It will leave you rejuvenated and in touch with Iceland’s nature. You'll be invigorated and ready to enjoy the evening in Iceland's vibrant capital city. Overnight in Reykjavik.

Drive back to Keflavik International Airport. We recommend departing from your hotel in Reykjavik no later than at least 3 hours before your flight departure. It takes approximately 1 hour to drive to the airport, and the check-in will start 2 hours before your departure.