Grand Circle Flexible

Vesturland / The West

BORGARFJORDUR | A region often referred to as “the saga valley of western Iceland” since it served as the stage for many significant events in the literary masterpieces that Iceland is known for. Home to HRAUNFOSSAR, a remarkable series of waterfalls formed by water emerging from a porous lava field, and BARNAFOSS, a cluster of robust rapids with a tragic story behind their name.

Snaefellsnes

SNAEFELLSNES | A 50-mile long peninsula is filled with such natural diversity that it is practically a microcosm on the whole island. The mystical SNAEFELLSJOKULL, one of Iceland’s most famous volcano glaciers, is largely responsible for crafting the dramatic geological formations that the peninsula is known for – such as KIRKJUFELL, perhaps the most hauntingly beautiful mountain in all of Iceland. From the pebbly beaches of DJUPALONSSANDUR to the multitude of bird species nesting on treacherous cliffs of LONDRANGAR and THUFUBJARG, SNAEFELLSNES a paradise for photographers and nature lovers alike. Visit the picturesque fishing village of STYKKISHOLMUR and take a ferry through BREIDAFJORÐUR, a large shallow bay studded with thousands of islands, islets, and skerries.

Vestfirdir / The Westfjords

VESTFIRDIR | Named by TIME Magazine and Lonely Planet as one of the best-kept travel secrets of the world. Largely untouched and uninhabited, the remote and rugged VESTFIRDIR are all but separated from the mainland by a narrow isthmus and showcase Icelandic nature in its most raw and stunning state. HORNSTRANDIR Nature Reserve lies on the very edge of the Arctic Circle and is a haven for the Arctic fox. LATRABJARG is the westernmost point in Europe and its cliffs, which tower more than 1400 feet over the north Atlantic, are home to millions of seabirds including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. And DYNJANDI is the name – appropriately meaning ‘thunderous’ – for a dramatic series of waterfalls that collectively cascade more than 330 feet down a tiered cliff.

Nordurland / The North

AKUREYRI | This small, yet bustling city is nestled in EYJAFJORDUR, Iceland’s longest fjord. Because it serves as the hub for trade, education, and culture in the region, AKUREYRI is often refereed to as “the capital of the north.” And although it is situated less than 40 miles south of the Arctic Circle, the climate here is surprisingly mild. Spend some time wandering through the northernmost botanical garden the world and then take a dip in one of Iceland’s most popular swimming pools.

Myvatn

MYVATN | The fourth largest lake in Iceland. Frequent lava flows have left its shoreline very irregular in shape, and few areas offer such a wide spectrum of geological formations. The lake lies on an active volcanic belt where eruptions are frequent and intense geothermal activity results in bubbling mud pools, steaming solfataras, and brightly-colored mineral deposits. Relax in the sublime JARÐBÖÐIN VIÐ MÝVATN, a bathing lagoon filled with mineral-rich, geothermally-heated water. Marvel at the magical waterfall, GODAFOSS, and DETTIFOSS, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. Explore the volcanic area around KRAFLA, the spectacular sulphur fields at NAMASKARÐ, the dramatic lava formations at DIMMUBORGIR, and the pseudo craters at SKUTUSTADIR. Or, go on a whale watching and/or bird watching tour on SKJALFANDAFLOI, a large bay known for its remarkable wildlife.

Austurland / The East

THE EAST FJORDS | The beautiful, rugged coastline of the East Fjords are punctuated with towering mountains and charming villages such as BORGARFJORDUR EYSTRI, EGILSSTADIR, SEYDISFJORDUR, and DJUPIVOGUR. It’s a quiet corner of the country that few tourists ever venture to, so those that do are rewarded with sweeping views and smaller crowds.

Suðurland / The South

JOKULSARLON | A stunning glacial lagoon filled with icebergs that have calved off the glacier BREIDAMERKURJOKULL and are heading out to sea. JOKULSARLON is the deepest lake in Iceland and it is abundant with fish that have drifted in from the ocean. You may even catch a glimpse of seals swimming around the lagoon looking to reap the bounty.
SKAFTAFELL NATIONAL PARK | Part of the larger VATNAJOKULL NATIONAL PARK, SKAFTAFELL is a masterpiece of seemingly impossible contrasts of nature. The landscape in the park has considerable variety and has been formed over thousands of years by the influences of ice, fire, and water. The waterfall SVARTIFOSS is one of SKAFTAFELL’S best known attractions, mainly for the towering black basalt columns that flank it.
Reynisdrangar
KIRKJUBAEJARKLAUSTUR | Home to KIRKJUGOLF (meaning ‘church floor’). A church was, in fact, never situated here, but this natural attraction was formed when lava cooled quickly and contracted, forming hexagonal pillars that look like tiles. Nearby is FJADRARGLJUFUR, a canyon that, while not particularly impressive in size, is absolutely breathtaking. The canyon is cut from the volcanic rock palagonite and the walls are blanketed in a vibrant green moss.

The Eyjafjoll Region and The Village of Vik

VIK | The southernmost village in Iceland, renowned for the breathtaking black beaches of REYNISFJARA. To the west lies DYRHOLAEY, a promontory formed by a submarine volcanic eruption and known for its large, distinctive archway.

SKOGAR | A tiny village that is home to not only a fantastic folk museum - which contains an outstanding collection of artifacts and impressive turf houses - but it is also home to SKOGAFOSS, one of Iceland’s largest waterfalls with a width of 82 feet and a drop of 200 feet.

SELJALANDSFOSS | One of the most picturesque waterfalls in all of Iceland. Here, the river SELJALANDSA drops 200 feet over the cliffs of what used to be the island‘s coastline. If favorable conditions allow (and if you don‘t mind getting a bit wet!), it is possible to walk behind the waterfall.

EYJAFJALLAJOKULL | The famous volcano/glacier that grounded most of the European flights for a week during the historic eruption in 2010.

The Golden Circle

THINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK | A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Iceland’s most fascinating places due to both its impressive geological formations and for the significant role it plays in the country’s history as the original meeting site of the Icelandic parliament, the oldest existing parliament in the world.

GULLFOSS | A majestic double waterfall that tumbles 105 feet into the canyon of HVITA, one of the longest rivers in Iceland.

GEYSIR | Located in the HAUKADALUR geothermal area, this is the geyser from which the English word is derived. GEYSIR itself is now dormant, but an adjacent geyser, STROKKUR, erupts every few minutes.

Reykjavik

REYKJAVIK | The northernmost capital city in the world. Lined with colorful, corrugated steel buildings, the streets in the downtown area are very pedestrian-friendly and full of fascinating museums, quaint shops, and cozy cafes.