Iceland Express Self-Drive Tour

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2 Iceland Express Self-Drive Tour A tour to Iceland is probably the closest thing you ll experience to a voyage to another planet. With unique natural phenomena, Iceland is known as the Land of Fire and Ice. It is an island nation which offers a unique experience of natural wonders and landscapes of creation. A geologically young land where natural forces that shape the earth had not yet finished their work. In many places across Iceland you ll see how the island is changing shapes and created before your eyes. Active volcanoes, magnificent glaciers, mighty waterfalls, geysers of steam all constantly changing terrain in a fascinating combination of colors and temperatures. We invite you to a fascinating journey to one of the real wonders of the world, where nature has yet not said it last word.

3 Day 1. Arrival to Keflavik Reykjanes peninsula Blue Lagoon - Reykjavik. Welcome to Iceland! Exit the airport, here you can take the direct road to Reykjavik on road 41. Or explore the area between the airport and the capital. This area is called Reykjanes Peninsula. This is a geologically active region located on the boundary of two tectonic plates. Many people describe the area to have "lunar landscape".

4 Take road 41 toward Reykjavik. The famous Blue Lagoon is located on road 43. To locate the place, look for the sign that says "Bláa lóníð" or simply look for the steam rising from the blue lagoon and the nearby power station. The Blue Lagoon is famous worldwide as one of the best spas in the world. Entrance book at 10:00am. Continue through the village Grindavík and make a left on road 427. Drive to Krýsuvík where the geothermal site Seltún. Krýsuvík is one of the areas with highest surface temperature Iceland. Visitors can walk on the wooden path next to the hot sulfur springs and bubbling pits of boiling mud. After visit the area drive on road 42 along Kleifarvatn Lake back to Reykjavik. What to see in Reykjavik? Reykjavik is the capital and largest city in Iceland. It is also the world's most northern capital excluding Nuuk, Greenland. With a population of 120,000 (over 200,000 in the Greater Reykjavik area) it is the center of economic activity and the government of Iceland. The city is close to the Faxaflói gulf and in its background you can see an impressive view of the mountains called Esja ridge. Reykjavik offers quality time with all the advantages of a modern European city. Sites in the city center- most of Reykjavik's most interesting sites are within walking distance from each other. Laugavegur is the main shopping street of Reykjavik, with a wide selection of shops, restaurants, cafes and bars. Next to Austurvollur square near the city center, you will find museums, boutiques, designer shops and fine dining places. Lake Tjörnin in downtown Reykjavik is a worthy of visit. The lake is relatively small compared to other lakes in Iceland, but its location is one of the most famous ones. Around the lake there are many interesting buildings, including the municipality of Reykjavik, Iceland's National Gallery and the Church Fríkirkjan. The only park in central Reykjavik Hljómskálagardurinn is also can be found near Lake Tiorn.

5 Hallgrimskirkja - the city's main cathedral and the most prominent structure. The church tower offers great view of the city. Hallgrímskirkja, located in the center of Reykjavik, and is most evident in the structure. It is the largest church in Reykjavik and one of the most visited places in Iceland. State Architect Guðjón Samúelsso designed the church in Construction work began in 1945 and ended in 1986, it took 38 years to complete the building. Austurvöllur Square - The main square, where the Parliament Building. The Statue of Jón Sigurdsson who led Iceland's independence movement from Denmark stands in the middle of the square. Opera House (Harpa) - the new concert hall in Reykjavik's opened in The building consists of a steel frame clad in a geometric glass plates of different colors. The building was originally part of the redevelopment of the area known as Austurhöfn new trade center of Reykjavik, partially abandoned after the serious financial crisis of Although the Icelandic government decided to continue the construction work of the building and not leave it unfinished in the city so it won't have depressing effect on the loacals. One can get a guided tour of the place. Address: Austurbakki 2 near the port. Sculpture "Sólfar" (The sun voyager) - A metal sculpture of an imaginary ship sailing on her way to the sun. The statue was built by Jón Gunnar Árnason and was first introduced in The statue is located on the sea front Sæbraut St. Approximately 200 meters to the right of the Opera building "Harpa". Northern lights center - Now you can watch the Northern Lights in any season and in any weather. Northern Lights center of Reykjavik features an ongoing film presents the amazing phenomenon in HD. Here you can read about the Northern Lights and learn about the phenomenon through stories and legends from around the world and learn something about the science behind this amazing phenomenon. Address: Grandagarður 2, Reykjavik

6 Sites in short distance from the city center: Perlan (The Pearl) - a revolving restaurant located on top of Öskjuhlíð hill. It can be observed from many spots in Reykjavik. It's offer great panoramic view of 360 degrees. Within Perlan there is a coffee shop and restaurant. Restaurants and Bars: FISHCOMPANY or Fiskfélagið - Gourmet Restaurant Fish Company located in Vesturgata 2a This is the famous Fish Market Reykjavik. Saegreifinn - The Sea Baron - Reykjavik harbor seafood restaurant. Geirsgata 8 Phone: The English Pub - Good bar with good atmosphere Austerstraeti 12A. Museums: The National Museum of Iceland - The National Museum is located in Reykjavik displays objects that provide insight into the history and culture of Iceland. The museum encourages visitors to linger on the past, present and future of Iceland and foster knowledge and awareness of the nation's unique history. Address Suðurgötu 41, 101 Reykjavík Opening hours: daily from 10: 00-17:00. Iceland's whale museum - The world's largest museum devoted to whales. The museum displays a real-scale models of many species of whales, including the blue whale, the largest creature ever to live on Earth. The museum is located in Reykjavik's old harbour, not far from the city center. Great entertainment for families with children. The museum site - Icelandic Phallological Museum The museum is dedicated to the Presentation of the male genitalia of most mammals including whales living in Iceland and the latest addition was added to the museum from a human specimen who volunteered to donate their "share" to the enjoyment of visitors.

7 Main sites of the day: Reykjanes peninsula Blue Lagoon - Reykjavik. Optional activities: Entrance to the blue lagoon. please book in advance at Day 2. Park Thingvellir - Geysir - Gullfoss Skogafoss Dyrhólaey Vík. From Reykjavik take the main highway (number N1) to the north. Once passed the town named Mosfellsbaer, we'll see Mt Esja with covered with pine trees off the road on the right. The maximum height of the ridge is 914 m. It is a place that attracts the locals and give a perfect opportunity for a break from city life and going out into nature.

8 Turn off the main road on the roundabout towards road 36. The first stop will be National Park Þingvellir, geologically unique place with a breathtaking beauty. Studies have shown that Þingvellir is a natural wonder on an international scale. Defects and cracks in the rift are clear evidence of earth's crust. The park also selected by UNESCO World Heritage and is one of the few places on earth where you can observe the tectonic plates when they are lifted off the ground. Near the visitor center, the view over the valley ahead is breathtaking. You can enter the park for a walk between the two tectonic plates from both sides. These are the tectonic plates of America and Euroasia, and you are at this moment actually walk between them! Later the trail there is also a magnificent waterfall and pools deep and clear with bridges over them. Park Þingvellir is Iceland's most important place historically. That's where the world's first parliament convened in 930. Iceland is a parliamentary democracy of more than 1000 years. Icelanders have traditionally come every year from all parts of the country to Þingvellir to exchange goods, to discuss the legal and social affairs and set rules. After exploring the area, drive across the Gjábakki pass, continue on road 36, and then road 365 towards Laugarvatn. Drive further inland to the Great Geysir area. This is the hot springs park located in an area called Haukadalur. The word "geyser" is a bit confusing. "Geyser" is the name of the phenomenon known as boiling water and steam erupt from the bowels of the earth, but the Geysir is also the name of one of the geysers in the park. In fact, it geysir gave its name to the whole phenomenon and hence the confusion. Near the the great Geysir there is a smaller geyser called Strokkur. Strokor is currently the most active geyser in the park and although its water jet is smaller, is no less spectacular. Strokkur erupts every 10 minutes on average, prepare your cameras! Stroll among the many hot springs. Geysir Visitors Center offers: cafeteria, a souvenir shop, a gas station and a multi-media center. From here, short drive to the waterfall Gullfoss one of Iceland s most beautiful waterfall. Gullfoss (which means "golden waterfall") is probably the most famous waterfalls in Iceland. The waterfall is located on the river Hvita. The waterfall is divided into two parts and then the river turns sharply to the left into a narrow canyon and fairly steep. Definitely recommended to go along the whole route, about half an hour walk and see the falls from different angles. On clear days when the sun shines a spectacular rainbow can be seen over the waterfall.

9 Here make a U-turn and drive south on road 35. Don t miss the pretty waterfall Faxi, hidden a short distance from the road on your left hand side. Look for the small "Faxa" sign. Further south make a stop at the volcanic crater Kerið. Kerið is a volcanic crater lake. The crater depth is 55 meters and was it is 3,000 years old. Half the age of the other nearby volcanoes. While most of the rather steep crater walls have almost no vegetation, a wall of a more moderate slope is covered with moss. The lake itself is quite shallow and reaches a depth of up to 14 meters depending on rainfall. Because of minerals from the soil it is impossible to see the bottom. Continue South on road number 35 to the town Selfoss, 20 Km pass Selfoss, you can make a short stop (to the right) at Urriðafoss, a waterfall in Þjórsá River. Þjórsá is Iceland's longest river, 230 km, and Urriðafoss is the most voluminous waterfall in the country. Make a left turn to the East to town Hella. Drive pass Hella and Hvolsvollur. Continue on road 1 heading for the Eyjafjöll district and stop at the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. In summer, it is possible to walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall, - this is an interesting experience. Make sure the visit the nearby Gljúfrabúi waterfall few hundred meters from Seljalandsfoss. Continue on road 1 to visit Skógafoss waterfall. It is one of Iceland s biggest and most beautiful waterfalls with an astounding width of 25 meters (82 feet) and a drop of 60 meters. On March 20th 2010, a volcanic eruption started on Fimmvörðuháls, a mountain ridge between the glaciers, Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. The eruption on Fimmvörðuháls lasted a couple of weeks. After this eruption came to an end a new and bigger eruption started underneath the nearby icecap of Eyjafjallajökull Glacier. This eruption came to an end on 23. May Hidden underneath the icecap of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier is Katla, one of Iceland s most dangerous volcano. During summer, snowmobiling tours are available on the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. You can make a detour on road 221 from the main highway to the glacial tongue of Sólheimajökull, a part of the Mýrdalsjökull Ice field.

10 Continue on road 218 to the Dyrhólaey natural reserve and a nesting colony of numerous seabirds (Dyrhólaey is closed for all traffic during the nesting period until June 25th). Drive to Reynishverfi, road 215 with beautiful coast, spectacular rock formations and thousands of nesting seabirds which nest in almost every crevice in summer. Back to the main road and continue to Vík, a small village on the black beach. Main sites of the day: Þingvellir national park - Geysir Gullfoss - Kerið crater - Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss Dyrhólaey Reynisdrangar. Optional activities: Spa Fontana in Laugarvatn Lava centre in Hvolsvollur Useful Tip: When visiting Gullfoss waterfall take a raincoat! Day 3. Fjaðrárgljúfur - Skaftafell park Glacier Lagoon Höfn Djúpivogur.

11 From Vík drive across the Mýrdalssandur floodplains and Eldhraun, the largest lava field ever to flow on Earth in historical time, and to the small village Kirkjubaejarklaustur. Fjaðrárgljúfur is a narrow and beautiful canyon a few km to the west from Kirkjubæjarklaustur, worth taking a look at (road 206). Fjadrargljufur canyon. This is a fairly wide impressive canyon 100 m deep and 2 km in length. It is made from soft rock, with layers of lava penetrated into it and over it. The canyon was at the end of the Ice Age about two million year ago. When the ice cap retreated they formed a large lake in the valley over the canyon. The water stored in the lake due to the brink of a rock and dripped downhill. Melting snow brought erosion that. As a result, all at once jet water washed and created the canyon we see today. The lake was filled again and the river dug itself deeper and deeper into the rock, a phenomenon that continues to this day in small scale. At Kirkjubæjarklaustur, often abbreviated as "Klaustur", see Kirkjugólfið (the Church Floor), a protected natural monument just east of the village. Kirkjugólfið is columnar basalt, shaped and eroded by water and wind, only a few minutes walk from the road. On the roundabout take road 203 to get there. Continue from Klaustur over Skeidarársandur, vast tracts of black sandy desert washed down by numerous torrential glacial rivers. Just north of town on our way we can stop at Dverghamrar ("Dwarf cliffs") - These are special rocky formations of hexagonal shapes according to the local folk stories this is places where local elves live, so please avoid talking loudly when you visit the place. Continue through wetlands erosion Skeiðarársandur at Park Skaftafl On the way we can see the impressive Table Mountain Lómagnúpur. Stop at the Skaftafell National Park, an oasis wedged between glacier and sand. Its natural beauty is a result of unusually favourable weather conditions and the interaction of ice and fire. Beneath the Vatnajökull ice cap, towering above Skaftafell is Grímsvötn, one of Iceland s most active volcanoes. See the interesting Visitors Centre where you can learn the history of fire and ice in the region and a video of the volcanic eruption and the catastrophic flood in the area in 1996 can also be viewed. An interesting hiking trail takes you to Svartifoss, one of Iceland s most picturesque waterfalls, framed in by beautiful basalt columns that surround it. In the Skaftafell area are many other interesting hiking trails.

12 Continue to Fjallsárlón and Jökulsarlón glacial Lagoons where huge icebergs, sculptures of nature, broken off the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier float and grind together in the deep blue waters of the lagoon. An interesting cruise among the icebergs on the Lagoon is available in summer. Make sure to walk pass the bridge to see where the ice bergs wash in to the beach, the place known as diamond beach. From Höfn, continue through the Almannaskard tunnel to Lónsöræfi, a mountainous wilderness ringed by extinct volcanoes and traversed by glacial rivers. Drive past towering mountains with bare rock faces that plunge almost vertically into the sea. Proceed to the magnificent East Fjords, some are now deserted and each a world of its own. Main sites of the day: Fjaðrárgljúfur - National Park Skaftafell - Ice Lagoons. Useful info: Skfatafell hiking trail - Optional activity: Glacier lagoon boat tour at 17:20 or 18:10. Book online in advance at

13 Day 4. Egilsstaðir Dettifoss Waterfall Myvatn Lake. Continue to Egilsstaðir. There are two different routes available that you can choose from to Egilsstaðir. A short cut is possible here - instead of proceeding on road 1 along the coast it is now possible to drive across Öxi pass (road 939), a steep and spectacular route.

14 From Egilsstaðir take road 1 from along Jökuldalur Valley and across the highland desert of Möðrudalsöræfi - heading towards Akureyri. Close to the isolated farm Grímsstaðir, take road 862 to the north. The route loosely follows the course of the mighty river Jökulsá á Fjöllum to Öxarfjörður Bay. Continue to the north along a rather rough but scenic route to Dettifoss waterfall, the largest waterfall in Europe. There is a 15 minutes hiking trail from Dettifoss to the nearby Selfoss waterfall with very wide cascades. After visiting Dettifoss make a U turn and drive back to road 1. Continue West to Lake Mývatn. The rest of the day will be dedicated to Lake Myvatn area, a real natural jewel. Mývatn is a shallow lake located in an area of geothermal activity. The name of the lake means "lake of midges" (Icelandic "Mý" = gnat, "vatn" = lake) lake got its name from a vast number of flies (midges) who inhabit the place several times each summer. The name "Myvatn" is sometimes used not only as an alias to the lake but also all around the uninhabited environment. The nature in the lake area is known throughout the world because of the many species water birds nesting in the area especially great variety of rare ducks. Start your trip around the lake from the small town Reykjahlið where there is a supermarket, petrol station and Visitor Information Centre.

15 Landmarks around Lake Myvatn (clockwise): Hverarond or Hverir - On Highway 1 a few miles east of Lake Myvatn is a bubbling mud area. At an altitude of 410 meters above sea level a geothermal bubbling mud pools, small geysers, steam and smoke. A must visit place, sights and smells won't be forgotten. Krafla - Volcano situated 8 km north of Lake Myvatn. Rises to 818 meters, the volume of the crater is 10 km and a depth of 2 km. The area is very active geologically and up till today erupted 29 times. There is also geothermal power plant by the same name that supplies electricity to the entire region. One can take guided tours in English and learn about the method developed by Icelanders to produce clean electricity energy from earth. Leirhnjúkur - on the other side of the Krafla, a spectacular area of geothermal activity, sulphurous steam and hot water coming out of cracks in the rock. The site stands as testimony to the tremendous power which lies beneath the surfaced. Note that in some places the soil crust is very thin and can break apart, it is important to stick to the tracks and try not to cross the fences. Mount Hverfjall - Beautiful volcanic crater with center cone, one of the world's largest craters. Altitude of 163 meters, 1 km in diameter and depth of 140 m. Steep walking trail about 15 minutes' walk leads to the crater. Grjótagjá Creek in the ground filled with hot water. In the past the place was a popular bathing site but geothermal activity made the pool too hot (50 degrees) for swimming. You can watch the pool through the cracks in the ceiling and come down to the water. The site is located between the town Reykjahlíð) and Hverfjall. Dimmuborgir - "The Black Fortress" is an area of lava rock formations and other structures that are more like a view from another planet. The total eara size of the site is 2 km. Walk between the lava sculptures is possible in marked hiking trails. The area was created 2000 years ago after the eruption of the volcano Lúdentarborgir. Höfði - Hofdi is fenced peninsula with panoramic views of Lake Myvatn region. The place is privately owned by a couple who for decades planted trees and many plants.

16 "Pseudo craters" in the south-western side of the lake near the Sel Hotel. Main sites of the day: Dettifoss - Krafla - Dimmuborgir - - Leirhnjúkur - Hverarond. Optional activities: bathing in Myvatn thermal baths. Highway 1 from Reykjahlid towards Egilsstadir. After three kilometers, take the exit to the right with a sign "Jardbodin". (Tickets can be purchased on spot). Day 5. Husavik Goðafoss waterfall Akureyri Skagafjorður Varmahlíð. Continue on road 845 to the town Húsavík. Husavik is known as a world center for whale watching and is the first place in Iceland Whale Watching cruises offered. During our visit to the town we can visit the whale museum and take a whale watching tour. Drive back south on towards Akureyri, North Iceland's capital and second largest city.

17 On our way we make a stop at a Goðafoss waterfall. Near the intersection with road 841. Goðafoss or "Waterfall of the Gods" has a special place in the history of the Icelandic people. In 1000, when Iceland's elected legislature was under pressure to convert the Icelandic people to Christianity, as a symbolic act, he threw the statues of the Nordic gods into the waterfall and that s how it got its name. In a peaceful act the Icelandic people became a Christian nation, but secretly continued worshiping Thor, Odin and the other gods of the Norse pantheon. Continue on road 1 to Akureyri. Although it is situated only 40 km south of the Arctic Circle, Akureyri has some of the best weather in the country. See the famous Botanical Gardens of Akureyri (Located by Hotel Edda) and some of the many museums and art galleries. Continue on road 1 to Skagafjorður district known for its many horse breeding farms. End the day in Varmahlið. Next to Varmahlið intersection you can visit the unique church Víðimýrikirkja. Optional Detour: Continue on a circle trip through the Eyjafjörður valleys on road 82 and explore Tröllaskagi Peninsula. A short (15 min.) ferry ride is available several times daily (every 1-2 hours) during summer from Árskógssandur to the small Island Hrísey. Hrísey has earned a reputation as a bird watching destination. There are no natural predators on the island, making it an ideal bird sanctuary. Take the Lágheiði Pass to Ólafsfjörður, a fishing town on the shores of Eyjafjörður Fjord. Continue to Siglufjörður, a remotely located fishing town that during the herring boom in early 20th century used to be the most prosperous fishing town in Iceland. Visit the award-winning Siglufjörður Herring Era Museum. It charts the rise and decline of the former "Herring Capital of the World" and the great Herring Adventure that lasted until Take road 76 along the eastern shore of Skagafjörður Fjord to Hofsós and further to the north to Fljót District.

18 An approximately 11 km new tunnel has recently been opened that cuts driving distance between Siglufjörður and Ólafsfjörður by about 47 km. It enables easy access to the isolated and pretty Héðinsfjörður valley that in the past used to be the most remote settlement in North Iceland. Due to the remoteness, the valley was abandoned in the middle of the 20th century. This is a great hiking area. The tunnel is in two sections: Siglufjörður to Héðinsfjörður: 3.7 km and from Héðinfjörður to Ólafsfjörður 6,9 km. Continue to Hofsós where you can enjoy a great thermal pool with spactacular view. Main sites of the day: Husavik - Goðafoss waterfall - Akureyri Skagafjorður. Optional Activities: Whale watching tour 3 hours. Can be booked by us in advance. Glaumbær the old farm house

19 Day 6. Skagafjörður West Iceland Glanni Waterfall Reykjavik. Continue on road 744 and 74 to road 1 and than toward Blönduós. You can make left on the 2nd turn to road 722 to visit Vatnsdalshólar are a cluster of hills of all sizes across the mouth of Vatnsdalur valley. Thought to have been formed by a catastrophic landslide. These hills are considered to be one of the three "innumerables" things in Iceland along with the lakes in Arnarvatnsheidi and the islands on Breidarfjord in the west. Later on you can make a detour through Vatnsnes peninsula, turn left on road 716 to Borgarvirki. Borgroirki is "volcanic plug". At an altitude of 177 meters, it dominates its surroundings and looks like a castle made of basalt rock. Throughout history, the place served as a natural fortress and some changes have been made to adapt it to the protection of humans. Today hilltop vantage point has impressive views over the

20 surrounding. Continue on road 711 towards the guesthouse OSAR, from there it s possible to watch the seals. Vatnsnes peninsula is famous mainly due to the beautiful landscapes, large seal colonies and birds nesting in the area. The seals are protected animals and it is forbidden to get close to them. Observation huts are on spot from which it s possible to watch the seals without having to disturb them. You may want to bring binoculars. Not far from there visit the famous rock Hvitserkur. Height of 15 m and shape is somewhat reminiscent of a frozen troll. According to local legend, this is indeed a troll caught the sun during his mission to attack a nearby monastery. Geologists say it is actually the last remnant of a volcano has been eroded over the years by ocean currents and rain.drive back to road 1 and contiue West. After driving through the fertile farmlands of Húnavatnssýsla County and along the shores of Hrútafjörður Fjord, continue on road 1 towrds Borgarnes. Near the intersection of roads 60 and road 1, just before the university campus of Bifröst, we can see the rising Grábrók crater. Well organized hiking trail on a wooden path leads to the top of the crater. Grábrók is the largest of three craters nearby. Impressive landscape of the area revealed from the top. Down the road on Route 5257 look for the sign indicating for the waterfall Glanni near a golf course of the same name. Short walking trail leads to the waterfall. Drive to Borgarnes where we can stop for refreshement. On our way to Reykjavik we will cross the Hvalfjörður tunnel. A toll of 1000 ISK can be paid in cash or credit card. Will end the day back in Reykjavik. Main sites of the day: Vatnsnes Peninsula Grábrók crater Glanni Waterfall - Reykjavik. Optional Activities: Horse ride tour next to Varmahlíð

21 Day 7. Reykjavik - Keflavik (Departure). Take road 41 back to the airport. Return the car at the airport. Its recommended to be ready at the aiport 3 hours before flight. Visiting all the sites and activities mentioned in the program depends on the weather. It is advisable to check out the weather conditions at the beginning of each day before departure. Weahter Report: How to drive in Iceland: Road conditions: Lagoons of Iceland: Emergency phone (Police\Ambulance) 112 Another Iceland wishes you a safe and pleasant visit in Iceland!