Route: Iceland's Ring Road extended (2016) If you have more time on your hands, the extended Ring Road travel route takes you practically everywhere in Iceland. Big parts will still be travelled along the Ring Road (road number 1) as this is the road giving acces to the largest part of Iceland. But whenever possible, it will bring you to highlights which are not reachable via the 1. Note: some parts of this route are gravel roads and thus take more time. Take at least four weeks for these route if you wish to see everything. Otherwise its probably better just to follow the Ring Road and look for some side roads.
Brottför 63.99809508721594, -22.626943588256836 Krisuvik geothermal area Krisuvik is a small geothermal area ideal for a visit from Reykjavík or when doing a road trip over Reykjanes. If you are visiting other (bigger) geothermal areas, the one near Lake Myvatn for example, Krisuvik can be skipped. Krisuvik doesn't seem to be known by many so its nice and quite. 42, Iceland 63.8947278, -22.0512342 More information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/kr%c3%bdsuv%c3%adk Krisuvik is on the 42, if you drive this road further south (or just before you arrive at Krisuvik) there is a lovely blue lake. Arnarker cave Arnarker is an 500 meter long lavacave in the Leitarhraun lava field, north of the old road leading from Þrengsli towards Selvogur. A marked path leads from the information sign by the road to the cave, and a ladder has been placed at its opening, down some 16 meters. The cave is about 516 meters long. It goes from the opening 100 meters south and ca 400 meters north. The best thing is, not many people know about it, so its all up to you to go and discover! 380, Iceland 63.889968666519, -21.489429473877 More information: http://www.south.is/en/what-to-see-do/nature/arnarker The Arnarker cave is hard to find, as the road is partly closed. When you are at the glacier water building you are almost there, continue on the road even though it is marked as closed. After one kilometer or so there is a small car park on the left, the cave is on the right. Care should be taken when inspecting the cave because of stones falling from the ceiling and icecastles that can be up to three meters high. Reykjadalur hiking trail Reykjadalur is a beautiful valley with a hot river running through it where you can bathe year round. There are no facilities so you need to be ready to change in front of people and such. When you are oké with that you just follow the marked path for 45 minutes or so and find a good spot to bathe in. be aware, the river is hotter in some places than other so make sure you check the water before you dive in. It is possible to walk a bit to the left or right of the 'main area'. Reykjadalur, Iceland 64.022787126165, -21.211681365967 More information: http://www.iheartreykjavik.net/2014/12/drive-it-yourself-the-golden-circle/ Be very careful if you go here and follow the marked paths as there have been bad accidents here in the recent years where people get badly burned when they go off the paths (there is hot water everywhere and the ground is sometimes unstable). Kerid Crater Kerið, is a 55 m deep volcanic crater, about 3000 years old. It is a part of a group of volcanic hills called Tjarnarhólar, and is now filled with water. The steep circular slopes resemble an ancient amphitheatre, in summer concerts have been held on a floating raft on the lake. Biskupstungnabraut, Iceland 64.0412777, -20.8851385 Skálholt Cathedral Skálholt was a very important place in Iceland many centuries ago. There's not a lot to see here but the church is beautiful and there's a museum where you can learn more about what took place here and who lived and worked here. Skálholtskirkja, Iceland 64.125256, -20.524435
Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin) And old renovated swimming pool located next to an active geyser which provides all the water for the pool. It's rustic but interesting to visit - somewhere between a spa and a nature pool. Hvammsvegur, Flúðir, Iceland 64.1378883, -20.3098637 Charges: 10-25 euro Faxi Waterfall Faxi waterfall may not get the most beautiful waterfall in Iceland, but it is still very beautiful and you can get much closer look than Gullfoss. Biskupstungnabraut, Iceland 64.226560920533, -20.340446233749 Gullfoss Waterfalls Gullfoss is actually two separate waterfalls, the upper has a drop of 11 meters and the bottom a drop of 21 meters. The riverbed rock was formed during an interglacial period. Water flows over Gullfoss at an average rate of 109 cubic meters per second. 35, Iceland 64.328197642768, -20.124785900116 More information: http://www.south.is/en/what-to-see-do/nature/gullfoss-waterfall As it is so close to Geysir it is a magnet for tourist. Don't expect to be alone here, it is an impressive waterfall but Iceland has better ones to be honest. Geysir Geysir has lent its name to choose the English language to christen the phenomenon of the periodically spouting hot springs. It is not the only attraction here (as it no longer spouts), the Strokkur geyser shoots a tower of water and steam 30 meters into the air every few minutes. Haukadalsvegur, Iceland 64.313697030149, -20.297048091888 It gets crowded here, Strokkur is the main attraction but the rest of the park is worth wondering through as well. Stories tell of paying an admission (around 5,-) but didn't see anything of the sort.. Öxarárfoss Waterfall If you go to Þingvellir you should not miss the Öxarárfoss Waterfall. It is a gem. You go to the park and the park near the campsite much. Then you walk over and behind a small hill, there is a path that will take you to the waterfall. Þingvallavegur, Iceland 64.265721882939, -21.11896276474 Thingvellir National Park Thingvellir National Park (Þingvellir) hosted many crucial events in Icelandic history and is at the heart of Icelandic nationhood as the Icelandic Parliament Alþingi was founded here. But most important of al, Thingvellir is a National Park with beautiful nature and heaps of hiking trails. Its Iceland's oldest National Park and on the UNESCO World Heritage List because of the special tectonic and volcanic environment. 64.255857, -21.1303622 More information: http://www.thingvellir.is/english.aspx The continental drift can be clearly seen in the cracks or faults which are traversing the region. The biggest one is Almannagjá.
Höfði House Höfði House, built in 1909, is considered to be one of the most beautiful and historically significant buildings in the Reykjavík area. It s best known as the location for the 1986 summit meeting of presidents Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbatsjov, a historical event that effectively marked the end of the Cold War. Fjörutún, Austurbær Reykjavík, Iceland 64.146360096715, -21.905761957169 The Höfði House is unfortunately not open to the public. Its location on the shore makes up for that with a a great view over Reykjavík. Glymur Glymur has long been the largest waterfall (196 meters) in Iceland but recently lost its title. But its still a large and beautiful waterfall! An one hour hike leads to a viewpoint of the Glymur waterfall and the awesome valley it has created. The waterfall is on private property so make sure to treat it nice ;) Unnamed Road, Iceland 64.391022, -21.251961 More information: http://www.west.is/en/west/place/glymur Glymur is not a main tourist attraction (oyeah), probably because of the hike and the fact its hard to get on a photo. But the climb up is great, on a clear day. Raudfeldar Canyon Raudfeldar Canyon is a must when visiting Snæfellsnes. The myth goes that it is a troll grave, still haunted by the half-man / half troll who killed it. Follow the stream inside, there a larger opening allows you to look up. Most people thing this is the end, but it ain't! Follow the stream further to where a waterfall tumbles down (3 meters) a rope allows you to climb even further so be prepared to get wet! Útnesvegur, Iceland 64.793980945111, -23.643436431885 More information: http://www.reizenin.net/twee-dagen-op-snaefellsnes/ The Raudfeldar Canyon can get a bit creepy though as a lot of animals seem to find there deaths here.. Especially after nesting season, when young chicks fall down and lie helplessly. We found several and something best described as a marter. Djúpalónssandur and Dritvik Dritvik used to be the biggest fishing port of Iceland, now its a deserted pebble beach with the last remainders of buildings (if you look very closely). On Djúpalónssandur an English boat got stranded, the rusting remains lie scattered across the beach. But here there is history as well, fisherman had to prove their strength before being allowed to get aboard. Stones had to be lifted: Fullsterkur (strong, 154 kg), Hálfsterkur (half-strong, 100 kg), Hálfdrættingur (weakling, 54 kg) en Amlóði (useless, 23 kg). 64.7522892, -23.9005197 More information: http://www.reizenin.net/twee-dagen-op-snaefellsnes/ The rusty remains on Djúpalónssandur are ment to remain untouched, so leave them as they are. The walk to Dritvik is about one kilometer and is well marked. Great views on the Snæfellsjökul. Grundarfjörður Is a small fish port but it really got known because of the mountain Kirkjufell (or Sugar mountain) of which some say that if you haven't seen it, you haven't been to Iceland. It is possible to hike to the summit of Kirkjufell, but this won't be for everyone. 64.9246686, -23.260406 More information: http://www.grundarfjordur.is/default.asp?tre_rod=002 &Sid_Id=60675&tId=1&qsr You easily drive through Grundarfjörður without knowing it, but Kirkjufell (or Sugar mountain) is easily spotted.
Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum Fun little shark museum about the Greenland Sharks, and how they are processed to be eaten. Yep this is the shark (Kæstur hákarl) that is fermented for 3 months, then hung for several more before it is even possible to eat it. In the Shark Museum it is possible to taste it (included in the entre fee) and get to see them drying outside. The presentation is the best part of the museum! 64.9978787, -22.9636228 Charges: 1-10 euro More information: http://www.bjarnarhofn.is/ Make sure to get the presentation and to visit the drying shark pieces after your visit (outside at the back of the museum). Great fun for just about six euro's. Hot pool Hellulaug Close Flokalundur this hot pool located. The bath is built into the rocks and the hot water is supplied from the source. The view is spectacular, you look out over the fjord and the sea. The temperature is good so you can easily be in 1,5 hours. 65.576396925219, -23.160016557056 More information: http://www.reizenin.net/drie-dagen-op-west-fjorden/ The view from the hot pool Garðar BA 64 - Ship wreck Garðar BA 64 is thought to be the oldest steelship in Iceland, built in Norway as a whaling vessel exactly one hundred years ago. Garðar was launched in Norway in 1912, the year Titanic sank in the North Atlantic Ocean. It was named Globe IV and was equipped with both sails and a steam engine to use when the weather was still. It was specially reinforced to endure the harsh conditions of the Southern Ocean where it was used to hunt whales. Today Garðar patiently awaits it s inevitable rusty fate in the sand providing tourists with a spectacular scene and just the perfect photo opportunity. 65.530388842413, -23.787460327148 More information: https://stuckiniceland.com/west_of_iceland/a-rusty-fate-for-a-century-old-steel-giant/ Its along side the main road and hard to mis. Rauðasandur - red beach Rauðasandur, or red beach, is one of the few beaches in Iceland which isn't black. Rauðasandur gets its color from pulverized scallop shells that have accumulated over the centuries. Its a good place to spot some seals, often sunbathing with their offspring. If weather and visibility are good it is possible to see all the way to Snæfellsnes peninsula and Snæfellsjökull glacier. 65.467742238209, -23.946847915649 More information: http://www.reizenin.net/drie-dagen-op-west-fjorden/ Rauðasandur are actually two beaches, the left one is easier accessible. The right one you can have for yourself, but then some cold water needs to be crossed. Látrabjarg (Bird rock) Látrabjarg is known for two things; being a save heaven for birds and as the most western point of Europe. Enough reasons to make a visit! From some bird species over half their population lives on Látrabjarg or Bird rock as it is also called. 65.5025723, -24.5316982 Dynjandi waterfall / hike Dynjandi has multiple levels of waterfalls of which the most impressive measures 100 meters, making it one of the highest in Iceland. But Dynjandi has more to offer then one waterfall, its more of a waterfall themepark. The short walk to the biggest leads you along all of them. The best part of Dynjandi; you can camp for free! One of the best campsites during our trip. 65.7346215, -23.2051849 More information: http://www.westfjords.is/en/other/place/dynjandi Winds can be hard, but yeah thats just Iceland. Could be a downside though when camping at Dynjandi. The gravel roads are doable also without a 4WD vehicle.
Akureyri Akureyri is Icelands second biggest city (32.000 inhabitants). Its located at the countries longest fjord and popular in summer. The city has a vibrant art scene and a lively history. Because its close to the pole circle its the ideal place to watch to midnight sun. 65.683777999974, -18.089010715485 Goðafoss waterfall This epic waterfall isn't the biggest, 12 meters high and 30 meters wide, but what a sight. Translated as waterfall of the gods the Goðafoss waterfall is a must stop for those driving the ring road. It's practically on the 1 and hard to mis. There are car parks on either side of the river, which finds its spring on the Vatnajökull glacier. 65.684361148077, -17.548298835754 Goðafoss is accesible on both sides, on the right side it is possible to hump some rocks over the stream to get closer. On the left side a small stairways goes down for probably the most epic view on the Goðafoss waterfall. Why not more people go down here I don't know.. Lake Mývatn Lake Myvatn translates into more musquito. It is the third largest lake in Iceland and is heated by thermal activity, therefore it never freezes over. However, the lake is not deep the deepest point is 4.5 meters. 65.569608696196, -17.0485496521 Make sure you bring mosquito repellent if bringing a visit. Grjótagjá cave Grjótagjá is a cave with a hot water spring inside, making it one of the most epic sights in Iceland. GoT fans: this is where Jon Snow laid with Ygritte. The Grjótagjá cave is in reality much bigger then GoT made us believe, making it even more impressive. The only downside is that the water is to hot to be used as a hot pool. So unlike Jon and Ygritte we have to sit on the side and enjoy the views. Back in the days it was used as a hot pool, but an earthquake increased the heat of the water. Making it to hot to bathe. 65.6271251, -16.8815664 There are three entrances into the Grjótagjá cave, al have different views but in all its forbidden to swim (even if you could bare the heat). The Grjótagjá cave is on private property so do treat it nice for it to remain freely accessible. Námafjall Hverir geothermal area Námafjall Hverir is an awesome geothermal area with a range of spectacular phenomenons; fumaroles, mud pools and steam areas. Easy acces along the 1 make this the ideal stop to explore a geothermal area. Don't worry, the smell is all part of the experience. Its hydrogen sulfide. Areas like these used to be sulphur mines, used for gunpowder. 65.640972520594, -16.809937301514 More information: http://www.northiceland.is/en/other/place/namafjall Make sure to keep to the paths, temperatures of the mud pools can get up to 200 C. You could get some nasty burns.. Dettifoss waterfall The Dettifoss waterfall is the most powerful waterfall in Iceland. Water is ranging 500m3 by means of a second. Dettifoss is 44 meters high and 100 meters wide, an impressive sight. 65.8146662, -16.384576 More information: http://www.reizenin.net/mooiste-watervallen-ijsland/ Pull rain gear on. The splash of the waterfall makes you wet.
Ásbyrgi Canyon Ásbyrgi Canyon is known to be one of Icelands most beautiful places. This canyon of 3,5km long and 1,1km wide is an unique sight. The canyon has walls/cliffs of 100 meter high making you feel really tiny. 66.0177725, -16.505538 Borgarfjörður Eystri Borgarfjörður Eystri is getting famous for it's hiking possibilities. Locals set out more and more trails in this beautiful fjord. In total there are 170 kilometers of tracks ranging from an hour to a day. Find one that suits you and explore! 65.5265799, -13.8182045 According to legends Borgarfjörður is where the elf king lives, so keep your eyes open for this royalty. Fardagafoss waterfall The Fardagafoss waterfall has a beautiful location looking out along the ravine and over the Fljótsdalur region. There is a small cave behind the waterfall where you can make a wish and sign a guestbook. 65.266066408857, -14.331390623438 Located around 5 kilometers from Egilsstadir, on or from the way to Seydisfjördur, you'll find a parking lot from qhich you can hike up to Fardagafoss within half an hour. Seyðisfjörður This place is at the end of a fjord of sixteen kilometers long. In the summer alive the art scene here but in the winter it can just two months almost all day are dark. Traditionally this was an important port. At present, this is the place where the ferry arrives and departs. 65.260770165754, -14.011505842209 Hengifoss waterfall Hengifoss (hanging waterfall) with 120 meters one of Iceland's highest waterfalls. It is possible to hike to the summit through a sheep track. The rocks consist of layers of the background of the waterfall gets a unique color. 65.095551, -14.8904719 To see the waterfall you must walk an hour. Pebble beach with Swans Amazing spot to put the car along side the road and walk over the pebble beach. In summer season the 'lake' houses thousands of swans. The views are great, even without the swans. Would love to come back again and see and hear thousands of swans doing there thing. 64.406245881988, -14.549331665039 Be careful for (small) plants growing on the shores of the lake. These are very fragile and take a long time to grow. It would be a shame to trampel them.
Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon the a glacial lake from the biggest glacier of Europe, Vatnajökull. Ice blocks are floating year round on Jökulsárlón. Walk along the shores, the west side has most floating icebergs near the shore, while the east side has the best views. If possible spend the night on the parking lot, its a spectacular sight with the sunset and at night. The beach (known as diamond beach) is also worth a quick visit. 64.045258325745, -16.182145091699 More information: http://icelagoon.is/ Seals are swimming in between the ice blocks making the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon even more fun to visit. O yeah, don't be stupid and climb on the icebergs.. Skaftafell National Park Skaftafell National Park is miniature Iceland. It is the summary of what can be found all around the island. Green forests, black mountains and a huge white glacier. And to top it of views on the highest mountain: Hvannadalshnjukur. But wait, there is more. Skaftafell National Park is home to one of Icelands most beautiful waterfalls: Svartifoss. Only a 1,8km hike from the visitor center. 64.016337623103, -16.966796910034 Ideal spot when you don't have much time for Iceland but want to wonder at its mystical nature. Stjórnarfoss waterfall Stjórnarfoss is a nice little waterfall (compared to all those big tumbling things) close to the 1. Great basic campground just a few hundred meters away. Looks like a great place to cool in summer (if you should need it). It looked like a path going up the hill from where Stjórnarfoss flows, we didn't go up due to time shortage. 63.799752, -18.0613013 On the road towards Stjórnarfoss is Kirkjugólf, some geometric and regular shape basalt columns. Fjadrárgljúfur canyon A hidden gem along the 1. A canyon formed by crystal clear blue water. The combination with the green moss make it look lake a LotR decor. Golem just need to pop out of a hidden cave somewhere.. It is possible to walk on top of the Fjadrárgljúfur canyon, as most people do, but if you are not afraid of wet feet go down and follow the stream up for even better views. 63.771279, -18.1718159 More information: http://www.south.is/en/moya/toy/index/place/fjadrargljufur The gravel road up to the Fjadrárgljúfur canyon is not well maintained to say the least. But it is just a few km and definitely worth it. Just drive slowly. Dyrhólaey headland A headland rising 120 meters out of the sea with a huge natural arch. The name literally means "door-hole". The headland is thought to have been made in an underwater volcanic eruption late in the glacial period. 63.3995936, -19.126339 More information: http://www.south.is/en/what-to-see-do/nature/dyrholaey Unfortunately it is no longer allowed to walk over Dyrhólaey, luckily the views from the lighthouse are still stunning. You should not miss (when it is allowed) going down to the black beach to see some of the incredible stone fissures there. The rip tides and currents are devious and one should never attempt to go into the water! Sólheimasandur plane wrack Maybe one of Icelands most iconic sites, the Sólheimasandur plane wrack. On the 24th of November 1973 this American DC-3 plain crasht and remained untouched. It is no longer possible to drive (with a 4x4) to this site, you have to walk 4km up to the plain wrack on the black beach and back. Don't think you will be the only one there, we where here in low season but still tens of people on the track and at the plane wrack. This makes the sight less memorable. 63.4590918, -19.3647122 More information: http://expertvagabond.com/airplane-crash-wreckage-iceland/ It is only allowed to go by foot to the Sólheimasandur plane wrack. As it attracts loads of people early morning or sunset seem to be the best times to visit.
Seljavellir hot pool One of the best pools ever, a free, heated pool in an amazing setting. Seljavellir was built in 1923 to teach Icelanders to swim. Now everyone can enjoy it! Seljavellir is heated by a natural spring, and is built against a slope of a mountain. So one side is rocky and a hot water stream even comes down here. The deeper part (right) is warmer as the spring fills the pool on that side. 63.566229215927, -19.607795464404 More information: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-3077992/come-water-s-lovely-incredible-hidden-pool-icelandic-mountains-filled-hot-spring-s-changing-room-feeling-modest.html Its a short walk (20 min) to the pool from where the road stops and you can park your car. There are changing rooms and places to keep your cloths dry. Wel worth a visit as not many people know about it! Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui Waterfalls Seljalandsfoss is just over 60 metres high in a lovely location, surrounded by cliffs and green slopes. A footpath leads behind the waterfall. A little further to the west there are several other falls, among them the interesting Gljúfrabúi which is partially masked by its own canyon. 63.6154947, -19.9900532 More information: http://www.south.is/en/what-to-see-do/nature/seljalandsfoss-and-gljufrabui-waterfalls It is a shame, and logical at the same time (it is an awesome waterfall), that it is so crowded at the Seljalandsfoss. Why not all people walk the 200 meters to the Gljúfrabúi I don't know. But its a great waterfall as well, which you can enjoy in peace. Gluggafoss / Merkjárfoss waterfall The Merkjá River has several beautiful waterfalls, but the most outstanding is Gluggafoss or Window Falls (also known as Merkjárfoss). The upper half of the cliff is palagonite or tuff rock and the lower ledge is basalt. The river has formed tunnels and grooves through the soft rock and a series of 'windows' in the tunnels, thereby earning the name 'Gluggafoss'. At the very top of the falls, the river passes under a stone arch. 63.7210255, -19.8937155 Urridafoss Waterfall Urriðafoss is a waterfall in Þjórsá River. Þjórsá is Iceland's longest river, 230 km, and Urriðafoss is the most voluminous waterfall in the country. This mighty river drops down (360 m3/sec) by the edge of Þjórsárhraun lava field in beautiful and serene surroundings. Þjórsárhraun lava field is the result of the greatest lava flow on earth since the Ice Age. 63.9246142, -20.6721926 Located right off highway 1. Pjorsardalur Valley One of the biggest known lavafields (of Iceland?) with stunning surroundings, and old viking settlement and a settlement destroyed by the eruption of a volcano. Gjáin (in the Pjorsardalur Valley) is said to be one of the hidden treasures of Iceland, just a short walk from the Stöng. 64.1055556, -19.8983333 A lot of people living in Iceland believe in elves and nature spirits. This is supposed to be a spot where there presence is felt. Landmannalaugar volcanic region Landmannalaugar, and its surroundings are too colorful and magnificent to describe with words. A must visit and the start or finish of the Laugavegur trek. Landmannalaugar is also described as the pearl of the central highlands. The best way to get a view is to hike up Bláhnúkur and extend it into the lavafields. If you have more time, definitely do the 53km Laugavegur trek to Þórsmörk. 63.9923082, -19.0596402 More information: http://www.south.is/en/what-to-see-do/nature/landmannalaugar-nature-reserve Landmannalaugar has public hot pools, with this scenery it is one of the best places ever to take a bath.