EXPLORING ICELAND
Iceland’s attractions are split between its unique island culture and its often explosive scenery – and with many landscapes closely tied to famous historic events, you’ll often find both together. Here are some ideas for making the most of your stay, whether you are here on a weekend break in Reykjavík, or have time to circuit the country.
Two Days in Iceland
Day 1
Stroll around Reykjavík’s midtown and harbour, taking in the Harpa theatre and cultural exhibitions at Landnámssýningin, Safnahúsið and Listasafn Íslands. In the afternoon, survey the city from atop Hallgrímskirkja or Perlan before admiring Modernist canvases at Kjarvalsstaðir. Finish with the zoo and botanic gardens at Laugardalur.
Day 2
Take a Golden Circle tour (or drive) around the ancient parliament site at Þingvellir, Geysir’s hot pools and waterspouts and the thundering falls of Gullfoss. Enjoy an evening soak at the Blue Lagoon.
Seven Days in Iceland
Day 1
Explore Reykjavík’s historic midtown and harbour, taking in the excellent, subterranean Landnámssýningin exhibition. Drive around the iconic landscapes at Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss, before heading past Kerið crater to spend the night in the town of Selfoss.
Day 2
Travel the southwest coast, via the Hvolsvöllur Saga Centre, the waterfall at Seljalandsfoss, the striking Eyjafjallajökull icecap – site of the 2010 eruption – and Skógafoss. Stay overnight at Vík, with its teeming seabird colonies.
Day 3
Cross the gravel desert that lies east of Vík to Skaftafell, where you can see glacier tongues and the Svartifoss waterfall. Continue to the icebergs at Jökulsárlón and lobster restaurants at Höfn, with views of the Vatnajökull icecap along the way.
Day 4
Travel up the east coast and then inland to Egilsstaðir, where you could either circuit Lögurinn lake or head to the picturesque East Fjords port of Seyðisfjörður.
Day 5
Drive towards Lake Mývatn, detouring to explore the Krafla eruption site and Námaskarð’s mud pools. Circuit Lake Mývatn before unwinding at Jarðböðin Nature Baths.
Day 6
Head to the north coast for a whale-watching trip out of Húsavík (book in advance), before driving to pleasant Akureyri.
Day 7
Return to Reykjavík and spend a couple of hours at the Blue Lagoon en route to the airport.
