This week we're in Iceland taking a closer look at one of our most popular Drive & Hike tours: Around Iceland.

In a Nutshell

A 360 degree journey around Iceland designed to showcase the best of this fascinating country.

Grading

Easy to Moderate. With suggested walks on 10 out of 15 days, ranging in distance from under 5km/3.1mi on Day 4 to 17km/10.5mi on the penultimate day this is not an intensive trip in regards to fitness. Visitors to Iceland should be aware of the varied and rough topography, as well as very changeable weather conditions. We recommend taking hiking boots with good ankle support and some level of water resistance.  

Why hike here?

Iceland, as the name suggests, was not the most hospitable place for the first Nordic and Celtic settlers; however this unstable, cold and rugged island is now recognized as one of the most modern and culturally rich nations in the world.

There is a saying in Iceland - Kemst þó hægt fari - translating roughly to travel slow and reach your destination. Not only does the phrase reflect the laid back attitude of Icelanders, but also the idea behind the Around Iceland tour: take your time, and allow yourself to marvel at the natural wonders that are so abundant on this trip.

Iceland's position atop the mid-Atlantic ridge makes it one of the most geologically active regions on earth and nowhere showcases the violence and power of nature quite like Iceland. The Around Iceland trip takes in many of the 'must-sees': the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Thingvellir National Park, where the earth's crust is scarred by great rifts and chasms, the Snaefellsjokull Glacier and stratovolcano, the striking horse shoe shaped Godafoss waterfall, Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon where icebergs of many hues of blue float serenely, and the hot springs, mud-pots and geysers around the geothermal area of Geysir, which is also home to the two-tiered Gulfoss waterfall.

Lastly it should be noted that Iceland's northern latitude makes for interesting hours of daylight. Those travelling between June and September will have plenty of time to take in the sights as the sun only falls below the horizon for around 3-4 hours.

Planning your trip to Iceland

The 2 week long Around Iceland Drive & Hike tour is available from June to October. Summers in Iceland are generally mild with temperatures hovering around 15°C/59°F however the merging of mild Atlantic air with cold Arctic air, via the Gulf Stream, makes for changeable conditions - as Icelanders say 'if you don't like the weather, wait 15 minutes and you'll get something different.' Fly into Keflavik International Airport, which is served by numerous airlines from the UK, Europe and North America. Keflavik is just a short 3 hour flight from the UK and just a 5 hour flight from Boston. Icelandair and Wowair offer many direct flights from various US airports. Macs Adventure's self guided Drive & Hike packages include accommodation, car rental, airport transfers, and comprehensive driving route notes, a road atlas and guidebooks.

Contact one of our Adventure Specialists if you’d like more information or read about the Around Iceland Drive & Hike on our website.