Iceland Explorer: Drive & Hike
- Myvatn, scattered with bubbling mud-pots, lava formations and hot springs
- Explore the South Coast, East Fjords and Lake Myvatn by car and on foot
- Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon, filled with huge icebergs of turquoise hues
- The thundering waterfalls of Gulfoss, Skogafoss and Dettifoss
- The colourful fishing villages of the East Fjords
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive ReykjavikArriving at Keflavik International Airport feels like stepping onto another planet. The drive to downtown Reykjavik takes you through a striking landscape of craters and lava fields, perfectly setting the mood for the adventure ahead.
Reykjavik itself is a vibrant and eclectic city that blends cosmopolitan style with a unique Nordic charm. Its compact city center is easy to explore on foot, offering outdoor gear stores, artisanal craft shops, and cozy cafes. When it’s time to eat, be sure to try the city’s fresh seafood—Arctic Char is a local favorite worth sampling.

A brand new, modern hotel in the city centre with tastefully decorated rooms. It sits on one of the oldest streets in Reykjavik, Hverfisgata and within walking distance from the main shopping street, Laugavegur.

A stylish 50 room boutique hotel in downtown Reykjavik. They offer newly renovated rooms along with service with a smile. Their restaurant is a popular meeting place in Reykjavik and offers outstanding Icelandic cuisine.

Hotel Reykjavik Centrum is a comfortable 4-star hotel located in Reykjavik, equipped with air conditioning in public areas, Wi-Fi, 24-hour security, a restaurant, laundry service, car hire and an in-room safe.
Begin your journey today by venturing into the breathtaking countryside to explore Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the dramatic rifts in the Earth’s crust.
Next, visit the geothermal wonderland of Geysir, where powerful jets of boiling water erupt from the ground every five minutes, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
Conclude your day at the stunning two-tiered Gullfoss waterfall. Here, cascading water meets sunlight to create dazzling rainbows, offering a picture-perfect end to your adventure.
Walk: 3 hours
Total Drive: Approx 190km, 3 hours

A quiet hotel with amazing amenities and comfortable rooms. Access to their geothermal spa is included and their restaurant "Varma" offers "slow food" made with the finest local ingredients.

Sustainable hotel with comfortable beds, locally made or recycled furniture, spacious bathroom and beautiful views. The unique decor is inspired by nature.
Today, explore two of Iceland's most breathtaking waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. At Seljalandsfoss, take the rare opportunity to walk behind the cascading water and feel the raw power of nature up close. Then, head to Skogafoss, where a hike to the top rewards you with a stunning new vantage point of this majestic waterfall.
Next, journey towards Kirkjubæjarklaustur, passing through the striking black sand beaches of Vík along the way. Upon arrival, take a stroll to the unique “Church Floor” – a fascinating geological formation created by basalt columns, showcasing nature’s artistry.
Walk from Skogafoss Waterfall: 1.5-3 hours
Walk to Church Floor Pavement: 1.5hrs
Total Drive: Approx 205km, 3 hours

Hotel Klaustur is a modern property and conveniently located for exploring the south of Iceland. You can relax on their sundeck or enjoy a swim in their neighbouring geothermal pool.

Surrounded by lava fields and offering views of Vatnajökull glacier, this modern hotel on Route 1 is 5 km from Vatnajökull National Park and 7 km from Svartifoss waterfall. The unfussy, airy rooms come with flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffeemaking facilities.

A country hotel in the heart of the wilderness, there are stunning views of glaciers, mountains and moors.
Hotel Laki has a range of entertainment to offer, including a bar, restaurant, plus a stunning swimming pool and waterfall in the nearby village.
The highlight of Hotel Laki is it's Northern Lights friendly service. It offers additional services, such as a Northern Lights wake up call, to maximise your chances of seeing this beautiful sight.
Start your journey with a drive through Eldhraun, a stunning 565 km² lava field covered in vibrant moss, creating a surreal, otherworldly landscape.
Next, visit Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park, located at the edge of the massive Vatnajökull glacier, which covers 8% of Iceland. Explore hiking trails for all levels, from a short walk to Svartifoss Waterfall to longer routes with breathtaking views of the Skaftafellsjökull glacier.
Walk: 3-8hrs, 200m-1000m Ascent/Descent
Total Drive: Approx 70km, 1-2 Hours

A family run hotel in the vicinity of Skaftafell National Park. Anna Maria and her family take great pride in providing a comfortable place for guests to stay whilst they explore the beautiful surroundings.
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon is situated between two of Iceland's most spectacular natural attractions; Skaftafell National Park and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon is a 4 star hotel that offers 125 contemporary rooms with all necessary amenities including free parking, an electric vehicle charging station, a restaurant, gym, spa, and a hotel restaurant.
Start your day early to embark on an unforgettable hike in Skaftafell National Park. Next, make your way to the spectacular Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon—one of Iceland's most iconic and photographed destinations. Marvel at the dazzling icebergs drifting serenely across the lagoon, their shimmering blue hues creating a scene so breathtaking it's no wonder this location has become a favorite for Hollywood filmmakers.
Walk: 2-4 hours
Total Drive: Approx 135km, 2 Hours

Hótel Höfn is a charming hotel with friendly atmosphere and a beautiful glacier view of Vatnajökull glacier, the largest glacier in Europe. It is located in Höfn, a fishing village on the south eastern coast of Iceland, famous for its delicious langoustine.

Staying at the Fosshotel Vatnajokull, you will experience an icy wonderland with beautiful views of the glacier Vatnajokull.
Entertainments include a restaurant, bar and a variety of activities, such as glacier hiking and ice caves.
This hotel has a relaxing and homely atmosphere. All rooms include a fridge, private bathroom and a TV.

On a family-run farm between Vatnajökull National Park and the Atlantic Ocean, this simple hotel with an annex is a minute’s walk from local history at the Þórbergssetur museum, and 14 km from Jökulsárlón lagoon.
Modest rooms with ocean or mountain views offer free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, as well as sitting areas and heated floors. Airy 2-bedroom apartments have kitchens, plus living rooms and sofabeds.
Parking and a breakfast buffet are complimentary. There’s a bright, relaxed restaurant, and a laid-back lobby lounge offering coffee and tea.
The east coast of Iceland is a stunning area of fjords and steel-grey mountains. Drive along the coastal road to reach Djupivogur, a charming seaside village surrounded by peaks. Explore Lagarfjlot Lake to see two waterfalls: Litlanesfoss, with basalt columns, and Hengifoss, Iceland's third tallest. End your journey in Seydisfjordur, a picturesque village with colorful Scandinavian houses and a blue church. If you're short on time, you can skip the hike and enjoy more of Djupivogur's charm.
Walk: 2 hours
Total Drive: Approx 250km, 4 hours

Lake Hotel Egilsstadir is an established and renowned, family-run, hotel in a farming district. It meets all modern requirements as to standards of services and amenities, quality, sophistication and comfort. Yet it faithfully maintains its ethnic origins as the hotel was founded in 1903 which provides its unique atmosphere.

Understated rooms have Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, as well as tea and coffeemakers.
Amenities include a bar, and a modern restaurant that specializes in locally sourced fare, plus a terrace, parking and an electric charging station. A breakfast buffet is available.

Hotel 1001 Nott is a boutique lakeside retreat in Egilsstaðir, offering stunning views of Lake Lagarfljót and the surrounding mountains. This family-run hotel provides a serene atmosphere, elegantly designed rooms, and a relaxing spa with a geothermal hot tub. With an on-site restaurant serving locally sourced cuisine, it’s a perfect escape for nature lovers and travelers seeking comfort in East Iceland.
Spend a leisurely day exploring the stunning East Fjords. Around Seydisfjordur, you’ll find a variety of scenic walks to enjoy, including a riverside trail offering breathtaking views and a peaceful route through the nearby Hallormsstadur forest.
For art enthusiasts, a visit to Skaftfell, a vibrant visual arts center, is a must, along with stops at local artist studios, workshops, and charming boutiques.
Riverside Walk: 2.5hrs
Hallormstadur Forest Walk: 2.5hrs

Lake Hotel Egilsstadir is an established and renowned, family-run, hotel in a farming district. It meets all modern requirements as to standards of services and amenities, quality, sophistication and comfort. Yet it faithfully maintains its ethnic origins as the hotel was founded in 1903 which provides its unique atmosphere.

Understated rooms have Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, as well as tea and coffeemakers.
Amenities include a bar, and a modern restaurant that specializes in locally sourced fare, plus a terrace, parking and an electric charging station. A breakfast buffet is available.

Hotel 1001 Nott is a boutique lakeside retreat in Egilsstaðir, offering stunning views of Lake Lagarfljót and the surrounding mountains. This family-run hotel provides a serene atmosphere, elegantly designed rooms, and a relaxing spa with a geothermal hot tub. With an on-site restaurant serving locally sourced cuisine, it’s a perfect escape for nature lovers and travelers seeking comfort in East Iceland.
As you leave the East Fjords, journey inland and head north to the stunning Lake Mývatn. This remarkable destination is a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting abundant birdlife alongside unique geological features like pseudo craters and bubbling mud pools. Nearby, you’ll find the Mývatn Nature Baths—a serene alternative to the famous Blue Lagoon—offering a tranquil soak in geothermal waters (not included, admission payable locally).
For a scenic detour, consider driving through the rugged Ásbyrgi peninsula, where you can embark on a couple of fantastic hikes. Alternatively, enjoy one of the many walking trails around Lake Mývatn, each offering its incredible views and experiences.
Walks: 1.5-3hrs
Total Drive: Approx 310km, 4-5 Hours

Fosshotel Mývatn offers 92 rooms in wonderful surroundings north of Lake Mývatn, within 100 km from the Akureyri Airport. The hotel is designed by award-winning architectures and features almost exclusively low-environmental impact materials. The building is a low-rise, clad with larch wood and grass roof which makes it in perfect harmony with the surrounding nature.

All rooms have a modern design interior. They are fully equipped with complimentary Wifi, LCD TV, hairdryer, clothing rack, extra pillows, phone, soap and lotion, opening windows and a kettle.

Berjaya Iceland Hotel is located in Myvatn, Iceland.
Journey deep into the Jokulsa canyon to witness the awe-inspiring Dettifoss, renowned as Europe’s most powerful waterfall. For those seeking more, a scenic circular hike connects Dettifoss to Selfoss, a smaller yet equally breathtaking cascade.
Walk: 2 hours

Fosshotel Mývatn offers 92 rooms in wonderful surroundings north of Lake Mývatn, within 100 km from the Akureyri Airport. The hotel is designed by award-winning architectures and features almost exclusively low-environmental impact materials. The building is a low-rise, clad with larch wood and grass roof which makes it in perfect harmony with the surrounding nature.

All rooms have a modern design interior. They are fully equipped with complimentary Wifi, LCD TV, hairdryer, clothing rack, extra pillows, phone, soap and lotion, opening windows and a kettle.

Berjaya Iceland Hotel is located in Myvatn, Iceland.
Start your day early with the opportunity to embark on a whale-watching adventure in the charming village of Husavik, often hailed as Europe’s whale-watching capital (not included, bookable in advance). On your journey, make a stop at the breathtaking Godafoss waterfall before heading to Akureyri. Here, you’ll return your rental car at the airport and board your included flight back to Reykjavik.
Total Drive: Approx 145km, 2 Hours

A brand new, modern hotel in the city centre with tastefully decorated rooms. It sits on one of the oldest streets in Reykjavik, Hverfisgata and within walking distance from the main shopping street, Laugavegur.

A stylish 50 room boutique hotel in downtown Reykjavik. They offer newly renovated rooms along with service with a smile. Their restaurant is a popular meeting place in Reykjavik and offers outstanding Icelandic cuisine.

Hotel Reykjavik Centrum is a comfortable 4-star hotel located in Reykjavik, equipped with air conditioning in public areas, Wi-Fi, 24-hour security, a restaurant, laundry service, car hire and an in-room safe.
A complimentary transfer will guide you back to Keflavik International Airport, ensuring a smooth journey as you prepare for your flight home.
This trip has a carbon score of 12kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 12kg is equivalent to 5 small bouquets of flowers (grown in the Netherlands). Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?This trip takes you on an in-depth discovery of Iceland over 11 days, taking in the south coast, east fjords and the Myvatn region in the north. Using a car to travel around the island gives you plenty of time to explore with loads of time dedicated to fantastic walks between 2 and 5 hours, as well as free time to do some sightseeing.
Discovery | Think of it as a ‘local’s guide’ to the best of the region. It includes a combination of activity and transportation to give you the freedom to explore and cover more ground at your own pace. We do all the research and organisation for you. All you have to do is turn up and enjoy!
Drive and Hike | Exploration of picturesque and remarkable destinations by car combined with walks that highlight the best of a country or region.
Solo Travellers, Families with Teens
The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years
We grade this tour as easy-moderate as the suggested walks are all optional. They are between 1—6 hours in length, and up to 500m ascent/descent (most are less than 200m ascent/descent.
2 Night’s accommodation is included in a 3-star city hotel in Reykjavik. 8 Nights are in comfortable, countryside hotels and guesthouses. We have carefully chosen traditional countryside hotels which offer a warm Icelandic welcome, comfortable rooms and fantastic food! They are in spectacular locations and generally have great views of the surrounding countryside.
Alternative Accommodation
The hotels we normally use are detailed below but subject to availability we may accommodate you in alternative hotels/guesthouses of a similar standard.
Meals
10 breakfasts are included. You can pick up lunches during the day from many cafes or shops. All of the countryside hotels have a restaurant where you can have dinner as there are not usually many other options for places to eat nearby. Food is generally of a very high standard, and local specialities include Hangikjöt (a delicious smoked lamb dish), Saltifiskur (salted fish) and the delicious Arctic Char. For the more adventurous, there is also Hákarl (cured shark commonly accompanied by schnapps), only for the very brave!
Solo Walkers & Single Rooms
Single rooms are available on this trip and a supplement will apply. It is also available to solo travellers but prices are on a request basis.
We provide detailed route notes and maps to allow you to navigate the recommend walks without any problems. Footpaths are not always clearly marked but with the above you should not have any issues navigating. Paths can be slippy and rocky underfoot, so a good pair of walking boots is essential.
- 2 Nights in a 3 star hotel in Reykjavik
- 8 nights in countryside hotels in standard rooms
- 10 Breakfasts
- 9 Days Group B Car Hire (Day 2 to Day 10)
- Internal flight between Akureyri and Reykjavik on Day 10
- Transfers between Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik accommodation
- Route notes, maps and driving instructions
- 24/7 telephone support from our office and local partners
- Travel to and from Iceland
- Travel insurance (required)
- Lunches and evening meals
- Drinks and snacks
- Fuel and Oil
- Mountain rescue/emergency assistance
- Transfer between Reykjavik Domestic Airport and Reykjavik hotel on Day 10
- Optional activities
- Personal equipment
- Additional nights before, during or after the tour
- Glacier Hike
- Car Hire upgrades
You can start this tour on any day of the week between the beginning of May and end of September. From June through to August is the most popular and best time to travel to Iceland due to the long hours of sunlight and the fact that the weather is at it’s driest and warmest then. This is also the best time for wild flowers. During this time, the main tourist sights such as the most popular waterfalls will get quite busy but you shouldn’t notice it too much whilst on the walks or driving. If you prefer a quieter experience, then we would recommend either May or September. The weather isn’t quite as reliable then but it is quieter, and the price also comes down during those months. The accommodation in Iceland fills up extremely quickly for the summer months between June and August. For this reason, your accommodation may change according to availability and your itinerary may be adapted so that we can secure accommodation. It may also take up to 2 weeks to confirm your booking but we will try to confirm as quickly as possible for you.
Reykjavik is Iceland’s capital city and located in the south west of the country. Fly into Keflavik International Airport, which is served by numerous airlines from UK, European and International destinations. Keflavik is just a 3 hour flight from the UK and just a 5 hour flight from Boston, with Icelandair offering many direct flights from various US airports. The internal flight between Akureyri and Reykjavik is included as part of the package. Transfers between Keflavik Airport and your Reykjavik accommodation, and between Reykjavik Domestic Airport and your Reykjavik hotel on Day 10 are included.
A transfer (included) will take you back to Keflavik International Airport for your flight home.
The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, (for example, proper rain gear jacket and pants, sun hat, sunscreen). Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes or the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.
Car Hire
We include Group B Car Hire from the morning of Day 2 up to the afternoon of Day 6. Group B Car Hire would be based on a Volkswagen Golf or similar and is suitable for 2-3 people with luggage. For parties of 4, we will automatically include an upgrade to a CAT N Car Hire (similar to a Skoda Octavia) and this is already included in the cost. For parties of 5-8 people, we will provide 2x CAT B for 5-6 people, and 2x CAT N for 7-8 people. If you choose, you can also upgrade to a CAT FG Car Hire which is similar to a Suzuki Grand Vitara 4WD. Select this option when making your booking. Car hire includes unlimited mileage, VAT, CDW insurance, 1 additional driver, Pick up and Drop off fees. No insurance in Iceland covers the underside of vehichles and excesses can be expensive. For this reason we suggest you take out an excess reimbursement policy in advance of your arrival, or upgrade your insurance locally. Fuel and oil are not included in the rental of your vehicle.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.
You will need good walking shoes/boots, comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack and warm clothing. We supply a detailed packing list with your information pack.
From June through to August is the most popular and best time to travel to Iceland due to the long hours of sunlight and the fact that the weather is at it’s driest and warmest then. This is also the best time for wild flowers. During this time, the main tourist sights such as the most popular waterfalls will get quite busy but you shouldn’t notice it too much whilst on the walks or driving.
If you prefer a quieter experience, then we would recommend either May or September. The weather isn’t quite as reliable then but it is quieter, and the price also comes down during those months.
If you would like to do some whale-watching you will need to travel between May and September.
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At Macs, we don’t do tour buses, groups, or guides. Instead, we give you the freedom and confidence to have your own self-guided hiking or biking adventure.
This is active travel led by you.
You choose your departure date and who you travel with, we do the rest.
We sort accommodation and luggage transfers and provide your route in an easy-to-use app.
We give you everything you need to travel independently but we're here 24/7 if you need us.
Getting from A to B under your own steam is intensely rewarding. With Macs, you'll see the world, and yourself, differently.