8 Days: Iceland Viking Challenge

Private transfer by coach & guide from Keflavik international airport. Our first destination is the Blue Lagoon, only a 20 minutes drive, passing the large lava field of Reykjanes. What a unique start to your holiday! We stop for 1½-2 hours for a refreshing bath in the inviting, rejuvenating and pleasantly warm mineral-rich water, famed for its reputed healing properties.
It takes about 40 minutes to reach the capital area from the Blue Lagoon. Today we will overnight in the Viking Village of Hafnarfjörður, a lovely town in the vicinity of Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavík.

Overnight location: Hotel Víking, Hafnarfjörður 
Meals: Dinner at the Viking Village

Today, we explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in the West of Iceland. The area has beautiful samples of some of the natural wonders Iceland is so famous for. This includes black beaches, magnificent mountains, volcanic craters, incredible birdlife, magical caves, and the most picturesque glacier of them all, Snæfellsjökull. It‘s almost like a miniature version of the entire island.
A rugged mountain chain runs its length, capped by the 1,446-meter Snæfellsjökull glacier, a mystical cone-shaped stratovolcano, under which we will take an excursion! A lava caving tour takes you 35 meters underground and about 200 meters into the lava tube called Vatnshellir. Along the way to our hotel for the night, you’ll get great views of the iconic Mt. Kirkjufell mountain, one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland.

Overnight location: Fosshótel Stykkishólmur, Stykkishólmur
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included.

We head out to Borgarfjörður, where we can feel the heat of Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, and see Hraunfossar, a series of waterfalls pouring from beneath a wide lava field. Barnafoss – the Children’s falls, is nearby with its tragic tale. Before checking into our hotel, we have a short hike and soak in the welcoming oasis, Húsafell Canyon Baths.

Overnight location: Hotel Á, Reykholt
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included.

We start the day by the biggest lake in Iceland – Þingvallavatn. Enjoy the deep views by snorkeling in the clearest water on earth, a fissure between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in Thingvellir National Park. After the snorkeling, we take a walk through history by visiting one of the central historical places of the country, the old parliament site at Þingvellir, founded in the year 930 ac. Next, we continue to the edge of the highlands to the mighty Gullfoss, „the Golden falls“, one of Iceland’s magnificent waterfalls. Here the glacial river Hvítá „white river“ tumbles 32 meters (105 ft.) in a double cascade. After an optional lunch stop, we explore the active geothermal area of Haukadalur, which contains the geysers Geysir and Strokkur and many other hot springs. Most active nowadays is Strokkur, erupting hot water and steam to an elevation of 25 metres (82 ft.).

Overnight location: Landhotel, Hella
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included.

Today, the south shore will be our destination with waterfalls, history, and lively birdlife. Our first stop will be at the waterfall Seljalandsfoss where it is possible to walk behind the fall as it falls 50 meters (164 ft.) down a green fertile looking hill. Further on, we stop at the waterfall Skógafoss, falling gracefully 60 meters (197 ft.). We now continue to the small village of Vík for an optional lunch break. Then we continue to the volcanic black sand beach of Reynisfjara. Here we find exciting caves and impressive rock formations, including columnar basalt. In summer, birds nest in the cliffs, including puffins and fulmars. From there, we head to the Sólheimajökull glacier for a glacier walk. A certified and experienced glacier guide will lead you through a frozen wonderland of different shades of glacier ice. You will safely view deep crevasses, water cauldrons, and other interesting glacier features.

Overnight location: Landhotel, Hella
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included.

We start the day by visiting a horse farm to experience the unique Icelandic horse on a 1,5-2 hours riding tour. Then, depending on the weather and wind, we ride in the scenic surroundings of the horse farm, for example, across the river Varmá and through a lava field area, ending on good riding paths in the meadows. The next stop is Reykjavík city, where a relaxed afternoon awaits us after checking in to the hotel. In the early evening, you will meet a local guide by Harpa Concert Hall, who will lead you to the adventures of Reykjavik Food Walk and discover hidden gems of our local cuisine, people, history & tradition.

Overnight location: Exeter Hotel, Reykjavík
Meals: Breakfast & Farewell dinner included.

Today we get our adrenaline pumping on an unforgettable ATV tour on the beautiful Black Sand Beach near the village of Þorlákshöfn. This thrilling adventure will allow you to enjoy the stunning nature of Iceland in a unique way. Shoot across the Black Sand Beach on an ATV/Quad bike and an inland trail between Lyme-grass covered dunes on the way back. Finally, we head back to the capital for sightseeing and leisure in the afternoon. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Reykjavík with your guide.

Overnight location: Exeter Hotel, Reykjavík
Meals: Breakfast & Food walk dinner included.

Private transfer from your accommodation in Reykjavik to Keflavik airport.

Meals: Breakfast included.