12-Day Highlands of Iceland Explorer Tour
12-Day Highlands of Iceland Explorer Tour

12-Day Highlands of Iceland Explorer Tour

12 days

Explore Iceland's rugged highlands, volcanic landscapes, and geothermal wonders.

This 12-day tour through the highlands of Iceland takes you through some of the country’s most remote and rugged landscapes, offering a truly adventurous experience. You’ll navigate highland gravel roads and cross unbridged rivers in a 4x4 vehicle, exploring geothermal areas, volcanic craters, and dramatic valleys. Highlights include the stunning geothermal zone of Kerlingarfjöll, the breathtaking Askja volcano, and the vibrant, colorful landscapes of Landmannalaugar. Throughout the journey, you'll be immersed in Iceland’s wild beauty, from its glaciers to its unspoiled highlands.

In addition to the natural wonders, the tour also offers opportunities for hiking and unique experiences like bathing in geothermal springs. Witness some of Iceland's most iconic waterfalls, such as Gullfoss and Skógafoss, and explore the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. With plenty of time to soak in the views and enjoy the peaceful solitude of the Icelandic highlands, this tour offers the perfect mix of adventure and natural beauty.

Highlights of the 12-Day Highlands of Iceland Explorer Tour

Drive through Iceland's rugged highlands and remote gravel roads.
Cross unbridged rivers and explore geothermal hotspots like Kerlingarfjöll.
Hike in iconic locations like Landmannalaugar and Askja volcano.
Witness stunning waterfalls, glaciers, and dramatic landscapes throughout the tour.

Prices

From $3,450USD
12 days
Difficulty
Self-Guided
Hotels
  • No Booking or Credit Card Fees
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12-Day Highlands of Iceland Explorer Tour

12-Day Highlands of Iceland Explorer Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Keflavík

Upon arrival at Keflavík International Airport, you'll collect your pre-booked rental car. If you arrive in the morning, consider a visit to the Blue Lagoon on your way to your accommodation. Just a short drive from the Blue Lagoon, you'll find the charming fishing village of Grindavík, home to a saltfish museum. Continue along the southern coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula toward Hveragerði, a village famous for its hot springs and geothermal greenhouses that cultivate flowers and vegetables. Along the way, stop at the legendary Strandakirkja church, known to bring good fortune to its visitors. Overnight stay in the Hveragerði/Selfoss area.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Hveragerði/Selfoss area
Meals: None

Day 2 Explore the Wonders of Þingvellir and Geysir

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Þingvellir National Park, where a walk through the Almannagjá canyon offers both a geological and historical introduction. The canyon marks the boundary between tectonic plates and leads to the ancient site of the Viking parliament. From there, head to the village of Laugarvatn, named after its natural steam springs beside a lake. At the Fontana Spa & Wellness Centre, unwind with a steam bath and a refreshing dip in the lake. Next, visit the famous Geysir geothermal area, where the Strokkur geyser erupts spectacularly every few minutes. Just a short drive away, the mighty Gullfoss waterfall cascades over two steps into a deep canyon.

Your 4x4 highland adventure begins just a few kilometers from Gullfoss. The road turns into the bumpy gravel route (F35) Kjölur, an ancient highland trail once used by early settlers. About a third of the way, take a right turn (F347) toward the Kerlingarfjöll highland center, a stunning hiking area known for its geothermal activity.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kerlingarfjöll or Skagafjörður
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 Geothermal Wonders of Kerlingafjöll and Hveravellir

In the morning, explore the geothermal wonders of Kerlingafjöll. Continuing along the Kjölur route, drive through the rugged, desert-like landscapes until you reach Hveravellir, a stunning geothermal zone and nature reserve. Known for its breathtaking glacier views, Hveravellir is regarded as one of the most beautiful spots to relax in a geothermal spring, and it also offers excellent hiking opportunities. The area is famously associated with Iceland’s notorious outlaw, Fjalla-Eyvindur, who once lived here with his partner Halla.

To reach the Skagafjörður area, you can choose between two routes. The first option takes you along the Kjölur route until you connect with the ring road. Alternatively, you can drive through the scenic valleys of Haukadalur and Mælifellsdalur, though this route is a bit slower, so plan extra time for it.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Skagafjörður area
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Explore Skagafjörður and Tröllaskagi Peninsula

From Reykir, located north of Sauðárkrókur – the largest town in Skagafjörður – you can embark on an adventurous boat tour to the island of Drangey. Alternatively, take a relaxing dip in the natural pool, Grettislaug, located directly by the coast. If you have time and are interested, visit the local folk museum in Glaumbær and the turf church in Víðimýri.

After exploring Sauðárkrókur and its surroundings, head over to the east coast of Skagafjörður, then drive north around the Tröllaskagi Peninsula. Stop at the splendid outdoor swimming pool in Hofsós for stunning views of the fjord. Continue on to Siglufjörður, once Iceland’s center for herring fisheries, and explore its fascinating exhibition on Icelandic folk music. Drive through a tunnel from Siglufjörður to Ólafsfjörður, a charming fishing village, then onward to the Eyjafjörður fjord coast and Dalvík fishing village. From Dalvík, consider joining a whale-watching tour. If time allows and you're interested, take a scenic drive through Svarfaðardalur valley, offering views of mountains, farmland, and small glaciers. Optional activity: Whale watching from Hauganes.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Akureyri area
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 Goðafoss, Ásbyrgi Canyon, and Dettifoss Waterfall Adventure

In the morning, depart from the Akureyri area and visit the stunning Goðafoss waterfall before heading to Húsavík, known as Iceland’s whale-watching capital. Continue along road 85 to Ásbyrgi, a vast, horseshoe-shaped canyon with dramatic 100-meter-high cliffs and lush vegetation. Hikers can choose between easier routes to the pond at the canyon’s base or more challenging hikes up to the cliff tops for panoramic views. According to legend, the canyon’s horseshoe shape was created by the step of Odin’s eight-legged horse, Sleipnir. Next, head to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, via road 862. Finish your day in the Mývatn area, where you can unwind in the Mývatn Nature Baths if you wish. Optional activity: Mývatn Nature Baths.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Mývatn area
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Adventure to Askja Volcano and Víti Crater

Today, embark on an adventurous journey into Iceland’s rugged highlands to the stunning Askja volcano area. Askja is a complex of calderas in the Dyngjufjöll mountains, located north of Vatnajökull. With a 4x4 vehicle and the ability to cross a few rivers, you can explore this dramatic landscape on your own, or opt for a guided Super Jeep tour (extra cost). Begin your journey from Mývatn on road 1, then turn onto road 901, followed by mountain roads F905 and F910 toward Drekagil. You’ll cross two small fords on this route. For a more challenging, yet scenic option, you can take road 1 to mountain road F88, passing by Mt. Herðubreið, Iceland's "queen of the mountains," and cross the rivers Grafarlandsá and Lindá.

Askja’s main caldera spans 50 km², with the smaller caldera in the southeast home to Öskjuvatn, Iceland's second deepest lake. The crater Víti, formed by a large eruption in 1875, is filled with milky-turquoise water and remains at a temperature of 30°C, making it a popular spot for a warm dip. Be cautious if you plan to bathe, as the path to the water can be slippery in wet conditions. The lunar-like landscapes, which once served as NASA’s astronaut training grounds for the moon landing in 1965 and 1967, will make you feel like you’re on another planet. You can also explore Holurhraun, the youngest part of Iceland, formed by a 2016 lava eruption.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Mývatn area
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Highland Adventure Across Sprengisandur

Today, you’ll travel south across the remote highland road Sprengisandur F26, where you’ll encounter desert-like landscapes, breathtaking glacier views, and complete silence. Be sure to stop at Aldeyjarfoss, a stunning waterfall surrounded by majestic basalt columns, located inland near Bárðardalur. As you drive between the Hofsjökull and Vatnajökull glaciers, you'll traverse a rugged gravel road, crossing a few unbridged rivers. Make sure to fill up your tank before departure, as there are no service stations along the route. This is a truly unique experience to immerse yourself in Iceland's untouched highland nature, with the gravel road being the only sign of human presence.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Hrauneyjar Highland Center
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 Hot Springs and Hikes in Landmannalaugar

If you're eager to experience Iceland's famous natural hot springs, a journey through the Fjallabak area and the vibrant rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar awaits. Here, you can soak in hot waters and choose from various hiking trails, with the most popular being the path to Brennisteinsalda (“Sulphur Wave”) and the trail up Bláhnjúkur (“Blue Peak”) volcano, offering stunning panoramic views of five glaciers on clear days. Along the way to Landmannalaugar, make sure to stop at the crater lake Ljótipollur and Lake Frostastaðavatn.

After exploring Landmannalaugar, continue south through the mountains to the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area. In the village, you can easily visit the small waterfall Systrafoss and Kirkjugolfið, known as the “church floor,” a flat basalt columnar formation.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kirkjubæjarklaustur or Skaftafell area
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 Exploring Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Heading further east, you’ll arrive at Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park, a true haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Even if you're not typically one for hiking, the easy and scenic walk to Svartifoss waterfall is a must. The waterfall, surrounded by dramatic basalt columns, offers a stunning sight. Another great hike is to Skaftafellsjökull, a glacier tongue that you can easily reach from the Visitor Center in Skaftafell. The glacier's retreat over the years is visible, making for an interesting stroll. For a more adventurous glacier experience, head to Svínafellsjökull, though be sure to go with a guide and proper equipment.

In the afternoon, continue east along the Vatnajökull glacier’s edge. First, stop at the quieter Fjallsárlón lagoon, then head to the famous Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Take a walk along the shore and across the black sand beaches, or even go on a boat tour amid the drifting icebergs for an unforgettable experience. You may even spot seals in the lagoon.Optional activity: Amphibian Boat Tour - Jökulsárlón.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kirkjubæjarklaustur or Skaftafell area
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 Exploring the Lakagígar Craters and Volcanic Landscapes

The Lakagígar crater row, the most impressive of its kind in Iceland, is the site of a catastrophic eruption that shaped the region's striking lava landscapes. Following the F206 track takes you through several river fords and across rugged terrain. The eruption, which occurred between June 1783 and February 1784, was one of Iceland's most destructive, leading to the death of over 50% of the country's livestock and the loss of nearly all crops. This devastation resulted in a famine that claimed around 25% of Iceland's human population. The eruption also sent ash into the atmosphere, affecting global climate and causing widespread crop failure in Europe. Some historians even suggest it may have played a role in triggering the French Revolution. Today, the area is known for its surreal beauty, attracting nature enthusiasts. The F206 road to the Lakagígar craters begins south of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, near the farm Hunkubakkar, and covers a distance of about 50 km, with an estimated travel time of 2 hours one way.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kirkjubæjarklaustur or Skaftafell area
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 The South Coast

Another exciting day of adventure awaits with diverse landscapes. Begin with a visit to the bird cliffs of Dyrhólaey and the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, known for its impressive basalt columns. During the summer, this area is a popular nesting site for puffins. Note that while Reynisfjara and Vík are stunning, the sea here can be rough with strong currents, so be cautious, respect the tides, and stay a safe distance from the waves.

Next, explore the photogenic Skógafoss waterfall and the local folk and transport museum at Skógar. A few kilometers further, you’ll encounter the famous volcano Eyjafjallajökull. Continue to the beautiful Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where walking behind the falls offers a thrilling and wet experience, highly recommended for the sure-footed! In Hvolsvöllur, visit the recently opened Lava Centre, Iceland’s largest volcano and earthquake exhibition, as well as the fascinating Saga Centre. Optional activity: Sólheimajökull Glacier Discovery AG101.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Reykjavík
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 Departure Day

Drive back to Keflavik International Airport and return your rental car and depart with unforgettable memories of your Icelandic adventure.
Overnight Location: None
Meals: Breakfast

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12-Day Highlands of Iceland Explorer Tour Price and Dates

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Accommodation on the 12-Day Highlands of Iceland Explorer Tour

This tour is based on hotels. All the rooms have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure your best comfort.

Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.

Hotels on Standard Tour

Night 1-11

Hotels in Iceland

Stay in various hotels with clean and cozy rooms, perfect for unwinding after a long day.

What’s Included in the 12-Day Highlands of Iceland Explorer Tour?

Meals

11 breakfasts are included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 11 nights are included.

Transportation during the Tour

A rental car is included for the duration of the tour, with the standard option being a manual 4WD vehicle due to the nature of the terrain. The vehicle can be upgraded to an automatic 4WD for an additional fee.

Also included

  • Excursions mentioned in the itinerary
  • Rental car (Suzuki Jimny or similar, Manual 4WD, 4-seats, 3-door)
  • Standard coverage, which is the following:
    • Unlimited mileage, VAT.
    • TPL Third Party Liability Included: Cover up to ISK 3.969.000.000 for personal injury & cover up to ISK 457.000.000 for damage to property.
    • PAI Personal Accident Insurance Included: Cover up to ISK 298.000.000 for personal injury.
    • CDW Collision Damage Waiver Included: Own risk is ISK 242.000 for passenger cars and ISK 399.000 for 4wd jeeps, vans, trucks.
    • TP Theft Protection Included. Own risk ISK 242.000 for passenger cars and ISK 399.000 for 4wd jeeps, vans, trucks.
    • ASC Keflavík Airport Surcharge Included.
    • Additional Driver Two drivers included per car

Not included

  • Flights to and from Iceland
  • Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
  • Fuel costs
  • Parking fees (where applicable)
  • Travel insurance
  • Upgrade costs for a different vehicle category

Optional Extras

  • Additional nights before or after the tour
  • Single occupancy upgrades
  • Optional activities or excursions
  • Whale Watching from Hauganes for day 4
  • Mývatn Nature Baths admission for day 5
  • Vehicle upgrades
    • Kia Sportage (Automatic 4WD SUV, 5-seats, 5-door)

Frequently Asked Questions about 12-Day Highlands of Iceland Explorer Tour

Is this tour for me?

We rate this tour as a 4/5. This tour requires a good level of driving experience, especially on rough gravel roads and river crossings, which can be challenging even for confident drivers. Some highland routes, like Kjölur, Sprengisandur, and Askja, are remote with no services, meaning careful preparation is essential. Additionally, weather conditions can change rapidly, making some roads impassable. While no technical hiking is required, optional hikes in areas like Kerlingarfjöll, Landmannalaugar, and Askja involve uneven terrain. Overall, this is an adventurous route suited for experienced drivers comfortable with off-road conditions.

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