Few places in the world are as pristine as Iceland. The island was formed on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge less than 18 million years ago, and today, it remains a hot spot of geothermal activity, with innumerable hot springs and geysers, as well as glacial rivers, thundering waterfalls and razor-sharp lava fields. As it has fewer than 330,000 inhabitants, two-thirds of whom live in Reykjavík, it is possible to drive for hours on the main 830-mile Ring Road (Route 1) without seeing a soul.
This itinerary is best experienced by car and explores the coastal city of Reykjavík, the natural wonders of the “Golden Circle” and the beautiful nature and adventure activities of southern Iceland.
For our editor's full trip report from Iceland, see the July 2014 Hideaway Report.
Our itineraries are for your inspiration. Please contact a travel advisor to customize this itinerary to fit your needs.
Filled with colorful buildings and quirky modern design, the city merits a day’s sightseeing. Its 128,800 citizens typically have a dry sense of humor and seem genuinely keen to hear about your trip. Although there is no hotel of a Hideaway Report standard, both the Hotel Borg, an art deco property in the city center, and the Radisson Blu 1919, a business hotel, are sufficiently comfortable and convenient for brief stays. Hotel Borg is perhaps the better option, but its lodgings are slightly dated and worn. Be sure to request a room overlooking the picturesque square.
While there, visit Hallgrímskirkja church. The church itself is hard to miss – it is located in the center of the 101 (the nickname and ZIP code of Reykjavik’s downtown area), and a short ride up the elevator in the main tower provides sweeping views over the colorful compact seaside city.
A highlight of any trip to Iceland is the drive around the popular “Golden Circle,” which features three of the country’s most spectacular natural wonders: Thingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss. Starting in Reykjavík, the round trip takes a minimum of four hours, but having your own car allows you the freedom to explore all day if you wish. Plan to set out first thing in the morning to beat the tourist buses.
The first stop along the route is Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site less than an hour from Reykjavík on the edge of Lake Thingvallavatn. Cairns mark the entrance to the park.
There are no Harper-recommended hotels in the area, but a design property, Ion Luxury Adventure Hotel, that has opened on the edge of Thingvellir National Park and may provide a satisfactory jumping off point to explore the Golden Circle.
As you approach the signs for Geysir in the Haukadalur Valley, the sulfuric smell and rising steam of the geologically active area will alert you that you have found the right place. Park at the gift shop across the road, which sells traditional Icelandic knitwear such as sweaters and gloves. The original “Geysir" — from which the American word “geyser" is derived — is no longer active, but Strokkur (“Churn"), routinely erupts every five to 10 minutes with an impressive 50- to 100-foot plume.
Ten minutes’ drive farther north, the Golden Circle concludes at Gullfoss. The impressive falls drop 105 feet into a crevice 60 feet wide and a mile-and-a-half long. From the Sigríður trail, you can see the second-largest ice cap in Iceland, Langjökull, in the distance.
The trail is dedicated to Sigríður Tómasdóttir, who, according to a popular legend, threatened to leap off the Gullfoss (“Golden Falls”) if the Hvítá River was dammed for hydropower. She is also said to have marched barefoot the 75 miles from Gullfoss to Reykjavík to protest. Eventually, plans to develop the falls were dropped, and they are now officially protected.
The principal reason for a visit to Iceland is the great outdoors. Located 60 miles southeast of Reykjavík, Hotel Rangá provides a convenient base from which to explore the south of the island.
Opportunities for adventure abound here, with activities such as whale-watching, dog sledding, caving, hiking, fishing, glacier tours and, not for the faint of heart, scuba diving in a dry suit.
We suggest a half-day Super Jeep excursion with the tour operator Southcoast Adventure to Thorsmork. Sights include the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano, Seljalandsfoss waterfall and a hike through a lovely meadow.
Soaking in the milky blue water of the Bláa lónið (Blue Lagoon) as the thick mist swirls around you is an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon in Iceland. The steamy mineral-rich bath is created from the runoff of the nearby geothermal power plant Svartsengi and is kept at constant 99 degrees Fahrenheit. There are more than 100 hot springs scattered around the country, but to miss the Blue Lagoon would be akin to visiting Paris and never seeing the Eiffel Tower. You must do both at least once. There is really no place like this on earth, and a relaxing soak in the stunning milky-blue lagoon surrounded by black volcanic lava rocks is well worth the money and hassle before a long flight.
The lagoon is a mere 20 minutes from the Reykjavik Airport, making it an easy stopover on the way to catch a flight. Opt for the robe and towel combo package; you will be thankful for the warmth (and coverage) while navigating the crowded locker room on the way back out of the spa.
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