Road Trip Direction: Counter-clockwise ring road trip that included the Westfjords.
Kilometers Driven: 3488 kilometers.
Road Type: Paved roads and gravel roads. No F-roads.
Maps: Google maps for the most part.
Food: Good breakfast and dinner at the hotel for the most part. Light sandwiches and snacks for lunch.
Hotels: 3+ stars for the most part. Private bathroom in every hotel on this trip.
Number of travelers: only me (solo traveler).
Extra Notes: I made a video of every site I visited on this trip and every hotel I stayed at. Each video will give you a good sense of what the place is like. The links are provided below. Most of my videos are “walk and talk ” videos where I usually talk about random topics as I walk to explore the place I visit. They were uploaded in the order they were filmed. If you watch these videos, you might feel as though you are visiting Iceland alongside me.
Day 1 (Reykjavik Area):
My flight landed in Reykjavik at about 6:30 am. It took me about 30 minutes to get out of Keflavik Airport. Here is the video I filmed at the airport: https://youtu.be/IdLgLusF3_U
I took a taxi immediately after getting out of the airport. The taxi ride took about 45 minutes to reach the Reykjavik area. The taxi driver was very helpful and provided useful information. We had a good conversation during the entire ride. The cost of the taxi ride was $148 USD. Here is the video of the taxi ride: https://youtu.be/-wevgDL8upc
I did an early check-in at “Hotel Fron” at about 8:30 am. I stayed at this hotel for only one night. Much to my delight and surprise, I was able to check in early without paying any additional fees and that happened in part because the hotel was not fully booked. This hotel is in the heart of the city and just a few steps away from the famous street called rainbow street. It is also within a walking distance to many other popular attractions in Reykjavik. There is a parking lot in the backyard and you might need a parking reservation in advance to reserve a spot for your car. Here is the video of my check-in at “Hotel Fron”: https://youtu.be/lCVBmiCBE80
After I checked in at the hotel and settled in, I tried to beat my jetlag by walking the beautiful streets of Reykjavik. The hotel is just a few steps away from very nice attractions. My first stop was Bonus Supermarket to do some grocery shopping for my ring road trip. This supermarket is just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel. Bonus Supermarket is one of the most popular and affordable supermarket chains in Iceland and it has many branches across Iceland. Here is a video of Bonus Supermarket in Reykjavik: https://youtu.be/xts6GcxiI5E
I went back to the hotel to drop my grocery stuff and then walked down the street to Hallgrímskirkja. Hallgrímskirkja is a famous church building in Reykjavik that you might have seen in some postcards of Iceland. I took an elevator to reach the top of the church tower to get a good view of Reykjavik from above. There is a small fee to go up to the top of the tower. I also visited the church afterward. Here is a video of my walk from the hotel to Hallgrímskirkja: https://youtu.be/gK4L0hhmbJE
After I visited Hallgrímskirkja, I lost the battle to fight my jetlag and decided to go back to the hotel at about 10:30 am to take an hour nap.
After a short nap, I continued my mission to discover more places in Reykjavik, and this time, I had more energy in part because I had a good nap. I walked to Harpa. Harpa is a beautiful opera house and it is about a 15-minute walk from “Hotel Fron”. Then I walked from Harpa to Sun Voyager for about 10 minutes. Sun Voyager is a famous ship sculpture in Reykjavik. The walk from Harpa to Sun Voyager is very beautiful as you walk along the seashore. Here is the video of this walk: https://youtu.be/Ibw9viNbQdw
After I explored Harpa and Sun Voyager, I walked to Lake Tjornin. It is a beautiful lake and you might find it a good place for a photo opportunity. The walk from Sun Voyager to Lake Tjornin took me about 20 minutes. Here is the video of Lake Tjornin: https://youtu.be/8K9iqajyKw0
Parliament House is just a few blocks away from Lake Tjornin. It is a beautiful old building in a spectacular area. Here is the video of this area: https://youtu.be/aV71OrBukjc
Then I walked back to rainbow street. This rainbow street is just a few steps away from “Hotel Fron”. It is a great street for photos as you can see Hallgrímskirkja from a distance. Here is the video of my walk to rainbow street: https://youtu.be/QPWrqov5MgE
Reykjavik has a very famous hot dog stand called “Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur Hot Dog”. It got so famous because president Bill Clinton visited it many years ago. This hot dog stand is about a 10-minute walk from “Hotel Fron”. Here is the video of this place: https://youtu.be/FykllrbaLYs
I had dinner at Mandi restaurant. It is Middle Eastern food. This restaurant is about a 10-minute walk from “Hotel Fron”.
Day 2 (The Golden Circle):
I had breakfast at “Hotel Fron” and then walked to the Blue Car Rentaloffice in Reykjavik to pick up my rental car in Reykjavik. I made a reservation about 2 months in advance with Blue Car Rental. Blue Car Rental has 2 offices. There is one at the airport and the other one is in the city. The city center office is about a 20-minute walk from “Hotel Fron”. I chose Kia Stonic and it was a good enough car for my ring road trip including the WestFjords region. I recommend you purchase full insurance coverage that includes gravel road coverage to get good peace of mind. Here is the video of my rental car pick-up experience: https://youtu.be/uLBxGwnUUjw
I drove back to “Hotel Fron” to take my luggage and I checked out of “Hotel Fron”. My ring road trip started counter-clockwise. The first mission was to explore the sites in the Golden Circle. My first stop was Thingvellir National Park. It is about a 45-minute drive from “Hotel Fron” in Reykjavik. I spent about 3 hours at Thingvellir National Park to explore Almannagjá canyon, Lake Thingvallavatn, Oxararfoss waterfall, the parliament area, and the church. There is a small parking fee that you must pay at the visitor center. There are also free maps and public restrooms at the visitor center. Here is the video of my adventure activity at Thingvellir: https://youtu.be/mgoalQ5zc9g
After exploring Thingvellir, I drove to Geysir. It is about an hour’s drive from Thingvellir. The parking is free. I walked through several geysers. The main geyser erupts every 10 minutes or so. I also hiked all the way up to the mountain where I got a beautiful view of the geysers area from one side and a big farm from the other side. The hike took about an hour round trip. After I finished hiking, I went to Geysir food court at the visitor center to have lunch. They offered a special lunch buffet. You need to check the time schedule for the lunch buffet before you visit. Here is the video of my adventure activity at Geysir: https://youtu.be/Kv3iwKpeLLM
After exploring Geysir, I drove to Gullfoss waterfall. It is about a 10-minute drive from Geysir. The parking is free. I walk all the way to the corner to get a closer view of the waterfall and then I used the stairs to go up to the top to get another view of the waterfall from above. I spent about an hour exploring Gullfoss. Here is the video of my adventure activity in Gullfoss waterfall: https://youtu.be/Tprid25zBSk
After exploring Gullfoss waterfall, I drove to Kerid crater. It is about an hour’s drive from Gullfoss waterfall. The parking is free. There is a small fee to enter Kerid crater. I hiked the crater rim and which took about 45 minutes and took the stairs to walk down to Kerid crater lake. Here is the video of my hike at Kerid crater: https://youtu.be/LdTp79ztpuU
After exploring Kerid crater, I drove to Hvolsvöllur to check-in Hellishólar Hótel Eyjafjallajökull. I stayed 2 nights at this hotel and I had dinner there. I stayed 2 nights in this hotel in part because I planned to do a day trip to Thorsmork the following day. The hotel is about an hour’s drive from Kerid crater. Here is the video of my check-in at this hotel: https://youtu.be/6zSNl33NFwQ
Day 3 (Thorsmork)
I had breakfast at Hellishólar Hótel Eyjafjallajökull in Hvolsvöllur and then I drove to N1 gas station in Hvolsvöllur where I parked my car there and took a highland bus ride to Thorsmork at 9:15 am. The bus ride took about 2 hours to reach Langidalur at 11:00 am. The bus made a stop at Húsadalur (Volcano Huts) along the way to Langidalur. I bought a bus ticket online in advance at https://www.re.is/tour/thorsmork-adventure-iceland-on-your-own
The highland bus dropped me off at Langidalur bus stop at 11:00 am. There is a public restroom near the bus stop. I started my hike to Valahnjúkur which took me about an hour and a half to reach Valahnjúkur summit where I saw a stunning view. I spent about half an hour at the summit just to enjoy the view and take photos. Then I hiked from Valahnjúkur summit to Húsadalur (Volcano Huts), which took me about an hour. I had lunch at Húsadalur (Volcano Huts). There is a restaurant and restroom at Húsadalur (Volcano Huts). After lunch, I did a short hike from Húsadalur (Volcano Huts) to explore the area. Here is the video of my hiking adventure in Thorsmork: https://youtu.be/MKwQeykGUTE
I took the highland bus from Húsadalur (Volcano Huts) at 4:00 pm back to N1 gas station in Hvolsvöllur. Then I drove back to the hotel (Hellishólar Hótel Eyjafjallajökull) to spend my second night and have dinner at that hotel.
Day 4 (The South Coast Region)
I had breakfast at Hellishólar Hótel Eyjafjallajökull in Hvolsvöllur and then I checked out of that hotel. I started my mission to explore the south coast region. My first stop was to visit Gljufrabui waterfall and then I walked for about 5 minutes to Seljalandsfoss waterfalland I walked behind the waterfall. Gljufrabui waterfall is about a 25-minute drive from Hellishólar Hótel Eyjafjallajökull. I visited Gljufrabui before Seljalandsfoss in part because the parking for Gljufrabui is free and Seljalandsfoss is just within a walking distance from Gljufrabui. I spent about 45 minutes exploring Gljufrabui waterfall and Seljalandsfoss waterfall. There is a public restroom that belongs to the campsite. You might be able to use it.
I drove to Skogafoss waterfall. It is about a 25-minute drive from Seljalandsfoss waterfall. I walked to get closer to the waterfall and then I took the trail to hike all the way up to the viewing platform where you can see the waterfall from above. Parking is free. There is a public restroom in that area. I spent about an hour exploring Skogafoss waterfall. Here is the video of Skogafoss waterfall: https://youtu.be/tTZkOzJV9p4
I drove to the parking lot for the Wrecked DC-3 Plane known as the Solheimasandur plane. The parking lot is about a 10-minute drive from Skogafoss waterfall. Then I hiked all the way to reach the wrecked plane. The hiking trail is flat and it took me about an hour one way. Parking is free. Here is the video of this hike: https://youtu.be/6LCC6c1HRaE
I drove to Dyrholaey. It is about a 20-minute drive from the Wrecked DC-3 Plane parking lot. The direct road to Dyrholaey and the lighthouse was closed for construction. I had to drive straight to reach a viewing platform on the other side. Parking is free and there is a public restroom. I had to hike to the lighthouse area where you get a better view of Dyrholaey. The hike took me about 45 minutes one way. Here is the video of this adventure: https://youtu.be/vWGim0LmC-Q
I drove to Reynisfjara beach known as the black sand beach. It is about a 30-minute drive from Dyrholaey. There is a restaurant and a public restroom in the parking lot. I walked on the beach for about 45 minutes and then I had dinner at the restaurant there called Svarta Fjaran restaurant. Parking is free. Here is the video of this visit: https://youtu.be/2-2OLSqUJMA
I made a quick stop to take a look at Eldhraun Lava Field. It is about an hour’s drive from Reynisfjara beach. There is a small area along the road where you can pull over and walk to explore the lava field. I spent about 5 minutes there. Here is the video of this quick visit: https://youtu.be/RLuTE5NMqLI
I drove to Fjadrargljufur Canyon. It is about a 10-minute drive from Eldhraun Lava Field. I drove to the upper parking lot and then walked to the viewing platforms. The road to the upper parking lot is gravel. You can also park in the lower parking lot and then you can hike to the upper viewing platform. Parking is free. I recommend the upper parking lot if you don’t want to hike. I spent about 45 minutes exploring the canyon. Here is the video of my adventure at this place: https://youtu.be/eIR8tOY0Uqs
I drove to Hörgsland Cottages in Kirkjubaejarklaustur and I Checked in to stay there for 1 night. This hotel is about a 15-minute drive from Fjadrargljufur Canyon. Kirkjubaejarklaustur is very close to Vik. I could not find a hotel in Vik and that’s why I stayed in Kirkjubaejarklaustur. Here is the video of this hotel: https://youtu.be/fhOmov25Fic
Day 5 (South East)
I had breakfast at Hörgsland Cottages and then I checked out of the hotel. I drove to a nearby basalt columns place called Dverghamrar cliffs. It is just a 5-minute drive from Hörgsland Cottages. I Spend only 15 minutes exploring the basalt column formations. Here is the video of this place: https://youtu.be/fz-PnarU0RA
I drove to Skaftafellvisitor center to visit Vatnajokull glacier and Svartifoss waterfall. There is a small fee for parking. The visitor center has a public restroom and a restaurant. The visitor center is about a 45-minute drive from Dverghamrar cliffs. From the visitor center, I hiked for about half an hour to get a view of Vatnajokull glacier. Then I hiked back to the visitor center. From the visitor center, I hiked for about an hour to visit Svartifoss. I had lunch at the visitor center after I finished both hikes. I spent about 4 hours at this location. The tour operators are located just a few steps from the visitor center. If you choose to book a tour to hike on the glacier, you will have to check in at this location. The Glacier Wonders is one of those tours. I chose not to go on a tour.
I drove to Jokulsarlon glacier Lagoon. It is about a 45-minute drive from Skaftafell visitor center. Parking is free. There is a public restroom. I booked a zodiac boat tour online in advance at https://icelagoon.is/zodiac-tours/. Before joining the tour, I walked along the glacier lake to enjoy the view of all those icebergs on the ice lagoon. The zodiac boat tour took about 70 minutes. Here is the video of my adventure on the ice lagoon: https://youtu.be/vwlWMJh4m0w
I walked to the diamond beach across the street. It is about a 10-minute walk from the ice lagoon where you walk under a bridge to get to the diamond beach. The diamond beach has 2 entrances. I had to drive to the other parking lot across the street to get to the second entrance. It is just a minute’s drive from the ice lagoon. Here is the video of my adventure at the diamond beach: https://youtu.be/1sjiig68N1Y
I drove to Hali Country Hotel and I checked in to stay 1 night there. I had dinner at that hotel. The hotel is about a 15-minute drive from the diamond beach. Here is the video of my check-in at Hali Country Hotel: https://youtu.be/eW7uj85kCtQ
Day 6 (South East and the Eastfjords)
I had breakfast at Hali Country Hotel and then I checked out of that hotel.
I drove to Vestrahorn mountain and Stokksnes beach. They are about an hour’s drive from Hali Country hotel. It is a beautiful beach with a spectacular mountain view. There is a fee to visit it. You pay the fee at the cafe. The fee also includes a visit to an old Viking village. I visited the Viking village and then the beach to enjoy the view of Vestrahorn mountain. I ate a light sandwich at the café before leaving this area. I spent about an hour and a half exploring this area. Here is the video of my adventure there: https://youtu.be/AI8zJ0Er6SM
I drove to Seydisfjordur. It is a beautiful small town in the Eastfjords region. It is about a 3.5-hour drive from Vestrahorn. Google maps for some reason wanted me to take road 939 which is a gravel road but I ignored it and took road 1. I made many stops along the way to rest and take photos. The drive is very scenic and so quiet. I was almost the only one on the road.
I walked the streets of Seydisfjordur to explore this beautiful town. I had dinner at Hotel Aldan Nordic restaurant. Here is the video of my walk in Seydisfjordur: https://youtu.be/EDT_09zk42I
Along the way when I exited Seydisfjordur, I made a quick stop to visit Gufufoss waterfall. There is a small spot along the way where you can pull over and just walk to the waterfall. Here is the video of Gufufoss waterfall: https://youtu.be/E_YmLuj178Y
I checked in Hotel Hallormsstadur in Egilsstadir and I stayed at that hotel for 2 nights. This hotel is about a 50-minute drive from Seydisfjordur. I had dinner at this hotel. I decided to stay at this hotel because I planned to visit Hengifoss and do the waterfall circle hike the following day. Here is the video of my check-in at Hotel Hallormsstadur: https://youtu.be/yHo66n-3DQ8
Day 7 (East Iceland)
I drove to Hengifoss Waterfall parking lot. It is about a 10-minute drive from Hotel Hallormsstadur. Parking is free and there is a public restroom in the parking lot. The hike to Hengifoss waterfall took me about 45 minutes one way. I saw Litlanesfoss waterfall along the way on this hiking trail. Here is the video of this hike: https://youtu.be/qsGlxi24GIs
I drove to Laugarfell to do the waterfall circle hike. Laugarfell is a small guesthouse with a hot spring. It is about a 50-minute drive from Hengifoss waterfall. I drove a gravel road the last 2 kilometers before reaching Laugarfell. This hike is a loop that starts from and ends in Laugarfell. It took me about 4 hours to do this hike. I saw 5 waterfalls and a beautiful canyon on this hiking trail. Some of these waterfalls are among the most powerful waterfalls in East Iceland. The most famous of the waterfalls are Kirkjufosswaterfall and Faxi waterfall. Here is the video of this hike: https://youtu.be/KYZ0p7N_vpc
I drove back to Hotel Hallormsstadur to spend my second night at that hotel. I had dinner at the hotel.
Day 8 (North East and the Diamond Circle)
I had breakfast at Hotel Hallormsstadur and then I checked out of that hotel. I drove to Studlagil Canyon. It is about an hour and a half drive from Hotel Hallormsstadur. I parked at Klaustursel farm. Parking is free and there is a public restroom in the parking lot. I walked across the bridge and hiked for about 3 miles one way to reach the basalt columns area. About halfway, I saw a waterfall on basalt columns. This visit took me about three and a half hours. If you don’t want to hike, you can take a shortcut and park at Grund farm, but that does not offer a good view. Here is the video of my hike to Studlagil: https://youtu.be/s3pT0QYUtjs
I drove to Dettifoss waterfalland Selfoss waterfall using the road on the east side. They are the most beautiful waterfalls in Europe. They are about a 2-hour drive from Studlagil Canyon. The road to get to Dettifoss waterfall from the east side is rough. I drove a gravel road for about 45 minutes before reaching Dettifoss. The view is much better from the east side and that’s why I visited it from the east side. Parking is free and there is a public restroom in the parking lot. Selfoss waterfall is just a 1-kilometer walk from Dettifoss waterfall. Here is the video of my adventure to see these spectacular waterfalls: https://youtu.be/7Ye8-21Z8kg
After exploring Dettifoss and Selfoss, I drove to Hafragilfoss waterfall. It is about a 5-minute drive from Dettifoss. I walked for a few minutes to enjoy the view of the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. Here is the video of this place: https://youtu.be/5QP5eJEEGqs
I drove to Krafla Viti crater. It is about an hour-drive from Hafragilfoss. I took a short walk around the crater to capture photos. Parking is free. Here is the video of this visit: https://youtu.be/sivXi1Yb0h4
I drove to Vogafjós Resort in Myvatn and I checked in to stay 2 nights there. It is a hotel on a beautiful farm. It is about a thirty-minute drive from Krafla Viti crater. I had dinner at Vogafjós Resort. Here is the video of my check-in at Vogafjós Resort: https://youtu.be/kVPXaDyMkq0
Day 9 (Myvatn Area and North Iceland)
I had breakfast at Vogafjós Resort and then I visited Hverir also known as Hverarond. It is a geothermal area in Myvatn. It is about a 15-minute drive from Vogafjós Resort. The parking is free. I walked through the geothermal area and the mud pools and then hiked uphill to Námafjall viewpoint. Namafjall is the mountain that overlooks Hverarond on one side and Lake Myvatn on the other side. Namaskard Pass is the name of the trail that leads from Hverarond. The whole place has a sulfur smell. I took the trail that goes to the right. The trail on the left is extremely steep and difficult. The easy hike took me about 2 hours round trip. Here is the video of this hike: https://youtu.be/hqZOpHL8hGY
I visited Grjotagja Cave. It is about a 10-minute drive from Hverir. Grjotagja Cave is one of the filming locations of the game of thrones show. I spent about 15 minutes at this place. The parking is free. Here is the video of this place: https://youtu.be/Sk2QRPh6LiE
I drove to Hverfjall crater. It is about a 15-minute drive from Grjotagja Cave. The parking is free. There is a public restroom. Some parts of the road to get there are gravel. I climbed up to get a better view of the crater and I hiked the entire rim. The hike took me about an hour and a half. Here is the video of this hike: https://youtu.be/5kr7LD4coM4
I visited Dimmuborgir known as the Dark Fortress. It is lava formations. It is located where the North American and European tectonic plates meet each other and one can step across the fault line. It is about a 10-minute drive from Hverfjall crater. I walked down a paved trail to explore the area. The parking is free. There is a coffee shop and a public restroom in the parking lot. They also offer a daily free walking tour. Here is the video of this place: https://youtu.be/fOkgrRz8XIg
I visited lake Myvatn and Skútustadagrig pseudocraters. It is about a 10-minute drive from Dimmuborgir. The parking is free. I walked to a few viewing platforms to enjoy the view of the lake and the craters. I also took a short walk around that area. Here is the video of this visit: https://youtu.be/2UpjtjncAJI
I drove back to Vogafjós Resort to spend my second night there. It is about a 10-minute drive from Lake Myvatn. I had dinner at that hotel too.
Day 10 (North Iceland)
I had breakfast at Vogafjós Resort and I checked out of that hotel. I drove to Godafoss waterfall. It is about a 45-minute drive from Vogafjós Resort. Parking is free. There is a small cafeteria and a public restroom across the street. I walked to the waterfall and hiked to the other side of the waterfall to get a better view. I spent about an hour and a half at this place. Here is the video of this waterfall: https://youtu.be/6bgFPNShE4c
I drove to Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland. It is about a 30-minute drive from Godafoss waterfall. I parked in the city center next to Hotel Kea. I walked through the streets of Akureyri and had lunch at Kurdo Kebab restaurant. Here is the video of my walk in Akureyri: https://youtu.be/frDLlY4iGQw
After exploring Akureyri, I drove to Grafarkirkja (The oldest church in Iceland). It is about a 90-minute drive from Akureyri. I spent about half an hour there. Here is the video of this visit: https://youtu.be/7vXnkcE_m7g
Then I drove to Hofsos town. It is about a 5-minute drive from Grafarkirkja. I walked to the basalt columns to enjoy the ocean and the cliff view. I spent about 15 minutes there. Here is the video of this place: https://youtu.be/pDaEDze7a0w
I drove to Hvammstangi Cottages and checked in to stay 1 night there. It is about a 2-hour drive from Hofsos town. I had dinner at a restaurant in Hvammstangi town. Here is the video of my check-in at Hvammstangi Cottages: https://youtu.be/pW5BcP0qAiI
Day 11 (The Westfjords Region)
I checked out of Hvammstangi Cottages and I drove all the way to Isafjordur, the capital of the Westfjords region. It is about a 5-hour drive from Hvammstangi Cottages. Part of the road is gravel. I had breakfast at one of the gas stations along the way.
I made a quick stop on road 61 to stretch my legs and visit Arngerðareyri House known as the old castle house. It is an abandoned house along the way to Isafjordur. It is about a 2.5-hour drive from Hvammstangi Cottages. It is a perfect spot for photos. Here is the video of this place: https://youtu.be/NqzL224STCQ
I made another quick stop on road 61 at Litlibaer Café to have lunch in Sudavik town along the way to Isafjordur. It is a beautiful café with a great view of the fjords. It is about a 50-minute drive from Arngerðareyri House. Here is the video of this café: https://youtu.be/KkiD7pqb9LY
I made another quick stop on road 61 to take a look at Hvitanes Seal Colony along the way to Isafjordur. This place is just a minute’s drive from Litlibaer Café. Here is the video of this place: https://youtu.be/BnNqj6qVDfc
Before reaching Isafjordur, I visited Valagil waterfall. It is about a 45-minute drive from Hvitanes Seal Colony. I hiked all the way to the waterfall. It is about a 2-kilometer hike one way. The hike took me about 2 hours round trip. Parking is free. Here is the video of this hike: https://youtu.be/Q9ioSoEi2lo
After I finished Valagil waterfall hike, I continued driving to Isafjordur and I checked in Hotel Isafjordur to stay 2 nights at that hotel. This hotel is about a 30-minute drive from Valagil waterfall. I had dinner at the hotel too. Here is the video of my check-in at this hotel: https://youtu.be/IqPoblVXW6o
Day 12 (The Westfjords Region)
I had breakfast at Hotel Isafjordur and then I walked down to the tourism office in the old town of Isafjordur to get information and maps. I took about a 2-hour walk to explore Isafjordur. Here is the video of this walk: https://youtu.be/cjmluR513aM
I hiked Naustahvilft known as the troll seat. It is a 1-kilometer steep hike. The hike took me about 2 hours round trip. The parking lot is just about a 10-minute drive from Hotel Isafjordur. Here is the video of this hike: https://youtu.be/vhTNu1XZLIM
I drove to Bolungarvík to visit Ósvör Maritime Museum and Óshólaviti Lighthouse. It is about a 20-minute drive from Isafjordur. I walked along the cliff there for about half an hour to enjoy the view of the fjords. Here is the video of this walk: https://youtu.be/_t0pWsCAgi4
I drove all the way up to Bolafjall mountain. Parking is free. It is about a 30-minute drive from Ósvör Maritime Museum. I did a short hike there for about half an hour to enjoy the view of the cliffs. The road to get there is gravel and very steep. Here is the video of this place: https://youtu.be/VDWRXMXOSDU
I drove back to Isafjordur to do my grocery shopping at Bonus supermarket. Here is the video of Bonus supermarket in Isafjordur: https://youtu.be/HWnA3YUzfTM
I had dinner at Husid Koddinn restaurant in Isafjordur and then walked to Hotel Isafjordur to spend my second night at that hotel.
Day 13 (The Westfjords Region)
I had breakfast at Hotel Isafjordur and then I checked out of that hotel. I drove to Dynjandi waterfall. It is about a 45-minute drive from Hotel Isafjordur. Part of the road is gravel. On my way to Dynjandi waterfall, I drove through a tunnel called Vestfjarðagöng (Vestfirðir Tunnel). It is the longest tunnel in Iceland. Here is the video of this tunnel: https://youtu.be/00gZhh4R9bk
I spent about an hour exploring Dynjandi waterfall. Parking is free and there is a public restroom in the parking lot. Here is the video of Dynjandi waterfall: https://youtu.be/uqYc8TOpSVo
After exploring Dynjandi waterfall, I drove to the famous shipwreck called Gardar BA 64. It is one of the top attractions in the Westfjords region. It is about a 90-minute drive from Dynjandi waterfall. Parking is free. I spent about an hour there. Here is the video of this place: https://youtu.be/Vy4YpHXfgWk
I drove to Patreksfjörður town and checked in Fosshotel Westfjords to stay a couple of nights at that hotel. It is about a 15-minute drive from Gardar BA 64 shipwreck. Here is the video of my check-in at this hotel: https://youtu.be/Kl0hXcqQS7U
After I checked in Fosshotel Westfjords, I went for an hour’s walk in Patreksfjörður town. Here is the video of my walk in this town: https://youtu.be/Cq9s6SOK0a8
I had dinner at Fosshotel Westfjords.
Day 14 (The Westfjords Region)
I had breakfast at Fosshotel Westfjords and then I drove to Latrabjarg. It is the westernmost part of Europe. It is about an hour’s drive from Fosshotel Westfjords. Parts of the road are gravel. Parking is free. There is a public restroom along the way about a kilometer away from Latrabjarg parking lot. I hiked around the cliffs for the better part of 3 hours. Here is the video of my hike at Latrabjarg: https://youtu.be/UEjt20ib1zc
After I left Latrabjarg, I made a quick stop to visit Breiðavík Church. It is one of the most beautiful church buildings in Iceland. It is in a small village just about a 20-minute drive from Latrabjarg. Here is the video of this visit: https://youtu.be/te7pyk1mKgE
As I was finding my way to the Red Sand Beach, I make another quick stop to visit Hnjótur Museum (Minjasafn Egils Ólafssonar Museum at Hnjotur in Orlygshofn). It is a museum along the way to Latrabjarg. I decided to visit it after finishing my hike at Latrabjarg. It is about a 30-minute drive from Latrabjarg. I spent about 15 minutes exploring this museum from outside. Here is the video of this visit: https://youtu.be/C7YgVECiymo
I drove to Raudasandur Beach known as the Red Sand Beach. It is a gravel road to get there. It is about a 40-minute drive from Fosshotel Westfjords and an hour’s drive from Latrabjarg. I drove to Raudasandur Beach after my museum visit and that was about a 40-minute drive. There is a beautiful small church and a café across the street. Parking is free. I took an hour’s walk there to explore the beach. Here is the video of my walk there: https://youtu.be/3-mygN4HQD0
I drove back to Fosshotel Westfjords to spend my second night there and I had dinner at the hotel.
Day 15 (TheSnaefellsnes Peninsula)
I had breakfast at Fosshotel Westfjords and I checked out of that hotel. I drove all the way to Stykkisholmur in Snaefellsnes Peninsula. It is about a 5-hour drive from Fosshotel Westfjords. Parts of the road are gravel. Along the way, I made a few stops at the gas stations and supermarkets. I made a video of how to pay for gas at the pump in Iceland. Here is the link: https://youtu.be/IJ6DV_ZXOO4
I checked in Fransiskus Hotel in Stykkisholmur to stay for 1 night. Here is the video of my check in at this hotel: https://youtu.be/WF9eO8gsCw4
I took an hour’s walk to explore Stykkisholmur town. Here is the video of my walk in Stykkisholmur: https://youtu.be/LYRXxyoFqgI
I had dinner at Narfeyrarstofa restaurant in Stykkisholmur. The restaurant requires a reservation but luckily, they took me without a reservation.
I walked back to Fransiskus Hotel to spend the night there.
Day 16 (TheSnaefellsnes Peninsula)
I had breakfast at Fransiskus Hotel and then I checked out of that hotel. I drove to Kirkjufell Mountain. It is a beautiful mountain featured in the game of thrones show. It is about a 40-minute drive from Fransiskus Hotel. I spent about an hour at this place. Parking is free. Here is the video of Kirkjufell Mountain: https://youtu.be/Xh5Xz-v5XnY
I drove to the parking lot of Grundarfoss Waterfall. It is about a 5-minute drive from Kirkjufell Mountain. I hiked all the way to the waterfall. It is about a 2-hour hike round trip. Here is the video of this hike: https://youtu.be/beAgVo7VNoc
I drove to Ingjaldsholskirkja. It is a beautiful church building. It is a 35-minute drive from Grundarfoss Waterfall: Here is the video of this visit: https://youtu.be/gk6s5TuDa9c
I drove to Svortuloft lighthouse. It is about a 20-minute drive from Ingjaldsholskirkja. Part of the road is gravel. The lighthouse viewing platform offers an amazing view of the cliffs. Here is the video of this place: https://youtu.be/YDqduwEnkJM
I drove to Dritvík Djúpalónssandur beach. It is about a 30-minute drive from Svortuloft lighthouse. Parking is free and there is a public restroom in the parking lot. I took an hour’s walk at the beach. Here is the video of this beach: https://youtu.be/PjVk4kneAdA
I drove to Lóndrangar Basalt Cliffs. It is about a 10-minute drive from Dritvík Djúpalónssandur beach. I walked to the viewing platform to enjoy the view of the cliffs and the big pillars. I also hiked to the big pillars. The hike took me about 45 minutes round trip. Here is the video of this place: https://youtu.be/BBl8t_CjygM
I drove to Arnarstapi town. It is about a 10-minute drive from Lóndrangar. I was planning to take a long walk to explore the town, but I was tired and decided to visit the town again the next day.
I drove to Budakirkja. It is a small beautiful church. It is a 20-minute drive from Arnarstapi town. Here is the video of this visit: https://youtu.be/rwZNeh4dnMA
I drove to Kast Guesthouse in Stadarstadur and I checked in to stay 1 night there. It is a hotel on a big farm. I had dinner at that hotel. Here is the video of my check in at that hotel: https://youtu.be/_ecmkveOCT0
Day 17 (TheSnaefellsnes Peninsula and Glymur Hike)
I had breakfast at Kast Guesthouse and then I checked out of that hotel. I drove back to Arnarstapi town to explore it more. It is about a 20-minute drive from Kast Guesthouse. Here is the video of my walk in Arnarstapi: https://youtu.be/aRBe66BKr0I
On my way to Glymur Waterfall, I made a stop to hike to Raudfeldsgja Gorge. This gorge is just about a 5-minute drive from Arnarstapi. The hike can take up to an hour round trip. Here is the video of this hike: https://youtu.be/GE6aMkgwPSs
I drove to Glymur waterfall. This waterfall is the second highest waterfallin Iceland. It is about a 2-hour drive from Raudfeldsgja Gorge. Parking is free. The hike to the viewing platform took me about 3 hours round trip and I had to cross a river on a tiny long log. It is a rather steep and dangerous hike. Here is the video of this hike: https://youtu.be/TNlvkwmjEAA
I drove to Costco wholesale store in Reykjavik to see what Costco store in Iceland is like. It is about an hour’s drive from Glymur waterfall. Here is the video of Costco store: https://youtu.be/muk3mqHIpzc
I drove to Courtyard Reykjavik Keflavik Airport Hotel and I checked in to stay for a couple of nights. It is about a 30-minute drive from Costco store. I had dinner at the hotel. Here is the video of my check in at this hotel: https://youtu.be/WGSYYC8PBoY
Day 18 (Reykjanes Peninsula)
I had breakfast at Courtyard Reykjavik Keflavik Airport Hotel.
I walked to the covid test lab just right next to the hotel. It is only a 1-minute walk from the hotel. I took a covid test that was required to fly home. I got the result within 15 minutes and it was negative. What a relief!
I drove to the parking lot of the Fagradalsfjall Volcano eruption. The volcano was a little bit active at the time. There is a small fee for parking. There is a portable bathroom facility in the parking lot. I used Route C to hike to reach the lava fields in the Nátthagi valley. From Nátthagi, I continued on a more difficult hike up to Langihryggur where I got a view over the crater opening. The entire hike took me about 5 hours round trip. This hike was my last adventure activity on my trip in Iceland. My Fagradalsfjall volcano hike video is my last video of Iceland and the longest video I have ever made over the years of doing youtube videos. It is a long video because I told a long story and as most of my videos, it is more of a “hike and talk” video. Here is the video: https://youtu.be/n8pUpBsMNy4
I drove through Grindavik town to explore the area and then drove back to the hotel to spend my second night at Courtyard Reykjavik Keflavik Airport Hotel. I had dinner at the hotel.
Day 19 (Flying Home)
This was my last day in Iceland. I had breakfast at Courtyard Reykjavik Keflavik Airport Hotel and then I checked out.
I drove to the airport and returned the rental car at Blue Car Rental office at the airport. The airport is just a few-minute drive from Courtyard Reykjavik Keflavik Airport Hotel. I walked from the rental car office to the airport to catch my flight. My Iceland adventure has ended.
