Revealing the True Charms & Myths of Iceland Tour

In the morning, sunlight washes over the Black Beach near town. Jagged boulders rise out of the sea along the rugged cliff face; basalt columns frame the beach, resembling buildings blocks as they reach a height of 223 feet above the sea. The two small churches of Vik create a friendly and quaint ambiance set against the dramatic landscape of the southern coast. After breakfast, leave the village behind as you make your way to town of Hofn. Step out of the car at the edge of a mossy lava field as craggy, black lava rocks poke through the blanket of soft moss leading to the distant hills.

It resembles the landscape of a fantasy novel. The moss is soft on your fingers and slightly damp, but you don’t explore further because the greenery hides the treacherous dips and sharp edges of the cooled lava. At Skaftafell National Park,  walk along the hiking trail to the Svartifoss Waterfall and Skaftafellsjökull Glacier. The park was established in the 1960s and encompasses more than 190 square miles of protected land. Walk along the low scrub and around the yellow cliffs to arrive at Skaftafellsjökull. The woods lead to a pool and stream formed by the glacial meltwater. Follow the movement of the water to its source, a stretch of ice shattered shingles rising to a 13-foot façade. 

Wake up in the village of Hofn, which after the remoteness of the southeast feels like a vibrant city. On a clear day,  look across the water to the sprawling pearl façade of Vatnajökull Glacier. Fishing boats venture out from the harbor before sunrise and return with nets filled with langoustines. Leave the village behind and stop in the town of Seydisfjordur, which stands at the edge of a small inlet leading to the Atlantic. Multicolored, wooden houses shine against a backdrop of snowcapped mountains as cascading waterfalls create a constant stream of splashing music outlining town.

Locals add a bohemian ambiance to the streets, showcasing their art, playing music, and sharing their crafts with one another and passersby. Trek to the edges of Dyrholafjoll Mountain Range where local mythology says that the ridged mountains stood as a doorway between Iceland and the nether world. Vast boulders frame indigo ponds as the verdant slopes fade to the rugged foothills of the meandering peaks. Reach the town of Djúpivogur, a place that embodies the “Slow Movement.” Antique buildings edge the mall harbor where boats to Berufjördur weigh anchor. Djúpivogur is the oldest town around the east fjords, founded in the 16th-century by German merchants who brought goods to trade with the island. The village holds a natural charm that embraces you before you continue to Egilsstaðir.

Wake up on a small farm outside of the hustle and bustle of Egilsstaðir. In the winter, see into the depths of night. The bright lights of the Aurora Borealis flicker against the regional darkness. In the summer, the sunlight spreads across the sky at all hours of the day. Rams graze on the lush grass as a haze dissipates with the warming sun, returning your view of the landscape’s vibrant glow as if the curtain have been pulled back. After your comforting breakfast, depart from the luxuries of the farm for the exciting surprises of the Lake Myvatn Region. Hverfell Volcano erupted more than 2,500 years ago leaving a massive crater in its wake.

The volcanic rim towers over the region, acting as the dominant landmark in the vicinity. Arriving in the area is like uncovering a gem, where starkly beautiful landscape meets otherworldly lava formations and steaming fumaroles. Dettifoss Waterfall reaches a height of 148 feet and a width of 330 feet. The water thunders down to Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon as you hear the rumble of the water from far away, adding to the powerful atmosphere and captivating image.  Delve deeper into Iceland by visiting Grjótagjá Cave, near the base of Hverfell Crater. The underground natural thermal pool has a natural heat of 113 degrees Fahrenheit; its seclusion and reflective indigo waters provide a tranquil escape from the open space outside the cavern.

In the morning, the majesty of the region in stunning in the morning light. There are endless activities and breathtaking landscapes to experience around Lake Myvatn. From the top of Vindbelgjarfjall, you have a view of the volcanic region to the east spreading to the pseudo craters in the south. Turquoise and emerald waters from Lake Myvatn stand still against the pockets of lush shoreline. After breakfast, make your way towards the town of Hvammstangi, stopping at picturesque villages along the way. The town of Akureyri is Iceland’s second-largest city, behind Reykjavik.

Although the town boasts a population of 18,000 people, the streets buzz with lively cafes and a thriving nightlight. The city nestles against the head of Iceland’s longest fjord, which reaches a length of more than 37 miles. Snowcapped peaks tower above Akureyri’s soft-spoken skyline. In the summer, trees and gardens blossom, contrasting with the nearness of the region to the Arctic Circle. In the winter, locals enjoy exuberant festivals and celebrated skiing.  Make the journey to Godafoss, which means Waterfall of the Gods. The water cascades along the arcing semi-horseshoe nearly 40 feet, feeding into the Skjálfandafljót River. The east side of the river provides a collection of views as the river below glistens an icy blue after the whitewater from the falls settles.

Iceland’s dramatic landscape reaches its apex at Westfjords, where jagged cliffs rise above multihued beaches in the south. Central mountains drop into the water near the north as tiny, secluded fishing villages maintain their traditions far from the contemporary life of Reykjavik.  Make your way to the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve and enjoy the plunging waterfalls and lavish wilderness. The scent of ferns blends with the cool salty sea air as seals rest on the rocky shores after a morning of swimming in the cold waters. In the summer, wildflowers grow on the plateau overlooking the cliffs.

Purple and yellow petals accentuate the cobalt water, spreading to the horizon. Hike along the abundant terrain and run your hands through the mixture of flowers and grass. Snow sheets sporadically cover the foothills of the nearby mountains as foxes skulk through the moss-like grass in the prairie. Make your way to Dynjandi Falls, the largest waterfall in the region reaching a height of 320 feet along a tiered mountainside. The top of the falls reaches a length of 96 feet and widens to 196 feet at the base as the water rushes down the rocky layers, resembling icing on a tiered cake. Puffins nest on the nearby shores of Grimsey Island; their white breasts and black coats standing out from the billowing grass.

Make your way south towards Reykjavik as the road meanders through the fantastical landscape.  Travel over hilly ridges and in between split mountains. In the city, stop at a helicopter landing pad and board, eager to head into the sky. The tour takes you over the Golden Circle, an area of Iceland including Thingvellir, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Haukadalur Valley, an active geothermal valley. At Geysir,  take in the gushing hot water spouts stimulated by volcanic activity. Strokkur is a reliable geyser that erupts every five to ten minutes, shooting an impressive plume up to nearly 100 feet in the air before disappearing into the earth. The sound of hissing fills the air around the geothermal area.

The Vikings established the first democratic democracy in Althing in the 10th-century, on land inside Thingvellir National Park. The American and Eurasian tectonic plates caused the valley to fissure; each year the plates move away from each other at an average rate of .36 inches. The river Oxara runs across the western plate and cascades off its edges into a series of waterfalls in a rocky stream below. Your view from the helicopter allows you to take in a complete panorama of the landscape, providing the enormity of the natural wonders and its remarkable beauty.

Reykjavik is the largest city in Iceland, yet it maintains a friendly, small-town atmosphere. The white concrete façade of Hallgrimskirkja Church stands on a hilltop, making the central spire the tallest building in the city at more than 244 feet above the streets. Colorful buildings add to the vibrant ambiance that is shared by the people. Your private transfer meets you in the lobby of your hotel and escorts you to the famous Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa located in the Grindavik lava field. The mineral rich water reaches temperatures as high as 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

Superheated water is vented from a nearby lava flow, circulating clean and warm water into the lagoon every two days. The geological layers shaped by the volcanic soil create the inviting, mineral rich water. Dip your toe in and immediately feel the soothing comforts of the lagoon’s warmth. The water radiates a sapphire blue as steam rises along the surface, clouding the view of the surrounding lush hills. After your time in the lagoon, take a chance to rinse off the minerals from your skin before you continue to the airport for your flight home.