{"id":192,"date":"2019-11-21T20:58:41","date_gmt":"2019-11-21T20:58:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/detouron.com\/blog\/?p=192"},"modified":"2020-11-13T21:52:30","modified_gmt":"2020-11-13T21:52:30","slug":"a-trip-to-iceland-anyone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/detouron.com\/blog\/a-trip-to-iceland-anyone\/","title":{"rendered":"A trip to Iceland, anyone?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Kirkjufell mountain and waterfall, Sn\u00e6fellsnes Peninsula, west Iceland.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Iceland is the land of the midnight sun in summer and the northern lights in winter. It is characterized by such geologic features as volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, and deep gorges. This small island is also the location of many black sand beaches and hot springs. It sits at the meeting point of two continental plates, and has one of the oldest parliaments in the world. Not to mention countless Game of Thrones filming locations<\/a> — phhhew! This small island is not lacking in things to discover. How long can you spare to explore Iceland?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We’ve put together a week-long action-packed itinerary <\/a>to get you started. However, we strongly recommend taking at least two weeks to truly immerse yourself in the Icelandic experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Planning a trip to Iceland using the DetourOn travel planner<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\"\"DetourOn Tip<\/span>: For a list of top things to do in Iceland, visit the DetourOn planning page<\/a>. Type “Iceland” in the search box and select from our pre-loaded templates to see our suggestions. You can build your own itinerary <\/a>and print out a personalized roadbook<\/a>. Start with these templates and modify them as you see fit. We recommend you load one template per day of travel. For a more relaxed pace, you can divide templates into 2 or more days. Simply add days in your planner, then move activities from the loaded template to the desired date and time. Our templates are divided by region:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Map of Iceland and template regions<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Regions to visit in Iceland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Reykjavik – The capital city<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A full day walking itinerary to the city’s highlights in downtown Reykjavik. This tour includes the Old Harbor<\/a>, Lake Tj\u00f6rnin<\/a>, the Church of Hallgr\u00edmur<\/a>, and a visit to the Volcano House<\/a>. Prepare to be blown away by Iceland’s geologic history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sn\u00e6fellsnes Peninsula – Northwest of Reykjavik<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A full day driving itinerary of the Peninsula’s highlights. This tour includes Sn\u00e6fellsj\u00f6kull National Park<\/a>‘s black sand beaches, historic lighthouses, volcanic craters, lava fields, waterfalls, and views of the Sn\u00e6fellsj\u00f6kull glacier. We recommend staying overnight in one of the towns on the Peninsula, such as Stykkish\u00f3lmur<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Westfjords – North of the Sn\u00e6fellsnes Peninsula <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A full day driving itinerary requiring a high-clearance vehicle for most destinations. Stops along the way include numerous hot springs, a red-sand beach, the L\u00e1trabjarg Sea Cliffs<\/a>, and the impressive Dynjandi Waterfall<\/a>. We recommend staying overnight in one of the towns in the Westfjords, such as \u00cdsafj\u00f6r\u00f0ur<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Diamond Circle – The northeast region of Iceland<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A full day driving itinerary around Lake M\u00fdvatn<\/a> and the geothermal features surrounding it. This tour also includes J\u00f6kuls\u00e1rglj\u00fafur Canyon<\/a>, a detached portion of Vatnaj\u00f6kull National Park<\/a>. This canyon is home to Dettifoss Waterfall<\/a>, the most powerful waterfall in Europe, and \u00c1sbyrgi Canyon<\/a>, a UNESCO-recognized site. We recommend staying overnight in Akureyri <\/a>or H\u00fasav\u00edk<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vatnaj\u00f6kull National Park – East Iceland<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Visit the park’s highlights just off the main road. Spend half a day hiking in Skaftafell<\/a>, then drive along Iceland’s southeastern shore to J\u00f6kuls\u00e1rl\u00f3n Glacier Lagoon<\/a>. Time-permitting, take a 1-hr boat tour<\/a> between the icebergs in the lagoon. We recommend staying in H\u00f6fn<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Along the Ring Road – South Iceland <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A full day driving itinerary to see waterfalls, beaches, and glaciers. In the peak of summer, optional 4WD itinerary to the Lakagigar crater row<\/a>. Drive along the Ring Road on a long day trip from Reykjavik, or stay in Kirkjub\u00e6jarklaustur <\/a>or Vik<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Golden Circle – East of Reykjavik <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Everybody does it, and you must too! Highlights of this itinerary include a golden waterfall<\/a>, a crater, a gorge, two continents (\u00deingvellir National Park<\/a>), and a few geysers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Skaftafellsj\u00f6kull glacier terminus, Vatnaj\u00f6kull National Park <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

BONUS: We even made a Game of Thrones<\/strong> template for you of filming locations all around the island!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Things to know before visiting Iceland:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tips related to renting a car in Iceland<\/h4>\n\n\n\n