Sample: 14-day geology program

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Day 1 

Arrival at Keflavik International Airport. Transfer to Reykjavik and overnight at hotel.

 

Day 2

We check out of our hotel and proceed to Thingvellir National Park to explore the geological attractions in the area. We continue to Geysir geothermal area in Haukadalur valley and Gullfoss, the golden waterfall. Overnight Hella or Skogar area.

 

Day 3

Today we will explore Thorsmork nature reserve by foot. Thorsmork area is Iceland’s most popular hiking destination with varied trails among the countless small valleys and rivers with views of glaciers on three sides. Overnight in Hella or Skogar area.

 

Day 4

We will explore some majestic waterfalls as well black beaches and dramatic cliffs, shaped by the waves of the North Atlantic Ocean, on our driver along the South Coast. An interesting detour allows us to reach the promotory of Dyrholaey, where we should be able to spot some puffins. Overnight in South East area.

 

Day 5

We continue along the South Coast reaching the glacier region of Vatnajokull National Park. We will stop to explore Skaftafell, with views of sharp mountains and dramatic glaciers. Excursion on foot to admire the Svartifoss waterfall which is has a dramatic backdrop of majestic basalt columns. In the afternoon we will take a look at the Glacial Lagoon and walk along the Diamond Beach dotted with ice. Overnight in South East area.

 

Day 6

The region of the eastern fjords characterized by its mountains, small fishing ports and ancient farmland. In the morning we will drive along the East Fjords. The steep mountains of the Fjords are formed of thousands upon thousands of basaltic lava layers. We will explore some of the locations where the manifestations of this are most magnificent. The region is rich of minerals and we will visit one of the most impressive stone and mineral collections in the world which is located in Stodvarfjordur. Overnight in East Fjords.

 

Day 7

We head North, towards Dettifoss waterfalls, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. We also visit Asbyrgi, a forested horse-shoe shaped canyon in Oxarfjordur. Asbyrgi is a part of Jokulsargljufur, within the Vatnajokull National Park and is truly one of nature’s wonders. Overnight in Husavik or Myvatn area.

 

Day 8

Lake Myvatn known for its interesting geological formations and geothermal activity. We will explore the important geological characteristics of the area and stop at some well-known places such as the pseudo-craters in Skutustadir, Dimmuborgir lava formations and Namaskard area’s solfataras with boiling sulphuric mud-pools. We will also visit some lesser known places to get a more extensive view of the geology of the area. Overnight in Myvatn area.   

 

Day 9

Today we will drive towards Iceland’s interior usually referred to as the highlands. We stop at Herdubreidarlindir nature reserve before continuing to Dyngjufjoll mountains. We will stop at Drekagil canyon on our way to Askja caldera. When we reach Askja we will walk to lake Askja. In the afternoon we explore along Jokulsa a Fjollum river and reach Iceland’s youngest lava field, Holuhraun, the result of the 2014-2015 fissure eruption south of Askja caldera and north of Dyngjujokull glacier. Overnight in a mountain hut.

 

Day 10

Today we follow 4x4 tracks to the west through the highlands. These are challenging tracks and the landscapes resemble the moon but this desolate area cannot really be described with words. We will not meet many cars on this journey if any at all. This route allows us to cross the interior with views of the northern slopes of Vatnajokull glaciers, the largest icecap in Europe. Overnight in a mountain hut.

 

Day 11

We will travel along Sprengisandur desert and have spectacular views of Vatnajokull and Hofsjokull glaciers and on the south end of Sprengisandur, lake Thorisvatn, Iceland’s largest lake. Overnight in a mountain hut.

 

Day 12

Today we will explore Landmannalaugar in Fjallabak nature reserve. We will walk around to take in the views of mountains, tinted with rhyolite minerals, that contrast with the surrounding obsidian lava fields and together they give the area a unique look. You might want to take the opportunity to bathe in Landamannalaugar’s natural hot spring. Overnight in a mountain hut.

 

Day 13

We leave the Fjallabak nature reserve passing through the lava of Helka volcano, one of the most famous volcanoes in Iceland. In the afternoon we reach Reykjavik where you will have time to explore on your own for the rest of the day. Overnight in Reykjavik area.

 

Day 14 Transfer from Reykjavik to Keflavik International Airport.