This tailor-made road trip will see you head off western Iceland’s beaten track to discover its true geographic splendour. Indeed, after a night among Reykjavik’s colourful heritage, you’ll drive out to stay in your very own National Geographic lodge, complete with geothermal pools. Here, alongside an included excursion that brings you right into the ice caves of a giant glacier, you’ll be perfectly positioned to explore. Over scenic hikes, drives and even summer snowmobile trips, expect everything from otherworldly lava fields to hot springs and waterfalls.
Hidden Delights of Western Iceland
To book call us on:
At a glance…
Discover western Iceland’s hidden gems with a stay in a National Geographic lodge
» 5 day tailor-made self-drive
» Price from: £1,365 pp incl. flights
Day by day itinerary
-
Day 1 » UK/Reykjavik
Flying into Reykjavik’s Keflavík Airport, you’ll pick up your hire car for the short drive on to your four-star hotel – a lesson in Scandi-chic sensibilities. Set right in the centre of the city, its rooftop terraces hosts sweeping views and you’ll have all of the Icelandic capital’s delights on your doorstep. Spend today getting acquainted with its colourful old town and its ultra-modern architecture, best exemplified by the gorgeous Hallgrimskirkja.
Stay: Alda, Reykjavik
-
Day 2 » Húsafell Lodge
After breakfast, you’ll have some further time to explore today, perhaps fitting in a whale-watching cruise or a Superjeep tour. Heading out in a souped-up 4WD, you’ll traverse everything from geothermal mountains to volcanic black-sand beaches. Why not stop at the latest addition to Iceland's geothermal spa's - Hvammsvik Nature Resort and hot springs – around 45 minutes from Reykjavik – for a chance to experience hot springs in a stunning natural setting (pre-booking essential). Later, you'll drive towards Húsafell, tracing the rugged Icelandic west coast before plunging inland. You’ll soon arrive at your modern lodge, settling in to multi-course dining, natural hot-spring baths and spectacular views of the surrounding countryside from the comfort of your room. Each even features paintings by the world-renowned local artist Páll Guðmundsson.
Stay: Hotel Husafell, West Iceland
Meals: Breakfast
-
Day 3 » Inside the Glacier excursion
Today, you’ll be treated to a true trip highlight – a full exploration of Langjökull Glacier. As it’s only accessible by 4WD, an included transfer will bring you across the barren and deserted moonscape to reach its Klaki base camp, where you’ll change into thermal clothing and protective boots. Then, boarding a modified glacier vehicle, you’ll be driven out across the ice cap, affording you tremendous views before arriving at the tunnel entrance. Here, your expert guide will lead you into the glacier itself, pointing out its shimmering layers that chart the various volcanic eruptions. After your in-depth tour, retrace your steps back to Húsafell.
Stay: Hotel Husafell, West Iceland
Meals: Breakfast
-
Day 4 » Free time
You’ll have today at leisure to explore this remote region. Making use of your hire car, there’s plenty of geographic wonders just moments away from your accommodation, from some of the world’s largest lava caves to Europe’s most powerful hot springs and one of Iceland's newest geothermal spa – Krauma Baths. There’s even Hraunfossar and Barnafossar – a pair of truly unique waterfalls. Here, clear springs of subterranean water seep through the lava and run as tiny cascades into the Hvita River. Otherwise, a longer drive will see you to the tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula for giant glaciers and cragged rock formations, while there’s also plenty of activities closer to home. These range from bike and horseback rides to hiking and even summertime glacier snowmobiling.
Stay: Hotel Husafell, West Iceland
Meals: Breakfast
-
Day 5 » Depart for UK
After a final breakfast, head back to Keflavík Airport to drop your hire car off and board your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
Gallery
To book call us on:
At a glance…
Discover western Iceland’s hidden gems with a stay in a National Geographic lodge
» 5 day tailor-made self-drive
» Price from: £1,365 pp incl. flights
Related articles
Top 10 alternatives to Iceland's Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon may be Iceland's most famous attraction, but there are many other idyllic geothermal lagoons and hot springs dotted around the country. Here, we explore 10 of the best, including the Sky Lagoon, Forest Lagoon and Myvatn Nature Baths.
Reykjavik's top 10 winter excursions
From boat rides under the Northern Lights to Game of Thrones behind-the-scenes tours, these are the ultimate winter tours out of the Icelandic capital.