8-Nights Explore Iceland - Journeys

Snaefellsnes Peninsula

From gold and pink beaches to stretches of lava fields, sparkling fjords, massive glaciers, deep gorges and breathtaking waterfalls, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is interestingly a small fishing village. It is said that the first Scandinavian ruler Bolli Bollasson claimed this tiny town his birthplace in the year 1000. Visitors can hike the Snæfellsjokull glacier, a dormant strato-volcano claimed to be one of seven energy centers of the world. Visitors can also walk the belt of basalt columns, drink from natural mineral springs, or get astounded by the beautiful rhyolite mountains.
 

Selfoss

The largest town yet the youngest in South Iceland, Selfoss sits by the beautiful Olfusa River where fresh salmon can be caught. This agricultural community has natural panoramic views of scenic Scandinavia. 

Vik

Vik, Iceland, 120 mi/190 km southeast of Reykjavik, is near the Eldhraun lava fields and the beautiful sea-rock formations of Dyrholaey. You'll find fascinating needle rock formations and very active bird cliffs. (The campground and guest cabins at Vik are dramatically situated at the foot of one of the bird cliffs.) It's worthwhile to stop in town and stroll down to the sea and watch the brilliant white waves breaking over a black-sand beach of crushed volcanic lava. While in Vik, explore the small farms at Skogar. In addition to the farms, there is an open-air folk museum with exhibits on the traditions, history and mythology of the region. Nearby are the Myrdalsjokull and Eyarfjordurjokull glaciers.

Skaftafell

Dominated by Vatnajokull, the massive ice cap, the spectacular Skaftafell National Park in east Iceland was founded in 1967 with the help of the World Wildlife Fund. Many walks, climbs and hikes are possible in the area 220 mi/355 km east of Reykjavik. The glacier is 3,000 ft/900 m thick in places, but it has tongues that have lodged in lower areas, allowing easy access for visitors.

Short hikes (less than two hours) go to Svinafellsjokull (the glacier near the park headquarters) and Svartifoss (The Black Waterfall). Svartifoss is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country, with water pouring down over hexagonal columns of black basalt; the eroded base of Svartifoss was the model for the design of the interior of the National Theater in Reykjavik. Hofn is the nearest town.

Reykjavik

The fire, frost and water symbolized by the red, white and blue of Iceland’s flag are manifested in this land. Reykjavik, or Smoky Bay, was so named in 874 A.D. by Ingolf Arnarson when he sighted the numerous hot springs on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula. Today this remarkably pollution-free city is wrapped around a sweeping bay and has managed to retain its charming Old-World atmosphere. A pastiche of red-blue-and green-roofed houses together with the tall gray tower of Hallgrim’s Church dominate the skyline. In Old Town, many of the wooden buildings have been lovingly restored and stand side by side with modern timber and concrete structures. There are fine museums and art galleries; historic pubs present activity in late afternoon. The beautiful countryside outside of Reykjavik includes such natural wonders as volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, mountains and spectacular waterfalls.