Unique 8 day Itinerary in Iceland

Keflavík International Airport

@mirkagasperova

Small cute airport The cheapest alcohol in this land - Duty free shop If necessary take the bus (use app klappid) Rent a car - when you reserved it sooner = cheaper (discovercars)

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1. Day - Natural and cultural gems of the Snaefellsnes peninsula

6 stops = waterfall, famous church, canyon, crater, stone bridge, epic mountain

Distance traveled by car during the day = 446 km

Start: Reykjavik – Destination: Syðri-Þvera, Vatsnes, 711, Iceland Transfer: Reykjavik -  Snaefellsnes peninula 170 km (3 hours)  

Bjarnarfoss, Búðir, Island

@mirkagasperova

1. Stop - a nice waterfall visible from the road - a short walk, a nice environment with trees (which you don't see so much in Iceland - joke: What should I do when I get lost in the forest in Iceland? STAND UP) - few tourists (time of visit = lunch 12:00)

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Transfer: Bjarnafoss – Búdakirkja 3 km (14 minutes)      

Búðakirkja, Búðir, Island

@mirkagasperova

2.stop – a photogenic wooden church (typical for Iceland) -built in 1848, used to this day. -Icelanders are mostly Lutherans (58.61%) and this church is also Lutheran -Few tourists.

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Transfer:  Búdakirkja - Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge 14 km (13 minutes)      

Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge, Hellnar, Island

@mirkagasperova

3.stop – a surreal, grandiose canyon located in the Botnsfjall Mountains - lots of birds (Fullmars, ravens) -access to the interior of the canyon leads past or through the waterfall - you must have sturdy, waterproof shoes - headlamps necessary in case of a snow roof (we visited the canyon at the end of June and the road was under a layer of snow) -quite a lot of tourists, still tolerable.

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Transfer : Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge – Stone Bridge 5 km (13 minút)      

Stone Bridge, Arnarstapi, Island

@mirkagasperova

4. Stop - an interesting stone formation by the ocean -a place for epic photos - a pleasant walk along the cliffs with other beautiful views - two parking spaces are available - free of charge -we recommend moving along the coast, because the second road outside the coast leads past dangerous birds (Krias - dangerous in the nesting period May to August).

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Transfer: Stone Bridge – Saxhóll Crater 25 km (21 minutes)    

Saxhóll Crater, Hellissandur, Island

@mirkagasperova

5. stop – a pleasant short stop - steps lead to the crater, approx. 10 minutes uphill -the crater is approximately 3000-4000 years old - on top of the crater you will find the names of the surrounding hills - as on every hill in Iceland, it can be unpleasantly windy!

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Transfer: Saxhóll Crater - Kirkjufell 46 km (1 hour 34 minutes)      

Kirkjufell, Island

@mirkagasperova

6. stop - a very famous mountain a useless stop in our opinion, too big a halo around it, while every other hill looks very similar - the name Kirkjufell means Church Mountain because it resembles it - paid parking, but you can park anywhere else and enjoy the view - we were parking in the village next to it, by the coast, between the houses - Grundarfjordur.

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Transfer: Kirkjufell - accommodation Syðri-Þvera 181 km (3 hours 56 min)

- Reconstruction of the road - more than 70 km - dusty broken road, passable, but need to go slowly.

Very nice views from this road. We're not sure if it's just temporary. Anyway, no disaster, you just have to expect a delay. There is (always) a dirt road with holes leading to our accommodation (however, in the case of accommodation at the Hvítsekur hotel, the driveway is asphalt).       

Syðri-Þvera, 711, Island

@mirkagasperova

This accomandation will take you to the Fairytale. Very relaxing, calm, quiet, amazing, beautiful place in the middle of nowhere. Very good equiped kitchen, nice common space, television, balcony, friendly dog. Possible to see polar fox (we didn´t have that luck).

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2.    A day full of experiences – Stone wonder, a waterfall and an meeting with whales

4 stops + 1 activity = rock formation, waterfall, whales, geothermal waterfall, city  

Distance traveled by car during the day = 345 km

Start: Syðri-Þvera (Hvammstangi) - Destination: Akureyri              Transfer: Syðri-Þvera – Hvítserkur 12 km (28 minutes) – dirt road       

Hvitserkur, 711, Island

@mirkagasperova

1. stop – a very interesting stone formation resembling various animals - a 15-meter high monolith or a sea stack, an eroded volcanic dam, or if you want it can be a petrified troll - we recommend going down to the ocean (there is a small waterfall) for better photos - very few tourists (we were there at 9:00 in the morning) - we also planned to visit the Bergárfoss waterfall (53 minutes away - 41 km), but we didn't make it due to the planned whale watching (however, if you have time, definitely visit this waterfall).

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Transfer:  Hvítserkur – Fosslaug 117 km (1 hour 36 minutes) – dirt road at the end (400 meters)     

Fosslaug, Varmahlíð, Island

@mirkagasperova

2. Reykjafoss stop - nice, pretty waterfall, available parking and toilets - voluntary fee - a short walk to the waterfall (approx. 15 minutes) - quite a lot of tourists, but a large area overlooking the waterfall (view from the mountain), so the number of people did not matter that much - the waterfall is not that high, rather wider.

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Transfer: Reykjafoss – Árskógssandur 112 km (1 hour 21 minutes)       

Árskógssandur, Island

@mirkagasperova

3. Whale Watching Stop Árskógssandur - whale watching in Iceland is a must and really worth it. We decided to observe in the Fjord - Ólasfjordur - like most companies, this company - NorthSailing has two trips during the day - morning (10am) and afternoon (2pm). -there is no need to dress warmly, they provide warm waterproof overalls. We sailed on a traditional boat - we saw the first whale after 15 minutes - information about where the whale is located is provided by the guide, so it is relatively easy to spot the whales in time -the ship was full, but everyone had enough space to observe. We enjoyed a cinnamon roll and hot chocolate on the way back - activity length - 12 km (2 hours) - activity price - 11,990 ISK (approx. 80 euros) + discounts to local restaurants and museums

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Transfer: 621 Árskógssandur, Iceland – Foss,Hallandesnes,606, Iceland 41 km (38 minutes) – a steep dirt road at the end.       

Foss, Hallandsnes, Island

@mirkagasperova

4. Stop - a geothermal waterfall with a wonderful view of the ocean and the town of Akureyri. -very few people know about it - we were there alone -however, the water is not that warm -if you're more into comfort, the Forest lagoon (geothermal spa) is right next to the waterfall - entrance fee 6900 ISK (approx. 46 euros)

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Transfer: Foss, Hallandesnes, 606, Iceland – Akureyri 4 km (5 minutes).      

Akureyri, Island

@mirkagasperova

5. Stop – a very nice harbor town (also called the capital of the north of Iceland) -we recommend a walk to the port, around the town and a beer at the Backpackers hostel (at that time a Czech woman served there).

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Akureyri HI Hostel

@mirkagasperova

Very clean, kinda luxury hostel 10 minutes (on foot) from the city centre. 2 floor hostel with very good equiped kitchen - you can get coffee, tea and more in there. Nice common area, comfortable beds and really luxurious bathrooms. Easy self check in and free parking.

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3.   Day  full of lava wonders - From divine waterfalls, through volcanic craters to volcanic lakes

8 stops = Divine Falls, Volcanic Lake, Lava Field, Crater, Cave, Crater, Huge Waterfall, Surprising Waterfall

Distance traveled by car during the day = 314 km

Start: Akureyri – Destination: Húsey Horse Farm ) BEWARE OF TUNNEL PASSING FEE !!!! - the only paid tunnel in Iceland – Vadlaheidar tunnel – you can pay on this website: www.tunnel.is – 1 pass for a classic car is 1990 ISK (approx. 13.50 euros)

Transfer: Akureyri – Godafoss 35 km (33 minutes)      

Goðafoss Waterfall, Island

@mirkagasperova

1. stop - we recommend going in the morning when there are not many people - a very nice massive waterfall -it acted on us as if it was created by human hands (or, as the name suggests, by the gods) - the waterfall is 12 meters high and 30 meters wide - a pleasant walk from both sides of the waterfall

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Transfer: Godafoss – Mývatn Visitor Center 38 km (32 minutes)      

Mývatn, Island

@mirkagasperova

2. stop – a lake/crater filled with water created by volcanic activity - various options for circuits around the lake -a pleasant walk - on the lake there are various islands and hills created by volcanic activity - there is also a Visitor Center and a pretty good farm-fresh ice cream kiosk

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Transfer: Mývatn – Lava field Dimmuborgir 11 km (12 minutes)      

Lava field Dimmuborgir, Skútustaðir, Island

@mirkagasperova

3. Stop - a very nice walk through the lava field - the magma here has really created beautiful works of art in the form of caves, various columnar formations and so on - a lot of tourists, but especially on the easier circuits - feel free to choose a challenging circuit, it is not that difficult, at most you will have to cross a few rocks - at some times, they are also accompanied by local Rangers, so if you are interested in something like that, be sure to plan your arrival at that time

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Transfer: Lava Field Dimmuborgir – Hverfjall  5,1 km  ( cca. 10 minutes) – dirt road at the end       

Hverfjall, Island

@mirkagasperova

4. stop - one of the most beautiful craters in Iceland - the access to the crater from the parking lot takes approx. 15-20 minutes, up a steep hill - elevation 90 meters -the circuit is 3.2 km long and several tourist routes lead from there (we did not complete the circuit) - the view from the crater is really panoramic - lava fields, geothermal area, lake, other hills - really beautiful - it is the largest crater of its kind

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Transfer:   Hverfjall  - Grjotagjá 6,3 km (10 minutes).      

Grjótagjá, Reykjahlíð, Island

@mirkagasperova

5.stop – a cave with geothermal water - the place where Game of thrones was filmed - a very nice cave, but you have to stand in line to get to it, which detracts from the experience - the water inside is really hot, feel free to try it with your finger (no bathing possible)

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Transfer: Grjotagjá – Krafla 15 km (15 minutes)

We recommend to visit grocery shop along the way, as there was almost nothing further down the road, up to 2 hours by car to the nearest town.      

Krafla, Island

@mirkagasperova

6. stop - the most accessible crater in Iceland -2 to 5 minutes' walk from the parking lot -clear turquoise water -very pleasant, nice and photogenic place - also the possibility of walk further to the crater (not a circuit) -the road to the crater leads through the geothermal area, which is also worth a stop

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Transfer: Krafla – Dettifoss 53 km (40 minutes).       

Dettifoss, Island

@mirkagasperova

7. stop - a huge, massive, wide, breathtaking waterfall - the walk from the parking lot to Dettifoss takes approx. 15/20 minutes and can be seen from several viewpoints - this waterfall is considered the strongest waterfall in Europe - on the way back, you can turn left and see several waterfalls that flow into Dettifoss (a few of them can also be seen from the path to Dettifoss)

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Transfer: Dettifoss – Beitarhúsið (Möðrudalsleið, 701, Iceland) 53 km (46 minutes)

Beitarhúsið

@mirkagasperova

Refueling stop. Adorable gas station. We definitely recommend stopping here as the next petrol station is quite far away.

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Transfer: Beitarhúsið – Rjúkandi Waterfall 52,5 km (35 minutes).      

Rjúkandi Waterfall, Hofteigur, Island

@mirkagasperova

8. stop – a beautiful waterfall visible from route 1 - we were very surprised to stumble upon it by accident as it was really pretty and we were the only ones there - the car must be parked directly on road 1, in a small parking lot, and the walk to the waterfall takes approx. 10 minutes

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Transfer: Rjúkandi Waterfall – Húsey Hostel and Farm 55.6 km (1 hour)

There is only a dirt road for about 20 km leading to this accommodation (a farm with horses) and you feel as if you are going to the end of the world.      

Húsey Hostel & Horsefarm, Egilsstadir, Island

@mirkagasperova

It was the nicest accommodation we had during the whole circuit. We also came across krias, which are aggressive during nesting. The owner informed us about this problem and how to stay safe. This accomandation accept only cash and offers horse riding. It is really fairytale place to relax and connect with nature.

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4. Day – Canyon, hike to the waterfall + unforgettable drive through the fjords

2 stops = canyon with basalt columns, waterfall, fjords Distance traveled by car during the day = 355.9 km

Start: Húsey Hostel and Farm– Destination: Hostel Framtid Vogalandi, Markaland 4, 765 Djúpivogur, Iceland

Transfer: Húsey Hroarstunga, 701 Egilsstadir, Iceland - Stuðlagil Canyon Main Access 78,9 km (1 hour 17 minutes)      

Stuðlagil, Island

@mirkagasperova

1. stop - this canyon can be accessed from both the bottom and the top -we chose the way from above -an easy walk (we recommend hiking shoes, due to the terrain) after approx. a 30-minute walk, we reach the main viewpoint -the canyon is 500 meters long with 20-30 m high basalt columns on both sides of the river

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Transfer: Stuðlagil Canyon Main Access - Hengifoss waterfall 101 km (1 hour 24 minutes)

The road to Hengifoss resembles a road through Switzerland or Austria. The landscape is greener - trees, grass and beautiful lakes reflecting the mountains.      

Hengifoss, Fljotsdalsvegur, Egilsstaðir, Island

@mirkagasperova

2. stop - a pleasant hike (approx. 45 minutes - 1 hour) - a gentle hill leads to this 128 meter waterfall - it is the second highest accessible waterfall in Iceland - along the way, you can again see several smaller waterfalls and the surrounding nature is very beautiful -there were quite a few tourists at the waterfall - we recommend refreshing your feet in the river from the waterfall.

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Transfer: Hengifoss Waterfall – Hostel Framtid, Vogalandi, Markarland 4, 765 Djúpivogur 176 km (2 hours 37 minutes).

We really enjoyed this trip as it offered us beautiful views of the mountains and fjords. We stopped several times. We recommend - Saxa Sea View and the Hamar Kaffihús cafe.    

Hamar Kaffihús

@mirkagasperova

This restaurant is right next to the road number 1. You can eat here and have a coffee at an affordable price with a breathtaking view.

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Djúpivogur, Island

@mirkagasperova

Cute little harbor town. Beautiful views on mountains, fjords, few interesting restaurants with traditional food. We chose to stay in this town, because it is cheaper than staying more south.

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Hafið bistro

@mirkagasperova

Good food for reasonable prices. We had fish and chips and beer. You can enjoy nice view from this restaurant.

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Framtid Hostel

@mirkagasperova

This hostel was poor to compare with other hostel we stayed in. It is older hostel, not so good equiped and we got only one key (3 people), so it was very easy to locked ourselves out, because the door was closing automatically.

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5. Day  – Glacier adventure, lagoon cruise and majestic Vestrahorn

2 activities + 1 stop = glacier hike, lagoon cruise, magical Vestrahorn

Distance traveled by car during the day = 288.8 km

Start: Hostel Framtid Vogalandi, Markaland 4, 765 Djúpivogur, Iceland -Destination: Rauðaberg 2, 8HQ3+79R, Rauðaberg, 781 Brunnholl, Iceland 125 km (1 hodina 43 minút)

Transfer: Hostel Framtid – Glacier Adventure, Hali 2, Suðursveit, 781 Höfn í Hornafirði  153 km (2 hours)      

Glacier Adventure

@mirkagasperova

1. stop - Glacier Hike - possibility to choose from different difficulty levels of hiking or climbing on a glacier - we chose the morning trip at 9:00 (they also offer lunch at 2:00 p.m.) medium difficulty - The Vatnajokull Glacier Walk - be sure to follow the recommendations for the necessary clothing and footwear, which will be sent to you by email - if you don't have high shoes, you will be forced to rent them on the spot for a fee - at the Glacier adventure base, you will be provided with special crampons for the glacier, a helmet and a ferrata set - from the base, we were transported by off-road vehicle, almost to the glacier - it was a great experience walking on the glacier and our guide happened to be Slovak - she offered us a lot of interesting information and we even had the opportunity to climb into the ice canyon, which was a really extra adventurous experience - in total, this activity lasted 4 hours, but the time spent on the glacier was approx. 2.5 hours - trip price 15,500 ISK = approx. 100 euros - we definitely recommend this activity, because it is not every day that you have the opportunity to walk on the largest glacier in Europe, 7,700 km2 and the average thickness of the ice is 380 m with a maximum thickness of 950 meters - of course, you need to book this activity in advance and arrive half an hour before departure for the activity itself

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Transfer: Glacier adventure base camp - Fjallsárlón Frost Restaurant, Fjallsarlon Rd, 785, Iceland 24,1 km (20 minutes)      

Fjallsárlón Iceberg Boat Tours

@mirkagasperova

2. Stop - Zodiac Boat tour Fjallsaárlon - we highly recommend the cruise on the glacier lagoon - warm clothes are not necessary, you will be provided with warm, water-resistant and supposedly floating overalls - cruises are every hour, so you can choose the time that suits you best - of course, you need to book this activity in advance and arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the activity - during the cruise, we again learned a lot of interesting information and had the opportunity to "taste" and lick a piece of caught iceberg, we also had funny guide - a very peaceful, pleasant and cheerful activity - if you're lucky (we were), you'll see and hear the melting, falling chunk of glacier - there are more glacier lagoons in Iceland, we chose Fjallsaárlon because of the smaller rush of tourists, it's simply calmer here, but if you don't mind more traffic, visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, which is right next to it and you might even see seals - price of this trip - 10,000 ISK = approx. 65 euros. We spent 1 hour on the boat

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Transfer: Fjallsárlón Frost Restaurant - Vestrahorn, 781, Iceland 84.8 km (1 hour 5 minutes)

Before the tunnel, it turns onto a dirt road (to the right)   

Vestrahorn, Island

@mirkagasperova

3. Stop – one of our favorite places in Iceland - the entrance fee is bought on the spot at the Viking Cafe ( DO NOT HAVE COFFEE here it was expensive and really not the taste one ) and is a relatively low 900 ISk = approx. 6 euros - the ticket is in the form of a QR code that you attach and the gate opens - there are accessible toilets and also accommodation - you can go to the Vestrahorn area on foot or by car - we see no reason to go inside on foot, everything is beautiful to see from the car - there are 3 main stops in the area: a) Viking village, which is a replica of the Viking village, built as a film backdrop, for a film that was never shot. There are wooden houses with grass roofs, whale bones, carvings, a Viking shipwreck. In short, this village will transport you to the fascinating times of the Vikings. b) Vestrahorn Mountain point from where Vestrahorn is best visible and where you can take photos of the mountain with its reflection in the water. We park the car at the "beach" and walk along the black sand towards the water. The ocean also intervenes here, and the water that remains behind it emphasizes the photogenic and magical atmosphere of Vestrahorn. Here you can take a photo like you can see below. You need to find calm, still water and take a picture at the right angle. c) Lighthouse - at this stop we walked to the Lighthouse and along the coast, this time rocky. It is said that it is possible to observe seals here, but we did not see any.

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Transfer: Vestrahorn –  Rauðaberg 2, 8HQ3+79R, Rauðaberg, 781 Brunnholl, Iceland 37,4 km (38 minút)  

Rauðaberg 2

@mirkagasperova

The road to the accommodation is a long gravel road, but it can be easily driven. The accommodation was fine. We had a spacious room with excellent beds, a bench and excellent WiFi. It was easy to check in as the names are on the door and the key is in the lock. There are 2 shared bathrooms, which is enough for the number of rooms. The common kitchen is fully equipped and you can sit in it very comfortably with a view of the beautiful surroundings.

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6.    Day - Sparkling Beach, Glacier Lagoon, Canyon Hike and Finish in Vík

4 stops = Diamond Beach, glacier lagoon, hidden gem, famous town of Vík

Distance traveled by car during the day = 250 km

Start: Rauðaberg 2, 8HQ3+79R, Rauðaberg, 781 Brunnholl, Iceland Destination: Arsalir Guesthouse B&B, Austurvegur 7, 870, Vík, Iceland

Transfer: Rauðaberg 2, 8HQ3+79R, Rauðaberg, 781 Brunnholl, Iceland – Diamond Beach 57,9 km (44 minutes)      

Diamond Beach

@mirkagasperova

1. stop - be sure to park at Diamond Beach, it's free here, while opposite parking at Jökulsárlón is paid - Diamond Beach is a unique beach with black sand, on which there are pieces of the ice all year round, which floated right from the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon

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Jökulsárlón

@mirkagasperova

2. stop – after a walk on Diamond Beach, we cross Route 1 where we get a view of Jökulsárlón, which means “glacial river lagoon” in Icelandic and is a result of the changing climate - it is located at the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, which began to melt and recede from the Atlantic Ocean in the 1920s due to rising temperatures - be sure to dress warmly and enjoy a walk along this crystal clear water, where most of the time seals are resting on the ice

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Transfer: Diamond Beach – Mulagljufur canyon (63.993021,-16.436285785), Iceland 15,2 km (18 minutes)   

Mulagljufur Canyon

@mirkagasperova

3. stop (hidden gem) – not so visited, but still a stunning canyon - the turnoff to this canyon is not marked and there is a dirt road (but nothing that a normal car can't handle) towards the beginning of the hike - from the parking lot, you can reach the first views of the canyon by going uphill - this is where most of the tourists are and it takes approx. 30 minutes/45 minutes - however, we recommend hiking up to the highest point, from where the canyon will appear also a little diferently - the hike to this point can take 1 hour/1 hour and 20 minutes. It's a truly remarkable canyon and you shouldn't miss it! -the amazing Hangandifoss and Múlafoss waterfalls are also waiting for you here.

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Transfer: Mulagljufur canyon -Vík 181 km (2 hours 14 minutes)        

Vík, Island

@mirkagasperova

4. Stop - we went all over Iceland and the cutest, most beautiful town we found is Vík with a photogenic church, an incredibly beautiful majestic cliff (Reynisfjall) where many birds live, surrounded by mountains and the Atlantic Ocean with a black beach overlooking the pointed cliffs ( Reynisdrangar), created, as usual, by volcanic activity - only 318 citizens live in Vík, but there are many tourists here all year round. Overall, the South of Iceland is more touristic than the North -be sure to walk along Vikurfjara Black sand Beach, walk up to the church - if you like beer, don't forget to stop at Smidjan, where they also make excellent hamburgers. You can enjoy black pizza at Black Crust pizzeria and delicious soups at Lava Soup Company, which also hosts the Lava Show, which if you have time is definitely worth to see - if you have any energy left, you can go to observe Puffins on the Reynisfjall cliff - the journey from Vík to the Observation Deck (hidden gem) takes approx. 40 minutes to an hour - the puffins return to the reef around 11pm and can be observed in the close distance (do not touch) - there is also a view of Vík itself, its cliffs, Dyrhólaey and the famous Reynisfjara Beach

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Smiðjan Brugghús

@mirkagasperova

Very cool Burger house with plenty of tasty craft beers and amazing burgers, onion rings, jalapenos - cheese balls. Nice helpful and kind staff. You order here through QR code on the table. You can also buy their beer in cool design cans.

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Black Crust Pizzeria

@mirkagasperova

Delicious BLACK pizza. We definitely reccomand this place to eat and try this special kind of pizza. Dont be scared to try their weird combination on pizza (like piizza with common ingedients and sweet jam).

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Lava Show in Vík

@mirkagasperova

Very interesting activity with enthusiastic Lava Master, who offers amazing show with REAL lava and many interesting information.

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Icewear / Vík Wool

@mirkagasperova

You didn´t visit Iceland if you don´t buy any souvenir, which has this unique Icelander´s brand on it. Visit Icewear in Vík or Reykjavík and buy yourself something quality and in the same time in cool design.

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Crepes.is

@mirkagasperova

If you don´t have time to eat somewhere in restaurant and you just need to grab something really fast on the way or if you are just fan of pancakes you cannot skip this place, where they make DELICIOUS sweet pancake with nutella and prince pollo biscuit or ham and cheese pancake (the sweet one is so much better).

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Skool Beans micro roaster… and sometimes a cat!

@mirkagasperova

Very cool (but small) School Bus, where you can have various special kind of coffees, matchas, cookies. Very nice and kind staff.

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Arsalir Guesthouse B&B

@mirkagasperova

This hotel was very easy to find and right off the main road, with plenty of free parking. The room was very comfortable and the beds were perfect. I like that we had a sink right in our room. . It was a nice spot to stay.

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7.  Day - Dangerous beach, Dyrhólaey, special waterfalls and geothermal wonders at the end

5 stops = scenic beach, headland full of birds, waterfalls with a surprise, geothermal area

Distance traveled by car during the day = 181 km

Start: Arsalir Guesthouse B&B, Austurvegur 7, 870, Vík, Island -Destination: Golden Circle Truck Hotel, Thrastalundur, 801 Selfoss, Icelad

Transfer: Vík – Reynisfjara Beach 11,1 km (13 minutes).      

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

@mirkagasperova

1. Stop - this beach is considered the most beautiful non-tropical beach in the world and is also famous for its dangerous "sneaky" waves, unpredictable waves, basalt cascading photogenic pillars on the beach, and also because scenes of Game of Thrones were filmed here, Star Wars and more - this black sand beach is very nice, but you really need to follow the safety precautions that are explained (on the board) when entering this beach - the parking lot is paid 1000 ISK=7 euros

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Transfer: Reynisfjara Beach – Dyrhóaley (lighthouse) 19,7 km (21 minutes)    

Dyrhólaey

@mirkagasperova

2. stop - a 120-meter-high outcrop, created by an underwater volcanic eruption late in the Ice Age, from the top of which there is a great view - it is possible to reach the top by car and there is also a small lighthouse, you can also observe birds (including puffins), but only if it is not the nesting season, when Dyrhólaey is closed to the public (mostly in the months of May and June)

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  Transfer:  Dyrhólaey – waterfall Skógafoss 27,6 km (26 minutes)

Skógafoss

@mirkagasperova

3. stop - one of the largest waterfalls in the country with a width of 25 meters and a drop of 60 meters - if you go closer to it, you will definitely not stay dry - on the eastern side of the waterfall you will find 527 steps that lead to the top of the waterfall where you can enjoy the view of Skógafoss from above, if you have time you can also walk along the river Skógá where there are more small waterfalls - if you're in the mood for a coffee and something to eat, be sure to stop by the Skógar Museum or Faxi Bakery

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Skógar Museum

@mirkagasperova

Inside this museum is the aeroplane hanging on the ceiling, historic cars and many more. Good coffee is served here and also snacks for your road.

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Faxi Bakery

@mirkagasperova

Cute little coffee place next to the road n. 1. This bakery makes fresh cinnamon rolls. Very tasty coffee, matcha, bagels, sandwiches, cakes (but pretty expensive). This place is green, full of plants. Coffee to go? Or enjoy a pastry with a view of the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano? This should be your choice then.

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Transfer: Waterfall Skógafoss – Waterfall Seljalandsfoss 30,3 km (27 minutes)

Seljalandsfoss

@mirkagasperova

4. Stop Seljalandsfoss waterfall + Gljufrabui (hidden gem) – you will definitely need waterproof clothes and shoes for this trip, because you will definitely not stay dry for the full experience of these two waterfalls - Parking at the Seljalandsfoss waterfall costs 800 ISK = approx. 5.50 euros - Seljalandsfoss is already visible from the road, while Gljufrabui is hidden and many visitors do not know about it, which is a huge shame for them, but not for you, since there will be much less photo-hungry visitors - Seljalandsfoss is a beautiful waterfall that you can go behind to (only during the summer months) and we highly recommend it, it's really beautiful (here's the moment when you get wet and beware it's slippery!) - if you visit the waterfall in winter, don't be sad, although you can't get around it, it's beautiful and illuminated in the dark - in this place we also experienced the most beautiful sunset (which is of course not possible during polar day or night) - 150 meters from this waterfall there is a 40-meter waterfall hidden in a gorge, which you can reach by crossing the river (following stones) - it is one of the most memorable and beautiful waterfalls in Iceland due to its unique appearance - a waterfall falling from the green hills of the Eyjafjöll mountain range into a gorge

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Transfer: Waterfall Seljalandsfoss – Hveragerði geothermal area 82.7 km (1 hour 6 minutes)

The Geothermal Park Hveragerði / Hveragarðurinn

@mirkagasperova

5. stop - here you can see the raw power and beauty of Iceland's geothermal activity - you can already see from the road that it is steaming from the Earth -the longest MEGA Zipline (1km) in Iceland also leads through this geothermal area - various hiking trails lead through this area. We chose to bathe in the Reykjadalur hot spring thermal river - it is approx. an hour to 1.5 hour walk past steam vents, hot springs, active geysers - the river is quite long and the higher you go, the warmer the water is - there aren't changing rooms here, and you'll definitely appreciate flip-flops, given the rocks in the river - it's nice to relax here, but the water is shallow, so you have to lie down to get completely wet and not get cold

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Transfer: Hveragerði geothermal area - Golden Circle Truck Hotel 17.6 km (15 minutes)

Golden Circle Truck Hotel

@mirkagasperova

The location is 500m out of main road. We enjoyed The cabin on truck is cute but from paper wall, but we had good quiet neighbors luckily. The bathrooms were very small and the whole room was tiny, but to for good sleep it was enough.

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8. Day - Golden Circle + bonus stops and exploring  Reykjavík

6 stops = crater, hidden waterfall, geyser, spectacular waterfall, national park, capital of Iceland

Distance traveled by car during the day = 187 km

Start: Golden Circle Truck Hotel, Thrastalundur, 801 Selfoss, Icelad-Destination: Guesthouse Pavi, Brautarholt 4, 105 Reykjavík, Island

Transfer: Golden Circle Truck – Kerid Crater 6 km (6 minutes)       

Kerid Crater

@mirkagasperova

1. stop – the very first stop is not among the 3 mandatory Golden Circle stops, but it is definitely worth coming here - entrance is paid for the low sum of 600 ISK (approx. 4 euros) - this volcanic crater is very easily and quickly accessible from the parking lot, filled with sapphire blue water, which can be admired all around the crater and therefore from every angle - you can also go comfortably down the stairs to get closer to the water

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Transfer: Kerid Crater – Brúarfoss 37,4 km (34 minutes)

Brúarfoss

@mirkagasperova

2. Brúarfoss stop (hidden gem) – even this stop is not among the 3 mandatory Golden Circle stops, but it is definitely worth it! - a short walk from the paid parking lot 750 ISK (approx. 5 euros) , which is reached by a dusty, dirt road (we went here in the winter and it was fine), you will reach this small but beautiful waterfall with a specific shape , with the clearest, "turquoise" water we've seen in Iceland - It's a really beautiful place and we spent much more time here than planned, because we couldn´t get enough ot its beauty

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Transfer: Brúarfoss – Geysir 18,8 km (21 minutes)

Strokkur Geyser

@mirkagasperova

3. stop - this stop is one of the mandatory stops on the Golden Circle and you can feel it immediately in the increased number of tourists, it's really packed like sardines here. - this highly active area of boiling mud pits and exploding geysers is particularly popular for the Strokkur geyser, which spews water every 5-15 minutes, up to 30 meters high - when we were there, we saw the geyser erupt 4 times in 25 minutes - enjoy this unusual natural phenomenon as many times as you like

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Transfer: Geysir – Gullfoss waterfalls 10 km (10 minutes)      

Gullfoss Falls

@mirkagasperova

4. stop – 2nd mandatory Golden Circle stop – Gullfoss waterfalls is approx. 10 minutes walk on a straight path - it can be viewed from more places during the summer than in the winter months - the name of this waterfall means "Golden Falls" in translation - Gullfoss is one of the most famous and popular waterfalls in Iceland - it is located in the Hvítá River Canyon - Gullfoss actually consists of two waterfalls - the first shorter cascade is 11 meters high and the second 21 meters high - the walls of the waterfall on both sides of the canyon reach 70 meters - don't hesitate to shop in this souvenir shop, the prices here are quite affordable (by Iceland standards of course) and there are some items that are hard to find elsewhere - again, there are a lot of tourists here, but it is more tolerable as the area around the waterfall is more spacious than around the geyser

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Transfer:  Gullfoss waterfalls - Thingvellir National Park 57 km (45 minutes)     

Thingvellir National Park

@mirkagasperova

5. stop - the 3rd and at the same time the last mandatory stop of the Golden Circle is the famous Thnigvellir National Park - this park is special because it lies in a rift valley between two tectonic plates (you can go diving between them), the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates - this is where the two plates come apart, creating a unique landscape with visible cracks and geological formations - in short, here you will see, in a relatively small place, a ``summary'' of the nature that you had the opportunity to experience all over Iceland - Thingvellir is also the site of one of the world's first parliaments, the AlÞingi, founded by the Icelanders in 930. - in addition to its geological and historical significance, it is also a popular location, thanks to the filming of famous scenes from the Game of Thrones series - the time spent here can vary depending on how much you want to get to know this park - we decided on individual stops and transfers between them by car - the parking lot at the Vistitor center costs ISk 750 = approx. 5.50 euros and right next to it is Almannagjá – a monumental gorge that is a visible manifestation of the gap between two tectonic plates - walk through it, you can enrich your journey with a virtual tour, by scanning the QR code, which will guide you through the history and geology of this place - don't miss the Legislator's Rock - Lögberg - a historical place where laws were presented and legal disputes were resolved and the picturesque öxarárfoss waterfall, which you can also reach by car and walk approx. from the parking lot- 10 minutes - you can spend 1 hour in the park or 3 if you want to get to know it in more detail

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Transfer: Thingvellir National Park – Guesthouse Pavi 42,5 km (37 minutes)    

Guesthouse Pavi

@mirkagasperova

Guesthouse Pavi is not in the center like Hostel B47, but it is cheaper, cleaner, more comfortable and you are in the center within 15 minutes on foot. It has good equiped kitchen, very nice and helpfull staff. We were also lucky we got the room with private bathroom. We tried several hostels in Reykjavik and this one was the best. We really strongly recoomend you staying in this hostel.

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Reykjavík

@mirkagasperova

6. Stop evening in Reykjavík - the capital of Iceland, with approx. population of 135,000, which is almost half of the entire population of Iceland - it has an so much to offer - It is a port city with lots of museums, events, architecture, monuments and cool shops, bars and restaurants - how you spend your evening in Reykjavík is up to you -our recommendation is to go for a walk along the harbor to Sun Voyager, walk along Rainbow street to the massive, famous Hallgrímskirkja church - check out small shops, not just with souvenirs all around these downtown alleys - our favorite bar in Reykjavík is Lemmy Bar, it is a huge bar with a specific decoration, in a historic old building, with tasty beers, with a terrace and a mini game room - Other nice bars: The Drunk Rabbit Irish Pub, The Irishman Pub, The English Pub (here you can enjoy live music every day) and many others. The price of a 500 ml draft beer in Iceland ranges from 1200 ISk = approx. 8 euros, but they are quite strong and in Iceland there are also Happy Hours (usually in afternoon and early evening) when you can get beer for half price - if you still have a lot of time to explore Reykjavik, we recommend Fly over Iceland, and it's also not too late to see Perlan - you will definitely love Reykjavik

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Lemmy

@mirkagasperova

It is a huge bar with a specific decoration, in a historic old building, with tasty beers, with a terrace and a mini game room. Many events take place here. Check this bar, when you are visiting Reykjavík.

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