7 days / 1276 miles / 28 hours 34 minutes
From KUKU Campers to Keflavík International Airport. 7 days and 1276 miles of new adventures. You too can use Furkot to plan your next road trip.
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Day 1
Arrive by 830am, Leave Campervan in designated parking lot
10:00 am - 75.0 miles / an hour 50 minutes - 11:51 am
Basalt column (sometimes referred to as Columnar Jointing) is one of those marvels of nature that makes you stop and wonder. Most of the time you are stunned by the mere sight. It usually makes you wonder if mother nature is the author of this formation of hexagonal shaped stacks and pillars. Often the regularity of the structure is nothing less than unbelievable. At Gerðuberg cliffs soon after you start your drive at the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in Iceland you find one of the most impressive basalt column sites in the country. One of the reasons is the size of the place and also the regularity of the stacks.
Proximity is the key to enjoy and experience
Gerðuberg is hardly noticeable from the road when driving even though the cliff is around 500 meters long and quite near the road. A half a kilometer cliff of hundreds of basalt column stacks standing like an army of pillars in a side by side row. It is a perfect place to view basalt columns and see the stunning formation of this incredible natural geological structure. Like the cliff, the columns are also quite regular. They are mostly twelve to fourteen meters high and about one and a half meters in diameter. Some are even leaning forward giving the cliff a spectacular view as you walk by the cliff. And by the way, it is more exciting and more thrilling to walk one of the paths in front of the cliff than to walk on the top, especially the paths that are almost at the bottom of the pillars. There is actually nothing to see on the top so don’t fall into the trap of rushing to the path that leads to another path on top.
Easily accessible from the road
Gerðuberg is easily accessible from Highway 54 and only about one kilometer to a small parking lot. There is an old walking path just by the columns if you want to experience this incredible natural wonder up and close. It is also a perfect place to take stunning photos and take a relaxing moment as the view to the south from the cliff to Eldborg and Snæfellsjökull is also spectacular.11:56 am - 21.2 miles / 44 minutes - 12:41 pm
At the farm Olkelda, near Stadarstadur, in the south of Snaefellsnes, there is a mineral spring with carbonated water.
Mineral springs are said to have healing properties, so feel free to take a sip.
The farmhouse is named Olkelda which means mineral spring in Icelandic.12:46 pm - 4.8 miles / 11 minutes - 12:58 pm
Ytri Tunga
YTRI TUNGA
The beach near the farm Ytri-Tunga is a well-known seal colony. The best time to see seals there is in June and July.1:03 pm - 11.2 miles / 24 minutes - 1:28 pm
Budhir
The Búðir Church
Búðir is a small hamlet in Búðarhraun lava fields, it is an important site in terms of the history of trade and industry in Iceland. The most notable building in this area is the old and stunning Búðarkirkja, the Búðir Church.
It was built in 1848 and reconstructed in 1987. This stunning black church forms the perfect centerpiece for all the Icelandic nature surrounding, it is a very popular object for minimalistic photography as there is nothing around it but mountains.
It is located on the south coast of Snæfellsness. From road 54 you need to follow road 578 towards Hellnar, and then to take the road toward Búðir, you just continue to the end of the road.1:33 pm - 14.1 miles / 28 minutes - 2:02 pm
Arnarstapi was an important trading post in the past and had a much bigger population than it has now.
Columnar basalt, ravines and grottoes surround the Arnarstapi pier. There is good anchorage for small boats.
There is quite a large arctic tern colony in the village itself. A walk along the coastline is recommended to watch the birds and the magnificent lava formations. The seaside and the cliffs between Arnastapi and Hellnar have been made a Natural Reserve in 1979.
A very interesting old path follows the coastline where you can see old lending places of fishermen, lots of birds, like the kittiwake, the Arctic tern and the fulmar and pass through a lavafield. If you take a guided tour, you will also hear a ghost story.
A sculpture of Bardur Snaefellsas by Ragnar Kjartansson stands by the beach at Arnarstapi.2:07 pm - 0.5 miles / 2 minutes - 2:10 pm
GatkletturGATKLETTUR - ARCH ROCK
Gatklettur - Arch Rock - is a cliff with a circular arch. Rock Arch shows how distinctive wave action has eroded the rocks into arches and beautiful swirled patterns.
There is great birdlife around the cliffs and pretty flora surrounding the area.2:15 pm - 5.2 miles / 9 minutes - 2:25 pm
LONDRANGAR BASALT CLIFFS
Uniquely-formed remnants of ancient basalt volcanic dikes sticking out from the sea.
Londrangar and the hill Svalthufa are the remains of a crater, which has been eroded to its present form by the sea.
The farmers in the area never made or make hay on the hill, because it is said to belong to the elves living in the area.2:30 pm - 1.5 miles / 3 minutes - 2:34 pm
Exploring Vatnshellir cave is truly amazing and unforgettable experience. This 8000 year old lava tube reaches over 200 meters and goes 35 meters below the surface.
During summer, guided tours are offered from 10am-6pm. During wintertime 2 tours a day are offered. Please check on the website www.vatnshellir.is.2:39 pm - 3.4 miles / 6 minutes - 2:46 pm
Djúpalónssandur
Djupalonssandur is a beautiful pebbled beach, with a series of rocks of mysterious form emerging from the ocean.
It is one of the few areas that lead down to the sea along this coast with its high dramatic cliffs. Watch out for the famous ghosts roaming the place!
The rests of a shipwreck can be seen on the beach. On the beach there are also big stones which people tried to lift and test their strength in the days of the fishing stations: Fully Strong 154 kg, Half-Strong 100 kg, Weakling 54 kg and Bungler 23 kg. Weakling marked the frontier of wimphood, any man who couldn't lift it was deemed unsuitable for a life as a fisherman.2:51 pm - 4.4 miles / 7 minutes - 2:59 pm
SNAEFELLSJOKULL GLACIER
The Snæfellsjökull glacier is 1446m above sea level. The glacier is an active volcano, having been built up through numerous eruptions during the last 800,000 years. Many believe the glacier to be one of the seven main energy centres of the earth and its mystique is noticed by many. The glacier plays big role as the Center of the Earth in the novel Journey to the Center of the Earth (1864) by Jules Verne. Snæfellsjökull is a part of the Snæfellsjökull National Park which was established on June 28, 2001. The Park's purpose is to protect and conserve the areas unique landscape, indigenous plant and animal life as well as important historical relics. At the same time, the Park is meant to allow visitors easier as well as improved opportunities to get to know the area.3:04 pm - 2.7 miles / 4 minutes - 3:09 pm
Saxhóll
Climb up the side of Saxholl Crater. 15-20 min stop3:14 pm - 28.5 miles / 41 minutes - 3:56 pm
Kirkjufell Mountain
KIRKJUFELL MOUNTAIN
Grundarfjörður's beautiful landmark is the most photographed mountain in Iceland. Its isolated position jutting out into the sea makes it a focal point for tourists and seamen alike. Surrounded by beaches, Kirkjufell has a lovely walking trail around it as well as a more challenging climb up to the top where bird and fish fossils can be found (guide is recommended).4:56 pm - 67.8 miles / an hour 31 minutes - 6:28 pm
Day 2
6:00 am - 168.9 miles / 3 hours 12 minutes - 9:13 am
10:13 am - 32.4 miles / 38 minutes - 10:52 am
10:57 am - 29.2 miles / 34 minutes - 11:31 am
11:36 am - 40.8 miles / 47 minutes - 12:24 pm
Just north of Dettifoss towards the coast, this giant horseshoe-shaped canyon is said to be left by Sleipnir, the eight-legged horse of the Norse god Odin. Others believe it was caused by large floods when glaciers burst and melted almost 10,000 years ago. The canyon is 1km / 0.5 mi wide, 3.5km /2mi long, and up to 100m / 300ft high in some places and offers some spectacular views.
12:29 pm - 17.7 miles / 23 minutes - 12:53 pm
1:53 pm - 35.8 miles / 44 minutes - 2:38 pm
Krafla/Viti Crater hike
Drive past the Krafla power station (also worth a stop) and you will find the Viti crater, part of the Krafla volcanic system. This crater is filled by a bright blue lake, and you can walk around the ridge where you’ll pass a few other hot springs and steam vents in about 30 minutes total.2:43 pm - 0.7 miles / a minute - 2:45 pm
Leirhnjúkur Lava Fields and Geothermal Area
Leirhnjúkur Lava Fields and Geothermal Area
Leirhnjúkur Lava Fields and Geothermal Area
Walk around the Leirhnjúkur area and you will think you were on another planet. After 10 minute walk, you will arrive at some steam vents. Follow the path through lava fields where you can see where lava oozed over until it cooled. Make sure you stay on the trail, as there are steam vents all around and the ground can be very hot in other places. You can hike a big loop in around 1 hour to see all the highlights.
If you didn’t stop at the Nature Baths already, make sure to enjoy a relaxing soak before you continue about 2 hours to Egilsstadir2:50 pm - 5.5 miles / 12 minutes - 3:03 pm
3:08 pm - 2.8 miles / 7 minutes - 3:16 pm
Mývatn Nature Baths
Myvatn Nature Baths
Note: You may want to save this after some of the other places listed below. You will have to backtrack a bit, but it will let you relax at the end of the day rather than hiking more afterward.
Relax in the Myvatn Nature Baths, the North’s equivalent of the Blue Lagoon, but with fewer people, cheaper prices, and better views. You won’t find all the spa extras that you do at the Blue Lagoon, but you will find a couple large geothermal pools, a sauna, and a steam room. You can enjoy views down over the lava fields and the craters around Lake Myvatn as you sit in the mineral water.3:21 pm - 3.3 miles / 7 minutes - 3:29 pm
Day 3
HLÍD HOSTEL
Open all year.
The Hlíð camping is conveniently located on the northern shore of lake Mývatn, by the village of Reykjahlid. It´s only 5 minutes walk from the Tourist info and supermarket. From the camping there is fantastic view over the lake and the lavafield.
We offer good facilities for tents and trailers and electricity is accessible. Warm showers are free of charge for guests and laundry service is available as well.
On our site there is a big tent should the weather be wet.
Facilities:
- WC
- Hot and cold water
- Shower
- Cooking facilities
- Playground
- Swimming pool/hot tub
- Hiking paths
- Washing machine/dryer
Price:
- 2.000 ISK/adult
- Free for children 16 years old and younger5:00 am - 3.8 miles / 10 minutes - 5:11 am
Grjotagja Lava Cave and Geothermal Spring
The small lava cave of Grjotagja comes with an added surprise inside, a natural geothermal spring. Bring a light and follow inside the cave for perhaps the most interesting hot pool in the country. Test the water carefully, it can be quite hot! Grjótagjá, a rift with hot water south of Jarðbaðshólar. Formerly a popular bathing place, but in the disturbances 1975-84 the water became too hot for bathing. The water is now over 50°C (122°F) and bathing is strictly forbidden.
Taka road no. 1 from Mývatn (Reykjahlíð) direction Egilsstaðir. After about 1 km from Mývatn take exit to road no. 860 to Grjótagjá.5:16 am - 6.0 miles / 15 minutes - 5:31 am
Hverfjall
Hverfjall Cinder Cone and Crater Walk
This Cinder Cone is hard to miss from anywhere around Lake Myvatn. Climb up the side for a great view of the surrounding area where you can see the Skutustadir Pseudocraters and steam from the Myvatn Nature Baths and Hverarond Geothermal area. Walk around the top of the crater in about 40-60 minutes for even more vantage points of the lava fields below. If you want a bit more of a hike, you can get here via a trail from Dommuborgir (10-15 min) or hike on towards the Nature Baths (2.3 km / 1.5 mi).5:36 am - 14.5 miles / 30 minutes - 6:07 am
Dimmuborgir
Dimmuborgir Lava formations and “The Church”
Take a 1-hour walk beneath large, strange, contorted lava formations caused when lava flows cooled. You can see the start of the formations in only 5 minutes or hike the small loop in 15 minutes. But you should really take your time and walk the bigger loop (2 miles) where you will see Kirkja (“The Church”), a natural lava formation that resembles a vaulted church arch, and a nearby cave a bit further.6:12 am - 5.7 miles / 48 minutes - 7:01 am
Skútustaðahreppur
Skutustadir Pseudocraters
These pseudocraters were formed by when hot lava flowed over the wet marsh area causing steam explosions. Take an easy 1-hour walk among many pseudocraters on the shores of Lake Myvatn and loop around the smaller lake Stakhólstjörn. You can hike up to a few of them or just walk around them all. Enjoy the nice views across the lake where you will see steam rising from the geothermal areas and other volcanic craters in the distance.7:06 am - 124.6 miles / 2 hours 58 minutes - 10:05 am
Day 4
Open from the 15th of January until the 15th of December.
The camp site is next to the mountains Valþjófsstaðafjall and Fljótsdalsheiði where the queen of Icelandic mountains Snæfell is. Close to the camp site there is also the waterfall Hengifoss, the center of culture and history at Skriðuklaustur as well as Snæfellsstofa, the information center for the national Park Vatnajökull.
The campsite has good facilities for mobile homes as well as tents and folding campers. There is a good toilet facilities, large outdoor barbecue and a spot for campfire.
Facilities:
- WC
- Shower
- Hot and cold water
- BBQ area
- Sports area
- Hiking trails
- Fishing
Price:
- 1.400 ISK/adult + 300 ISK accommodation fee
- Free for children 14 years old and younger5:00 am - 4.5 miles / 5 minutes - 5:06 am
Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss
Take a 20-minute detour (40 min there and back) and hike 2.5km / 1.5 mi and you will arrive at Hengifoss waterfall, passing Litlanesfoss on the way. These spectacular waterfalls are framed by huge basalt columns and make for a great activity away from the larger crowds in the south.6:06 am - 38.3 miles / 53 minutes - 7:00 am
Rainbow sidewalk leading to a beautiful church
7:05 am - 72.7 miles / an hour 25 minutes - 8:31 am
Breiðdalsvík
Take a short break to stretch the legs at this harbor town, just 1 minute off the ring road. While you’re here, stop at Kaupfjelagið where you will find all sorts of small knick knacks and treats: fresh bread, local salted fish, wool clothing, mittens, and hats, or you can pick up a quick meal during your drive.8:36 am - 40.1 miles / 45 minutes - 9:22 am
Djúpivogur
Djúpivogur
This small town sitting along the fjord makes for a great overnight. Take a short walk (less than 1 mile out and back) along the shore to the lighthouse on the rocks, where you will also have great views of the entire fjords. For coffee or a snack, you may want to try homemade cakes from Langabúð. For lunch or dinner, Hótel Framtíð has great fish dishes.9:27 am - 64.0 miles / an hour 11 minutes - 10:39 am
Day 5
Þjónustumiðstöð SKG (HÖFN CAMPSITE)
Höfn camping and cottages offers you a quality camp site all year round and sleeping bag accommodation in cottages during the summer. We offer good facilities for campers along with a beautiful view over the glaciers and mountains that surround Höfn. We are very well located in the town of Höfn and all services are in a walking distance from our camp site.
The camp site is next to the main road into town on the left side. It is a short distance from all services in the town and only a few minutes walk form the swimming pool and a good golf course.
There are specific spots for mobile homes, good access to electricity, cooking facilities, wireless internet connection, washing facilities and a playground.
It is also possible to rent small cottages during the summer.
Facilities:
- WC
- Hot and cold water
- Shower (50 ISK/2 min.)
- Hiking paths
- Golf Course
- Playground
- Horse rental
- Fishing
- Washer/dryer (800 ISK/800 ISK)
- Swimming pool/hot tub
- Store access
- Restaurant
- Wifi
Price (from 2017, subject to change):
- 1.500 ISK/adult + 333 ISK accommodation fee
- Free for children 13 years old and younger5:00 am - 11.9 miles / 17 minutes - 5:18 am
Hoffell Hot Tubs
The Hoffell area is 15 kilometres from the town of Höfn. A guesthouse is located in the area with naturally heated outdoor hot tubs. Marked hiking trails are also to be found in the area.
Visitors are required to pay a fee 500 kr.
Source: HOT POT ICELAND team6:18 am - 116.6 miles / 2 hours 9 minutes - 8:28 am
Day 6
KIRKJUBAER 2 CAMPGROUND
The campsite is actually one of our favourites for winter camping, as the facilities and water is always heated and warm. Unfortunately, people have abused this campsite this past winter by not paying for their stay and thus the owner was forced to close it down. Please do call him at +354 894 4495 to pay for your stay so that he can keep it open for everyone to enjoy.
The camp site is large and plain with a lot of growth around. There is a cosy slope above the camp site with great view. The camp site is spacious and well equipped.
Thera are also small cabins for rent with a sleeping bag accomodation. There is also an internet connection at the camp site with the first 15 minutes free.
The service house has cooking facilities, dining area, hot and cold water, showers, washing machine, tumble dryer and heated toilets.
In the area around the village there are many walking paths, a swimming pool, a football field, a grocery store, health care and much more. All within a walking distance from the camp site.
Facilities:
- WC
- Hot and cold water
- Cooking facilities
- Hiking paths
- Showers (300 ISK)
- Pool/hot tub
- Restaurant
- Wifi
- Washer/dryer (650 ISK/600 ISK)
Price:
- 1.400 ISK/adult + 333 ISK accommodation tax
- Free for children 12 years old and younger5:00 am - 176.7 miles / 3 hours 16 minutes - 8:17 am
Day 7
Austurvegur Camping Ground (CAMPSITE GRINDAVIK)
Open from the 1st of May until the 30th November.
Grindavík opened a brand new State of the Art campground facility in the summer of 2009 at Austurvegur 26. The campground is a pleasure-fest for the family. The campground was designed with the camping enthusiast in mind; it includes the latest in accommodations for tents, RV's and campers. It has two playgrounds for children with swings, castles and a spider-net, family sized barbecues, and access to electricity, plus a perfect place to empty port-a-potties. Paved entrance to the camping grounds and the convenient parking area.
Facilities:
- WC
- Showers (included)
- Hot and cold water
- Cooking facilities
- Washing machine/Dryer (550 ISK/550 ISK)
- Hiking trails
- Playground
- Store access
- Wifi
Price:
- 1.800 ISK/1st adult
- 1.500 ISK/following adult
- Free for children 14 years old and younger7:00 am - 19.1 miles / 32 minutes - 7:33 am