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Bucket list trip:

Last updated: 11 July, 2023
Expert travel writer: Oliver Berry

One of the world’s greatest road trips – 13 days circumnavigating Iceland on the Route 1 ring road. Recommended by destination expert and travel writer Oliver Berry.

Editor note – Oliver has not included specific recommendations of where to stay each day unless it’s necessary. Instead, see the ‘Where to stay’ section in our Iceland destination guide. You also don’t have to do all of the days – some are optional!

Kick your trip off with a half-day in downtown Reykjavik, factoring in visits to the Perlan Museum (to learn the science behind Iceland’s famous geology), the Hallgrimskjirka, the National Museum of Iceland and the Reykjavik Art Museum according to your interests.

Have a fishy lunch at Grandi Matholl, then drive out to the Blue Lagoon for an afternoon soak. If it’s of interest, stop first for an hour at the nearby Viking World Museum.

Back in Reykjavik, treat yourself to dinner at one of Reykjavik’s top restaurants: Dill or Matur og Drykkur. Stay the night in Reykjavik, or treat yourself to the Blue Lagoon Retreat.

Perlan Museum

Reykjavik, Iceland

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Bucket List Experience
Two children in a ice cave at the Perlan Museum in Reykjavik

A high-tech museum that recreates Iceland’s geological wonders: volcanoes, ice caves, glaciers, sea cliffs and even the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).

Adult price: £25

Best for ages 4+

Duration: 1 night

Frequency: monthly

Hallgrimskirkja

Reykjavik, Iceland

front view of the Hallgrimskirkja

Iceland’s tallest church, built from 1945 to 1986, has become a symbol of Iceland’s identity and a Reykjavik landmark. It’s striking design is inspired by Iceland’s geothermal geology – it’s supposed to resemble basalt lava and trap rocks. It’s also a decent viewpoint. Take an elevator ride to the top for sweeping views over the city.

Best for ages 13+

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Hafnarhus art museum

Reykjavik, Iceland

Exterior of the Hafnarhus art museum in Reykjavik

An art museum on the Reykjavik waterfront showcases the work of pop artist Erro alongside new installations by local and international artists. One of three museums that officially make up the Reykjavik Art Museum. Open daily.

Adult price: £12

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 1 night

Frequency: monthly

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Asmundarsafn art museum

Reykjavik, Iceland

Exterior of the Asmundarsafn art museum in Reykjavik

An art museum and sculpture collection featuring white Viking figures and curvaceous shapes, housed in the former studio of Icelandic sculptor Asmundur Sveinsson. One of three museums that officially make up the Reykjavik Art Museum. Open daily.

Adult price: £12

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 1 night

Frequency: monthly

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Kjarvalsstadir art museum

Reykjavik, Iceland

Exterior of the Kjarvalsstadir Art Museum in Reykjavik

An art museum showcasing modern paintings and sculptures by well-known Icelandic artists, notably Johannes Kjarval, housed in a striking Nordic Modernist building. One of three museums that officially make up the Reykjavik Art Museum. Open daily.

Adult price: £12

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 1 night

Frequency: monthly

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National Museum of Iceland

Reykjavik, Iceland

exterior of the National Museum of Iceland in Reykjavik

A dynamic National Museum focusing on the island’s turbulent and colourful past but also examining life in modern-day Iceland. There are treasures dating back to the Vikings and Saga Age, alongside modern displays on fashion and photography. Suðurgata, 101

Adult price: £15

Best for ages 13+

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Blue Lagoon

Reykjavik, Iceland

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Bucket List Experience
Exterior photo of a wooden pathway leading to the steaming lagoon

This world-famous (man-made) outdoor geothermal pool of steaming 39°C healing waters, surrounded by black lava fields, is Iceland’s star attraction.

Adult price: £35

Min age 2

Best for ages 4+

Retreat at the Blue Lagoon

Norourljosavegur, Iceland

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Retreat at the Blue Lagoon

The ultimate boutique spa experience: a luxurious spa hotel with private pools, massage treatments and superb views over the world-famous Blue Lagoon.

Average £1100

Extra beds

Pool

2+ bedrooms

Beach

Kids menu

Fitness center

Kids club

Get an early morning start on the Golden Circle crowds and drive out to see Gullfoss and Geysir, about 110km drive northwest of Reykjavik. Stop for lunch at Hotel Gullfoss or Icelandic farm restaurant The Barnloft.

Circle back via Thingvellir National Park. Book in to snorkel in the Silfra rift, an underground tour of the Little Bjorn-Vorduhellir lava tunnel, or just wander the paths enjoying the scenery.

Head back to your hotel in Reykjavik, or spend the night at the excellent Ion Adventure Hotel, on the south side of Thingvallavatn Lake.

Geysir (& Gulfoss)

Iceland

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Bucket List Experience
Geysir about to erupt

The world’s most famous water spout, and the geyser that gave all other geysers their name. It’s one of Iceland’s ‘Golden Circle’ sights, including Gullfoss and Thingvellir.

Best for ages 4+

Duration: 1 night

Frequency: monthly

Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park, Iceland

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Bucket List Experience
beautiful landscape of the Thingvellir National Park

A wonderous landscape of geological wonders – lakes, lava flows, striking rock formations, and tectonic rifts – only 40km from Reykjavik.

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 1 night

Frequency: monthly

Diving & snorkelling in the Silfra Rift

Iceland

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Bucket List Experience
Underwater view of divers in the clear water between the tetonic plates of the Silfa Rift

Dive or snorkel between two continental plates in this strikingly unique gorge, filled with pure and crystal-clear glacial meltwater.

Adult price: £80

Min age 6

Best for ages 6+

Duration: 4-8 hours

Little Bjorn- Vorouhellir Lava Tunnels

Iceland

Tour group underground in a tunnel listening to tour guide

For the full-on caving experience, visit these neighbouring caves in Thingvellir National Park, including the longest of all, 1,100m-long Vorouhellir. Initially thought to be separate, the caves are actually connected – and you get to squeeze through narrow tunnels joining the two systems.

Adult price: £35

Min age 5

Best for ages 6+

Frequency: monthly

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Ion Adventure Hotel

Nesjavellir, Iceland

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Ion Adventure Hotel

The ultimate Icelandic design hotel, combining industrial style with an incredible setting near a geothermal power station, on the edge of Thingvellir National Park.

Average £300

Extra beds

Pool

2+ bedrooms

Beach

Kids menu

Fitness center

Kids club

From Reykjavik, head to north to Husafell, a remote town in the interior highlands perched on the western edge of the epic Langjokull glacier. You’ll get fine views north to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula as you drive the coast road. If Iceland’s history is of interest, stop at the Settlement Centre in the coastal town of Borgarnes.

Check in to the lovely Hotel Husafell, and from there book onto a glacier walk that includes an ice cave tour. There are several geothermal baths in the area e.g. Krauma, for a muscle-soothing soak after. Dine at Hotel Husafell.

You could spend an extra day here – there are some excellent hikes, or you could join a tour to explore the Vidgelmir lava tunnel.

Settlement Centre

Borgarnes, Iceland

view of the buildings of the Settlement Centre, with scenic mountains and sea behind

The quiet west coast town of Bogarnes is home to the Settlement Centre, an interesting museum that tells the story of how settlers came to Iceland from Scandinavia during the 9th century. A second exhibition brings one of the most famous sagas, Egils Saga, to life. Open daily.

Adult price: £15

Best for ages 8+

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Langjokull Glacier

Iceland

Langjokull Glacier

The second largest ice sheet after Vatnajokull, the ‘Long Glacier’ is a favourite for all-terrain jeep and snowmobiling trips, as well as guided hikes and glacier skiing for those who are experienced enough. There are also many ice caves to explore. It lies in the interior highlands, and can be reached from Thingvellir National Park.

Best for ages 18+

Duration: 1 night

Frequency: monthly

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Vidgelmir Lava Tunnel

Borgarfjordur, Iceland

View down a yellow walkway descending into a tunnel

An accessible, family-friendly cave in the Hallmundarhraun lava field, in Borgarfjordur. It’s a great choice for kids, as most of the cave is reached via a walkway, and illuminated by fixed lighting. No squeezing, sliding or slipping required here.

Adult price: £40

Best for ages 6+

Frequency: monthly

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Hotel Husafell

Husafell, Iceland

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Hotel Husafell

Adventures galore at a sophisticated hotel on the edge of the Langjokull glacier, from hiking to ice caving, glacier walking and horse riding.

Average £250

Extra beds

Pool

2+ bedrooms

Beach

Kids menu

Fitness center

Kids club

Rejoin the Ring Road for a day exploring the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and its many remote coves, cliffs and beaches. Book on a 4WD tour, or self-drive, to see Djupalon Beach and the pyramidal Mount Kirkjufell. If time allows, head for a soak in the Lysuholslaug baths.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Iceland

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Bucket List Experience
national park welcome sign with glaciers behind

A wild western peninsula offering fabulous hiking, coastal drives, beaches and glacier walks, easily accessible in a day’s drive from Reykjavik.

Best for ages 8+

Duration: 1 night

Frequency: monthly

Mount Kirkjufell

Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland

Mount Kirkjufell

Overlooking Grundarfjordur, this pyramid-shaped peak is a postcard image of West Iceland, and looks like something out of a fantasy novel. You might see scores of photographers gathered here at sunset, as well as at the nearby waterfall of Kirkjufellsfoss.

Best for ages 10+

Duration: 1 night

Frequency: monthly

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Djupalon Beach

Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland

Djupalon Beach

Beaches don’t get any wilder or more windswept than here, a crescent of black sand and rock formations surrounded by – well nothing much at all, really. West facing, it’s an incredible place to watch the sunset.

Best for ages 8+

Duration: 1 night

Frequency: monthly

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Lysuholslaug geothermal baths

Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland

Lysuholslaug geothermal baths

Snaefellsnes has its own answer to the Blue Lagoon – and while the site isn’t quite as impressive, it’s still a soothing place for a dip. The water often looks a murky green from the minerals and algae, but don’t fret – it’s completely clean, and warm as a bath.

Best for ages 6+

Duration: 1 night

Frequency: monthly

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Hotel Egilsen

Stykkishólmur, Iceland

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Hotel Egilsen

A heritage hotel in the small fishing town of Stykkisholmur on the spectacular Snaefellsnes peninsula. Retro design and super-friendly owners make it a real home away from home.

Average £230

Extra beds

Pool

2+ bedrooms

Beach

Kids menu

Fitness center

Kids club

Hotel Budir

Budir, Iceland

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Hotel Budir

Wonderful country hotel surrounded by wild Icelandic scenery: sandy beaches, volcanoes and a cone-shaped glacier. One of Iceland’s best wilderness stays.

Average £230

Extra beds

Pool

2+ bedrooms

Beach

Kids menu

Fitness center

Kids club

Continue eastwards on the Ring Road, then detour north for a visit to the traditional turf houses at Glaumbaer, and a night in the coastal town of Saudarkrokur. There are a few roadside diners along the way for lunch. Experience the battle of Orlygsstaoir in VR at the 1238 museum.

Overnight at the pleasant Hofsstadir Guesthouse. Alternatively, since sights in this part of Iceland are fairly thin on the ground, devote most of the day to covering the distance to Akureyri.

Glaumbaer

Skagafjordur, Iceland

Glaumbaer

This folk museum is one of the few places in Iceland where you can view traditional turf houses, which were still in use into the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The grass roofs and turf walls acted as insulation, and made a convenient construction method in a place where timber was pretty much non-existent. There’s also a cute little cafe where staff wear traditional Icelandic dress.

Adult price: £10

Min age 8

Best for ages 8+

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1238

Sauoarkrokur, Iceland

1238

A museum with a difference: the chance to experience a key moment in Icelandic history, the battle of Orlygsstaoir in 1238, using VR headsets to really bring the experience to life.

Adult price: £22

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 1 night

Frequency: monthly

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Rejoin the Ring Road and continue east to Iceland’s ‘second city’, Akureyri, which has some (mildly) interesting museums and galleries.

An hour further on is the town of Husavik, Iceland’s whale-watching capital. Book a tour, then return to Akureyri for dinner with a view at Strikid restaurant.

Whale-watching in Iceland

Iceland

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Bucket List Experience
tourists on the front of a whale watching boat watch a whale on the surface

Once-in-a-lifetime trips to see migrating humpback and minke whales up close, as they pass by on their annual north–south migration. Tours from Husavik, Akureyri and Reykjavik can be arranged.

Adult price: £70

Best for ages 4+

Duration: 3-4 hours

Icelandair Hotel Akureyri

Akureyri, Iceland

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Icelandair Hotel Akureyri

A modern, functional hotel in Akureyri, sparsely furnished but well placed for exploring Iceland’s northern attractions.

Average £220

Extra beds

Pool

2+ bedrooms

Beach

Kids menu

Fitness center

Kids club

Continue east to spend the day exploring the volcanic landscapes around Lake Myvatn (1-hour drive). Stop halfway at the mighty Godafoss waterfall.

At Lake Myvatn, have lunch at Vogafjos Cafe, then walk around the area’s volcanic sites, including Dimmuborgir, Krafla and the hike to the Viti volcano. Book in for an evening dip in the Myvatn Nature Baths.

Overnight at the Dimmuborgir Guesthouse.

Godafoss

Iceland

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Bucket List Experience
Landscape View Of Godafoss Waterfall Under Clear Blue Sky On Skjalfandafljot River, Northern Region of Iceland

The Waterfall of the Gods marks the spot where Iceland exchanged its pagan past for Christianity. These days, it’s a photographers’ dream come true.

Best for ages 4+

Duration: 1 night

Frequency: monthly

beautiful summer landscape of Lake Myvatn with volcano cone in centre

A strange landscape of smoking volcanoes and lava fields set around a glinting lake.

Best for ages 13+

Myvatn Nature Baths

Myvatn Lake, Iceland

The Myvatn Nature Baths natural bathing site. Here people can bathe in a lagoon that has many beneficial properties due minerals content in water

Myvatn Nature Baths at Jardbodin are known as the northern version of the Blue Lagoon – a large outdoor geothermal pool and steam room complex with views of Myvatn Lake.

Adult price: £35

Best for ages 6+

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Hverir Mud Pools

Myvatn Lake, Iceland

Namafjall Hverir geothermal area in Iceland. Boiling mud pots surrounded by sulfur crystals, natural travel background, tourist attraction

Hold your nose: this bizarre landscape of bubbling mud pools and smoking fumaroles stinks to high heaven from all the sulphur, but it feels a little like walking on the surface of another planet.

Best for ages 8+

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Dimmuborgir Lava Field

Myvatn Lake, Iceland

Dimmuborgir, a large area of unusually shaped lava fields, east of Myvatn, Iceland. Myvatn area - Iceland. The

These strange lava formations look like the remains of an ancient, crumbling citadel (the name means ‘dark castles’), and were made when an ancient lava tube collapsed 2,300 years ago. Various colour-coded hiking trails wind amongst the pillars.

Best for ages 8+

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Hike to the Viti volcano

Myvatn Lake, Iceland

Hike to the Viti volcano

A hiking trail leads along the rim of this 300m-wide volcanic crater (whose name means ‘hell’ in Icelandic), created in 1724 by a powerful eruption, and now filled by a china-blue pool.

Best for ages 8+

Duration: 1 hour

Frequency: monthly

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Get an early start for a side-trip to see the stunning waterfall of Dettifoss. From here, you’ll continue on the Ring Road to the town of Egilsstadir, a convenient base for exploring the remote eastern fjords and fishing towns like Seydisfjordur and Reydarfjordur.

Stay at Hotel 1001 Nott, in a great position on Lake Lagarfljot.

Dettifoss

Iceland

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Bucket List Experience
aerial view of Dettifoss Waterfall in landscape

One of the mightiest of Iceland’s many waterfalls, a maelstrom of sound, foam and spray that’s guaranteed to get your attention.

Best for ages 4+

Hotel 1001 Nott

Egilsstaoir, Iceland

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Hotel 1001 Nott

A modern, single-storey hotel that’s ideal for exploring the fjords and fishing villages of East Iceland, with an attractive location near Lake Lagarfljot.

Average £190

Extra beds

Pool

2+ bedrooms

Beach

Kids menu

Fitness center

Kids club

The southeastern section of the Ring Road feels seriously remote, and the coast views here are unceasingly stunning. There are some lovely beaches, coves and fjords to explore here.

You’ll reach the coastal town of Hofn by afternoon. Book ahead for a seafood lunch or dinner at Pakkhus. This traditional restaurant is famous for its humar (langoustines).

Langoustines in Hofn

Hofn, Iceland

Langoustines in Hofn

Hofn is a salty fishing town on the southeast coast, but amongst Icelanders it’s famous for one thing: its seafood, especially its langoustines. These tasty crustaceans can be tasted at several restaurants around town – you’ll never taste them sweeter or fresher. Time to get cracking…

Best for ages 13+

Duration: -

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Milk Factory

Hofn, Iceland

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Milk Factory

A former dairy plant that’s been turned into a simple, stylish guesthouse. It’s the ideal stop for a night near Hofn and its renowned seafood restaurants.

Average £150

Extra beds

Pool

2+ bedrooms

Beach

Kids menu

Fitness center

Kids club

With an early start from Hofn, you’ll reach Jokulsarlon in time for a morning cruise around the iceberg-filled lagoon. For lunch, there are usually a couple of good food carts in the parking lot to choose from.

You should also be able to squeeze in an afternoon snowmobile ride on the Skaftafell glacier.

Cruise Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon

Iceland

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Bucket List Experience
Iceland, Jokulsarlon lagoon, Beautiful cold landscape picture of icelandic glacier lagoon bay,

A unique glacial lagoon where you’ll cruise among icebergs and marvel at astonishing icy scenery.

Adult price: £35

Best for ages 6+

Duration: 1 night

Frequency: monthly

Snowmobiling in Iceland

Iceland

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Bucket List Experience
Snowmobiling in Iceland

Race across Iceland’s icy wildernesses, surrounded by nothing but mountains and fresh powder, at up to 70 kph. Heart-in-the-mouth thrills for adventure enthusiasts.

Adult price: £60

Min age 6

Best for ages 6+

Duration: 2+ hours

Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon

Oraefi, Iceland

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Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon

An architecturally contemporary hotel on the south coast, offering top-end luxury and an excellent modern Icelandic restaurant, and a handy location halfway between Jokulsarlon and Skaftafell.

Average £300

Extra beds

Pool

2+ bedrooms

Beach

Kids menu

Fitness center

Kids club

Day 11 is for exploring the dramatic stretch of the south coast under the Vatnajokull Glacier.

Stop first at Vik to visit Reynisfjara beach (the Black Beach restaurant is ideal for lunch). Then head to the waterfalls of Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss en route to Hella.

If you have more time available, you could also add in a snowmobile trip to Eyjafjallajokull.

Dine and stay the night at the excellent Hotel Ranga, where you can star-gaze from their mini-observatory and/or soak in the outdoor hot tub. It’s also a good location for horse riding if you have an extra day to spare – if that’s your thing, stay at Skalakot Manor instead.

Vatnajokull Glacier

Iceland

Vatnajokull Glacier

The granddaddy of the glaciers: stretching from Iceland’s north to south, this is the biggest ice sheet in Europe. It’s so huge, it encompasses two national parks: the southern area is more visited, with a range of glacier walks and snowmobiling trips from Skaftafell.

Best for ages 18+

Duration: 1 night

Frequency: monthly

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Reynisfjara Beach

Iceland

Reynisfjara Beach, a black sand beach in southern iceland. view of sea and cliffs

Even the beaches in Iceland are weird. Instead of soft white powder, here you’re more likely to find the beaches made of jet-black sand – a reminder of the volcanic forces that continue to shape the island. Reynisfara is probably the most famous of all, located on the south coast, roughly halfway between Reykjavik and Skaftafell.

Best for ages 6+

Duration: 1 night

Frequency: monthly

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Skogafoss Waterfall

Iceland

Skogafoss Waterfall

At 200ft (60m) high, this mighty column of water is one of the most impressive of all Iceland’s waterfalls. Local legend claims that there is treasure hidden behind the falls.

Best for ages 4+

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Seljalandsfoss

Iceland

Seljalandsfoss

Another impressive 60m-high cascade on the south coast which has one unique reason to visit: it’s one of the only waterfalls in Iceland which you can walk behind. Be prepared to get wet.

Best for ages 4+

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Eyjafjallajokull Volcano

Iceland

Eyjafjallajokull Volcano

This notorious volcano brought Iceland’s air traffic to an abrupt halt when it blew its top in 2010, sending huge age clouds up into the atmosphere. The volcano is concealed beneath a huge ice cap that’s clearly visible as you drive along the south coast towards Skaftafell. If you want to get closer, you’ll need to arrange a guided snowmobile tour.

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 1 night

Frequency: monthly

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Hotel Ranga

Hella, Iceland

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Hotel Ranga

A quirky, ranch-style hotel that’s your best base for exploring SW Iceland. The in-house restaurant is excellent, as is the stargazing and Northern Lights viewing.

Average £280

Extra beds

Pool

2+ bedrooms

Beach

Kids menu

Fitness center

Kids club

Skalakot Manor

Hvolsvollur, Iceland

|Official star rating:

Skalakot Manor

An elegant manor on a working farm that offers brilliant Icelandic horseback rides, ranging from day trips to multi-day adventures.

Average £300

Extra beds

Pool

2+ bedrooms

Beach

Kids menu

Fitness center

Kids club

Take an optional detour inland today to visit the drama-packed Landmannalaugar National Park. There are a variety of short, scenic trails to choose from, ranging from a couple of hours to full-day hikes, such as the ones to Ljotipollur Lake or Brennisteinsalda.

Return to Hotel Ranga for dinner and overnight.

Hotel Ranga

Hella, Iceland

|Official star rating:

Hotel Ranga

A quirky, ranch-style hotel that’s your best base for exploring SW Iceland. The in-house restaurant is excellent, as is the stargazing and Northern Lights viewing.

Average £280

Extra beds

Pool

2+ bedrooms

Beach

Kids menu

Fitness center

Kids club

On your final day, book in for a jaw-dropping, half-day descent into the Thrihnukagigur volcano (either morning or afternoon). For the remainder of the day, or as alternatives, either stop en-route to Reykjavik at the Lava Centre, the Selfoss waterfall, or book a tour of the Raufarholshellir lava tunnel.

Back in Reykjavik, perhaps visit any final stops you missed on day 1 if you have time, then treat yourself to an end-of-trip, slap-up seafood supper at modern Fiskmarkadurinn or cosy Fiskfelagid.

Tour inside the Thrihnukagigur volcano

Hafnarfjordur, Iceland

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Bucket List Experience
tourists standing looking at lava formations inside Thrihnukagigur volcano

A once-in-a-lifetime experience: the chance to travel down inside a dormant volcano, the only place in the world where it’s possible to do so.

Adult price: £260

Min age 8

Best for ages 8+

Duration: 4-5 hours

Raufarholshellir Lava Tunnel

Iceland

People visiting the Raufarholshellir lava tube tunnel and caves, one of the longest in Iceland.

One of the longest lava tunnels in Iceland – 1360m long, 30m wide and up to 10m high. The ‘Standard’ lava tunnel tour (1 hour) visits the most accessible section of the cave, while the longer ‘Adventure’ tour (3-4 hours) ventures into the deeper sections.

Adult price: £45

Best for ages 6+

Frequency: monthly

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