Full Information to Taking a Household Iceland Highway Journey

Iceland is likely one of the most photogenic international locations on the earth. It’s very straightforward to navigate by way of with a Ring Highway that covers all the nation in a loop and alongside all the shoreline. Driving this highway will get you to so many highlights that it’s onerous to not cease each 5 minutes.

Ring Highway makes Iceland a tremendous vacation spot for highway journeys, particularly household highway journeys.

Common household journey vacation spot

Iceland is a very fashionable journey vacation spot for households. And that’s not a marvel. The landscapes are beautiful and treats you to many pure phenomena that can blow your minds. The place else on the earth can you discover glaciers, energetic volcanos, geysers, waterfalls and northern lights in a rustic of this measurement?

The good infrastructure and measurement of Iceland makes it very straightforward for households to discover in two to 4 weeks. The next household Iceland highway journey itinerary covers all the nation. With this information offers all the things you want for the perfect Iceland highway journey with children!

See additionally: To not Miss Experiences in Iceland

Finest time to journey to Iceland as a household

Iceland in the summertime months

July and August are best if you wish to entry extra distant areas with a 4WD automotive or campervan. It is going to nonetheless be windy, however not too chilly. And also you’ll additionally get some rays of daylight every day.

Due to Iceland’s fickle local weather it’s not unusual that you just’ll expertise all 4 seasons in a single day a number of occasions throughout your journey. Be ready for about 20 hours of daylight throughout these summer season months.

Iceland within the winter months

You’ll get the prospect to see the nation’s gorgeous landscapes in a magical mild. And participate in winter actions like ice caving and snowmobiling. Partly or fully frozen waterfalls and extra spectacular glacier lagoons are additionally must-sees in winter. And final however not least, you could have a greater probability of seeing the Aurora Borealis, aka Northern Lights.

Highway tripping by way of Iceland with younger youngsters

Iceland is likely one of the most secure international locations on the earth. Icelandic persons are extra reserved and quiet, however they’re very heat in the direction of children. My toddler bought many winks and smiles whereas we had been there.

Talking of toddlers, I wouldn’t highway journey in a campervan or caravan exterior of July or August. Even this time of yr you must rent heat bedding or sleeping luggage. And produce tights, heat garments and thick coats to maintain everybody heat and cozy. Each different month of the yr it simply merely will get too chilly to maintain the youngest ones heat sufficient in a campervan. When you’re mountaineering with children in a again provider, ensure that it has a raincover you may connect to it. It is going to hold the wind out and it retains them dry.

Youngsters of all ages could have a blast in Iceland, with all that nature has to supply. Iceland is a good alternative for a highway journey with children!

Tips on how to get round Iceland

Being a prime journey vacation spot, Iceland is extraordinarily nicely related by air.

Iceland has some nice roads. When you keep on the Ring Highway you are able to do this with a 2WD, F-roads are solely (partially) potential with a 4WD. In winter a few of these F-roads are closed, as a result of they’re not secure to drive.

There aren’t any trains in Iceland, however you may discover the nation by bus. Buses are usually on time, clear and cozy. Simply remember that it’s fairly costly to journey by bus, and in winter, service is perhaps restricted because of the climate.

Epic household highway journey round Iceland

This entire household highway journey information of Iceland relies round Route 1, aka the Ring Highway or Hringvegurinn in Icelandic. Ring Highway encircles the island and is roughly 1.333 kilometers lengthy. This itinerary takes you alongside all the Ring Highway, but additionally takes you off highway by way of all that Iceland.

The beginning of your loved ones highway journey by way of Iceland

The selection of heading north or south as soon as on the Ring Highway is determined by the stuff you need to see and do. Issues like being on time to identify orca’s or puffins are examples that doubtless affect your choice with regard to your start line. We went north first and the next itinerary follows that instance.

See additionally: Iceland for Youngsters: Suggestions and Actions

3 week household highway journey itinerary Iceland

If you wish to see and do all of the highlights Iceland have to supply, you want about three weeks. That offers you time to take a look at this whole itinerary.

See additionally: Iceland 3 Day Itinerary

Reykjavik

After you’ve arrived at Keflavik airport choose up your car and head to Reykjavik. Town centre is comparatively small. The whole lot is inside strolling distance and the issues you must see and do are:

• A go to to Hallgrimskirkja
• Take a look at architectural gem, Harpa
• Eat an Icelandic scorching canine at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur 
• Take a look at memento store Thor, your children will love the massive wood Thor within the store
• Go to Whales of Iceland
• Go on a whale watching or puffin tour
• Get misplaced within the metropolis and take a look at all the lovable coloured homes

To get an ideal sense of town keep for two to three days earlier than transferring to the subsequent spot.

See additionally: Staying in Downtown Reykjavik, Iceland

Graenavatn

Within the Reykjanes Peninsula make a fast cease at Graenavatn. A small lake with an acceptable title. Graenavatn interprets to Inexperienced Lake. The lake is seafoam inexperienced because of the quantity of sulphur in it. It’s about 45 meters deep within the centre and that’s the rationale why the colour is greener within the centre of the lake.

Kerid Crater

Shortly after you’ve left route 1 for route 35 you’ve entered the Grímsnes space of South Iceland. Right here you’ll discover a formidable crater lake, known as Kerid. Vivid reds and greens (the latter relying on the season in fact) define the crater. Image good azure coloured water fills up a part of the crater. Minerals from the rocks seep into the water, therefore the colour.

Gullfoss

The primary waterfall of many is likely one of the most iconic. When you’ve been researching in your Iceland highway journey you most undoubtedly have seen a number of footage of this spectacular waterfall. There are two cascades that make up Gullfoss. The primary drop is about 11 meters and the second is longer, about 21 meters. Gullfoss means Golden Falls, which is the place the Golden Circle bought its title from.

Geysir & Strokkur

The subsequent Golden Circle web site is likely one of the most well-known of the world. It’s a web site that doesn’t disappoint. Geysir doesn’t spout anymore, however its sibling Strokkur does. Each couple of minutes it spouts water about 30 meters into the air. An superior sight to see and listen to!

After trying out Strokkur discover the remainder of this scorching spring space with boiling mud pits and some smaller geysirs. You may also stroll as much as an ideal viewing level.

Thingvellir NP

Þingvellir Nationwide Park is a part of the Golden Circle and one of many three nationwide parks of Iceland. Most individuals choose one factor to see on this park, as a part of their Golden Circle tour. However it deserves an extended go to. This stunning UNESCO World Heritage Web site provides a wealth of issues to see and do. Iceland’s largest pure lake could be discovered right here, you may take a dive within the Silfra fissure, spot waterfall Öxarárfoss and observe a number of the many mountaineering trails.

However the coolest factor is that visiting this park offers you the prospect to face on two continents on the identical time. Are you able to think about standing with one foot in Europe and the opposite in North America? Two tectonic plates, one being the North American plate and the opposite the Eurasian plate, collide on this park.

Gerduberg Cliff

Worthy of a brief go to is the Gerduberg Cliff. The Gerduberg basalt columns that reside on the cliff are completely symmetrical and it’s virtually as in the event that they had been lower by hand. You possibly can view them from beneath and stroll as much as them and be granted with a unbelievable view throughout you. The cliff is over a kilometer lengthy and can absolutely impress you.

Seals of Ytri Tunga

A few 30 minute drive from the cliff, you’ll discover a personal seashore known as Ytri Tunga. The proprietor permits everybody to enter his land to take a look at the superb wildlife there: seals.

You will discover them chilling on the rocks subsequent to the water and so they’re unimpressed by people. Some individuals got here method too shut, so please hold a good distance from these wild animals and don’t disturb them.

Budir Black Church

As we’re making our method as much as the Westfjords we nonetheless have some sights to see within the beautiful Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Like Búðakirkja, aka Budir Black Church. One among three black church buildings in Iceland. It’s not simply the image good black church, but additionally the environment that makes this web site a must-see.

Lóndrangar Seaside

Lóndrangar are a set of basalt volcanic dykes protruding from the ocean. They’re the remainders of a crater, which has been eroded to its present kind by the ocean. Many discuss with Lóndrangar as a fort constructed on a cliff reaching out at sea.

Stroll as much as a viewpoint the place you get rewarded with superb views throughout, a lot of seagulls resting on the sides of the cliffs and should you’re fortunate with a couple of puffins.

You will get a little bit nearer to Lóndrangar. Simply observe the path on the best facet of the parking zone and this mountaineering path will lead you virtually unto the seashore. They appear to open and shut the seashore once in a while. If you go to this seashore make sure you test if it’s open or not.

By the way in which, because the saga goes, this land belongs to elves. They prefer it quiet, so be sure to don’t disturb them whilst you’re right here. This story will certainly be a success with the children. They’ll search for them in each nook and cranny.

Saxhóll Crater

A 15 minute drive from Lóndrangar you’ll discover Saxhóll Crater. Though this crater isn’t crammed with azure blue water like Kerid, it’s nonetheless cool to face on prime of it. Simply take into consideration the truth that it as soon as shot boiling scorching magma from the earth, sculpting the panorama throughout you.

From the highest of the crater you get nice views over the Atlantic Ocean and the dried lava fields of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

Ólafsvik

The lovable fishing city of Ólafsvik solely has 1000 inhabitants. It’s a nice village to remain in if you wish to discover the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Get pleasure from your time birdwatching, mountaineering and exploring the seashores.

Ólafsvik can be an ideal city to e book a whale watching tour. And from February to early July you may even spot orca’s whereas out at sea. That is the perfect space in Iceland for an encounter with killer whales.

Kirkjufell

Kirkjufell is likely one of the highlights of Iceland. You will discover Kirkjufell on the north shore of Iceland’s Snæfellsnes Peninsula, close to the city of Grundarfjörður

With its pointy peak this spectacular mountain is available in sight a couple of minutes earlier than you park your automotive on the small parking zone proper subsequent to route 54. You possibly can hike round it and climb it in 1,5 hours, however it’s fairly a steep climb, not advisable with younger children who aren’t regular or considerably skilled walkers but.

Throughout the highway from Church Mountain (which means of the phrase Kirkjufell) you’ll discover a small but beautiful waterfall, named Kirkjufellsfoss. Don’t simply take a look at the waterfall, however stroll round it and proper there you may shoot the right image of Kirkjufell Mountain with Kirkjufellsfoss proper in entrance of it.

When you or your teenagers are followers of Sport Of Thrones then Kirkjufell Mountain might be in your bucket checklist. This mountain is the backdrop of many scenes within the present.

Hólmavik

Like Olafsvik, Hólmavik is a cute little fishing city. And it’s a great spot to begin a whale watching tour from. It’s extra quiet than Reykjavik, Akureyri and Olafsvik. This isn’t as a result of you could have decrease probabilities of recognizing whales. There merely isn’t a lot else to do on this fishing city apart from consuming scrumptious seafood and whale watching. And that’s cause sufficient to cease right here for a day.

Hvítserkur

In Húnaflói Bay a 15 meter tall basalt rock stack protrudes from the water. A wondrous factor. Icelandic individuals name it the troll of Northwest Iceland, however my household and I consider it appears to be like extra like a dragon ingesting from the water. Others consider it appears to be like like an elephant or a rhino.

Don’t simply go proper by it on the seashore, however ensure that to stroll the 400 meter viewpoint path and also you get to see it like in our pic beneath.

Akureyri

Time for one more metropolis journey. The capital of the north: Akureyri. Situated about 100 kilometers from the Arctic Circle, it’s an vital fishing centre and port and has heaps to supply to vacationers. Don’t be stunned to seek out cruiseships in its harbor. Akureyri is unquestionably value visiting, and increasingly more persons are conscious of that.

You don’t want greater than a day right here, ensure that to go to Akureyri’s Botanical Backyard, for a pleasant stroll with the children. You’ll spot a lot of arctic crops right here, due to its close to neighborhood to the Arctic Circle. And after that stroll it’s time for some ice cream. Get it from Brynjuís, identified in Iceland because the place that sells the perfect mushy serve ice cream within the nation.

See additionally: To not Miss Cities of Iceland

Mývatn

Lake Mývatn and its environment is an space so stunning, that it’s best to keep right here for a couple of days. This space is a part of the northeastern reply to western Golden Circle: the Diamond Circle. Mývatn means mosquito lake and that looks like an appropriate title. Iceland doesn’t have mosquitos, but it surely has midges, which is fairly related. And you could find loads of them round right here. However don’t let the midges cease you from visiting the lake. Its geology is insanely stunning as a result of it sits about an extremely energetic geothermal space. On the lake you’ll spot a number of tiny islands, which can be known as pseudocraters, however are in actual fact basalt columns.

In addition to mountaineering across the lake, you are able to do a lot of different child pleasant hikes right here or trip to the Víti volcano. However the absolute prime factor to do in Mývatn is a go to to its nature baths! A household exercise that everybody will most undoubtedly take pleasure in. Neglect in regards to the extraordinarily busy Blue Lagoon (e book your tickets on-line first). Right here one can find true serenity and rest as a household. Get pleasure from a drink within the water and the gorgeous environment.

Dettifoss & Selfoss

Dettifoss is named considered one of Europe’s strongest waterfalls. A real spotlight of the Diamond Circle route. If you get shut sufficient, you’ll really feel the bottom shaking beneath your toes. And it’s loud! Spectacular on all accounts.

Upriver you’ll discover smaller, however wider and no much less stunning, Selfoss.

To get to each viewpoints takes a little bit hike, however an attractive one.

Arctic Henge

The Arctic Henge could be present in Raufarhöfn. It’s positioned on the Melrakkaslétta Peninsula, the northernmost village on the Icelandic mainland. Solely the island of Grímsey, lies additional north.

Like Stonehenge, the Arctic Henge is sort of a enormous sundial. The stone arches on web site are organized to seize the sunshine of the Midnight Solar because it strikes throughout the sky in summer season. To call an instance, on June twenty first it aligns completely with the south arch.

Studlagil Canyon

Stuðlagil Canyon was created when river Jökla compelled its method from the highlands to the North of the island. You will discover it in Jap Iceland in a glacier valley known as Jökuldalur. Standing in and across the valley you may spot excessive and really spectacular basalt columns. You possibly can take a number of hikes across the canyon and thru it.

Our teen mentioned that strolling by way of it made him half count on to see magical creatures like dragons or unicorns. We agreed, it’s sort of otherworldly and definitely a magical place that takes your breath away!

Egilsstadir

Egilsstaðir is a good place to remain to find the world round this village. There’s not a lot to do within the city itself, apart from buying, having a meal at one of many eating places and going to the guests centre.

Egilsstaðir is the perfect city in Jap Iceland to function a base to go to the Vök Pure Baths, mountaineering in Hallormsstaðaskógur forest and trying to find Lagarfljót Wyrm at Lagarfjlót lake.

Who’s Lagarfljót Wyrm? The extra vicious sibling of the Loch Ness monster, a venom spouting worm!

See additionally: Conventional Meals in Iceland

Hengifoss

Close to Lagarfjlót one can find a really particular waterfall, that deserves a separate spot on this final highway journey information of Iceland. And that’s Hengifoss. Park the automotive and hike your method as much as Hengifoss in about an hour. It’s an attractive scenic hike up and also you shouldn’t overlook to look again behind you, as a result of strolling up means you get an ideal view of your environment, as an example of Lagarfjlót lake.

In your method up you’ll first see a mini model of Hengifoss, fittingly named Litlanesfoss.

Hengifoss is surrounded by layers of basaltic strata with skinny layers of purple clay in between. It appears to be like like a chocolate cake crammed with jelly and it’s an attractive sight. We walked round and sat down for a bit. Surrounded by sheep simply navigating their method by way of rocks and pebbles and unphased by our presence.

The water coming down from each Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss results in lake Lagarfjlót.

Seydisfjördur

Seyðisfjörður is your final cease in East Iceland and is a small and cute village. It’s identified for its rainbow highway main as much as a church. Lots of the 700 residents of this city and many of the native companies pitched in to paint the bricks and present their help to the LGBTQ neighborhood. On either side of this road you’ll discover native outlets and eating places. Very photogenic and cute!

Diamond Seaside

The subsequent two locations on this full household highway journey information of Iceland are positioned proper subsequent to one another. First is Diamond Seaside, a strip of volcanic black sand crammed with massive chunks of ice from the icebergs. A magical factor to see for the entire household.

I like to recommend visiting Diamond Seaside early within the morning. If you wish to take footage with out massive crowds of individuals taking selfies with it and also you need your children to have room to mess around a bit, you must be there round 8am or 9am. It will likely be value it!

Jokulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

On the opposite facet of the bridge you’ll discover Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Each Jökulsárlón and Diamond seashore are a part of the Breiðamerkursandur glacial plain. The place else in Europe do you get the prospect to hang around at and on a glacier lake crammed with totally different sizes of icebergs?

I extremely advocate reserving a visit on an amphibian boat tour and discover the lagoon. They provide life vests for all their friends and there’s no age restrict, so you may as well convey your child or toddler alongside, they’ve life vests on supply in all sizes.

Don’t overlook to seek for seals. You’ll see them chilling on the ice and looking for fish within the water.

Skaftafell

Skaftafell is the place to be for hikers. Quick and straightforward trails lead you to websites like waterfall Svartifoss or Skaftafellsjökull. There’s additionally a big campsite right here the place I counsel you to remain (pre-booking suggested through the excessive season). They provide all of the facilities you want, there’s a restaurant on web site and there’s additionally a customer centre the place you could find mountaineering maps, purchase souvenirs or e book a tour to go on a glacier hike.

See additionally: Suggestions For Tenting In Iceland

Reynisfjara

The basalt rock columns that you could see at Reynisfjara seashore are the identical kind as at Stuðlagil Canyon. However in a a lot totally different setting. Situated at a seashore with stunning black sand, you’ll discover these basalt columns perched towards the rock wall. However that’s not all. If you look out at sea, you’ll see basalt pillars in several sizes and shapes popping out the water wanting like a bunch of spectacular giants.

Sólheimasandur Airplane Wreck

At first of the 70s, an American airplane crashed at a black seashore in Sólheimasandur. They by no means eliminated it and what’s left of the airplane grew to become an actual vacationer attraction. It takes two hours to hike up there, in order that is perhaps a problem for smaller youngsters. However it’s a straightforward hike and an attractive scenic one.

There’s no signal to indicate you the way in which. Simply seek for Sólheimasandur parking zone in Google Maps, park your automotive there and begin your hike.

A hike as much as the airplane wreck in Sólheimasandur just isn’t potential throughout winter time. You received’t be capable of drive as much as the parking zone. Which is your start line of the hike.

Skogafoss

You’re virtually on the finish of your loved ones highway journey by way of Iceland. Fortunately you continue to get to admire some final gems, whereas slowly heading again to the airport. Beginning with two of probably the most well-known waterfalls of Iceland. The primary being Skogafoss.

As quickly as you park the automotive, you get a primary glimpse of Skogafoss. A small strip of black sand seashore leads as much as this excessive waterfall. Actually spectacular. On the best of the waterfall there’s a steep wood staircase that provides you the chance to stroll all the way in which as much as the highest of the waterfall. Providing nice views in fact!

Seljalandsfoss

Final waterfall, however actually not the least is Seljalandsfoss, one of the crucial well-known waterfalls. And never with out cause. You possibly can stroll behind it! A cavern behind it offers you the prospect to stroll across the total waterfall.

Prime tip: go to early within the morning, in any other case you’ll be strolling there with tons of of different vacationers on a day tour from Reykjavik.

The path behind the autumn is muddy and the rocks slippery. I wouldn’t advise to let an unsteady toddler stroll by itself. On the finish you must climb a little bit bit over slippery rocks. Which brings me to my second tip: put on a raincoat or a poncho, you’ll get soaking moist!

Hvolsvöllur

This one’s for the children. Finish your highway journey at Valhalla Restaurant and Saga Heart. Youngsters can study in regards to the historical past of vikings, and sagas just like the tales about valhalla. Finish your go to with lunch or dinner within the restaurant. You’ll be consuming nice burgers and fries in viking type!

That’s it! After visiting Hvolsvöllur you both finish your journey in Reykjavik (a 1,5 hour drive) or drop off your car in Keflavik (a 2 hour drive) and fly again dwelling.

I hope this whole household highway journey information of Iceland helps you together with your itinerary.

Iceland provides heaps to see and do for adults and children. You’ve seen towering waterfalls, swam in geothermal baths, visited black sand seashores and your children looked for fairytale creatures. The land of ice and hearth is a good and straightforward vacation spot for a household highway journey!

Are you in want of extra household journey guides of Iceland? Like guides to the Diamond and Golden Circle or a metropolis information of Reykjavik. Then go to Sas Crossing International locations and take a look at all her Iceland household journey articles.