Iceland: Circling the Land of Fire & Ice Autumn Itinerary (Natural Habitat Adventures)

Arrive at Keflavik International Airport where you are met on arrival and transferred to our hotel in Reykjavik, about a 45-minute drive. This evening, join our Expedition Leader for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, with an orientation to all the adventures that lie ahead in this geological wonderland.

Explore Iceland’s south coast en route to Vik, an area known for its volcanic black sand beaches and countless waterfalls. We are in the region affected by the powerful 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajokull volcano, an event brought to life at the Lava Center, which features interactive exhibits depicting the colossal natural forces that have created Iceland over tens of millions of years. Here we learn about Iceland’s dynamic geology: the volcanic eruptions and lava flows, rift systems, faults and glacial floods that have forged the island. The center introduces us to the UNESCO Katla Global Geopark plus Iceland’s elaborate monitoring system for surveying volcanos and earthquake zones.

Continuing along the south coast, we stop at several thundering waterfalls, including powerful Skogafoss and Kvernufoss. Another famous highlight is Reynisdrangar Rocks, a trio of columnar basalt sea stacks. Legend holds that they were formed after two trolls were out fishing in a three-masted ship. When the trolls did not return to their cave before sunrise, they and their vessel turned into needles of stone, since trolls cannot tolerate daylight. Here, we'll have a chance to walk on the famous black sand beach before continuing to the exciting Lava Show in Vik, followed by dinner at the restaurant on site. The Lava Show, renowned for its educational value, recreates a volcanic eruption by superheating real lava up to 2000°F, then pouring the molten rock into a room at close range where guests can watch it flow, hear it sizzle and feel the incredible heat. After dinner, continue to our nearby hotel to spend the night.

Our focus today is Skaftafell, a national park now absorbed inside the larger Vatnajokull National Park, established in 2008. Known for its rugged landscapes, mountains and glaciers, Skaftafell contains about half of the Vatnajokull Glacier, Europe’s largest ice cap. No roads penetrate the park’s wild recesses, but two options offer a chance to explore a slice of it: Choose between a walk atop a glacier or an easy hike. We then board a private Zodiac to explore Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon, a less-touristed opportunity to get close to giant floating icebergs. The lake is the meltwater from Fjallsarlon Glacier, a tongue of the massive Vatnajokull Glacier, which has calved the huge chunks of blue ice that drift on the surface.

Enjoy a day of cultural connections as we enter the East Fjords, a little-visited region of forests, farms and picturesque fishing villages. In the town of Djupivogur, admire the Eggs of Merry Bay, one of Iceland’s most unusual sculptures. Created in 2009 by Icelandic artist Sigurdur Gudmundsson, the 34 large-scale egg replicas represent 34 bird species found in the area, each one mounted on a platform along the harbor. Take a scenic walk along the coast near Alftafjordur, then join a local resident for a stroll around a historic fishing town, learning about daily life where traditions and livelihoods center on the sea.

Heading inland, follow a remote road to Vallanes Farm where we stop for hot drinks and snacks at this organic farm and cafe crafted of sustainably harvested wood. Continue to Modrudalur, one of the oldest farms in Iceland, with evidence of its presence since the original settlement by the Vikings. The site was an important crossroads where two historic cross-country trails intersected, and its location is referenced in the famous Sagas that date to the 10th and 11th centuries. Modrudalur is also the highest inhabited place in Iceland, at 1,539 feet above sea level. We spend the next two nights here at Fjalladyrd, a hospitable family-run farm and guesthouse.

Set out in Super Jeeps this morning to explore the hidden wonders of eastern Iceland’s highlands. These large SUVs have been modified with big tires and extra shock absorption to provide a more comfortable ride over off-road terrain, allowing deeper access into this remote region. On our adventurous journey through the lunar-like landscape, we make multiple stops that may include Troll Rocks, a mysterious and extensive stack of massive boulders with no known origin, and tea at a traditional turf house. Marvel at Hafrahvammagljufur Canyon, a 650-foot-deep gorge, from high grassy slopes overlooking the chasm. Ultimately, we make our way to Laugarvalladalur, a remote and verdant valley warmed by a geothermal creek and famous for its hot springs waterfall that doubles as a natural shower. Return to Modrudalur for a second night at Fjalladyrd.

Witness the power of Dettifoss, Europe’s largest waterfall by volume and the most powerful cataract in Iceland. This thundering curtain of water, 330 feet wide and 150 high, is fed by the giant Vatnajokull Glacier. If we're lucky, we might see a rainbow over the falls, which makes for dramatic photos. Next, we explore the Hverarond geothermal area, an otherworldly setting of hissing steam vents, bubbling mud pots, cracked earth and pungent sulphur, then continue to Lake Myvatn. Formed during a massive eruption 2,300 years ago, the Myvatn region is still a site of geothermal activity, with lava flows coming most recently from the 1984 eruption of Krafla volcano. Numerous lava formations are found in and around the shallow lake, and we explore the pseudocraters of Skutustadir on a short hike. These phenomena are formed when lava flows over wet ground, pushing it down and trapping steam. As pressure mounts, steam explosions create these fascinating "false craters.”

Later today, enjoy a quintessentially Icelandic experience with a soak in a nearby thermal bath. At Myvatn Nature Baths, amid clouds of steam rising from a fissure deep in the Earth, immerse yourself in soothing, milky-turquoise water that's naturally heated by geothermal forces. Drawn from depths of up to a mile and a half below the surface, temperatures in the lagoon pools range from 98°F to 103°F.

This morning, explore the fascinating lava formations around Lake Myvatn on horseback. This optional 1-hour private ride offers a striking vantage point on the region's wondrous geological features, including whimsically shaped pillars and a close-up look at a false crater. Afterward, we stop at Dimmuorgir, a dramatic lava field formed by a volcanic eruption some 2,300 years ago. Distinguished by towering rock pillars, caves and unusual lava formations, Dimmuborgir is especially spectacular in the fall when the rich fall foliage is at its peak.

In the afternoon, experience Leirhnjukur, one of Iceland’s active volcanoes up close. Although it last erupted in 1984, Leirhnjukur’s crater, steaming, bubbling mud pools and stark landscape are a living laboratory offering insight into the endless churn of underground geothermal activity. Against the beautiful backdrop of the warm red, orange and golden shades of the autumn colors, we’ll learn about plants and microbes that exist in extreme temperatures. We return to Myvatn for another night.

This morning we explore Godafoss, one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls originating deep in the highlands. Shaped like a crescent, it drops 40 feet over a sheer volcanic cliff. After, we travel to Akureyri, Iceland’s second largest city. Nestled at the base of a fjord and surrounded by mountains, Iceland’s “Capital of the North” is a cultural outpost, and we’ll have time to explore downtown galleries and the scenic waterfront, as well as the renowned Akureyri Botanical Gardens, before connecting with our late-afternoon chartered flight to Isafjordur. Originally settled in the 9th century, Isafjordur became a trading post for foreign merchants in the 16th century and today is the main town in the remote Westfjords in far-northwest Iceland.

This morning, explore part of the vast Hornstrandir Nature Reserve that can only be reached by boat. A wild, untouched realm of tundra, sea cliffs, flowering fields and glacier-carved fjords, this 220-square-mile landscape in the most remote corner of Iceland has been protected since 1974. Humans inhabited scattered settlements along Hornstrandir's bays and coves in recent centuries, although they were abandoned in the 1950s as residents sought growing job opportunities and an escape from harsh living conditions, leaving for surrounding towns. No roads, power lines or other manmade structures remain except for a few summerhouses that dot parts of the area.

Across the bay of Isafjardardjup, we get close to the sheer cliffs on Bjarnarnupur before slowly passing a striking rock arch that's a seasonal home to cormorants and other seabirds. The reserve is also home to protected Arctic foxes that roam freely on the land. We often see whales in the sea on our way to Kviar, our base for discovering the pristine Hornstrandir region. Kviar was a large farm until 1948, when the family that lived here joined their neighbors in search of an easier life elsewhere. The old farmhouse, now called Kviar Lodge, has been renovated as a cozy base for exploration, and we may see foxes playing outside. We take a short walk up the valley amid more colorful fall foliage before returning to town.

From Isafjordur, we set out on a private whale-watching excursion. With a high likelihood of seeing humpback whales, we scan the waters with expert guides for other sea life like minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises and seals. Next travel to Thingeyri, a thriving and quaint fishing village (population roughly 250) on the scenic Dyrafjorour fjord, for lunch. Established as a trading post in 1987, Thingeyri’s roots date back to medieval times, with ruins still standing behind the village church.

Refreshed and nourished, we drive over the mountains to Dynjandi, the largest waterfall in the Westfjords. This magnificent fall cascades apron-like down 330 feet over terraced basalt boulders. Considered one of the country’s most beautiful falls, Dynjandi has long beckoned nature enthusiasts and photographers. “Dynjandi” means “thundering” in Icelandic, an apt description of the sounds and sights we encounter.

Returning to Isafjordur, we have an early farewell dinner and then head to the airport for our evening flight to Reykjavik.

Please note: Activities in the Westfjords may take place on days or times that are different from what is shown on this itinerary, depending on local schedules, weather conditions, etc.

After breakfast, a transfer to Keflavik International Airport is included to meet departing flights.