Highlands and Lowlands

A short drive from Lake Myvatn leads to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. Fed by glacial meltwater from the Vatnajokull icecap, this thundering cataract hurls 200 cubic metres of water 45m into the Jokulsa canyon every second. Further north, the Asbyrgi canyon provides a more tranquil setting for a hike beneath birch woodland carpeted in cranesbill. In the evening, consider joining an optional whale watching trip from Husavik, sailing into Skjalfandi bay to search for humpback and blue whales under the glow of the midnight sun.

A short drive from Lake Myvatn leads to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. Fed by glacial meltwater from the Vatnajokull icecap, this thundering cataract hurls 200 cubic metres of water 45m into the Jokulsa canyon every second. Further north, the Asbyrgi canyon provides a more tranquil setting for a hike beneath birch woodland carpeted in cranesbill. In the evening, consider joining an optional whale watching trip from Husavik, sailing into Skjalfandi bay to search for humpback and blue whales under the glow of the midnight sun.

In pictures

An early start today is required for the incredible drive to the heart of the Highlands where the vast caldera of Askja broods among desolate plains of ash and lava. To describe the scenery as lunar-like is not an overstatement – this is where NASA trained its Apollo astronauts. Enroute to Askja you will skirt the muffin-shaped volcano of Herdubreid (Queen of the Mountains), ford several shallow rivers and discover where outlaws hid out in centuries past. You will also be able to walk into Dragon Canyon and hike across ochre-coloured volcanic gravel fields, studded with hardy mosses, lichens and saxifrages, to reach the explosion crater of Viti. The warm, milky-blue waters inside the crater are perfect for a relaxing soak. Overnight at Laugarfell Accommodation and Hot Springs.

Lying at an intriguing crossroads, with the Highlands to the west, the fjords to the east and equally spectacular drives north and south, the small town of Egilsstadir is a perfect base for exploring off-the-beaten-track – particularly with your 4WD vehicle. Your iDiscover digital travel guide will provide plenty of suggestions for places to visit, from remote Mjoifjordur (reached on a gravel track that snakes past tumbling waterfalls and secret ravines) to Mt Snaefell, Iceland’s highest freestanding mountain at 1833m, located near the Laugerfell hot springs. Overnight at Lake Hotel.

Lying at an intriguing crossroads, with the Highlands to the west, the fjords to the east and equally spectacular drives north and south, the small town of Egilsstadir is a perfect base for exploring off-the-beaten-track – particularly with your 4WD vehicle. Your iDiscover digital travel guide will provide plenty of suggestions for places to visit, from remote Mjoifjordur (reached on a gravel track that snakes past tumbling waterfalls and secret ravines) to Mt Snaefell, Iceland’s highest freestanding mountain at 1833m, located near the Laugerfell hot springs. Overnight at Lake Hotel.

In pictures

Travelling south from Egilsstadir, the road scales a pass to reach Breiddalur – a broad valley in the East Fjords hemmed in by striking mountains and basalt cliffs, and the perfect spot for hiking or horse riding. At the mouth of the valley, the small fishing hamlet of Breiddalsvik (your base for the following two nights) has a black-sand beach and quirky geology museum. The nearby waterfall of Flogufoss is well worth tracking down. Spend two nights at Hotel Blafell.

The coastal road that hugs the East Fjords offers one of the finest scenic drives in Europe, tracing a crinkle-cut shore through a realm of waterfall-doused cliffs and sheltered inlets. Driving through the East Fjords, you will pass through numerous villages, each with their own unique appeal. One of the most interesting is Djupivogur, south of Breiddalsvik, where you can take an optional boat trip to the ancient Celtic outpost of Papey island – now a breeding site for puffins.

The coastal road that hugs the East Fjords offers one of the finest scenic drives in Europe, tracing a crinkle-cut shore through a realm of waterfall-doused cliffs and sheltered inlets. Driving through the East Fjords, you will pass through numerous villages, each with their own unique appeal. One of the most interesting is Djupivogur, south of Breiddalsvik, where you can take an optional boat trip to the ancient Celtic outpost of Papey island – now a breeding site for puffins.

In pictures

Leaving the East Fjords, today’s drive follows the coast to Skaftafell – gateway to the Vatnajokull National Park. One of the star attractions here is Jokulsarlon where you can see hundreds of icebergs drifting in a glacial lagoon or scattered, in crystal-like fragments, across a nearby black-sand beach. Optional boat trips are available on the lagoon. Spend two nights at Hotel Skaftafell, allowing plenty of time to fully appreciate Jokulsarlon and explore various hiking trails.

One of the most popular hikes in the national park leads to Svartifoss, a waterfall plunging over hanging cliffs of basalt columns. It is also possible to arrange a guided glacier walk from Skaftafell, hiking into a head-spinning landscape of mountain peaks and blue ice.

One of the most popular hikes in the national park leads to Svartifoss, a waterfall plunging over hanging cliffs of basalt columns. It is also possible to arrange a guided glacier walk from Skaftafell, hiking into a head-spinning landscape of mountain peaks and blue ice.

In pictures

Venturing deeper into the mountains and valleys, you will reach Landmannalaugar. This is without doubt one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring places in Iceland. The hiking possibilities are endless, while the colourful rhyolite mountains are a photographer’s dream. Reaching Landmannalaugar involves many exciting river crossings – a great way to put your 4WD experience to the test. Bathing in the geothermal river is the perfect way to relax before heading further north to Hrauneyjar where you will spend the night at Highland Centre Hrauneyjar.

Take a leisurely drive to Reykjavik for your final night. Explore Iceland’s vibrant capital with its museums, art galleries, restaurants and shops. Overnight at Hotel Cabin.

Drive to Keflavik and perhaps visit the famous Blue Lagoon (pre-booking required) on the way before dropping off your vehicle prior to flying home.