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Classic Iceland: the Golden Circle and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula

~ 724 km , 6 days

Golden Circle, Part 1: Tectonic Plates and Geysers

Your journey through Iceland begins at Keflavík International Airport Keflavík International Airport. After picking up your motorhome, you will bypass Reykjavík and head straight to explore the famous “Golden Circle.” Your route takes you to Thingvellir National Park Thingvellir National Park, a place where you can literally walk between two continents. In the park, you will also see the Öxarárfoss waterfall Öxarárfoss.

Next, you will experience Iceland’s geothermal activity by visiting the Geysir geothermal area Geysir. Here, you will witness the regular eruptions of the Strokkur geyser. An overnight stay is planned at a campsite near Geysir, allowing you to rest after an eventful first day.

Points of interest

Thingvellir National Park

This site holds enormous geological and historical significance and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is here, in the rift valley, that the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates diverge, forming fissures and canyons. The main fissure, Almannagjá, allows visitors to literally walk between two continents. Moreover, Thingvellir is the historic heart of the nation: in 930 AD, Alþingi, one of the world’s oldest parliaments, was founded here and continued to convene at this site for centuries.

Öxarárfoss Waterfall

This waterfall is located within Thingvellir National Park. The waters of the Öxará River plunge from a rocky ledge that marks the edge of the North American tectonic plate. Although the waterfall is not very large, its surroundings of dark cliffs and its location in such a historic site make it an important stop to visit. At the base of the waterfall, there are many rocks where the water crashes, creating a picturesque scene.

Geysir Geothermal Area

This geothermal zone in the Haukadalur valley gave its name to all the geysers in the world thanks to the “Great Geysir,” which now erupts very rarely. The main attraction is the nearby Strokkur geyser. It consistently shoots a column of boiling water and steam 20–30 meters high every 5–10 minutes, making it one of the most active and predictable geysers in the world. The area also features bubbling mud pots and hot springs in a variety of colors.

Golden Waterfall and the Road West

In the morning, you will once again have the chance to watch the eruptions of the Strokkur geyser, after which a short drive will take you to the last of the three main Golden Circle attractions — Gullfoss Falls. After visiting the falls, you will begin a longer journey westward, heading toward the coast.

Along the way, if you’d like to meet Icelandic horses, you can stop at Sturlureykir Visiting Horse Farm, where horseback riding tours are offered. By evening, you will arrive in the town of Borgarnes, which serves as the gateway to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Overnight accommodation is planned at a campsite in the Borgarnes area.

Points of interest

Gullfoss Waterfall

The name of this waterfall translates as “Golden Waterfall.” It is one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe. It consists of two cascades set at an angle to each other, where the waters of the Hvítá River plunge into a deep canyon. Several viewing platforms at different levels lead to the waterfall, allowing you to admire its scale from various perspectives. On sunny days, a rainbow often appears above it.

Sturlureykir Horse Farm

This family-run farm is an active working farm that also offers tourists the chance to meet Icelandic horses. These animals are famous for their endurance, friendly nature, and unique gait — the tölt. Here you can go on a horseback ride through the surrounding area accompanied by a guide, giving you a different perspective of the Icelandic landscapes.

Borgarnes

This town, located on a peninsula by Borgarfjörður fjord, serves as an important service and transport hub for western Iceland. For travelers, it is a convenient stopover point to rest and replenish supplies before heading to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The town is also home to the Settlement Center, dedicated to the history of the Vikings and the Icelandic sagas.

Southern Coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Leaving Borgarnes, you will head to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in Miniature.” Your route will take you along its southern coastline. The first landmark stop will be the Búðakirkja black church, standing in solitude amid a lava field.

Next, you will arrive at the small fishing village of Arnarstapi. This place is famous for its impressive coastline with basalt columns and rock arches. From here, a walking trail leads to the neighboring village of Hellnar. Overnight accommodation is planned at a campsite in Arnarstapi.

Points of interest

Búðakirkja Black Church

This small wooden church, painted entirely black, stands in solitude not far from the coast, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding landscape of solidified lava fields. It is one of the few remaining black churches in Iceland, and its minimalist appearance makes it a very popular spot for photography.

Arnarstapi

Once a trading post, today Arnarstapi is a small village that attracts tourists with its dramatic coastline. The coastal cliffs here are made up of basalt columns and are dotted with grottos and caves. The main highlight is the rock arch Gatklettur. In the summer months, the cliffs are home to many seabirds, including Arctic terns.

Arnarstapi–Hellnar Hiking Trail

This well-trodden path, about 2.5 km long, connects the two villages. It runs along the edge of a lava field and high cliffs, making it one of the most beautiful coastal walks in Iceland. Along the way, you can see striking rock formations, bird colonies, and, on clear days, the Snæfellsjökull glacier.

North of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Today you will continue exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, moving along its western and northern parts. In the morning, you will visit Snæfellsjökull National Park, dominated by the glacier-covered volcano of the same name.

After exploring the park, you will head to the northern coast of the peninsula, to the fishing town of Grundarfjörður. Its main attraction is Kirkjufell Mountain, one of the most photographed in Iceland. Overnight accommodation is planned at a campsite in Grundarfjörður.

Points of interest

Snæfellsjökull National Park

The park is located at the western tip of the peninsula. Its central feature is the Snæfellsjökull volcano, immortalized by Jules Verne in his novel Journey to the Center of the Earth. The park protects a variety of landscapes: from lava fields and coastal cliffs to black-pebble beaches such as Djúpalónssandur, where you can see the remains of a shipwreck.

Kirkjufell Mountain

This freestanding mountain with a distinctive conical shape is known as the “Church Mountain.” The most famous viewpoint for photographing it is from the side of the small Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, located just across the road. This combination of the mountain and the waterfall in the foreground makes the spot especially popular for sunset photos and for capturing the Northern Lights.

Capital and the Blue Lagoon

Today you say farewell to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and head to Reykjavík, the northernmost capital city in the world. The transfer will take up the morning hours. Upon arrival, you will have time to stroll through the city center and see its main attractions: Hallgrimskirkja Church, the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre, and the Sun Voyager sculpture.

In the evening, you will head to the Reykjanes Peninsula for a relaxing end of the day at the famous Blue Lagoon spa complex. Overnight accommodation is planned nearby.

Points of interest

Reykjavík

The cultural and economic center of Iceland, known for its compact downtown with bright, colorful houses and lively atmosphere. The main architectural landmarks are Hallgrimskirkja, whose design was inspired by basalt columns, and the glass Harpa Concert Hall on the waterfront. Be sure to stroll along the promenade to see the steel frame of the Sun Voyager sculpture, reminiscent of a Viking ship.

Blue Lagoon

One of the most famous geothermal resorts in the world. Its milky-blue waters are rich in minerals such as silica and sulfur. The water temperature in the lagoon remains at a comfortable 37–39 °C year-round. The lagoon’s water is a byproduct of a nearby geothermal power plant, which uses superheated water from underground to generate electricity.

End of the Journey

Today is the final day of your Icelandic adventure. In the morning, you will have time to pack leisurely at the campsite. Afterward, a short transfer will take you to Keflavík International Airport.

The main task today is to return your motorhome to the rental station located near the airport. With that, your journey through the land of ice and fire officially comes to an end.

E-mail: info@greatrvtrip.com

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