I am looking for some suggestions on what might be the best bases to use while touring the “Title” regions and how many nights one should plan to stay in each. We are plan to go late June/early July, 8 days/8 nights before leaving on day 9. . We want to drive less and get out and see/do more hence not doing whole ring road our first trip. I am thinking we will drive to Snaefellsnes Peninsula on Day 1 as we get in to Reykjavík at 6:30AM. Stay 2-3 nights in Grundarfjorthur? And then on to the southern areas for the rest of our time including: Thingvellir National Park, the Golden Circle and then beaches, waterfalls, glaciers, etc on way to Hofn before turning back to Reykjavík. We like to self tour, hike, sightsee, and eat local. We should probably plan to be within a reasonable drive to the KEF airport for our last night before our flight home around 4:45PM the next day (Day 9). Suggestions for what to do the morning before our flight out would be appreciated too. We hope to hit a hot spring pool or two during our travels rather than right before flying home. Thanks!
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
3801 posts
We have done just this on one of our trips to Iceland.
First of all, if you are flying in from the US/Canada do not go far on that arrival day. It just is not safe and Iceland is having a big problem with visitors doing this and causing accidents.
Stay in Reykjavik the night of arrival. There is a lot to do and see that day/evening right in town. Then the next morning head up to Snæfellsnes. Grundarfjordur is fine. We have always stayed in Stykkisholmur and like that. Make night 3 in the Golden Circle. Then night 4 around Vik, night 5 around Jokulsarlon or Hofn, then head back south. That still leaves you with 3 nights of which the last night staying Selfoss or closer is wise in case of road closures etc. so the extra 2 nights you can double up somewhere.
We always try to go to as many hot springs as possible on every trip. So far our absolute favorite is Hvammsvik which is perfect for coming or going to Snaefellsness. In the Golden Circle there is Secret Lagoon and Fontana, both of which are great. There is a brand new one that just opened called Laugaras which we will be trying in a couple of weeks.
Don’t forget about Sky Lagoon right in Reykjavik and of course Blue Lagoon closer to KEF.
Definitely do the zodiac boat ride at Jokulsarlon. We have done it a few times and it’s a blast!
Gjain is a really nice area and very few people.
With the extra nights you might consider Thorsmark which has amazing hiking! We stayed at the Volcano Huts for a few nights and it was great.
You could also do a night at Westmann Island. The rib boat safari ride there is a lot of fun. A pod of orcas came right towards us and we were not even on a whale watching trip.
Horseback riding can be fun. Lots of options along those lines route. We rode at Eldhestar once and it was good. Love their hotel there.
This should give you an idea of where to start. Do note that places tend to book out 9-12 months in advance so you’ll need to get on this asap.
Posted by
OP
18 posts
Thank you Rick Steve Team for your response. Much appreciated. It looks like I am on the right track and I will note several of your suggestions as I finalize our plans. I realize too that we have get reservations done asap.
Posted by
Duluth, MN🌲
11426 posts
kcholmen1, mikliz97 is not an employee of Rick Steves nor a member of his "team." She, along with the rest of us, are volunteers and travel lovers who spend our time helping out other travelers and also asking our own questions when we're going to an unfamiliar destination.
Occasionally a Rick Steve employee will respond to a post, but not often. It's mostly just us 😊 For what it's worth, mikliz97 is our resident expert on Iceland and has been there many, many times, so I would definitely follow her advice if you can.
Posted by
OP
18 posts
Thanks for the clarification!
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
8655 posts
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
3801 posts
Yes, just a volunteer here:). On our upcoming trip, that will put us at over 70 nights in the country, so yes, I am pretty familiar with most of it;)
Mardee--You are very kind:)