• Season: Summer 2021 (Late July to Mid August).
• Trip Duration: 19 days.
• Car Model/Year: Kia Stonic 2020.
• Road Trip Direction: Counter-clockwise ring road trip that included the Westfjords.
• Kilometers Driven: 3488 kilometers.
• Road Type: Paved roads and gravel roads. No F-roads.
• Maps: Google maps for the most part.
• Food: Good breakfast and dinner at the hotel for the most part. Light sandwiches and snacks for lunch.
• Hotels: 3+ stars for the most part. Private bathroom in every hotel on this trip.
• Number of travelers: only me (solo traveler).
• Extra Notes: I created a video for each site I visited and every hotel I stayed at during this trip. These videos offer a great overview of each location. The links are provided below. Most of my videos are “walk and talk” style, where I discuss various topics while exploring each place. They are uploaded in the order they were filmed, so if you watch them, it will feel like you’re experiencing Iceland alongside me.

Day 1 (Reykjavik Area):

• My flight landed in Reykjavik around 6:30 am. It took about 30 minutes to get out of Keflavik Airport. Here’s the video I filmed at the airport.
• I immediately took a taxi after exiting the airport. The ride to the Reykjavik area took about 45 minutes, and the driver was very helpful, providing lots of useful information. We had a great conversation throughout the journey. The taxi ride cost $148 USD. Here’s the video of the taxi ride.
• I did an early check-in at “Hotel Fron” at about 8:30 am. I stayed here for just one night. To my delight, I could check in early without any additional fees because the hotel wasn’t fully booked. This hotel is centrally located, just steps away from the famous Rainbow Street and within walking distance of many popular attractions in Reykjavik. There’s a parking lot in the backyard, and you might need to reserve a spot in advance. Here’s the video of my check-in at “Hotel Fron.”
• After settling in, I tried to beat my jetlag by exploring the beautiful streets of Reykjavik. The hotel is conveniently located near many attractions. My first stop was the Bonus Supermarket, just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel, to do some grocery shopping for my ring road trip. Bonus is one of the most popular and affordable supermarket chains in Iceland, with many branches across the country. Here’s a video of Bonus Supermarket in Reykjavik.
• I returned to the hotel to drop off my groceries and then walked to Hallgrímskirkja, a famous church in Reykjavik often seen on postcards of Iceland. I took an elevator to the top of the church tower for a great view of the city. There is a small fee to go up to the tower. Afterward, I explored the church. Here’s a video of my walk from the hotel to Hallgrímskirkja.
• After visiting Hallgrímskirkja, I couldn’t fight my jetlag any longer and went back to the hotel around 10:30 am to take an hour nap.
• Feeling refreshed after my nap, I continued exploring Reykjavik. I walked to Harpa, a beautiful opera house about a 15-minute walk from “Hotel Fron”. Then I walked for about 10 minutes from Harpa to Sun Voyager, a famous ship sculpture. The walk along the seashore was lovely. Here’s the video of this walk.
• After visiting Harpa and Sun Voyager, I walked to Lake Tjornin, a beautiful lake perfect for photo opportunities. The walk from Sun Voyager to Lake Tjornin took about 20 minutes. Here’s the video of Lake Tjornin.
• Parliament House is just a few blocks away from Lake Tjornin. It’s a beautiful old building in a stunning area. Here’s the video of this area.
• I then walked back to Rainbow Street, which is just steps away from “Hotel Fron”. It’s a great street for photos as you can see Hallgrímskirkja from a distance. Here’s the video of my walk to Rainbow Street.
• Reykjavik has a famous hot dog stand called “Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur Hot Dog”. It gained fame after President Bill Clinton visited many years ago. This hot dog stand is about a 10-minute walk from “Hotel Fron”. Here’s the video of this place.
• I had dinner at Mandi restaurant, which serves Middle Eastern food. This restaurant is also about a 10-minute walk from “Hotel Fron”.

Day 2 (The Golden Circle):

• I started my day with breakfast at “Hotel Fron” before walking to the Blue Car Rental office in Reykjavik to pick up my rental car. I had made a reservation with Blue Car Rental about 2 months in advance. They have two offices: one at the airport and another in the city center. The city center office is about a 20-minute walk from “Hotel Fron”. I chose a Kia Stonic, which was perfect for my ring road trip, including the Westfjords region. I recommend getting full insurance coverage, including gravel road coverage, for peace of mind. Here’s the video of my rental car pick-up experience.
• After picking up the car, I drove back to “Hotel Fron” to collect my luggage and checked out. My ring road trip began counter-clockwise, with the Golden Circle as my first destination.
• My first stop was Thingvellir National Park, about a 45-minute drive from “Hotel Fron”. I spent around 3 hours exploring Almannagjá canyon, Lake Thingvallavatn, Oxararfoss waterfall, the parliament area, and the church. There’s a small parking fee at the visitor center, which also provides free maps and public restrooms. Here’s the video of my adventure at Thingvellir.
• Next, I drove to Geysir, about an hour from Thingvellir. The parking is free, and I walked through several geysers. The main geyser erupts every 10 minutes or so. I also hiked up a mountain for a stunning view of the geyser area on one side and a large farm on the other. The hike took about an hour round trip. Afterward, I had lunch at the Geysir food court in the visitor center, which offers a special lunch buffet. Be sure to check the buffet schedule before visiting. Here’s the video of my adventure at Geysir.
• From Geysir, I drove about 10 minutes to Gullfoss waterfall. The parking is free, and I walked to the edge for a close-up view of the waterfall, then took the stairs to the top for another perspective. I spent about an hour exploring Gullfoss. Here’s the video of my adventure at Gullfoss waterfall.
• After Gullfoss, I drove about an hour to Kerid crater. The parking is free, but there is a small entrance fee. I hiked around the crater rim, which took about 45 minutes, and then walked down the stairs to the crater lake. Here’s the video of my hike at Kerid crater.
• My final stop for the day was Hvolsvöllur, where I checked into Hellishólar Hótel Eyjafjallajökull. I stayed here for two nights and had dinner at the hotel. I chose this hotel because I planned a day trip to Thorsmork the following day. The hotel is about an hour’s drive from Kerid crater. Here’s the video of my check-in at the hotel.

Day 3 (Thorsmork)

• I started my day with breakfast at Hellishólar Hótel Eyjafjallajökull in Hvolsvöllur. Afterward, I drove to the N1 gas station in Hvolsvöllur, where I parked my car and caught the highland bus to Thorsmork at 9:15 am. The bus ride took about 2 hours, arriving at Langidalur at 11:00 am, with a stop at Húsadalur (Volcano Huts) along the way. I purchased my bus ticket online in advance. Here’s the video of this bus ride.
• The highland bus dropped me off at Langidalur bus stop at 11:00 am. There’s a public restroom near the bus stop. I began my hike to Valahnjúkur, which took about an hour and a half to reach the summit. The view from the top was stunning, and I spent about half an hour there, enjoying the scenery and taking photos.
• Next, I hiked from Valahnjúkur summit to Húsadalur (Volcano Huts), which took about an hour. I had lunch at the restaurant there, and they also have restrooms available. After lunch, I did a short hike to explore the area around Húsadalur. Here’s the video of my hiking adventure in Thorsmork.
• I took the highland bus from Húsadalur (Volcano Huts) at 4:00 pm back to the N1 gas station in Hvolsvöllur. Then, I drove back to Hellishólar Hótel Eyjafjallajökull to spend my second night and had dinner at the hotel.

Day 4 (The South Coast Region)

• I started my day with breakfast at Hellishólar Hótel Eyjafjallajökull in Hvolsvöllur before checking out and embarking on my journey to explore the South Coast region.
• My first stop was Gljufrabui waterfall, a 25-minute drive from the hotel. After spending some time there, I walked about 5 minutes to Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where I was able to walk behind the waterfall. I chose to visit Gljufrabui first because the parking there is free, and Seljalandsfoss is within walking distance. I spent about 45 minutes exploring both waterfalls. There’s a public restroom at the nearby campsite that you might be able to use. Here’s the video of Gljufrabui waterfall. Here’s the video of Seljalandsfoss waterfall.
• Next, I drove to Skogafoss waterfall, which is about a 25-minute drive from Seljalandsfoss. I walked up close to the waterfall and then hiked to the viewing platform above. Parking is free, and there’s a public restroom in the area. I spent about an hour exploring Skogafoss. Here’s the video of Skogafoss waterfall.
• From Skogafoss, I drove about 10 minutes to the parking lot for the wrecked DC-3 plane, known as the Solheimasandur plane. The hike to the wrecked plane is flat and took me about an hour one way. Parking is free. Here’s the video of this hike.
• I then drove to Dyrholaey, about a 20-minute drive from the plane wreck parking lot. Unfortunately, the direct road to Dyrholaey and the lighthouse was closed for construction, so I had to take a detour to reach a viewing platform on the other side. Parking is free, and there’s a public restroom. I hiked to the lighthouse area, which took about 45 minutes one way, for a better view of Dyrholaey. Here’s the video of this adventure.
• After that, I drove about 30 minutes to Reynisfjara Beach, known for its black sand. There’s a restaurant and a public restroom in the parking lot. I walked on the beach for about 45 minutes and then had dinner at Svarta Fjaran restaurant. Parking is free. Here’s the video of this visit.
• I made a quick stop at Eldhraun Lava Field, about an hour’s drive from Reynisfjara Beach. There’s a small area along the road where you can pull over and walk to explore the lava field. I spent about 5 minutes there. Here’s the video of this quick visit.
• Next, I drove about 10 minutes to Fjadrargljufur Canyon. I drove to the upper parking lot and then walked to the viewing platforms. The road to the upper parking lot is gravel, but you can also park in the lower parking lot and hike to the upper viewing platform. Parking is free. I recommend the upper parking lot if you prefer not to hike. I spent about 45 minutes exploring the canyon. Here’s the video of my adventure at this place.
• Finally, I drove to Hörgsland Cottages in Kirkjubaejarklaustur and checked in for a one-night stay. This hotel is about a 15-minute drive from Fjadrargljufur Canyon. Kirkjubaejarklaustur is very close to Vik, and I chose to stay here because I couldn’t find a hotel in Vik. Here’s the video of this hotel.

Day 5 (South East)

• I started my day with breakfast at Hörgsland Cottages and then checked out. My first stop was the Dverghamrar cliffs, just a 5-minute drive away. I spent about 15 minutes exploring the basalt column formations. Here’s the video of this place.
• Next, I drove to the Skaftafell Visitor Center to visit Vatnajökull Glacier and Svartifoss Waterfall. The visitor center is about a 45-minute drive from Dverghamrar cliffs. There is a small fee for parking, and the center has a public restroom and a restaurant. From the visitor center, I hiked for about half an hour to get a view of Vatnajökull Glacier and then hiked back. After that, I hiked for about an hour to visit Svartifoss. I had lunch at the visitor center after finishing both hikes. I spent about 4 hours in total at Skaftafell. If you’re interested in a glacier hike, the tour operators are located just steps from the visitor center. One such tour is Glacier Wonders, but I chose not to take a tour. Here’s the video of my hike to Vatnajökull Glacier. Here’s the video of my hike to Svartifoss Waterfall.
• I then drove to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, about a 45-minute drive from the Skaftafell Visitor Center. Parking is free, and there is a public restroom. I had booked a zodiac boat tour online in advance here. Before the tour, I walked along the glacier lake to enjoy the view of the icebergs. The zodiac boat tour lasted about 70 minutes. Here’s the video of my adventure on the ice lagoon.
• After the tour, I walked to Diamond Beach, which is about a 10-minute walk from the ice lagoon. To get there, you walk under a bridge. The beach has two entrances, so I drove a minute to the other parking lot across the street to access the second entrance. Here’s the video of my adventure at Diamond Beach.
• Finally, I drove to Hali Country Hotel, about a 15-minute drive from Diamond Beach, where I checked in for a one-night stay and had dinner. Here’s the video of my check-in at Hali Country Hotel.

Day 6 (South East and the Eastfjords)

Day 7 (East Iceland)

• I started the day with a drive to the Hengifoss Waterfall parking lot, just a 10-minute drive from Hotel Hallormsstadur. The parking is free, and there is a public restroom available. The hike to Hengifoss took about 45 minutes one way, and along the trail, I also saw the Litlanesfoss Waterfall. Here’s the video of the hike.
• Afterward, I drove to Laugarfell for the waterfall circle hike. Laugarfell is a small guesthouse with a hot spring, located about 50 minutes from Hengifoss. The last 2 kilometers to Laugarfell are on a gravel road. The loop hike starts and ends at Laugarfell and took me around 4 hours. During the hike, I encountered five waterfalls and a stunning canyon, including some of the most powerful waterfalls in East Iceland. The highlights were Kirkjufoss and Faxi Waterfall. Here’s the video of the hike.
• I then returned to Hotel Hallormsstadur for my second night and enjoyed dinner at the hotel.

Day 8 (North East and the Diamond Circle)

• I started the day with breakfast at Hotel Hallormsstadur before checking out. My first stop was Studlagil Canyon, about a 90-minute drive from the hotel. I parked at Klaustursel farm, where parking is free and a public restroom is available. From there, I walked across the bridge and hiked roughly 3 miles to the basalt columns. Along the trail, I encountered a picturesque waterfall cascading over the basalt columns. This visit took about three and a half hours. For those who prefer a shorter walk, you can park at Grund farm, although the view isn’t as impressive. Here’s a video of my hike: Studlagil Canyon.
• Next, I drove to Dettifoss and Selfoss waterfalls, located about a 2-hour drive from Studlagil Canyon. I opted to approach Dettifoss from the rough east side, driving about 45 minutes on gravel roads. The view from the east side is spectacular, which is why I chose this route. Parking is free, and there’s a public restroom available. Selfoss is just a 1-kilometer walk from Dettifoss. Here’s a video of these stunning waterfalls: Dettifoss and Selfoss.
• Afterward, I headed to Hafragilfoss waterfall, a short 5-minute drive from Dettifoss. I took a brief walk to enjoy the views of the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. Check out the video of this spot: Hafragilfoss.
• My next destination was Krafla Viti crater, located about an hour’s drive from Hafragilfoss. I took a short walk around the crater for some photos. Parking is free. Here’s a video of the visit: Krafla Viti Crater.
• Finally, I drove to Vogafjós Resort in Myvatn for a two-night stay. This charming hotel is situated on a picturesque farm, about a 30-minute drive from Krafla Viti. I had dinner at the resort. Here’s the video of my check-in: Vogafjós Resort.

Day 9 (Myvatn Area and North Iceland)

• I started my day with breakfast at Vogafjós Resort before heading to Hverir, also known as Hverarönd. This geothermal area, located about a 15-minute drive from the resort, features bubbling mud pools and steaming fumaroles. I explored the area and then hiked up to the Námafjall viewpoint, which offers stunning views of Hverarönd and Lake Myvatn. The trail leading to the viewpoint, known as Namaskard Pass, starts from Hverarönd. The sulfurous aroma is quite strong in the area. I took the right-hand trail, as the left trail is steep and challenging. The easy hike took me around 2 hours round trip. Check out the video of my hike: Námafjall Viewpoint.
• Next, I visited Grjótagjá Cave, just a 10-minute drive from Hverir. This cave, known for its role in “Game of Thrones,” is a fascinating spot. I spent about 15 minutes exploring the cave. Parking is free. Here’s the video of Grjótagjá Cave: Grjótagjá Cave.
• I then drove to Hverfjall Crater, approximately 15 minutes from Grjótagjá. Parking is free, and there is a public restroom available. The road leading to the crater has some gravel sections. I climbed to the rim of the crater and hiked around it, which took about an hour and a half. Here’s a video of the hike: Hverfjall Crater.
• Afterward, I explored Dimmuborgir, known as the Dark Fortress. This area features unique lava formations and is located where the North American and European tectonic plates meet, allowing visitors to step across the fault line. It’s about a 10-minute drive from Hverfjall Crater. I followed a paved trail to explore the area. Parking is free, and there is a coffee shop and public restroom nearby, as well as a daily free walking tour. Here’s the video of Dimmuborgir: Dimmuborgir.
• My next stop was Lake Myvatn and the Skútustaðagígar pseudocraters, located about 10 minutes from Dimmuborgir. I visited several viewing platforms to take in the views of the lake and the craters and enjoyed a short walk in the area. Parking is free. Check out the video of my visit: Lake Myvatn and Pseudocraters.
• I returned to Vogafjós Resort for my second night. It’s a 10-minute drive from Lake Myvatn. I had dinner at the hotel again.

Day 10 (North Iceland)

• I began the day with breakfast at Vogafjós Resort before checking out of the hotel. My first stop was Godafoss waterfall, located about a 45-minute drive away. Parking is free, and there’s a small cafeteria and public restroom across the street. I walked to the waterfall and hiked to the opposite side for a better view. I spent around an hour and a half here. Check out the video of Godafoss: Godafoss Waterfall.
• Next, I drove to Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland, which is about a 30-minute drive from Godafoss. I parked in the city center near Hotel Kea and strolled through the streets of Akureyri. For lunch, I stopped at Kurdo Kebab restaurant. Here’s a video of my walk around Akureyri: Walk in Akureyri.
• After exploring Akureyri, I headed to Grafarkirkja, the oldest church in Iceland, which is approximately a 90-minute drive from Akureyri. I spent about half an hour at this historic site. Here’s the video of my visit to Grafarkirkja: Grafarkirkja Church.
• From there, I drove to Hofsós, which is about a 5-minute drive from Grafarkirkja. I walked to the basalt columns to take in the views of the ocean and cliffs. I spent around 15 minutes enjoying the scenery. Check out the video of Hofsós: Hofsós Basalt Columns.
• I then drove to Hvammstangi Cottages, where I checked in for the night. It’s about a 2-hour drive from Hofsós. I had dinner at a local restaurant in Hvammstangi. Here’s the video of my check-in at Hvammstangi Cottages: Hvammstangi Cottages.

Day 11 (The Westfjords Region)

• I checked out of Hvammstangi Cottages and set off for Ísafjörður, the capital of the Westfjords region. The drive took about 5 hours, with some sections on gravel roads. I stopped at a gas station along the way for breakfast.
• My first stop was Arngerðareyri House, also known as the old castle house, located on Road 61. This abandoned building, perfect for photography, is about a 2.5-hour drive from Hvammstangi Cottages. Here’s the video of Arngerðareyri House: Arngerðareyri House.
• Next, I visited Litlibaer Café in Suðavík for lunch. The café, which boasts a stunning view of the fjords, is about a 50-minute drive from Arngerðareyri House. Here’s the video of Litlibaer Café: Litlibaer Café.
• A short drive from the café, I stopped at Hvítanes Seal Colony to view the seals. This spot is just a minute’s drive from Litlibaer Café. Here’s the video of Hvítanes Seal Colony: Hvítanes Seal Colony.
• Before reaching Ísafjörður, I visited Valagil Waterfall, located about a 45-minute drive from Hvítanes Seal Colony. The hike to the waterfall was approximately 2 kilometers one way and took about 2 hours round trip. Parking is free. Here’s the video of the Valagil Waterfall hike: Valagil Waterfall.
• After completing the hike, I continued on to Ísafjörður and checked in at Hotel Ísafjörður for a 2-night stay. The hotel is about a 30-minute drive from Valagil Waterfall. I also had dinner at the hotel. Here’s the video of my check-in at Hotel Ísafjörður: Hotel Ísafjörður.

Day 12 (The Westfjords Region)

• I started my day with breakfast at Hotel Ísafjörður and then walked to the tourism office in the old town of Ísafjörður to gather information and maps. Afterward, I took a leisurely 2-hour stroll to explore the town. You can watch the video of my walk here: Explore Ísafjörður.
• Next, I hiked up Naustahvilft, also known as the Troll Seat. This steep 1-kilometer hike took about 2 hours round trip. The parking lot is just a 10-minute drive from Hotel Ísafjörður. Here’s the video of the hike: Naustahvilft Hike.
• I then drove to Bolungarvík to visit the Ósvör Maritime Museum and Óshólaviti Lighthouse. This trip took about 20 minutes from Ísafjörður. I spent around 30 minutes walking along the cliff to enjoy the stunning views of the fjords. Here’s the video of my walk: Ósvör Maritime Museum and Lighthouse.
• From Bolungarvík, I drove up to Bolafjall Mountain, which is about a 30-minute drive from the museum. Parking is free, and I did a short 30-minute hike to take in the views of the cliffs. The road is gravel and quite steep. Here’s the video of Bolafjall Mountain: Bolafjall Mountain.
• Returning to Ísafjörður, I did some grocery shopping at the Bonus supermarket. You can check out the video of Bonus supermarket here: Bonus Supermarket.
• For dinner, I went to Húsið Koddinn restaurant in Ísafjörður before heading back to Hotel Ísafjörður for the night.

Day 13 (The Westfjords Region)

• After enjoying breakfast at Hotel Ísafjörður, I checked out and set off for Dynjandi Waterfall, about a 45-minute drive away. The drive includes a stretch of gravel road and takes you through the Vestfjarðagöng (Vestfirðir Tunnel), the longest tunnel in Iceland. Check out the video of the tunnel here: Vestfjarðagöng Tunnel.
• I spent around an hour exploring Dynjandi Waterfall. Parking is free and there’s a public restroom available. Watch the video of Dynjandi Waterfall here: Dynjandi Waterfall.
• Next, I drove to the famous shipwreck of Garðar BA 64, a prominent attraction in the Westfjords. It took about 90 minutes to reach from Dynjandi Waterfall. Parking is free, and I spent about an hour exploring the site. Here’s the video of the shipwreck: Gardar BA 64 Shipwreck.
• I then headed to Patreksfjörður and checked in at Fosshotel Westfjords, where I would be staying for a couple of nights. It’s about a 15-minute drive from the shipwreck. You can see my check-in video here: Check-in at Fosshotel Westfjords.
• After settling in, I took a leisurely hour-long walk around Patreksfjörður. Here’s the video of my stroll through town: Walk in Patreksfjörður.
• I wrapped up the day with dinner at Fosshotel Westfjords.

Day 14 (The Westfjords Region)

• After breakfast at Fosshotel Westfjords, I drove to Látrabjarg, the westernmost point of Europe. It’s about an hour’s drive from the hotel, with some sections of gravel road. Parking is free, and there’s a public restroom about a kilometer away from the Látrabjarg parking lot. I spent around three hours hiking around the cliffs. Check out the video of my hike at Látrabjarg here: Látrabjarg Hike.
• Next, I made a brief stop at Breiðavík Church, one of the most picturesque churches in Iceland. Located in a small village about a 20-minute drive from Látrabjarg, it’s definitely worth a visit. Watch the video of my visit here: Breiðavík Church.
• On my way to the Red Sand Beach, I stopped at Hnjótur Museum (Minjasafn Egils Ólafssonar Museum at Hnjótur in Örlygshofn). This museum is on the route to Látrabjarg and is about a 30-minute drive from it. I spent around 15 minutes exploring the museum from the outside. Here’s the video of the visit: Hnjótur Museum.
• I then drove to Rauðasandur Beach, also known as the Red Sand Beach. It’s about a 40-minute drive from Fosshotel Westfjords and an hour’s drive from Látrabjarg. The road is gravel, and there’s a small church and a café across the street. Parking is free. I spent an hour walking along the beach. Check out the video of my walk here: Rauðasandur Beach.
• I returned to Fosshotel Westfjords for my second night and enjoyed dinner at the hotel.

Day 15 (The Snaefellsnes Peninsula)

• After breakfast at Fosshotel Westfjords, I checked out and began my drive to Stykkishólmur on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The journey took about 5 hours, with some sections of gravel road. I made a few stops at gas stations and supermarkets along the way. I also recorded a video on how to pay for gas at the pump in Iceland—check it out here: How to Pay for Gas in Iceland.
• Upon arriving in Stykkishólmur, I checked into Fransiskus Hotel for the night. Here’s the video of my check-in at the hotel: Fransiskus Hotel Check-In.
• I spent an hour exploring Stykkishólmur town. Watch the video of my walk around the town here: Exploring Stykkishólmur.
• For dinner, I went to Narfeyrarstofa, a popular restaurant in Stykkishólmur. Although reservations are usually required, they kindly accommodated me without one.
• After dinner, I walked back to Fransiskus Hotel to spend the night.

Day 16 (The Snaefellsnes Peninsula)

• After breakfast at Fransiskus Hotel, I checked out and drove to Kirkjufell Mountain. This iconic mountain, featured in Game of Thrones, is about a 40-minute drive from the hotel. I spent about an hour admiring the stunning views. Parking is free. Check out my video of Kirkjufell Mountain here: Kirkjufell Mountain.
• Next, I headed to the Grundarfoss Waterfall parking lot, just a 5-minute drive from Kirkjufell Mountain. I hiked to the waterfall, which took about 2 hours round trip. Watch my video of the hike here: Grundarfoss Waterfall Hike.
• From there, I drove to Ingjaldsholskirkja, a charming church located about 35 minutes away. Here’s the video of my visit: Ingjaldsholskirkja.
• I continued to Svortuloft Lighthouse, a 20-minute drive from the church. The road leading there is partially gravel, but the viewing platform offers breathtaking views of the cliffs. See the video here: Svortuloft Lighthouse.
• Next, I drove to Djúpalónssandur Beach (Dritvík), about 30 minutes from the lighthouse. There’s free parking and a public restroom. I spent an hour exploring the beach. Watch my video of the beach here: Djúpalónssandur Beach.
• I then drove to the Lóndrangar Basalt Cliffs, just a 10-minute drive from the beach. I walked to the viewing platform to take in the views of the cliffs and the impressive pillars. I also hiked to the pillars, which took about 45 minutes round trip. Check out my video of this area here: Lóndrangar Basalt Cliffs.
• I drove to Arnarstapi town, about 10 minutes from Lóndrangar, with plans to explore it further. However, I was feeling tired and decided to revisit the town the next day.
• My final stop for the day was Búðakirkja, a picturesque church located about 20 minutes from Arnarstapi. Watch the video of this visit here: Búðakirkja.
• I then drove to Kast Guesthouse in Staðarstadur, where I checked in for the night. This charming guesthouse is located on a large farm. I had dinner at the hotel. Here’s the video of my check-in: Kast Guesthouse Check-In.

Day 17 (The Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Glymur Hike)

• I started the day with breakfast at Kast Guesthouse before checking out. My first stop was Arnarstapi town, a quick 20-minute drive from the guesthouse. I spent some time exploring the town, and you can check out the video of my walk here: Arnarstapi Walk.
• On the way to Glymur Waterfall, I stopped for a hike at Raudfeldsgja Gorge, located just 5 minutes from Arnarstapi. The hike to the gorge is about an hour round trip. Here’s a video of the hike: Raudfeldsgja Gorge.
• Next, I drove to Glymur Waterfall, the second highest waterfall in Iceland. It took about 2 hours to get there from Raudfeldsgja Gorge. The hike to the viewing platform was challenging, taking about 3 hours round trip. It includes crossing a river on a narrow log, and the trail can be quite steep and hazardous. Check out the video of this adventurous hike here: Glymur Waterfall Hike.
• After the hike, I visited the Costco wholesale store in Reykjavik to see how it compares to other locations. It’s about an hour’s drive from Glymur Waterfall. Here’s a video of the store: Costco Iceland.
• Finally, I drove to the Courtyard Reykjavik Keflavik Airport Hotel, where I checked in for a couple of nights. It’s roughly a 30-minute drive from the Costco store. I had dinner at the hotel and you can see my check-in video here: Courtyard Reykjavik Keflavik Airport Hotel Check-in.

Day 18 (Reykjanes Peninsula)

• I started my day with breakfast at the Courtyard Reykjavik Keflavik Airport Hotel.
• After breakfast, I took a short walk—just one minute from the hotel—to the COVID test lab next door. I needed a test to fly home, and I was relieved to receive a negative result within 15 minutes.
• I then drove to the parking lot for the Fagradalsfjall Volcano eruption site. There was a small fee for parking, and a portable bathroom facility was available. I chose Route C for my hike, leading me to the lava fields in Nátthagi valley. From there, I continued on a more challenging path up to Langihryggur, where I enjoyed a stunning view of the crater. The entire hike took about 5 hours round trip and was a fantastic final adventure for my Iceland trip.
• I made a video of the Fagradalsfjall volcano hike, which turned out to be the longest and most detailed video I’ve ever produced. As with many of my videos, it’s a “hike and talk” format. You can watch it here: Fagradalsfjall Volcano Hike.
• After the hike, I explored Grindavik town briefly before heading back to the Courtyard Reykjavik Keflavik Airport Hotel for my second night. I enjoyed dinner at the hotel before settling in for the night.

Day 19 (Flying Home)

• It was my last day in Iceland. I started with breakfast at the Courtyard Reykjavik Keflavik Airport Hotel before checking out.
• I drove to Keflavik Airport, which is just a few minutes from the hotel, and returned the rental car at the Blue Car Rental office located at the airport. After returning the car, I walked to the terminal to catch my flight. And with that, my Iceland adventure came to an end.