Iceland is without doubt one of the most photogenic international locations on the earth. It’s very simple to navigate by means of with a Ring Street that covers the whole nation in a loop and alongside the whole shoreline. Driving this highway will get you to so many highlights that it’s laborious to not cease each 5 minutes.
Ring Street makes Iceland an incredible vacation spot for highway journeys, particularly household highway journeys.
Standard household journey vacation spot
Iceland is a very talked-about journey vacation spot for households. And that’s not a marvel. The landscapes are beautiful and treats you to many pure phenomena that may blow your minds. The place else on the earth can you discover glaciers, lively volcanos, geysers, waterfalls and northern lights in a rustic of this dimension?
The good infrastructure and dimension of Iceland makes it very simple for households to discover in two to 4 weeks. The next household Iceland highway journey itinerary covers the whole nation. With this information offers the whole lot you want for the perfect Iceland highway journey with children!
See additionally: To not Miss Experiences in Iceland
Finest time to journey to Iceland as a household
Iceland in the summertime months
July and August are ultimate if you wish to entry extra distant areas with a 4WD automobile or campervan. It can nonetheless be windy, however not too chilly. And also you’ll additionally get some rays of daylight each day.
Due to Iceland’s fickle local weather it’s not unusual that you simply’ll expertise all 4 seasons in a single day a number of instances throughout your journey. Be ready for about 20 hours of daylight throughout these summer season months.
Iceland within the winter months
You’ll get the possibility to see the nation’s gorgeous landscapes in a magical gentle. And participate in winter actions like ice caving and snowmobiling. Partly or utterly frozen waterfalls and extra spectacular glacier lagoons are additionally must-sees in winter. And final however not least, you may have a greater likelihood of seeing the Aurora Borealis, aka Northern Lights.
Street tripping by means of Iceland with younger kids
Iceland is without doubt one of the most secure international locations on the earth. Icelandic individuals are extra reserved and quiet, however they’re very heat in direction of children. My toddler bought many winks and smiles whereas we had been there.
Talking of toddlers, I wouldn’t highway journey in a campervan or caravan exterior of July or August. Even this time of yr it’s a must to rent heat bedding or sleeping baggage. And produce tights, heat garments and thick coats to maintain everybody heat and cozy. Each different month of the yr it simply merely will get too chilly to maintain the youngest ones heat sufficient in a campervan. For those who’re mountaineering with children in a again service, be sure that it has a raincover you may connect to it. It can hold the wind out and it retains them dry.
Youngsters of all ages can have a blast in Iceland, with all that nature has to supply. Iceland is a superb alternative for a highway journey with children!
The best way to get round Iceland
Being a prime journey vacation spot, Iceland is extraordinarily nicely related by air.
Iceland has some nice roads. For those who keep on the Ring Street you are able to do this with a 2WD, F-roads are solely (partially) attainable with a 4WD. In winter a few of these F-roads are closed, as a result of they’re not secure to drive.
There are not any trains in Iceland, however you may discover the nation by bus. Buses are usually on time, clear and cozy. Simply remember that it’s fairly costly to journey by bus, and in winter, service is perhaps restricted because of the climate.
Epic household highway journey round Iceland
This whole household highway journey information of Iceland is predicated round Route 1, aka the Ring Street or Hringvegurinn in Icelandic. Ring Street encircles the island and is roughly 1.333 kilometers lengthy. This itinerary takes you alongside the whole Ring Street, but additionally takes you off highway by means of all that Iceland.
The beginning of your loved ones highway journey by means of Iceland
The selection of heading north or south as soon as on the Ring Street is determined by the belongings you need to see and do. Issues like being on time to identify orca’s or puffins are examples that possible affect your resolution with regard to your start line. We went north first and the next itinerary follows that instance.
See additionally: Iceland for Youngsters: Suggestions and Actions
3 week household highway journey itinerary Iceland
If you wish to see and do all of the highlights Iceland have to supply, you want about three weeks. That provides you time to take a look at this complete itinerary.
See additionally: Iceland 3 Day Itinerary
Reykjavik
After you’ve arrived at Keflavik airport choose up your car and head to Reykjavik. Town centre is comparatively small. All the things is inside strolling distance and the issues it’s a must to see and do are:
- A go to to Hallgrimskirkja
- Try architectural gem, Harpa
- Eat an Icelandic sizzling canine at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
- Try memento store Thor, your children will love the large picket Thor within the store
- Go to Whales of Iceland
- Go on a whale watching or puffin tour
- Get misplaced within the metropolis and take a look at all the lovable coloured homes
To get an excellent sense of the town keep for two to three days earlier than shifting to the following spot.
See additionally: Staying in Downtown Reykjavik, Iceland
Graenavatn
Within the Reykjanes Peninsula make a fast cease at Graenavatn. A small lake with an acceptable identify. Graenavatn interprets to Inexperienced Lake. The lake is seafoam inexperienced because of the quantity of sulphur in it. It’s about 45 meters deep within the centre and that’s the explanation why the colour is greener within the centre of the lake.
Kerid Crater
Shortly after you’ve left route 1 for route 35 you’ve entered the Grímsnes space of South Iceland. Right here you’ll discover a powerful crater lake, referred to as Kerid. Vivid reds and greens (the latter relying on the season in fact) define the crater. Image excellent azure coloured water fills up a part of the crater. Minerals from the rocks seep into the water, therefore the colour.
Gullfoss
The primary waterfall of many is without doubt one of the most iconic. For those who’ve been researching in your Iceland highway journey you most undoubtedly have seen a number of footage of this spectacular waterfall. There are two cascades that make up Gullfoss. The primary drop is about 11 meters and the second is longer, about 21 meters. Gullfoss means Golden Falls, which is the place the Golden Circle bought its identify from.
Geysir & Strokkur
The following Golden Circle web site is without doubt one of the most well-known of the world. It’s a web site that doesn’t disappoint. Geysir doesn’t spout anymore, however its sibling Strokkur does. Each jiffy it spouts water about 30 meters into the air. An superior sight to see and listen to!
After testing Strokkur discover the remainder of this sizzling spring space with boiling mud pits and some smaller geysirs. You can even stroll as much as an excellent viewing level.
Thingvellir NP
Þingvellir Nationwide Park is a part of the Golden Circle and one of many three nationwide parks of Iceland. Most individuals choose one factor to see on this park, as a part of their Golden Circle tour. Nevertheless it deserves an extended go to. This lovely UNESCO World Heritage Web site affords a wealth of issues to see and do. Iceland’s largest pure lake will be discovered right here, you may take a dive within the Silfra fissure, spot waterfall Öxarárfoss and observe among the many mountaineering trails.
However the coolest factor is that visiting this park offers you the possibility to face on two continents on the identical time. Are you able to think about standing with one foot in Europe and the opposite in North America? Two tectonic plates, one being the North American plate and the opposite the Eurasian plate, collide on this park.
Gerduberg Cliff
Worthy of a brief go to is the Gerduberg Cliff. The Gerduberg basalt columns that reside on the cliff are completely symmetrical and it’s nearly as in the event that they had been minimize by hand. You’ll be able to view them from under and stroll as much as them and be granted with a incredible view throughout you. The cliff is over a kilometer lengthy and can certainly impress you.
Seals of Ytri Tunga
A few 30 minute drive from the cliff, you’ll discover a personal seaside referred to as Ytri Tunga. The proprietor permits everybody to enter his land to take a look at the superb wildlife there: seals.
You could find them chilling on the rocks subsequent to the water they usually’re unimpressed by people. Some individuals got here means too shut, so please hold an honest distance from these wild animals and don’t disturb them.
Budir Black Church
As we’re making our means as much as the Westfjords we nonetheless have some sights to see within the beautiful Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Like Búðakirkja, aka Budir Black Church. One in all three black church buildings in Iceland. It’s not simply the image excellent black church, but additionally the environment that makes this web site a must-see.
Lóndrangar Seashore
Lóndrangar are a set of basalt volcanic dykes protruding from the ocean. They’re the remainders of a crater, which has been eroded to its present type by the ocean. Many check with Lóndrangar as a citadel constructed on a cliff reaching out at sea.
Stroll as much as a viewpoint the place you get rewarded with superb views throughout, a number of seagulls resting on the perimeters of the cliffs and in case you’re fortunate with a number of puffins.
You will get slightly nearer to Lóndrangar. Simply observe the path on the proper aspect of the car parking zone and this mountaineering path will lead you nearly unto the seaside. They appear to open and shut the seaside from time to time. While you go to this seaside be sure you test if it’s open or not.
By the best way, because the saga goes, this land belongs to elves. They prefer it quiet, so be sure to don’t disturb them when you’re right here. This story will certainly be successful with the youngsters. They’ll search for them in each nook and cranny.
Saxhóll Crater
A 15 minute drive from Lóndrangar you’ll discover Saxhóll Crater. Though this crater isn’t full of azure blue water like Kerid, it’s nonetheless cool to face on prime of it. Simply take into consideration the truth that it as soon as shot boiling sizzling magma from the earth, sculpting the panorama throughout you.
From the highest of the crater you get nice views over the Atlantic Ocean and the dried lava fields of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Ólafsvik
The lovable fishing city of Ólafsvik solely has 1000 inhabitants. It’s a nice village to remain in if you wish to discover the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Get pleasure from your time birdwatching, mountaineering and exploring the seashores.
Ólafsvik can also be an excellent city to guide a whale watching tour. And from February to early July you may even spot orca’s whereas out at sea. That is the perfect space in Iceland for an encounter with killer whales.
Kirkjufell
Kirkjufell is without doubt one of the highlights of Iceland. You could find Kirkjufell on the north shore of Iceland’s Snæfellsnes Peninsula, close to the city of Grundarfjörður
With its pointy peak this spectacular mountain is available in sight a couple of minutes earlier than you park your automobile on the small car parking zone proper subsequent to route 54. You’ll be able to hike round it and climb it in 1,5 hours, however it’s fairly a steep climb, not advisable with younger children who aren’t regular or considerably skilled walkers but.
Throughout the highway from Church Mountain (that means of the phrase Kirkjufell) you’ll discover a small but beautiful waterfall, named Kirkjufellsfoss. Don’t simply take a look at the waterfall, however stroll round it and proper there you may shoot the proper image of Kirkjufell Mountain with Kirkjufellsfoss proper in entrance of it.
For those who or your teenagers are followers of Recreation Of Thrones then Kirkjufell Mountain might be in your bucket listing. This mountain is the backdrop of many scenes within the present.
Hólmavik
Like Olafsvik, Hólmavik is a cute little fishing city. And it’s a great spot to begin a whale watching tour from. It’s extra quiet than Reykjavik, Akureyri and Olafsvik. This isn’t as a result of you may have decrease probabilities of recognizing whales. There merely isn’t a lot else to do on this fishing city in addition to consuming scrumptious seafood and whale watching. And that’s purpose sufficient to cease right here for a day.
Hvítserkur
In Húnaflói Bay a 15 meter tall basalt rock stack protrudes from the water. A wondrous factor. Icelandic individuals name it the troll of Northwest Iceland, however my household and I imagine it seems extra like a dragon ingesting from the water. Others imagine it seems like an elephant or a rhino.
Don’t simply go proper by it on the seaside, however be sure that to stroll the 400 meter viewpoint path and also you get to see it like in our pic under.
Akureyri
Time for an additional metropolis journey. The capital of the north: Akureyri. Situated about 100 kilometers from the Arctic Circle, it’s an essential fishing centre and port and has heaps to supply to vacationers. Don’t be shocked to seek out cruiseships in its harbor. Akureyri is unquestionably price visiting, and an increasing number of individuals are conscious of that.
You don’t want greater than a day right here, be sure that to go to Akureyri’s Botanical Backyard, for a pleasant stroll with the youngsters. You’ll spot a number of arctic vegetation right here, due to its close to neighborhood to the Arctic Circle. And after that stroll it’s time for some ice cream. Get it from Brynjuís, identified in Iceland because the place that sells the perfect smooth serve ice cream within the nation.
See additionally: To not Miss Cities of Iceland
Mývatn
Lake Mývatn and its environment is an space so lovely, that it’s best to keep right here for a number of days. This space is a part of the northeastern reply to western Golden Circle: the Diamond Circle. Mývatn means mosquito lake and that looks as if an acceptable identify. Iceland doesn’t have mosquitos, but it surely has midges, which is fairly comparable. And you will discover loads of them round right here. However don’t let the midges cease you from visiting the lake. Its geology is insanely lovely as a result of it sits about an extremely lively geothermal space. On the lake you’ll spot a number of tiny islands, which can be known as pseudocraters, however are in actual fact basalt columns.
In addition to mountaineering across the lake, you are able to do a number of different child pleasant hikes right here or journey to the Víti volcano. However the absolute prime factor to do in Mývatn is a go to to its nature baths! A household exercise that everybody will most undoubtedly take pleasure in. Neglect concerning the extraordinarily busy Blue Lagoon (guide your tickets on-line first). Right here you will see that true serenity and leisure as a household. Get pleasure from a drink within the water and the attractive environment.
Dettifoss & Selfoss
Dettifoss is called certainly one of Europe’s strongest waterfalls. A real spotlight of the Diamond Circle route. While you get shut sufficient, you’ll really feel the bottom shaking below your ft. And it’s loud! Spectacular on all accounts.
Upriver you’ll discover smaller, however wider and no much less lovely, Selfoss.
To get to each viewpoints takes slightly hike, however a lovely one.
Arctic Henge
The Arctic Henge will be present in Raufarhöfn. It’s situated on the Melrakkaslétta Peninsula, the northernmost village on the Icelandic mainland. Solely the island of Grímsey, lies additional north.
Like Stonehenge, the Arctic Henge is sort of a big sundial. The stone arches on web site are organized to seize the sunshine of the Midnight Solar because it strikes throughout the sky in summer season. To call an instance, on June twenty first it aligns completely with the south arch.
Studlagil Canyon
Stuðlagil Canyon was created when river Jökla pressured its means from the highlands to the North of the island. You could find it in Jap Iceland in a glacier valley referred to as Jökuldalur. Standing in and across the valley you may spot excessive and really spectacular basalt columns. You’ll be able to take a number of hikes across the canyon and thru it.
Our teen stated that strolling by means of it made him half anticipate to see magical creatures like dragons or unicorns. We agreed, it’s sort of otherworldly and positively a magical place that takes your breath away!
Egilsstadir
Egilsstaðir is a superb place to remain to find the world round this village. There’s not a lot to do within the city itself, in addition to purchasing, having a meal at one of many eating places and going to the guests centre.
Egilsstaðir is the perfect city in Jap Iceland to function a base to go to the Vök Pure Baths, mountaineering in Hallormsstaðaskógur forest and looking for Lagarfljót Wyrm at Lagarfjlót lake.
Who’s Lagarfljót Wyrm? The extra vicious sibling of the Loch Ness monster, a venom spouting worm!
See additionally: Conventional Meals in Iceland
Hengifoss
Close to Lagarfjlót you will see that a really particular waterfall, that deserves a separate spot on this final highway journey information of Iceland. And that’s Hengifoss. Park the automobile and hike your means as much as Hengifoss in about an hour. It’s a lovely scenic hike up and also you shouldn’t neglect to look again behind you, as a result of strolling up means you get an excellent view of your environment, for example of Lagarfjlót lake.
In your means up you’ll first see a mini model of Hengifoss, fittingly named Litlanesfoss.
Hengifoss is surrounded by layers of basaltic strata with skinny layers of crimson clay in between. It seems like a chocolate cake full of jelly and it’s a lovely sight. We walked round and sat down for a bit. Surrounded by sheep simply navigating their means by means of rocks and pebbles and unphased by our presence.
The water coming down from each Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss leads to lake Lagarfjlót.
Seydisfjördur
Seyðisfjörður is your final cease in East Iceland and is a small and cute village. It’s identified for its rainbow highway main as much as a church. A number of the 700 residents of this city and a lot of the native companies pitched in to paint the bricks and present their help to the LGBTQ neighborhood. On each side of this avenue you’ll discover native outlets and eating places. Very photogenic and cute!
Diamond Seashore
The following two locations on this full household highway journey information of Iceland are situated proper subsequent to one another. First is Diamond Seashore, a strip of volcanic black sand full of massive chunks of ice from the icebergs. A magical factor to see for the entire household.
I like to recommend visiting Diamond Seashore early within the morning. If you wish to take footage with out massive crowds of individuals taking selfies with it and also you need your children to have room to mess around a bit, it’s a must to be there round 8am or 9am. It will likely be price it!
Jokulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
On the opposite aspect of the bridge you’ll discover Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Each Jökulsárlón and Diamond seaside are a part of the Breiðamerkursandur glacial plain. The place else in Europe do you get the possibility to hang around at and on a glacier lake full of totally different sizes of icebergs?
I extremely advocate reserving a visit on an amphibian boat tour and discover the lagoon. They provide life vests for all their friends and there’s no age restrict, so you may also convey your child or toddler alongside, they’ve life vests on supply in all sizes.
Don’t neglect to seek for seals. You’ll see them chilling on the ice and looking for fish within the water.
Skaftafell
Skaftafell is the place to be for hikers. Brief and straightforward trails lead you to websites like waterfall Svartifoss or Skaftafellsjökull. There’s additionally a big campsite right here the place I counsel you to remain (pre-booking suggested in the course of the excessive season). They provide all of the facilities you want, there’s a restaurant on web site and there’s additionally a customer centre the place you will discover mountaineering maps, purchase souvenirs or guide a tour to go on a glacier hike.
See additionally: Suggestions For Tenting In Iceland
Reynisfjara
The basalt rock columns that you could see at Reynisfjara seaside are the identical kind as at Stuðlagil Canyon. However in a a lot totally different setting. Situated at a seaside with lovely black sand, you’ll discover these basalt columns perched towards the rock wall. However that’s not all. While you look out at sea, you’ll see basalt pillars in several styles and sizes popping out the water trying like a bunch of spectacular giants.
Sólheimasandur Aircraft Wreck
To start with of the 70s, an American airplane crashed at a black seaside in Sólheimasandur. They by no means eliminated it and what’s left of the airplane grew to become an actual vacationer attraction. It takes two hours to hike up there, in order that is perhaps a problem for smaller kids. Nevertheless it’s a straightforward hike and a lovely scenic one.
There’s no signal to point out you the best way. Simply seek for Sólheimasandur car parking zone in Google Maps, park your automobile there and begin your hike.
A hike as much as the airplane wreck in Sólheimasandur just isn’t attainable throughout winter time. You received’t have the ability to drive as much as the car parking zone. Which is your start line of the hike.
Skogafoss
You’re nearly on the finish of your loved ones highway journey by means of Iceland. Fortunately you continue to get to admire some final gems, whereas slowly heading again to the airport. Beginning with two of essentially the most well-known waterfalls of Iceland. The primary being Skogafoss.
As quickly as you park the automobile, you get a primary glimpse of Skogafoss. A small strip of black sand seaside leads as much as this excessive waterfall. Actually spectacular. On the proper of the waterfall there’s a steep picket staircase that provides you the chance to stroll all the best way as much as the highest of the waterfall. Providing nice views in fact!
Seljalandsfoss
Final waterfall, however actually not the least is Seljalandsfoss, probably the most well-known waterfalls. And never with out purpose. You’ll be able to stroll behind it! A cavern behind it offers you the possibility to stroll across the complete waterfall.
High tip: go to early within the morning, in any other case you’ll be strolling there with a whole bunch of different vacationers on a day tour from Reykjavik.
The path behind the autumn is muddy and the rocks slippery. I wouldn’t advise to let an unsteady toddler stroll by itself. On the finish it’s a must to climb slightly bit over slippery rocks. Which brings me to my second tip: put on a raincoat or a poncho, you’ll get soaking moist!
Hvolsvöllur
This one’s for the youngsters. Finish your highway journey at Valhalla Restaurant and Saga Middle. Youngsters can study concerning the historical past of vikings, and sagas just like the tales about valhalla. Finish your go to with lunch or dinner within the restaurant. You’ll be consuming nice burgers and fries in viking model!
That’s it! After visiting Hvolsvöllur you both finish your journey in Reykjavik (a 1,5 hour drive) or drop off your car in Keflavik (a 2 hour drive) and fly again residence.
I hope this whole household highway journey information of Iceland helps you along with your itinerary.
Iceland affords heaps to see and do for adults and youngsters. You’ve seen towering waterfalls, swam in geothermal baths, visited black sand seashores and your children looked for fairytale creatures. The land of ice and hearth is a superb and straightforward vacation spot for a household highway journey!
Are you in want of extra household journey guides of Iceland? Like guides to the Diamond and Golden Circle or a metropolis information of Reykjavik. Then go to Sas Crossing International locations and take a look at all her Iceland household journey articles.
Sas Crossing International locations
Blogger Saskia principally travels along with her household. They like to go on highway journeys that may take them to each nook of a rustic. Saskia’s love for journey, images, journey planning and writing led to the beginning of household journey weblog Sas Crossing International locations.
