3 day Golden Circle & South Coast Itinerary

Iceland is a unique destination. Perched on the mid-Atlantic ridge, where the Earth’s crust is thin, it’s a volcanic wonderland. Black lava fields drop from towering volcanos. Bubbling mud pots and sulphurous vents scar the land. Colourful mountains rise above crystal blue lakes and crashing waterfalls. It’s a stunningly beautiful country.

The ring road winds around the exterior of this island and has become a rite of passage for many road trippers. But to appreciate the power of nature and the utter desolation of this 10-day Iceland itinerary, we take a 4×4 through rivers and over rocky tracks into the central highlands.

Here the crowds disappear and the hiking and landscapes are at their most magnificent.

Start the morning at Thingvellir National Park, where the national parliament of Iceland was established in 930 CE. Explore the history and stroll along the walls of the mid-Atlantic ridge which runs through the site.

Next, head to Geysir, home to a number of spouting hot springs. The mightiest is the Great Geysir, which can hurl water 70 metres into the air. But its eruptions are very infrequent. You almost definitely have to settle for the much more active Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes spouting up to 30 metres.

After grabbing lunch in the café opposite, make your way to Gullfoss, a magnificent 32m double waterfall crashing between 70m canyon walls.

Double back, and head south to Fuorir where you will find the secret lagoon of Gamal Laugin. A beautiful hot water spring set in rural surrounds that is perfect for an afternoon relax.

If you have time, head up to Haifoss for another great waterfall, otherwise make your way onto the F26 Sprengisandur mountain road to Hrauneyjar for the night.

Start the morning at Thingvellir National Park, where the national parliament of Iceland was established in 930 CE. Explore the history and stroll along the walls of the mid-Atlantic ridge which runs through the site.

Next, head to Geysir, home to a number of spouting hot springs. The mightiest is the Great Geysir, which can hurl water 70 metres into the air. But its eruptions are very infrequent. You almost definitely have to settle for the much more active Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes spouting up to 30 metres.

After grabbing lunch in the café opposite, make your way to Gullfoss, a magnificent 32m double waterfall crashing between 70m canyon walls.

Double back, and head south to Fuorir where you will find the secret lagoon of Gamal Laugin. A beautiful hot water spring set in rural surrounds that is perfect for an afternoon relax.

If you have time, head up to Haifoss for another great waterfall, otherwise make your way onto the F26 Sprengisandur mountain road to Hrauneyjar for the night.

Start the morning at Thingvellir National Park, where the national parliament of Iceland was established in 930 CE. Explore the history and stroll along the walls of the mid-Atlantic ridge which runs through the site.

Next, head to Geysir, home to a number of spouting hot springs. The mightiest is the Great Geysir, which can hurl water 70 metres into the air. But its eruptions are very infrequent. You almost definitely have to settle for the much more active Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes spouting up to 30 metres.

After grabbing lunch in the café opposite, make your way to Gullfoss, a magnificent 32m double waterfall crashing between 70m canyon walls.

Double back, and head south to Fuorir where you will find the secret lagoon of Gamal Laugin. A beautiful hot water spring set in rural surrounds that is perfect for an afternoon relax.

If you have time, head up to Haifoss for another great waterfall, otherwise make your way onto the F26 Sprengisandur mountain road to Hrauneyjar for the night.

Start the morning at Thingvellir National Park, where the national parliament of Iceland was established in 930 CE. Explore the history and stroll along the walls of the mid-Atlantic ridge which runs through the site.

Next, head to Geysir, home to a number of spouting hot springs. The mightiest is the Great Geysir, which can hurl water 70 metres into the air. But its eruptions are very infrequent. You almost definitely have to settle for the much more active Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes spouting up to 30 metres.

After grabbing lunch in the café opposite, make your way to Gullfoss, a magnificent 32m double waterfall crashing between 70m canyon walls.

Double back, and head south to Fuorir where you will find the secret lagoon of Gamal Laugin. A beautiful hot water spring set in rural surrounds that is perfect for an afternoon relax.

If you have time, head up to Haifoss for another great waterfall, otherwise make your way onto the F26 Sprengisandur mountain road to Hrauneyjar for the night.

Start the morning at Thingvellir National Park, where the national parliament of Iceland was established in 930 CE. Explore the history and stroll along the walls of the mid-Atlantic ridge which runs through the site.

Next, head to Geysir, home to a number of spouting hot springs. The mightiest is the Great Geysir, which can hurl water 70 metres into the air. But its eruptions are very infrequent. You almost definitely have to settle for the much more active Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes spouting up to 30 metres.

After grabbing lunch in the café opposite, make your way to Gullfoss, a magnificent 32m double waterfall crashing between 70m canyon walls.

Double back, and head south to Fuorir where you will find the secret lagoon of Gamal Laugin. A beautiful hot water spring set in rural surrounds that is perfect for an afternoon relax.

If you have time, head up to Haifoss for another great waterfall, otherwise make your way onto the F26 Sprengisandur mountain road to Hrauneyjar for the night.