Iceland: Waterfalls, Hot Springs & Hiking Volcanic Landscapes

Prepare to be transported into a world of dramatic landscapes that have inspired local lore of trolls and fairies. Dream of majestic waterfalls, glistening glaciers and hiking the volcanic landscapes as you head off into the countryside. We welcome you to Iceland, and invite you to ignite your imagination as you immerse yourself into the land of fire and ice. ...more ...less

Travel from Hella to the trailhead with a lunch stop along the way. See the beautiful Gljúfrabúi Waterfall before heading on foot to Seljalandsfoss, one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland with a small cave you can visit behind the falls. Continue on to your OMG Stay for a welcome dinner in the evening.

Additional Information: This tour departs from Reykjavik on day 1 and it is required to be at the meeting point hotel no later than 10:30am.

ACTIVITY: Gljúfrabúi (or Canyon Dweller) is a beautiful waterfall. After a few metres of travelling through a narrow valley, a small space opens up, and here, Gljúfrabúi tumbles before a great boulder, which is easily climbable for some great photos. From there, walk to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall which is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland. One of the interesting things about this waterfall is that visitors can walk behind it into a small cave.
Elevation gain: 120 meters

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle en route to your OMG Stay in Hella.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of your private vehicle to Gljufrabui with stops along the way.

Volcanic landscapes and waterfalls abound as you hike in the hidden gem of the Gjáin Valley. Witness the meeting of two rivers at Hjálparfoss and soak in a geothermal pool with a spouting geyser. This is Iceland in all it's glory.

Drive to the Gjáin Valley for a hike to the waterfall before continuing on to Hjálparfoss. After lunch in Flúðir, visit the Secret Lagoon geothermal hot springs for a swim before returning to the hotel for a free evening.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: A lush oasis nestled between barren, volcanic rocks, Gjáin’s cascading waterfalls and vibrant foliage will take your breath away. As you meander around Rauðá river, fed by the majestic Gjárfoss Waterfall and its smaller companions, imagine the life of the Vikings who once thrived in these ancient lands before the Hekla volcano’s eruption in 1104.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Hjálparfoss is an incredible display of nature, marking where the rivers Fossá and Þjórsá meet. Both of these are known as some of Iceland’s best and most accessible fishing rivers, while Þjórsá also takes the title of being the country’s longest. The two rivers fall from a lava field at about a 45 degree angle from each other, from about the same height, and their cascades merge as they tumble into a serene pool.

ACTIVITY: The Secret Lagoon natural hot springs are the Golden Circle's best kept secret. The pool's natural surroundings and steam rising into the air gives the place a magical feeling. Warm water stays at 38-40 celsius all year. There are several geothermal spots and a little Geysir which erupts every 5 minutes. Swimsuit and towel rentals are available.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Discover more of Iceland's stunning natural beauty as you hike to Skõgarfoss, arguably one of the most mesmerising waterfalls in the country. Featured in films from Thor to The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, you may be familiar with this landmark already. Take in all of the spectacular scenery and learn about the volcanic origins of Iceland's powerful natural formation at the place where two continental plates meet.

Transfer to Fimmvorduhals Trailhead where you'll begin the hike to Skõgarfoss Waterfall. After lunch, continue to the Lava Centre before returning to your hotel for the evening.

TRANSPORT: MORNING Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Visit Skógafoss, one of the largest and most recognizable waterfalls in Iceland. The 60m (200 ft) high falls forms a constant mist that floats in the air. If viewed in the sunlight, the mist can create rainbows. The sound and view of the thundering water cutting through the green hills make the falls a must-see on any trip to Iceland. Set off on the moderately challenging hike to become acquainted with the magical landscape here.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: AFTERNOON Visit this stunning interactive exhibition to learn about all aspects of Iceland's unique geography, including volcanoes, earthquakes and geothermal activity.

TRANSPORT: EVENING Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Keep your camera handy today as you visit the highlights along the famed Golden Circle route where you'll see majestic waterfalls and a geyser that spouts water high up into the sky. You'll also taste bread that was baked underground with Iceland's ever-present geothermal energy. Stay active by hiking to another stunning waterfall from Thingvellir National Park.

Transfer from Hella to the Golden Circle route, with stops at Gullfoss Falls, Geysir and a geothermal bakery on the way. Continue to Thingvellir where you'll begin a short hike to the Öxarárfoss Waterfall. Arrive at the hotel and enjoy a free evening to relax.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: MORNING Discover one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland, Gullfoss, and complete the circuit known as the Golden Circle. This massive waterfall cascades over three “steps” before spilling into a large crevice. Fed by a glacier lake, the water passing through the falls can be a dark grey depending on how much sediment gets pushed through the river.

ACTIVITY: See a variety of geothermal pools and the erupting hot spring Strokkur. Geysir is one of the oldest geysers recorded in the world, but is most often dormant. Strokkur erupts a spray of boiling hot water straight into the air about every ten minutes.

ACTIVITY: Watch first hand as bakers dig out a pot of fresh bread from steaming black sand. Taste the bread, served hot from the ground, with some butter and take home the recipe for Iceland's famous rye bread.

ACTIVITY: AFTERNOON Öxarárfoss Waterfall gushes out of the mighty cliffs of Almannagjo Gorge in southwest Iceland. Small in size but big in presence, the 13 m (44 ft) high waterfall is located inside Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Öxarárfoss Waterfall is famed for being a film location in the hit TV series Game of Thrones, but is also known for its special geology. The human-made waterfall sits on the edge of the boundary line between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Elevation gain: 230 meters

TRANSPORT: AFTERNOON Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Pristine and untouched natural beauty is the theme today as you set off to explore Langjokull, the second-largest glacier in the whole of Iceland. Travel up the snowy white slopes before immersing yourself in man-made ice tunnels, surrounded by ice in the heart of the glacier.

Hop into a modified glacier vehicle built specifically to explore this unique environment, and drive up to the ice cap. Your local guide will provide information about the glacier while leading you through man-made tunnels into the core. Enjoy an included lunch before a free afternoon. Opt to take part in a local hike or relax at the hotel.

ACTIVITY: MORNING Enter the raw beauty of Iceland’s second largest glacier, Langjokull. Set off in modified glacier vehicles to the Klaki Basecamp and the glacier entrance where you'll go into man-made ice tunnels toward the heart of the glacier. Learn all about ice and geology along the way and gain a new perspective on these massive features that have shaped the planet.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Spend the afternoon free and try some of the optional activities in the area. Opt for a scenic hike or relax at the hotel.

Immerse yourself further into Iceland's stunning landscapes as you explore by foot, with the choice of either a more challenging or moderate hike. Traverse the canyon and view interesting rock formations and sculptures by the artist Páll Guõmundsson, a Húsafell native, or follow in the footsteps of past travellers who blazed the trail between different regions of Iceland along natural water springs.

Choose between a moderate or a more challening hike before spending the rest of the day at leisure to relax at the hotel and enjoy the facilities.

ACTIVITY: MORNING Option 1: A more challenging walk will take you 5 km (3.1 mi) along both sides of the canyon up to a scenic view point with a trail register. Interesting formations can be seen at Bæjargil as well as sculptures at various points by the artist Páll Guðmundsson from Húsafell.
Elevation gain: 300 metres

Option 2: This moderate 10.5 km (6.5 mi) hike visits the natural springs at Kaldárbotnar. Follow the Þrengsli trail to Hlíðarendi where you'll move between different regions of Iceland.
Elevation gain: 90 metres

Leaving Húsafell behind, you'll head to Vidgelmir cave where you'll see first hand the impact of volcanic activity. Wander into the depths of this magical underworld, where the incredible colours and unique geologic formations once sealed away in darkness are now accessible for you to see and enjoy.

Take a morning drive to Vidgelmir Cave where you'll explore with a local guide. From there, return to Reykjavik for some free time before gathering together again in the evening for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery back to Reykjavik, from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Take a tour into the depths of the ear at the Víðgelmir Cave. Don helmets and headlamps as you explore this subterranean wonderland that showcases the raw power of Iceland's geological forces. Stroll along the walkways and admire the features and colours of this underground natural wonder.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Enjoy free time in Reykjavik. Perhaps visit the Perlan Museum before your farewell dinner.

Today your adventure comes to an end and you can depart at any time.

ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.