LANDMANNALAUGAR
Langmannalaugar is located in the beautiful mountains of the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. It is a favorite for many tourists, and full of geothermal attractions! One of the most popular options for many tourists is to hike the trails here.
Top Attractions and Hike
- Start of the Laugavegur Trail leading to Þórsmörk. This trail can be done in 4, 6 or 8-day trips with tents or in Highlands Cabins.
- Hike Mt. Brennisteinsalda. This is a smaller hike, which will take you about 2-3 hours. Enjoy the beautiful view of colorful terrain, lava fields, and lakes..
- Traverse Mt. Bláhnjúkur. You can hike several of five different glaciers on a clear day. This hike will take about 3-4 hours.
You can learn more about hiking opportunities here.
Best Tours From Reykjavík to See Landmalungar
Here are some of the most affordable tours to take you from Reykjavik to Landmannalaugar. For summer tours, we recommend Landmannalaugar by bus from Reykjavik , Hella, and Leirubakki. Some other good options include Landmannalaugar by Jeep and Super Jeep tours of Thórsmörk.
Winter tours offer a different side of the region, with the glaciers and glacial rivers of Thórsmörk Valley on full display. Depending on Landmannalaugar’s weather, you might be able to take a small detour to the beautiful waterfall of the striking Stakkholtsgja Canyon.
You can find some more exciting tours here. If you’re looking specifically for hiking tours, check out some great options here.
WESTERN FJORDS
The Western Fjords are a beautiful piece of Iceland’s amazing landscape. You can find a beautiful black sand beach, as well as an amazing pink sand beach. The Western Fjords are home to the waterfall Dynjadi and has an amazing puffin population. There is much to see here, and it is generally uncrowded by tourists.
Top Things to See in Western Fjords
- Rauðasandur. This beach is beloved as the pink sand beach of Iceland, sporting red and golden sand. This sets the beach apart from many of the other coasts in Iceland, where you can find black sand beaches.
- Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. This beautiful nature reserve is deserted, but still lived in by some traditional farmers and fisherman. You can see some absolutely gorgeous plants landscape here! There are frequently seals on the beach, and plenty of birds for an unforgettable bird watching experience.
- Látrabjarg. Látrabjarg is well known for its excellent bird watching cliffs. There are literally millions of birds who make their home here. You can find Skuas, Artic Terns, Guillemots, Eider Ducks, and Razorbills, alongside the beloved Atlantic Puffins.
- Dynjandi. Dynjandi is a collection of powerful waterfalls in the region. You will never forget the experience if you have the chance to witness the immense power of this force of nature! The name of this waterfall means “Thunderous,” and it surely deserves this title.
How to Get to the Western Fjords from Reykjavík
Flight
The quickest way to get to the Westfjords is by flying. Air Iceland has flights to Ísafjörðu twice every day. The flight can cost around 9.000 to 12.000 ISK one way.
Another option is to fly Eagle Air which runs two flights per week from Reykjavik to Gjögur and six flights per week to Bíldudalur.
Bus
You can easily take a bus from Reyjavik to Holmavik. This route is available daily. From Holmavik, you can take a bus to Isafjordur; this route is only available in the summer.
For bus timetable and tickets check out this link.
EASTERN FJORDS
The experience in the Eastern Fjords is different from that in the Western. There is some incredible wildlife here, including wild reindeer, and beautiful scenery. It is a tranquil, beautiful place, and it cannot be overlooked!
Top Things to See in Eastern Fjords
- Egilsstaðir. This is the most lived in portion in the area. Here you can find good food, bars, places to stay, and a small airport. There’s lots of things to do here, and you can even check out the East Iceland Heritage Museum for a bit of culture.
- Hengifoss waterfall and Hallormsstaðu. Surrounding the lake Lagarfljót are two works of beauty – the Hengifoss waterfall and the Hallormsst∂ur forest. You can take a short 35-40 minute hike to see the waterfall in person, and roam through the stunning forest for hours at a time. Legend has it there’s also a monster living in the lake.
- Sey∂isfjör∂ur. Sey∂isfjör∂ur is a town full of creativity and life. Despite hosting a small population, there is a lot going on here! If you make it during the summer, you’re sure to find an exciting festival or art exhibit happening in town. There’s also some nice places to eat, and a few good places to grab souvenirs.
- Borgarfjordur Eystri. This quaint town is a place for fishermen and shepherds. It’s small, but worth a visit. There are plenty of little cliffs to hike, and has a reputation for being an excellent bird watching location.
How to Get to the Eastern Fjords from Reykjavík
Flight
Air Iceland runs three flights daily from Reykjavik to Egilsstadir. The flight can cost anywhere from 9.000 ISK to 15.000 ISK one way.
Bus
You can take a bus to Akureryri from Reyjavik which runs few times every day. From there you can take another bus to Egilsstadir.
Route 56: Akureyri – Egilsstaðir and Egilsstaðir – Akureyri. During the summer the bus leaves daily and 3-5 times a week in the winter. See the bus schedule here.
NORTH ICELAND
This is the place to go for whale watching, volcano spotting, and landscape photography. You can’t afford to go to Iceland and not check out some of the amazing geological wonders of this section of the country. The rock formations, craters, and bodies of water are unforgettable.
Top Things to See in Northern Iceland
- Akureyri. Akureyri is considered the capital of Northern Iceland. It’s a great place to make home base during your Northern Iceland tour, and offers plenty to do. There are hot spring tours, islands to explore, horseback riding to do, whales to see, and beautiful botanical gardens. You won’t run out of experiences here in Akureyri!
- Diamond Circle. The Diamond Circle is a wonderful tour circuit full of unforgettable sights and beautiful landscapes. There are 5 beautiful must-see landmarks within the circle: the Go∂afoss waterfall, Lake Myvatn, Dettifoss waterfall, Ásbyrgi canyon, and Húsavík (the whale watching capital of Iceland).
- Go∂afoss Waterfall. This waterfall is absolutely gorgeous and has rich history. The name literally means “The Waterfall of the Gods,” after Ljóvetningago∂i converted to Christianity and threw Norse god idols into the waterfall. It is beyond beautiful!
- Húsavik. Húsavík is known as the Whale Capital of Iceland. If you are interested in marine wildlife, this is the place for you. You can swim in geothermal springs, check out one of the local museums, and of course go whale watching.
- Grímsey Islands. There are less than 100 people living on this island, most of which are fisherman. You can only get here by ferry or small plane, and it is rather unvisited by tourists. Like everything in Iceland, it is beautiful, and will be a calm outing for your trip.
How to Get to Northern Iceland
Flight
There are 4 flights daily from Reykjavik to Akureyri. The cost one way can range from 9.000 ISK to 15.000 ISK.
Bus
There areregular buses leaving from Reykjavik to Akureyri. During the summer months (June to September), Sternatravel also offers hop-on-hop-off tours around the ring road.
For prices and timetable check this link.
