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Iceland is likely one of the most photogenic nations on the earth. It’s very simple to navigate by with a Ring Highway that covers all the nation in a loop and alongside all the shoreline. Driving this street will get you to so many highlights that it’s exhausting to not cease each 5 minutes.
Ring Highway makes Iceland a tremendous vacation spot for street journeys, particularly household street journeys.
Fashionable 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 can 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 measurement?
The nice infrastructure and measurement of Iceland makes it very simple for households to discover in two to 4 weeks. The next household Iceland street journey itinerary covers all the nation. With this information gives every thing you want for the very best Iceland street journey with youngsters!
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’s going to 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 just’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 time months.
Iceland within the winter months
You’ll get the possibility to see the nation’s beautiful 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 might have a greater probability of seeing the Aurora Borealis, aka Northern Lights.
Highway tripping by Iceland with younger youngsters
Iceland is likely one of the most secure nations on the earth. Icelandic individuals are extra reserved and quiet, however they’re very heat in direction of youngsters. My toddler received many winks and smiles whereas we have been there.
Talking of toddlers, I wouldn’t street journey in a campervan or caravan outdoors of July or August. Even this time of 12 months you must 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 12 months it simply merely will get too chilly to maintain the youngest ones heat sufficient in a campervan. For those who’re climbing with youngsters in a again service, ensure that it has a raincover you may connect to it. It’s going to hold the wind out and it retains them dry.
Youngsters of all ages could have a blast in Iceland, with all that nature has to supply. Iceland is a superb alternative for a street journey with youngsters!
Easy methods to get round Iceland
Being a high journey vacation spot, Iceland is extraordinarily nicely linked by air.
Iceland has some nice roads. For those who keep on the Ring Highway you are able to do this with a 2WD, F-roads are solely (partially) doable with a 4WD. In winter a few of these F-roads are closed, as a result of they’re not secure to drive.
There aren’t any trains in Iceland, however you may discover the nation by bus. Buses are usually on time, clear and cozy. Simply bear in mind that it’s fairly costly to journey by bus, and in winter, service is perhaps restricted because of the climate.
Epic household street journey round Iceland
This entire household street journey information of Iceland relies round Route 1, aka the Ring Highway or Hringvegurinn in Icelandic. Ring Highway encircles the island and is roughly 1.333 kilometers lengthy. This itinerary takes you alongside all the Ring Highway, but additionally takes you off street by all that Iceland.
The beginning of your loved ones street journey by Iceland
The selection of heading north or south as soon as on the Ring Highway will depend on the belongings you wish to see and do. Issues like being on time to identify orca’s or puffins are examples that doubtless affect your resolution with reference to your start line. We went north first and the next itinerary follows that instance.
See additionally: Iceland for Youngsters: Ideas and Actions
3 week household street 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 decide up your automobile and head to Reykjavik. Town centre is comparatively small. The whole lot is inside strolling distance and the issues you must see and do are:
- A go to to Hallgrimskirkja
- Try architectural gem, Harpa
- Eat an Icelandic scorching canine at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
- Try memento store Thor, your youngsters will love the large wood 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 ideal sense of town keep for two to three days earlier than transferring 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 applicable title. 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 formidable crater lake, referred to as Kerid. Vivid reds and greens (the latter relying on the season after all) define the crater. Image good 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 likely one of the most iconic. For those who’ve been researching to your Iceland street journey you most undoubtedly have seen a number of photos 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 received its title from.
Geysir & Strokkur
The subsequent Golden Circle website is likely one of the most well-known of the world. It’s a website 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 trying out Strokkur discover the remainder of this scorching spring space with boiling mud pits and some smaller geysirs. You may as well stroll as much as an ideal 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 decide one factor to see on this park, as a part of their Golden Circle tour. However it deserves an extended go to. This stunning UNESCO World Heritage Web site affords a wealth of issues to see and do. Iceland’s largest pure lake may be discovered right here, you may take a dive within the Silfra fissure, spot waterfall Öxarárfoss and observe a number of the many climbing 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 have been lower by hand. You possibly can view them from under and stroll as much as them and be granted with a unbelievable view throughout you. The cliff is over a kilometer lengthy and can certainly impress you.
Seals of Ytri Tunga
A couple of 30 minute drive from the cliff, you’ll discover a personal seashore referred to as Ytri Tunga. The proprietor permits everybody to enter his land to take a look at the superb wildlife there: seals.
You will discover them chilling on the rocks subsequent to the water and so they’re unimpressed by people. Some individuals got here manner too shut, so please hold a good distance from these wild animals and don’t disturb them.
Budir Black Church
As we’re making our manner 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 good black church, but additionally the environment that makes this website a must-see.
Lóndrangar Seaside
Lóndrangar are a group of basalt volcanic dykes protruding from the ocean. They’re the remainders of a crater, which has been eroded to its present kind by the ocean. Many consult 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, plenty of seagulls resting on the perimeters of the cliffs and when you’re fortunate with just a few puffins.
You will get a bit nearer to Lóndrangar. Simply observe the path on the appropriate aspect of the car parking zone and this climbing path will lead you nearly unto the seashore. They appear to open and shut the seashore from time to time. While you go to this seashore remember to examine if it’s open or not.
By the way in which, because the saga goes, this land belongs to elves. They prefer it quiet, so be sure to don’t disturb them whilst you’re right here. This story will certainly be a success 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 stuffed with azure blue water like Kerid, it’s nonetheless cool to face on high of it. Simply take into consideration the truth that it as soon as shot boiling scorching 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. Take pleasure in your time birdwatching, climbing and exploring the seashores.
Ólafsvik can also be an ideal city to e-book a whale watching tour. And from February to early July you may even spot orca’s whereas out at sea. That is the very best space in Iceland for an encounter with killer whales.
Kirkjufell
Kirkjufell is likely one of the highlights of Iceland. You will discover 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 possibly can hike round it and climb it in 1,5 hours, however it’s fairly a steep climb, not advisable with younger youngsters who aren’t regular or considerably skilled walkers but.
Throughout the street 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 Sport Of Thrones then Kirkjufell Mountain might be in your bucket record. 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 good 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 might have decrease probabilities of recognizing whales. There merely isn’t a lot else to do on this fishing city apart from 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 consider it appears extra like a dragon consuming from the water. Others consider it appears like an elephant or a rhino.
Don’t simply move proper by it on the seashore, however ensure 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 necessary fishing centre and port and has heaps to supply to vacationers. Don’t be stunned to search out cruiseships in its harbor. Akureyri is unquestionably value visiting, and increasingly more individuals are conscious of that.
You don’t want greater than a day right here, ensure that to go to Akureyri’s Botanical Backyard, for a pleasant stroll with the youngsters. You’ll spot plenty of arctic crops 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, recognized in Iceland because the place that sells the very best comfortable serve ice cream within the nation.
See additionally: To not Miss Cities of Iceland
Mývatn
Lake Mývatn and its environment is an space so stunning, that it’s best to keep right here for just a few 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 title. Iceland doesn’t have mosquitos, nevertheless it has midges, which is fairly related. And you could find loads of them round right here. However don’t let the midges cease you from visiting the lake. Its geology is insanely stunning as a result of it sits about an extremely lively geothermal space. On the lake you’ll spot a number of tiny islands, which might be known as pseudocraters, however are in reality basalt columns.
Apart from climbing across the lake, you are able to do plenty of different child pleasant hikes right here or journey to the Víti volcano. However the absolute high factor to do in Mývatn is a go to to its nature baths! A household exercise that everybody will most undoubtedly get pleasure from. Overlook concerning the extraordinarily busy Blue Lagoon (e-book your tickets on-line first). Right here you will discover true serenity and rest as a household. Take pleasure in a drink within the water and the attractive environment.
Dettifoss & Selfoss
Dettifoss is called one in all 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 stunning, Selfoss.
To get to each viewpoints takes a bit hike, however an exquisite one.
Arctic Henge
The Arctic Henge may 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 website are organized to seize the sunshine of the Midnight Solar because it strikes throughout the sky in summer time. To call an instance, on June twenty first it aligns completely with the south arch.
Studlagil Canyon
Stuðlagil Canyon was created when river Jökla compelled its manner from the highlands to the North of the island. You will discover 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 possibly can take a number of hikes across the canyon and thru it.
Our teen stated that strolling by it made him half count on 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 realm round this village. There’s not a lot to do within the city itself, apart from procuring, having a meal at one of many eating places and going to the guests centre.
Egilsstaðir is the very best city in Jap Iceland to function a base to go to the Vök Pure Baths, climbing 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 discover a really particular waterfall, that deserves a separate spot on this final street journey information of Iceland. And that’s Hengifoss. Park the automobile and hike your manner as much as Hengifoss in about an hour. It’s an exquisite scenic hike up and also you shouldn’t overlook to look again behind you, as a result of strolling up means you get an ideal view of your environment, for example of Lagarfjlót lake.
In your manner 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 purple clay in between. It appears like a chocolate cake stuffed with jelly and it’s an exquisite sight. We walked round and sat down for a bit. Surrounded by sheep simply navigating their manner by rocks and pebbles and unphased by our presence.
The water coming down from each Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss results in lake Lagarfjlót.
Seydisfjördur
Seyðisfjörður is your final cease in East Iceland and is a small and cute village. It’s recognized for its rainbow street main as much as a church. Quite a lot of the 700 residents of this city and a lot of the native companies pitched in to paint the bricks and present their assist to the LGBTQ group. On either side of this avenue you’ll discover native outlets and eating places. Very photogenic and cute!
Diamond Seaside
The subsequent two locations on this full household street journey information of Iceland are situated proper subsequent to one another. First is Diamond Seaside, a strip of volcanic black sand stuffed with massive chunks of ice from the icebergs. A magical factor to see for the entire household.
I like to recommend visiting Diamond Seaside early within the morning. If you wish to take photos with out massive crowds of individuals taking selfies with it and also you need your youngsters to have room to mess around a bit, you must be there round 8am or 9am. Will probably be value it!
Jokulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
On the opposite aspect of the bridge you’ll discover Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Each Jökulsárlón and Diamond seashore 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 stuffed with completely different sizes of icebergs?
I extremely suggest reserving a visit on an amphibian boat tour and discover the lagoon. They provide life vests for all their company and there’s no age restrict, so you can too carry your child or toddler alongside, they’ve life vests on provide in all sizes.
Don’t overlook to seek for seals. You’ll see them chilling on the ice and trying to find fish within the water.
Skaftafell
Skaftafell is the place to be for hikers. Quick and simple 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 website and there’s additionally a customer centre the place you could find climbing maps, purchase souvenirs or e-book a tour to go on a glacier hike.
See additionally: Ideas For Tenting In Iceland
Reynisfjara
The basalt rock columns which you can see at Reynisfjara seashore are the identical sort as at Stuðlagil Canyon. However in a a lot completely different setting. Situated at a seashore with stunning 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 numerous sizes and styles popping out the water trying like a bunch of spectacular giants.
Sólheimasandur Aircraft Wreck
At first of the 70s, an American aircraft crashed at a black seashore in Sólheimasandur. They by no means eliminated it and what’s left of the aircraft grew to become an actual vacationer attraction. It takes two hours to hike up there, in order that is perhaps a problem for smaller youngsters. However it’s a simple hike and an exquisite scenic one.
There’s no signal to point out you the way in which. Simply seek for Sólheimasandur car parking zone in Google Maps, park your automobile there and begin your hike.
A hike as much as the aircraft wreck in Sólheimasandur shouldn’t be doable throughout winter time. You received’t be capable 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 street journey by 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 seashore leads as much as this excessive waterfall. Actually spectacular. On the appropriate of the waterfall there’s a steep wood staircase that offers you the chance to stroll all the way in which as much as the highest of the waterfall. Providing nice views after all!
Seljalandsfoss
Final waterfall, however definitely not the least is Seljalandsfoss, one of the well-known waterfalls. And never with out purpose. You possibly can stroll behind it! A cavern behind it offers you the possibility to stroll across the whole waterfall.
High tip: go to early within the morning, in any other case you’ll be strolling there with a whole lot 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 you must climb a bit 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 street journey at Valhalla Restaurant and Saga Heart. Youngsters can be taught 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 fashion!
That’s it! After visiting Hvolsvöllur you both finish your journey in Reykjavik (a 1,5 hour drive) or drop off your automobile in Keflavik (a 2 hour drive) and fly again house.
I hope this whole household street journey information of Iceland helps you together 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 youngsters looked for fairytale creatures. The land of ice and hearth is a superb and simple vacation spot for a household street 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 Nations and take a look at all her Iceland household journey articles.
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