Autumn Itinerary
Shorter fall days and cooler temperatures transform Iceland’s green summer tundra into burnished gold and crimson, in striking contrast to pewter cliffs, basalt mountains and black sand beaches. Dark skies return after long summer days, and with them comes the potential to see the northern lights. Wildlife encounters center around whale watching and looking for elusive mammals like the Arctic fox. To explore Iceland in autumn is to experience its pure and powerful nature in a quiet season few will experience.
Day 1: Keflavik, Iceland / Reykjavik
Arrive at Keflavik International Airport where you are met on arrival and transferred to our hotel in Reykjavik, about a 45-minute drive. This evening, join our Expedition Leader for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, with an orientation to all the adventures that lie ahead in this geological wonderland.
Day 2: South Shore—Lava Center / Waterfalls / Vik—Lava Show
Explore Iceland’s south coast en route to Vik, an area known for its volcanic black sand beaches and countless waterfalls. We are in the region affected by the powerful 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajokull volcano, an event brought to life at the Lava Center, which features interactive exhibits depicting the colossal natural forces that have created Iceland over tens of millions of years. Here we learn about Iceland’s dynamic geology: the volcanic eruptions and lava flows, rift systems, faults and glacial floods that have forged the island. The center introduces us to the UNESCO Katla Global Geopark plus Iceland’s elaborate monitoring system for surveying volcanos and earthquake zones.
Continuing along the south coast, we stop at several thundering waterfalls, including Skogafoss and Kvernufoss. Another highlight is Reynisdrangar Rocks, a trio of columnar basalt sea stacks. Legend holds that they were formed after two trolls were out fishing in a three-masted ship. When the trolls did not return to their cave before sunrise, they and their vessel turned into needles of stone, since trolls cannot tolerate daylight. Here, we'll have a chance to walk on the famous black sand beach before continuing to the Lava Show in Vik, followed by dinner at the restaurant on site. The Lava Show, renowned for its educational value, recreates a volcanic eruption by superheating real lava up to 2000°F, then pouring the molten rock into a room at close range where guests can watch it flow, hear it sizzle and feel the incredible heat. After dinner, continue to our nearby hotel to spend the night.
Day 3: Skaftafell—Private Glacier Walk or Park Hike / Private Zodiac Tour of Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Our focus today is Skaftafell, a national park now absorbed inside the larger Vatnajokull National Park established in 2008. Known for its rugged landscapes, mountains and glaciers, Skaftafell contains about half of the Vatnajokull Glacier, Europe’s largest ice cap. No roads penetrate the park’s wild recesses, but two options offer a chance to explore a slice of it: Choose between a walk atop a glacier or an easy hike. We then board a private Zodiac to explore Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon, a less-touristed opportunity to get close to giant floating icebergs. The lake is the meltwater from Fjallsarlon Glacier, a tongue of the massive Vatnajokull Glacier, which has calved the huge chunks of blue ice that drift on the surface.
Day 4: Djupivogur Private Walking Tour / Vallanes Farm / Modrudalur
Enjoy a day of cultural connections as we enter the East Fjords, a little-visited region of forests, farms and picturesque fishing villages. In the town of Djupivogur, admire the Eggs of Merry Bay, one of Iceland’s most unusual sculptures. Created in 2009 by Icelandic artist Sigurdur Gudmundsson, the 34 large-scale egg replicas represent 34 bird species found in the area, each one mounted on a platform along the harbor. Take a scenic walk along the coast near Alftafjordur, then join a local resident for a stroll around a historic fishing town, learning about daily life where traditions and livelihoods center on the sea.
Heading inland, follow a remote road to Vallanes Farm where we stop for hot drinks and snacks at this organic farm and cafe crafted of sustainably harvested wood. Continue to Modrudalur, one of the oldest farms in Iceland, with evidence of its presence since the original settlement by the Vikings. The site was an important crossroads where two historic cross-country trails intersected, and its location is referenced in the famous Sagas that date to the 10th and 11th centuries. Modrudalur is also the highest inhabited place in Iceland, at 1,539 feet above sea level. We spend the next two nights here at Fjalladyrd, a hospitable family-run farm and guesthouse.
Day 5: Private Highlands Super Jeep Tour / Modrudalur
Set out this morning in Super Jeeps—kitted-out high-clearance 4x4s—to explore the hidden wonders of eastern Iceland’s highlands. These large SUVs have been modified with big tires and extra shock absorption to provide a more comfortable ride over off-road terrain, allowing deeper access into this remote region. On our adventurous journey through the lunar-like landscape, we make multiple stops that may include Troll Rocks, a mysterious stack of massive boulders with no known origin, and tea at a traditional turf house. Marvel at Hafrahvammagljufur Canyon, a 650-foot-deep gorge, from high grassy slopes overlooking the chasm. Ultimately, we make our way to Laugarvalladalur, a verdant valley warmed by a geothermal creek and known for its hot springs waterfall that doubles as a natural shower. Return to Modrudalur for a second night at Fjalladyrd.
Day 6: Dettifoss / Hverarond / Lake Myvatn / Hot Springs
Witness the power of Dettifoss, Europe’s largest waterfall by volume and the most powerful cataract in Iceland. This thundering curtain of water, 330 feet wide and 150 high, is fed by the giant Vatnajokull Glacier. If we're lucky, we might see a rainbow over the falls, which makes for dramatic photos. Next, we explore the Hverarond geothermal area, an otherworldly setting of hissing steam vents, bubbling mud pots, cracked earth and pungent sulphur, then continue to Lake Myvatn. Formed during a massive eruption 2,300 years ago, the Myvatn region is still a site of geothermal activity, with lava flows coming most recently from the 1984 eruption of Krafla volcano. Numerous lava formations are found in and around the shallow lake, and we explore the pseudocraters of Skutustadir on a short hike. These phenomena are formed when lava flows over wet ground, pushing it down and trapping steam. As pressure mounts, steam explosions create these fascinating "false craters.”
Later today, enjoy a quintessentially Icelandic experience with a soak in a nearby thermal bath. At Myvatn Nature Baths, amid clouds of steam rising from a fissure deep in the Earth, immerse yourself in soothing, milky-turquoise water that's naturally heated by geothermal forces. Drawn from depths of up to a mile and a half below the surface, temperatures in the lagoon pools range from 98°F to 103°F.
Day 7: Myvatn on Horseback / Dimmuborgir / Leirhnjukur
This morning, explore the fascinating lava formations around Lake Myvatn on horseback. This optional 1-hour private ride offers a striking vantage point on the region's geological features, including whimsically shaped pillars and a close-up look at a false crater. Afterward, we stop at Dimmuorgir, a dramatic lava field formed by a volcanic eruption some 2,300 years ago. Distinguished by towering rock pillars, caves and unusual lava formations, Dimmuborgir is spectacular in the fall when the vibrant foliage is at its peak.
In the afternoon, get a close-up view on Leirhnjukur, one of Iceland’s active volcanoes. Although it has not erupted since 1984, Leirhnjukur’s steaming crater, bubbling mud pools and stark landscape are a living laboratory offering insight into the endless churn of underground geothermal activity. Against autumn' warm red, orange and golden palette, we learn about plants and microbes that exist in extreme temperatures before returning to Myvatn for a second night.
Day 8: Godafoss / Akureyri / Chartered Flight to Isafjordur
This morning we witness Godafoss, one of Iceland’s most striking waterfalls, originating deep in the highlands. Shaped like a crescent, it drops 40 feet over a sheer volcanic cliff. Then it's on to Akureyri, Iceland’s second-biggest city. Nestled at the base of a fjord and surrounded by mountains, Iceland’s “Capital of the North” is a cultural outpost, and we have time to check out downtown galleries and the scenic waterfront, as well as the renowned Akureyri Botanical Gardens, before connecting with our late-afternoon chartered flight to Isafjordur. Originally settled in the 9th century, Isafjordur became a trading post for foreign merchants in the 16th century and today is the main town in the remote Westfjords in far-northwest Iceland, with an economy long focused on fishing.
Day 9: Hornstrandir Nature Reserve / Kviar / Private Whale-Watching Excursion / Isafjordur
This morning, explore part of the vast Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, which can only be reached by boat. A wild, untouched realm of tundra, sea cliffs, flowering fields and glacier-carved fjords, this 220-square-mile landscape sits in Iceland’s most remote corner and has been protected since 1974. Humans inhabited scattered settlements along Hornstrandir's bays and coves in recent centuries, although they were abandoned in the 1950s as residents sought growing job opportunities and an escape from harsh living conditions, leaving for surrounding towns. No roads, power lines or other manmade structures remain except for a few summerhouses that dot parts of the area.
We may see whales as we cross the bay of Isafjardardjup, approaching the sheer cliffs on Bjarnarnupur before slowly passing a dramatic rock arch (a seasonal home to cormorants and other seabirds), as Kviar comes into view. A large farm until 1948, when the family that lived here joined their neighbors in search of an easier life elsewhere, the property is now a welcoming lodge, and we stop for lunch in the cozy guesthouse. Look for protected Arctic foxes that roam freely on the land, and admire the colorful fall foliage on a short walk.
This afternoon, a private whale-watching excursion offers a high likelihood of seeing humpback whales, as we scan the waters with expert guides in search of other marine life, too, like minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises and seals. Return to Isafjordur for a dinner of freshly caught seafood at Tjoruhusid (Tar House). This famous restaurant inhabits one of Isafjordur’s oldest buildings, dating to 1781. Rather than a set menu, the focus is on the day’s catch prepared in uniquely Icelandic recipes like monkfish in creamy blue cheese sauce and a renowned hearty fish chowder.
Day 10: Thingeyri / Dynjandi
Experience the thrill of a Super Jeep tour to Thingeyri/Sandafell, over rugged terrain amid astonishing landscapes. Pass snowy peaks en route to canyons and waterfalls as we traverse volcanic craters and lava fields that illustrate Iceland’s dynamic geological activity. After lunch in another cozy guesthouse, we cross the mountains to reach Dynjandi, the largest waterfall in the Westfjords. This magnificent fall cascades 330 feeet down in a lacy apron-like flow over terraced basalt boulders. Considered one of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls, Dynjandi is a favorite of nature photographers. “Dynjandi” means “thundering” in Icelandic, an apt description of the sound and sight we encounter. On our return to Isafjordur, we have an early farewell dinner before heading to the airport for our evening flight to Reykjavik.
Please note: Activities in the Westfjords may take place on days or times that are different from what this itinerary indicates, depending on local schedules, weather conditions, etc.
Day 11: Reykjavik / Keflavik / Depart
After breakfast, a transfer to Keflavik International Airport is included to meet departing flights.
Day 1: Keflavik, Iceland / Reykjavik
Arrive at Keflavik International Airport where you are met on arrival and transferred to our hotel in Reykjavik, about a 45-minute drive. This evening, join our Expedition Leader for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, with an orientation to all the adventures that lie ahead in this geological wonderland.
Day 2: South Shore—Lava Center / Waterfalls / Vik—Lava Show
Explore Iceland’s south coast en route to Vik, an area known for its volcanic black sand beaches and countless waterfalls. We are in the region affected by the powerful 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajokull volcano, an event brought to life at the Lava Center, which features interactive exhibits depicting the colossal natural forces that have created Iceland over tens of millions of years. Here we learn about Iceland’s dynamic geology: the volcanic eruptions and lava flows, rift systems, faults and glacial floods that have forged the island. The center introduces us to the UNESCO Katla Global Geopark plus Iceland’s elaborate monitoring system for surveying volcanos and earthquake zones.
Continuing along the south coast, we stop at several thundering waterfalls, including Skogafoss and Kvernufoss. Another highlight is Reynisdrangar Rocks, a trio of columnar basalt sea stacks. Legend holds that they were formed after two trolls were out fishing in a three-masted ship. When the trolls did not return to their cave before sunrise, they and their vessel turned into needles of stone, since trolls cannot tolerate daylight. Here, we'll have a chance to walk on the famous black sand beach before continuing to the Lava Show in Vik, followed by dinner at the restaurant on site. The Lava Show, renowned for its educational value, recreates a volcanic eruption by superheating real lava up to 2000°F, then pouring the molten rock into a room at close range where guests can watch it flow, hear it sizzle and feel the incredible heat. After dinner, continue to our nearby hotel to spend the night.
Day 3: Skaftafell—Private Glacier Walk or Park Hike / Private Zodiac Tour of Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Our focus today is Skaftafell, a national park now absorbed inside the larger Vatnajokull National Park established in 2008. Known for its rugged landscapes, mountains and glaciers, Skaftafell contains about half of the Vatnajokull Glacier, Europe’s largest ice cap. No roads penetrate the park’s wild recesses, but two options offer a chance to explore a slice of it: Choose between a walk atop a glacier or an easy hike. We then board a private Zodiac to explore Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon, a less-touristed opportunity to get close to giant floating icebergs. The lake is the meltwater from Fjallsarlon Glacier, a tongue of the massive Vatnajokull Glacier, which has calved the huge chunks of blue ice that drift on the surface.
Day 4: Djupivogur Private Walking Tour / Vallanes Farm / Modrudalur
Enjoy a day of cultural connections as we enter the East Fjords, a little-visited region of forests, farms and picturesque fishing villages. In the town of Djupivogur, admire the Eggs of Merry Bay, one of Iceland’s most unusual sculptures. Created in 2009 by Icelandic artist Sigurdur Gudmundsson, the 34 large-scale egg replicas represent 34 bird species found in the area, each one mounted on a platform along the harbor. Take a scenic walk along the coast near Alftafjordur, then join a local resident for a stroll around a historic fishing town, learning about daily life where traditions and livelihoods center on the sea.
Heading inland, follow a remote road to Vallanes Farm where we stop for hot drinks and snacks at this organic farm and cafe crafted of sustainably harvested wood. Continue to Modrudalur, one of the oldest farms in Iceland, with evidence of its presence since the original settlement by the Vikings. The site was an important crossroads where two historic cross-country trails intersected, and its location is referenced in the famous Sagas that date to the 10th and 11th centuries. Modrudalur is also the highest inhabited place in Iceland, at 1,539 feet above sea level. We spend the next two nights here at Fjalladyrd, a hospitable family-run farm and guesthouse.
Day 5: Private Highlands Super Jeep Tour / Modrudalur
Set out this morning in Super Jeeps—kitted-out high-clearance 4x4s—to explore the hidden wonders of eastern Iceland’s highlands. These large SUVs have been modified with big tires and extra shock absorption to provide a more comfortable ride over off-road terrain, allowing deeper access into this remote region. On our adventurous journey through the lunar-like landscape, we make multiple stops that may include Troll Rocks, a mysterious stack of massive boulders with no known origin, and tea at a traditional turf house. Marvel at Hafrahvammagljufur Canyon, a 650-foot-deep gorge, from high grassy slopes overlooking the chasm. Ultimately, we make our way to Laugarvalladalur, a verdant valley warmed by a geothermal creek and known for its hot springs waterfall that doubles as a natural shower. Return to Modrudalur for a second night at Fjalladyrd.
Day 6: Dettifoss / Hverarond / Lake Myvatn / Hot Springs
Witness the power of Dettifoss, Europe’s largest waterfall by volume and the most powerful cataract in Iceland. This thundering curtain of water, 330 feet wide and 150 high, is fed by the giant Vatnajokull Glacier. If we're lucky, we might see a rainbow over the falls, which makes for dramatic photos. Next, we explore the Hverarond geothermal area, an otherworldly setting of hissing steam vents, bubbling mud pots, cracked earth and pungent sulphur, then continue to Lake Myvatn. Formed during a massive eruption 2,300 years ago, the Myvatn region is still a site of geothermal activity, with lava flows coming most recently from the 1984 eruption of Krafla volcano. Numerous lava formations are found in and around the shallow lake, and we explore the pseudocraters of Skutustadir on a short hike. These phenomena are formed when lava flows over wet ground, pushing it down and trapping steam. As pressure mounts, steam explosions create these fascinating "false craters.”
Later today, enjoy a quintessentially Icelandic experience with a soak in a nearby thermal bath. At Myvatn Nature Baths, amid clouds of steam rising from a fissure deep in the Earth, immerse yourself in soothing, milky-turquoise water that's naturally heated by geothermal forces. Drawn from depths of up to a mile and a half below the surface, temperatures in the lagoon pools range from 98°F to 103°F.
Day 7: Myvatn on Horseback / Dimmuborgir / Leirhnjukur
This morning, explore the fascinating lava formations around Lake Myvatn on horseback. This optional 1-hour private ride offers a striking vantage point on the region's geological features, including whimsically shaped pillars and a close-up look at a false crater. Afterward, we stop at Dimmuorgir, a dramatic lava field formed by a volcanic eruption some 2,300 years ago. Distinguished by towering rock pillars, caves and unusual lava formations, Dimmuborgir is spectacular in the fall when the vibrant foliage is at its peak.
In the afternoon, get a close-up view on Leirhnjukur, one of Iceland’s active volcanoes. Although it has not erupted since 1984, Leirhnjukur’s steaming crater, bubbling mud pools and stark landscape are a living laboratory offering insight into the endless churn of underground geothermal activity. Against autumn' warm red, orange and golden palette, we learn about plants and microbes that exist in extreme temperatures before returning to Myvatn for a second night.
Day 8: Godafoss / Akureyri / Chartered Flight to Isafjordur
This morning we witness Godafoss, one of Iceland’s most striking waterfalls, originating deep in the highlands. Shaped like a crescent, it drops 40 feet over a sheer volcanic cliff. Then it's on to Akureyri, Iceland’s second-biggest city. Nestled at the base of a fjord and surrounded by mountains, Iceland’s “Capital of the North” is a cultural outpost, and we have time to check out downtown galleries and the scenic waterfront, as well as the renowned Akureyri Botanical Gardens, before connecting with our late-afternoon chartered flight to Isafjordur. Originally settled in the 9th century, Isafjordur became a trading post for foreign merchants in the 16th century and today is the main town in the remote Westfjords in far-northwest Iceland, with an economy long focused on fishing.
Day 9: Hornstrandir Nature Reserve / Kviar / Private Whale-Watching Excursion / Isafjordur
This morning, explore part of the vast Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, which can only be reached by boat. A wild, untouched realm of tundra, sea cliffs, flowering fields and glacier-carved fjords, this 220-square-mile landscape sits in Iceland’s most remote corner and has been protected since 1974. Humans inhabited scattered settlements along Hornstrandir's bays and coves in recent centuries, although they were abandoned in the 1950s as residents sought growing job opportunities and an escape from harsh living conditions, leaving for surrounding towns. No roads, power lines or other manmade structures remain except for a few summerhouses that dot parts of the area.
We may see whales as we cross the bay of Isafjardardjup, approaching the sheer cliffs on Bjarnarnupur before slowly passing a dramatic rock arch (a seasonal home to cormorants and other seabirds), as Kviar comes into view. A large farm until 1948, when the family that lived here joined their neighbors in search of an easier life elsewhere, the property is now a welcoming lodge, and we stop for lunch in the cozy guesthouse. Look for protected Arctic foxes that roam freely on the land, and admire the colorful fall foliage on a short walk.
This afternoon, a private whale-watching excursion offers a high likelihood of seeing humpback whales, as we scan the waters with expert guides in search of other marine life, too, like minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises and seals. Return to Isafjordur for a dinner of freshly caught seafood at Tjoruhusid (Tar House). This famous restaurant inhabits one of Isafjordur’s oldest buildings, dating to 1781. Rather than a set menu, the focus is on the day’s catch prepared in uniquely Icelandic recipes like monkfish in creamy blue cheese sauce and a renowned hearty fish chowder.
Day 10: Thingeyri / Dynjandi
Experience the thrill of a Super Jeep tour to Thingeyri/Sandafell, over rugged terrain amid astonishing landscapes. Pass snowy peaks en route to canyons and waterfalls as we traverse volcanic craters and lava fields that illustrate Iceland’s dynamic geological activity. After lunch in another cozy guesthouse, we cross the mountains to reach Dynjandi, the largest waterfall in the Westfjords. This magnificent fall cascades 330 feeet down in a lacy apron-like flow over terraced basalt boulders. Considered one of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls, Dynjandi is a favorite of nature photographers. “Dynjandi” means “thundering” in Icelandic, an apt description of the sound and sight we encounter. On our return to Isafjordur, we have an early farewell dinner before heading to the airport for our evening flight to Reykjavik.
Please note: Activities in the Westfjords may take place on days or times that are different from what this itinerary indicates, depending on local schedules, weather conditions, etc.
Day 11: Reykjavik / Keflavik / Depart
After breakfast, a transfer to Keflavik International Airport is included to meet departing flights.
Physical Rating: Moderate
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