I visited Iceland last month, prior to boarding an expedition cruise. Because I had visited Iceland in 2018, I wanted to see new regions of the country and have new experiences during my short stay in Reykjavik. Signature DS recommended the following itinerary:

Half Day Program: Fagradalsfjall Volcano and Sky Lagoon

This five hour + guided program took me to the newest lava field in the Reykjanes Peninsula. Heading west from Reykjavik, you drive through desolate landscapes of endless lava and rock fields, volcanic craters, and the Atlantic Ocean shore. The Fagradalsfjall volcano erupted in early 2021, after being dormant for more than 800 years. The eruption lasted 6 months and became the top attraction in Iceland. My visit included a fairly steep hike to a high point, where you get a good view of the various eruptions, lava of different ages/colors, and the sheer power of the volcano. 

Note: Two weeks after my visit, the same Fagradalsfjall volcano erupted again, with continuous lava flows. Iceland sits at the convergence of two tectonic plates, and tremors, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions happen regularly in various places throughout the island. Amazing, no?

From here, I visited the new Sky Lagoon, which opened recently and has been an instant success. This natural hot spring has an infinity edge facing the ocean, and is only 15 minutes’ drive from downtown Reykjavik. Choose from the ‘basic’ admission ISK 7,990 (about $59 US) which gets you in, and allows use of the public changing areas, or The ‘Sky Pass’ admission is ISK 13,900 (about $100) and gives you use of private changing rooms, admission, and the seven step ‘ritual’ in the Sky Lagoon’s spa (mud treatment, cold and hot plunge pools, etc).

Sky Lagoon is a  welcome alternative to the Blue Lagoon, which is about an hour’s drive from Reykjavik and much more crowded. 

Full day program #1: Snaefellsness Peninsula

This full-day program heads NW from Reykjavik and includes beautiful views of the snow-capped Snaefellsjokull volcano, visits to Arnastapi and Hellnar, two traditional Icelandic fishing villages, the dramatic western coastline, and  beautiful ‘church mountain’ or Kirkjufell, one of the most photographed spots in all of Iceland. There are a number of easy walks along the way, to take photos and get better views. You also get to see cliffs teeming with Arctic birds. 

Full-Day Program #2: Glymur Waterfall Hike 

This challenging hike is well worth the effort – but – it is difficult and I promise it will test you. I highly recommend asking your guide to bring hiking poles. The ascent starts right after you leave the parking lot, and the trail goes straight up the mountain, with a deep river canyon on your left the entire time. There are sections that are difficult, with ropes set up to help pull you uphill. The scenery is breathtaking, as you get closer to the top of the canyon and see the waterfall. 

Once you reach the top, the adventure continues, as you must cross the river (above the waterfall) to reach the other side, and come down the mountain down an easier path. Make sure you/your guide brings hiking poles and water shoes, to navigate the rocky riverbed. All in, an unforgettable adventure. 

These are only three of countless options, using Reykjavik as ‘base camp’. Click here to contact me, I can organize half/full day programs, depending on your interest, time allowed, and physical condition.