A trip to Iceland is an extraordinary adventure, where you’ll encounter the wonders of nature as well as rich cultural experiences. The journey begins in the capital, Reykjavik, which blends modernity with tradition in a charming urban setting. Explore the “Golden Circle,” featuring the majestic Gullfoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, and visit the historic site of the world’s first parliament. Continue your magical journey through awe-inspiring landscapes, culminating in a visit to the stunning Jökulsárlón Glacier lagoon. After navigating among the ice floes in this magnificent lagoon, return to Reykjavik through Vik, where you’ll witness dramatic coastal scenery and volcanic formations before concluding the trip back in the capital. Back in Reykjavik, indulge in a day of relaxation at the Blue Lagoon spa, and for the grand finale, embark on an unforgettable whale-watching excursion departing from Reykjavik harbor.
Popular itinerary for a trip for senior travelers to Iceland:
Day 1: Reykjavik
The vibrant city of Reykjavik is celebrated for its impressive architecture. Begin your tour at the Harpa Concert Hall, a modern architectural masterpiece located along the city’s waterfront. Its captivating glass facade reflects Iceland’s natural elements, resembling the island’s basalt formations and the ever-changing lights. From the concert hall, ascend Rainbow Street (Regnbogagatan) to Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral, a striking architectural wonder that dominates the city skyline. Its expressionist and unconventional design mimics lava formations, soaring to a height of approximately 230 feet and offering a breathtaking panoramic view. After exploring the cathedral, wander down to the charming shopping street, Laugavegur, famous for its restaurants, boutique shops, souvenir stores, and array of designer shops.
Following lunch in the city center, venture to the Perlan Museum, known as “The Pearl,” a distinctive architectural landmark perched atop Öskjuhlíð Hill. This nature museum, featuring a glass dome, provides visitors with an immersive experience, including a man-made ice cave showcasing Iceland’s glaciers and impressive exhibits on the island’s wildlife, vegetation, and ethnography, providing important context for the in-depth exploration ahead in the coming days.
Spend the night in Reykjavik.
Day 2: Þingvellir National Park
This morning, set out on Roads 36 and 35, covering a total distance of approximately 124 miles to reach Þingvellir National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site that reveals stunning geological expanses formed by the shifting of tectonic plates between America and Eurasia. Here, visitors stand amidst continents, marveling at ancient rifts, deep channels, and lakes. Þingvellir is steeped in Iceland’s history as the site of the world’s first parliament, set against magical rock formations.
Continue your journey to the geysers in the Geysir Geothermal Area, a center of volcanic and geothermal activity featuring its erupting geysers. Here, you’ll see Strokkur, a geyser that shoots boiling water up to 98 feet high every few minutes in powerful displays. The area is rich with hot springs, steaming mud baths, and mineral-rich pools.
Next, visit the stunning Gullfoss Waterfall, where the Hvítá River plunges dramatically into a canyon, creating breathtaking views. The roaring waters cascade into the narrow rocky gorge, providing a mesmerizing sight.
In the evening, return to Reykjavik to spend the night.
Day 3: From Reykjavik to Hella, the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Drangurinn í Drangshlíð, the Skógafoss Waterfall, and Vik.
Today’s adventure will cover approximately 124 miles. In the morning, depart on Road 1 towards the town of Hella, located in southern Iceland, offering a glimpse into the country’s rural charm and natural beauty. Surrounded by diverse landscapes, from volcanic plains to fertile agricultural areas, its location on the riverbanks provides visitors access to various activities, including fishing and rafting. From there, continue to the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, a natural wonder located along Iceland’s southern coast, where you can walk behind the veil of cascading water, providing a mesmerizing experience shielded from the water’s mist. The waterfall plummets from a height of 197 feet, creating a spectacular spray. The surrounding cliffs are adorned with lush greenery, thick grass, and wildflowers.
After rejuvenating in the waterfall’s spray, proceed to Drangurinn í Drangshlíð, a prominent geological formation standing amidst rugged landscapes. This unique rock formation, resembling a giant mushroom, is composed of basalt formations.
The next stop is the Skógafoss Waterfall, which cascades from a height of about 196 feet and spans over 82 feet, creating impressive cascades that often reflect colorful rainbows in the mist.
Spend the night in Vik.
Day 4: From Vik to the Skaftafell Nature Reserve, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and Fagurhólsmýri
Today’s journey will cover about 155 miles. Depart from Vik towards Skaftafell Nature Reserve, a part of the larger Vatnajökull National Park. Skaftafell is a captivating blend of diverse landscapes, including glaciers, lush forests, and stunning panoramas. The reserve features winding hiking trails through dramatic valleys, leading to breathtaking viewpoints overlooking glaciers like Svínafellsjökull. Skaftafell Nature Reserve serves as a starting point for organized tours to the Vatnajökull glacier.
Later in the day, head to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, a fascinating natural wonder located approximately 34 miles east of Skaftafell Nature Reserve. This iconic lagoon reveals a breathtaking landscape of floating icebergs sourced from the nearby Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier. The serene blue waters reflect the vibrant hues of the glacier. Stroll along the lagoon’s shores and observe seals warming themselves on the ice floes or join a guided boat tour among the awe-inspiring ice formations.
Return to Vik to spend the night.
Day 5: From Fagurhólsmýri to Vik and then to Reykjavik
This morning, head to the Icelandic Lava Show in Vik, just a few minutes’ walk from the black sand beaches. This extraordinary attraction provides visitors with an immersive experience, showcasing genuine lava from nearby eruptions. Visitors can observe the fascinating interaction between lava and water, gaining insights into Iceland’s volcanic and geological past.
After visiting Vik, continue on Highway 1, a distance of about 112 miles, towards Reykjavik to spend the night.
Day 6: Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon in Grindavik
Today, indulge in a day of pampering and relaxation at the renowned Blue Lagoon in Grindavik, a world-famous geothermal spa renowned for its striking blue waters. Situated approximately 31 miles southwest of Reykjavik, this haven boasts mineral-rich waters heated to temperatures of 98-104 degrees Fahrenheit. Its mineral composition, featuring silica and algae, is believed to revitalize the skin. With amenities like steam rooms, saunas, and in-water massages amidst the stunning volcanic scenery, the spa promises a rejuvenating retreat amidst Iceland’s natural splendor.
Spend the night in Reykjavik.
Day 7: Reykjavik
On the final day of your Reykjavik visit, around midday, make your way to the old harbor for an exciting whale-watching adventure. This impressive 3-hour excursion requires advance booking. Following the whale watching, stroll back to the city center, which is just a short walk from the harbor, to wrap up your visit and explore any sights you might have missed on the first day of your trip.
In the evening, explore Icelandic cuisine in the city center and enjoy a variety of local beers and dishes such as:
- Plokkfiskur: A dish made with fish (usually cod) and potatoes, often seasoned with onions and herbs.
- Icelandic lamb, considered a delicacy known for its high quality and unique taste due to grazing in the pure air.
- Skyr: A dairy product similar to yogurt but with a thicker texture and higher protein content. Often served with berries or as an ingredient in various dishes.
- Svið: Boiled sheep’s head, considered a delicacy, usually served with mashed potatoes and sometimes pickled or smoked.
- Kleinur: Traditional pastries, deep-fried in oil and often flavored with cardamom, giving them a unique taste.
- Rúgbrauð: Dense and dark rye bread, traditionally baked in the ground using geothermal heat, resulting in a sweet and rich flavor. It’s a staple in Icelandic households.
- Harðfiskur: Dried fish, usually cod, which is a popular snack often eaten with butter.
- Flatkökur: Thin unleavened rye bread, soft and without yeast, often served with butter and various toppings.
- Icelandic hot dog (Pylsur): Made from a blend of lamb, pork, and beef.
