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Iceland is likely one of the most photogenic international locations on the planet. It’s very simple to navigate via with a Ring Highway that covers your entire nation in a loop and alongside your entire shoreline. Driving this highway will get you to so many highlights that it’s onerous to not cease each 5 minutes.
Ring Highway makes Iceland an incredible vacation spot for highway journeys, particularly household highway journeys.
Fashionable household journey vacation spot
Iceland is a very fashionable journey vacation spot for households. And that’s not a surprise. The landscapes are beautiful and treats you to many pure phenomena that may blow your minds. The place else on the planet can you discover glaciers, energetic volcanos, geysers, waterfalls and northern lights in a rustic of this measurement?
The good infrastructure and measurement of Iceland makes it very simple for households to discover in two to 4 weeks. The next household Iceland highway journey itinerary covers your entire nation. With this information supplies all the pieces you want for the very best Iceland highway journey with youngsters!
See additionally: Not to Miss Experiences in Iceland
Greatest time to journey to Iceland as a household
Iceland in the summertime months
July and August are ideally suited if you wish to entry extra distant areas with a 4WD automotive or campervan. It should 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 simply’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 mild. 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 have got a greater probability of seeing the Aurora Borealis, aka Northern Lights.
Highway tripping via Iceland with younger youngsters
Iceland is likely one of the safest countries in the world. 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 had been there.
Talking of toddlers, I wouldn’t highway journey in a campervan or caravan exterior of July or August. Even this time of yr you need to rent heat bedding or sleeping luggage. And convey tights, heat garments and thick coats to maintain everybody heat and cozy. Each different month of the yr it simply merely will get too chilly to maintain the youngest ones heat sufficient in a campervan. In the event you’re mountaineering with youngsters in a again service, ensure it has a raincover you possibly can connect to it. It should preserve the wind out and it retains them dry.
Children of all ages could have a blast in Iceland, with all that nature has to supply. Iceland is a good alternative for a highway journey with youngsters!
The right way to get round Iceland
Being a high journey vacation spot, Iceland is extraordinarily effectively linked by air.
Iceland has some nice roads. In the event you 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 protected to drive.
There aren’t any trains in Iceland, however you possibly can discover the nation by bus. Buses are typically on time, clear and cozy. Simply bear in mind that it’s fairly costly to journey by bus, and in winter, service could be restricted because of the climate.
Epic household highway journey round Iceland
This whole household highway 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 your entire Ring Highway, but in addition takes you off highway via all that Iceland.
The beginning of your loved ones highway journey via Iceland
The selection of heading north or south as soon as on the Ring Highway is dependent upon the stuff you wish to see and do. Issues like being on time to identify orca’s or puffins are examples that possible affect your choice with regard to your start line. We went north first and the next itinerary follows that instance.
See additionally: Iceland for Kids: Tips and Activities
3 week household highway journey itinerary Iceland
If you wish to see and do all of the highlights Iceland have to supply, you want about three weeks. That offers you time to take a look at this whole itinerary.
See additionally: Iceland 3 Day Itinerary
Reykjavik
After you’ve arrived at Keflavik airport pick up your car and head to Reykjavik. Town centre is comparatively small. The whole lot is inside strolling distance and the issues you need to 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 picket 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 amazing sense of town keep for two to three days earlier than transferring to the subsequent 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 identify. 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 rationale 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 powerful crater lake, known as Kerid. Vivid reds and greens (the latter relying on the season in fact) define the crater. Image excellent 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. In the event you’ve been researching in your Iceland highway journey you most positively 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 identify from.
Geysir & Strokkur
The following 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 couple of minutes 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 too can stroll as much as an amazing viewing level.
Thingvellir NP
Þingvellir National 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. Nevertheless it deserves an extended go to. This lovely UNESCO World Heritage Website affords a wealth of issues to see and do. Iceland’s largest pure lake will be discovered right here, you possibly can take a dive within the Silfra fissure, spot waterfall Öxarárfoss and comply with among the many mountaineering trails.
However the coolest factor is that visiting this park offers you the possibility to face on two continents on the similar 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 had been reduce by hand. You may view them from beneath and stroll as much as them and be granted with a incredible 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 known as Ytri Tunga. The proprietor permits everybody to enter his land to take a look at the wonderful wildlife there: seals.
Yow will discover them chilling on the rocks subsequent to the water and so they’re unimpressed by people. Some individuals got here approach too shut, so please preserve an honest distance from these wild animals and don’t disturb them.
Budir Black Church
As we’re making our approach as much as the Westfjords we nonetheless have some sights to see within the beautiful Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Like Búðakirkja, aka Budir Black Church. Considered one of three black church buildings in Iceland. It’s not simply the image excellent black church, but in addition the environment that makes this website a must-see.
Lóndrangar Seashore
Lóndrangar are a set 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 discuss 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 wonderful views throughout, plenty of seagulls resting on the sides of the cliffs and in case you’re fortunate with a couple of puffins.
You may get somewhat nearer to Lóndrangar. Simply comply with the path on the correct aspect of the car parking zone and this mountaineering path will lead you nearly unto the seashore. They appear to open and shut the seashore from time to time. Whenever you go to this seashore make sure to verify 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 you don’t disturb them when you’re right here. This story will certainly be successful with the children. 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 crammed 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. Get pleasure from your time birdwatching, mountaineering and exploring the seashores.
Ólafsvik can also be an amazing city to e-book a whale watching tour. And from February to early July you possibly can 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. Yow 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 automotive on the small car parking zone proper subsequent to route 54. You may 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 highway from Church Mountain (which means of the phrase Kirkjufell) you’ll discover a small but beautiful waterfall, named Kirkjufellsfoss. Don’t simply try the waterfall, however stroll round it and proper there you possibly can shoot the right image of Kirkjufell Mountain with Kirkjufellsfoss proper in entrance of it.
In the event you or your teenagers are followers of Recreation Of Thrones then Kirkjufell Mountain might be in your bucket listing. 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 excellent 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 have got decrease possibilities of recognizing whales. There merely isn’t a lot else to do on this fishing city moreover consuming scrumptious seafood and whale watching. And that’s cause 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 seems to be extra like a dragon consuming from the water. Others consider it seems to be like an elephant or a rhino.
Don’t simply cross proper by it on the seashore, however ensure to stroll the 400 meter viewpoint path and also you get to see it like in our pic beneath.
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 tons to supply to vacationers. Don’t be shocked to search out cruiseships in its harbor. Akureyri is certainly value visiting, and an increasing number of individuals are conscious of that.
You don’t want greater than a day right here, ensure to go to Akureyri’s Botanical Garden, for a pleasant stroll with the children. 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 delicate serve ice cream within the nation.
See additionally: Not to Miss Cities of Iceland
Mývatn
Lake Mývatn and its environment is an space so lovely, that you must keep right here for a couple of days. This space is a part of the northeastern reply to western Golden Circle: the Diamond Circle. Mývatn means mosquito lake and that looks like an acceptable identify. Iceland doesn’t have mosquitos, nevertheless it has midges, which is fairly comparable. And yow will discover loads of them round right here. However don’t let the midges cease you from visiting the lake. Its geology is insanely lovely as a result of it sits about an extremely energetic geothermal space. On the lake you’ll spot a number of tiny islands, which are known as pseudocraters, however are in actual fact basalt columns.
Moreover mountaineering 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 positively get pleasure from. Overlook concerning the extraordinarily busy Blue Lagoon (book your tickets online first). Right here you’ll discover true serenity and leisure as a household. Get pleasure from a drink within the water and the gorgeous environment.
Dettifoss & Selfoss
Dettifoss is called one in every of Europe’s strongest waterfalls. A real spotlight of the Diamond Circle route. Whenever 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 lovely, Selfoss.
To get to each viewpoints takes somewhat hike, however a fantastic one.
Arctic Henge
The Arctic Henge will be present in Raufarhöfn. It’s positioned 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 enormous 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 pressured its approach from the highlands to the North of the island. Yow will discover it in Jap Iceland in a glacier valley known as Jökuldalur. Standing in and across the valley you possibly can spot excessive and really spectacular basalt columns. You may take a number of hikes across the canyon and thru it.
Our teen mentioned that strolling via it made him half anticipate to see magical creatures like dragons or unicorns. We agreed, it’s sort of otherworldly and definitely a magical place that takes your breath away!
Egilsstadir
Egilsstaðir is a good place to remain to find the realm round this village. There’s not a lot to do within the city itself, moreover 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, mountaineering in Hallormsstaðaskógur forest and trying to find Lagarfljót Wyrm at Lagarfjlót lake.
Who’s Lagarfljót Wyrm? The extra vicious sibling of the Loch Ness monster, a venom spouting worm!
See additionally: Traditional Foods in Iceland
Hengifoss
Close to Lagarfjlót you’ll discover a really particular waterfall, that deserves a separate spot on this final highway journey information of Iceland. And that’s Hengifoss. Park the automotive and hike your approach as much as Hengifoss in about an hour. It’s a fantastic scenic hike up and also you shouldn’t neglect to look again behind you, as a result of strolling up means you get an amazing view of your environment, for example of Lagarfjlót lake.
In your approach 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 crimson clay in between. It seems to be like a chocolate cake crammed with jelly and it’s a fantastic sight. We walked round and sat down for a bit. Surrounded by sheep simply navigating their approach via rocks and pebbles and unphased by our presence.
The water coming down from each Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss leads to lake Lagarfjlót.
Seydisfjördur
Seyðisfjörður is your final cease in East Iceland and is a small and cute village. It’s recognized for its rainbow highway main as much as a church. A variety of the 700 residents of this city and many of the native companies pitched in to paint the bricks and present their assist to the LGBTQ neighborhood. On each side of this road you’ll discover native outlets and eating places. Very photogenic and cute!
Diamond Seashore
The following two locations on this full household highway journey information of Iceland are positioned proper subsequent to one another. First is Diamond Seashore, a strip of volcanic black sand crammed with massive chunks of ice from the icebergs. A magical factor to see for the entire household.
I like to recommend visiting Diamond Seashore 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 need to be there round 8am or 9am. It will likely 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 crammed with totally 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 visitors and there’s no age restrict, so it’s also possible to convey your child or toddler alongside, they’ve life vests on supply in all sizes.
Don’t neglect to seek for seals. You’ll see them chilling on the ice and attempting to find fish within the water.
Skaftafell
Skaftafell is the place to be for hikers. Brief 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 yow will discover mountaineering maps, purchase souvenirs or e-book a tour to go on a glacier hike.
See additionally: Tips For Camping In Iceland
Reynisfjara
The basalt rock columns that you may see at Reynisfjara seashore are the identical kind as at Stuðlagil Canyon. However in a a lot totally different setting. Situated at a seashore with lovely black sand, you’ll discover these basalt columns perched towards the rock wall. However that’s not all. Whenever you look out at sea, you’ll see basalt pillars in several sizes and styles popping out the water wanting like a bunch of spectacular giants.
Sólheimasandur Airplane 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 could be a problem for smaller youngsters. Nevertheless it’s a simple hike and a fantastic scenic one.
There’s no signal to point out you the way in which. Simply seek for Sólheimasandur parking lot in Google Maps, park your automotive there and begin your hike.
A hike as much as the aircraft wreck in Sólheimasandur will not be doable throughout winter time. You gained’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 highway journey via 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 automotive, you get a primary glimpse of Skogafoss. A small strip of black sand seashore leads as much as this excessive waterfall. Really spectacular. On the correct of the waterfall there’s a steep picket staircase that provides you the chance to stroll all the way in which as much as the highest of the waterfall. Providing nice views in fact!
Seljalandsfoss
Final waterfall, however actually not the least is Seljalandsfoss, one of the crucial well-known waterfalls. And never with out cause. You may stroll behind it! A cavern behind it offers you the possibility to stroll across the complete waterfall.
Prime tip: go to early within the morning, in any other case you’ll be strolling there with tons of 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 need to climb somewhat 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 children. Finish your highway journey at Valhalla Restaurant and Saga Center. Children 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 type!
That’s it! After visiting Hvolsvöllur you both finish your journey in Reykjavik (a 1,5 hour drive) or drop off your car in Keflavik (a 2 hour drive) and fly again residence.
I hope this entire household highway journey information of Iceland helps you together with your itinerary.
Iceland affords tons to see and do for adults and children. 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 fireplace is a good and simple vacation spot for a household highway 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 family travel articles.
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