This account tells the story of William and Rosie’s 10-day private tour around Iceland in May 2024. As a former engineer, William was very adamant on having an optimized trip, and so we delivred! After weeks of planning via email exchanges, we crafted the perfect itinerary emphasizing unique experiences, stunning landscapes, and photography opportunities, with no strenuous hiking required.
In early 2024, we received a request for a personalized 11-day tour around Iceland scheduled for May. William and Rosie wanted us to emphasize unique experiences, stunning landscapes, and photography, with no demanding hikes. After exchanging emails for a couple of months, we crafted the perfect itinerary that would fulfill all their wishes.
Here is the story of this trip, a great source of inspiration for anyone planning their own Ring Road adventure. But first, here is what Rosie shared about her experience with Lilja Tours:
Day 1: Seizing the Weather Window
An Early Start with Big Rewards
William and Rosie arrived exhausted after their red-eye flight. I picked them up at the airport at 6am, and we headed out to begin the Golden Circle.
The weather was absolutely perfect that day. However, I knew from the forecast that the next day would bring a storm, potentially preventing us from enjoying the outdoor sites we had planned. So I made a suggestion: what if we covered not just today’s program but also tomorrow’s? It would mean adding 4-6 hours to an already long day, but they would experience everything under blue skies instead of rain.
They were happy to see more sites under good weather, even if it meant sleeping in the car between stops. We proceeded with the extended plan.
The Golden Circle and Beyond
We started at Þingvellir National Park, walking through the rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates pull apart. The historical significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site—home to one of the world’s oldest parliaments since 930 AD, combined with its dramatic geology makes it an essential first stop.
At Gullfoss, the “Golden Falls” thundered before us in two tiers, the spray catching the sunlight. The sheer power of the water rushing into the canyon below left William and Rosie speechless.
We also visited Brúarfoss, one of Iceland’s most striking blue waterfalls. This hidden gem rewards visitors with impossibly turquoise waters cascading over dark rock: a photographer’s dream that few tour buses ever reach.
Extending into the South Coast
Since the weather was cooperating beautifully, we continued south. We visited Seljalandsfoss, walking behind the 60-meter waterfall through a curtain of mist. Then came Skógafoss, its 25-meter width creating constant rainbows in the spray.
At Sólheimajökull glacier, we approached the ice face to witness the raw power of glacial movement. The day concluded at Reynisfjara black sand beach, where basalt columns rise dramatically against crashing waves. By evening, William and Rosie had experienced what would normally take two full days, all under perfect conditions.
We spent the night at the Hótel Rangá.
Day 2: Ice Cave Adventure in the Storm
When Weather Works in Your Favor
With the storm raging outside, we weren’t sure our Katla Ice Cave tour would proceed. But the experienced guides confirmed we were good to go.
A massive Super Jeep arrived to collect the three of us, its oversized tires ready to tackle the challenging terrain toward Mýrdalsjökull glacier. The journey itself became an adventure: bouncing over lava fields and black sand as rain lashed the windows.
Inside the Glacier
The Katla Ice Cave delivered an otherworldly experience. Walking through corridors of blue and black ice (volcanic ash layered between frozen centuries) felt like entering another realm. Our private tour meant we had the cave entirely to ourselves, with time to photograph every stunning formation.
On the return journey, our driver took a detour along the beach, driving beside the ocean as waves crashed nearby. This unexpected bonus, possible only with the Super Jeep’s capabilities, added magic to what could have been a “lost” weather day.
We slept at the foot of the Vatnajökull: in the FossHotel Lagoon
Day 3: Glaciers, Lagoons, and Arctic Terns
Svartifoss and Skaftafell
We began with the hike to Svartifoss in Skaftafell National Park. This striking waterfall is framed by hexagonal basalt columns, the same geological formations that inspired the design of Reykjavík’s Hallgrímskirkja church. The moderate trail offered glimpses of glacier tongues flowing from Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
The sky remained overcast as we arrived at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, but this worked in our favor. Glaciers and icebergs reveal their true colors under cloudy skies: the blues become more vivid, the ice more luminous. Under bright sun, everything appears white.
The lagoon was alive with activity. Seals popped their heads above the water, curious about the visitors watching from shore. Massive icebergs, some centuries old, drifted slowly toward the ocean.
Diamond Beach and Bird Life
At Fellsfjara (commonly known as Diamond Beach) ice chunks from the lagoon wash ashore, glittering like jewels against the black volcanic sand. We spent time photographing these natural sculptures as waves crashed around them.
The bird life was extraordinary. Hundreds of Arctic terns (called Kría in Icelandic) filled the air with their calls, diving and swooping around the lagoon. These remarkable birds migrate from Antarctica to Iceland each year, the longest migration of any bird species. Watching them hunt fish among the icebergs while seals surfaced nearby, we couldn’t help but laugh with joy at the spectacle.
We slept again in the FossHotel Glacier Lagoon.
Day 4: Eastfjords and Puffin Paradise
Winding Through Ancient Mountains
The Eastfjords offer some of Iceland’s most dramatic scenery, steep mountains plunging into narrow fjords, winding roads carved into cliffsides, and fishing villages tucked into sheltered harbors. This is the oldest geological region in Iceland, with mountains dating back 14 million years.
We took our time, stopping at viewpoints to appreciate the scale of these ancient landscapes. The remoteness of the region means fewer tourists, making every encounter feel more personal.
Borgarfjörður Eystri: Puffin Haven
The highlight of the day awaited at Borgarfjörður Eystri, where one of Iceland’s most accessible puffin colonies welcomes visitors each spring. A wooden viewing platform brings you within meters of these charismatic birds.
William and Rosie were enchanted. Puffins, with their colorful beaks and comical waddling, have a way of capturing hearts. We watched them land clumsily after fishing trips, guard their burrows, and interact with their neighbors. The late afternoon light was perfect for photography, and we stayed until the sun began its slow descent toward the horizon, which in May means hours of golden light.
We slept in this town, in the lovely Blábjörg resort.
Day 5: Towards Vatnajökull North
Leaving Borgarfjörður Eystri
On our way out of Borgarfjörður Eystri, we stopped again for incredible panoramas over the ocean. The views from the mountain pass looking back at the fjord were simply breathtaking.
I drove the backroads, and we had magical encounters with Icelandic horses. These curious creatures approached the fence, their thick manes blowing in the wind.
These unique horses, isolated in Iceland for over 1,000 years, have maintained characteristics lost in other breeds. Their friendly nature made for wonderful photo opportunities, and William and Rosie spent considerable time making new four-legged friends.
Hidden Waterfalls and Basalt Wonders
We stopped at Rjúkandafoss, a beautiful waterfall cascading down the mountainside, before continuing to Stuðlagil canyon. This remarkable gorge, with its perfectly formed basalt columns lining the turquoise glacial river, has become one of Iceland’s most photogenic locations.
Ásbyrgi Canyon: Home of the Gods
Ásbyrgi canyon stretches before visitors like a massive horseshoe carved into the landscape. Norse mythology attributes its creation to Sleipnir, Odin’s eight-legged horse, whose hoof struck the earth here. Geologists explain it as the result of catastrophic glacial flooding thousands of years ago. Either story speaks to the immense forces that shaped Iceland.
We walked through the canyon floor, surrounded by towering cliffs and birch forest, a surprisingly lush environment in Iceland’s often barren north.
Europe’s Most Powerful Waterfall
Nothing quite prepares you for Dettifoss. Europe’s most powerful waterfall sends 500 cubic meters of glacial water per second plunging 44 meters into a narrow canyon. The ground trembles beneath your feet; the roar drowns out conversation; mist rises hundreds of meters into the air.
We approached from the east side, which offers the most dramatic perspectives. William, was fascinated by the sheer volume and force of the water. This is nature at its most raw and uncontrollable: a reminder of the elemental powers that continue to shape Iceland.
We spent the night at the FossHotel Mývatn.
Day 6: Mývatn’s Geological Wonderland
Hiking Hverfjall Crater
We started the day with a hike to the top of Hverfjall, the massive tephra crater that dominates the Mývatn landscape. Formed in a volcanic explosion 2,800 years ago, this near-perfect circular crater rises 420 meters in diameter. From the rim, we took in panoramic views across the lake and surrounding volcanic formations.
Dimmuborgir: The Dark Fortress
At Dimmuborgir (“Dark Fortress”), 2,300-year-old lava formations create a labyrinth of towers, arches, and caves. When lava flowed over a pond here, the steam created these extraordinary pillars as it escaped upward through the cooling rock.
The site gained additional fame as a filming location for Game of Thrones. Walking through the twisted formations, past native birch trees reclaiming the lava, it’s easy to imagine the supernatural creatures Icelandic folklore places here.
Fire and Earth at Námaskarð and Krafla
The Mývatn region concentrates more geological diversity into a small area than almost anywhere on Earth. At Námaskarð, a stark geothermal field, the ground steams, mud pots bubble, and sulfur paints the landscape in yellows and oranges.
We continued to the Krafla volcanic system and walked across the Leirhnjúkur lava fields, still warm from the Krafla Fires eruptions that lasted until 1984. Steam rises from cracks in the black rock, a reminder that this is one of Iceland’s most volcanically active regions.
Relaxation at Mývatn Nature Baths
After a day of geological exploration, we concluded with a soak in the Mývatn Nature Baths. These milky-blue geothermal pools overlook the lake and volcanic landscape, offering the perfect setting to reflect on the day’s wonders. The mineral-rich waters relaxed tired muscles while steam rose around us into the cool evening air.
We returned to the FossHotel Mývatn for a second night.
Day 7: The Long Road to Snæfellsnes
Goðafoss: Waterfall of the Gods
This day was mostly spent on the road, traveling from Mývatn to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a journey of about six hours. But the drive offered opportunities for photo stops, and one site truly deserved our attention.
Goðafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods,” is where Iceland’s lawspeaker is said to have thrown statues of the Norse gods when the country converted to Christianity in the year 1000. The semicircular falls, 30 meters wide, cascade dramatically into a narrow gorge. We stopped to admire this historically significant site before continuing west.
The rest of the day revealed Iceland’s changing landscapes through the window, from the volcanic north through pastoral valleys and along coastal roads.
By evening, we arrived at the legendary Hotel Búðir on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, where we would rest before tomorrow’s explorations.
Day 8: Iceland in Miniature
Exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is often called “Iceland in Miniature” for its incredible variety of landscapes. The Snæfellsjökull volcano, immortalized in Jules Verne’s “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” watched over our explorations.
At the fishing village of Arnarstapi, we walked along coastal paths past sea arches and basalt formations while seabirds nested in the cliffs above. The natural harbor, framed by dramatic rock formations, has been a trading post for centuries.
Djúpalónssandur beach offered another mood entirely, smooth black pebbles, rusted remains of a shipwreck, and traditional “lifting stones” once used to test the strength of fishermen. The waves crashed with particular intensity here, spray filling the air.
At Lóndrangar, dramatic basalt cliffs rise from the ocean, remnants of an ancient volcanic crater eroded over millennia. These twin pinnacles, reaching 75 and 61 meters high, create one of the peninsula’s most photographed scenes.
We also stopped at the iconic Kirkjufell mountain, drove by the otherworldly Berserkjahraun lava field, and discovered countless other gems throughout the day.
We spent the night at Hotel Hámar.
Day 9: Waterfalls, Hot Springs, and Lava Caves
Morning Wonders of West Iceland
Once again, Iceland’s iconic horses provided some of the day’s most memorable moments. As we drove through West Iceland, we couldn’t resist stopping whenever friendly horses approached.
These encounters became a theme of the trip, unplanned moments of connection with animals that have been integral to Icelandic life for over a millennium.
We visited the stunning Hraunfossar waterfalls, where countless rivulets of crystal-clear water emerge directly from a lava field, cascading into the Hvítá river. Nearby, Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, pumps out 180 liters of boiling water per second.
Underground Adventure at Víðgelmir
The afternoon brought a journey underground into Víðgelmir, one of Iceland’s largest lava caves. Formed thousands of years ago during a volcanic eruption, this 1,585-meter tube offers a glimpse into geological processes rarely seen.
Inside, we discovered lava stalactites, flow lines showing how molten rock once moved, and (since we visited in spring) spectacular ice formations that develop during winter months.
Hvammsvík: Hot Springs by the Fjord
We ended the day at Hvammsvík Hot Springs, where we dipped into natural hot waters next to the gorgeous Hvalfjörður fjord. With the mountains reflecting in the calm waters and the warmth enveloping us, it was the perfect way to transition toward our final days in Reykjavík.
We spent the night at The Reykjavík Edition Hotel.
Day 10: A Day of Extraordinary Experiences
Our final full day was designed to be unforgettable, combining premium experiences that would cap the journey perfectly.
Exploring Reykjavík
We began with a city tour of Reykjavík, exploring the colorful streets, the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church, the old harbor, and the charming downtown area. William and Rosie appreciated having time to discover the world’s northernmost capital at a relaxed pace.
The Lava Show: Witnessing Creation
Next came the Lava Show in Reykjavík, where real lava is melted and poured for visitors to experience safely. But we had booked the premium experience with backstage access.
Watching the demonstration was remarkable enough: seeing 1,100°C molten rock flow and understanding the forces that built Iceland. But going backstage, seeing the furnaces and equipment, and learning how they safely recreate volcanic conditions added another dimension entirely.
The heat radiating from the lava, its orange glow illuminating the room, the way it moves and spreads, this was as close as one can safely get to an eruption. For William and Rosie, it connected all the volcanic landscapes we’d explored over the previous days.
2.5 Hours Over the Highlands
The centerpiece of the day was a private 2.5-hour helicopter flight over Iceland’s highlands. This wasn’t a quick scenic flight, it was an aerial expedition into Iceland’s most inaccessible regions.
From above, the highland landscapes revealed their true scale. The colorful rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar, which we hadn’t been able to visit by road, spread beneath us in impossible shades of red, green, yellow, and purple.
Glacial rivers carved braided patterns across black sand deserts. Ice caps stretched to the horizon. Volcanic craters opened like wounds in the earth’s surface.
Our pilot was having such a good time (and with no tour scheduled afterward) that he extended the flight, taking us to see additional sites. We circled volcanic craters, flew alongside glacier tongues, and witnessed perspectives of Iceland that only a handful of visitors ever experience.
For William and Rosie, this was the culmination of everything they’d hoped for: a comprehensive view of the land they’d spent ten days exploring from the ground.
The extended flight made for an even better experience, but it meant we almost didn’t make it to our final appointment on time!
Sky Lagoon: The Perfect Finale
We arrived at Sky Lagoon just in time. This oceanfront geothermal spa, with its infinity edge appearing to merge with the Atlantic, provided the perfect conclusion to an extraordinary journey.
Soaking in the warm waters, looking out at the ocean as the evening light softened, William and Rosie reflected on ten days of adventures. The Skjól ritual (a seven-step bathing experience incorporating Icelandic traditions) relaxed bodies tired from travel and minds full of memories.
We returned to The Reykjavík Edition Hotel for our final night.
Day 11: Farewell to Iceland
Our final morning came too quickly. After breakfast at the Edition, I drove William and Rosie to Keflavík Airport for their flight home.
At the departure terminal, we said our goodbyes, the kind of farewell that comes after sharing ten days of adventures, discoveries, and unexpected moments together. They left with cameras full of memories and, I hope, a deeper connection to this land of fire and ice.
Final Reflections
This tour exemplified everything we strive for at Lilja Tours. William’s engineering mindset pushed us to optimize every day, ensuring no moment was wasted. The weather adaptation on Day 1: combining two days of sightseeing while conditions were perfect, set the tone for a trip where flexibility created opportunity.
From the intimacy of puffin encounters in Borgarfjörður Eystri to the grandeur of Dettifoss’s thundering waters, from underground lava caves to aerial views of the highlands, William and Rosie experienced Iceland’s full spectrum of wonders.
The recurring theme of Icelandic horses, those unplanned stops on backroads where friendly animals approached for connection, reminded us that the best moments in travel often can’t be scheduled. They simply happen when you’re open to them.
For anyone considering a similar journey, our Ring Road tours and highland expeditions offer frameworks that we customize to each client’s interests. Whether you want photography opportunities, wildlife encounters, geological exploration, or relaxation in geothermal pools, we craft itineraries that reflect your vision.
Ready to plan your own Iceland adventure? Contact us to begin designing your perfect journey.
All articles in our travel stories relate tours that we crafted and operated since Lilja Tours was founded. Clients gave us permission to use their pictures, which we appreciate because we want these accounts to be as authentic as possible. To preserve our clients’ privacy, we never use their real names.
