This four-day Icelandic short break offers a captivating blend of natural wonders and sustainable exploration. Beginning with a visit to the stunning Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, the journey progresses to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, where dramatic landscapes and Viking history unfold. Days two and three are dedicated to immersing oneself in the peninsula's beauty, from charming villages like Arnarstapi to the majestic Snæfellsjökull Glacier, with opportunities for hiking and cultural exploration. Staying in the very beautiful Fosshotel Reykholt hotel with its newly built spa and gym, then moving on to the breathtaking beauty of the Hotel Búðir with views across the bay and on to the mountains beyond.
Both hotels have a fabulous reputation for great menus with locally sourced food, and diverse choice of shellfish, locally reared lamb and great fish of the day dishes to choose from, including an extensive buffet for breakfast each day.
The final day allows for a relaxed departure, with optional adventures you can add into your trip, choose to go on a whale watching boat trip or venture on a lava cave tour with our expert guides, ensuring a memorable farewell to Iceland’s enchanting landscapes.
Overview
This four-day Icelandic short break offers a captivating blend of natural wonders and sustainable exploration. Beginning with a visit to the stunning Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, the journey progresses to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, where dramatic landscapes and Viking history unfold. Days two and three are dedicated to immersing oneself in the peninsula’s beauty, from charming villages like Arnarstapi to the majestic Snæfellsjökull Glacier, with opportunities for hiking and cultural exploration. (Flights not included)
Staying in the very beautiful Fosshotel Reykholt Hotel with its newly built spa and gym, then moving on to the breathtaking beauty of the Hotel Búðir with views across the bay and on to the mountains beyond. Both hotels have a fabulous reputation for great menus with locally sourced food, and diverse choice of shellfish, locally reared lamb and great fish of the day dishes to choose from, including an extensive buffet for breakfast each day.
- Accommodation
- Private Transfers
- Meals (not including beverages)
- Activities and Transport as listed
- Optional Extra Whale Watching Tour
Your Trip, Your Way
This itinerary is just a starting point—a flavour of what’s possible. Whether you want to tweak the pace, upgrade your hotel, or deepen the culinary immersion, we’ll design your perfect trip from scratch.
Day by Day Itinerary
Arrival in Iceland - Visit Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfa
Upon arrival at Keflavík International Airport, your Icelandic journey begins with a private transfer in an electric car, to Fosshotel Reykholt in the serene Borgarfjörður region. En route, you’ll experience the breathtaking beauty of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls. Hraunfossar, or “Lava Falls,” is a series of interwoven streams that gracefully cascade over a 900-meter span of lava fields into the turquoise Hvítá river, a truly unique and stunning sight. Just upstream, you’ll find Barnafoss, the “Children’s Falls,” a dramatic and powerful waterfall that has carved its way through the ancient volcanic rock.
We’ll drive you back to your hotel, where you can relax in the hotel’s spa and gym. This newly opened spa is equipped with outdoor hot and cold tubs, a relaxation room, sauna, and steam bath, where you can unwind and rejuvenate after a day of exploration.
The evening concludes with a dining experience that highlights locally sourced ingredients, supporting the region’s economy, reflecting on the day’s natural wonders, and your role in preserving them.
Should you choose to, an optional visit to the Krauma Geothermal Baths offers further relaxation.
Explore Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Day two takes you on a captivating journey to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, where dramatic landscapes await. Travel comfortably in an electric vehicle, ensuring a smooth ride to your first at the Borgarnes Saga Museum, a portal into Iceland’s Viking history, where you can immerse yourself in tales of settlement and adventure. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the museum’s café, savoring local flavors before continuing your exploration of the peninsula. Prepare to be awestruck by the diverse scenery of Snæfellsnes, from the iconic Kirkjufell mountain to the rugged coastline dotted with charming fishing villages.
As the day draws to a close, you’ll arrive at Hotel Búðir, a charming retreat nestled amidst the peninsula’s breathtaking beauty, with bright modern rooms, with wet rooms, and great views of the bay and mountains from all angles. This hotel offers a tranquil escape, with comfortable rooms and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Enjoy the hotel’s on-site restaurant, known for its delectable cuisine and stunning views. The hotel also offers a comfortable lounge area to relax in after a day of exploring. An overnight stay here ensures you have ample time to fully appreciate the peninsula’s magic and the hotel’s serene ambiance.
Coastal Cliffs, Seabirds and Snæfellsjökull Glacier
Day three invites you to further explore the captivating Snæfellsnes Peninsula, beginning with a visit to the charming village of Arnarstapi. Here, you’ll witness dramatic coastal cliffs, unique basalt rock formations, and bustling seabird colonies, creating a truly unforgettable scene. The imposing presence of Snæfellsjökull Glacier looms nearby, adding to the area’s mystical allure.
In the afternoon, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the peninsula’s natural beauty through a scenic hike. The area offers various trails suitable for different fitness levels, allowing you to choose an adventure that suits your preferences. Alternatively, you might choose to visit local sites, taking in more of the rich history and culture of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. This could mean visiting small local museums, or seeing historical sites. The day is yours to customise, allowing for further exploration of this magical region.
Your evening is a dinner at the Hotel Búðir restaurant, for another exquisite meal of locally sourced food, from shellfish soup, beef tartare, slow cooked lamb, or fresh fish if the day with a fantastic view over the bay and to the mountains beyond.
Optional Whale Watching Tour Before Returning Home
Day four begins with a relaxed breakfast, allowing you to savor your final moments on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Afterwards, your driver-guide will provide a comfortable transfer back to Keflavík International Airport for your departure flight. Depending on your flight schedule, you might have the opportunity to add an unforgettable experience to your Icelandic adventure.
Consider an optional whale watching excursion, where you can witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, breaching the clear water in search of fish, and lobtailing their tail flukes within metres of your boat. Alternatively, explore the subterranean wonders of the Vatnshellir lava cave, venturing into a world of ancient volcanic formations. For the truly adventurous, a challenging hike to the summit of Snæfellsjökull Glacier offers breathtaking panoramic views, a fitting finale to your Icelandic journey. These optional activities provide a chance to tailor your departure day to your interests, creating lasting memories of your time in this remarkable country.
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