Two Weeks in Iceland

Welcome to Iceland! Your first stop will be to the rental depot to pick up your motorhome. Be sure to complete your pre-check beforehand to cut down on the amount of time it’ll take to get your vehicle. And familiarize yourself with the rules of the road in Iceland prior to landing so you know what to expect when you get behind the wheel. If you want to enjoy any wine or beer at your campsite during your trip, best to stop at the duty-free on your way out.
 
Blue Lagoon
 
A convenient first stop is the Blue Lagoon as it is just a 15-minute drive from the airport. However you’ll need to book your time slot in advance which can be tricky when you’re just coming from the airport. This can also be saved for the very end of your trip. The Blue Lagoon is soaking pool filled with piping hot water from the nearby geothermal plant. The minerals in the water are great for your skin and turn the water a vibrant turquoise blue color. You’ll want to spend 2-4 hours here enjoying the pool and the amenities.
 
Reykjavik
 
Next you’ll want to check out Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland and the largest city that you’ll encounter during your trip. The must-see sites around town include the Hallgrimskirkja Church with its iconic stepped concrete facade that is widely used on Icelandic souvenirs. Admission to the church is free but you’ll need to pay 1,000 ISK to enter the tower.
 
The Harpa Concert Hall is another must-visit site in Reykjavik due to its unique architecture. Be sure to check out the view from the second floor, the windows provide a beautiful view to the city below. And lastly, the Sun Voyager, an iconic steel art installation right on the sea is meant to resemble a Viking ship.
 
If you want to grab a bite in a popular diner, Lebowski Bar was created in the likeness of the Big Lebowski movie and they have tempting happy hour specials. Icelandic Street Food has a few different soup options with free refills (and you can help yourself to their yummy desserts for free as well). And be sure to stock up on groceries at Bonus on your way out of town: it’s the country’s lowest priced retailer.
 
It’s time to leave Reykjavik and set out on the open road! This complete itinerary tackles the Ring Road in a counter-clockwise order so you’ll tackle the Golden Circle highlights first. This leg involves a bit of walking so check the weather and be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
 
Reykjadalur
 
Your first stop will be Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River. You’ll be able to bathe in this natural river flowing with piping hot water, while enjoying the gorgeous nature that surrounds you. Once you park in the parking lot you’ll have a 3 kilometre one-way trek to the soaking spot, mostly uphill on the way there. You’ll walk by several hot springs that are way too hot to bathe in, before finally reaching the swimming area. Here are a few small changing areas and a boardwalk surrounding the river. The further upstream you go, the hotter the water.
 
Kerid
 
Next stop on the itinerary is due east. Kerid (Kerið) is a large volcanic crater lake made of red rock and covered in bright green vegetation. It is approximately 55 metres deep, 170 metres wide, and 270 metres across and was formed by a volcanic explosion about 6,500 years ago. You’ll have to pay 400 ISK to enter the area as the land is privately owned. There is a trail that runs around the perimeter of the crater and stairs that run all the way down to the lake.
 
Thingvellir National Park
 
Next is a leisurely stroll around Thingvellir National Park (the Icelandic spelling is Þingvellir). This gorge defines the eastern edge of the North American tectonic plate and the activity from the tectonic plates has created a dramatic landscape in the park.
 
Park at the Hakio Visitor Center (be sure to pay for parking) and they’ll give you a map of the well maintained trails in the area. Follow the old road down through the gorge to Oxararfoss Waterfall, one of the highlights of the park. From there, cross the river and head back towards the Visitor Center.The water here is incredibly clear and the best spot to appreciate it is right near the picturesque Thingvellir Church. Make a wish while you toss a coin off of the small bridge nearby and your wish just might come true (according to the local legend).
Plan on spending 1-2 hours exploring Thingvellir National Park and enjoying the scenery. If you have extra time try scuba diving or snorkeling in between the two tectonic plates at the Silfra fissure. It’s the clearest water in the world and the kind of adventure you can only have in Iceland!
 
Bruarfoss
 
Hopefully you’re not too tired because up next is a moderate, 3.5 kilometre each way hike to Bruarfoss, a massive and unique waterfall with milky turquoise water. Park at the “Bruarfoss Waterfall Official Parking” and follow the signs to the falls. The hike is flat the entire way and can be rather muddy if it’s been raining so wear appropriate footwear. This powerful waterfall is off-the-beaten-path so you won’t encounter many other tourists here, but it’s well worth the trek to marvel at its beauty!
 
Geysir Geothermal Area
 
Your next stop is the Geysir Geothermal Area where you’ll find boiling water and mud pits as well as the Strokkur geyser which erupts every 5 minutes or so. Temperatures of the hot springs are up to 100°C so don’t wander past the ropes. The main geyser, simply named “Geysir”, previously erupted with spouts up to 550 feet! Unfortunately it’s been mostly dormant for several years. But its neighbor, Strokkur, will put on a show several times during your visit.
 
A muddy path weaves through the boiling pits and also up the hill nearby to a lookout spot. It’s free to park and also free to enter the area.
 
Gullfoss
 
If you thought Bruarfoss was an impressive waterfall, just wait until your next stop! Gullfoss is a two-tiered waterfall that is over 100 feet tall in total. The river Hvítá rushes through the Hvitargljufur Canyon so as the water cascades over the falls, the tall canyon walls tower on either side. The amount of water coming over the falls is truly spectacular, and you’ll be amazed by how close the well-maintained path gets you to the action. It’s not-to-be-missed during your trip to Iceland!
 
Secret Lagoon Hot Spring
 
You’ve done a lot of walking today, so end your day with a relaxing soak in a hot spring at Secret Lagoon Hot Spring. It’s large pool is the perfect temperature to soothe your muscles without being unbearable. The surrounding nature is beautiful and peaceful, it’ll be the perfect end to your busy day! The entrance fee is 3,000 ISK and an extra 700 ISK if you need to rent a towel. You’ll get a 20% discount if you camp at the nearby Skjol Campground.

This leg takes you to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. But first, you’ll start at the Keldur Turf House, the oldest turf house in Iceland and one of only a few preserved turf houses in South Iceland. Turf houses were built to withstand the harsh climate of Iceland as they provide impeccable insulation as well as ventilation. The Keldur Turf House is now a museum, open to visitors from June 1st until August 31st daily from 10:00am until 6:00pm and the entrance fee is 1,200 ISK.
 
Waterfalls
 
The next stop is Gluggafoss (also called Merkjárfoss), a two-tiered waterfall that totals 170 feet in total height. A bumpy road leads to a small parking lot, just a short distance from the base of the falls. You’re unlikely to see many other tourists here as it’s a bit off-the-beaten-path. A small path leads to each tier and it’s even possible to walk behind the lower falls. It’s beautiful and you’ll appreciate the opportunity to escape the crowds here.
 
A row of waterfalls awaits you at your next stop. The main parking lot begins at the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can hike along a path that leads behind the falls (be prepared to get soaked). And a small path passes by two smaller falls and finally ends at Gljufrafoss, a waterfall that is hidden at the back of a narrow passageway. You can walk along the rocks on the right side to keep from getting your feet wet, but you’ll undoubtedly get wet from the spray from the falls on your way in.
 
TIP: if you are visiting these falls at the end of the day, camp at the nearby Hamragardar campsite. You can easily access the falls from the campsite and avoid the 700 ISK fee for parking at Seljalandsfoss waterfall.
 
Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool
 
If you’re ready for a hot pool soak, then your next stop will be a ¾ mile hike to the Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool. It’s an outdoor swimming pool, one of the oldest in Iceland as it was built in 1923. The pool is simply maintained by volunteers from the local community and is free for anyone to use. You’ll be surrounded on all sides by tall hills covered in vibrant green moss with several small waterfalls cascading into the river below. If you’re visiting on a cold day make sure to position yourself near the hot water pipe as the rest of the pool is warm but not necessarily hot.
 
Skogafoss
 
Next stop is the impressive Skogafoss Waterfall. You’ve likely seen photos of this massive waterfall during your Iceland vacation research. You can get right up next to the base of the falls, and you can also climb the stairs on the right side to view the falls from above. Continue on down the trail and you’ll find several other waterfalls that are smaller but far less crowded. Beware, tour buses begin arriving at around 9:30am so go early or later in the day if you want to avoid crowds.
 
Kvernufoss
 
And for a far less crowded waterfall, head to the nearby Kvernufoss Waterfall. You’ll need to park at the Skogar Museum as the path begins just to the right of the museum. You’ll see a dirt trail and climb up a small ladder to cross the fence. It’s about an 800 metre, muddy hike to this spectacular waterfall. And you can actually hike behind the falls to get a beautiful view of the valley. It’s a nice respite from the tour bus crowds at Skogafoss.
 
DC Airplane Wreck
 
From the falls, continue on down the Ring Road to the parking lot for the DC Airplane Wreck. You’ll walk down a rocky road for 2 miles until you reach the wreckage, or you can take the shuttle that leaves every 45 minutes for 2,500 ISK roundtrip. This was a Douglas Dakota C-117 airplane that was forced to make a crash landing in November 1973 with 7 crew members on board; fortunately everyone survived.
 
Reynisfjara
 
Reynisfjara Beach, a gorgeous black sand beach, is your final stop of the day. Here you’ll find pitch black sand, huge grey basalt columnar joints (called Gardar) rising from the coastline, and large sea stacks just off the shore. Icelandic legend has it that these were once trolls, pulling ships to the shore, that were accidentally out until dawn and thus turned to stone. Reynisfjara Beach has been on the top ten list of the most beautiful non-tropical beaches in the world, and it is certainly the most picturesque in Southern Iceland!

You’ve got a long drive ahead of you, but a few scenic stops along the way. The Green Lava Walk is a short path that leads you through a massive moss covered lava field. And since it’s right off the road, it's a nice stop to get out and stretch your legs. Fjadrargljufur Canyon is also a possible stop along the way although at times it is temporarily closed due to thawing conditions.
 
Skaftafell/Vatnajokull National Park
 
Your next stop is Skaftafell/Vatnajokull National Park. This big, beautiful national park has several lovely hikes and a campground. If you camp here, you won’t need to pay the parking fee. If you’d like to visit the glacier, the trail to Skafta-Fellsjokull Glacier is just a half-mile each way. You can get really close to the glacier and the lake here. And the hike to Svartifoss Waterfall takes about 45 minutes each way.
 
If you thought that glacier view was impressive, just wait till you see what is next. We would highly recommend Fjallsarlon Iceberg Boat Tours, just down the road from the park. The price is 6,900 ISK per adult, 3,500 ISK per child and includes a 45 minute boat ride, a flotation jacket, and a life vest. You’ll get up close and personal with the south end of the glacier Vatnajokull, while the boat dodges huge ice chunks that have calved off. Plus your knowledgeable guide will give you some history on the glacier. Boats depart daily at 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm, 4:30pm, and in the summer months at 5:30pm.
 
Even if you choose not to take the boat ride, you should definitely check out the view here. There is a path behind Frost Restaurant that leads down to the lagoon. And on a clear day, the view of the glacier with the reflection on the water is absolutely spectacular!
 
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
 
And just a bit further down the road is a parking lot on the left for Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. This lagoon is full of the most uniquely shaped blue icebergs floating around the peaceful lagoon. The shapes and colors of these glaciers are unlike anything you’ve ever seen before! It is almost surreal. You can check out the view from the trail or walk down to the water. It’s truly a photographers paradise. This is a must-visit spot in Southern Iceland.
 
You can also do a boat tour on the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. The “Amphibian” tour is in a boat that drives from land into the lagoon. It lasts for 30-40 minutes and the price is 5,800 ISK for adults and 2,000 ISK for children aged 6-12. And the “Zodiak” can get you closer to the icebergs as you’ll be on a raft boat. The duration is an hour and the price is 9,900 ISK for adults and 5,000 ISK for children aged 10-12.
 
Diamond Beach
 
These glacier chunks that have calved off the Vatnajokull Glacier float round in this lagoon for a while before making their way through the channel and out to the sea. And it’s here that they are tossed around at sea for a bit before ending up back on Diamond Beach. This beautiful black sand beach is littered with small, crystal clear pieces of glacial ice that have made the trip from the lagoon. This is also definitely worth a stop as it is the most unique coastline on the island.
 
TIP: The Diamond Beach parking lot on the west side of the bridge is one of the few on the island that doesn’t have “no camping” signs if you happen to be here late and don’t want to find a campground.
 
Hoffell Hot Tubs
 
It’s time to warm up with a soak in the middle of a beautiful natural surrounding. Hoffell Hot Tubs consists of 5 small tubs that are hot, but not too hot, and set in the middle of nature. Amenities are limited, there are two toilets, a few changing rooms, and an outdoor shower. You’ll want to spend a few hours soaking here and the earlier you arrive, the less other visitors you’ll see.
 
The tubs are open from 10:00am until 9:00pm and you’ll need to pay 1,000 ISK per person. Your entrance fee includes a towel rental.
 
Vestrahorn
 
Vestrahorn Mountain is next on the list of places to visit. It’s on private land so you’ll need to stop into the Viking Cafe to pay the 900 ISK per person entrance fee. Your visit will start with a walk over to the “old farm” which was built by a film company as a Viking village set. From there you’ll drive down the sandy road to the coast, where you’ll be rewarded with a black sand beach, gorgeous mountain views, and even be able to see some seals lounging on the rocks.
 

Leg four also involves quite a bit of driving. But most of it will be through the eastern fjords so you will be rewarded with spectacular views of massive snow capped mountains and rugged coastline for much of the day.
 
Fauskasandur Beach
 
And if you’d like a quick stop along your drive through the fjords, pull off at Fauskasandur Beach. A huge monolith juts out from the rocky coastline and it’s just a short walk from the parking lot. And if you need a nice campground during your long drive through the fjords, Fossardalur Guesthouse has a grassy campground with every amenity you’ll need for the night!
 
Klifbrekku Waterfall
 
Set your map destination to Klifbrekku Waterfall and be prepared for another long day of driving. If you need coffee, Havari Cafe is a coffee shop, restaurant, and hotel on the way that is known for inviting awesome local artists for live gigs.
 
You’ll take highway 953 to Klifbrekku Waterfall, which is the most spectacular drive on the eastern side of the island. The road is gravel and at times fairly steep, so be sure you’re comfortable driving in those conditions before setting out. There will likely still be some snow left on the banks near the peak, before you start your descent into the gorge. Soon enough you’ll see the view of the sea below, with tall mountains rising up on either side. One small house sits at the very bottom of the gorge. Klifbrekku Waterfall is beautiful, but not nearly as impressive as the drive to get there.
 
Seydisfjordur
 
Your next stop is the quaint town of Seydisfjordur, inhabited by only about 700 people. At the center of town is the Fjardara Lake and is surrounded on all sides by tall snow-capped mountains with waterfalls cascading down. The real highlight here is the Seydisfjardarkirkja Church that is at the end of a colorful rainbow road known as Regnboga Vegur. And on your way out of town you’ll want to stop at Gufu Waterfall, just off of the main road.
 
If you need groceries, you can stock up at Bonus in the town of Egilsstadir.
 
Lagarfljot
 
And from there you’ll head west, to Lagarfljot, one of Iceland’s deepest lakes. The highlight of this area is the Hengifoss Waterfall on the north side of the lake. Hengifoss is one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland at 128 metres from the top of the plateau to the base of the falls. The mostly uphill hike from the parking lot is 2 kilometres each way to the lookout point directly in front of the falls. At the time of writing, the last part of the trail was closed for flora rehabilitation.
 
There are also several peaceful and serene campsites here where you’ll be surrounded by trees and mountains and also have a beautiful view of the lake.

From Hengifoss, the north side of the lake is currently unpaved so while the distance is technically shorter, it will take longer to drive than the south side.
 
Dettifoss
 
The first stop today will be the westside parking lot for Dettifoss Waterfall. You can visit either the west side or the east side, but the entrance on the west has a paved road, and the entrance on the east side is a long, bumpy, gravel road. Although the hiking trails are roped off on the west side, whereas the east side is a bit of a free-for-all. Parking is free and entrance to the waterfall is free.
 
Dettifoss is known to be the most powerful waterfall in all of Europe, with 500 cubic meters of water per second flowing over the edge to the bottom, 44 metres below. Known to some as “the beast”, Dettifoss is 100 metres wide and it’s impossible not to get soaked by its spray when visiting the west side of the falls. It’s an 800 metre trek from the parking lot to the falls. You can also take a right to check out Selfoss Waterfall, while is about a 1.2 kilometre hike. It’s difficult to get very close to Selfoss but it’s certainly less crowded than Dettifoss!
 
Myvatn
 
Next you’ll be headed into the active geothermal area of Myvatn. Your first stop will be Namaskard, an area filled with boiling mud pits and steam vents, right off the road. It smells terrible so most people make it a quick trip.
 
From there you’ll head to Viti which is a massive crater lake. The water is a gorgeous turquoise color and a path leads around the rim. There is a steep section in the very middle so you’re better off starting on one side and hiking it as an out-and-back and then hiking the other side of the rim the same way. And nearby to Viti is Leirhnjukur which is where you can hike out to a huge lava field. The hike takes about 30 minutes each way and you’ll get to check out a few teal-colored boiling hot pools along the way.
 
Next you’ll have the chance to soothe your muscles after all that hiking at Myvatn Nature Baths. It’s similar to the Blue Lagoon as the water is a similar striking blue color and full of minerals but it’s not as fancy or expensive. Get a “beer bracelet” from the reception desk if you want to order draft beers from the friendly staff while you soak. It’s the perfect way to end a long day!
 
The entrance fee is 5,000 ISK per adult during the peak summer months of May 1 - September 30 and 4,500 ISK during the winter. The pools are open from 9:00am - 12:00am during the summer and from 10:00am - 11:00pm during the winter.
 
Godafoss
 
You’ve already seen Dettifoss, “the beast” waterfall, and today you’ll get to see Godafoss, aka “the beauty”. The spectacular waterfall has a horseshoe shape that spans about 100 feet across. You can walk down the steps to the rocky shore below and get really close to the falls. There are also several nice viewpoints from up above.
 
Laufas Museum
 
If you want to take a nice drive through the countryside, head toward Laufas Museum. It’s now a museum but at one time 20-30 people lived in these turf houses, the oldest one built in 1840. You’ll have to pay an entrance fee of 1,600 ISK/adult but even if you choose not to enter, the views on the way there are incredible!
 
Akureyri
 
If you don’t want to take the detour, head straight to the quaint town of Akureyri (be sure to pay for the toll tunnel online). Here you’ll find a small downtown area filled with souvenir shops, two giant troll statues, and a delectable hot dog stand. But Akureyri’s best feature is the darling heart-shaped stop lights all over the city!
 
Fjord Attractions
 
Your next major destination is going to be due west, outside the town of Varmahlid. So you can either take the inland Ring Road, or take a more scenic drive through the fjords. There are several worthwhile stops in the fjords. The first is Siglufjordur, a small fishing village with colorful buildings, a small church, and a unique turf house. And Sundlaugin a Hofsosi is a hot water swimming pool that overlooks the sea. The entrance fee is 1,000 ISK per adult and it’s open from 7:00am - 1:00pm and 5:00pm - 8:00pm from Monday through Friday, and 11:00am - 4:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
 
If you take the drive through the fjords, you’ll be rewarded with views of the rugged coastline with massive mountains looming in the distance. It will be much longer than the inland route but it’s worth the detour if you have extra time.
 
Reykjafoss
 
Reykjafoss is a natural hot spring on the bank of the Huseyjarkvisl River.It’s a little tricky to find if you don’t have specific directions. Turn down road 753 toward Vindheimar, cross the small wooden bridge, and you’ll see a sign for Reykjafoss Fosslaug. Park in the parking lot with the sign stating that camping is not allowed, and then enter the gate with the “Conculeid” sign. Follow the path and then cross the wooden bridge on the right, and then follow that path to the river bank (you should see the steam rising from a distance). You’ll love soaking right in the middle of the most beautiful natural surrounding!
 
Vidimyri
 
Next head to the town of Vidimyri where you’ll find a small turf church (simply referred to as “Church in Vidimyri” on Google Maps) and Glaumbaer Farm and Museum. The turf houses that are a part of the Glaumbaer Farm were constructed using stones, timber, and turf, the oldest of which are from the mid-18th century. There are actually 13 buildings here that served different functions - a kitchen, a communal sleeping room, storerooms, a blacksmith workshop, and others. If you want to visit both the turf church and the museum, you’ll need to pay the entrance fee of 2,000 ISK/adult.
 
If you’re feeling adventurous, there is a strenuous 6 kilometre hike to the top of Mount Tindastoll just north of the city. You’ll gain about 600 metres of elevation and the hike should take about 3-4 hours there and back. You’ll be rewarded with spectacular views from the top so be sure the weather is clear before starting.

Set your map to Gudrunarlaug Hot Spring, it’s about 2.5 hours away and it’s your next stop. From the parking lot you’ll see a small turf house on the hill above, next to a small creek. The hot spring is a pool in front of that house. The pool has been made of stone but it is natural so expect to encounter some algae in the water. The water temperature is perfect for an afternoon soak while enjoying the views in the distance. If you want to break up your drive to the hot spring, Hvitserkur is a 15 metre tall basalt stack on the coastline that is popular to visit, as long as you don’t mind a 30-minute drive down a gravel road.
 
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
 
From there, you’ll continue heading west, toward the western peninsula and Snaefellsjokull National Park. It’s a 2-hour drive from the hot spring to your next stop, Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall. You’ve probably see photos of this two-tiered waterfall with the massive Kirkjufell Mountain rising in the background. If you can get here at sunset, it’s an ideal time to enjoy the falls (and snap some incredible photos).
 
The next few hours will be spent touring around the western Snaefellsnes Peninsula. This area can get incredibly windy so be sure to check www.road.is regularly throughout the day and if the winds exceed 20 meters/second, stop driving, park into the wind, and wait it out. Or find a cute coffee shop in the town of Hellissandur to hang out for a bit.
 
Rif is on the northern edge of the peninsula and is a quaint little fishing town. And the picturesque Ingjaldsholl Church is right outside of town. Next stop along the way is Skardsvik Beach, one of the few beaches in Iceland with golden sand, as opposed to black sand. The road to the beach is rough and narrow so be sure to beware of oncoming traffic.
Saxholl Crater is the next stop of the day, where a set of stairs lead up to the rim of the crater so that you can peer inside.
 
Then on to Djupalonssandur Beach where trails lead down to the black rock beach and also along the cliffs for views of the rugged coastline. If you’re lucky and the weather is clear, you’ll have spectacular views of Snaefellsjokull, the 700,000-year-old glacier-capped stratovolcano at the center of the peninsula.
 
Vatnshellir Cave is only available to see if you take a 45-minute guided tour. The price is 3,750 ISK per adult and tours are every hour, on the hour, from 10am - 6pm in the summer months. No need to book in advance, just buy tickets when you arrive at the cave.
 
As you continue your drive, there are several nice viewpoints along the way including Londrangar Viewpoint and the viewpoints in the towns of Hellnar and Arnarstapi. Your next stop will allow you to get out of the car and stretch your legs a bit. It’s a short hike through Raudfeldsgja Gorge. You’ll be walking through the creek that runs through a slot canyon. There are stones that will help to keep your feet (mostly) dry. There is a short waterfall at the end with a rope on the right side if you want to get soaked to see another small waterfall just upstream.
 
Budakirkja Church (also known as “Black Church”), an old, wooden, black church that is perfectly picturesque. Your last stop on the peninsula is Ytri Tunga, a seal colony on private property but they are kind enough to let tourists stop by for a visit. You’ll likely see at least a few seals lounging on the rocks just off the coast or swimming around in the sea.
 
Landbrotalaug Hot Pot
 
And now it’s time for a soak in the Landbrotalaug Hot Pot. Google Maps make it appear that it’s right off the road, but it’s actually at the end of a short gravel road on the right side of the road. You’ll come to a parking lot at the end of the road with some dirt trails leading out to a lake. The lake isn’t warm, but there are two very small “hot pots” on the far ends of the lake. Both are fairly easy to spot as they are line by rocks, but are only large enough to fit two people at a time. There is no fee to park or to enter the pools.
 
Hraunfossar & Barnafoss
 
The Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfalls are next on the list. The entire area is actually covered in small waterfalls spilling over the sides of the canyon walls. There is a nice trail from the parking lot with several lookout points along the way. There is also a bridge that allows you to cross the river to see the views from the other side.
 
Krauma
 
Another amazing soaking pool awaits you. Krauma is another, more commercialized hot pool. This one is more popular with Icelandic locals than the Blue Lagoon as it is far less expensive and less crowded. There are several small spiral pools of varying temperatures, as well as two steam rooms, a cold plunge pool, and a “relaxation room” with a wood fireplace. You’ll want to spend several hours here, switching from pool to pool and relaxing by the fire.
 
The price of admission is 3,800 ISK for adults, 1,900 ISK for children aged 13-16, and free for children 12 and under. You can rent a towel for 500 ISK, a swimsuit for 500 ISK, and a bathrobe for 1,500 ISK. The staff will come by and get your drink order regularly and you’ll pay 1,200 ISK for beer or wine.
 
 
Sadly, it’s time to head back to Reykjavik, clean out your motorhome, and say goodbye to Iceland. Be sure you’ve checked with your rental company regarding what time you need to return the vehicle and how much cleaning you’re expected to do. You’ll likely need to wash the outside, vacuum out the inside, and fill it up with gas.