The remote region of North Iceland features stunning natural beauty and offers ample opportunity to learn about life in villages. Spend three action-packed days exploring this dynamic region and its awe-inspiring waterfalls, charming local villages and otherworldly landscapes. Head to sea on a whale-watching tour, bathe in geothermal baths and, in winter, witness the mystical Northern Lights. This small group tour will leave a lasting impression!
Highlights
Search for whales and other marine wildlife on whale-watching tour
Bathe in natural thermal hotsprings
Tour a famous local microbrewery and taste Icelandic beer
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Rise early for your 9am pickup, heading out of Reykjavík and onto Iceland's famous Ring Road. As we make our way north, we will stop for a short but scenic hike around the Grábrók volcanic crater, enjoying the fresh country air as we stretch our legs. Depart from the beaten path as we set our sites on a beautiful fjord, home to the unique Hvítserkur rock formation. This basalt stack stands 15 meters tall, and if you look closely you can see it resembles a dragon or an elephant drinking from the water. Our final stop offers something to pamper our tastebuds: a microbrewery tour! This famed microbrewery is located in a tiny North Iceland village, and we have the chance to tour the brewery and learn how Iceland's best craft beer is made.
After our craft beer tasting we set out for Dalvík, a small fishing village where we will spend the next two nights. In winter, be sure to look skyward for a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights.
Stay at Hotel Dalvík or similar.
Day 2: Goðafoss Waterfall | Lake Mývatn | Mývatn Nature Baths
Our second day begins with a drive to the historic and beautiful Goðafoss waterfall, or waterfall of the gods. This powerful waterfall plunges from a height of 12 meters and over a width of 30 meters, creating a unique and picturesque half-circle. Next we head to the stunning Lake Mývatn region. Covering an area of 36.5 km2, Lake Mývatn is the fourth largest lake in Iceland and home to countless tiny islands. This area is, deservedly, one of Iceland’s most valuable nature reserves. Explore this exquisite area and its lava craters before continuing on to explore theDimmuborgir lava field. This otherworldly site is filled with massive lava rock pillars, caves, caverns, tunnels, rock pillars and lava bridges. Feel as if you are on another planet as you explore this vast, enchanting field and as you continue to explore more of Iceland's many lava fields and volcanic craters today.
After a full day of volcanic adventure we head back toward Dalvík. Stop along the way for an optional soak in the Mývatn Nature Baths. Often referred to as the Blue Lagoon of the North, spend a while relaxing in this natural geothermal water, letting go of any stress you may be carrying (additional entry cost required).
Arrive in Dalvík for a restful evening.
Stay at Hotel Dalvík or similar.
Day 3: Whale Watching | Glaumbær Turf Farm | Reykjavík
Today we will experience what may be the biggest adventure of our tour. Head down to Dalvík harbor early, boarding boat in search of whales and other exciting marine wildlife. Marvel as humpback whales play just off-board, splashing and approaching us with magnificent ease. You may also see white-beaked dolphins, harbor purposes and minke whales. These tours boast a 99% percent success rate, so come with your camera ready! Grab a rod and try your hand at some sea angling, enjoying a fresh seafood barbecue back in the harbor.
After our whale watching adventure we set out for the long drive back to Rekyjavík. We will break up the drive with a stop at the charming Glaumbær Turf Farm, said to have originated in 900AD.
We arrive back in the Icelandic capital at 8pm, where you are dropped off at your hotel or nearest check point. Continue to explore other regions of Iceland or wander its beautiful capital city!
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 30% ($400 minimum), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge. prior to departure
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
1 day ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
