If you get the opportunity to travel to Iceland, I highly recommend driving the Ring Road that goes around the entire island. While we only had 7 days to complete the drive, I would suggest staying at least 10 days. We rented a vehicle and stayed at hotels and Airbnb's along the way. One of my favorite hotels and the first place we stayed in the eastern region was located in Hofn at a place called the "Milk Factory." They are within walking distance to the towns restaurants, serve free breakfast, friendly staff and have a complimentary expresso machine that can whip you up lattes, macchiato, cappuccino, etc. For dinner we tried a place called Ishusid Pizzeria Restaurant that did not disappoint.
We travelled from Hofn to Egilssadir and around these areas there is plenty to explore. First I'll talk about the places we were able to see and then I'll list the things we wish we had time to do!
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: This was one my favorite places in Iceland. We weren't planning on stopping here but happened to see it from the road on our way to Diamond Beach. HIGHLY recommend taking a few minutes to pull over and see it for yourself!
2. Vestrahorn: This is a mountain in south-east Iceland, very closely located to the viking village next on the list! As many beaches in Iceland this one was black!
3. Viking Village Film Set: The drive to this "village" is down a dirt road where you'll pass plenty of horse and reindeer. Upon arrival you'll pay a small fee to get out and explore the very realistic viking village.
4. Hengifoss: Iceland's third highest waterfall, this is an easy walk/hike that brings you to the bottom of the red stripped waterfall. We did have to pass over a small amount of water so I would recommend waterproof shoes if you have any!
5. Vatnajokull National Park: We stopped her briefly to walk around a couple short trails and grab lunch at the food truck. We did't take any pictures and wish we had spent more time here!
6. Vok Baths: This thermal bath is located near the town of Egilsstadir. We had a ton of fun jumping from the bath into the lake that borders the property. The thermal baths get really hot so it's refreshing to be able to quickly cool off. Unlike the well known Blue Lagoon, this water is clear however there is a fair amount of algae so if that is going to freak you out I would not recommend. I made a whole video on the Vok Baths that I will link here!
7. Studlagil Canyon Hike: There are two ways to see the canyon. The first from a viewing platform on the west side and the second is an easy 6 mile walk. GPS coordinates to the hike are: N65.1879375; W-15.2854315. We parked in the first parking lot you come to where you can see two bridges. I read that they prefer you park in this lot as the trail is through private property and the road conditions aren't great. Along the walk you'll pass a small waterfall, plenty of sheep and running water to easily refill your bottle. We climbed down into the canyon and also walked around up top. CLICK HERE for a short video of the canyon.
8. Also worth noting are all the beautiful places you'll see just driving along the Ring Road. We pulled over countless times to look at the landscapes that change drastically from covered in moss, to glaciers to cliffs over the water!
MORE IDEAS
Diamond Beach
Djupavogskorin Hot Spring
Town of Seydisfjordur (we planned on visiting but ran out of time!)
Storurd
Hrunalaug Hot Spring
Thanks for reading, be sure to follow for more travel tips, tricks and itineraries!
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