6-Day Southern Iceland Adventure: Reykjavik, Westman Islands & Landmannalaugar
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers with reasonable fitness who can handle multiple short hikes (30–120 minutes) and several hours on coaches; some stairs and uneven terrain.
Overview
From Reykjavík’s glass-faced harbor to the steaming rhyolite ridges of Landmannalaugar, this six-day circuit stitches city culture to volcanic drama. Expect waterfalls you can walk behind, a ferry to the Westman Islands, whale-watching on Faxaflói Bay, and a dip in the Sky Lagoon.
6-Day Southern Iceland Adventure: Reykjavik, Westman Islands & Landmannalaugar
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The tour begins in Reykjavík with a cold, clean wind that seems to scrub the city awake — gulls wheel over the harbor and the Harpa concert hall catches the morning like a mirror. You meet your guide outside Fosshotel Baron and, within an hour, Reykjavík’s low buildings and colorful rooftops have given way to a landscape that pushes and reshapes itself: waterfalls that drop in sheets, black sand beaches that dare the ocean to come closer, and rhyolite ridges that glow with minerals when the light hits them right.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring waterproof layers
Iceland’s weather shifts quickly; a breathable waterproof jacket and rain pants will keep you comfortable during coastal spray and highland mist.
Pack sturdy footwear
Trails to Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and Brennisteinsalda are uneven and can be slippery—hiking boots with good ankle support help prevent twists.
Swimwear for hot springs
Sky Lagoon and the natural bath at Landmannalaugar require a swimsuit and towel; bring a dry bag for wet items afterward.
Respect coastal dangers
Reynisfjara’s sneaker waves are powerful and unpredictable—stay well back from the water and follow local signage.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Atlantic puffin (seasonal, especially on Westman Islands)
- Minke and humpback whales in Faxaflói Bay
History
Heimaey’s 1973 Eldfell eruption forced a near-instant evacuation and reshaped local lives and landscapes; many exhibits in Eldheimar document that night in personal detail.
Conservation
Highland soils and moss are fragile—stay on marked trails and avoid stepping on vegetation; bird nesting seasons (spring–early summer) require distance from cliffs and colonies.
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Adventure Hotspots in Reykjavík
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof, breathable jacket
Keeps you dry during rain, waterfall spray, and coastal wind.
Sturdy hiking boots
Provides traction on wet basalt, scree and uneven highland trails.
Swimsuit and quick-dry towel
Required for Sky Lagoon and natural geothermal baths in Landmannalaugar.
Daypack with water reservoir
Carries layers, snacks, camera and a refillable bottle during daily walks.