Breakfast at The Barn
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before starting your glacier adventure day.
11-Day Iceland Ring Road Adventure
July 14-24, 2025
🧊 Day 4: Glacier Experiences
July 17
"In Iceland, you can see the contours of the mountains wherever you go, and the swell of the hills, and always beyond that the horizon. And there's this strange thing: you're never sort of hidden; you always feel exposed in that landscape."
Day Summary
Today you'll journey through Iceland's glacier country, experiencing the magnificent ice formations that give the country its name. From the deep canyon of Fjaðrárgljúfur to the iconic Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon where icebergs float serenely before washing up on Diamond Beach, this day showcases Iceland's dramatic relationship with ice. Get up close to these ancient glaciers on a boat tour among the icebergs for a truly unforgettable experience.
Total Driving: ~331 km (206 miles), 4 hours 35 minutes
- The Barn, Norðurfoss to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon: ~50 km (31 miles), 45 minutes
- Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon to Skaftafell (Svartifoss Hike): ~60 km (37 miles), 45 minutes
- Skaftafell to Strútsfoss Waterfall: ~70 km (43 miles), 1 hour
- Strútsfoss Waterfall to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: ~80 km (50 miles), 1 hour
- Jökulsárlón to Diamond Beach: ~1 km (0.6 miles), 5 minutes
- Diamond Beach to Fjallajökull Viewpoint: ~30 km (19 miles), 30 minutes
- Fjallajökull Viewpoint to Airbnb in Höfn: ~40 km (25 miles), 30 minutes
Daily Schedule
Drive to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Head east along the Ring Road to your first destination of the day.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Explore this spectacular 328-foot deep canyon with its winding river and moss-covered walls. Follow the walking paths along the rim for incredible views down into the serpentine gorge.
Drive to Skaftafell
Continue east to Skaftafell, part of the vast Vatnajökull National Park.
Svartifoss Waterfall Hike
Embark on a 3-mile round trip, moderate difficulty hike to see the unique Svartifoss waterfall with its backdrop of black basalt columns. The trail also offers excellent views of surrounding glaciers.
Lunch at Visitor Center
Enjoy lunch at the Skaftafell Visitor Center café, offering sandwiches, soups, and other light meals.
Drive to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Due to time constraints, we'll skip Strútsfoss Waterfall and head directly to the glacier lagoon for your pre-booked boat tour.
Zodiac Boat Tour of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Experience the otherworldly beauty of the glacier lagoon up-close on a zodiac boat tour, navigating between floating icebergs and possibly spotting seals. The zodiac boats can get closer to the glacier face than the larger amphibian boats.
Diamond Beach Exploration
Visit the famous black sand beach across from the lagoon where ice chunks wash up on shore, creating a stunning contrast of crystal ice against black sand.
Check in at Airbnb near Höfn
Arrive at your accommodation and settle in for the evening.
Dinner at Pakkhús Restaurant
Enjoy dinner at this popular restaurant in Höfn known for its fresh langoustine (Icelandic lobster) and other seafood dishes.
Key Highlights of the Day
- Zodiac boat tour among floating icebergs at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Walking among 'diamonds' on Diamond Beach
- Hiking to the unique basalt column waterfall Svartifoss
- The serpentine beauty of Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Accommodations
Airbnb in Jökulsárlón/HöfnSeljavöllum, Höfn í Hornafirði 781, Iceland
Cost: $357.52
Room Type: Double or twin
Note: Höfn is known as the langoustine capital of Iceland, so seafood is a must-try while staying here.
Alternative Activities
- Strútsfoss Waterfall: Even larger red strata waterfall than the famous Hengifoss. Accessible with a regular car in summer via Road 935 to Sturluflöt farm, followed by an easy family-friendly hike.💎 Hidden Gem✓ Selected
- Hofskirkja Turf Church: One of Iceland's last traditional turf churches, built in 1884. This picturesque church with a grass-covered roof is both historically and architecturally significant.
- Stokknes/Vestrahorn: Dramatic mountain backdrop with black sand beach. One of Iceland's most photogenic mountains, especially at sunrise or sunset.
- Heinabergslón Glacial Lagoon: Less crowded alternative to Jökulsárlón for kayaking among icebergs. Requires a guided tour but offers a more intimate glacier experience.💎 Hidden Gem
- Hoffelsjökull Glacier Viewpoint: Lesser-known glacier viewpoint offering close-up views of the glacier from a short walking path.
Bad Weather Alternatives
- Höfn Swimming Pool: Indoor and outdoor swimming pools with hot tubs - a great way to relax in bad weather.
- Vatnajökull Visitor Center: Learn about the Vatnajökull glacier and national park through interactive exhibits and displays.
- Þórbergssetur Museum: Museum dedicated to the writer Þórbergur Þórðarson with exhibits on local history and culture.
Hot Springs
- Hoffell Hot Tubs: Rustic hot tubs with mountain views just outside Höfn, ideal for evening relaxation after your glacier adventures.Location: Near HöfnCost: 1,000 ISK (~$7) per person✨ Evening Relaxation
- Krosslaug: A small natural hot spring in the scenic Laugarfell area. More remote but offers an authentic experience.Location: Laugarfell areaCost: Free
Notes
- This is a day with multiple highlight experiences but also significant driving.
- We've prioritized the pre-booked Zodiac tour over Strútsfoss Waterfall, but you could visit Strútsfoss if you leave earlier in the morning.
- Höfn is known for its langoustine (Icelandic lobster), so consider trying it for dinner.