Iceland's Silver Circle & the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Day by day itinerary

• Day 1 » Fly to Iceland

  Your Icelandic adventure begins by flying to Keflavik, where you’ll pick up your hire car and set off towards the pretty coastal town of Borgarnes, around an hour-and-a-half’s drive towards the north. Along the way, you may wish to make a stop for a relaxing soak at the Hvammsvik Hot Springs, a stunning collection of geothermal pools beautifully situated right on the edge of a fjord. On arrival in Borgarnes, check into your stylish hotel, replete with a spa, a cosy bar and a restaurant serving a fusion of Icelandic and international cuisine. This will be your base for the next three nights, ideally positioned for exploring both the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and the Silver Circle.

  Stay: Hótel Vesturland, Borgarnes

• Day 2 » Explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

  After breakfast, take to the road once more as you make the most of a full day exploring the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Jutting out 90 kilometres into the North Atlantic, this spectacular peninsula is often described as ‘Iceland in miniature’, owing to its remarkable diversity of natural wonders clustered within a relatively compact area. Its western tip is crowned by the mighty, glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano, which slopes down towards eerie, moss-covered lava fields and black sand beaches. On the peninsula’s northern coastline, standout sights include the iconic Kirkjufell (Iceland’s most photographed mountain), Hellissandur (a remote village renowned for its vibrant murals) and the colourful harbour town of Stykkisholmur. Then, crossing the mountainous interior, the southern side of the peninsula is home to the famous Búðakirkja black church, the Lysulaugar geothermal algae baths and the striking Gatklettur stone arch – a rock formation sculpted by the ocean between the hamlets of Arnarstapi and Hellnar.

  How you choose to explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is entirely up to you; it begins around 30 minutes north of Borgarnes, and you can easily tick off the highlights in a single day. Be sure to have your camera at the ready, for there are endless photo opportunities to be had. As this is a relatively sparsely populated region, there isn’t an extensive choice of restaurants, so be sure to plan ahead and check for opening times in advance.

  Stay: Hótel Vesturland, Borgarnes

  Meals: Breakfast

• Day 3 » Explore the Silver Circle

  You’ve probably heard of the Golden Circle – the iconic driving route linking Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss waterfall in Southwest Iceland – but today, you’ll venture off the beaten track to discover the lesser-known Silver Circle, which lies just to the east of Borgarnes. This 146-kilometre loop showcases the immense natural splendour of West Iceland, as well as historic locations that whisper tales of Iceland's early settlers. Essential stops include the Hraunfossar waterfalls, the Deildartunguhver hot spring, Grábrók crater, Víðgelmir lava tube cave and the village of Reykholt, once the home of Snorri Sturluson – a legendary 13th-century Icelandic historian and poet known for his crucial role in preserving Norse mythology and medieval literature.

  There’s also the unique opportunity to enjoy a geothermal soak in the Húsafell Canyon Baths, or even take a tour that’ll bring you inside the ethereal frozen world of the Langjökull Glacier – Iceland’s second-largest ice cap. However you decide to plot out your day, you’ll gain a fascinating insight into this awe-inspiring yet often overlooked corner of the country.

  Stay: Hótel Vesturland, Borgarnes

  Meals: Breakfast

• Day 4 » A day in Reykjavik

  This morning, you’ll head back south from Borgarnes to Reykjavik, with a full day to take in the sights of Iceland’s compact capital city. Check out Hallgrimskirkja (the distinctive, rocket-shaped church that dominates the skyline), treat yourself to a snúður (cinnamon roll) from Braud & Co., take a stroll along Laugavegur (the main pedestrian street lined with bars, cafes and souvenir stores) and admire the array of colourful murals on display. Down on the waterfront, meanwhile, marvel at the unique architecture of Harpa concert hall, visit the gleaming Sun Voyager monument and explore the Old Harbour area, from which you might be tempted to join a whale watching excursion. There are several worthy museums and galleries you could also visit, or if you’re tempted by another geothermal spa experience, take a trip to the Sky Lagoon – just 10 minutes outside the city centre. And, when it comes to finding somewhere to eat, there’s a plentiful array of options, ranging from eclectic food halls and cosy cafes to traditional pubs and fine dining restaurants.

  You’ll be staying just outside the city centre – a short taxi ride or a 25-minute walk away – close to the excellent Perlan Museum, Öskjuhlíð hill and Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach.

  Stay: Hotel Reykjavík Natura

  Meals: Breakfast

• Day 5 » Blue Lagoon & return to UK

  Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning before making your way back to Keflavik Airport, where you’ll drop off your hire car. On the way, make a stop at the Blue Lagoon for one last geothermal soak – the perfect way to round off your trip before your flight home.

  Meals: Breakfast