Aug. 10, 2026
Rental car: Tesla Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive
Vik Camping – Reynisfjara – Dyrhólaey – Hvolsvöllur – Milk Factory, Höfn: 6hr 51min, 475km
Highland Bus:
Hvolsvöllur – Volcano Huts – Básar – Hvolsvöllur: 3hr 12min, 60km
Hiking:
Kirkjufjara – Dyrhólaey – Þórsmörk: 4hr 12min, 6.5km
Waking up early, we went straight to Reynisfjara Beach, greeted by dramatic basalt cliffs rising majestic against the crashing morning waves.
Nestled high along the basalt cliffs, dozens of puffins roosted in the rock crevices—widely loved as Iceland’s cutest animals, with their colorful beaks and charming, waddling charm.
Using the same parking area, we walked up to Dyrhólaey Lighthouse, taking in the grand, breathtaking view of the endless black sand beach stretching far out to the west.
The free toilet at Reynisfjara Beach features floor-to-ceiling glass walls that frame breathtaking views of the ocean and towering basalt cliffs. If Iceland had a ranking for best restrooms, this one easily takes top spot.
Next, we took a highland bus into Þórsmörk to safely navigate the deep, unpredictable river crossings—routes that our Tesla Model Y couldn’t possibly manage.
Sheltered between three massive glaciers, Þórsmörk is a lush highland valley known as “Thor’s Woods.”
Renowned for its vibrant birch forests, dramatic canyons, and premier hiking trails, it offers an exceptionally green oasis framed by rugged, ice-capped peaks.
Crossing Þórsmörk’s fierce, unbridged glacial rivers requires modified super-jeeps or highland buses. These unpredictable, deep waters easily sweep away standard rental SUVs, making professional transit essential.
Valahnúkur is a iconic, accessible peak in Þórsmörk offering breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views. A short, steep trail leads up to its summit, where hikers are rewarded with sweeping perspectives over glacial rivers, lush valleys, and surrounding ice caps.
This scenic trail connects two major Þórsmörk campsites via lush birch forests and braided riverbeds.
Hikers cross the formidable Krossá River using a mobile wheeled footbridge, enjoying sweeping views of surrounding glaciers and green valley peaks along the way.
Leaving Þórsmörk behind, we drove east along the Ring Road toward Höfn, stopping along the way to enjoy a quick, satisfying lunch at a local gas station.
Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) is the ultimate 1,332-kilometer national circuit.
The floating ice in Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon comes from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, drifting peacefully out to sea. Glowing in deep electric blue, brilliant white, and dark volcanic ash streaks, these icebergs flip, melt, and slowly drift toward Diamond Beach.
The South Coast of the Ring Road transitions dramatically from lush green farmland under looming glacier-volcanoes to vast black sand desert plains, towering sea cliffs, and floating icebergs in glacial lagoons.
By the time we arrived in Höfn, the sun had already set. Even with August’s long daylight hours running from 4:00 to 20:00, the 4th day’s journey had finally come to an end.
Milk Factory in Höfn offers spotless, modern rooms set. While the accommodations are exceptionally clean and comfortable, nightly rates reach around 40,000 JPY.
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]]>Aug. 09, 2026
Rental car: Tesla Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive
Landmannalaugar – Hnausapollur – Sigoldufoss – Fossabrekkur – Kronan Hvolsvelli – Seljalandsfoss – Vik Camping: 4hr, 158km
Hiking:
Gönguleið – Seljalandsfoss: 3hr 22min, 3km
Starting at the Landmannalaugar campsite, the famous Gönguleið hiking trail winds through vibrant rhyolite mountains and steaming geothermal fields, offering a trek into Iceland’s rugged highland heart.
Winding through Landmannalaugar, the path cuts through the lava field, where massive, glassy fields of dark obsidian gleam like jet-black volcanic crystals against the surrounding colorful mountains.
Sculpted by centuries of volcanic activity, Landmannalaugar’s vibrant rhyolite mountains glow in stunning shades of amber, red, green, and blue, creating a surreal, otherworldly canvas that looks almost painted by nature.
Steaming geothermal vents dotting Landmannalaugar fill the crisp mountain air with a distinct, pungent smell of sulfur, a constant reminder of the active volcanic fires burning just beneath your feet.
Among Landmannalaugar’s shifting scenery, fiery red sandy mountains rise directly beside raw, jet-black lava fields, creating a striking contrast between soft volcanic dust and rugged, ancient stone.
Winding peacefully beside raw lava fields, pristine glacial streams run extraordinarily clear, their icy water filtering through volcanic rock to offer a delightfully refreshing drink straight from the highlands.
Perched along the rugged F208 road, Hnausapollur (also known as Bláhylur) is a stunning volcanic crater lake whose intense turquoise waters contrast strikingly with its dark, reddish-brown slag slopes.
Sigöldufoss can roar with an immense, muddy torrent during heavy melt, turning its dramatic waterfalls into a raw, powerful surge of earth-toned glacial discharge.
Navigating unpredictable highland conditions, heavy duty trucks work constantly across Iceland’s remote routes, grading rough gravel and restoring storm-damaged roads to keep passage safe amidst ever-changing weather.
Feeding directly from the icy Langjökull glacier, Brúarfoss features extraordinarily pure, crystal-clear water that flows over dark volcanic rock before concentrating into a dazzling, vivid turquoise blue channel.
Slow-cooked until tender and slathered in sweet barbecue glaze, Icelandic pork ribs offer a hearty, savory comfort meal widely served at casual roadhouses and diners across the island.
Although Supermarkets stock essential Chinese and Japanese seasonings—from soy sauce to miso—remote island logistics and high import tariffs mean paying double or triple standard prices.
Protected by strict isolation laws forbidding imports or re-entry, the purebred Icelandic horse possesses two unique extra gaits: the ultra-smooth, four-beat tölt and the explosive, high-speed flying pace.
Fed by the Eyjafjallajökull glacier, Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, plummeting 60 meters off the former ocean cliffs of the southern coastline.
Its defining feature is a deep cave set directly behind the falling water, allowing travelers to walk a complete circle around the roaring cascade for a dramatic, panoramic perspective.
Hidden inside a narrow, moss-lined canyon just a short walk from Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi—the “Dweller of the Canyon”—is a secret waterfall that plummets into a sunlit natural chamber, requiring visitors to wade along a shallow stream to reach its misty, hidden sanctuary.
The humble Dacia Duster 4×4 is the undisputed king of Icelandic car rentals. Highly budget-friendly yet capable on F-roads, this compact SUV is the go-to choice for travelers wanting to tackle gravel mountain routes without breaking the bank.
Catching Skógafoss from Ring Road No. 1 is an unforgettable moment—even from a distance, its massive, perfectly rectangular curtain of white water stands out dramatically against the emerald coastal cliffs as you sweep past.
Nestled under dramatic cliffs, Vík blends raw coastal beauty with practical travel. Its black-sand oceanfront faces crashing North Atlantic waves and basalt sea stacks.
Nestled right under dramatic coastal cliffs, Vik Camping offers a sheltered, scenic lawn with clean facilities.
Cooking sausage soup over a portable gas burner delivers a hot, satisfying dinner at the campsite—sizzling fast in a pan, filling the air with savory aromas after a day outdoors.
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]]>Aug. 08, 2026
Rental car: Tesla Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive
Úthlíd Cottages – Gullfoss – Strokkur Geyser – Sólskinsbúðin – Thingvellir – Brúarfoss – Landmannalaugar: 6hr 6min, 102km
Hiking:
Gullfoss – Strokkur Geyser – Thingvellir – Brúarfoss: 2hr 40min, 4 km
Arriving early at Gullfoss lets you experience the thunderous roar of the roaring, two-tiered waterfall in peaceful solitude, with morning light casting brilliant rainbows through its icy, rising mist.
Erupting around every 20 minutes, Strokkur Geyser blasts a towering column of boiling water high into the air, offering visitors a thrilling.
Harnessing geothermal heat and light, local Icelandic farmers grow crisp, fresh vegetables year-round inside thermal greenhouses, turning the subarctic cold into a surprising oasis of local produce.
Steeped in history, Þingvellir National Park lets you walk through a dramatic rift valley where North American and Eurasian tectonic plates slowly pull apart.
Filtered crystal-clear through volcanic rock, Þingvellir’s pristine waters hold a charming tradition: travelers toss coins into the deep, sparkling Peningagjá fissure, watching them shimmer down into the blue abyss while making a wish.
At Þingvellir in 930 AD, chieftains established the Alþingi—the world’s oldest surviving parliament—gathering in this dramatic open-air rift valley to lay the foundation for modern democracy.
Renowned for its breathtaking Tiffany-blue waters, hidden Brúarfoss captivates travelers as icy glacial streams cascade through dark volcanic rock channels into a striking, vibrant turquoise pool.
Reaching Landmannalaugar requires navigating rugged, unpaved F-roads, where deep gravel, loose rocks, and unbridged river crossings demand a sturdy 4×4 vehicle and careful driving to access its colorful highlands.
A tire puncture on Iceland’s remote F-roads can be deadly, leaving you stranded without cell service miles away from help amidst harsh, unpredictable mountain weather.
Separated by a deep river crossing, Landmannalaugar campsite offers direct access only to heavy-duty 4x4s capable of wading through.
While all other vehicles must park outside, leaving campers to walk across the footbridge to pitch their tents.
Fed by natural geothermal streams where hot and cold waters merge, the free outdoor hot spring at Landmannalaugar campsite offers weary hikers a heavenly, soothing soak surrounded by colorful rhyolite mountains.
Sheltered inside our car from the chill, we fired up our compact gas burner to warm up Kjötsúpa, the Icelandic lamb soup, dipping fresh bread into the hearty broth for a cozy dinner.
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]]>Aug. 07, 2026
Flgiht: Scandinavian Airlines SK595
Copenhagen Airport (CPH) – Keflavík International Airport (KEF): 3 hr 20 min, 2,146 km
Rental car: Tesla Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive
Lotus Car Rental – Bónus in Kópavogur – Geldingadalir – Úthlíd Cottages: 4hr 31min, 124km
Hiking:
Geldingadalir Parking P1 – Nátthagi Valley – Natthagi View Point: 1hr 43min, 2.1km
Shopping at Icelandic budget supermarkets like Bónus typically costs 1.5 to 2.5 times more than in Japan. With 1 ISK = 1.3 JPY, food in Iceland is undeniably pricey, making self-catering essential for keeping your Iceland travel budget on track.
Purebred for over a thousand years, the sturdy Icelandic horse is famous for its friendly nature and unique smooth gait, the tölt.
Nestled near the Geldingadalir volcano, Nátthagi Valley gained world fame when fresh lava flows dramatically carved through its scenic terrain, offering visitors an unforgettable, up-close look at Iceland’s dynamic earth.
Iceland’s dynamic surface is a striking mosaic of stark black basalt, glowing green moss fields, vast white glaciers, and smoking geothermal zones, reflecting an ever-changing landscape forged directly by volcanic activity.
Carpeted in vibrant green, slow-growing Icelandic moss transforms rugged black lava fields into otherworldly landscapes.
Drifting softly across dark basalt fields, Nátthagi’s ethereal white geothermal steam rises from cooling lava and underground volcanic heat.
Peer inside the cracks of cooled lava to uncover a striking contrast: beneath the weathered, dark gray crust lies a rich interior of glossy obsidian black and rich, oxidized rusty reds.
For around 5,000 ISK, car campsites offer two travelers and one car an unbeatable, affordable way to sleep directly amidst Iceland’s wilderness.
This one equipped with cozy public kitchens for cooking simple meals and hot, steaming showers to wash off the chill.
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]]>Day 1: Kochi, Kochi province.
Day 2: Imabari city & Matsuyama, Ehime province.
Day 3: Naruto, Tokushima province. Mitoyo, Kagawa province
Day 4: Shikokuchuo, Ehime province. Kochi city, Kochi province.
Transportation