OPTIONAL DAY EXCURSIONS
OPTIONAL POST-RACE EXTENSION
Golden Circle Tour | Wild Waterfalls | Lofthellir Ice Cave | Whale Safari | | Geothermal Nature Baths
Golden Circle Tour (1.5 hours) – August 9 (Time TBD)
The bus will pick us up at our hotel in Reykjavik and take us east for a visit to the Golden Circle. Our first stop will be at Thingvellir National Park - the only place on Earth where the mid-Atlantic rift, dividing the American and Eurasian Continental Plates, is visible above sea-level. Next, we will visit Geysir - Iceland's famous geyser which can hurl up boiling water to heights reaching 70 meters. Even if the famous Geysir is not so active itself anymore, the entire area of Haukadalur Valley is full of geothermal activity and hot pools - including the much more active Strokkur geyser that regularly shoots water to heights between 20 and 40 meters. Our last stop is the massive waterfall Gullfoss. Although it's neither the largest nor tallest it is arguably one of Iceland most beautiful waterfalls with its two plateaus. We will be back in Reykjavik in the evening, and being summer in the arctic the nights are light, so there's still ample opportunity to explore the capital of Iceland on your own
Wild Waterfalls (5 - 6 hours) - August 13 (8:00 AM)
In a canyon known as Jökulsárgljúfur, visitors can witness many of these magnificent waterfalls - including one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe: Dettifoss. This waterfall is 45 meters high and an incredible 100 meters wide and is the largest waterfall in Iceland in terms of water volume. Within walking distance (approx .75 mile) lies another breathtaking scene: the Selfoss waterfall, which cascades 11 meters down. The scenery around both these waterfalls is picture-perfect - they have, in fact, been featured in various Hollywood productions. The third waterfall that we will visit is called Hafragilsfoss; a true hidden gem in Iceland. Although most tourists overlook this spot, it provides a breathtaking view of the canyon and the mighty river that forms it - with the additional perk of being less crowded! We'll drive about 1.3 miles up a dirt road and then take a short hike to an amazing view above the 27-meter-high falls. Minimum number of participants per day is 25. (Transportation and boxed lunch included)
Lofthellir Ice Cave (5 hours) - Offered August 13 (8:00 AM or 10:30 AM)
The Lofthellir Ice Cave is a lava tunnel filled with permafrost ice. The cave boasts incredible ice formations, some of which are hundreds of years old, that have been formed by dripping water over the course of time. The tour will start from the Lake Mývatn area, and we will drive past some incredible geology, including the volcano Mt. Hverfjall, and along the Lúdentarborgir crater row. Once we reach the base of Mt. Hvannfell, there will be a 30-minute guided hike across lava fields to the entrance of the Lofthellir cave. There you will be provided with equipment to safely navigate the cave. We will travel slowly into the cave in a single line. Your cave guide will help you to move safely through the cave. The entrance is the narrowest part of the cave and participants will need to crawl on all fours to pass through. Past that point, every step you take into the cave will open to more and more space! A lost world of ice and magic awaits, frozen in time and in space. The Lofthellir Ice Cave is a protected area and is privately owned by local landowners. Only a limited number of tours are allowed in, and all tours are operated by certified cave guides. The goal of the cave protection is to operate sustainable cave tours and preserve this incredible sight for future generations to explore - thus, in every ticket a fee is included for the protection program and local landowners. Minimum number of participants per departure is 6 and Maximum number of participants per departure is 10.
Please note: This tour is not for people with claustrophobia, young children, or people that are not in reasonable physical condition. Gloves and water-proof pants are recommended.
Inclusions:
Whale Safari (7 hours, including 3.5 hours sailing) - Offered August 13 (8:00 AM)
Húsavík is often called the capital of whale watching in Iceland, and a day spent looking for these magnificent animals is an unforgettable experience. There are 12 species that can be considered common visitors, including, among others, the minke whale, humpback whale, orca, and even harbour porpoises! Hopefully, we'll also spot some Icelandic puffins flocking around. The original Húsavík Whale Watching Tour is run in a traditional Icelandic oak boat and is operated by one of the pioneers of whale watching in Iceland. The professional crews on the whale watching boats are specifically trained in responsible conduct with the whales and will guide and inform you the whole way. They even offer you hot cocoa and cinnamon buns! Participants that are staying in Mývatn will have two (2) hours either before or after the trip (depending on departure time) to explore the picturesque town of Húsavík and purchase lunch. Húsavík has a variety of lovely restaurants on the harbour, a whale watching museum, a NASA museum, and plenty of shops.
Geothermal Nature Baths (3 - 4 hours) - August 12 (7:00 PM)
After your race (or a tiring day spent cheering), give your muscles a treat and take a soak in the restorative natural waters. The mineral-rich waters will soothe your skin while the warmth relaxes you. At this time of year, the sun still sets quite late, so you can savor a slow sunset as you bask in the water and enjoy the views. Bring your suit & towel (or rent towel at reception). Lockers are included.
Mývatn participants: The area around Mývatn is a hotspot for geological activity. One of the byproducts of this is geothermal water - some of which has been used to form the Jardbödin Nature Baths. While the Nature Baths' lagoon is manmade, the water is drawn up from a hot spring with a depth of 2.500 meters and is about 130 degrees C when it reaches the surface. This hot spring forms a basin which is then used to fill the lagoon. The lagoon itself averages between 36-40 degrees C, and the water is rich with minerals that are considered to have a positive effect on skin.
In addition to the lagoon, the Mývatn Nature Baths offer two steam baths that are built directly on top of the geothermal area. There are windows in the steam baths so guests can enjoy the magnificent view, and cool showers right outside to relieve the heat. There is also a café in the facilities where guests can purchase a variety of food, sweets, and drinks.
This excursion includes bus travel to and from the Nature Baths as well as the entrance fee. The excursion will begin around 7:30PM, and the bus will bring you back to your hotel after 2-3 hours have been spent in the Nature Baths. The Baths do not close until 11PM.
*Please note that if the min. number is not reached for all excursions, we reserve the right to either move participants to another departure day or cancel the excursion. If the excursion is canceled, you will be refunded.
Additional details will be shared after you book your tour and excursions.
East Iceland Highlights | August 14-18 | Four-Night Package
Monday, August 14: Vök Baths & Hengifoss Waterfall
After picking up participants in Laugar and Húsavík, we will leave Mývatn by driving east across lava fields and the Möðrudalsöræfi desert land, crossing a glacial river along the way. We will make a stop in this apparent wilderness at the farm of Möðrudalur. This is the highest inhabited farm in Iceland at 469 meters above sea level, and they run a highland cafe, Fjallakaffi.
From there, we will drive down off the desert highland plateau into a lush valley where we should see several waterfalls descending from the hills that loom above the road. The next stop will be at the Vök Baths on the beautiful Lake Urriðavatn. This is a hot spring destination like no other - the hot water is so pure, it's certified as drinkable! Admission to the baths, two drinks, and towel rental is included in the package.
After some time at the baths, we will continue to Seyðisfjörður, a harbour town located in the heart of what is considered to be Iceland's most beautiful fjord. We will then backtrack slightly to drive along the shores of Lake Lagarfljót. Along the way, we'll have the chance to hike up to the Hengifoss waterfall. At 128 meters high, this is the third highest waterfall in Iceland - but what really makes it special is the eye-catching patterns woven by red clay and black basalt on the cliff face behind the narrow ribbon of water. The hike up takes approximately one hour, and along the way there is a possibility to stop at the smaller, but just as beautiful, Litlanesfoss waterfall. We will continue onto Egilsstaðir, our final destination for the day, where we will enjoy dinner at our hotel. (Dinner included)
Tuesday, August 15: Glacier Lagoon & Skaftafell National Park
After breakfast at the hotel, we will continue driving south along the coastal ring road, which offers beautiful panoramic views. When we reach the area of Höfn, we will hopefully get a good view of Iceland's largest glacier, Vatnajökull, which we follow for the rest of the day. One of its outlet glaciers ends in an ever-growing glacial lagoon known as Jökulsárlón. Icebergs break off and float across the lagoon, down a short river and out to the ocean. Here, we will embark on an amphibian boat tour that will take us from land across the lagoon so we can experience the magical ice up close. If we are lucky, we might spot some seals playing around in the lagoon or nearby on the shore of "Diamond Beach" - known as such because chunks of ice become stranded in the black sand and glitter like diamonds.
After our boat tour, we will continue by bus down to Skaftafell National Park, where you will have the afternoon to explore. Perhaps you want to walk through the birch forest to Svartifoss waterfall,or follow the mountainside to the glacial morraine. Or perhaps you just want to relax and enjoy the late sun. We will eat dinner and spend the night at our hotel. (Breakfast and dinner included)
Wednesday, August 16: Vík, Skógafoss, & Seljalandsfoss
We begin the day with breakfast at the hotel. We will then drive through moss-covered lava fields and the sands of glacial rivers until we reach the village of Vík, where the famous black sand beach stretches as far as the eye can see. There is also an impressive view of the Reynisdrangar cliffs rising out of the ocean - no fears about bad weather, either, as the cliffs look even more mystical when shrouded in fog.
The drive continues along the Eyjafjöll mountains with views of the Eyjafjallajökull glacier - under which rests the infamous volcano of the same name that erupted in 2010 and caused disruption in air traffic all over Europe. The next stop is Skógafoss, one of the most impressive waterfalls along the way. One can ascend to the top of the waterfall, and on a clear day, the view out is spectacular.
Further along there is also a chance to stop at the iconic Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which is known for the fact that visitors can walk behind it. Don't forget your raincoat if you do so! A short walk away is another gem hidden in the narrow gorge: Gljúfrabúi, which translated means "canyon dweller." If you wish to enter the fairy-like cave into which Gljúfrabúi drops, make sure your footwear is waterproof.
We will end our day in the small town of Hvolsvöllur. Here, we will visit the Lava Center, where we can learn all about volcanoes, seismic activity, and the most recent volcanic eruptions. Visitors can view a short film and walk through the interactive, high-tech educational exhibition. We will have dinner at our hotel. (Breakfast and dinner included)
Thursday, August 17: The Golden Circle
Our exploration of Iceland comes to a close with a tour of some of the most iconic sites in the country: the Golden Circle. Centered around three key attractions, the Golden Circle describes a commonly driven loop that incorporates all three. The first stop is the famous Gullfoss waterfall, also known as 'The Golden Falls.' This waterfall descends in two cascades into the deep gorge of the Hvítá glacial river, and it is not uncommon to spot a rainbow in the vicinity.
From Gullfoss, it is just a short drive to the Geysir geothermal area. The most active of the geysirs, called Strokkur, spouts a column of water roughly 20-25 meters into the air every 5-10 minutes. Be ready with your camera!
Finally, we will continue on to Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park. Thingvellir is known as the birthplace of the nation of Iceland, and it is where Viking chieftains established the first assembly in 930 AD - which makes it the earliest known version of a formal parliamentary system. The park also contains unique geology and natural landscapes, and visitors can observe what is known as the continental drift, where the North American and Eurasion tectonic plates are drifting apart. This is one of the few places in the world where such a shift can actually be seen! We will arrive in Reykjavík early in the evening, where we will spend the last night. (Breakfast included)
Friday, August 18: Departure Day
Sadly, it is time to bid farewell to Iceland after breakfast at the hotel. Guests need to arrange their own shuttle bus to Keflavík airport. (Breakfast included)
All itineraries subject to change.
