Eco Road Trip in Iceland: Electric Cars, Geothermal Energy & Green Initiatives

Hit the ground running on your first day full-day in Iceland with a hiking adventure around Hveragerdi. There are several trails leading directly from the town into the heart of the surrounding geothermal landscapes, making it possible to observe first-hand the energy that placed the village at the centre of the nation’s sustainable agricultural production in the 1940s. During this time, the first graduates from the School of Horticulture set about utilising the region’s volcanic activity and improving green production techniques. Today, Hveragerdi is surrounded by greenhouses where all kinds of plants grow, giving the surrounding landscapes a unique charm. If you’re up for a longer hike, you can take the Reykjaladur trail, which winds through the ‘Valley of Fumaroles’ and features a collection of thermal baths in the middle of the Icelandic wilderness.

After a fuelling breakfast this morning, you’ll be met by a knowledgeable local guide for a walking tour of Hveragerdi. This is a great way to learn about what it means to live at the foot of a volcano and to admire the pockets of geothermal activity in the town itself, such as the smattering of bubbling mud pots. This afternoon, head to the coastal village of Stokkseyri, hop into a sea kayak and spend two hours exploring a beautiful reef created by the island’s longest lava flow. Your guide is an expert on local birdlife and marine fauna and has a keen eye for spotting seals popping their heads up in the waters that surround you.

Wave goodbye to the southern countryside as you travel an hour to the colourful capital of Reykjavik. Along the way, we recommend taking the time to discover the Reykjanes Peninsula. Lovingly referred to by locals as a ‘miniature Iceland’ due to its diversity of landscapes, this sliver of western Iceland features everything from lava fields, caves and cliffs to natural hot springs, solfataras and exquisite birdlife. The peninsula is located at the meeting of two continental plates and is dotted with fascinating faults that testify to the separation of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Make sure to stroll along the Reykjanestá cliffs to admire the jagged volcanic rocks plunging into the Atlantic Ocean.

Continue on to Reykjanestá on the tip of the peninsula to visit Iceland’s oldest lighthouse, as well as to stroll along the trails and footbridges overlooking fumaroles rising to the surface at more than 100°C . Further evidence of the peninsula’s rich volcanic activity can be found in the Krýsuvík-Seltún area, where steam vents sit alongside boiling mud pools. Continue on to the Blue Lagoon to bathe in beautiful thermal turquoise waters in the heart of a lava field. This is one of the region’s most emblematic sites, so you’ll be armed with pre-booked entrance tickets. After a couple of hours of full-body rejuvenation, hop back into your hire car and head to Reykjavik. Drop off your hire car and make your way to your next hotel: a bohemian and eco-friendly guesthouse nestled in the heart of the city.

Today you’ll have bikes at your disposal for the entire day (electric or manual), making it possible to soak in the sights at your own pace. Thirty years ago, it was only really possible to get around the capital by car, but a recent boost in sustainable living has seen the emergence of more than six miles worth of pristine cycle paths winding through the city and into nearby nature. You can easily visit the beautiful Heidmörk Nature Reserve, which gives a taste of the Icelandic wilderness just outside the capital. There is also a waterfront trail leading from the old port to Grotta lighthouse; Lake Tjörnin, which is home to a beautiful population of water flies; and the delightful forests of Perlan and Öskjuhlíd. When you’re ready for a dose of culture, wind your way through the beautiful city centre, making stops at designer boutiques, cosy cafes and small, independent museums. Make sure not to miss the towering Hallgrimskirkja Church, which offers breathtaking views across Reykjavik. Head back to your hotel to relax and freshen up before settling in for a delicious meal at one of the capital’s most prestigious gastronomic restaurants.

Head out this morning in the company of a clued-up local guide to learn more about daily life in the capital and Iceland’s commitment to environmental issues. After a stroll around the neighbourhood, take an electric taxi to Islensk Hollusta, an ethical food company founded by a passionate biologist who decided to utilise the fruits of Icelandic nature with as little impact as possible. The family business cultivates everything from endemic plants and algae to moss and lichens and produces a host of products, including infusions, sauces, juices, jams and cheeses. The owner is particularly well known for reviving the use of dried seaweed as a snack, something that had previously only been eaten in times of famine. The rest of today is yours to spend further discovering the delights of Reykjavik at your own leisure. Stroll through the hip and trendy downtown, stopping off at stylish concept stores to browse through the best of local Icelandic designers practicing the slow fashion trend and utilising raw materials. We also recommend visiting the Kaolin cooperative gallery, which showcases the tableware of local ceramicists before rounding off your day with a dip in a heated open-air swimming pool.

Collect a new electric hire car and spend today exploring the beautiful Hvalfjordur fjord at your own pace. One of the most popular things to do here is hiking to the top of Glymur Waterfall, the second-tallest on the island. The trail winds through wild natural landscapes and the views from the top of the surrounding mountains is splendid. On the way back, make a stop at the Hvammsvik hot springs, where we’ve arranged for you to enjoy an afternoon of swimming and bathing in eight natural springs with different temperatures. The pools are located right on the water’s edge, so the bravest can even attempt jumping between the ice-cold ocean and the warmth of the springs in true Icelandic fashion.