Rural Iceland: The Golden Circle and South Coast

Route to the south of the island and the Golden Circle region. A short, one-hour trip separates the capital from Hveragerdi, but we recommend that you plan the trip as a whole day so you can enjoy the attractions along the way.
Things to see and do - Thingvellir National Park, the former site of the Althing, the Icelandic national parliament, founded in 930 AD, making it the world's first. Here there's a beautiful waterfall and numerous geological faults including Almannagja, which offers beautiful views of the valley, and Lake Thingvallavatn, Iceland's largest natural lake. It's also home to Strokkur geyser (Icelandic for 'churn'), which erupts every five to eight minutes to a height of 65ft. Then head for the Gullfoss waterfall, undoubtedly Iceland's most famous waterfall, but also one of the most beautiful - it falls in two stages into a beautiful canyon.
You'll love - The Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions in Arbaerjarsafn.
Spend the night in Hveragerdi, in a guesthouse on the banks of the Varma river, in the heart of the countryside, among the hot springs and fumaroles (sulphurous vents). The rooms are decorated with wooden paintings. In the breakfast room, objects of Greenlandic folk crafts are on display; the ceramic dishes are signed by an artist from the village. Fresh, colourful and tasty dishes are made using organic produce from neighbouring vegetable growers and producers. The swimming pool, sauna and two large hot water pools facing the river, are a rejuvenating experience for the body and soul.

Head south to Hvolsvollur, which is located on the narrow strip of land between the Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull glaciers and the Atlantic Ocean, an area which is home to some of the island's most beautiful scenery.
On the way - Stop off at Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss and Kvernufoss waterfalls - Skogar ecomuseum - the coastal cliffs of the fold Dyrholaey underwater volcano (except during puffin nesting season, which is from late May to late June) and Reynishverfi black sand beach - the small village of Vik.
Things you'll love - Walking into the greenery around Skogafoss Waterfall, with its small secondary waterfalls against a backdrop of glaciers and black sand beaches.
Option - The Highlands in a super Jeep.
You'll spend two nights on a livestock farm, whose herd includes cows, sheep, and nearly 200 Icelandic horses. In the heart of the Icelandic countryside, at the foot of the Eyjafjallajokul volcano, the boutique hotel will charm you with its comfortable and cosy atmosphere, and its Art Deco influences. You'll also enjoy the restaurant's delicious meals, the sauna and the Jacuzzi bath.

After Skogar and Vik, it's time to head to the lava fields and gorges, with the huge Vatnajokull glacier to the east. Spend the night in Kirkjubaejarklaustur in an intimate guesthouse with only ten rooms.
Kirkjubaejarklaustur, how do you say that? Do it like the locals and just call it Klaustur, it's far easier! This tiny town of barely a hundred inhabitants is worth the trip, if only for its atypical location: it is right in the middle of black ash beaches and a lava desert. The Laki crater and the Eldgja gorge are right next door.

Head east to the small fishing town of Hofn, nestled between glaciers and black sand. Spend the night in a farmhouse in the middle of the countryside where semi-wild horses gallop. The warm atmosphere is unmistakably authentic, and the cuisine is based on pearl onions.
Things to see - The gorges of Fjardrargljufur - Skaftafell National Park, at the foot of Iceland's largest glacier, Vatnajokull - Svartifoss Waterfall.
Your itinerary includes a boat trip on the Fjallsarlon glacial lagoon,, where you'll be slaloming between the bluish icebergs that detach from the Fjallsjokull.

Flight to Reykjavik, where you'll stay overnight at the same hotel as when you arrived. Reykjavik is a vibrant city with a lively artistic scene. The people of Reykjavik have invented a style of their own, with a crazy twist - they need to, to withstand the winter darkness - and the capital is vibrant with music and literature in its bright red, green and blue houses , and its cafes and showrooms.
Things to see and do - Climb to the top of Hallgrimskirkja Church; walk or take a bike or scooter to district 101, around Laugavegur Street, a 'village' of wooden houses of all colours, from pink to olive green, and concept stores where you can buy virgin wool blankets or pretty ceramic dishes; visit the Arbaejarsafn in Kistuhyl, the open-air museum of architecture, to discover what the Icelandic capital looked like at the beginning of the 20th century; eat cooked shark fin for lunch, accompanied by Brennivín, a potato and caraway aquavit; visit Marshall House, a former herring factory opened in 1948 and financed by the Marshall Plan, which has now been converted into an exhibition space for artists collectives.