The best of wild Iceland: glaciers, highlands and volcanoes

This morning, we set off north and entered the Icelandic highlands, a wild, mineral landscape that could have been lifted straight from Mordor. The jolting of the vehicle on the Kaldidalur track adds to the feeling of adventure. Around us, a black desert of sand and lava, sculpted by the east winds and dominated by majestic volcanoes.

We then reach the verdant Reykholt Valley, marked by the charming Barnafoss waterfall and the powerful Deildartunguhver hot spring, the most abundant in the country. After a few scenic stops, the road continues towards the Snæfellsnes peninsula, near Grundarfjörður.

We end the day with a coastal hike facing one of Iceland's iconic landmarks: Mount Kirkjufell. We set up camp for two nights amidst this picture-perfect scenery.

A day exploring this spectacular peninsula on foot. Between Hellnar and Arnarstapi, the trail follows the crest of the cliffs, sculpted with basalt columns where kittiwakes nest. The natural arch of Gatklettur offers a breathtaking sight.

Next, we visit the famous black church of Búðir, the remains of an ancient fishing village, isolated in the middle of a lava field. A little further on, a golden sand beach contrasts magnificently with the black rocks rising from the sea. A microcosm of Iceland in a single day.

"Hit the road, Jack!" The Icelandic road trip continues through the magnificent landscapes of the land of ice and fire. In the early afternoon, arrival in Grettislaug, in the heart of Skagafjörður: a place still preserved and of rare beauty.

Two hot springs overlooking the ocean, a 900-meter mountain as a backdrop… and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful campsites in the country. After setting up camp, we head out for a scenic hike above the site.

At the end of the day, it's time to relax: a bath in the hot spring, an aperitif with a view, and preparing dinner in a friendly atmosphere.

An early start on the Kjölur track (F35), one of the two legendary tracks crossing Iceland. Open only from mid-June to mid-September, you'll travel through a rugged, ochre desert landscape, punctuated by the immense emerald lake complex of Blöndulon. A stop at the Hveravellir geothermal area offers the chance to see beautiful fumaroles encircled by geyserite and the cave of a notorious bandit. Weather permitting, enjoy a hot spring bath in the heart of the desert. The route continues south to Kerlingarfjöll, the "Witches' Mountain." Set up camp for two nights.

Kerlingarfjöll is a true gem. This rhyolitic massif, with its ochre, orange, and sulfur hues, seems straight out of a dream. The day is dedicated to exploring this timeless geothermal landscape: bubbling solfataras, dancing fumaroles, hot springs, and steaming valleys intertwine in a symphony of colors and steam.

Our hike winds between rhyolite hills and hot mud gorges. The guide passionately shares the secrets of Icelandic geology, revealing how the Earth here breathes, burns, and shapes itself beneath our feet. At the end of the day, the low sun tints the mountains with golden hues: a suspended, almost surreal moment.

Early in the morning, we leave the mystical atmosphere of Kerlingarfjöll and resume our journey along the Kjölur trail. Our first stop is the majestic Gullfoss waterfall, the "golden waterfall." Its tumultuous waters plunge into a deep chasm with an impressive roar.

A few kilometers away, we find Geysir and its famous little brother Strokkur, which erupts every ten minutes in a scalding blast. These two sites perfectly illustrate the raw power of Icelandic nature.

We then resume our journey and reach Veiðivötn, an isolated area in the highlands, dotted with small volcanic lakes shimmering in turquoise and emerald hues. The contrast between these tranquil waters and the black and red craters surrounding them is striking. After a short hike through this lunar landscape, we set off again towards the legendary Landmannalaugar, where we set up camp for two nights.

Here we are in one of Iceland's most iconic locations: Landmannalaugar, the starting point of the famous Laugavegur trek. The site attracts hikers from all over the world who come to admire its multicolored mountains.

Our route today takes us through gorges and hills ablaze with vibrant hues of red, green, blue, black, and yellow, to the heart of the Torfajökull massif. We explore the Stórihver hot springs, climb Brennisteinsalda mountain, and then reach the mysterious "Gorge of the Villains." The return journey along the ridges offers a splendid view of the Laugahraun lava flow.

For the most motivated, an optional ascent of Bláhnúkur, the "blue mountain", allows you to take in the whole massif at a single glance.

At the end of the day, a bath in the natural hot spring of Landmannalaugar completes this colourful day.

After a final night in Landmannalaugar, we take the F208 track, one of the most spectacular in the country. It runs alongside the Illagil ravines, the Eldgjá fault, then the green mosses of Laki, before joining Route 1. These tracks, sometimes labyrinthine, are perfectly navigated by our guides.

We arrive in the Skaftafell region, before continuing on to the legendary Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon. There, immense icebergs break off from the glacier and drift slowly towards the ocean. Their cracking echoes in the pure air, sometimes accompanied by the curious silhouette of a playful seal among the icebergs.

Just a short walk away, the famous Diamond Beach sparkles brilliantly: pieces of icebergs washed up on the black sand shine like diamonds under the Arctic light. Back to Skaftafell for two nights of camping, hearts still filled with surreal images.

A full day dedicated to glaciers in Vatnajökull National Park, a true jewel of southern Iceland. Our hike begins in a small forest of birch and willow trees, a rarity in Iceland, before reaching magnificent trails perched high above the glacial tongues.

We make our way through spectacular panoramas, between ice, lava and vegetation. One of the highlights of the day is undoubtedly the Svartifoss waterfall, famous for its basalt columns: these black hexagonal columns were formed when the lava cooled slowly, creating true natural sculptures.

The hike continues beneath the shimmering gaze of Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe, and Hvannadalshnúkur (2110 m), the highest peak in Iceland. A magnificent day, a blend of geology and glacial poetry.

After leaving the white landscapes of Skaftafell, we take Route 1 again. Little by little, the sea approaches and the coast is revealed: we arrive at Vík í Mýrdal, a village nestled at the foot of the Reynisfjall cliffs, facing the Atlantic Ocean.

The famous black sand beach of Reynisfjara stretches before us, dominated by the mysterious Reynisdrangar Pillars, which, according to legend, are ancient trolls petrified by the sun. The contrasts between the deep black sand, the white foam, and the green cliffs create a striking scene.

A little further on, the Dyrhólaey headland offers a magnificent spectacle: its cliff shelters large colonies of seabirds, including Arctic terns, guillemots, razorbills, and the iconic Atlantic puffins (until mid-August). The panorama is breathtaking when the wind picks up and the birds perform their aerial ballets in the sea spray.

In the late afternoon, it's time to say goodbye to the south coast and head back to Reykjavík. Settle into the city, then enjoy a free evening to wander around the world's northernmost capital: cozy cafes, street art, a Nordic atmosphere, and memories of adventure.

Last moments in Iceland. Depending on the flight time, there may be a last coffee in the colorful streets of Reykjavik or a stroll along the harbor before the transfer to Keflavík International Airport.

Flight back to France, heart and mind still filled with landscapes of lava, ice and light. Iceland leaves an indelible mark on everyone, that of a country where the Earth still seems to be being born.