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Our mare Fjöður with the glacier Svínafellsjökull in the background.

Photographer is Guadalupe Laíz

South-East Iceland is one of the most stunning and lesser-explored regions of this Icelandic paradise. From cascading waterfalls to icy glaciers and scenic coastal views, this part of Iceland offers an unforgettable experience for those looking to explore the natural beauty of the island. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, nature lover, or simply a traveler looking to escape the hustle and bustle, South-East Iceland has something magical to offer. Here are 7 hot tips to help you make the most of your trip to this breathtaking region!

1. Explore Vatnajökull National Park

Vatnajökull National Park, one of the largest national parks in Europe, covers nearly 14% of Iceland. Home to the mighty Vatnajökull glacier, which is the largest in Europe by volume, the park is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re interested in glacier hiking, ice cave tours, or taking a boat ride in Jökulsárlón, there’s no shortage of activities. The landscapes here are surreal, with ice-capped peaks, massive glaciers, and deep blue lagoons. Tip: Be sure to visit Svartifoss, a stunning waterfall surrounded by dark basalt columns, a perfect example of Iceland’s dramatic geology.

2. Go on a Kayaking Tour

Kayaking in South-East Iceland is an incredible way to experience its untouched beauty from a unique perspective. One of the best spots for kayaking is Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where you can paddle through calm, glassy waters surrounded by massive icebergs. It’s an experience like no other, allowing you to get up close to the stunning ice formations and the rugged glacier landscape. Tip: For a quieter, more intimate experience, consider a guided kayaking tour on Fjallsárlón, another beautiful glacier lagoon nearby, offering a serene escape from the crowds.

Our secret tip for Fjallsárlon are the guys from “Glacier & Volcanoes”

https://www.glacierandvolcano.com

3. Visit the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

No trip to South-East Iceland is complete without visiting Jökulsárlón, the famous glacial lagoon that’s often featured in films like James Bond’s Die Another Day and Tomb Raider. Here, you can take a boat tour to get up close to the floating icebergs. The lagoon’s pristine blue waters, dotted with massive chunks of ice, create a surreal landscape that’s perfect for photography. Tip: Don’t forget to check out Diamond Beach nearby, where icebergs wash up on the shore, sparkling in the sunlight like diamonds!

4. Puffin Island Ingolfshöfdi

For wildlife lovers, a visit to Puffin Island Ingolfshöfdi is an absolute must. This tiny island, located on the southern coast of Iceland, is home to thousands of puffins, especially during the breeding season in the summer months. A guided tour takes you to the island, where you can observe these adorable birds in their natural habitat. Along with puffins, you may also encounter other seabirds, seals, and stunning coastal landscapes. Tip: Wear sturdy shoes, as the terrain can be a little rough, but the experience of getting up close to these fascinating birds makes it well worth the effort!

https://www.fromcoasttomountains.com/ingolfshofdi-puffin-tour

5. Relax in a Hot Spring

Iceland is famous for its hot springs, and South-East Iceland is no exception. After a day of hiking or sightseeing, there’s nothing better than unwinding in a natural hot spring. One of the best-kept secrets in the region is the Vök Baths near Egilsstaðir, a newly opened geothermal spa on Lake Urriðavatn. The floating hot tubs and saunas, paired with stunning views, make for an ideal relaxation spot. If you like to upgrade your experience, the newly opened up “Hotel Jökulsárlon” that offers a fancy spa experience with Saunas and outdoor hot tubs.  Tip: If you prefer a more secluded experience, check out some of the lesser-known hot springs in the area. Our secret tip for a really little known are the Hot Tubs in Hoffell on the way east to Höfn!

6. Take the Scenic Route on Route 1

South-East Iceland’s Route 1 (the Ring Road) is one of the most scenic drives in the world, and it’s even more spectacular when you take your time to explore the various viewpoints, villages, and natural wonders along the way. As you drive, you’ll pass through picturesque fjords, farmland, and coastal cliffs. Keep your camera ready, as every turn seems to unveil a new stunning vista. Tip: Stop by the small village of Höfn, known for its delicious lobster, and treat yourself to some freshly caught seafood while enjoying panoramic views of the Vatnajökull glacier.

7. Stop by Coffehouse Vatnajökull in Fagurhólsmyri

After a long day of exploring the stunning landscapes of South-East Iceland, there’s no better place to recharge than Coffehouse Vatnajökull in Fagurhólsmyri. Real Barista coffee specialities and a great selection of sandwiches, homemade cakes and a fantastic coconut-chickpea soup. This charming little coffee shop offers a cozy atmosphere with incredible views of the Vatnajökull glacier. The highlight? Their delicious homemade brownies! These rich, decadent treats pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, making it a perfect stop during your adventure. Tip: Don’t just grab a coffee – take a moment to relax and enjoy the views while savoring your brownie; it’s the perfect way to wind down your day in Iceland.

https://www.cafevatnajokull.is

🐴 Experience the Untamed Beauty of Southeast Iceland on horseback! 🌿

Summer is around the corner and we are excited to start the season in full swing again! Glacier Horses is located right  on the foot of Vatnajökull glacier and is the home of the icelandic horse.

Nestled amidst breathtaking vistas of rolling hills, majestic glaciers and untouched wilderness, Glacier Horses offer more than just a ride. It’s an immersive journey into the heart of nature, where every hoofbeat echoes the rhythm of the land. 🏞️

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With each gentle nudge of the reins, you’ll forge a profound connection with our Icelandic horses, known for their gentle demeanor and unyielding spirit. 🐎

Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or a first-time rider, our experienced guides will tailor each excursion to your skill level, ensuring a safe and memorable experience for all. 🌟

Join us as we embark on a journey beyond the ordinary, where the whispers of the wind and the rustle of leaves tell stories of a land untouched by time. 🍃

Let the rhythm of hoofbeats carry you through landscapes that defy imagination, where every turn reveals a new wonder waiting to be discovered. 🌈

As the sun dances upon the horizon, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson, embrace the magic of Southeast Iceland from the saddle of our majestic Icelandic horses. 🌅

Adventure awaits. Are you ready to answer the call of the wild? Book your ride today and let your journey begin! 🌟

Did you know that we are located next to the highest peak of Iceland?

Glacier Horses has its home on the foot of Vatnajökull which is the biggest glacier of Europe. Vatnajökull as a national park is about 12.000 square kilometers and covers around 12 % of Iceland.

We think this area here is truly amazing since so many diverse elements of nature are creating the landscape here. If you weren’t fascinated by nature before you came here, you definetly will be after you have left! Like in the picture below you just realize here among all these stunning mountains how small you actually are.

Iceland is often described as the land of fire and ice. Infact under the icy glacier surface is often a crazy volcanic activity going on.

Also on top of Öræfajökull that is located next to Glacier Horses you can see Hvannadalshnúkur what is with 2110 meters the highest peak of Iceland. At the same it is a massive volcano. The last eruption was in 1727. You can sometimes hear a heavy thunder and rumble sound rolling down from the mountains. But no reason to the scared of a volcanic eruption, these are big pieces of ice and snow breaking down from the glacier in summer!

The horse rental of Glacier Horses has opened its doors for visitors again! In this beautiful summer week we took a lot of icelandic families on horse back riding tours. Since the country was pretty quiet due to Covid-19 Icelanders were obviously using their chance to travel the country!

The horses are already pretty fit and all of our precious tour horses were giving the guests happily a great experience. We are always stunned how loveable and patient the horses approach even people who never sat on a horseback before. This is an essential part of the character of the icelandic horse. Although they can be spirited and agile in challenging situations, they might turn to being soft right away when they sense a rider doing his first steps. This makes it possible to always choose the perfect horse for every rider.

Riding towards Hvannadalshnjúkur. The highest peak of Iceland (2110 m)

Iceland has opened its boarders with regular flights again since the 15 th of June! While travellers needed to go into quaranteene for two weeks straight before the 15 th of June, there are now many people from the Schengen area travelling already again. At the moment, you can choose between two weeks of quaranteene or just do a quick Covid-19 tests straight while arriving at the airport. Until first of July, the test is paid by the government and costs apprx. 80 Euros after that point of time. The test results are delivered within a few hours via text message. Icelandic authorities don´t like to put strict rules on people, so they allow tourists to leave the airport and take care for themselves and others while waiting for the test results.

Since Iceland is now the perfect travel destination to practise “social distancing” more or less automatically we already got happy guests from the Netherlands. Marquella and Marit were happy exploring the area around the foot of the glacier in perfect weather!

June is a very special month in Iceland. It holds all the light and the  midnight sun, that paints the country in magical colors.

The 21 th of June marks the longest day of the year. While continental europe still has the change between dark nights and bright days the sun in Iceland shines trough the whole night.  Here in the southern parts of Iceland the sun might hide behind the mountains that lay in the northern direction for a little while. This is for sure a magical time and often seems surreal for people  experiencing the country for the first time. We try to soak in the constant brightness as much as we can and enjoy every moment to the fullest.

June is also the month of the lupines! The lupines are a special plant and can be found all over the country. They start to blossom end of may while painting the fields in shiny purple colors. We used this night to catch our Hráfn in these beautiful sea of lupines ! 🙂