Routes · Europe

Hong Kong to Iceland: Reykjavík, the south coast and Jökulsárlón

Hong Kong → Reykjavík → Golden Circle → Vík → Jökulsárlón

Iceland ring & glaciers Best season (general guide): Jun–Aug

Iceland's south coast has waterfalls, black beaches and glacier lagoons, all along one road. This route spends seven nights in Iceland in midsummer. From Hong Kong you'll connect through Europe.

Reykjavík is compact, with geothermal pools and museums. The Golden Circle loop takes in Þingvellir, where the tectonic plates pull apart, the geysers at Geysir, where Strokkur erupts every 5–10 minutes, and Gullfoss waterfall.

Head south to Seljalandsfoss, where a path runs behind the falling water, and Skógafoss. At Reynisfjara, the black beach near Vík, sneaker waves are dangerous, so stay well back from the water. A guided walk on the Sólheimajökull glacier is possible nearby.

Further east, the road passes glacier tongues from Vatnajökull. In Skaftafell, a trail leads to Svartifoss, framed by basalt columns. At Jökulsárlón, icebergs drift in the lagoon, and pieces wash up on Diamond Beach.

June to August brings the midnight sun and the most reliable roads.

Pacing: a hire car is the easiest way to follow the south coast, and in summer the main road is open and well maintained. Book accommodation early, as there are few places to stay between Vík and the lagoon. Keep to marked roads and paths; driving off-road is illegal in Iceland and damages the fragile moss.

The midnight sun means you can visit the waterfalls late in the evening, when the crowds thin out and the light is soft. Bring an eye mask, as hotel rooms may not be dark.

Glacier walks must be done with a certified guide, who provides crampons and helmets. At Jökulsárlón, the boat trips run in summer, and the beach across the road has blocks of ice that glitter on the black sand.

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