Hidden Fjord Escape: Hvalfjorour, Glymur Waterfall & Hvammsvík Hot Springs
Two days of fjord wilderness, geothermal waters, and authentic Icelandic farm life.
This Hvalfjörður fjord tour takes you beyond Reykjavik's well-traveled routes into a landscape of towering waterfalls, geothermal pools, and centuries-old farming traditions. Over two carefully paced days, you experience the raw scale of Iceland's lesser-known Whale Fjord without sacrificing comfort. A professional photographer guides the journey, ensuring the scenery you encounter becomes a collection of lasting images.
Hvalfjörður stretches deep into the Icelandic interior and sees far fewer visitors than the Golden Circle or South Coast, making it an ideal destination for travelers who prefer quiet roads and unobstructed views. The fjord's scale becomes apparent only when you are standing at its edge, with coastal cliffs dropping to calm water and mountain ridges framing the horizon on both sides.
The itinerary moves at a rhythm that balances active exploration with genuine rest. A moderate hike to Glymur Waterfall on the first day is followed by an evening of wine tasting and a boutique hotel stay by the fjord. The second day shifts toward warmth and culture, with time at geothermal pools and a working family farm where seasonal activities connect visitors to how Icelanders have lived for generations.
Tour Highlights
Hike to Glymur, Iceland's second-tallest waterfall at 198 meters, through a narrow canyon with fjord views.
Drive the full length of Hvalfjörður, a long and deep fjord rarely visited compared to Iceland's better-known routes.
Soak in eight geothermal pools at Hvammsvík Resort, each at a different temperature with direct fjord views.
Unwind at the Wine School by the Lake with a curated selection of international wines under Iceland's unique sky.
Spend the night in a boutique hotel situated directly beside the fjord for an immersive overnight experience.
Visit Bjarteyjarsandur Family Farm to take part in seasonal activities and taste sustainably produced local food.
Receive an edited photo package of 10 images captured throughout the tour by your professional photographer guide.
Itinerary
Depart from Reykjavik with your guide and travel north along the shores of Hvalfjörður. The drive offers continuous views of coastal cliffs, mountain ridges, and the still waters of the fjord, with opportunities to stop at secluded spots along the shoreline.
Enter the Botnsdalur Valley at the fjord's end, a quiet landscape of green meadows and mountain peaks that serves as the trailhead for Glymur. The moderate hike leads through caves, across rivers, and along a narrow canyon before reaching the 198-meter waterfall.
Conclude the first day at the Wine School by the Lake, where a selection of international wines is served in a relaxed setting with views over the water. The evening ends with an overnight stay in a boutique hotel by the fjord.
Begin day two at Hvammsvík Resort, where eight geothermal pools sourced from fjord waters offer a range of temperatures for relaxing or invigorating dips. Optional kayaking and paddleboarding sessions are available for those who prefer an active start.
Enjoy a lunch of fresh, seasonal Icelandic ingredients at the Hvammsvík on-site bistro before traveling to Bjarteyjarsandur Family Farm. Seasonal guided activities such as sheep shearing and mussel picking introduce visitors to the rhythms of authentic Icelandic rural life.
Your guide returns you to your hotel in Reykjavik in the evening. An edited package of 10 photographs taken throughout the tour is provided as a record of the journey.
What Is Included
Included
- Professional photographer guide throughout both days
- Scenic round-trip transport from Reykjavik
- Glymur Waterfall guided hike
- Wine tasting at the Wine School by the Lake
- One night in a boutique fjord-side hotel
- Access to Hvammsvík geothermal pools
- Lunch at the Hvammsvík on-site bistro
- Guided visit to Bjarteyjarsandur Family Farm
- Edited photo package of 10 images
Not Included
- Personal travel insurance
- Additional meals and beverages outside those listed
- Optional kayaking or paddleboarding fees at Hvammsvík
- Gratuities for the guide
- Personal expenditure at the farm or bistro beyond included lunch
Important Information
Reserve Your Place on the Hidden Fjord Escape
Secure your spot on this two-day journey through one of Iceland's most undiscovered fjord landscapes, complete with a professional photo record of the experience.
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