Into the Ice and Fire: An Extreme Icelandic Off-Road Adventure
An adventurous October journey through Iceland's rugged highlands aboard the new Toyota Land Cruiser 250, exploring geothermal lagoons, glaciers, and remote F-roads.
Travelling to Iceland in October often raises eyebrows. Many wonder why anyone would visit the land of ice and fire during a period notorious for harsh weather. Yet, arriving in this northern island nation immediately offers a striking contrast to urban chaos. There is no heavy traffic, no blaring horns, and landscapes that challenge conventional vacation paradigms.
Journey to the Volcanic Edge
Reaching Iceland from Israel now requires a connecting flight, following the suspension of direct routes. After a morning departure with El Al to Paris and a subsequent Icelandair connection via Reykjavik, the stark uniqueness of the terrain becomes apparent. Black lava fields blanketed in green moss stretch across the landscape, leading visitors toward the Silica Hotel.
Situated south of the capital, the Silica Hotel features private balconies overlooking volcanic horizons and grants guests exclusive access to a private geothermal lagoon. With water temperatures hovering between 38 and 40 degrees Celsius, it offers a serene soak adjacent to the world-famous Blue Lagoon. Dining at the nearby Lava restaurant provides a taste of local cuisine, including cod and a unique Skyr Ganache, complemented by an unexpected sighting of the Northern Lights.
Venturing into the Highlands with Toyota
While most tourists stick to the paved Ring Road (Route 1), this expedition traded conventional travel for a deep dive into Iceland's rugged interior aboard the new Toyota Land Cruiser 250. Equipped with massive tires and robust off-road capabilities, the vehicle easily tackled the challenging F-roads, unpaved tracks legally restricted to four-wheel-drive vehicles.
The route from the Blue Lagoon to the Highland Base at Kerlingarfjöll spanned approximately 270 kilometers, much of it off-road. Navigating routes like F337 and F338 revealed a dramatic interplay of black earth, green valleys, and looming snow-capped peaks, including the Langjökull glacier. Crossing rushing rivers and navigating volcanic tracks highlighted the sheer durability of the vehicle before reaching the Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll hotel for a night of geothermal relaxation and Arctic char.
Returning to Reykjavik
The second leg of the journey involved a scenic drive back toward Reykjavik, traversing volcanic terrain and stopping at Reykholt to explore geothermal greenhouses utilizing subterranean steam for agriculture. Arriving in the capital, the expedition concluded with a stay at the Canopy by Hilton City Centre, ideally situated near Laugavegur shopping street and Hallgrimskirkja church.
Reykjavik offers charming, colorful architecture, though visitors should prepare for notably high prices across dining and retail. Despite minor encounters with political graffiti, locals remained welcoming. The return journey via Amsterdam's Schiphol airport brought an end to an extraordinary adventure across Iceland's extreme landscapes.
