Renting a car to make the 68 mile (109km) journey from Iceland's capital city of Reykjavik to the village of Hvolsvollur on the southern coast is the most popular way to go. Public transport and private or group transfers are also options. Hvolsollur is a great base for travelers looking to adventure around the surrounding area, including the Golden Circle, Þórsmörk, and some of the main waterfalls in the region like Skogafoss and Gluggafoss.
This Ultimate Guide to South Iceland's Coast provides a plethora of ideas for planning your stops along the route to Hvolsvollur. Highlights include Urriðafoss, Seljavallalaug, one of the oldest natural hot pools in Iceland, and the Saga Center right in town, where you can learn about early Viking settlements.
By Car
Duration: 3-5 hours
Driving directly from Reykjavik to Hvolsvollur along the Ring Road (Route 1) would take approximately an hour and a half, however, it's wise to allow for extra time to stop and explore the stunning scenery.
Venturing to the main attractions of the famous Golden Circle, Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, and the Geysir, are a great detour. Popular waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss can be reached quickly from Hvolsvollur, as well as some lesser-known falls like Aegissidufoss. Hiking near the nearby active volcano Hekla is also an option for outdoor ventures.
By Bus
Duration: 2-3 hours
From the Mjódd station just outside of the city (10 minutes from Reykjavik by taxi), travelers can take the line 52 bus directly to Hvolsvollur. It is possible to take the line 3 bus from downtown Reykjavik's Ráðhúsið station and then transfer at Mjódd, however, this will add an extra ten minutes.
By Private or Group Transfer
Duration: 3-5 hours
It's possible to arrange for a private driver to make the drive to Hvolsvollur, however, it may be the more expensive option. Day or multi-day tours that stop at Hella and the surrounding attractions would be an option too, but offer less flexibility than self-driving.
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