Categories Summer Tours Iceland Self Drive Vacations Adventure & Eco Travel Self Drive Tours Independent Tours

Offering the ultimate Iceland experience, this superb self-drive tour covers all the major highlights of the mainland, plus the many wonders of the more secluded Westfjords. These two weeks of travel bring together a sequence of attractions, from the newly-formed volcanic hot spots such as Krafla, to those ancient landscapes found in the far west, where the roads lead to remote fishing villages, weave around coastlines and through narrow fjords. This is the ultimate Iceland experience - including the highlights of the Ring Road, the scenic Westfjords, and the mystical Snaefellsnes peninsula.

* Types of Car recommended: Group Y or higher.

Itinerary

Once you have landed at Keflavík Airport, please pick up your luggage and head through customs. Collect your rental car at the airport and proceed to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time in Iceland, we suggest that you take some time to explore the Reykjanes Peninsula (a UNESCO GeoPark site) before you head to Reykjavík.

Reykjanes is a great introduction to Iceland’s unique geology and volcanoes and the site of Iceland’s 2021 – 2024 eruptions. You’ll see unusual and stunning features around the peninsula, including craters, lava cliffs, and fissures. We recommend a stroll in the surreal Krýsuvík area where you can view quirky colorful mud pools and steam vents bubbling away.

Reykjanes is also home to the renowned Blue Lagoon, and you might enjoy the chance to relax in the soothing azure waters. Important: admission to the Blue Lagoon needs to be booked in advance. We can help you with that!

Drive along the southern coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula to the charming village of Hveragerði for your overnight. This village is one of the few sites in the world located directly on top of a geothermal area and, because of its many greenhouses heated by hot water from nearby springs, it is often called the “flower village.” There are plenty of outdoor and wellness activities to enjoy here, and several restaurants with a unique local focus.

Overnight in Hveragerði.

Please note check-in for most hotels begins at 14:00 – 16:00 (2:00pm-4:00pm).

Optionals:

Blue Lagoon Entrance

Panorama ATV/Quad Tour

Approximate Distance:

165 km / 103 miles

Famous national park – Lively geysers – Golden waterfall

Today, you’ll visit the Golden Circle natural wonders. Start with the beautiful Þingvellir National Park, site of the ancient Icelandic Viking parliament and a jewel of nature. Here you can see the meeting point between the North American and Europe continents. Several walking trails take visitors to historical points of interest. If you enjoy adventure, you might try snorkelling in clear waters between two continents. Þingvellir sits near Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest lake. Another exciting activity is whitewater rafting in a glacial river.

Explore Gullfoss, the “Golden Waterfall”, and the nearby Geysir hot spring area to see the famous Geysir and Strokkur, as well as numerous other hot springs and boiling mud pools. While in the area, take advantage of relaxing in one of the hot spring-fed pools that make Iceland so famous. The Secret Lagoon is a historical swimming pool with an all-natural feel and its own little geyser. The Laugarvatn Fontana steam baths are a local favorite; natural steam soothes away aches and pains, followed by relaxation in a series of hot spring pools.

Overnight in the Golden Circle area.

Optionals:

Gullfoss Canyon Rafting – From Drumbó Base

Silfra Snorkelling (Meet on Location)

Secret Lagoon

Fontana Geothermal Baths

Approximate Distance:

245 km / 152 miles

Thundering waterfalls – Seabird colony – Black sand beaches

Drive along the spectacular south coast and view highlights along the way such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls and Mýrdalsjökull glacier. If the skies are clear, you might even have a glimpse of beautiful Mt. Hekla, Iceland’s most frequently erupting volcano. Mýrdalsjökull glacier offers great opportunities for guided snowmobile or ice hiking tours.

Head to Vík, Iceland’s southernmost village. In the area you can view the seabird cliff of Dyrhólaey* and the black sand beach of Reynisfjara. Many seabirds nest here, including puffins. (Puffins are generally in Iceland between early May and mid-August.)

Continue over Eldhraun, Iceland’s largest single lava flow, towards Kirkjubæjarklaustur, a picturesque village that is the former site of a 12th-century Catholic convent. The town is known for its excellent farm-raised arctic char trout, a specialty offered at several restaurants in the area.

Overnight in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.

*Please note that Dyrhólaey is closed during nesting season in spring, from around mid-May until June 23rd.

Optionals:

Snowmobiling on Mýrdalsjökull Glacier (from Basecamp)

Kayaking by Sólheimajökull Glacier

Black Sand Beach ATV Tour

Glacier Discovery

Zipline Adventure in Vík

Approximate Distance:

230 km /143 miles

Glacier-rimmed oasis – Iceberg lagoon – Europe’s largest glacier

Today you will be in the southern area of Vatnajökull National Park, named after Europe‘s largest glacier. You’ll certainly have this magnificent glacier in view as you follow the route.

Visit the park’s amazing Skaftafell area, a green oasis nestled between glaciers that offers many hiking possibilities.

Continue to the shimmering icebergs of Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, where you should take time to admire the views of the icebergs floating in the cool waters. You might even glimpse a few seals. Nearby is the Diamond Beach, an area of glittering bits of glass-like ice scattered across black sands.

Continue, perhaps taking a detour to the beautiful and much photographed mountain of Vestrahorn. Head on to harbour town of Höfn, also known as the langoustine capital of northern Europe.

Overnight in the Höfn area.

Optionals:

Zodiac Boat Tour on Fjallsárlón Ice Lagoon

Amphibian Boat Tour on the Glacial Lagoon (meet at Jökulsárlón)

Glacier Wonders – Glacier Hike in Skaftafell

Approximate Distance:

295 km / 183 miles

Narrow fjords – Steep mountains – Picturesque coastline

Drive through the spectacular Eastfjords region with towering mountains and charming fishing villages to the fertile Egilsstaðir area. On the way, you might opt to visit the quirky egg sculptures in the harbour of charming Djúpivogur village or visit Petra’s famous local stone and mineral collection at Stöðvarfjörður.

You can either drive straight through Fagridalur valley to Egilsstaðir or head along the ancient Eastfjords, shaped by glaciers during the Ice Age. Although many are uninhabited, each fjord has its own grandeur. The natural harbours in the fjords cradle fishing villages that have still hung on to a degree of old-world charm. Some of the unique villages include Fáskrúðsfjörður and its interesting French connection, Reyðarfjörður and its World War II heritage, and Eskifjörður with its fishing traditions.

If you drive straight through Fagridalur valley, an area you might enjoy discovering is the award-winning Wilderness Center (Óbyggðasetur) located at the edge of the hauntingly beautiful eastern highlands. Here you can discover Iceland’s pioneer history and highland nature in a clever interactive way. Take a guided horseback tour to an abandoned farm or relax in the Wilderness Spa. Or enjoy a chat with the centre’s hosts as they prepare you a meal made from wilderness sourced ingredients.

In the Egilsstaðir area, you can visit the beautiful Hallormsstaður forest, and a river reputed to be the home of a friendly sea monster. Perhaps you’ll end the day at Lake Urriðavatn’s Vök Baths, where you can unwind in untouched nature in distinctive floating geothermal pools.

Overnight in the Eastfjords area

Optionals:

Vök Geothermal Baths

Petra’s Icelandic Minerals Museum

Approximate Distance:

280 km / 174 miles

Europe’s most powerful waterfall – Glacier-carved gorge – Whale watching

Today you will be in the northern area of Vatnajökull National Park. This region of the park has its own distinctive character. Less visited than the southern area, this area shows Iceland’s wild side to its fullest.

Travel across the vast Möðrudalsöræfi highlands and into the wilderness. The route takes you to the mighty Dettifoss waterfall. A few moments here listening to the heavy thundering water against a surreal landscape is one of Iceland’s most amazing experiences.

Head through the park and its amazing canyon areas carved by the Jökulsár river. Explore the impressive horse-shoe-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon, said to be formed by the god Óðinn’s stallion. Several walking trails lead to beautiful viewing areas.

Drive around the fossil rich Tjörnes Peninsula to the Húsavík area, famous for its appearance in the 2020 Netflix movie Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. This town is known for whale watching, and you might enjoy a later afternoon or evening whale watching boat tour. A great way to end this exciting day is with a relaxing swim in the warm sea waters of Húsavík’s GeoSea Baths.

Important: Please note Roads 864, 862 are usually closed during the fall, winter, and spring until the end of May (Road opening dates are dependent on the weather conditions). Until these roads are open, please take the scenic Ring Road 1 to Road 87 and on to Húsavík.

Please also note that Roads 864 and 862 are gravel roads, and you must heed warning signs in the area if road conditions are not good for driving.

Overnight in Húsavík area or Lake Mývatn area.

Approximate Distance:

240 km / 150 miles

Bizarre lava formations – Waterfall of the gods – Gorgeous fjord views

Spend the day exploring the natural wonders of Lake Mývatn and the surrounding area. Visit highlights such as the lava citadels at Dimmuborgir, the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir, the colorful sulphurous slopes of Námaskarð, and the Krafla volcano area.

Depart Mývatn and drive westward, visiting beautiful Goðafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods. Take some time to visit Akureyri, Iceland’s colourful northern “capital.”

Drive to Siglufjörður along one of Iceland’s most dramatic coastlines, enjoying a unique view towards the North Atlantic. This is the region of the Troll Peninsula, where the steep Icelandic mountains look towards the sea. The town of Siglufjörður itself has many beautifully restored, colourful buildings and excellent options for outdoor recreation, from golf to hiking to whale watching. This town was the filming location for both seasons of the popular Icelandic suspense series Trapped.

Please Note: The Ring Road route today contains a toll tunnel. More information on the tunnel and fees is here.

Overnight in Northwestern Iceland.

Optionals:

Mývatn Nature Baths

Whale Watching from Dalvík

The Forest Lagoon (Skógarböð)

Classic Whale Watching from Akureyri

Approximate Distance:

310 km / 193 miles

Viking history – Historical fjord – Icelandic horse heritage

Thread your way around the peninsula, heading into Skagafjörður Fjord. Explore the fascinating area of Skagafjörður, renowned for horse breeding and medieval history.

The town of Hofsós has a unique swimming pool that seems to float into infinity. The pool looks towards Drangey, known from the famous Viking-age Saga of Grettir the Strong. If you are a history buff, we suggest a stop at Hólar. This cultural centre has buildings from nine centuries of Icelandic history. The 1238: Battle of Iceland virtual reality experience in Sauðárkrókur town puts you back into the 12th century to learn about one of Iceland’s most pivotal battles, which occurred in the area.

The manor farm of Glaumbær is a turf home that dates back to the 18th century. Visiting here gives a sense of life in Iceland in the old days. Glaumbær was an inspiration for Hannah Kent’s famous novel Burial Rites

Skagafjörður’s Icelandic horse heritage makes it an ideal place to try out riding one of these friendly Viking horses. Several farms in the area offer guided riding tours. If you prefer a paddle to a saddle, you might enjoy whitewater rafting in a dramatic canyon. Tours are available for different skill levels.

Another interesting place to visit today is Borgarvirki, a natural rock formation that has been used as a citadel since Viking times. Head along beautiful coastline where the sea seems to meet the sky as you drive to your evening accommodation.

Overnight stay in the Laugarbakki area.

Approximate Distance:

365 km / 227 miles

Scenic coastline – Striking fjords – Seal and birdlife

Today you’ll enter into a part of Iceland most visitors never experience: the hauntingly beautiful, remote Westfjords.

Head across Steingrímsfjarðarheiði Moor and into the spectacular region of the Westfjords, the oldest part of Iceland.

Visit Hólmavík, a village renowned for its museum of witchcraft. Ancient Icelandic tales depicted the Westfjords as an area full of sorcery, magical spells, and witchcraft. The Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft gives an insight into this eerie aspect of Iceland’s history.

Take your time with the drive and enjoy the amazing views. It’s an amazing experience to pause during the day and just take in the sounds of the birds and wind and the smells of the sea. The place has a real timeless feel to it. You’ll be in an area rich in wildlife, so keep an eye out for seals and seabirds along the coast.

Thread around the numerous uninhabited fjords of Ísafjardardjup, a beautiful coastline alive with seals and birds. Continue to Ísafjörður, the largest town in the area.

Overnight in the Ísafjörður area.

West Fjords – Local Museums – Hiking in Hornstrandir Natural Reserve

Approximate mileage: variable

Spend time in Isafjordur and surrounding area including the neighboring towns of Bolungarvik and Sudureyri. In Sudeyri you might opt to take a pleasant walking tour around the town, getting acquainted with the town’s unique sustainable fishing industry. Try samples of gourmet and traditional seafood products along the way. Bolungarvik has a rennovated fishing camp from the 19th century that shows you how people made their living, fishing from wooden row boats. A pleasant activity to try in the area is sea kayaking in the calm, peaceful fjord waters.

Overnight in the Isafjordur area.

Approximate Distance:

350 km / 218 miles

Striking waterfall – Red sand beaches – Sea Cliffs with birdlife

Drive from Ísafjörður through the beautiful northern Westfjords. This is an area whose population has been declining, but the people who live here love this area and its peaceful way of life. The town of Þingeyri is a nice place to stop, especially its Simbahöllin Café. The owners restored a beautiful old house for the café, sparking a community-wide renovation. The village is charming, and the café has legendary Belgian waffles.

The town of Bíldudalur has a curious and entertaining Sea Monster Museum where you can discover local legends of mysterious ocean creatures.

View the stunning multi-tiered Dynjandi waterfall, one of the symbols of the region. As you walk to Dynjandi from the parking lot, you’ll actually pass by a series of six smaller waterfalls.

Visit Látrabjarg cliffs, the westernmost point in Europe. In the summer, these high sea cliffs are teeming with millions of puffins, gannets, guillemots, and razorbills. This is one of Iceland’s best areas for bird watching, as well as an amazing area to capture views of the sea cliffs. Remember to be careful while you are here since the cliff is very high. Do not approach the end of the cliff unless you are on all fours or sitting.

Head onwards to the southern coast of the Westfjords. Rauðisandur is a gorgeous stretch of beach where you can see different colours of sand ranging from white to yellow to red to black. Definitely take your time here and enjoy the different moods of the sea and sands.

Depending on your schedule, maybe you’ll stop to take a dip in the Hellulaug natural geothermal pool in Vatnsfjörður fjord. This is a simple little natural pool with a lovely view over the ocean. There are no changing facilities. There is no admission fee, but we encourage you to leave some money in the donation box since this is how the locals ensure the pool is regularly cleaned and safe to use.

This part of the Westfjords was home to one of Iceland’s first settlers, a Viking named Raven-Flóki. He is the one who first called the island “Iceland.”

Overnight in the Flókalundur area.

Approximate Distance:

variable

Picturesque islands with birdlife – Coastal scenic views – Charming village

Today you have two options: you can either drive the coastal road to Stykkishólmur town or take the ferry across Breiðafjörður to the town.

Driving: Drive along the coast of Barðarströnd and into West Iceland. You can explore Dalir, the region of Eríkur the Red and birthplace of his son, the great explorer Leifur Eiríksson at a living replica museum before driving to Snæfellsnes peninsula. Approximate distance: 280 km / 175 miles

Ferry option: Head to Brjánslækur ferry dock. Sail with the ferry Baldur across Breiðafjörður bay with its countless islands and rich birdlife. (Please note ferry trip is not included in the price, but we can book it for you). You will pass by the island of Flatey, a beloved summer holiday area for Icelanders. Enjoy the ride and the views of islands and birds. Approximate distance: 64 km / 40 miles (the ferry ride is about 2,5 hours)

Please note: After Sep.1st, the ferry Baldur departs once per day and does not sail on Saturdays. Please see ferry schedule.

The final destination today is the charming village of Stykkishólmur. This eco-friendly town has beautiful wooden buildings originally brought over from Norway in the 1800s. Stykkishólmur is a lovely place to take an evening walk, and you will surely enjoy the nice selection of cafes and restaurants available.

Overnight on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

Quaint Fishing Villages - Picturesque Waterfalls - Europe's Most Powerful Hot Spring - Scenic Fjord

Approximate mileage: ca. 360 km / 224 miles

Continue around the Snaefellsnes peninsula, passing the small fishing villages of Hellissandur and Grundarfjordur. Make a stop at the magnificent columnar basalt rock formations at Arnarstapi, as well as the rocky beach of Djupalonssandur. Explore Borgarfjordur area and visit the beautiful Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, Reykholt and the hot spring Deildartunguhver. Continue via Hvalfjordur fjord to Reykjavik.

Optionals:

Vatnshellir Caving (from Snæfellsnes Peninsula)

Krauma Nature Baths

Arrangements ends after breakfast.

Approximate distance: 52 km / 32 miles

Drive back to Keflavik International Airport and even stop at Blue Lagoon, as it is on your way to the airport, if you did not have time to do it on your arrival day. *

**Please note that the package price is based on 13 x 24-hour rental days starting at the time of rental. If your flight arrives early on day 1 and departs late on day 14, an additional supplement will be necessary unless you choose to return the car in Reykjavik when the 13 day rental is up and use our Flybus departure transfer.

Notes