Experience all the natural wonders of South Iceland — glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, geothermal hot springs, and more on the Glacial Adventure.
The natural wonders of South and Southwest Iceland — glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, geothermal hot springs, the northern lights and more — are the highlights of this week long self-drive holiday during peak Northern Lights season.
Follow Iceland’s dramatic coastline through an active volcano zone, as you pass black sandy beaches, snow-capped mountains, picturesque waterfalls, and spouting geysers.
This self drive trip encompasses the major natural wonders that have made Iceland famous, but allows you to enjoy it during the cosy and less busy winter period.
Highlights
**Please note that the package price is based on 5 x 24-hour rental days starting at the time of rental. If your flight arrives early on day 1 and departs late on day 6, an additional supplement will charged unless you choose to return the car in Reykjavik when the 5 day rental is up and use our flybus departure transfer.
Must be 21 years of age to rent a car, 23 years of age to rent car cat. 5.0 or higher.
Our road trip packages are designed by our team of travel experts. They are created for people like you who want to experience the very best of what Iceland has to offer. To get the best value Iceland Travel has to offer, book our road trips online. Please note that changes to the packages will incur a service fee.
With our exclusive road trip app you don´t have to worry about missing out and you will always find your way to your hotel after a full day of traveling. It is easy to book day tours and activities in the app when you are on the road.
Highlights: Reykjavik
Approximate distance: ca100km / 62miles
Arrival in Iceland – The world’s northernmost capital city
Once you have landed at Keflavik Airport in Iceland, please pick up your luggage and head through customs. Collect your rental car at the airport and proceed to your hotel in Reykjavik. The rest of the day is yours to rest and to enjoy at your own leisure.
Overnight in Reykjavik.
Approximate distance: ca200km / 125miles
National Park with Geological Wonders (UNESCO) – Explosive Geysers – The Famous Golden Falls
Head for the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, where the world’s oldest parliament met for centuries on the shores of Iceland’s largest lake. Then drive to the village of Laugarvatn and continue through farmland areas to the geothermal fields of Geysir, with bubbling mud pools and the regularly erupting Strokkur geyser. Then visit the dramatic, two-tiered Gullfoss waterfall, a spectacular sight in winter when frozen mid-cascade.
Overnight in Hella/Hvolsvollur.
Highlights: Seljalandsfoss Skogafoss Eyjafjallajokull Reynisdrangar Cliffs Vík
Approximate distance: ca365km / 225miles
Waterfalls – Volcanic Aftermath – Black-Sand Beaches
Spend this day exploring the region close to the towering strato-volcano Eyjafjallajokull, which is possibly the most famous volcano in the world today.
Driving along the south shore you can also visit the spectacular waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Then continue onwards to Reynisfjara beach and its striking black sands, viewing the extraordinary rock formations and thundering waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
Overnight in Hofn.
Highlights: Skaftafell National Park Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon
Approximate distance: ca200km / 125miles
Western Europe’s Largest National Park – Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs – Europe’s Largest Glacier
Today you will be in the southern area of Vatnajokull National Park, the largest of its kind in Western Europe. It’s dominated by the Vatnajokull glacier, Europe’s largest ice cap. The park’s glacier-ringed Skaftafell area is an outstanding area of natural beauty with great winter hiking opportunities. It´s also possible to book a guided tour hiking on one the glaciers here. Continue to the photogenic Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, where you can enjoy the breathtaking sight of floating, blue-tinted icebergs on this 180-meter (591 foot) deep glacial lagoon.
Overnight at Kirkjubaejarklaustur area.
Highlights: The Blue Lagoon Hveragerdi
Approximate distance: ca249km / 155miles
Greenhouse Village – Geopark – Geothermal Lagoon
Head towards the village of Hveragerdi, which is one of the few communities in the world located directly on top of an active geothermal area. Hveragerdi is often called ‘the flower village’ because of its many greenhouses that are heated by hot water from nearby springs. Continue snaking along the coast, with its breathtaking sea waves.
On to the Reykjanes peninsula, a UNESCO Geopark with many intriguing geological wonders, such as Krysuvik geothermal area. You can also opt to enjoy a relaxing soak in the famous Blue Lagoon, a unique wonder of nature with pleasantly warm and mineral-rich geothermal water located in a middle of a black lava field. (Please note that admission to the Blue Lagoon must be booked in advance).
Return to Reykjavik for overnight stay.
Highlights: Keflavik
Approximate distance: ca100km / 62miles
Return to Keflavik International Airport.*
We recommend departing the hotel approximately 3 hours prior to the departure of your international flight.
**Please note that the package price is based on 5 x 24-hour rental days starting at the time of rental. If your flight arrives early on day 1 and departs late on day 6, an additional supplement will be charged unless you choose to return the car in Reykjavik when the 5-day rental is up and use our FlyBus plus departure transfer.
Please note: The northern lights are a natural phenomenon and therefore sightings can not be guaranteed.
