Iceland Complete Self-Drive

Once you have landed at Keflavik 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 Reykjavik.

Reykanes is a great introduction to Iceland’s unique geology and volcanoes. You’ll see unusual and stunning features around the peninsula, including craters, lava cliffs, fissures, and the Mid-Atlantic ridge itself. You can even walk on a bridge that divides Europe and North America. We also recommend a stroll in the surreal Gunnuhver area where you can view quirky colorful mud pools and steam vents bubbling away. If you are a Viking history buff, we recommend the Viking World museum, famous for the Islendingur, a Viking ship replica that sailed between Iceland and North America in 2000.

Reykjanes is 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!

Travel to your hotel in Reykjavík and check-in. Please note check-in for most hotels begins at 14:00 – 16:00 (2:00pm-4:00pm)

October – April: Drive to your hotel in Reykjavik, the colorful capital of Iceland. Overnight in Reykjavik. (Approximate distance: 50 km / 30 miles, with Reykjanes Peninsula 95 km / 55 miles)

May – September: Drive along the southern coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula to the charming village of Hveragerdi 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 Hveragerdi. (Approximate distance: 100 km / 62 miles, with Reykjanes Peninsula 130 km / 81 miles)

Exploding Geysers – Waterfalls – Black Sand Beaches of the South Shore

Start your day by driving to the area of famous Golden Circle natural wonders. 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. Continue along the south shore and stop to admire the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss before continuing to Dyrholaey* and the black sand beaches of Iceland’s South Shore. Continue to the village of Vik.

Overnight in the Vik area.

*Dyrholaey is closed for the bird nesting season between mid-May and 25  June.

Approximate Driving Distance: 290 km / 180 miles

Lava Fields – Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs – Europe’s Largest Glacier

Continue your journey on the Ring Road. Cross Eldhraun, the largest lava flow recorded on the planet in historical times. Visit Kirkjubaejarklaustur town, the former site of a 12th-century Catholic convent. The tour continues over the Skeidararsandur sands to Skaftafell, a beautiful glacial area within Vatnajokull National Park. Continue to the stunning Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon to see the birthplace of icebergs. Nearby is the famous Diamond Beach, where glittering chunks of ice rest on black sand. Throughout the day you will also enjoy magnificent views of the mighty Vatnajokull Glacier.

Overnight in the Hofn area.

Approximate Driving Distance: 290 km /180 miles

Narrow Fjords – Steep Mountains – Picturesque Coastline – Legendary Lake Monster

Drive from Hofn through the Almannaskard pass, stopping to admire the majestic coastline. Continue to the towering mountains plunging vertically into the sea that form the magnificent East Fjords. You’ll also pass villages, each with their own special history and charm. The road brings you to Egilsstadir town, located near Iceland’s largest forest and a lake said to be home to a legendary (friendly) monster. The area is also getting a name for itself for its excellent locally sourced cuisine. If you have time in your schedule, we suggest a visit to the Wilderness Center, a living history experience where you can enjoy an interactive exhibit and excellent locally sourced meals. Another relaxing suggestion is a refreshing swim in the Vok Baths, floating geothermal pools near Egilsstadir.

Overnight in the Eastfjords area.

Approximate Driving Distance: 255 km / 158 miles

Highland Desert – Bizarre Lava Formations – Geothermal & Volcanic Wonderland

Explore the empty vastness of the highland desert plateau Modrudalsoraefi as you head towards the Lake Myvatn area. Visit Namaskard pass with its boiling mud pools and vibrant colors. Explore the natural beauty of the Lake Myvatn area, including the pseudo craters at Skutustadir and the Laxa Salmon River. Myvatn also offers fun outdoor activities such as mountain biking, horseback riding on excellent trails and even summer cart rides or winter dogsledding with Siberian huskies. The azure blue geothermal waters of the Myvatn Nature baths are a pleasant way to end a beautiful day.

Overnight in the Lake Myvatn area.

October& April: Please note that it is not possible to visit Dettifoss between October and mid- May, as the roads to the waterfall are not open for winter travel. We recommend following famous Ring Road 1 from Egilsstadir to Myvatn.

Approximate Driving Distance: 260 km /162 miles

“Waterfall of the Gods” – Colorful Northern “Capital” – The Beautiful Troll Peninsula

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

Start your day by exploring Myvatn’s peculiar lava formations of Dimmuborgir. Visit the magnificent Godafoss waterfall, where you can walk on paths giving you different views of the water. Afterwards, visit Akureyri, the colorful northern “capital” of Iceland. The town has charming buildings and a beautiful view of the Eyjafjordur Fjord.

After spending some time in Akureyri, continue along the coastal roads of Eyjafjordur and the Troll Peninsula. This is a breathtaking drive along steep mountains with amazing views over the Arctic Sea and black sand coastline. The destination is Siglufjordur, set in a beautiful fjord of the same name. This town has some of the finest timber buildings in the country, beautifully restored to their original glory. Depending on when you arrive in town, we suggest a visit to Siglufjordur’s award-winning and popular Herring-Era Maritime Museum. The museum recreates the atmosphere of the early 20th century, when Siglufjordur was transformed into a “frontier” boom town, thanks to a large migration of herring. The town was a filming location for the popular Icelandic television series Trapped.

Overnight in Northwest Iceland.

Approximate Driving Distance: 165 km / 103 miles

Icelandic History and Horses – Fertile Farmlands – Glacial Rivers

Head along majestic mountains and narrow passes to Skagafjordur, considered to be one of the finest places in Iceland for horse breeding. Holar was one of Iceland’s cultural centers and has buildings from nine centuries of Iceland’s history that you can visit. Medieval and military history buffs might enjoy the new 1238: Battle of Iceland exhibit in Saudakrokur town. Cutting-edge virtual reality technology brings to life the drama and history of a pivotal 13th century battle that changed Iceland’s people forever. The Glaumbaer turf manor house at the Skagafjordur Regional Museum is an interesting glimpse into how people lived in Iceland until the early 20th century. Glaumbaer was an inspiration for the manor farm in Hannah Kent’s award-winning novel Burial Rites (a movie is now in production).

The town of Hvammstangi’s Seal Center is a great place to learn about seals and perhaps join a guided excursion to look for seals by boat.

Cross the Holtavorduheidi plateau through Borgarfjordur to the beautiful town of Borgarnes.

Overnight in the Borgarfjordur area.

Approximate Driving Distance: 340 km /211 miles

Europe’s Largest Hot Spring – Picturesque Waterfalls – National Park with Geological Wonders

Drive to Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe. The nearby Krauma Natura Hot Spring Spa is a great place to enjoy a refreshing morning bath surrounded by gorgeous landscapes.

Stop to admire the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfall before continuing via Hvalfjordur fjord to Lake Thingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest lake and Thingvellir National Park. This UNESCO heritage site is where the world’’ oldest continuing parliamentary government was founded in the 10th century. It is also the place where the North American and European tectonic plates meet.

After your visit here, head on to Reykjavik, Iceland’s culturally vibrant capital city. Enjoy exploring the city’s many dining options. You might also enjoy late afternoon and evening activities such as a visit to FlyOver Iceland or whale watching (during the summer). If you’re looking for hot spring bathing why not visit the new Sky Lagoon and try the uniquely soothing Seven Step Ritual Therapy?

Overnight in Reykjavik.

Approximate Driving Distance: 210 km / 131 miles

Return to Keflavik International Airport

Drive back to Keflavik International Airport.** We recommend departing your hotel in Reykjavik no later than at least 3 hours before your flight departure. It takes approximately 1 hour to drive to the airport, and check-in will start 2 hours before your departure.

If you did not visit the Blue Lagoon earlier but have some free time today, you might want to use the opportunity en route to the airport. For this detour, please be sure to allow for at least 2-2,5 hours extra so you’ll have ample time at the lagoon. Your rental car should be returned to the airport service area, which is located only 2 minutes from the airport building. A shuttle will then transport you to the departure hall.

**Please note that the package price is based on 8 x 24-hour rental days starting at the time of rental. If your flight arrives early on day 1 and departs late on day 9, an additional supplement will be charged unless you choose to return the car in Reykjavik when the 8-day rental is up and use our Airport Direct departure transfer.

Approximate Driving Distance: 50 km / 30 miles