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

Iceland is a clean, safe country with plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy our incredible natural landscapes. We at Iceland Travel take our responsibility as proud local hosts very seriously, and that includes making sure your trip is safe and relaxing. We always implement the latest advice from international and Icelandic health authorities in our travel offerings.

Are you ready for adventure and exploration? Take the less traveled tracks and discover the wild side of Iceland’s natural beauty, from colorful geothermal highlands to fertile green coastal lowlands. Visit the country’s top Ring Road attractions as well as the ever-changing views in Iceland’s beautiful interior wilderness. Explore the legendary Kjolur and Landmannalaugar routes that weave through breath-taking, exotic landscapes that will inspire you.

* Types of Car Group F or higher.

Itinerary

Approximate Distance:

100 km / 62 miles

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 eruptions between 2021 and 2025. 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 colourful 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.

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

Overnight stay in the Hveragerði area.

Optionals:

Blue Lagoon Entrance

Mega Zipline, Iceland’s Longest Zipline

Approximate Distance:

165 km / 103 miles

Famous national park – Lively geysers – Massive waterfall

We’ve reserved today for you to explore the incredible Golden Circle natural wonders at a leisurely pace. Start with a visit to the unforgettable Þingvellir National Park, where you can walk between two continents at the Mid-Atlantic ridge.

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 favourite; natural steam soothes away aches and pains, followed by relaxation in a series of hot spring pools. The new Laugarás Lagoon offers unique hot spring bathing in a two-story pool.

Overnight in the Golden Circle area.

Optionals:

Gullfoss Canyon Rafting – From Drumbó Base

Silfra Snorkelling (Meet on Location)

Secret Lagoon

Fontana Geothermal Baths

Meet Us at Gullfoss / Basecamp Snowmobiling

Laugarás Lagoon Entrance

Approximate Distance:

245 km / 146 miles

Wilderness interior – Highland geothermal area – Natural bathing pool

Today’s route leads over the historical highland track Kjölur (car category F or higher required; track open from mid-June to mid-September). Expect much of the route today to be on unpaved and bumpy mountain tracks. It’s part of the adventure of Iceland’s highland wilderness.

As you drive this track leading between two glaciers, you’ll be seeing the same landscapes that Vikings and outlaws saw in the old days as they rode from North Iceland to Þingvellir for the annual Parliament. We recommend that you take your time here and enjoy the vast views and the serene peace in one of Europe’s last wilderness areas. Keep a look out for Kjalfell (Keel Mountain), the mountain resembling an overturned boat. This is the mountain that lent its name to the trail.

Midway on the route, stop to visit Hveravellir, an active geothermal field. Easy hiking paths lead through multicolored landscapes and steam vents. You can also visit a cave where outlaws hid over the centuries. The most famous of these was the 18th century outlaw couple, Eyvindur-Fjalla and Halla. (Check out “Prisoners of Freedom,” the touching monument to them in the area). Hveravellir has a hot spring fed natural pool where you can relax (requires a small admission/service fee, not included).

Continue on Kjölur, enjoying vast views of the northern mountains ahead of you. The trail emerges into the valley of Skagafjörður fjord with its flat-topped mountains and glacial rivers.

Overnight in Northwest Iceland.

Optional:

The Forest Lagoon (Skógarböð)

Approximate Distance:

300 km / 186 miles

Akureyri – Waterfall “of the gods” – Bizarre lava formations

Drive through dramatic mountainous valleys to Akureyri, the “capital of the north,” where you can take some time to enjoy this beautiful and culturally rich town. The town has several great museums, as well as amazing botanical gardens that are surprisingly lush considering how close Akureyri is to the Arctic Circle. If you’re looking for some morning geothermal relaxation, head to the Skógarböð (Forest Baths) near the town. Enjoy lounging in peaceful earth-warmed pools in a beautiful setting of trees and the Eyjafjörður Fjord.

Stop at Goðafoss waterfall, famous for its beauty and its Viking history, before driving to the intriguing Lake Mývatn area. The Mývatn Nature reserve is fascinating both for its diverse bird life and for its geological wonders. Some of the volcanic features include the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir, the Dark Lava Citadels of Dimmuborgir, the Krafla Volcano area, and the multi-coloured steaming slopes of Námaskarð. Mývatn also offers great outdoor opportunities, including horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking.

At the end of the day, we recommend you take a swim in the azure-blue geothermal waters of the Mývatn Nature Baths (not included). This hot spring area with its natural steam baths is a favourite with both visitors and locals.

Overnight in the Lake Mývatn area.

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

Optionals:

Earth Lagoon Mývatn

The Forest Lagoon (Skógarböð)

Approximate Distance:

335 km / 208 miles

Whale watching village – Glacial gorge – Europe’s most powerful waterfall

Today you will be visiting the northern part of Vatnajökull National Park, the largest of its kind in Western Europe. The vast park covers 14% of Iceland’s surface. This section of the park is characterised by vast glacier river canyons, curious lava formations, and glacial waterfalls.

From Lake Mývatn, drive to the charming fishing village of Húsavík. Known as the whale-watching capital of Iceland, Húsavík offers whale-watching in traditional oak fishing boats or RIB boats. In 2020, Húsavík gained international fame for its portrayal in the Netflix movie Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. Húsavík town is also home to the GeoSea Baths, where you can soak in naturally heated ocean water as you look towards the Arctic Circle.

Travel around the ancient, fossil rich Tjörnes peninsula on the edge of the Arctic Circle to the northern gateway of Vatnajökull National Park. Visit the impressive horseshoe shaped Ásbyrgi canyon, which has a variety of beautiful walking trails that suit different hiking levels.

Continue on to visit the echoing rocks and troll-like formations of Hljóðaklettar. The crowning highlight is mighty Dettifoss, the largest waterfall in Europe.

Continue east to Egilsstaðir town. 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.

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

Overnight in the Eastfjords.

Optionals:

Húsavík Silent Whale Watching (Carbon Neutral)

Whale Safari and Puffins in RIB boat (from Húsavík)

GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths in Húsavík

Whale Watching from Húsavík

Vök Geothermal Baths

Approximate Distance:

295 km / 183 miles

Narrow fjords – Steep mountains – Picturesque coastline

Today you will be visiting East Iceland and the gorgeous Eastfjords. If you are a history enthusiast, we recommend a visit to the award-winning Wilderness Center on the edge of the Icelandic highlands. At this living history centre, you can see an interactive display of how Icelanders lived in the highland frontier in the old days.

Drive south through the spectacular coastline of the Eastfjords with charming fishing villages and towering mountains that plunge vertically into the sea. Each village has its own beautiful landscapes and character. Eskifjörður has an interesting fishing heritage. Reyðarfjörður has sites famous to World War II history. Fáskrúðsfjörður has a French influence from its days as a base for French fishermen. In Stöðvarfjörður, you can see a unique stone collection with an interesting local story.

Remember to give yourself plenty of time to drive carefully and enjoy the amazing scenery. You’ll also get great views of Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull, as you head from the Eastfjords into Southeast Iceland. Drive to Höfn, a fishing town known for its delicious cuisine featuring langoustines (Norway lobsters).

Overnight in the Höfn area.

Optionals:

Vök Geothermal Baths

Petra’s Icelandic Minerals Museum

Approximate Distance:

215 km / 134 miles

Europe’s largest glacier – Iceberg lagoon – Glacier-ringed green oasis

Today you will be in the vicinity of the southern section of Vatnajökull National Park. This part of the park is characterised by ice, glacier tongues, and lava landscapes. The popular Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon rewards you with a beautiful view of the glacier, and the floating icebergs will certainly impress you. Nearby is the Diamond Beach, an area that has become a favorite spot to snap an Iceland photo.

Head onwards to the park’s Skaftafell area, an ice-ringed green oasis with various hiking routes. One special place to visit in Skaftafell is Svartifoss waterfall with its black basalt columns. You can also get closer to the area’s beauty with an optional ice hiking tour on one of Vatnajökull’s glacial tongues.

Continue along the south coast, crossing over vast black sand plains created by glacial floods.

Overnight in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur 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:

315 km / 196 miles

Multi-colored highland mountains – Hot spring bathing – Hekla volcano

Important: Guests visiting Landmannalaugar must pre-book a parking space and pay a service fee to ensure a spot at the nature reserve. More information here.

Today you will be getting another view of the highlands, this time in the colorful southern wilderness. Travel along the Fjallabaksleið highland interior track, passing wild mountains and deeply carved green valleys. Cross several unbridged rivers to Landmannalaugar, a magnificent area surrounded by brilliantly coloured rhyolite mountains. Great hiking trails take you through a mysterious landscape of steam vents and bright colored slopes. There is also the option of bathing in a natural warm pool, so don’t forget to bring a swimsuit and towel (bathing service fee not included). You will also have different views of towering Hekla, Iceland’s most frequently erupting volcano through the day.

After visiting Landmannalaugar, explore the ever-changing scenery of Þjórsárdalur, a valley sculpted by Hekla’s past eruptions, before heading to Reykjavík. This area was a filming location for the popular HBO series Game of Thrones.

Note: If you prefer not to visit Landmannalaugar, you can continue along the south shore and explore black sand beaches, bird colonies, and towering waterfalls on your way to Reykjavík.

Overnight in Reykjavík.

Optionals:

Sky Lagoon Pass

Whale Watching Classic

Icelandic Lava Show in Reykjavík

Arrangements end after breakfast.

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 you arrival day.*

*Please note that the package price is based on 8x24 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 necessary unless you choose to return the car in Reykjavik when the 8 day rental is up and use a Flybus Plus departure transfer.

Notes