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Categories Iceland Self Drive Vacations Self Drive Tours Independent Tours

If you have time on your hands and you want a relaxing tour of Iceland then this is the self drive tour for you!

Our Iceland Grand Discovery circular route gives travelers both flexibility and time to spend at each of Iceland’s most popular attractions. Apart from experiencing all the natural treasures accessed via the Ring Road, this tour dedicates two whole days to the wonders of South West Iceland, including Borgarfjordur Fjord and the mystic Snaefellsnes Glacier, made famous by author Jules Verne as the entrance to the center of the Earth, and more recently voted the best region to visit in 2016 by the Lonely Planet.

Along the way, you’ll pass many of the volcanoes, waterfalls, glaciers, and seascapes that make Iceland’s landscapes so magical and unforgettable.

Take to the open road and discover the natural wonders and welcoming towns of Iceland's Ring Road and Snaefellsnes Peninsula!

Itinerary

Welcome to Iceland

Pick up the car at the airport and start your Iceland experience.

From Keflavik International Airport we recommend driving the southern coast of the Reykjanes peninsula towards your first overnight stay in the charming village of Hveragerdi. The 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.

Depending on your arrival time in Iceland, on your way to Hveragerdi it may be ideal to visit the renowned Blue Lagoon to relax in the geothermal water.

Overnight stay in Hveragerdi

Approximate mileage: 103 km / 64 miles

The Golden Circle

Approximate mileage: 186 km / 115 miles

Drive to Thingvellir National Park, site of the ancient Icelandic parliament and a jewel of nature. The park itself is situated in a stunning volcanic landscape of mountains and lava flows, on the border of Iceland's largest lake. Continue to the famous Geysir hot spring area and the mighty waterfall Gullfoss.

Overnight stay in Fludir

Optional: Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths - Entrance fee

Black Sand Beaches of the South Coast

Approximate mileage: 215 km / 133 miles

Drive along the spectacular south coast, viewing highlights such as Skogafoss waterfall, Myrdalsjokull glacier, Dyrholaey* and the black sand beaches of Vik. Continue across Eldhraun lava field to the village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur, which is known for its fabulous trout fishing.

Overnight stay in Kirkjubaejarklaustur

* Please note that Dyrholaey is closed during nesting season in spring, from about the middle of May until

late June

Optional: Snowmobiling on Myrdalsjokull Glacier (from Basecamp)

Lakagigar crater row

Approximate mileage: 120 km / 74 miles

Enjoy the day exploring this little-known area. We recommend a hike in magnificent Fjadrargljufur, one of the most spectacular canyons in Iceland. If you are traveling in June, July, or August a longer detour to the volcanic Laki craters (Lakagigar) is a great option. The drive, for which you'll need a rental car category 5.0 or higher, takes you to the site of a catastrophic eruption in 1783-84, and includes beautiful sights such as Laki, the largest of the craters, which is 818 metres (2684 feet) high and affords a breathtaking view over the craters.

Overnight stay in southeast Iceland

Skaftafell and Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon

Approximate mileage: 204 km / 126 miles

Visit the awe-inspiring Skaftafell National Park, which is set between glaciers and offers many hiking possibilities. Continue to the shimmering icebergs of Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon and the harbour town of Hofn, also known as the lobster capital of northern Europe.

Overnight stay in Hofn

Optionals: Amphibian Boat Tour on Glacial Lagoon (from the lagoon)

Iceland East Fjords

Approximate mileage: 187 km / 116 miles

Drive through the spectacular East Fjords, past towering mountains and through charming fishing villages, to the fertile Egilsstadir area. On the way it is possible to take a boat tour to Papey Island, where thousands of puffins nest in the summer, or visit Petra's famous local stone and mineral collection at Stodvarfjordur.

Overnight stay in Egilsstadir

Optional: Dinner with the Locals (from Egilsstadir, East Iceland)

Seydisfjordur and Borgarfjördur Eystri

Approximate distance: 140km / 86miles

Explore the quaint village of Seydisfjordur, where multi-coloured wooden houses are sheltered by a jaw-dropping backdrop of snow-capped mountains and tumbling waterfalls. Also, explore Borgarfjordur Eystri, steeped in the folklore of elves. This area has excellent hiking paths, in different length and difficulty. Both villages are known for their friendly locals and rich artistic communities.

Overnight stay in the Egilsstadir area.

Jokulsargljufur National Park

Approximate mileage: 175 km / 108 miles

Travel across the vast Modrudalsoraefi highlands, which are renowned for their stark beauty, to the mighty Dettifoss waterfall. Explore the many wonders of northern Vatnajokull National Park, such as the strange formations of Hljodaklettar (Echo Rocks) and the impressive horseshoe-shaped Asbyrgi canyon. Continue along Tjornes peninsula at the edge of the Arctic Circle to the fishing village of Husavik. This town is known as the capital of whale watching for its excellent sightings. Perhaps you will enjoy a whale watching tour on a beautifully-restored oaken boat.

Overnight stay in Lake Myvatn area

Optional: Whale Watching in traditional Oak Boat (from Husavik)

Lunar Landscapes of Lake Myvatn

Approximate mileage: Variable

Spend the day exploring the natural wonders of Lake Myvatn and the surrounding area. Visit highlights such as the lava shapes at Dimmuborgir, the pseudo craters at Skutustadir, the colorful sulphurous slopes of Namaskard and the Krafla volcano area.

Overnight stay in Lake Myvatn area

Explore North Iceland

Approximate mileage: 91 km / 57 miles

Start the day driving from Lake Myvatn to the majestic Godafoss waterfall and onwards to explore Akureyri, the capital of the north. Explore the second largest town in Iceland, perhaps visiting the famous thermal swimming pool, the many museums, and the landmark church.

Overnight stay in Akureyri

Optional: Whale Watching (from Akureyri)

Akureyri Art and City Walk (from Akureyri)

Troll Peninsula

Approximate mileage: 250 km / 155 miles

Drive to Siglufjordur along the Troll Peninsula, one of Iceland´s most beautiful coastlines, where you’ll get a unique view towards the North Atlantic. In the charming town of Siglufjordur enjoy discovering the history of the town at the award-winning Herring Era Museum. This fabulous museum accounts the days in the early 20th century that transformed a small fishing village into a boom town which radically transformed Iceland’s economy.

Stop by Hofsos is which is home to the Grof church and a beautiful infinity pool which gives a unique optical illusion. Visit the Holar bishopric, one of Iceland’s foremost historical areas, where you can visit the picturesque 18th century Holar Cathedral which houses artefacts from Iceland’s Catholic era (15th & 16th centuries). Explore the fascinating area of Skagafjordur, renowned for horse breeding and many sites from Icelandic Saga History, before driving to Hrutafjordur. A recommended stop along the way is Vatnsdalsholar, a cluster of hills found in Vatnsdalur valley. Vatnsdalur is an area renowned as the home of a famous female Viking chieftain, Audur the Deep Minded. It is also the haunting setting for the famous historical novel by Hannah Kent, Burial Rites, which describes the last execution in Iceland in the 19th century.

Overnight stay in Varmahlid/Laugarbakki area.

Strandir, Holmavik and Drangsnes

Approximate mileage: 250 km / 155 miles

Drive along the low hills of Hrutafjordur Fjord towards jagged mountains that rise straight from the sea in the area of Holmavik and Drangsnes. For centuries, this was one of the most isolated regions in Iceland. It is a region of remote and spectacular beauty. Here you can enjoy the peace and solitude that is rare in so many places. Strandir is literally the spine of the Westfjords, a place of spiky fjords and majestic crags. In ancient times, the inhabitants were reputed to have knowledge of magic. You can find out about these traditions at the Icelandic Museum of Sorcery and Witchcraft in Holmavik town.

Overnight in the Holmavik area.

Westfjord’s Wonders: Isafjordur - Capital of the Westfjords,

Approximate mileage: 221 km / 137 miles

Drive the numerous uninhabited fjords of Isafjardardjup, which boasts a beautiful coastline alive with seals and birds. Continue to Isafjordur, the largest town in the Westfjords.

Overnight in Isafjordur

Isafjordur - Thingeyri

Distance is variable

Friendly towns – traditional and modern fishing heritage

Spend time in Isafjordur and the surrounding area, including the neighbouring towns of Bolungarvik and Sudureyri. Sudureyri offers a friendly and informative walking tour focused on the town’s eco-friendly fishing. Along the route you can sample gourmet and traditional fish delicacies. Discover older fishing traditions at the Osvor traditional fishing camp, a restored 19th century area where locals fished at sea using simple wooden rowboats. In the evening, try the fresh seafood at one of the excellent local restaurants.

Overnight in the Isafjordur area.

Optional: Food Trail (from Sudureyri)

Latrabjarg

Approximate mileage: 287 km / 178 miles

Drive from Isafjordur through the beautiful West Fjords. A stop at the stunning Dynjandi waterfall is recommended, as well as driving to Latrabjarg cliffs. In the summer, these high sea cliffs are teeming with millions of puffins, gannets, guillemots and razorbills.

Overnight in the southern part of the Westfjords

Breidafjordur - Flatey - Stykkisholmur

Approximate mileage: 50 km / 31 miles

ail with the ferry Baldur across beautiful Breidafjordur Bay, with its countless islands and rich birdlife.(Please note the ferry cost is not included in the package price.) You’ll pass by the island of Flatey and its timber buildings on the way to the charming village of Stykkisholmur for an overnight stay. You might recognize the town from movies such as The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and Pawn Sacrifice. The Museum of Water – featured in author Rebecca Solnit’s memoir The Faraway Nearby - is a popular place for visitors with its unique architecture.

Overnight in Stykkisholmur.

Snaefellsnes - Borgarfjordur

Approximate mileage: 272 km / 170 miles

Continue around the Snaefellsnes peninsula, passing the small fishing villages 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.

Overnight in Borgarfjordur

Reykjavik

Approximate distance: 118km / 74miles

A unique experience in the Borgarfjordur area is the chance to go into the very heart of a glacier with an Into the Glacier experience. Tours depart from Husafell village. Take a ride in a monster-sized vehicle up the sides of Langjokull Glacier and into a glacial ice tunnel. Here you can learn about glaciers and how they formed in a setting with a great focus on environmental conservation and education. Borgarfjordur town is located near the homestead of a famous Viking saga hero, Egill Skallagrimsson. You can learn more about him and the first Viking settlers in Iceland at the Settlement Museum in the town of Borgarnes. Continue via Hvalfjordur fjord, a scenic fjord where you might stop to visit Glymur, the second highest waterfall in Iceland. Then continue to Reykjavik.

Overnight in Reykjavik.

Optionals: The Settlement Center - Entrance Fee

Into the Glacier - Classic Tour (from Husafell Hotel or Klaki Base Camp)

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 18x24 hour rental days starting at the time of rental. If your flight arrives early on day 1 and departs late on day 19 an additional supplement will be necessary unless you choose to return the car in Reykjavik when the 18 day rental is up and use our Flybus departure transfer

Notes