GULFOSS

Categories Iceland Self Drive Vacations Self Drive Tours Independent Tours

Are you short on time but long on curiosity? Book the Golden Circle Self Drive and you can experience the Iceland’s most famous natural wonders in a few short days! It’s also a perfect itinerary for an Iceland Stopover!

This popular self-drive tour focuses on the many star attractions of beautiful South Iceland. The tour hits all the major hot spots of the region, including the famous attractions of the Golden Circle; Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall and Thingvellir National Park, and stunning black beaches. Plus there are a few more great stops along the way. During the summer months, there is plenty of daylight to enjoy driving and fun activities into the evening hours. Between mid September and mid April) you’ll be able to search for the unforgettable Northern Lights, best seen on cold and clear nights

Car Categories

Grp 1.0 Economy 2wd Toyota Yaris or similar

Grp 1.1 Economy 2wd Toyota Yaris Automatic or similar

Grp 2.0 Compact 2wd VW Golf or similar

Grp 2.6 Compact 2wd VW Golf Automatic or similar

Grp 3.0 Intermediate 2wd Toyota Corolla Sedan or similar

Grp 3.1 Intermediate 2wd Toyota Corolla Sedan Automatic or similar

Grp 5.0 Medium 4wd KIA Sportage, 4wd or similar

Grp 5.1 Medium 4wd KIA Sportage, 4wd Automatic or similar

Grp 5.2 Medium 4wd Dacia Duster or similar

Grp 5.3 Green Collection Medium 4WD, Hybrid, Automatic, Mitsubichi Outlander or similar

Grp 5.6 Medium 4wd Kia Sorento Automatic or similar

Grp 7.1 Large 4wd Toyota Land Cruiser GX 4WD Automatic or similar

Grp 9.9 Full size 4wd passenger van VW Caravelle 9 seater or similar

Itinerary

Geothermal Lagoon – Flower village – Geothermal Greenhouses

Approximate mileage: ca. 100 km / 62 miles

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

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

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 2:00pm-4:00pm

Depending on your arrival time in Iceland it is ideal to visit the renowned Blue Lagoon to relax in the geothermal water.

Thundering Waterfalls – Cliffs & Stone Arches – Black Sand Beaches of the South Shore – Puffin Colony

Approximate mileage: ca. 190 km / 118 miles

Drive along the scenic South Shore and the area near the infamous Eyjafjallajokull volcano. This is the volcano whose massive 2010 eruption caused air traffic around the world to be cancelled We recommend a stop at the interactive Lava Centre where you’ll learn about the powerful volcanic and tectonic forces that shaped both Iceland and Earth. The centre has interesting exhibits for all age groups.

Your journey takes you by the beautiful Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls (each one worth visiting) and Myrdalsjokull glacier. You can opt for a fun snowmobiling trip on the glacier and (if the weather is clear) a splendid view over southern Iceland. Stop by the seafront village of Vik to explore a dramatic stretch of coastline poised between glacier-topped mountains, rugged sea cliffs and black- sand beaches. Dyrholaey* is a rocky headland famous in photos for its black lava arch. During the summer, thousands of sea birds and puffins nest here (puffins are generally in Iceland between mid-May and early August)

*Important: Please note that Dyrholaey is closed during nesting season, from about the middle of May until late June.

Overnight in South Iceland

Colorful Valley – Hekla Volcano – The Famous Golden Falls – Exploding Geysers

Approximate distance: ca 315km / 195miles

Explore Thjorsardalur valley and its ever-changing landscapes of birch woods, sandy lava fields, rivers and waterfalls. You’ll also see the impressive and beautiful Mt. Hekla volcano towering over the region. During the summer you can visit the excavated site of a Viking age farm that was covered by lava from one of Hekla´s eruptions. A replica shows you how the longhouse looked (admission not included).

Continue to the amazing sites of Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir hot spring area. Gullfoss is considered by many visitors to be Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls. Geysir is an active geothermal field with many bubbling steam vents and spouting hot springs, including the famous Strokkur geyser. If you enjoy history, visit Laugarvatnshellir, a cave cleverly converted into a home for two Icelandic families in the early 20th century.

A great way to relax after an exciting day is to visit either the Fontana Steam Baths in Laugarvatn or the Secret Lagoon in Fludir. Both places are a part of the area’s history and popular with both Icelanders and visitors.

Overnight in the Golden Circle area.

National Park with Geological Wonders (UNESCO) – Picturesque Fjords – Waterfalls

Approximate mileage: ca. 300 km / 186 miles

Visit Thingvellir 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. Many important historical events happened here. Several walking trails and hiking trails take visitors to historical points of interest.

Then travel via either along Hvalfjordur fjord or the Kaldidalur wilderness track (Open June-August, 4WD needed), your journey continues to the beautiful Borgarfjordur region and Reykholt, home of the colourful 13th-century chieftain and Saga author Snorri Sturluson. While in the area you might stop by the Visiting Horse Farm, where you can meet friendly Icelandic horses and try home-made baked treats in the farm’s café.

Return to Reykjavik in the afternoon for your last night in Iceland.

Overnight in Reykjavik.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Service ends.

Notes