Categories Iceland Winter Tours Winter Tours Self Drive Tours

Indulge yourself and enjoy South and West Iceland’s natural wonders, Viking history and suggested culinary delights on this popular winter self-drive.

Iceland’s fall and winter are the best times of the year to enjoy tasty local cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. Fall harvests and winter festivals result in delicious seasonal delights. Iceland’s dramatic southern coastline is full of epic stops including monstrous waterfalls and glaciers. West Iceland’s highlights include unique lava formations, the inspiring Snæfellsjokull glacier-volcano and places of historical significance from the Sagas. We’ve even suggested culinary stops in each area, based on our staff recommendations.

Highlights

Discover the famous natural wonders of the Golden Circle route; Geysir, Gullfoss falls and Thingvellir National Park

Walk along the banks of the famous Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon with its blue-tinted icebergs; nearby is the legendary Diamond Beach

Enjoy a variety of optional culinary stops and excursions, including some you can book with us in advance

Visit areas of amazing beauty—perfect for catching images to share with friends and family

Car types:

Cat. A2 Suzuki Swift, 4wd, manual or similar

Cat. K Suzuki SX4, 4wd, manual, or similar

Cat. E Skoda Octavia, 4wd, SW, manual, or similar

Cat. P Skoda Octavia, 4wd, SW, automatic, or similar

Cat. F KIA Sportage, 4wd, SUV, manual, or similar

Cat. O KIA Sportage, 4wd, SUV, automatic, or similar

Cat. E2 Dacia Duster, 4wd, SUV, manual, or similar

Cat. N3 Green Collection, Hyundai Tucon, 4wd, automatic/hybrid, or similar

Cat. O6 Green Collections, KIA Sorento Phev, 4wd, automatic/hybrid, or similar

Cat. O1 KIA Sorento, 4wd, automatic, or similar

Cat. I Toyota LandCruiser, 4wd, automatic, or similar, Large trunk

Cat. H Toyota LandCruiser, 4wd, automatic, or similar, Small trunk

Cat. D2 VW Caravelle, 4wd van, automatic, or similar

Itinerary

Approximate Distance:

50 km / 30 miles

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 drive along lava landscapes to your hotel in Reykjavik. The rest of the day is yours to rest and use at your own leisure.

Overnight in Reykjavik.

Please note: check-in for most hotels begins at 2:00pm-4:00pm

Our Iceland Travel Staff Culinary suggestions:

-Enjoy Cook and Dine at Salt Eldhus, a hands-on late morning or early evening cooking lesson in English.You’ll learn about Iceland’s unique culinary culture and the New Nordic cuisine using fresh, Icelandic ingredients. The course is in English and led by professional chefs from Salt Kitchen (this course must be pre-booked).

-Pop by Kaffi Loki, a small and friendly family-run café located across from Hallgrímskirkja Church in the centre of Reykjavík. The restaurant’s cuisine is inspired by traditional Icelandic home recipes that have been passed on from one generation to the next.

-Discover Iceland’s version of street food: upmarket, food-truck style kiosks at two new food halls. Hlemmur Food Hall is near the main shopping street, Laugavegur. Grandi Matthöll is in the Grandi neighbourhood of the Old Harbour. The new Pósthús Food Hall is in the former post office in the city centre.

-Join the Reykjavík Food Walk, a small-group guided walking tour of the old city area. During the trip you’ll visit several restaurants to sample delicious food that are typical of everyday Icelandic favorites. (Tour is guided in English.)

Optionals:

Reykjavík Food Walking Tour

Sky Lagoon Pass

Reykjavík Beer and Booze Walking Tour

Northern Lights Hunt – Super Jeep Tour

Gullfoss, Geysir and the South Coast

Approximate Distance:

300 km / 186 miles

Thundering waterfalls – Bubbling geysers – Black sand beaches

Head out of the city, where you’ll explore some of the Golden Circle and South shore areas. Drive to Gullfoss waterfall and the nearby Geysir hot spring are, highlights of Iceland’s famous Golden Circle. Continue your trip along the south coast, viewing highlights such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. On a clear day you might glimpse majestic Eyjafjallajökull, the site of the (in)famous volcanic eruption in 2010. This region is one of Iceland’s best farming districts, providing geothermal vegetables and some of Iceland’s best dairy and meat products.

Overnight in the Vík area.

Our Iceland Travel Staff Culinary suggestions:

-The small café at Fontana Geothermal Baths bakes traditional sweet rye bread using the earth’s natural geothermal heat. At 14:30 (2:30pm) every day, you can watch as the bread is removed from its cooking tins in the ground and taste it fresh with plenty of Icelandic butter and smoked trout (this experience must be pre-booked). We also suggest the lunch buffet with healthy Icelandic homestyle food made with ingredients from nearby farms and greenhouses.

–Efstidalur II traditional dairy farm is just a 10-minute drive from Gullfoss waterfall. The farm’s restaurant overlooks the milking area and features cuisine with locally sourced beef and vegetables, as well as homemade milk products such as ice cream, feta cheese and skyr (a thick, low-fat yogurt-like product). During your visit, you can watch the dairy cows through a big window in the dairy barn.

–Friðheimar is a charming horse farm and greenhouse facility near Flúðir village. Clean geothermal and hydroelectric energy provides resources to grow many types of organic vegetables such as tomatoes and bell peppers. A restaurant specialises in a buffet featuring Friðheimar’s famous tomato soup, fresh bread, and salsas. In order to guarantee a table, please call ahead in advance for a reservation.

Optionals:

Fontana Geothermal Baths

Secret Lagoon

Glacier Discovery

Skaftafell – Jökulsárlón – Vík

Approximate Distance:

395 km / 245 miles

Glacial national park – Iceberg lagoon – Europe’s largest glacier

Today you’ll be in the area of Western Europe’s largest national park: Vatnajökull National Park. First, you’ll drive past the largest single lava flow in the world in recorded history, Eldhraun. Visit the majestic Skaftafell area of Vatnajökull National Park, named after Europe’s largest glacier. The area is ringed by glaciers and is very scenic. You can even join a guided hiking tour taking you onto a glacier, an unforgettable experience. Continue to the shimmering icebergs of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Nearby is the Diamond Beach, which has become quite famous in the social media community.

Overnight in the Vík area.

Our Iceland Travel Staff Culinary suggestions:

–Þorbergur Cultural Centre honours one of Iceland’s beloved authors, Þorbergur Þórdarson. The centre’s building resembles a giant shelf of books, a unique photo opportunity. The Hali restaurant has become famous among Icelanders for its traditional Icelandic specialties, especially its arctic char (trout) sourced from a nearby farm. The daytime menu has soups, salads, sandwiches, light main courses,and homemade cakes. The evening menu has soups, salads, main courses featuring seafood and locally-sourced lamb and beef, and traditional Icelandic desserts.

-If you’re itching for barbecue and a cold beer, the Smiðjan Brugghús in Vík specialises in their own craft beer, along with other Icelandic labels. Their barbecue and grill items include slow-cooked barbecued ribs, pulled pork, and great burgers.

Optionals:

Glacier Wonders – Glacier Hike in Skaftafell

Crystal Ice Cave Tour from Skaftafell National Park

Þingvellir – Borgarfjörður

Approximate Distance:

340 km / 211 miles

Famous national park – Charming fjord region – Powerful hot spring

Drive to the UNESCO-listed Þingvellir 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 edge of Iceland’s largest lake. You can enjoy the unique experience of walking between continents on a path leading through the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Continue to charming Borgarfjörður fjord, a region known for local culinary and craft traditions. Visit the remarkably beautiful Hraunfoss and Barnafoss waterfalls and Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe. We recommend a visit to the nearby Krauma natural geothermal baths, where you can relax in pools fed by a perfect blend of water from Deildartunguhver and nearby glacial springs.

Overnight in the Borgarfjörður area.

Our Iceland Travel Staff Culinary suggestions:

-The restaurant at Krauma geothermal baths offers bistro-style courses with produce from West Iceland farms. Two signature dishes are an appetizer featuring cheese and cured meats from a traditional goat farm and a colorful salad with vegetables from a nearby greenhouse farm.

-The Settlement Centre in Borgarnes offers a fascinating insight into the history of the Iceland’s settlement by Vikings. After looking at the exhibits, check out the excellent restaurant on site. Choose from an assortment of traditional Icelandic dishes such as fish soup and grilled lamb. A local favorite is the vegetarian wellness lunch buffet, featuring home-made soups, salads, pasta and bread. Don’t forget to leave room for a slice of homemade cake.

-The Ljómalind Country Market in Borgarnes is open daily 10:00am – 18:00 (6:00pm); closed on national holidays. This country market was created by women from the region. Discover home-made treats like ice cream, candy, cheese, and jams, as well as handicrafts and herbal remedies. This is a nice stop for getting picnic lunch ingredients for yourself or tasty souvenirs for friends back home.

Optionals:

Krauma Nature Baths

Into the Glacier – Classic Tour (from Húsafell)

Silfra Snorkelling (Meet on Location

Snæfellsnes peninsula

Approximate Distance:

330 km / 205 miles

Sea cliffs – Rock formations – Quaint fishing villages

Explore the countless natural wonders of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, which also includes Snæfellsjökull National Park. Snæfellsnes has become known as “Iceland in a Nutshell” because it has so many diverse types of landscapes in one area. A visit here will be a feast for your eyes and for your camera! We recommend you stop at the wind-tangled Arnarstapi sea cliffs and the rocky beach of Djúpalónssandur. The beautiful Snæfessjökull glacier-volcano is the crown jewel of the peninsula. Legends say that the mountain is home to a benevolent half-troll guardian. Drive along the north coast through bustling fishing villages, stopping to look at Kirkjufell, the most photographed mountain in the country.

Overnight in the Borgarfjörður area.

Our Iceland Travel Staff Culinary suggestions:

-The Vegamót Café – Located at a family-owned hotel in the Vegamót area of the peninsula, this friendly café gets high praise from locals and visitors. It is known for its cosy atmosphere and excellent homemade cakes and pastries.

-The House of Food (Bjargarsteinn) in Grundarfjörður is a little restaurant in an adorable renovated early 20th century house with a lovely view over the seacoast. The menu changes based on the best products each season, with good seafood, lamb and vegetarian offerings. (Note: Restaurant is closed in December and January)

-Stykkishólmur town is considered one of Iceland’s most eco-friendly communities. The town’s Sjávarpakkhúsið restaurant is committed to low environmental impact. They get ingredients from local fishermen, farmers, and breweries. Diners enjoy the view over the island filled Breiðafjörður Bay and watching the fishing boats and fishermen at work. The restaurant is open for dinner between Wednesday and Sunday.

Optionals:

Vatnshellir Caving (from Snæfellsnes Peninsula)

Reykjanes Peninsula – Reykjavík

Approximate Distance:

189 km / 117 miles

Volcanic landscapes – Bubbling mud pools – Geothermal Spa

Drive to the Reykjanes peninsula and visit the moonlike lava fields around Lake Kleifarvatn.The peninsula is a UNESCO GeoPark, with over 50 interesting sites connected to geothermal activity, volcanoes and tectonic plates. One of the most interesting of these is Krýsuvík geothermal area with primordial bubbling mud pools.

Perhaps you will also visit the famous Blue Lagoon and enjoy its pleasantly warm geothermal waters, rich in silica and minerals that are great for the skin. (Note: Bookings must be made in advance. We are happy to book a time for you.)

After a great trip, it’s time to head to Reykjavík for your last night in Iceland!

Overnight in Reykjavík.

Our Iceland Travel Staff Culinary suggestions:

–Issi Fish & Chips is a favorite food stop for Icelanders. Located in a roadside kiosk near Njarðvík, Issi Fish & Chips uses freshly caught, high quality fish from a Reykjanes fishing fleet. The atmosphere is simple but welcoming. The fish is served fresh and hot, and you can enjoy it with sides like a special sauce created by Issi himself.

–Lava Restaurant at the Blue Lagoon is a fine dining experience using locally-sourced ingredients. Built into an 800 year-old lava cliff, the restaurant looks out over the Blue Lagoon. The fish of the day comes right from Reykjanes area harbors. Lunchtime fixed menus (two and three-course options) provide a great overview of Icelandic favourites with a unique flair. A feature of the restaurant’s dinner menu is the 4-course tasting menu, a very elegant way to experience the range of Icelandic cuisine.

Blue Lagoon Entrance

Sky Lagoon Pass

Panorama ATV/Quad Tour

Northern Lights Boat Tour

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 6 x 24-hour rental days starting at the time of rental. If your flight arrives early on day 1 and departs late on day 7, an additional supplement will be charged unless you choose to return the car in Reykjavik when the 6- 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.

Notes