A self drive tour along the highlights of the Ring Road, the Scenic Westfjords, and the mystical Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Allow yourself to be captivated by newly-formed volcanic hot spots, such as Krafla, and ancient landscapes found in the far West, where roads lead to remote fishing villages, weave around coast lines and through narrow fjords. Extra nights in Reykjavik can be added at the end.
Itinerary
Day 1 Keflavik Airport - Hveragerdi 100km
Geothermal Lagoon – Flower village – Geothermal Greenhouses
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. Overnight stay in Hveragerdi.
Day 2 Thingvellir - Gullfoss - Fludir/Selfoss 165km
National Park of Geological Wonders (UNESCO) - Exploding Geysers - Massive Waterfall
Drive to Thingvellir National Park, site of the ancient Icelandic parliament and a jewel of nature. Visit the Golden Circle natural wonders, the famous Geysir hot-spring area and the mighty Gullfoss Waterfall. While in the area, perhaps relax 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 and the Laugarvatn Fontana steam baths are a local favourite. Overnight in Fludir area or similar.
Day 3 South Shore - Vik - Kirkjubaejarklaustur 245km
Hekla Volcano - Thundering Waterfalls - Seabirds - Black Sand Beaches - Lava Fields
Drive along the spectacular south coast, viewing highlights such as Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, Myrdalsjokull glacier, Dyrholaey* and the black sand beaches of Vik. Continue towards the village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur known for its fabulous trout fishing and is the former site of a 12th century catholic convent. *Please note that Dyrholaey is closed during nesting season, mid-May to late June. Overnight in the Kirkjubaejarklaustur area.
Day 4 Skaftafell - Jokulsarlon - Hofn 230km
Europe's Largest National Park - Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs - Europe's Largest Glacier
Today you will be near Vatnajokull National Park. Visit the amazing Skaftafell area nestled between glaciers offering many hiking possibilities. Continue to the shimmering icebergs of Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, nearby Diamond Beach. Continue on, perhaps detour past the mountain of Vestrahorn on your way to the harbour town of Hofn, also known as the lobster capital of northern Europe. Overnight in Hofn area.
Day 5 Djupivogur - Reydarfjordur - Egilsstaðir 295km
Narrow Fjords - Steep Mountains - Picturesque Coastline - Mineral Collection
Drive through the spectacular East Fjords with towering mountains and charming fishing villages to the fertile Egilsstaðir area. On the way, you might opt to visit the quirky egg sculptures in the harbour of charming Djupivogur village or visit Petra's famous local stone and mineral collection at Stodvarfjordur. You can either drive straight through Fagridalur to Egilsstaðir or head along the East Fjords, one of the oldest regions in Iceland, shaped by glaciers during the Ice Age. Although many are uninhabited, each fjord has its own grandeur. The natural harbours in the fjords led to the development of fishing villages that have still hung on to a degree of old-world charm. In the Egilsstaðir area, you can visit the beautiful Hallormsstadur forest and a river reputed to be the home of a friendly sea monster. Perhaps you'll end the day at Lake Urridavatn's Vok Baths, where you can unwind in untouched nature in distinctive floating geothermal pools. Overnight in Egilsstaðir area.
Day 6 Dettifoss - Asbyrgi - Husavik 280km
Europe's Most Powerful Waterfall - Glacier Carved Gorge
Travel across Modrudalsoraefi highlands renowned for their stark beauty to the mighty Dettifoss Waterfall. Discover the horseshoe shaped Asbyrgi Canyon in Vatnajokull National Parks northern area before continuing around the fossil rich Tjornes Peninsula to the fishing village of Husavik, famous for whale watching. A great way to end the day is with a relaxing swim in the warm sea waters of Husavik's GeoSea Baths. Overnight in North East Iceland.
Day 7 Lake Myvatn - Akureyri - Siglufjordur 240km
Bizarre Lava Formations - Geothermal Activity - Waterfall of the Gods - Iceland's Second Largest City
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 colourful sulfurous slopes of Namaskard and Krafla volcano area. Depart Myvatn for Godafoss, waterfall of the gods. Take some time to visit Akureyri. Drive to Siglufjordur along one of Iceland's most beautiful coastlines enjoying a unique view towards the North Atlantic, the town itself has many beautifully restored and colourful buildings. There is also the option for outdoor recreation including golfing, hiking or whale watching. Overnight in North Iceland.
Day 8 Siglufjordur - Skagafjordur - Laugarbakki 310km
Viking Heritage - Historical Fjord - Viking Horses
Explore the fascinating area of Skagafjordur fjord, renowned for horse breeding and medieval history, The town of Hofsos has a unique swimming pool that seems to float into infinity. Other interesting places include Glaumbaer turf manor house and also Holar Cultural Centre both of which reflect centuries of Icelandic history. Another interesting place to visit today is Borgarvirki, a natural rock formation that has been used as a citadel since Viking times. Head along beautiful coastline and overnight in the Laugarbakki area.
Day 9 Holmavik - Isafjordur 365km
Scenic Coastline - Striking Fjords - Steep Mountains - Seal and Birdlife
Drive to Holmavik, across Steingrimsfjardarheidi to the spectacular region of the Westfjords, the oldest part of Iceland. Visit Holmavik, a village renowned for its museum of witchcraft. The Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft gives an insight into this eerie aspect of Iceland’s history. Drive the numerous uninhabited fjords of Isafjardardjup with a beautiful coastline alive with seals and birds. Continue to Isafjordur, the largest town in the area. Overnight in the Isafjordur area.
Day 10 Isafjordur and surrounds - Variable Mileage
West Fjords - Local Museums - Hiking in Hornstrandir Natural Reserve
Spend time in Isafjordur and surrounding area including the neighboring towns of Bolungarvik and Sudureyri. You may like to take a walking tour around Sudureyri and get to know about the town's unique sustainable fishing industry while trying samples of gourmet and traditional seafood products along the way. Bolungarvik's renovated fishing camp from the 19th century shows you how people made their living while fishing from wooden row boats. The once-inhabited Hornastrandir is now a nature reserve where you can take a guided day tour to enjoy hiking or Arctic fox viewing. Or take a day tour to Vigor Island and its tiny community where you'll learn about how the inhabitants sustainably collect eider down. Isafjordur also offers several interesting guided walking tours that take you through historical back streets and up into the hills overlooking the town. It is possible to try sea-kayaking in Isafjordur's waters. Overnight in the Isafjordur area.
Day 11 Thingeyri - Bildudalur - Latrabjarg - Flokalundur 350km
Small Picturesque Villages - Striking Waterfall - Red Sand Beaches - Sea Cliffs with Birdlife
Drive from Isafjordur through the beautiful northern Westfjords. A stop at the stunning Dynjandi waterfall is recommended as well as driving to Latrabjarg cliffs, westernmost point in Europe. In the summer these high sea cliffs are teeming with millions of puffins, gannets, guillemots and razorbills. Head onwards to the southern coast of the Westfjords and the Flokalundur area. Overnight in the Westfjords.
Day 12 Southern Westfjords - Stykkisholmur variable mileage
Picturesque Islands with Birdlife - Charming Village
Drive along the coast of Bardarstrond and into West Iceland and Stykkisholmur town. You can choose to explore Dalir, the region of Eric the Red and birthplace of his son, the great explorer Leif Eiriksson at a living replica museum. Overnight on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
Optional (must be pre-booked): Sail with the car ferry Baldur from Brjanslaekur ferry dock across Breiðafjordur bay. Pass by the island of Flatey, countless islands and rich birdlife. Arrive in the charming village of Stykkisholmur. Overnight on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. The ferry generally departs at 18.00hrs and the journey is approx 2.5hrs duration. Please note after September 01, the ferry Baldur departs once per day and does not sail on Saturdays. Ferry schedule subject to change.
Day 13 Snaefellsnes Peninsula - Borgarfjordur - Reykjavik 420km
Quaint Fishing Villages - Picturesque Waterfalls - Europe's Most Powerful Hot Spring - Scenic Fjord
Continue around the Snaefellsnes peninsula passing the small fishing villages Hellissandur and Grundarfjordur. Keep an eye out for Kirkjufell, Iceland’s most photographed mountain. Make a stop at the magnificent columnar basalt rock formations at Arnarstapi as well as the rocky beach of Djupalonssandur. The crown jewel of the region is Snaefellsjokull, a glacier-topped volcano. Explore Borgarfjordur area and visit the beautiful Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls and the hot spring Deildartunguhver. Continue via Hvalfjordur fjord to Reykjavik. Overnight in Reykjavik.
Day 14 Reykjavik - Keflavik Airport 52km
Your tour concludes with car drop-off at Keflavik International Airport.
2024 departures: daily 01 May - 30 September
Notes:
The first night of your tour is spent in the Hveragerdi area, a small town about 45km from Reykjavik, to enable you to then head off into the countryside the next day without having to go through Reykjavik. Additional nights can be added in Reykjavik at the end.
Choose from three different levels of accommodation:
Budget:
- Shared facilities
- Standard rooms in budget hotels, guesthouses and farmhouse accommodation
- First night in Hveragerdi includes private facilities
Comfort:
- Private facilities
- Standard rooms in comfort hotels, guesthouses and farmhouse accommodation
Quality:
- Private facilities
- Standard rooms in quality hotels and guesthouses
- Superior rooms in comfort hotels and guesthouses
The names for individual accommodations are not available prior to booking, as the tour package is based on specific hotel/price categories and not on specific hotels/accommodations. The exact location of the countryside hotels will vary according to availability- the itinerary indicates the region for each overnight stay (with the exception of the last night which is always in Reykjavik itself).
The price is based on 13 x 24-hour rental days starting at the time of car pick up and finishing at the same time. Additional use of the car beyond this time frame will incur additional days rental fee.
For other car types and accommodation prices please enquire.
If you would like to have dinner in the hotel restaurant, we recommend making a reservation with the hotel reception desk at the time of check-in at each hotel en-route.
