Highlights of Iceland Self-Drive

Day by day itinerary

• Day 1 » Fly to Keflavik

  Your Icelandic adventure begins by flying to Keflavik, where you’ll collect your hire car and set off towards the South Coast. First, you’ll travel through the Reykjanes Peninsula, which offers a fantastic introduction to Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes. Highlights include Lake Kleifarvatn, Krýsuvík Geothermal Area and the Gunnuhver Hot Springs. You could also take a trip to the Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s most renowned geothermal spa, for a relaxing soak in its steaming, silica-rich water. From here, it’s just over an hour’s drive to ​​Hveragerði, where you’ll be based for the first night of your trip – an ideal starting point for exploring the famous Golden Circle. 

  Stay: Accommodation in Hveragerði area

• Day 2 » The Golden Circle

  Today, you’ll explore the Golden Circle – a 300-kilometre route linking several of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders. First, drive to Thingvellir National Park, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates diverge along a spectacular rift valley. It’s also the founding place of the world’s first democratic parliament, the Alþingi, which was established here in 930 AD. From here, continue to Geysir Geothermal Area, where explosive geysers and fumaroles pierce the Earth’s crust, including the Strokkur geyser, which erupts 15-20 metres into the air every few minutes. A short drive from here is Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most majestic waterfalls, which tumbles dramatically into a deep canyon, leaving a sea of spray (and often a rainbow) in its midst.

  Another worthwhile stop in the Golden Circle region is Kerid, an ancient volcanic crater filled with an emerald-green lake. You might also consider a stop at Efstidalur dairy farm, which prides itself on delicious ice cream, cheese and skyr. And, if you’re tempted by a geothermal soak, there’s no shortage of choice; consider Laugarvatn Fontana, the Secret Lagoon, or Laugaras Lagoon, which has been earning rave reviews since opening in 2025. Finally, return to Hveragerði for the night. 

  Stay: Accommodation in Hveragerði area

  Meals: Breakfast

• Day 3 » The South Coast

  This morning, explore the Þjórsárdalur valley, a region of birch woodlands, lava fields, rushing rivers and cascading waterfalls which was used as a filming location for Game of Thrones. Next, you’ll make your way along Iceland’s South Coast, whose highlights include the waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, the Dyrhólaey rock arch and lighthouse, Reynisfjara black sand beach and the Reynisdrangar basalt sea stacks. The mighty Mýrdalsjökull glacier, meanwhile, looms above it all. Your final destination today is Vik, the southernmost town on Iceland’s mainland, home to a distinctive red and white hillside church that provides a postcard-worthy view. 

  Stay: Accommodation in Vik area

  Meals: Breakfast

• Day 4 » Vatnajökull National Park & Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

  Enter the world of glaciers today as you explore the southern section of Vatnajökull National Park, which takes its name from Europe’s largest ice cap and covers around 14 percent of Iceland’s landmass. You’ll drive through vast sandy plains created by glacial outwashes and visit the resplendent Skaftafell area, a realm of rich green landscapes and volcanic black sands. You can also see Svínafellsjökull, a glacial tongue that creeps down from Vatnajökull.

  Then, you’ll stop at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where you’ll take in the magnificent sight of glistening white-and-blue icebergs floating in the glacial lagoon. For an even more immersive experience, there’s also the option to take a boat tour on the lagoon, which enables you to get right up close to the icebergs. Also be sure to check out the nearby Diamond Beach, where shrinking icebergs shimmer like jewels on the jet black sand, providing unmissable photo opportunities. Your base for the night is Höfn, a pretty fishing village in the shadow of Vatnajökull, renowned for its deliciously fresh langoustines. 

  Stay: Accommodation in Höfn area

  Meals: Breakfast

• Day 5 » The Eastfjords

  Leaving Höfn behind, you’ll continue along the Ring Road towards the Eastfjords – a region that’s often overlooked by travellers in Iceland, but one that’s home to some truly epic scenery. Think deep fjords, remote fishing villages and jagged mountains plunging into the sea. It’s also the only region of Iceland where you can see reindeer in the wild. Make a stop in the colourful village of Seyðisfjörður, known for the rainbow pathway that leads towards its distinctive blue church. You might also take a trip to Borgarfjörður Eystri, one of the best places in Iceland to see puffins, and explore the picturesque village of Bakkagerði while you’re there. Finish the day in Egilsstaðir, a lakeside town near Hallormsstaðaskógur, Iceland’s largest forest. This area also enjoys a reputation for its excellent local cuisine, which you’ll have the opportunity to try for dinner.

  Stay: Accommodation in the Egilsstaðir area

  Meals: Breakfast

• Day 6 » Lake Myvatn

  The landscape transforms dramatically today as you traverse the barren, desert plains of Möðrudalsöræfi in Northeast Iceland. Along the way, you’ll pass by Möðrudalur, Iceland’s highest altitude settled farm (at 469 metres above sea level), and visit Stuðlagil, perhaps the most beautiful collection of basalt formations in Iceland, resembling organ pipes. Next up is Dettifoss, Iceland’s most powerful waterfall, whose mighty roar can be heard from over a kilometre away. Continue on to the Námaskarð pass, which brings you to lunar-like plains blistered by boiling mud pots and steam vents. We also recommend visiting the nearby Krafla volcano. Exploring this part of Iceland really does feel as though you’ve arrived on another planet. On the shore of Lake Myvatn is Dimmuborgir, an eerie collection of lava formations said to be home to Icelandic elves. You could also try out the wonderful Earth Lagoon (formerly Myvatn Nature Baths), should you fancy a relaxing geothermal soak in spectacular surroundings. 

  Stay: Accommodation in Lake Myvatn area

  Meals: Breakfast

• Day 7 » Goðafoss & Akureyri

  You’ll have some further time to explore the Lake Myvatn area this morning before continuing your journey with a visit to the magnificent Goðafoss waterfall – one of the standout sights along North Iceland’s Diamond Circle route. It’s a 35-minute drive from here to Akureyri, Iceland’s ‘Capital of the North’, which lies on the shore of the country’s longest fjord. The rest of the day is yours to spend however you please. You may opt to explore Akureyri itself, perhaps enjoying a leisurely stroll through the botanical gardens and checking out the Akureyri Art Museum. Other notable landmarks include the Akureyri Church and the Hof Cultural Centre.

  Just five minutes outside of town, meanwhile, is the Forest Lagoon – another of Iceland’s finest geothermal pools, tucked away on a hillside overlooking the fjord. If you’re up for driving a little further, you could also continue north along the shore of the Troll Peninsula, all the way to the charming fishing village of Siglufjörður, which is home to the fascinating Herring Era Museum and a small, family-run craft brewery. Another option would be to drive to Husavik, around an hour’s drive north of Akureyri, to go whale watching and experience the stunning GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths.

  Stay: Accommodation in Akureyri area

  Meals: Breakfast

• Day 8 » Skagafjörður & Borgarnes

  It’s a fairly long but scenic drive today as you drive through the dramatic mountain valleys of Skagafjörður, a region known for its high concentration of Icelandic horses. Eventually, you’ll arrive in West Iceland, where a plethora of awe-inspiring sights awaits in the Silver Circle region. Climb to the top of Grábrók Crater, marvel at Deildartunguhver (Iceland’s most powerful hot spring), and admire the beauty of the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls. You’ll also want to make a stop at Húsafell, a historic farm and church estate that’s now a beloved nature and recreation area, with hiking trails winding among birch forests, ravines, glacial rivers and mountain springs. The nearby village of Reykholt, meanwhile, holds special significance as the former home of the legendary Icelandic poet, historian and politician, Snorri Sturluson. For an extra supplement, you can also take a tour inside the Langjökull glacier or visit the Krauma Geothermal Baths. Finally, arrive in the coastal town of Borgarnes, where you’ll spend the night.

  Stay: Accommodation in Borgarnes area

  Meals: Breakfast

• Day 9 » Snaefellsnes Peninsula & Reykjavik

  The final full day of your Icelandic road trip takes you to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, often nicknamed ‘Iceland in miniature’ due to its extraordinary array of striking landscapes within a relatively compact area. On the northern side of the peninsula you’ll find the colourful town of Stykkishólmur and the iconic Kirkjufell mountain – perhaps Iceland’s most photographed landmark. Then, once you reach the peninsula’s westernmost tip, you’ll arrive in Snaefellsjökull National Park, which is crowned by a 700,000-year-old, glacier-capped volcano. Other must-see sights in the area include Djúpalónssandur black sand beach and Saxhóll Crater.

  Moving on to the southern side of the peninsula, make a stop at the villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar, which are linked by a delightfully scenic coastal path with views of basalt sea stacks and the impressive Gatklettur stone arch. Continue through the moss-covered Búðahraun lava field to reach the beautiful Búðakirkja black church – a postcard-worthy viewpoint – and see if you can spot seals at Ytri Tunga beach before gradually making your way south towards Reykjavik. You’ll then have the remainder of the day to explore Iceland’s capital city at leisure, and perhaps take a trip to the Sky Lagoon – the perfect finale to your adventure.

  Stay: Accommodation in Reykjavik

  Meals: Breakfast

• Day 10 » Return to UK

  After breakfast, make the 50-minute drive from Reykjavik back to Keflavik Airport where you’ll drop off your hire car and catch your flight home. If you didn’t manage to visit the Blue Lagoon earlier in your trip, you may have time to do so en route to the airport today – but be sure to allow plenty of time to avoid rushing for your flight. 

  Meals: Breakfast