Dreaming of discovering Iceland by following the famous ring road around the island? We offer this self drive tour especially created to be a first experience in Iceland that includes an extensive itinerary unveiling some of the most famous locations of the country, as well as some lesser known gems, but as breath-taking. The itinerary of this tour has been thought with the goal of having as little driving as possible every day, so you can enjoy the natural treasures of Iceland as much as possible.
Your itinerary is given as an indication. We can arrange this self-drive trip according to the time you have, with a minimum stay of 10 days. A domestic flight is possible between Reykjavik and Akureyri, if you don’t have enough time to go around the island.
Upon arrival at Keflavik International Airport, you pick up your rental vehicle and head to your accommodation, located along the South coast of the country, in the small town of Hveragerði, known for its intense geothermal activity.
For late arrivals, you can stay near the airport, by the coast. Driving distance about 90 kms.
Today is dedicated to the visit of the Golden Circle and its three emblematic sites: Gullfoss, Geysir and Þingvellir. You can walk in the middle of the lava formations where the American and Eurasian tectonic plates separate, in the heart of the Þingvellir national park, classified as World Heritage by UNESCO, before continuing towards the famous Geysir, to let yourself be surprised by the power and spontaneity of its geyser. Finally, you can go to the foot of Gullfoss, one of the most powerful and beautiful waterfalls in the country.
Overnight in the Hella region. Driving distance about 200 kms.
Driving on route 1, you will discover the waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. At the southern tip you’ll find the beaches of Vik and Reynisfjara where basalt pipes are waiting for you. Between May and August, these locations offer also the opportunity to watch many puffins. To reach your accommodation you will travel across the lava fields of Laki, a mesmerizing experience.
Overnight in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur region. Driving distance about 180 kms.
Enjoy half day in the Skaftafell National Park to admire the glacial tongue of the Vatnajökull glacier. Several hikes are possible in the heart of the park. In the afternoon you arrive in front of the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, one of the most beautiful natural sites in the country. Unforgettable stroll along the famous Diamond Beach where the icebergs come to run aground.
Overnight in the Höfn region. Driving distance about 200 kms.
You leave the South Coast and now enter the region of the East Fjords, along a superb scenic route which leads you to several fishing villages. Here the landscapes between sea and mountain are magnificent. Stop in the artistic city of Djúpivogur and discover its wild surrounding. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore Fáskrúðsfjörður, whose past is intimately linked to the thousands of French fishermen, who came from these latitudes for cod fishing. Arrival at Eskifjordur at the end of the day. The place offers superb water reflection over the fjord. Accommodation with Jacuzzi and an unforgettable view between sea and mountain (* subject to availability).
Driving distance approx. 250 kms.
You will take advantage of the morning to explore the surroundings of Egilsstaðir which offer some exceptional natural sites such as the beautiful waterfall of Hengifoss. Heading further North you cross a large uninhabited area through beautiful lunar and desert landscapes. You can stop at Möðrudalur which houses the most isolated farm in the country, a true oasis in the heart of the mountains. In the afternoon you will be walking along the impressive cliffs that surround the Dettifoss waterfall, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. An ideal place to recharge your batteries.
Overnight by lake Myvatn. Driving distance about 250 kms.
Enjoy two full days to explore the diversity of the various volcanic sites around Lake Mývatn. Within 20 kms, many walks are possible, whether in the heart of the Krafla caldera, around the Viti crater, through the lava fields of Dimmuborgir or in front of the mud pools of Námaskarð. One afternoon will be spent in the relaxing baths of Mývatn.
2 nights at the same place. Driving distance about 20 kms.
On the way to Akureyri, you can stop at the beautiful waterfall of Godafoss and spend a few hours visiting the “capital of the North”. In the afternoon, you head towards the fjord Eyjafjörður where you embark on a whale watching excursion to observe the humpback whales. At the end of the day you arrive in Siglufjörður, the former capital of herring and a charming little town.
Night between Siglufjörður and Hofsós. Driving distance about 200 kms.
Driving along the Trollaskagi Peninsula (the Troll Peninsula) you admire the remains of the island’s rich past. The beautiful municipal swimming pool of Hofsós offers a pleasant relaxing break with a breathtaking view, which overlooks the ocean. Have a stroll in the heart of a picturesque forest, which surrounds the church of Holar, the old archbishopric of the island then visit the old traditional turf farms of Glaumbaer.
Overnight in the surrounding of Varmahlíð. Driving distance about 100 kms.
As you head West, don’t miss a detour along the discreet Vatnsnes Peninsula, home to the country’s largest seal colony. Throughout the journey, you will enjoy superb viewpoints over the sea. Nice walk to the rock Hvítserkur, some of which say that it is a petrified troll… It’s now time to leave the circular route to enter another peninsula : Snaefellsnes.
Overnight in Stykkisholmur. Driving distance about 300 kms.
The Snaefellsnes peninsula is where Jules Verne began his “Journey to the Center of the Earth”. You have two days to explore the wild landscapes of the peninsula and enjoy the many steps along the coast, between lava fields and coastline. Between the charm of the small villages, the amazing sites such as the Rauðfeldsgjá gorge, the sumptuous Kirkjufell mountain or the very photogenic church of Búðir, you will be amazed by the diversity of the region.
Driving distance approx. 200 kms.
Today your final destination is Reykjavik, the Icelandic capital. Having a whole day in the warm city, it is pleasant to walk the colorful streets of the city center, hang along the charming little harbor, visit the cathedral or the new Harpa cultural center, astonishing by its modern architecture. Spend a last shopping moment before spending the evening enjoying the atmosphere of its various cafes, bars and restaurants.
Free time before getting to the airport for your international flight.
