Iceland is a « gigantic small country » according to the variety and the riches of its landscapes. This large tour in Iceland will allow you to discover the most beautiful sites of the country and will also lead you along spectacular roads to less known location that are as much fascinating, with powerful waterfalls, placid lakes, tumultuous rivers, impressive mountains, rugged lava fields, gigantic glaciers and volcanos…
This tour in Iceland will allow you to enjoy this diversity along a tailor-made itinerary that offers minimal driving and maximal sites seeing, with enough time to have a close look at the local fauna and flora during the best season, under the omnipresent lights of the midnight sun in Mays and June, until the return of the first northern lights in September.
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 16 days. It is a very rich and dense itinerary, do not hesitate if you can, to add two or three more days to make the most of this route.
Upon arrival at Keflavik International Airport, you pick up your rental vehicle and head to your accommodation, located in the heart of the Golden Circle.
For late arrivals, it’s possible to stay near the airport, by the coast. Driving distance between 5 and 120 kms depending on the arrival time.
Today is dedicated to the visit of the Golden Circle and its three emblematic sites: Gullfoss, Geysir and Þingvellir. You start at the footstep of Gullfoss, one of the most powerful and beautiful waterfalls in the country, before continuing towards the famous Geysir, to let yourself be surprised by the power and spontaneity of its geyser. Finally, 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. From there, you can take the beautiful Kaldidalur route which will allow you to reach the Reykholt region where your accommodation is located.
Driving distance approx. 250 kms.
After a detour to the Hraunfossar waterfall and a stop in Borgarnes, you head to the Snaefellsnes peninsula. You have two days to enjoy the many invigorating walks by the sea and admire the wild beauty of the landscapes of the peninsula. From the small black church of Búðir, surrounded by vast lava fields, to the path along the cliffs in the village of Arnastarpi to the pebble beaches of Djupalonssandur, you are in the heart of a concentrated of Iceland, which will continue along the Northern coast with the amazing Kirkjufell mountain and the small fishing port of Stykkisholmur.
2 nights in the town of Stykkisholmur. Driving distance approx. 200 kms per day.
Today morning, you embark on a ferry to the West fjords that you’ll reach in the afternoon with on the way, a stop on the island of Flatey. Without car allowed on the island, you can explore it on foot while observing the many bird species living on the island far away from civilization. You will reach the other side of the bay around 6 pm and have an hour drive, to reach your accommodation located near the famous cliffs of Latrabjarg.
Driving distance approx. 100 kms.
The entire day will be devoted to observe the millions of sea birds nesting in the gigantic cliffs of Latrabjarg, puffins are the stars of course, but you will also discover other species such as guillemots and gulls. The surroundings have as well some magnificent white sand beaches where you can walk alone in the world.
Driving distance approx. 40 kms.
You take the road along a superb scenic road recently renovated that winds through this very isolated and wild region, where it is not rare to hear or see an arctic fox. Along the way, be sure to admire the stunning Dynjandi waterfalls and enjoy the picturesque little sleepy villages. End of the day in the charming town of Ísafjörður, renowned for its gastronomy.
Driving distance approx. 200 kms.
Today you will hit the road again and drive along new fjords, each of them offering diversity and dramatic landscapes. Do not miss a stop in the beautiful Heydalur valley, to enjoy its natural hot baths or why not a sea kayaking trip before reaching Holmavik, a little town known for its witchcraft museum. You will discover many interesting facts and stories about magic and Icelandic traditions. The night will be spent in the surroundings.
Driving distance approx. 230 kms.
It’s time to leave the fjords and reach road n°1, not for long as you’ll be following a small road, along the coast of the Vatnsnes peninsula. You can make several stops to enjoy the viewpoints. Do not miss the majestic rock formation Hvitserkur, some of which say that it is a petrified troll… We recommend a walk along the beach most likely under the eyes of the largest seals colony in the country living there. Night in the surroundings of Varmahlíð.
Driving distance approx. 300 kms.
You start the day with a visit to the famous traditional turf houses at farms of Glaumbaer, before continuing to the charming village of Siglufjordur where you can enjoy lunch time to visit its picturesque town center. In the afternoon, you embark on a 3-hours whale watching excursion to observe humpback whales in the fjord before spending the evening in Akureyri, the capital of the North. Night in the surroundings.
On the way to Myvatn, make a stop at the beautiful waterfall of Godafoss (the waterfall of the gods). The region of Myvatn offers several interesting volcanic sites. The area is located 65°6 north right on the Mid-Atlantic ridge emerging in Iceland. This ridge spreads apart the American and European tectonic plates 2cm a year… this is why volcanism is so active in this region constantly moving. Choose between Hverfell’s crater, Krafla caldera, the mud puddles of Namaskard or the lava castles of Dimmuborgir… On one evening, enjoy a relaxing moment at Myvatn Nature Baths. 2 night in Myvatn by the lake.
Driving distance approx. 100 kms on the first day and 20 kms on the second day.
Today you’re heading towards the canyon of the Jokulsa river, to discover Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. A stop at the most isolated farm on the way and you enter the East fjords. Possible walks around lake Lagarfljót in the vicinity of Egilsstaðir, where there are many sites of interest, including the superb Hengifoss waterfall and Hallormsstadhur, the country’s largest forest.
Night in Eskifjordur. Driving distance approx. 250 kms.
Road along the picturesque villages of the East located between sea and mountain, the kingdom of the Elves where you will have the opportunity to make superb hikes between sea and mountains. Many species of birds are present, but also the polar fox and the reindeer. Numerous streams and small waterfalls run down the slopes among mosses and cottongrass. Take the time to appreciate the deserted pebble beaches, and the small fishing villages that are the attraction of the region.
Night in the region of Höfn. Driving distance approx. 250 kms.
Road to the famous Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon. Take time to admire the icebergs throwing themselves into the ocean and walk along the famous Diamond Beach where the glare of the ice contrasts with the black of the sand. Afternoon in the heart of Skaftafell National Park, an oasis of greenery in the heart of vast desert areas. You are here as close as possible to the glacier with many possible walks, in particular to the very beautiful Svartifoss waterfall.
Night in the surroundings of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Driving distance approx. 200 kms.
Continuing on the road N°1, you drive across some immense lava fields, vestiges of an explosion of the Laki volcano, impressive! Stop at Vik known for its beautiful black sand beach. You continue with a nice walk on Reynisfjara beach, offering an amazing landscape of basalt columns. A few kilometers further, you can admire the sublime landscape around the top of the imposing cliffs of Dyrholaey! You end the day with a stop at both Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls.
Night in the surroundings of Hella. Driving distance approx. 250 kms.
Arrival in Reykjavik in the morning. Discover the charms of the Icelandic capital. Stroll along its narrow alleys, admire the colorful facades of its houses, discover its old harbor which once housed whaling trawlers and today, the boats that go on whale watching excursions. Pass by its must-see monuments such as the new Harpa concert hall, the Alþingi parliament or the majestic Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral. Free evening to enjoy the local gastronomy in the Icelandic capital. For an early morning flight you can spend the night near the airport.
Drive to the international airport and return flight home.
