Around Iceland Self-Drive

DAY 1 Reykjavik - Hveragerdi
Driving distance: approx. 100 km/62 miles
Your tour commences with the collection of your rental car from the airport depot and make your way to your hotel in Hveragerdi. This 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“. Depending on your arrival time in Iceland, we suggest that you take some time to explore the Reykjanes Peninsula (a UNESCO GeoPark site) before you head to Hveragerdi. You'll see unusual and stunning craters, lava cliffs, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and charming fishing villages and lighthouses along the peninsula. If time permits you might enjoy the opportunity to relax in thermal waters of the renown Blue Lagoon - it is suggested to book in advance so you do not miss out.

DAY 2 Hveragerdi - Golden Circle - Borgarfjordur
Driving distance: approx. 239 km/149 miles
Enjoy the day exploring the natural wonders of the Golden Circle region. First up is a scenic drive to the legendary waterfall Gullfoss and the bubbling steam vents and spouting hot springs at Geysir. Visit Thingvellir National Park, site of the ancient Icelandic parliament, before driving through Hvalfjordur fjord to the historic and scenic Borgarfjordur region. If you have a 4WD vehicle, you can also take the scenic highland wilderness Kaldidalur track alongside Langjokull glacier to Borgarfjordur. The road generally is open between mid-June and mid-September.

We recommend taking advantage of geothermal activity in this area with a relaxing soak in the Fontana Steam Baths in Laugarvatn or the Secret Lagoon in Fludir, the oldest natural pool in Iceland. Overnight stay in the Borgarfjordur area. B

DAY 3 Borgarfjordur – Akureyri
Driving distance: approx. 415km/248 miles
We recommend to spend part of your day exploring the local area in Borgarfjordur. This area is well-known for finding authentic handicrafts and tasty local treats including steam baked bread straight from the hot spring. You also have the opportunity for adventure with a visit to the multi-coloured Vidgelmir cave or take a guided trip up Langjokull glacier. Drive north through Borgarfjordur to the shores of Hunafloi bay and the towering mountains and horse breeding valley of Skagafjordur. Continue to Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland. Overnight in Akureyri area. B

DAY 4 Akureyri – Lake Myvatn
Driving distance: approx. 85km/53 miles
Spend the morning exploring the town of Akureyri, Iceland's second largest city at just 20,000 residents. This charming city is home to numerous museums, art galleries and friendly cafes great for a delicious, locally sourced lunch. In the afternoon, continue your journey along Eyjafjordur, taking in spectacular views of the sea and fjord. The road leads towards Myvatn, but first you’ll stop to view the beautiful Godafoss waterfalls, which has a unique connection to Iceland’s Viking Age. Overnight in North Iceland. B

DAY 5 Lake Myvatn
Driving distance: variable
After breakfast explore the natural wonders of Lake Myvatn and thesurrounding area. Stroll along the mystical lava formations at Dimmuborgir. Visit the volcanic area of Krafla along with the otherworldly setting and colourful sulphurous slopes of Namaskard pass, it’s almost as though you are walking on the surface of Mars. Enjoy the views of the pseudo craters and the strange lava columns rising out of the lake at Skutustadir - an area used in filming of the HBO series Game of Thrones.

After a day of exploration, we recommend a relaxing soak in the spectacular Myvatn Nature Baths. Overnight in North Iceland. B

DAY 6 Lake Myvatn - Husavik - Egilsstadir
Driving distance: approx. 310km/193 miles
This morning drive north to the charming fishing port of Husavik, where you might stop to enjoy a whale watching boat tour. Then head around the fossil rich Tjornes peninsula on the edge of the Arctic Circle to the northern entrance of Vatnajokull National Park where you can check out Asbyrgi, a magnificent horseshoe shaped canyon. Trails lead through peaceful forested areas to a hidden canyon lake. If travelling between May and September you can reach the mighty Dettifoss waterfall, the most powerful one in Europe. Then head across the vast highland plateau to Egilsstadir in the east. Overnight in East Iceland. B

DAY 7 Egilsstadir - Hofn
Driving distance: approx. 300km/186 miles
Today drive south through the spectacular East Fjords, where towering mountains plunge vertically into the ocean. Leave plenty time to yourself, both for safe driving and for amazing views of the coast and Vatnajokull glacier. The journey continues to the town of Hofn in Hornafjordur, also known as the lobster capital of northern Europe. Overnight in Southeast Iceland. B

DAY 8 Hofn - Kirkjubaejarklaustur
Driving distance: approx. 210km/131 miles
Today you will be in the vicinity of Vatnajokull National Park, named after Europe‘s largest glacier. Visit the shimmering icebergs and the still, milky waters of Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon. If you wish to see the icebergs up close and personal take a boat tour in the lagoon- it is suggested to book in advance so you do not miss out. Some of the icebergs from Vatnajokull glacier drift down onto the black sands at the nearby Diamond Beach, this is a fantastic area for photographs.

Continue to the Skaftafell area of the park, a beautiful green oasis surrounded by glaciers. There are many great hiking trails to explore in this area. Afterwards head towards the picturesque village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur, once a medieval convent. B

DAY 9 Kirkjubaejarklaustur - Vik - Reykjavik
Driving distance: approx. 290km/181 miles
Drive along the spectacular south coast, a sweeping landscape of sandy deserts, rocky shores and rolling farmlands sandwiched between snow-capped glaciers, mountains and the ocean. Drive alongside Eldhraun, a massive and eerily beautiful lava flow covered in moss. It is the largest recorded single flow of lava in world history. Stop to admire the black sand beaches and cliffs at Dyrholaey. There are vast bird colonies here, including puffins (generally seen mid May to early August). Also, visit the beautiful waterfalls of Skogarfoss and Seljalandsfoss, each with its own character. You will also see the mighty Eyjafjallajokull volcano, famous for its 2010 eruption. Drive to Reykjavík in the late afternoon and discover the beauty of this unique and colourful city. B

DAY 10 Reykjavik
Your tour concludes with the return of your rental car to the airport depot.