Iceland Odyssey 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“. If time permits you might enjoy the opportunity to relax in the thermal waters of the renowned Blue Lagoon - it is suggested to book in advance so you do not miss out.

Overnight: Hveragerdi
Meals included: None

DAY 2 Hveragerdi - Golden Circle - Fludir
Driving distance: approx. 155km/96 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 and Srokkur. 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: Golden Circle area
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 3 South shore - Vik - Kirkjubaejarklaustur
Driving distance: approx. 245km/152 miles
Drive along the spectacular south shore, viewing Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, and Myrdalsjokull glacier. If the skies are clear, you might even have a glimpse of beautiful Mt. Hekla, Iceland’s most frequently erupting volcano.
Head to Vik, Iceland’s southernmost village. In the area, you can view puffins at Dyrholaey (Jun-early August) and walk along the black sand beach of Reynisfjara. Continue over Eldhraun, Iceland’s largest single lava flow, towards Kirkjubaejarklaustur, a picturesque village that is the former site of a 12th-century Catholic convent. The town is known for its excellent farm-raised arctic char trout, which you might like to try tonight.

Overnight: Kirkjubaejarklaustur area
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4 Skaftafell - Vatnajokull National Park - Jokulsarlon - Egilsstadir
Driving distance: approx. 390km/243 miles
Today you will be in the southern area of Vatnajokull National Park, named after Europe‘s largest glacier. You’ll certainly have this magnificent glacier in view as you follow the route. Visit the park’s amazing Skaftafell area, a green oasis nestled between glaciers that offer many hiking possibilities.
Continue to Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, where you should take time to admire the views of the icebergs floating in the cool waters. Nearby is Diamond Beach, an area of glittering bits of glass-like ice scattered across the black sand.

Drive through the spectacular Eastfjords with towering mountains and charming fishing villages to the fertile Egilsstadir area. You might opt to end the day at Lake Urridavatn’s new Vok Baths, where you can unwind in untouched nature in distinctive floating geothermal pools.

Overnight: Egilsstadir area
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 5 Egilsstadir and Surroundings
Driving distance: variable
Today explore Egilsstadir and the surrounding area, one of the oldest regions in Iceland shaped by glaciers during the Ice Age. 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. For those interested in music and food, we recommend a visit to Neskaupsstadur where you can enjoy stunning views.

Drive to the quaint village of Seydisfjordur, where multi-coloured wooden houses are sheltered by a jaw-dropping backdrop of snow-capped mountains and tumbling waterfalls. This community has been gaining an international reputation for its excellent focus on art and art education.

Visit Hallormsstadur the largest forest plantation in Iceland set along Lake Lagarfljot, which according to legend contains a monster. Drive to the edge of the magnificent highland wilderness, where you can visit the interactive new Wilderness Centre that focuses on the pioneer history and nature of the Eastern highlands. Perhaps end the day at Lake Urridavatn's new Vok Baths, where you can unwind in untouched nature in distinctive floating geothermal pools.

Overnight: Egilsstadir area
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 6 Dettifoss - Asbyrgi - Husavik
Driving distance: approx. 280km/174 miles
Travel across the vast Modrudalsoraefi highlands and into the wilderness to the mighty Dettifoss waterfall. A few moments here listening to the heavy thundering water against a surreal landscape is one of Iceland’s most amazing experiences.

Explore the spectacular horseshoe-shaped Asbyrgi canyon, according to legend, it was created when one of the hoofs of the eight-legged horse of the god Odin made contact with the earth. Continue around the fossil rich Tjornes Peninsula to the Husavik area, known as the whale-watching capital of Iceland, and we highly recommend taking a whale-watching tour or a Whale & Puffin Safari if time permits. A great way to end your exciting day is with a relaxing swim in the warm sea waters of Husavik’s GeoSea Baths.

Overnight: Husavik area
Meals included: Breakfast

Important: Roads 864, 862 and therefore, Road 85 are usually closed during the fall, winter and spring until the end of May (Road opening dates are dependent on the weather conditions). Until these roads are open, please take the scenic Ring Road 1 to Road 87 and on to Husavik.

DAY 7 Lake Myvatn - Akureyri - Lake Myvatn
Driving distance: approx. 165km/103 miles
Spend the day exploring the natural wonders of Lake Myvatn and the surrounding 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 the filming of the HBO series Game of Thrones. Afterwards, enjoy an optional relaxation session in the azure blue waters of the charming Myvatn Nature Baths.

Depart Myvatn and drive westward, visiting beautiful Godafoss waterfalls, which have a unique connection to Iceland’s Viking Age. Then, you could opt to continue to Akureyri, a vibrantly colourful town set against the dramatic Eyjafjordur fjord or simply keep enjoying the Lake Myvatn area and surroundings.

Overnight: Lake Myvatn area
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 8 Akureyri / Eyjafjordur region
Driving distance: approx. 175 km/109 miles
Today, spend the day exploring 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. We recommend taking a walk through the beautiful botanical garden on the edge of the Arctic Circle.

In the afternoon, you could explore Eyjafjordur or why not relax in the geothermal waters of the new Skogarbod (Forest Baths) in a scenic nature area outside the town?

Overnight: Northwest area
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 9 Akureyri – Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Driving distance: approx. 360km/234 miles
Travel to the horse-breeding valley of Skagafjordur fjord. If you are a history buff, we suggest a stop at the manor farm of Glaumbaer. This is a turf home that dates back to the 18th century and gives a sense of life in Iceland in the old days. Continue to the shores of Hunafloi Bay, an area rich in Icelandic history, where the interesting medieval Vatnsdaela Saga took place.
An interesting place to visit along the way is Borgarvirki, a natural rock formation that has been used as a citadel since Viking times. Perhaps explore Dalir, the region of Eric the Red and the birthplace of his son, the great explorer Leif Eiriksson at a living replica museum before driving to the spectacular Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Overnight: Stykkisholmur area
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 10 Snaefellsnes Peninsula - Arnarstapi - Borgarfjordur
Driving distance: approx. 240km/150 miles
Explore the beauty of Snaefellsnes peninsula and the Snaefellsjokull National Park. Drive through the small fishing villages of Grundarfjordur and Hellissandur. Along the way, stop to photograph Kirkjufell, Iceland’s most photographed mountain and see the magnificent columnar basalt rock formations at Arnarstapi. A highlight of this area is Snaefellsjokull, a 700,000 year old glacier topped volcano that is said to be the home of a benevolent troll spirit. Pass by the volcanic crater, Eldborg to hike on a trail up to the top of the crater for some amazing views of the area and the crater.

Overnight: Borgarfjordur area
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 11 Borgarfjordur - Reykholt - Hvalfjordur - Reykjavik
Driving distance: approx. 235km/146 miles
Discover Borgarfjordur, one of Iceland’s best kept secrets, it is home to a charming mix of miniature forests, waterfalls, caves and views of Langjokull Glacier. Visit Hraunfoss and Barnafoss waterfalls and be sure to stop at Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, where you may choose to experience the Krauma natural geothermal spa. Continue via Hvalfjordur to Reykjavik.

If you want to add some adventure to your day, visit the colourful Vidgelmir caverns or join the unique Into the Glacier tour - an unforgettable visit to the man-made ice cave in Langjokull Glacier.

Overnight: Reykjavik
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 12 Reykjavik
Driving distance: approx. 50km/30 miles
Your journey around Iceland concludes with the return of your rental car to the airport depot.

Meals: Breakfast