Self-Drive: Complete Iceland Circle (8 days)

Reykjavik

Upon landing in Iceland, collect your rental car at the airport. Embark on your journey from the airport, traversing the otherworldly lava fields that define the Reykjanes Peninsula. This unique, volcanic landscape, adorned with moss-covered rocks and framed by distant mountains, serves as a mesmerizing gateway to Iceland's natural marvels. Depending on your arrival time, the rest of the day is a leisure. Your first night will be spent in Reykjavík, the country's vibrant capital. Driving: Approx 50 km (31 miles) Accommodation: Reykjavík.

1 Hours 30 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Seljalandsfoss

Driving along Iceland's south coast is an expedition through some of the most breathtaking scenery the island has to offer. Your journey begins with a visit to Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where the water cascades over a cliff into a serene pool below, allowing visitors to walk behind the falls for a unique perspective.

3 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Skogafoss

Continuing along the coast, Skógafoss awaits with its powerful water plummeting down from a height, creating a mist that dances in the light.

1 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Reynisfjara Beach

Further along the coast, Dyrhólaey presents a rugged promontory with panoramic views of the ocean and coastline, including the iconic arched rock that juts into the sea. Nearby, Reynisfjara beach astonishes visitors with its black sands, towering basalt columns, and the powerful waves of the North Atlantic crashing against the shore.

2 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Vik

Your journey culminates in Vík í Mýrdal, a charming village known for its picturesque church set against a backdrop of dramatic cliffs and the endless ocean.

2 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Skaftafell

Departing from the charming village of Vík, known for its dramatic black sand beaches and iconic sea stacks, your route leads you towards the enchanting realm of Vatnajökull National Park. As you drive eastward, the road brings you closer to the majestic glaciers that spill from the ice cap of Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. The Skaftafell area within Vatnajökull National Park serves as a gateway to glacier hikes and stunning views of Svartifoss waterfall, framed by basalt columns.

4 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Jokulsarlon

The journey's highlight awaits at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the nearby Diamond Beach, where icebergs from the glacier float in a tranquil lagoon before washing ashore on a black sand beach, sparkling like diamonds under the sunlight.

4 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Hofn

Your adventure culminates in Höfn, a picturesque fishing town with panoramic views of Vatnajökull and a reputation for some of the best lobster in Iceland. This drive from Vík to Höfn offers an intimate experience with the island's most captivating natural phenomena.

1 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Djupivogur

Setting off from Höfn, your drive to Egilsstaðir takes you on an unforgettable journey through the East Fjords, a region famed for its dramatic landscapes, quaint villages, and serpentine roads that hug the coastline. This route unfolds a less-travelled side of Iceland, where the raw beauty of nature speaks volumes. As you leave Höfn, the scenery transitions to the rugged coastline of the East Fjords, where steep mountains plunge into deep, narrow fjords. Each twist and turn presents a new vista, with the ocean's vast expanse on one side and towering cliffs on the other. The drive takes you through a series of charming fishing villages and hamlets, each with its own unique character. Djúpivogur is a delightful stop, known for its art installations and birdlife.

3 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Faskrudsfjordur

Further along, the road winds through Fáskrúðsfjörður, where French fishermen once wintered, leaving a cultural imprint that lingers to this day. Reaching the northern part of the fjords, the landscape softens, revealing fertile valleys and rivers teeming with salmon.

3 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Egilsstadir

Egilsstaðir, the largest town in the East, serves as the gateway to the region's interior, including the mystical Lake Lagarfljót, home to tales of serpentine monsters and hidden forests.

2 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Dettifoss Waterfall

After driving through vast black desert of northeast Iceland you approach the Lake Mývatn area. Your first stop, Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall, is a short detour off the main route but an unmissable spectacle. The thunderous roar of water plunging into the canyon below is a profound reminder of nature's force.

3 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Lake Mývatn, a haven for birdlife, sits amidst a volcanic wonderland. The steaming fumaroles and boiling mud pots of the Námaskarð geothermal area display the earth's inner heat at the surface, painting the ground in vivid colours.

30 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Myvatn Nature Baths (Jardbodin vid Myvatn)

Nearby, a visit to the Mývatn Nature Baths could provide a relaxing interlude. Mývatn Nature Baths offer a relaxing geothermal spa experience in the heart of Iceland's stunning landscape. Visitors can soak in mineral-rich, warm waters while enjoying views of the surrounding volcanic terrain. It's a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

1 Hours • Admission Ticket Not Included

Hverfjall

Continuing your journey, the volcanic crater of Hverfjall presents an opportunity for a short hike, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area from its rim.

1 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Dimmuborgir Lava Formations

The Dimmuborgir lava formations offer a maze of towering stacks and caves, creating a mythical atmosphere that legends say is home to elves and trolls.

1 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Godafoss

Leaving the lake behind, head west towards Goðafoss, one of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls. Known as the "Waterfall of the Gods," Goðafoss is deeply entwined with Iceland’s conversion to Christianity in the year 1000.

2 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Akureyri

Upon arrival in Akureyri, we recommend taking the time to explore the largest town of northern Iceland.

30 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Skagafjordur

Leaving Akureyri, drive west towards the historical valley of Skagafjörður, renowned for its horse breeding and significant role in Icelandic sagas. Taking a detour from the main road, this area offers a chance to delve into the history og Iceland and the medieval turf houses at Glaumbær. Drive over the Holtavörðuheiði highland road to Borgarfjörður.

4 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Reykholt

When arriving in Borgarfjörður your first destination is Reykholt. Once the home of Snorri Sturluson, a medieval historian, poet, and politician, Reykholt offers a deep dive into the saga age. Visit Snorri's pool, an early geothermal pool, and the museum dedicated to his life and works.

1 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Deildartunguhver Thermal Spring

Continue to Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring. The sheer volume of boiling water produced here is awe-inspiring.

1 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Hraunfossar Lava Waterfall

A short drive brings you to the unique Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls. Hraunfossar, known as the 'Lava Waterfalls,' is a stunning series of cascades emerging from beneath a lava field, creating a breathtaking view. Nearby, Barnafoss, or 'Children's Falls,' has its own tragic saga that adds a mystical aura to its rushing blue waters.

2 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Borgarnes

End the day in Borgarnes. Borgarnes is a charming town in western Iceland, known for its rich history and beautiful surroundings. Visitors can explore museums, enjoy scenic views of mountains and fjords, and experience Icelandic culture and hospitality. It's a perfect stop for those traveling through the region.

2 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Thingvellir National Park

Drive south towards Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Þingvellir is a place of significant historical, cultural, and geological importance, as it was the site of the world’s oldest recorded legislative parliament (Alþingi) and lies on the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Explore the walking trails, Almannagjá fissure, and Öxarárfoss waterfall.

3 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Geysir

Continue your journey to the Geysir geothermal area in Haukadalur valley. Although the Great Geysir is mostly dormant, its neighbour Strokkur erupts every few minutes, shooting boiling water up to 30 meters into the air. The surrounding area is dotted with hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles.

2 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Gullfoss Waterfall

A short drive from Geysir brings you to Gullfoss, one of Iceland's most stunning waterfalls. Gullfoss, or 'Golden Falls,' cascades down a deep gorge, creating a spectacular display of nature's power. There are several viewpoints to appreciate the waterfall's beauty from different angles.

1 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Reykjavik

After exploring the Golden Circle, head back to Reykjavík. Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland, is a vibrant city known for its modern architecture, rich cultural scene, and stunning natural beauty. Visitors can explore historic sites, enjoy world-class dining, and experience the unique blend of urban life and nature. It's a gateway to Iceland's many adventures.

2 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Keflavik

Depart from your lodging in Reykjavík and make your way to Keflavík International Airport. Returning your rental car at Keflavík Airport marks the completion of your Icelandic adventure.

1 Hours 30 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free