5-Day Self-Drive Tour in Iceland with Northern Lights & Natural Warmth
This 5-day self-drive tour is the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, designed for those seeking Iceland’s soothing geothermal wonders and the magic of the northern lights, and also appreciate the comfort of 4* accommodation. Each hotel outside of Reykjavík is carefully selected and ideally located for Northern Lights viewing, offering a chance to witness the aurora dance across the Arctic sky from your doorstep.
Experience the essence of Iceland on this 5-day luxury self-drive tour, carefully designed to blend world-famous attractions with authentic experiences.
Your journey begins at Keflavík Airport, where you’ll pick up your rental car and drive through the Reykjanes Peninsula to the beautiful Silica Hotel right by the Blue Lagoon. Here, enjoy premium access to the mineral-rich waters, a private soak in the hotel’s exclusive lagoon, and a welcome drink in your Deluxe Moss Room, the perfect introduction to Iceland’s natural calm.
Next, travel the Golden Circle at your own pace, visiting Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the erupting geysers of Haukadalur. In the afternoon, you will relax in the warm, soothing waters of Laugarás Lagoon, a hidden geothermal gem cherished by locals, before spending the night at the elegant Hotel Grímsborgir.
On day three, head south to explore Iceland’s dramatic coastline. Visit towering waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, walk along volcanic black sand beaches, and settle into Hotel UMI for a peaceful night with private sauna access and stunning views of glaciers and sea.
Your fourth day brings an unforgettable ice cave adventure by Superjeep, guided by local experts who lead you deep into crystal-blue ice formations. Afterward, unwind in Reykjavík with time to explore the city’s lively food scene, coastal paths, and artistic culture.
On the final day, return your rental car at Keflavík Airport. Though your stay is brief, this experience perfectly balances adventure, wellness, and local insight surrounded by Iceland’s timeless landscapes.
Accommodation and car options
A rental car is ready for you on arrival at Keflavík Airport, allowing you to explore Iceland at your own pace. Each night, you’ll stay in comfortable, well-located hotels selected for their quality and atmosphere. The first night is spent at Silica Hotel by the Blue Lagoon, where you’ll have access to the private lagoon and stay in a beautifully designed Moss Room. After visiting the Golden Circle, you’ll stay at Hotel Grímsborgir, a peaceful retreat in the countryside. The next night takes you to Hotel UMI on the South Coast, where a private sauna session is included.
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Day 1: Arrival in Iceland & pick up rental car
Just a short drive from the airport, your first stop is the Silica Hotel, tucked away in the lava fields near the world-renowned Blue Lagoon. This exclusive 4-star retreat is a favorite among locals for its quiet setting, elegant design, and private lagoon – a peaceful alternative to the busier main spa.
Your stay includes access to the Silica Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon with premium admission, giving you the space to unwind in mineral-rich waters surrounded by black lava and soft green moss. The Deluxe Moss Room offers views that reflect the raw beauty of the Reykjanes Peninsula, with large windows that let in the quiet light of Iceland’s sky. A welcome drink adds a warm touch to your arrival.
Beginning your trip here gives you a true sense of the Icelandic spirit: peaceful, grounded, and deeply connected to the land.
Suggested driving itinerary for the day
Day 2: Exploration of famous “must see highlights” in the Golden Circle
Today, you’ll explore one of Iceland’s most iconic routes: the Golden Circle. This region has some of the country’s most celebrated natural landmarks and holds deep cultural and geological significance. You’ll visit Þingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates drift apart, and Iceland’s first parliament was founded over a thousand years ago. From there, continue to the mighty Gullfoss waterfall and the erupting geysers at Haukadalur, where the land seems alive beneath your feet.
Later in the afternoon, at 16:00, you’ll unwind at Laugarás Lagoon, a quiet geothermal oasis that most visitors overlook. With premium access, you’ll soak in naturally warm waters surrounded by open skies and gentle countryside views. Locals love this new place for its peaceful atmosphere and authentic charm.
Your evening is spent at Hotel Grímsborgir, a refined 4-star property in the heart of South Iceland. Known for its warm hospitality, elegant rooms, and beautiful riverside setting, it’s the perfect place to relax after a day filled with unforgettable sights and experiences.
Suggested driving itinerary for the day
Day 3: Exploration of the South Coast
Today’s journey takes you to the South Coast. As you drive beneath glacier-topped volcanoes and alongside the wild Atlantic Ocean, you’ll have the chance to stop at some of the country’s most iconic natural locations. Walk behind the misty curtain of Seljalandsfoss waterfall, feel the power of Skógafoss, and take in the vast black sand beaches near Vík, shaped by centuries of volcanic activity and crashing waves.
This stretch of the country is especially close to our hearts. The South Coast offers a humbling and grounding connection to nature. It’s a place where time slows down, and the land tells its story.
In the evening, you’ll arrive at Hotel UMI, a peaceful 4-star retreat surrounded by open fields and mountain views. Here, you’ll enjoy one hour of private sauna access. With its refined design and remote setting, Hotel UMI offers the ideal balance of comfort and solitude with the chance to see the Northern Lights.
Suggested driving itinerary for the day
Day 4: Katla Ice Cave & Reykjavík
This morning begins with one of Iceland’s most unforgettable experiences: a guided ice cave adventure with Superjeep. You will spend approximately 3 hours, during a journey deep into a glacier in a specially modified 4×4, led by local experts who know every crack and crevasse of the ice. The caves, formed naturally each winter, are ever-changing: no two visits are alike. Inside, you’ll witness the brilliant blue tones and sculpted textures created by centuries of compressed snow and volcanic ash. It’s a raw and simply otherworldly experience!
After the tour, you’ll make your way back west toward Reykjavík. The drive is scenic, taking you through wide plains, past rivers, and under vast skies that shift with the weather.
When you return to the capital, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Whether you prefer to explore Reykjavík’s growing food scene, visit a local art gallery, or walk along the old harbor with coffee, the city offers a relaxed atmosphere with plenty to discover.
Suggested driving itinerary for the day
Day 5: Drop off rental car at KEF Airport & Departure
As your journey ends, you’ll head back across the lava-lined roads of the Reykjanes Peninsula toward Keflavík Airport. The landscape on this stretch feels timeless: windswept, quiet, and strangely comforting. After dropping off your rental car, you’ll check in for your flight, carrying more than photos.
Five days may seem short, but Iceland has a way of leaving its mark – in the steam rising from a hidden hot spring, the crunch of black sand underfoot, or the hush inside a glacier cave. It’s not just about what you see here, but how it makes you feel.
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