5-Day Self-Drive Tour around North Iceland with Akureyri, Myvatn, Husavik & Dettifoss
Embark on an unforgettable 5-day self-drive tour through North Iceland, a region renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, natural wonders, and vibrant culture. This flexible and immersive journey gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, taking you through picturesque towns, dramatic waterfalls, and geothermal wonders, all while enjoying the comfort and convenience of driving yourself. The self-drive tour offers the advantage of discovering Iceland’s beauty on your terms, with plenty of time to stop at hidden gems and take in the scenic landscapes.
The tour starts with a scenic drive or flight from Reykjavik to Akureyri, Iceland’s second-largest city, often referred to as the “Capital of the North.” Upon arrival, explore the charming streets of Akureyri, visit the stunning Akureyri Church, and relax in local cafes before setting off to explore the surrounding natural wonders. From Akureyri, your journey leads you to Húsavík, a picturesque town on the shores of Skjálfandi Bay, famous for whale watching. You can take a boat tour to see these magnificent creatures up close and enjoy the stunning coastal views.
Continuing south, you’ll arrive at Lake Mývatn, a geological wonderland filled with unique volcanic formations, hot springs, and abundant birdlife. Don’t miss the Hverir Geothermal Area, where the bubbling mud pots and steam vents create a surreal atmosphere. You can also visit the Mývatn Nature Baths for a relaxing soak in the mineral-rich waters.
One of the highlights of your journey is Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, located in Vatnajökull National Park. The sheer power of the falls and the surrounding rugged terrain make for an awe-inspiring sight.
With the flexibility of a self-drive tour, you can explore North Iceland at your own pace, stopping to take in the views or visit hidden gems along the way. This 5-day adventure offers an excellent balance of natural beauty, wildlife, and Icelandic culture, making it the perfect way to experience the stunning north of the island.
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Accommodation and car options
Our self-drive tour offers the perfect combination of convenience and comfort. Choose between the Toyota Aygo, Volkswagen Golf, or Dacia Duster, available in both manual and automatic versions.
Stay in welcoming 3-star hotels, where your room will include a private bathroom and a delicious breakfast. For a more premium experience, both your car and accommodation can be upgraded. Contact us for full details!
Day 1: Road trip or flight from Reyjavik – Akureyri and surroundings
Your Icelandic adventure begins with a journey from Reykjavik to Akureyri, the charming “Capital of the North.” The short flight offers breathtaking views of Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, including volcanic terrain, glaciers, and coastal beauty, giving you a glimpse of the rugged beauty awaiting you in the north. Please note that flights can be added as an extra option for this package.
Upon arrival in Akureyri, you’ll have the entire day to explore this vibrant city, nestled by the stunning Eyjafjörður fjord. Akureyri is known for its colorful buildings, delightful cafes, and welcoming atmosphere. Visit the Akureyri Church, an iconic landmark that offers fantastic panoramic views of the city, or take a stroll through the Akureyri Botanical Gardens, which feature a diverse range of plants, many native to Iceland. Akureyri’s charming streets and serene surroundings make it the perfect place to start your journey.
From Akureyri, you can venture a short drive to the impressive Goðafoss Waterfall, often called the “Waterfall of the Gods.” The powerful cascade of water surrounded by beautiful landscapes provides a stunning photo opportunity, offering a perfect first taste of Iceland’s natural wonders.
Afterward, enjoy the serene beauty of Eyjafjörður, with its calm waters and picturesque views of the mountains. If you have time, consider visiting nearby Húsavík, known as the whale-watching capital of Iceland, or relax in one of the region’s geothermal hot springs.
Your first day in Iceland promises a wonderful blend of city exploration, natural beauty, and a taste of Iceland’s rich cultural heritage. Day 1 in Akureyri sets the stage for an unforgettable adventure through North Iceland’s landscapes, wildlife, and stunning vistas.
Suggested driving itinerary for the day
Day 2: Goðafoss Waterfall – Lake Myvatn
On Day 2 of your Iceland adventure, you’ll begin by visiting one of the country’s most iconic waterfalls, Goðafoss, also known as the “Waterfall of the Gods.” Located just outside of Akureyri, this stunning waterfall is famous for its dramatic crescent-shaped cascade, which tumbles down from a height of 12 meters (39 feet) into the river below. Surrounded by stark volcanic landscapes and rugged terrain, Goðafoss provides a beautiful and serene spot for photography and quiet reflection. The waterfall holds great historical significance in Icelandic culture, symbolizing the country’s conversion to Christianity in the year 1000.
After soaking in the beauty of Goðafoss, continue your journey east to the Lake Mývatn area, one of Iceland’s most spectacular and geologically fascinating regions. Lake Mývatn is known for its unique volcanic landscape, rich birdlife, and geothermal activity, making it a must-see destination on any Icelandic road trip.
As you arrive at Lake Mývatn, you’ll be greeted by a surreal mix of volcanic craters, lava formations, and hot springs. Take time to explore the Hverir Geothermal Area, where bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles create a truly otherworldly atmosphere. For a relaxing experience, don’t miss the chance to soak in the Mývatn Nature Baths, often referred to as the “Blue Lagoon of the North,” where the warm, mineral-rich waters are perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
You can also explore the Dimmuborgir Lava Fields, famous for their eerie rock formations, or visit the Krafla Volcano, where volcanic activity has shaped the landscape over thousands of years. The area around Lake Mývatn is a haven for birdwatchers, particularly during the summer months when thousands of migratory birds flock to the region.
Day 2 promises a perfect combination of natural beauty, history, and geothermal wonders, offering an unforgettable experience as you journey through the stunning landscapes of Northern Iceland.
Suggested driving itinerary for the day
Day 3: Lake Myvatn - Húsavík – Lake Myvatn
On Day 3, your journey takes you to the charming town of Húsavík from the stunning Lake Mývatn area, with a special focus on the incredible experiences that Húsavík offers. Known as the whale-watching capital of Iceland, Húsavík is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Iceland’s marine wonders. The town offers numerous whale-watching tours, where you can venture out on the bay and spot majestic humpback whales, minke whales, and playful dolphins. These tours are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness Iceland’s vibrant marine life up close.
In addition to whale watching, a visit to GeoSea is a must. This unique, geothermal sea bath offers stunning views over Skjálfandi Bay and the surrounding mountains. The naturally heated seawater provides a soothing and relaxing experience, allowing you to unwind while taking in the breathtaking scenery. The combination of hot water and fresh sea air makes GeoSea a perfect way to rejuvenate and connect with the natural surroundings of Húsavík.
After enjoying Húsavík’s whale-watching and geothermal wonders, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to Lake Mývatn, which is renowned for its surreal volcanic landscapes. As you approach Mývatn, you’ll notice the dramatic change in scenery, with vast lava fields, volcanic craters, and hot springs. Mývatn offers some of the most unique geological features in Iceland, including Dimmuborgir, a mysterious lava formation known as the “Dark Castles,” and Hverir, a geothermal area with bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles.
At the end of the day, relax in the tranquil waters of the Mývatn Nature Baths, where you can soak in the warm, mineral-rich water surrounded by incredible views of the volcanic landscape. Day 3 offers a perfect blend of marine adventure, geothermal relaxation, and volcanic exploration, making it a highlight of your Icelandic journey.
Suggested driving itinerary for the day
Day 4: Lake Myvatn - Dettifoss – Lake Myvatn
On Day 4 of your journey, you’ll leave the stunning landscapes of Lake Mývatn behind and head toward one of Iceland’s most powerful and awe-inspiring natural wonders: Dettifoss Waterfall.
As you drive from Mývatn, enjoy the scenic route through the rugged terrain, with volcanic landscapes and expansive vistas unfolding around you. Dettifoss is located in the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon within Vatnajökull National Park, and it is renowned as Europe’s most powerful waterfall, with an incredible flow of over 500 cubic meters of water per second. The sight and sound of the massive water crashing down from a height of 44 meters (144 feet) is truly spectacular, and the surrounding mist creates a surreal atmosphere. The waterfall’s force and energy are overwhelming, and it’s no surprise that Dettifoss has been featured in numerous films, including Prometheus.
You’ll have the opportunity to view Dettifoss from multiple vantage points, allowing you to fully appreciate the scale and beauty of the waterfall. For those who enjoy a little more adventure, you can take a short hike along the marked trails that lead to different viewing areas, offering up-close perspectives of the waterfall and its surrounding gorge.
After exploring Dettifoss, consider visiting Selfoss, another impressive waterfall nearby, which is smaller but equally captivating. From here, you can continue your journey through the rugged, remote landscapes of northern Iceland, taking in the beautiful scenery as you head to your next destination.
Day 4 is all about experiencing the raw power of nature at Dettifoss, offering a memorable day immersed in the untamed beauty of Iceland’s waterfalls and volcanic landscapes. The dramatic landscapes and the sheer force of Dettifoss will leave you with unforgettable memories of your Icelandic adventure.
Suggested driving itinerary for the day
Day 5: Lake Myvatn - Akureyri - Eyjafjörður - Reykjavik (evening flight)
On Day 5, you’ll depart from the charming town of Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland, and head south through the scenic Trollaskagi Peninsula, also known as the “Troll Peninsula.” This rugged and stunning region is famous for its dramatic mountains, picturesque fjords, and quaint fishing villages. The journey through Trollaskagi offers breathtaking views of steep mountains plunging into deep fjords, and the area is known for its natural beauty and tranquility.
Your first stop is Siglufjörður, a small village nestled at the top of the Eyjafjörður fjord. Siglufjörður is known as the “Herring Capital of Iceland” due to its rich history in the herring fishing industry. A visit to the Herring Era Museum provides an insightful look into the town’s past and the significance of herring in Iceland’s economic history. The town’s colorful buildings, combined with the stunning mountain backdrop, make it a perfect spot for exploring and taking photos.
After exploring Siglufjörður, continue along the coast and drive through the beautiful Eyjafjörður fjord, one of Iceland’s longest and most picturesque fjords. The fjord is surrounded by towering mountains, and you may even spot seals or other wildlife along the way. The drive offers incredible views, with the opportunity to stop at various scenic points to take in the beauty of the fjord and its surroundings.
Your journey then leads you to Reykjavík, the lively capital city of Iceland. The drive from Eyjafjörður to Reykjavík takes you through peaceful rural landscapes and farmland, gradually transitioning into the more urban surroundings of the capital. Upon arrival, you’ll have the evening free to explore Reykjavík’s vibrant cultural scene, unique architecture, and lively nightlife. Visit iconic landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja Church, stroll through the pedestrian-friendly streets of Laugavegur, or relax in a local café and watch the world go by.
Day 5 offers a perfect combination of Iceland’s stunning natural landscapes, from the rugged Trollaskagi Peninsula and picturesque fjords to the charm of Siglufjörður and the vibrant atmosphere of Reykjavík. This day is a celebration of both Iceland’s history and its breathtaking beauty.
Suggested driving itinerary for the day
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