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8-Day North Iceland Self-Drive Tour | Diamond Circle & Arctic Landscapes
This 8-day North Iceland self-drive adventure is created for travelers who want to experience Iceland in a deeper, more authentic way, far from the busiest routes and crowds. Focusing on the northern and eastern regions of the country, this itinerary highlights dramatic landscapes, powerful natural forces, and quiet communities where everyday life is still closely connected to the land and sea. It is an ideal journey for those who enjoy freedom, scenic driving, and discovering places that feel genuinely untouched.
ID: INTSDN1
Description
Beginning and ending in Akureyri, the cultural and social center of North Iceland, the tour follows some of the country’s most rewarding routes, including the Arctic Coast Way, the Diamond Circle, and the winding roads of the Eastfjords. Along the way, you will encounter a striking variety of scenery, from deep fjords and coastal cliffs to volcanic deserts, geothermal fields, and fertile valleys. Each region has its own character, shaped by geology, climate, and centuries of history.
The journey brings you to some of Iceland’s most memorable natural landmarks, such as the Lake Mývatn area with its lava formations and steaming geothermal zones, Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe, and Ásbyrgi, a peaceful horseshoe-shaped canyon steeped in legend. In East Iceland, the vivid turquoise waters of Stuðlagil Canyon cut through towering basalt columns.
At the same time, the artistic town of Seyðisfjörður offers a colorful and creative contrast to the surrounding wilderness. Borgarfjörður Eystri reveals a quieter side of the island, known for its scenic hiking trails, dramatic mountain colors, and summer puffin colonies.
This self-drive itinerary also allows time for optional experiences that enrich the journey, such as whale-watching in Húsavík, relaxing in geothermal baths, exploring museums, or short hikes to waterfalls and viewpoints. Distances are carefully planned to ensure relaxed driving days, leaving room for spontaneous stops, photography, and moments of stillness that often become the most memorable parts of a trip.
Accommodation is arranged in comfortable hotels located in or near key destinations, providing a welcoming place to rest after each day of exploration. With the flexibility of a rental car and a thoughtfully designed route, this North Iceland self-drive tour offers a genuine sense of discovery, inviting you to experience the raw beauty, rich culture, and slower rhythm of life in Iceland’s north.
Please note: this tour requires a self-booked flight, giving you the flexibility to suit your travel plans.
Day 1: Arrival in Akureyri
Arrive in Akureyri in the afternoon and collect your rental car directly at Akureyri Airport, marking the start of your North Iceland self-drive adventure.
Often called the capital of North Iceland, Akureyri is a welcoming, picturesque town at the end of a long fjord. It serves as the region’s leading cultural and social hub while still retaining a relaxed, small-town feel. The colorful town center is easy to explore on foot and offers a pleasant mix of cafés, restaurants, local shops, art galleries, and traditional wooden houses.
Take time to stroll along the harbor and through the old town, where daily life unfolds at a calm, northern pace. A visit to the Botanical Garden is highly recommended. As the northernmost botanical garden in the world, it showcases an impressive variety of plants thriving surprisingly close to the Arctic Circle. It is a favorite spot among locals during the summer months.
You may also wish to stop by Akureyri Church, perched above the town, or explore one of the city’s museums. Options include the Folk Museum, Nonni House, the Industry Museum, the Motorcycle Museum, or the Aviation Museum, each offering a different perspective on life in North Iceland.
Optional activities are available for those who want to enhance their first-day experience. Choose from a whale watching boat tour on Eyjafjörður, a horseback riding tour through the countryside, or a relaxing visit to the Forest Lagoon, a modern geothermal spa set among trees just outside town.
Overnight in the Akureyri area. 3-star hotel with private facilities and breakfast included.
Suggested itinerary for the day:
Day 2: Exploring the Arctic Coast Way: Akureyri to Siglufjörður and Skagafjörður
Today, you follow part of the Arctic Coast Way, one of North Iceland’s most scenic driving routes. Leaving Akureyri, the road hugs the shoreline of Eyjafjörður, passing colorful fishing villages with views across the fjord to the rugged Tröllaskagi Mountains and the open North Atlantic. This stretch of road reflects everyday life in the north, shaped by fishing, weather, and close ties to the sea.
Your first major stop is Siglufjörður, the northernmost town on mainland Iceland, home to around 1,300 residents. Nestled between steep mountains and the sea, the city is especially inviting in summer, when hiking trails open in the surrounding valleys and along the coastline. The black sandy beaches, calm harbor, and small lake create a peaceful yet lively atmosphere.
A visit to the Herring Era Museum is highly recommended. Known locally as Síldarminjasafnið, it is the largest marine and industrial museum in Europe. Spread across several historic buildings, the museum tells the story of the herring boom that once brought great prosperity to this remote region and shaped North Iceland’s culture.
Continuing south into Skagafjörður, stop at the Hofsós swimming pool, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful pools in the country. Built into the hillside above the sea, the geothermal pool offers sweeping views toward Drangey Island. Designed by the same architect behind the Blue Lagoon, it provides a memorable and relaxing break in stunning surroundings.
Nearby, explore the historic turf farm at Glaumbær, an excellent example of traditional Icelandic architecture. The preserved turf houses offer insight into rural life in past centuries. Two timber buildings stand beside the turf complex: Gilsstofa, initially built in 1849 and now serving as a reception area, and Áshús, constructed between 1883 and 1886, which houses exhibitions and a charming tea room. Locals often recommend stopping here for pancakes and hot chocolate.
Overnight in the Varmahlíð area. Accommodation in a 3-star hotel, standard room with private facilities and breakfast included.
Suggested itinerary for the day:
Day 3: The Highlights of Lake Mývatn: Skagafjörður to Goðafoss and Lake Mývatn
Today, you leave Skagafjörður and head east toward one of North Iceland’s most remarkable regions. Your first stop is Goðafoss, one of the country’s most celebrated waterfalls. Located just off the Ring Road, this vast and mighty cascade is impossible to miss. Known as the Waterfall of the Gods, Goðafoss is closely tied to Icelandic history.
According to legend, pagan idols were thrown into the falls when Iceland officially adopted Christianity, giving the site both symbolic and cultural importance.
From Goðafoss, continue toward Lake Mývatn, a true highlight of North Iceland and a place locals consider one of the most geologically fascinating areas in the country. The lake and its surroundings are shaped by intense volcanic activity. They are home to thousands of nesting birds during the summer months, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.
Spend the afternoon exploring the many natural wonders around Lake Mývatn. The area features expansive lava fields, volcanic craters, pseudo craters, and unusual lava rock formations. Steaming solfatara fields with bubbling mud pools and hissing steam vents reveal the raw geothermal energy beneath the surface. To end the day, you may choose to relax at the Earth Lagoon, where warm geothermal waters offer peaceful views across the volcanic landscape.
Overnight for two nights in the Lake Mývatn area. Accommodation in a 3-star hotel, standard room with private facilities and breakfast included.
Suggested itinerary for the day:
Day 4: Exploring the Lake Mývatn Region
This day is dedicated to fully exploring the diverse and otherworldly landscapes surrounding Lake Mývatn. This area is one of Iceland’s most active volcanic zones, where geothermal forces have shaped the land into a remarkable mix of lava formations, craters, steaming fields, and calm lakeside scenery.
Begin at Dimmuborgir, a dramatic lava field filled with towering rock formations, arches, and caves. Often referred to as the Dark Castles, this area feels almost mythical and offers easy walking paths through a maze of solidified lava.
Continue to Hverir, a geothermal area alive with bubbling mud pools, hissing steam vents, and strong sulfur scents. The colors and textures here are striking, and the ground beneath your feet reminds you how close the earth’s energy lies to the surface.
Drive out to the Höfði peninsula for a quieter contrast. This wooded headland extends into Lake Mývatn and is one of the best places to enjoy peaceful views across the water, especially during summer when birdlife is abundant.
Next, visit Grjótagjá, a small rift cave with a vivid blue geothermal pool hidden inside. Though bathing is no longer allowed, the cave remains a fascinating stop and a well-known filming location.
Nearby rises Hverfjall, a perfectly shaped tephra crater. A short but steep hike leads to the rim, rewarding you with sweeping views over the Mývatn area, lava fields, and surrounding mountains.
Explore the pseudocraters scattered around the lake, formed by steam explosions when lava flowed over wet ground. These unusual formations are unique to volcanic lake environments like Mývatn.
Continue to the Viti crater and the Krafla volcanic area, where vast lava fields stretch across the landscape. At Leirhnjúkur, walking paths take you through one of Iceland’s most active geothermal zones, where recent eruptions have left steaming ground, colorful minerals, and hardened lava flows.
For a relaxing end to the day, an optional visit to the Earth Lagoon offers the chance to soak in warm geothermal waters surrounded by volcanic scenery.
Overnight in the Lake Mývatn area.
Suggested itinerary for the day:
Day 5: Lake Mývatn to Egilsstaðir via Stuðlagil Canyon
Today, you travel from the volcanic landscapes of Lake Mývatn into the quieter, less-traveled region of East Iceland. The drive itself is part of the experience, taking you through broad valleys, highland plateaus, and remote countryside before reaching some of the east’s most memorable natural highlights.
Your first major stop is Stuðlagil Canyon, one of Iceland’s most remarkable basalt formations. Towering hexagonal basalt columns line the canyon walls, rising above a vivid turquoise glacial river. The dramatic contrast between dark volcanic rock and bright blue water makes Stuðlagil one of the most photographed natural sights in the country. Several viewpoints and walking paths allow you to experience the canyon from different angles, whether you prefer a short stop or a longer walk.
If road and weather conditions allow, continue to Borgarfjörður Eystri, a remote and breathtaking fjord on the eastern coast. This area is primarily known for its colorful rhyolite mountains, quiet hiking trails, and one of Iceland’s best places to observe puffins during the summer months.
The small village sits in a peaceful setting, far from crowds, and is often considered a hidden gem by those who venture this far east. Borgarfjörður Eystri also marks the starting point of several scenic hiking routes and offers a strong sense of untouched Icelandic nature.
After exploring the area, return inland to Egilsstaðir, the main town of East Iceland, located along the Lagarfljót lake. It serves as a comfortable base for the next part of your journey.
Overnight for two nights in the Egilsstaðir area. Accommodation in a 3-star hotel, standard room with private facilities and breakfast included.
Suggested itinerary for the day:
Day 6: Egilsstaðir to Seyðisfjörður and the Eastfjords
Today, you explore the Eastfjords, one of Iceland’s most untouched and scenic regions, often described by locals as true wilderness. This area is less visited than other parts of the country, making it ideal for travelers who enjoy peaceful landscapes, winding coastal roads, and close contact with nature. Along the way, you will encounter waterfalls, dramatic fjords, quiet fishing villages, wildlife, and excellent opportunities for short walks or longer hikes.
From Egilsstaðir, drive over the mountain pass to Seyðisfjörður, a journey known for its sweeping views, roadside waterfalls, and ever-changing light. Seyðisfjörður is widely regarded as the cultural heart of the Eastfjords. This small town of around 650 residents has a strong artistic spirit, with colorful wooden houses, galleries, and creative spaces lining the streets. Each summer, the town hosts the Lunga Art Festival, drawing artists and visitors from across Iceland and beyond.
Despite its size, Seyðisfjörður feels lively and welcoming. It offers excellent restaurants, unique local shops, and a compact town center that is perfect for exploring on foot. The surrounding mountains and fjord create a dramatic backdrop that adds to the town’s special atmosphere.
After spending time in Seyðisfjörður, continue exploring the Eastfjords at your own pace. The coastal route reveals quiet harbors, open sea views, and stretches of road where nature takes center stage.
Optional experiences today include a relaxing soak at Vök Baths, East Iceland’s modern geothermal spa set on the edge of Lake Urriðavatn, or a hike to Hengifoss, one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, known for its striking red clay layers and scenic trail.
Overnight in the Egilsstaðir area.
Suggested itinerary for the day:
Day 7: Egilsstaðir to Akureyri via the Diamond Circle
Today, you complete the final section of the Diamond Circle, one of North Iceland’s most spectacular sightseeing routes. The drive from Egilsstaðir to Akureyri brings together some of the region’s most potent natural landmarks, combining waterfalls, dramatic canyons, and coastal scenery.
Your first major stop is Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. Here, an immense volume of glacial water surges over the edge of a vast canyon, plunging with tremendous force into the gorge below. The raw power, mist, and sound of Dettifoss make it one of Iceland’s most awe-inspiring natural sights.
Continue to Ásbyrgi, a striking horseshoe-shaped canyon surrounded by forested cliffs. Located within Vatnajökull National Park, Ásbyrgi offers a peaceful contrast to Dettifoss, with walking paths, tranquil ponds, and sheltered greenery. According to local legend, the canyon was formed by the hoofprint of Odin’s eight-legged horse, adding a layer of folklore to its dramatic landscape.
Next, drive to Húsavík, often called the Whale Capital of Iceland. This historic coastal town is considered one of the country’s oldest settlements and serves as the regional hub. Húsavík is famous for its whale-watching tours in Skjálfandi Bay, where numerous whale species, including humpbacks and, sometimes, blue whales, are spotted during the season.
The town is also home to the Whale Museum, where visitors can see life-sized whale skeletons, including a 22-meter-long blue whale skeleton, offering a fascinating insight into marine life.
After exploring Húsavík, continue west along the coast to Akureyri, the cultural and commercial heart of North Iceland.
Overnight in the Akureyri area. Accommodation in a 3-star hotel, standard room with private facilities and breakfast included.
Suggested itinerary for the day:
Day 8: Departure from Akureyri
Today marks the end of your North Iceland self-drive adventure. Drive to Akureyri Airport and return your rental car at the designated drop-off area.
Proceed to the terminal for check-in and departure on your onward flight, taking with you memories of Iceland’s northern landscapes, dramatic nature, and unique coastal communities.
Suggested itinerary for the day:
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