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8-Day Self-Drive Tour with Highlands, Northern Iceland and Snaefellsnes Peninsula
This is our “off the beaten track” favourite! Book an unforgettable 8-day self-drive adventure around Iceland, where you’ll explore the country’s most iconic landscapes and hidden gems at your own pace. This carefully crafted itinerary takes you from the famous Golden Circle to the remote Highlands, the stunning Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and the scenic beauty of North Iceland. With your rental car, you can explore these wonders at your leisure, allowing you to stop, explore, and immerse yourself in Iceland’s captivating landscapes.
ID: INTSD5
Description
Welcome to your 8-day self-drive adventure in Iceland, where your journey begins as soon as you arrive at the airport. When you land at Keflavík Airport and collect your rental car, your journey begins, not on a strict schedule, but with the freedom to go where the road takes you. This 8-day self-drive itinerary allows you to experience Iceland’s best-known natural wonders while uncovering some quieter places.
You’ll start with the famous Golden Circle, a route close to our hearts that blends geology, history, and powerful natural sights. Walk through the rift valley at Þingvellir National Park, where Iceland’s parliament was founded over 1,000 years ago. Watch the ground come alive at the Geysir geothermal area, and feel the roar of Gullfoss as glacial water plunges into the canyon below.
From there, your route takes you into the Highlands, one of the wildest parts of the country. Volcanoes, black sand deserts, and steaming geothermal vents shape these central regions. If conditions allow, you’ll witness landscapes few ever forget: silent, vast, and untouched.
Next, you’ll head west to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Here, you’ll pass fishing villages like Arnarstapi, walk along sea cliffs, explore lava fields, and see Snæfellsjökull Glacier rising above it all. This glacier-covered volcano has long been part of our folklore and stories.
Finally, your route leads north toward Akureyri and Lake Mývatn. This part of Iceland is rich in geothermal activity, birdlife, and lava formations that make you feel like you’ve entered another world. The north tends to be quieter than the south, giving you space to take it all in. You’ll find steam vents, crater lakes, and small local cafés where you’ll likely be the only visitor.
The beauty of a self-drive tour is the freedom it gives you. You decide where to stop, how long to stay, and what detours to take. Want to pull over for a photo, follow a gravel road to a hidden waterfall, or spend an hour watching the light shift over a quiet fjord? You can. Traveling by car allows you to move at your own pace and discover the places organized tours often pass by.
This isn’t just about ticking off landmarks. It’s about seeing Iceland through your eyes, with the time and space to take it in fully.
Please note: opening of highland route late June/July
Day 1: Arrival – Keflavík – Reykjavík
Your adventure begins the moment you land at Keflavík International Airport. After picking up your rental car, you’ll head toward Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital. The drive takes you through the Reykjanes Peninsula, where wide-open lava fields stretch to the horizon, softened by green moss and shaped by ancient volcanic activity. Even in these early moments on the road, you’ll get a feel for the raw and open nature of the Icelandic landscape.
Once you reach Reykjavík, you’ll have the rest of the day to settle in and explore. The city has a laid-back feel, with colorful rooftops, mountain views in the distance, and a walkable center filled with character. You might start with a visit to Hallgrímskirkja, the landmark church that overlooks the city. From the top of its tower, you can take sweeping views of the capital, the harbor, and the surrounding mountains.
Down by the waterfront, you’ll find Harpa Concert Hall, a modern glass building that reflects the changing light of the sea. It’s a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. If you’re curious about Iceland’s past, the National Museum introduces the country’s long history, from early settlement to modern times. Or simply walk through the Old Harbour, where fishing boats still come and go and where many locals gather for coffee or fresh seafood.
Reykjavík is known for its cafés, galleries, and a growing food scene rooted in local ingredients.
Day one is all about getting grounded: arriving, settling in, and taking in your first impressions of the country. With the open road ahead, Reykjavík offers a relaxed and welcoming start to your Icelandic adventure.
Suggested itinerary for the day:
Day 2: Þingvellir – Kaldidalur – Hraunfossar – Reykholt
After breakfast in Reykjavík, you’ll leave the capital behind and head into one of the most significant areas in Icelandic history and geology. Your first destination is Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place every Icelander knows well. This is where our national parliament, Alþingi, was founded over a thousand years ago, making it one of the oldest in the world.
Walking through Almannagjá Gorge, between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, you’ll see and feel the power of the land itself. The landscape here speaks of time, movement, and deep cultural roots.
From Þingvellir, your route takes you toward Kaldidalur, a highland road only open in summer. This route isn’t as heavily traveled as others, but for those who take it, the experience is unforgettable. You’ll pass between glaciers and mountains through wide-open terrain that feels far from anywhere. On a clear day, the views stretch endlessly, and you might drive long distances without seeing another car.
Your journey continues toward Hraunfossar, one of the more quietly beautiful waterfalls in West Iceland. Here, the water doesn’t fall from a cliff but emerges from underneath a wide lava field, spreading into dozens of streams as it flows into the Hvítá River. It’s a peaceful spot, with black volcanic rock, clear water, and birch trees framing the view. A few minutes away is Barnafoss, a more dramatic set of rapids shaped by local legend and the river’s force cutting through rock.
To end the day, you’ll stop in Reykholt, a small village with deep historical importance. This was once the home of Snorri Sturluson, one of Iceland’s most famous medieval writers and scholars. His work preserved many of the sagas and myths that form the foundation of our cultural heritage. You can visit Snorralaug, a stone-lined hot pool believed to have been used by Snorri, and explore the museum and surrounding area, where history feels alive.
As evening settles in, you’ll find a quiet place to rest nearby.
Suggested itinerary for the day:
Day 3: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Today, your route leads west toward Iceland’s most varied and captivating place, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This region captures the country’s diversity in a single stretch of land: volcanoes, glaciers, sea cliffs, lava fields, and quiet fishing villages, all within a day’s drive.
Your morning begins in Borgarnes, a peaceful town overlooking the waters of Borgarfjörður. As you leave town, follow the road through the surrounding countryside, which is rich in history and natural beauty. A stop at Hraunfossar and Barnafoss is well worth your time. These two waterfalls sit side by side but couldn’t be more different. Hraunfossar flows gently from beneath a lava field, its clear water seeping through the mossy rock into the Hvítá River. Barnafoss, just upstream, rushes through a narrow canyon with force and energy. Both falls are easily accessible, with walking paths and viewing platforms.
You will continue toward Snæfellsnes, and the landscape begins to shift. On a clear day, the sight of the glacier is something special, as rising above the peninsula with its rounded summit and steep ridges. Locals have long considered it a place of energy and mystery, and it was famously used by Jules Verne as the setting for Journey to the Center of the Earth. The national park surrounding it includes sea cliffs, lava tubes, and views across the North Atlantic.
One of your next stops is the fishing village of Arnarstapi. This small settlement sits along a rugged coastline where basalt cliffs drop into the sea. A walking path runs along the shore, leading to dramatic rock formations and natural arches shaped by the waves. In summer, birdlife is abundant here, and you might see kittiwakes, fulmars, or puffins nesting on the ledges.
Later in the day, go to Kirkjufell, the mountain that’s become one of Iceland’s most photographed landmarks. Its distinct shape, rising alone near the coast, has made it a favorite among photographers and travelers. Nearby, Kirkjufellsfoss offers the perfect foreground for a photo, with the waterfall and mountain often seen together in classic Icelandic scenes.
As the day winds down, you’ll arrive at your accommodation on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Suggested itinerary for the day:
Day 4: Snaefellsnes Peninsula – Skagafjörður – Akureyri
This memorable journey through North Iceland offers a wonderful mix of dramatic landscapes, cultural heritage, and peaceful countryside, making the drive itself a highlight of the day.
Departing from Borgarnes, the route leads north through scenic valleys, lava fields, and wide open plains shaped by centuries of volcanic and glacial activity. As you travel, enjoy expansive views of mountains, rivers, and remote farmlands that reflect Iceland’s untamed natural beauty.
Continuing onward, you arrive in Skagafjörður, one of Iceland’s most historically rich regions. Known for its deep Viking roots, well-preserved traditions, and strong horse culture, Skagafjörður is home to picturesque farms, charming churches, and sweeping fjord views. It’s an ideal area to pause, take photos, and experience authentic rural Iceland.
The journey concludes in Akureyri, the vibrant heart of the north. Set along the shores of a stunning fjord, Akureyri offers a welcoming small-town feel combined with cultural attractions, restaurants, cafés, and beautifully maintained gardens. It’s a perfect place to relax after a scenic drive and prepare for further exploration of North Iceland’s natural wonders.
Suggested itinerary for the day:
Day 5: Goðafoss Waterfall – Lake Mývatn
Today’s journey takes you through some of the most striking landscapes in North Iceland, starting with one of the country’s most beloved waterfalls and ending in a region shaped by volcanic forces and rich natural beauty.
From Akureyri, your first stop is Goðafoss, often called the “Waterfall of the Gods.” It’s easy to see how it earned its name. The Skjálfandafljót River spills in a broad curve over lava rock, creating a powerful yet graceful cascade. According to old stories, when Iceland officially converted to Christianity around the year 1000, pagan idols were cast into the falls here, giving Goðafoss its name and place in Iceland’s cultural memory. Paths on both sides of the waterfall offer excellent views and easy walking, with the surrounding moss-covered lava and distant hills adding to the peaceful setting.
From Goðafoss, you’ll continue east toward Lake Mývatn, a region well-known among locals for its active geology and peaceful beauty. As you approach the lake, the scenery begins to shift.
Your first stop could be Hverir, a high-temperature geothermal field near Námafjall. The ground here bubbles and steams with energy: mud pots hiss, sulfur hangs in the air, and the soil is stained with vivid reds, oranges, and yellows. It’s a raw, fascinating place and very different from the quiet landscapes earlier in the day.
Back at Lake Mývatn, you’ll find a softer side of the region. The lake is shallow and rich in birdlife, especially in summer when migratory ducks and other waterbirds are abundant. You can take a peaceful walk along the shoreline or stop at one of the small bird-watching shelters scattered around the area. The contrast between the tranquil lake and the raw geothermal zones nearby makes this place so special.
If you’re looking for more to explore, don’t miss Dimmuborgir, a nearby lava field filled with strange, towering formations. This natural labyrinth results from ancient volcanic activity and has long been tied to Icelandic folklore.
Treat yourself to a soak at the Mývatn Nature Baths to end the day. These naturally heated pools offer a quieter, more remote alternative to the Blue Lagoon, with sweeping views of the surrounding lava fields and hills. The water is rich in minerals and perfect for relaxing after a full day of exploration.
By evening, you will have experienced both the raw power and the quiet calm that define this part of Iceland.
Suggested itinerary for the day:
Day 6: Akureyri – Kjölur – Golden Circle
Today’s route takes you deep into Iceland’s interior before returning to some of the country’s most iconic natural landmarks. You’ll leave the comfort of Akureyri behind and head south through the Kjölur Route, a historic highland track connecting North and South Iceland. This day offers a real sense of contrast as you move from remote wilderness into the familiar sights of the Golden Circle.
Start your morning by leaving Akureyri and driving south through the wide-open landscapes of Skagafjörður. From there, the paved roads give way to gravel as you enter Kjölur, one of Iceland’s oldest inland routes. Used for centuries by travelers and shepherds, this road cuts between two glaciers, Langjökull and Hofsjökull, and offers an actual highland experience. Out here, the silence is noticeable. The scenery is stark: black sands, moss-covered lava, glacial rivers, and distant peaks. There are no villages, few signs of human life, and a strong sense that you’re crossing something timeless.
Midway through the route, you’ll arrive at Hveravellir, a geothermal oasis in the heart of the highlands. Steam rises from cracks in the earth, and boiling springs bubble among colorful mineral deposits. It’s a raw and active landscape that is also peaceful. You can walk the short paths around the geothermal field, and if you’re up for it, take a dip in the natural hot spring pool surrounded by lava fields and mountains.
After your time in Hveravellir, continue south through the last stretch of the Kjölur route. As the terrain shifts and paved roads return, you’ll find yourself back on one of Iceland’s most well-traveled loops: the Golden Circle. Your first stop is Þingvellir National Park, where Iceland’s national assembly first gathered over a thousand years ago. It’s also where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, forming dramatic fissures and gorges in the landscape. You can walk through Almannagjá and see the clear waters of the Silfra Rift, a popular spot for diving between continents.
From Þingvellir, go to the Geysir geothermal area, where the earth boils and hisses. While the original Great Geysir rarely erupts these days, its neighbour Strokkur sends steaming water high into the air every few minutes. The whole area is active and alive, with bubbling pools, steaming vents, and sulfur-rich soil that gives the place its unique scent and color.
Your final stop for the day is Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most recognized and dramatic waterfalls. The Hvítá River plunges into a deep canyon in two powerful tiers, creating mist, noise, and often a rainbow. Walking paths take you close to the edge, where you can feel the spray and hear the full force of the falls.
You will spend a night in the Golden Circle area.
Suggested itinerary for the day:
Day 7: Golden Circle – South Coast – Reykjavík
On your second-to-last day, you’ll leave the familiar sights of the Golden Circle and head south toward one of Iceland’s most scenic regions, the South Coast. This stretch of coastline is home to some of the country’s most iconic landmarks, with thundering waterfalls, black sand beaches, and sea cliffs lining the way.
Your first stop is Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall that’s as beautiful as it is unique. A narrow path leads behind the falling water, giving you a rare view from inside the cascade. Just remember to bring a rain jacket, because the mist is part of the experience.
A short drive further east brings you to Skógafoss, one of the most powerful waterfalls in the country. Dropping 60 meters from a high cliff, Skógafoss sends a constant spray that often creates rainbows on sunny days. If you’re up for some exercise, climb the staircase to the right of the falls for a view across the flatlands to the Atlantic Ocean, with the waterfall roaring below.
Continuing along the coast, you’ll arrive at Reynisfjara, the black sand beach near the village of Vík. This area is famous for its stark, dramatic beauty: waves crash onto the shore with force, and the basalt columns along the cliffs resemble something from another world. Offshore, the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rise sharply from the ocean. According to local legend, these rocks are trolls frozen by sunlight. In summer, the cliffs above the beach are home to puffins, which nest in large numbers and are often visible from the walking paths.
From Reynisfjara, drive a bit further west to Dyrhólaey, a headland known for its massive sea arch and sweeping coastal views. On a clear day, you can see the entire stretch of black sand beach curving westward, with Mýrdalsjökull glacier looming inland. This is also one of the best puffin-watching spots in Iceland during the summer months.
As the day winds down, you’ll return to Reykjavík, arriving in the early evening.
Suggested itinerary for the day:
Day 8: Reykjavík – Keflavík Airport
Your final day in Iceland allows you to slow down and take in the last moments of your journey. After days on the road exploring waterfalls, volcanoes, and wide-open landscapes, Reykjavík offers a calm and reflective end to your adventure.
If your flight leaves later in the day, spend the morning exploring more of the city. If you’re interested in learning more about Iceland’s story, visit the National Museum of Iceland, where thoughtful exhibits and artifacts tell the country’s past. Or step into Harpa Concert Hall, a modern glass building by the waterfront known for its design and light-filled interior.
If you’re in no rush, stopping at the Blue Lagoon on your way to Keflavík Airport is a peaceful way to end your trip.
Afterward, go to the airport, return your rental car, and check in. As you head home, you’ll take more than just photos: you’ll carry memories of Iceland’s vast landscapes, shifting skies, and the quiet power that defines this place!
Do you love what you see but need something slightly different?
No problem! Below, you will find all self-drive tours and the best day tours to add to your itinerary. You can also fill out our Travel Planner form and let us know about your dream vacation in Iceland—we´ll create the perfect program just for you!
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