8-Day Self-Drive Tour with South Coast, Golden Circle, Landmannalaugar, Snaefellsnes & Westfjords
Book an unforgettable 8-day self-drive adventure through Iceland, where you’ll experience the country’s most iconic landscapes and hidden gems. This tour offers the perfect balance of famous attractions and remote areas, allowing you to explore the stunning South Coast, the fascinating Golden Circle, the vibrant Landmannalaugar highlands, the enchanting Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and the rugged beauty of the Westfjords.
Our carefully crafted itinerary allows you to explore the island’s most iconic attractions while uncovering some of its hidden gems. With the flexibility of a self-drive tour, you can travel at your own pace, stop for as many photos as you like, and immerse yourself in the raw beauty of Iceland.
Your journey begins upon arrival in Reykjavík, where you’ll pick up your rental car and set off on your adventure. You’ll drive south along the South Coast from the vibrant capital, visiting natural wonders like the awe-inspiring Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. Continue to the black sand beach of Reynisfjara near the village of Vík, where you’ll be mesmerized by the basalt columns and towering sea stacks. Afterward, head to Hvolsvöllur, a charming town with great local attractions and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Next, venture into the rugged beauty of Landmannalaugar, a geothermal area in the Icelandic Highlands. This remote spot offers striking rhyolite mountains, steaming hot springs, and incredible hiking trails. Spend time here soaking in the natural beauty and relaxing in one of the hot springs.
Following your adventure in Landmannalaugar, head to the renowned Golden Circle, home to some of Iceland’s most famous landmarks. Visit Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the erupting Strokkur Geyser, and the mighty Gullfoss Waterfall, each offering a glimpse into Iceland’s fascinating geology and natural forces.
As you journey west, the wild and remote Látrabjarg cliffs await, where you can see puffins nesting on the towering cliffs during the summer. Then, continue to Breiðafjörður Bay, a peaceful region with scattered islands, rich birdlife, and tranquil surroundings. The final leg of your trip brings you to the stunning Snæfellsnes Peninsula, known as “Iceland in miniature” for its diverse landscapes, from glaciers to volcanic peaks, picturesque fishing villages, and dramatic coastlines.
Your journey concludes in Reykjavík, where you can reflect on your adventure, enjoy a final day in the capital, and prepare for your departure. This self-drive tour allows you to experience the best of Iceland—from its famous landmarks to its hidden corners—giving you the ultimate Icelandic adventure at your own pace.
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Accommodation and car options
Embark on a self-drive adventure with your choice of car rental. We will book you a car that is suitable for the Highland roads, and you can choose between a manual or automatic transmission.
Stay in charming 3-star hotels with comfortable rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and a delicious breakfast. For an extra special experience, upgrade to premium cars and accommodation. Contact us for more information!
Day 1: Arrival in Iceland – Reykjavík
Your adventure begins when you land at Keflavík International Airport, where you’ll pick up your rental car and start your journey across this stunning island. Driving from the airport to Reykjavík, you’ll get your first taste of Iceland’s unique landscapes. The road winds through the stark volcanic terrain, giving you a glimpse of the island’s rugged beauty as you enter the vibrant capital city.
Upon arrival in Reykjavík, Iceland’s cultural and historical hub, you’ll have the rest of the day to settle in and explore. The city is charming, with colorful houses, modern architecture, and a relaxed vibe. You can stroll along the picturesque Old Harbour, where you’ll find a mix of local boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, or enjoy the vibrant arts scene at one of the city’s many galleries and museums.
For a truly unique experience, consider visiting Hallgrímskirkja, the striking church towers over the city skyline. You can take an elevator to the top of the church tower for a panoramic view of Reykjavík and the surrounding area, including the distant Esja Mountain and Reykjanes Peninsula.
Enjoy a delicious meal in the evening at one of the city’s many restaurants offering fresh, locally sourced Icelandic cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, traditional lamb dishes, or creative Icelandic fusion, Reykjavík has something to satisfy every palate.
After a day of relaxation and exploration, you’ll have a good night’s rest, ready to continue your adventure on day 2, where you’ll begin your journey along Iceland’s famous South Coast.
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Day 2: Reykjavík – South Coast – Hvolsvöllur
After a restful night in Reykjavík, your Icelandic adventure continues as you head south along the stunning South Shore. This scenic drive perfectly introduces Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, with sweeping views of glaciers, waterfalls, and the rugged coastline.
Your first stop of the day is the famous Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, a breathtaking 60-meter-high cascade that you can walk behind for a truly unique experience. The mist from the waterfall creates a magical atmosphere, and you’ll have plenty of photo opportunities to capture the beauty of this natural wonder. Just a short drive away is Skógafoss, another iconic, even more powerful waterfall with a massive drop and stunning rainbows that often form in the spray on sunny days.
As you continue along the South Coast, approach Dyrhólaey, a stunning promontory with dramatic views of the coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. From the top of Dyrhólaey, you can see the famous Reynisfjara black sand beach, the towering Reynisdrangar sea stacks, and the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier in the distance. It’s also a prime spot for birdwatching, with puffins often nesting here in summer.
After exploring Dyrhólaey, continue your journey east to the small village of Hvolsvöllur, nestled between glaciers and mountains. This peaceful village offers a perfect place to unwind after a day of exploration. You can visit the local Lava Centre, which provides fascinating insights into Iceland’s volcanic activity and geological history.
Enjoy a cozy evening in Hvolsvöllur, where you can reflect on the stunning landscapes you’ve encountered so far. The next day will take you deeper into Iceland’s natural wonders, but for now, rest up in preparation for the adventures ahead.
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Day 3: Landmannalaugar
Today, you’ll embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Iceland’s wilderness, driving from Hvolsvöllur to the stunning Landmannalaugar. This area is a geothermal paradise nestled in the Icelandic Highlands, offering some of the country’s most extraordinary landscapes.
After leaving Hvolsvöllur, the road will take you deeper into Iceland’s rugged terrain, where you’ll begin to witness the striking contrasts of this remote region. As you drive, the scenery changes dramatically from lush green fields to barren volcanic landscapes, with craters, lava fields, and towering mountains surrounding you at every turn. The road requires a 4×4 vehicle, so you will be fully equipped to tackle the highland adventure.
Upon reaching Landmannalaugar, you’ll be welcomed by a landscape unlike any other. The area is renowned for its colorful rhyolite mountains, which display vibrant hues of red, yellow, and green due to volcanic activity over the centuries. The juxtaposition of these striking mountains against the backdrop of black lava fields and hot springs creates a surreal and stunning environment.
One of the highlights of your visit is the Landmannalaugar hot springs, where you can relax in the warm, mineral-rich waters after hiking. The natural hot springs offer a rejuvenating experience, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the highlands.
If you’re up for it, take advantage of the many hiking trails that wind through the area, offering incredible views of the surrounding lava fields, mountains, and glaciers. Trails like the Laugavegur (one of Iceland’s most famous multi-day hikes) start from this area and provide a great way to explore the unique landscapes on foot.
After a day of exploring the geothermal wonders of Landmannalaugar, you’ll return to the comfort of your accommodation, either camping under the stars or staying in a local hut, to rest and prepare for the next leg of your adventure. With its stunning scenery and peaceful atmosphere, Landmannalaugar offers a truly unforgettable experience in the heart of Iceland’s wilderness.
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Day 4: Gullfoss – Geysir – Þingvellir – Borgarfjörður
On day 4 of your vacation in Iceland, you’ll explore some of the most iconic landmarks of the Golden Circle, a route that showcases Iceland’s spectacular natural beauty and fascinating history.
Your first stop is the mighty Gullfoss Waterfall, one of Iceland’s most famous and powerful waterfalls. As you approach, the thunderous roar of the cascading water will greet you. The falls drop in two stages, creating a dramatic and mesmerizing sight as the water plunges into a deep canyon below. Take your time to enjoy the views from various vantage points and capture the beauty of this iconic waterfall.
Next, you’ll head to the Geysir Geothermal Area, home to the original “geyser” that gave its name to these geothermal wonders. You’ll find Strokkur, a highly active geyser that erupts every few minutes, sending a towering jet of hot water into the air. Watching the eruption is a thrilling experience, and the surrounding geothermal area, with its bubbling hot springs and steaming vents, adds to the sense of otherworldliness.
Continuing along the Golden Circle, you’ll visit Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site with great historical and geological significance. This is the place where Iceland’s Alþingi, one of the oldest parliaments in the world, was established over 1,000 years ago. Walking through the park, you’ll also witness the rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates slowly drift apart. The striking landscape of craggy rocks and clear blue lakes offers a glimpse into Iceland’s unique geology.
In the afternoon, drive towards Borgarfjörður, a picturesque fjord in western Iceland. Along the way, you’ll be treated to incredible views of volcanic peaks, rivers, and waterfalls. Húsafell, a charming village in the area, is a great place to stop for a rest, and you can explore nearby attractions such as the Hraunfossar Waterfall, where water flows from underneath a lava field, creating a series of serene waterfalls.
By the end of the day, you’ll have experienced a combination of Iceland’s most stunning natural wonders and rich history. As you settle into your accommodation in Borgarfjörður, you’ll be left in awe of the country’s geological and cultural treasures, ready for the next day’s adventure.
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Day 5: The southern Westfjords – Látrabjarg cliffs
On day 5, you’ll explore one of Iceland’s most remote and stunning regions: the Southern Westfjords. Known for its dramatic landscapes, the Westfjords are a paradise for nature lovers, with towering cliffs, deep fjords, and incredible wildlife. Your day will be filled with awe-inspiring views as you drive through this rugged and less-traveled part of the country.
Leaving Borgarfjörður, you’ll head north toward the scenic roads that lead into the heart of the Westfjords. The drive is an adventure, as the winding roads hug the coastline and offer breathtaking views of the towering mountains, steep cliffs, and sparkling fjords. The landscape here feels wild and untouched, with few signs of human activity, making it a perfect destination for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.
One of the highlights of today’s journey is a visit to Látrabjarg, the westernmost point of Iceland, and a dramatic cliff face that stretches for 14 kilometers. These cliffs are not only a stunning geological feature but also an essential site for birdwatching. In the summer months, Látrabjarg is home to one of the largest bird colonies in Iceland, with millions of puffins, guillemots, and other seabirds nesting along the cliffs. You’ll have the unique opportunity to get up close to these curious puffins, who are known to be quite tame and will often let you approach them for photos.
The views from Látrabjarg are absolutely spectacular. The cliffs rise dramatically from the sea, offering panoramic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re up for it, you can take a short walk along the cliffs, marveling at the raw beauty and power of nature that surrounds you.
After a day of exploration, you’ll continue your journey through the Westfjords, heading toward your next destination. As you drive, you’ll pass through remote villages, vast open landscapes, and scenic fjords while enjoying the serenity and untouched beauty that the Westfjords are known for.
Tonight, you’ll rest in the Southern Westfjords, where you can reflect on the day’s unforgettable sights and the incredible wildlife you encountered.
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Day 6: Breiðafjörður – Snæfellsnes
Today, you’ll explore the stunning beauty of Breiðafjörður Bay and the iconic Snæfellsnes Peninsula, two of the country’s most picturesque and fascinating areas.
Your day begins as you leave the Southern Westfjords and head towards the tranquil waters of Breiðafjörður, a vast bay with hundreds of islands and rich wildlife. As you drive along the coastline, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the bay’s sparkling waters, with distant mountains and cliffs rising dramatically from the sea. This area is renowned for its birdlife, and if you’re lucky, you might spot seals basking on the shore or see a variety of seabirds soaring overhead.
After taking in the beauty of Breiðafjörður, you’ll make your way to the stunning Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in miniature” due to the diversity of landscapes it offers. From towering glaciers and volcanic peaks to black sand beaches and fishing villages, the peninsula showcases the full range of Icelandic nature in a compact area. Your first stop on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula will likely be Snæfellsjökull National Park, home to the magnificent Snæfellsjökull Glacier, which is the inspiration behind Jules Verne’s novel Journey to the Center of the Earth. This glacier, which sits atop a dormant volcano, creates a dramatic backdrop to the surrounding area, where you can explore lava fields, craters, and rugged coastal cliffs.
Another highlight of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is the iconic Kirkjufell Mountain, one of Iceland’s most photographed peaks. This distinctive mountain, with its pointed summit and surrounding waterfalls, offers stunning photo opportunities and a serene atmosphere. Nearby, you’ll find Grundarfjörður, a charming town with scenic views and a great place to stop for a relaxing lunch.
As you continue your journey along the peninsula, you’ll encounter small fishing villages like Arnarstapi and Hellnar, where you can walk along the dramatic coastline, visit the sea cliffs, and take in the spectacular ocean views. The rugged landscapes of the peninsula are also dotted with volcanic craters, caves, and other fascinating geological features.
After a day filled with incredible sights, you’ll settle into your accommodation on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula or nearby, ready to reflect on the natural wonders of the day. This part of Iceland offers a mix of tranquility and awe-inspiring landscapes, making it a truly unforgettable part of your journey.
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Day 7: Snæfellsnes – Reykjavík
On day 7 of your self-drive trip in Iceland, you’ll leave the captivating Snæfellsnes Peninsula behind and return to Reykjavík, taking in some of the stunning sights of West Iceland along the way. The drive offers a beautiful mix of coastal views, charming towns, and dramatic fjords, making it a day of scenic exploration before you return to the capital.
As you head east, you’ll first pass through the picturesque town of Borgarnes, located at the mouth of the Borgarfjörður fjord. Borgarnes is a lovely place to stop, offering a mix of history and nature. You might visit the Settlement Center, which showcases Iceland’s early history or stroll along the scenic waterfront to enjoy the view of the fjord framed by the surrounding mountains.
Continuing your journey, you’ll drive along the serene and stunning Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord), a long, narrow fjord surrounded by towering mountains and dramatic landscapes. The drive around Hvalfjörður offers beautiful views of the tranquil waters and is a peaceful contrast to the more rugged and exposed landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. There are a few fantastic viewpoints along the way, and you can stop at Hvammsvík Hot Springs for a relaxing dip if time permits.
As you continue toward Reykjavík, you’ll pass through more of West Iceland’s scenic beauty, with rolling hills, volcanic craters, and expansive vistas. The drive is tranquil, giving you time to reflect on the diverse landscapes you’ve experienced on your journey.
Upon arrival in Reykjavík, you’ll have the remainder of the day to relax and explore. Whether you enjoy a quiet evening in the city or visit the iconic Hallgrímskirkja Church for panoramic views of the capital, Reykjavík has plenty to offer. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of scenic driving, surrounded by the beauty and charm of Iceland’s capital.
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Day 8: Departure day
On your final day in Iceland, it’s time to bid farewell to this extraordinary land of natural wonders. After an unforgettable journey across the country, you’ll go from Reykjavík to Keflavík International Airport, where your adventure concludes.
Start the day with a leisurely breakfast in Reykjavík, perhaps savoring a final moment in the city before hitting the road. Depending on your departure time, you might want to explore more of Reykjavík’s vibrant streets, filled with colorful buildings, charming cafes, and local shops. A visit to Hallgrímskirkja Church or a stroll along the scenic waterfront by Harpa Concert Hall can give you a final taste of the capital’s charm.
The drive from Reykjavík to Keflavík is short, taking approximately 45 minutes. You’ll pass through the Reykjanes Peninsula, a fascinating region known for its geothermal activity and otherworldly landscapes. The road will take you past volcanic craters, steaming hot springs, and the striking Bridge Between Continents, where you can stand between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Once at Keflavík, you’ll have plenty of time to return your rental car and check-in for your flight. If you have time to spare before your departure, you might want to unwind at the Blue Lagoon, located just a short drive from the airport. A final soak in the rejuvenating geothermal waters is the perfect way to end your Icelandic adventure on a relaxing note.
As you board your flight, you’ll leave Iceland with incredible memories of its stunning landscapes, welcoming people, and the sense of adventure this beautiful island brings.
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