Summer Trip to Iceland: Explore the Land of Fire and Ice at Your Own Pace
A summer trip to Iceland is one of the most rewarding ways to experience this extraordinary island. With near-constant daylight, mild w...
9-Day Half Ring Self-Drive Tour in Iceland: Golden Circle & Diamond Circle Itinerary
This 9-day self-drive tour is designed for travelers who want to experience Iceland in a balanced, unhurried, and genuinely local way. Instead of rushing the whole Ring Road, this itinerary focuses on the most diverse and rewarding regions of the country, combining North Iceland, the Diamond Circle, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, West Iceland, and the iconic Golden Circle. It follows routes many Icelanders would choose themselves, shaped by changing weather, long daylight hours, and a deep respect for nature.
This self-drive journey offers you the flexibility while still providing a carefully planned route, comfortable accommodations, and realistic driving distances suited to Icelandic road conditions.
ID: INTSD16
Description
The tour begins in Reykjavík, our small but lively capital, and continues north by flight to Akureyri, saving time and allowing you to focus on the wild beauty of the north. From there, you explore the volcanic landscapes of Lake Mývatn, the powerful waterfalls of the Diamond Circle, and the whale-rich waters of Húsavík. These are places where nature still sets the pace, where geothermal steam rises from the ground, and where silence is often broken only by wind or birds.
As the journey continues west, you discover North Iceland’s charming coastal towns, historic fishing villages, and regions shaped by centuries of farming and seafaring. The route through Skagafjörður and Hofsós reflects everyday Iceland, where swimming pools are social hubs and history lives on in turf farms and local stories. On the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, landscapes shift quickly from black sand beaches and lava fields to dramatic cliffs and glaciers, offering a condensed view of Iceland’s natural contrasts.
The final days lead you through West Iceland and the Golden Circle, blending lesser-known gems like Hraunfossar and Reykholt with world-famous sites such as Geysir, Gullfoss, and Þingvellir National Park. Ending back in Reykjavík, the tour comes full circle, leaving you with a deep sense of place and an understanding of why Icelanders value both nature and simplicity.
This Half Ring Road self-drive tour is ideal for first-time visitors who want more than the highlights, as well as returning travelers seeking new regions without long, exhausting drives. It offers an authentic taste of Iceland as we know it, shaped by land, light, weather, and time.
Day 1: Arrival in Iceland and Reykjavík City
Upon arrival at Keflavík International Airport, a private taxi transfer brings you comfortably to Reykjavík in around 45 minutes. Your driver will meet you in arrivals with a name sign, ensuring a smooth start to your Iceland adventure.
Reykjavík may be small, but it has a strong personality. As the world’s northernmost capital, it balances creative energy with a relaxed coastal feel. The compact city center is easy to explore on foot, with Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur offering local shops, cafés, and street art. Hallgrímskirkja church rises above the skyline, offering panoramic views that locals never tire of. Harpa Concert Hall by the old harbor is another must see, especially in changing light.
Accommodation: 4* hotel, Superior room with private facilities, including breakfast.
Suggested itinerary for the day:
Day 2: Reykjavík to Akureyri, Goðafoss and Lake Mývatn
Your day begins with a taxi transfer from your hotel to Reykjavík Domestic Airport. You will then fly with Icelandair to Akureyri, North Iceland’s main town. Check-in opens one hour before departure. The checked luggage allowance is up to 20 kg, with 6 kg of hand luggage. A valid photo ID is required at check-in.
Upon arrival at Akureyri Airport, you collect your rental car and start your self-drive journey through the north.
Your first stop is Goðafoss, one of Iceland’s most celebrated waterfalls. Easily accessible from the Ring Road, this vast and mighty cascade is often called the Waterfall of the Gods. According to Icelandic legend, pagan idols were thrown into the falls when the nation converted to Christianity, giving the site both historical and symbolic importance.
Continue east to the Lake Mývatn region, a natural wonder shaped by volcanic activity. The area is known for its rich birdlife and striking geothermal features, including lava fields, volcanic craters, pseudo craters, and steaming solfatara fields with bubbling mud pools. Many visitors choose to end the day with a relaxing soak at the Earth Lagoon, where warm geothermal waters offer peaceful views across the surrounding landscape.
Overnight stay for two nights in the Mývatn area at a 3-star hotel, such as Fosshotel Mývatn, or similar. Standard double room with private facilities and breakfast included.
Suggested itinerary for the day:
Day 3: Lake Mývatn to Húsavík, Ásbyrgi and Dettifoss, returning to Lake Mývatn
Today is dedicated to the Diamond Circle, one of North Iceland’s most spectacular scenic routes. The drive covers around 260 km and showcases a remarkable variety of landscapes, from coastal views to volcanic highlands and powerful waterfalls.
Begin the day by driving to Húsavík, a charming harbor town known worldwide as Iceland’s whale watching capital. Here you join a classic whale watching tour in Skjálfandi Bay. The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours and takes place on a traditional Icelandic oak boat. Sailing these calm waters offers excellent chances to spot whales, dolphins, and, during the summer months from May to August, puffins and other seabirds. Onboard, you can warm up with hot chocolate and traditional Icelandic cinnamon buns while enjoying the scenery. This family-friendly tour, operated by the pioneers of whale watching in Iceland, offers an authentic wildlife experience led by professional guides.
Warm overalls, raincoats, hats, gloves, and blankets are provided on the tour. The departure point is the harbor in Húsavík, with the ticket office located above the harbor across from the church. Guests are advised to bring warm clothing.
After your time at sea, continue exploring the Diamond Circle. Drive to Ásbyrgi, a dramatic horseshoe-shaped canyon steeped in legend, followed by a visit to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. The sheer force and scale of Dettifoss make it one of Iceland’s most unforgettable natural sights.
The route also passes some of the region’s most striking volcanic landscapes, including the Krafla volcanic area and the steaming geothermal fields of Hverir. Around Lake Mývatn, highlights include the lava formations of Dimmuborgir, the dark slopes of Hverfjall crater, and the turquoise waters of the Grjótagjá lava cave. Lesser-known areas such as the lush Hólmatungur valley and the fossil-rich Tjörnes peninsula reveal quieter, equally impressive sides of North Iceland.
Optional relaxation is available in the evening with a visit to GeoSea in Húsavík or the Earth Lagoon near Mývatn, perfect for unwinding after a full day of exploration.
Overnight in the Lake Mývatn area.
Suggested itinerary for the day:
Day 4: Lake Mývatn to Akureyri and Siglufjörður
Today you leave the volcanic landscapes of Lake Mývatn behind and drive west toward Akureyri, often referred to as the capital of North Iceland. While small in size, Akureyri offers a surprisingly lively atmosphere with an intense cultural scene. In the town center, you will find Hof Culture House, a modern venue hosting concerts and events throughout the year, as well as Græni Hatturinn, a local favorite for live music. The streets are lined with independent shops, cafés, and restaurants, making it an enjoyable place to wander at your own pace.
Take time to stroll through the older part of town, where traditional houses reflect Akureyri’s past. A visit to Akureyri Museum offers insight into local history and changing exhibitions. During summer, the Botanical Garden, Listagarðurinn, is excellent, filled with colorful flowers thriving surprisingly close to the Arctic Circle. The café is a pleasant spot to relax and enjoy the view.
Continue your journey along the scenic Tröllaskagi peninsula, passing through the small coastal villages of Hauganes and Dalvík, both closely connected to fishing traditions. The road hugs the coastline, offering views across fjords and mountains before reaching Siglufjörður.
Siglufjörður is a remote, picturesque town of around 1,300 residents, the northernmost town on mainland Iceland. Surrounded by steep mountains and the sea, it has a unique character shaped by its rich cultural heritage. The town is home to the award-winning Herring Era Museum and the Folk Music Museum, and it hosts an annual Folk Music Festival that continues to attract visitors from around the world.
Overnight in a 3-star Hotel Siglufjörður or similar. Standard double room with private facilities and breakfast included.
Suggested itinerary for the day:
Day 5: Siglufjörður to Laugarbakki via Hofsós and Skagafjörður
Leaving Siglufjörður, you continue south through the scenic landscapes of northern Iceland toward Skagafjörður, a region well known among locals for its strong ties to farming, horse breeding, and Icelandic history.
Your first highlight of the day is Hofsós swimming pool, often considered one of the most beautiful pools in Iceland. Designed by the same architect behind the Blue Lagoon, this geothermal pool is built into the hillside above the sea. While not an infinity pool in the strict sense, swimming here gives the impression of floating right at the ocean’s edge. The views toward Drangey island are especially striking, with layers of blue stretching from the pool to the sea, distant mountains, and sky. Whether the weather is calm or moody, this is a memorable place to stop and unwind.
Continue to Glaumbær, one of Iceland’s best preserved turf farms and an important historical site in Skagafjörður. Traditional turf buildings offer a rare glimpse into rural life in earlier centuries. Inside the farmhouse, you can explore rooms such as the kitchen, bedrooms, pantry, storage areas, and smithy, all arranged as they would have been in everyday use. The living room, dating from 1879, is the most recent part of the complex.
According to the Icelandic sagas, Glaumbær was home to Snorri Þorfinnsson in the 11th century, the son of Þorfinnur Karlsefni and Guðríður Þorbjarnardóttir. Snorri is believed to be the first child of European parents born in the New World, in Vinland, and he later built the first church at Glaumbær.
Nearby are two historic timber houses open to visitors. Gilsstofa, initially built in 1849, now serves as a reception area, while Áshús, dating from 1883 to 1886, houses exhibitions and a charming tea room. Stopping here for pancakes and hot chocolate is a local favorite.
The journey continues past Varmahlíð and Blönduós, then reaches Laugarbakki for the evening.
Overnight at a 3-star Hotel Laugarbakki or similar. Standard double room with private facilities and breakfast included.
Suggested itinerary for the day:
Day 6: Snæfellsnes Peninsula South Coast
Today, you explore the southern side of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a region locals often describe as a condensed version of Iceland. The landscapes here change quickly, offering beaches, lava fields, cliffs, craters, and views toward the iconic Snæfellsjökull glacier.
Your first stop is Ytri Tunga, a beach located beside a traditional farm. Unlike most Icelandic beaches, which are known for black volcanic sand, Ytri Tunga is covered in golden sand. It is also one of the best places on the peninsula to spot seals resting on the shoreline, especially during calm weather.
Continue to Arnarstapi, a small coastal village famous for its dramatic cliffs and rich birdlife. A walk from the harbor along the cliff tops is highly recommended, passing nesting seabirds and striking columnar basalt formations shaped by the Atlantic waves. On clear days, the view toward Snæfellsjökull glacier is awe-inspiring. Arnarstapi and the nearby village of Hellnar both offer cafés and small restaurants, making them ideal stops for lunch or refreshments.
Further along the coast lies Búðir, where the black wooden church stands alone in the middle of the Búðahraun lava field. From here, a short walk leads to the shoreline, where reddish sand contrasts with dark lava formations and open ocean views.
As you continue driving, you pass Ölkelda, the only natural mineral water spring in Iceland where visitors can safely taste the water directly from the source, a small but unique local experience.
Next, stop at Gerðuberg, an impressive wall of perfectly shaped basalt columns backed by volcanic mountains and craters. Nearby rises Eldborg, a striking volcanic crater standing about 60 meters above the surrounding landscape. For those who wish, a hiking trail beginning near Snorrastaðir farm leads up to the rim of the crater and offers expansive views across the peninsula.
Overnight at a 3-star Hotel Arnarstapi or similar. Standard double room with private facilities and breakfast included.
Suggested itinerary for the day:
Day 7: Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Reykholt
Today, you continue your journey along the northern coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, driving through small fishing towns and quiet villages shaped by the sea. The road curves westward around the Snæfellsjökull glacier and volcano, an area rich in folklore and dramatic scenery.
One of the day’s highlights is a stop at Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, offering the classic and most photographed view of Mount Kirkjufell rising sharply behind the falls. This iconic landscape is a favorite among both photographers and locals, especially when the light changes throughout the day.
In Hellissandur, you can visit the local maritime museum and enjoy some of the best views of Snæfellsjökull glacier. According to legend, and famously described in Jules Verne’s novel Journey to the Center of the Earth, this glacier-covered volcano marks the entrance to the center of the Earth.
Continue to Dritvík and Djúpalónssandur, a striking black pebble beach once used by fishermen setting out to sea. Remnants of old fishing equipment scattered along the shore offer a reminder of the harsh conditions faced by those who worked these waters.
For a closer look beneath Iceland’s surface, you may choose to join a guided visit to Vatnshellir lava cave. This lava tube stretches over 200 meters and descends about 35 meters below ground, revealing colorful rock formations and layers formed by ancient volcanic eruptions.
Further along the coast, the dramatic Lóndrangar basalt cliffs rise from the shoreline, standing like natural stone towers against the ocean backdrop.
Leaving the peninsula, you drive inland toward Reykholt in West Iceland. In the evening, optional relaxation awaits at Krauma geothermal baths, where naturally hot spring water is mixed with cold glacier water for a comfortable bathing experience.
Overnight at a 3-star country hotel near Reykholt, such as Hotel Fossatún or similar. Standard double room with private facilities and breakfast included.
Suggested itinerary for the day:
Day 8: Reykholt to Reykjavík via West Iceland and the Golden Circle
Today’s journey combines some of West Iceland’s most beautiful natural sites with the famous Golden Circle, offering a varied and rewarding drive back to Reykjavík.
Begin the day in the Reykholt and Húsafell area, a region loved by locals for its mild climate, forests, and geothermal activity. Húsafell is a well-known outdoor destination, surrounded by lava fields, hot springs, and mountain scenery. It has long been a natural stopping point for travelers moving between west and south Iceland.
A short drive brings you to Barnafoss, a series of powerful rapids cutting through a narrow canyon. The name means Children’s Falls and comes from a local legend about two boys who vanished many years ago. The rushing, pale blue water and dramatic rock formations make this waterfall one of the most striking sights in the region.
Barnafoss has been a protected natural monument since 1987, and a short walking path leads from the parking area to the viewing platforms.
Just upstream are the Hraunfossar waterfalls, where clear glacial water flows gently out from beneath a lava field into the Hvítá river. The contrast between the calm, evenly spaced streams and the dark lava creates a unique and beautiful scene.
Continuing south, you join the Golden Circle route, which has long been one of Iceland’s most popular sightseeing circuits. The route includes three of South Iceland’s most famous natural attractions: the Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall, and Þingvellir National Park.
At Geysir, you can observe bubbling hot springs, steaming vents, and the highly active Strokkur geyser, which erupts every few minutes, sending a column of hot water up to 30 meters into the air. The nearby Geysir Center provides informative displays and facilities year-round.
Next is Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. Here, the Hvítá river plunges in two stages into a deep glacial canyon formed at the end of the last Ice Age. The sheer power of the water and the dramatic setting make Gullfoss a favorite among both visitors and locals.
Your final major stop is Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most historically significant places in Iceland. It was here that Viking settlers established Alþingi, the world’s first parliament, in the 10th century. The park’s unique geology forms a natural amphitheater, with the Law Rock, where laws were once recited aloud.
After exploring Þingvellir, continue to Reykjavík for your final night.
Overnight in Reykjavík at a 4-star hotel. Superior room with private facilities and breakfast included.
Suggested itinerary for the day:
Day 9: Reykjavík to Keflavík and Departure
Today marks the end of your self-drive journey through Iceland. After breakfast, drive from Reykjavík to Keflavík International Airport.
Upon arrival at the airport, return your rental car at the designated drop-off area at the terminal. For international departures, we recommend arriving at the airport at least 2.5 hours before your scheduled flight to allow sufficient time for check-in and security procedures.
Suggested itinerary for the day:
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!
Book this tour
Check Out More Self-Drive Travel Packages in Iceland
Iceland Travel Inspiration and Hidden Gems
2026 Solar Eclipse in Iceland: Watching the Sky Change From One of the Wildest Places on Earth
In Iceland, the sky is never just background scenery. It is something we talk about, plan around, and quietly respect. Clouds roll in f...
Velkomin!
A warm welcome. Selfdrive.is is the self-drive brand of Nonni Travel, one of the oldest tour operators and travel agencies in Iceland. ...
Driving Iceland’s Ring Road: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
For many travelers coming to Iceland, driving the Ring Road is one of the most rewarding ways to see the country. Known officially as R...
Contact us
Do you have questions about this tour?
We understand that planning a tour is an exciting yet sometimes overwhelming experience, and we're here to help! Whether you have specific inquiries about the itinerary, accommodations, or any other details, feel free to reach out. Our team is ready to assist you with any information you need to ensure your trip is everything you imagined and more.
For your convenience, we've provided a contact form below where you can submit your questions directly to us. Simply fill out the form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible with all the information you need.
Browse our frequently asked questions, or contact us for personalized support. Your perfect tour experience starts with getting the right answers—so ask away!