The Most Scenic Remote Routes to Explore on a Self Drive Iceland Trip

Truly, you’ll find endless exploration in this pocket-sized island. Sitting between the North Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean, Iceland packs glaciers, volcanoes, fjords, and waterfalls into a compact island. Whichever direction you choose to go, you’re bound to uncover another layer of its untamed geological beauty.But you won't have to go in blind. Below, we've listed the best remote routes for a scenic journey into Iceland's heart. In this guide, we’ll cover four self-drive routes in Iceland: the South Coast, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the Highlands, and North Iceland.

Although guided tours have their perks, a self-drive trip in Iceland lets you soak in the country at its fullest. For one, the flexibility is unmatched. Even while following a pre-planned itinerary, a self-guided tour lets you linger in your favorite places and skip sites that don’t match your vibe. 

If you’re the type of traveler who doesn't enjoy strict schedules, then going off on your own may be the best choice. For many travelers, choosing a self-drive Iceland experience offers the perfect balance between freedom, comfort, and expert planning.

Additionally, it allows you to explore less popular destinations. When you book a self-drive tour in Iceland, you can take off on spontaneous detours anytime you want. In a way, you can explore the country exactly as you want to, at your own pace.

Choosing a self-drive Iceland experience also offers a profound sense of privacy. On a guided tour, you’re always moving with a group, sharing every tourist spot, bus ride, meal, and even hotel. But a self-drive package with a rental car is more personalized and exclusive. Marvel at the sights without a busload of travelers, and connect more closely with Iceland’s remote beauty.

Ultimately, nothing compares to the absolute freedom of a tailor-made road trip around Iceland. Are you ready for the best scenic drives in Iceland?

The journey along Iceland’s southern half is the quintessential road trip around Iceland. Truly, it’s not surprising that the Golden Circle and the South Coast are the most popular routes in the country. And best of all, you can combine these famous tours into one seamless itinerary.

Travelers setting off on the Golden Circle are introduced immediately to Iceland’s raw, geological power at Þingvellir National Park. The active geothermal area of Geysir and the massive Gullfoss waterfall complete the trio of the Golden Circle’s top attractions. Afterward, the advantages of a self-drive Iceland itinerary kick in as you head east onto the Ring Road. This is where you quickly leave the day-trip crowds behind and dive into the gems of the South Coast.

The South Coast route stretches from the outskirts of Reykjavík all the way to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. Here, you’ll encounter jaw-dropping natural elements: the thundering Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, black-sand beaches near Vík, and vast glacial tongues. Since your schedule is flexible, you can visit these iconic stops very early or late to beat the crowds.

Chase lesser-known experiences, too. For instance, a short walk from Seljalandsfoss is Gljúfrabúi, a magical waterfall hidden within a narrow gorge that many visitors overlook. Similarly, Kvernufoss near Skógafoss offers a quieter waterfall, and you can even walk behind it after a short, easy hike. 

Farther east, many visitors only take the short walks in the Skaftafell area of Vatnajökull National Park. When you’re on your own, your drive itinerary lets you commit to longer, more challenging trails with views of glaciers and black-sand plains.

Known as “Iceland in Miniature,” the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is a self-drive dream in Iceland. It packs many signature Icelandic landscapes in a single loop: from lava fields and waterfalls to glaciers and sea cliffs. A two- to three-hour drive from Reykjavík, it’s the perfect destination to escape city traffic and find quiet coastal roads.

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula road trip is a short drive itinerary that can be covered as a long, ambitious day trip. However, spending a night or two delivers the true pleasure of a self-drive Iceland experience: slow mornings, golden-hour stops, and fewer crowds.

Embark on this circular self-drive tour in Iceland through coastal scenery and charming fishing villages like Arnarstapi and Hellnar. These two are connected by a beautiful cliffside walk, with views of sea stacks and volcanic rock formations. One of the peninsula’s most iconic sights is Kirkjufell, the uniquely shaped mountain often photographed with its neighboring waterfall, Kirkjufellsfoss. And you can’t miss the glacier-capped stratovolcano Snæfellsjökull, which famously inspired Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth.

For true solitude, there are quieter spots to seek out. There are plenty in Snæfellsnes: Búðir black church, the bright orange Svörtuloft lighthouse, and the golden-sand Ytri Tunga Beach. If you want a complete yet condensed road trip around Iceland, the peninsula is a fantastic choice.

If your goal is to escape civilization, head into the Highlands, the vast, largely uninhabited interior of the island. Here, you’ll find some of the country’s most remote and rewarding scenery. Drive around, and you’ll see rainbow-colored mountains, sprawling lava fields, and hidden hot springs out of the main tourist circuit.

Among the Highlands’ most famous destinations is Landmannalaugar, a geothermal oasis in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. Marvel at the multicolored rhyolite slopes, painted in shades of red, yellow, and blue by mineral-rich volcanic rock. The route itself is an adventure: you must navigate F-roads, which are unpaved and often rough. On some routes, you may even need to cross unbridged rivers.

Routes like F208 and Kjölur take you deep into Iceland's heart, a striking contrast to the coastal Ring Road. It is truly unforgettable: hike through rhyolite mountains, soak in natural hot springs, and camp in landscapes that feel otherworldly.

For most F-roads, a 4x4 vehicle, often with higher ground clearance, is required for both safety and legality. The Highlands promise a truly remote journey, generally only accessible during the summer months (June to September). For intrepid travelers, it’s the peak of a self-drive Iceland road trip.

If you’re ready for travel but not keen to join the crowds, then journey to the north on your self-drive Iceland trip. In North Iceland, wide valleys and open landscapes set the stage for the Diamond Circle. Often called the northern answer to the Golden Circle, this 250-kilometer (155-mile) loop typically remains less crowded than the southern routes. Expect a staggering mix of colossal waterfalls, geothermal activity, and unique geology, all nestled in Iceland’s most open landscapes.

Scenic roads connect the Diamond Circle’s five major highlights. Follow the highways to Goðafoss (the “Waterfall of the Gods”) and the volcanic landscapes surrounding Lake Mývatn. Then comes the immense, horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi Canyon and the raw power of Dettifoss Waterfall. Finally, the coastal town of Húsavík acts as a perfect base for whale-watching excursions.

The high latitude and the region’s sparse population make it an exceptional place to seek out the Northern Lights. Away from Reykjavík’s glow, drive to a quiet viewpoint near Lake Mývatn or Húsavík and wait for the sky to ignite.

Travelers who want to extend their solitude can continue on to the Arctic Coast Way. This 900-kilometer (559-mile) coastal touring route is the epitome of remote exploration. It takes your self-drive tour in Iceland along winding roads through isolated fishing villages and sweeping peninsulas in the north.

The vehicle is the most essential part of your journey, directly shaping the places you can access on a self-drive itinerary. Sure, small 2WD cars can work for the paved Ring Road and the Golden Circle in summer. But remote exploration calls for more capable transportation.

If you’re planning to drive the F-roads into the Highlands, a 4x4 vehicle is required. High ground clearance is recommended to handle rough terrain and river crossings. For quieter coastal routes like the Diamond Circle or winter driving when chasing the Northern Lights, a mid-sized AWD or 4x4 SUV is strongly advised.

Make sure your drive package and rental car choice align with the terrain and season of your Iceland road trip.

Even though you’re embracing the freedom of the open road, the right self-drive package can make your trip dramatically easier. It’s especially essential when traveling to remote regions, like the Highlands or the far north. With fewer services and longer distances, it’s worth choosing a package that handles most (if not all) of the logistics.

Start with the rental car. Make sure it’s the correct 4x4 vehicle type for the route you’re eyeing. Look for a reliable navigation setup, like in-car Wi-Fi, too. Ideally, your self-drive tour in Iceland should also provide pre-booked accommodations every night. That way, you won’t have to scramble with booking in far-flung areas. A detailed, locally crafted drive itinerary is another valuable inclusion, especially if it highlights road conditions, seasonal access, and detours.

Finally, prioritize 24/7 support for urgent assistance. You may never need it, but for remote routes, it’s one of the most valuable safety nets you can have.

The best time for your road trip around Iceland depends entirely on your goals. More than many destinations, Iceland’s extreme seasons offer vastly different experiences. Plus, your timing dictates access to remote areas as well as your chances of spotting the Northern Lights.

More than anything, Iceland is a place that demands to be explored freely. Nothing captures the island’s spectacular appeal better than a self-drive Iceland tour that lets you explore at your own pace. It’s key to unlocking the untamed wilderness lying beyond the main roads and guided tours. By choosing to drive yourself, you gain independence, privacy, and ultimate flexibility. 

Planning your remote Iceland adventure already? Simplify your journey and make sure your logistics are covered with an expertly planned self-drive tour in Iceland. Explore Iceland Tours’ different drive tour packages, all of which include a rental car, detailed itineraries, and 24/7 support.

Driving is straightforward in summer on the paved Ring Road. Winter driving and F-roads are more demanding and are best for confident drivers in a suitable 4x4.

For a comprehensive experience, the full Ring Road is best in around 7–10+ days. For a shorter trip, the combined Golden Circle and South Coast is the most popular choice.

The South Coast is often considered the most scenic drive due to its concentration of waterfalls, black sand beaches, and the glacier lagoon.

Absolutely. In summer, Iceland’s main roads are well-maintained and easy to navigate, making it beginner-friendly, especially if you stick to paved routes.

The Golden Circle can be done in one full day. Meanwhile, two to three days is ideal on the South Coast to fully enjoy the waterfalls and reach Jökulsárlón.

No, self-drive packages are typically far more flexible. You can stop when you like, spend longer at your favorite places, and set your own pace while still following a pre-planned route.