Highlands & South Coast Self-Drive Adventure - 6 Days

Today you'll see some of the most famous sights in Iceland before venturing into the remote highlands. Start by exploring the Borgarfjörður region, where you can stop at Deildartunguhver hot spring, Europe's most powerful in terms of water production per second. Visit Reykholt, where the famous medieval writer Snorri Sturluson lived, and marvel at Hraunfossar waterfalls, where water flows from beneath a lava field into the river below. The Barnafoss waterfall is just a short walk away. 

Continue your journey along the Kaldidalur highland road, a spectacular mountain route that takes you through dramatic landscapes. Reach Þingvellir National Park, considered a geological wonder of the world. This highly interesting area holds both geological and historical significance. See the effects of tectonic plate movements which have opened various cracks and fissures in the earth's crust, and stand where Iceland's parliament was founded in the 10th century. Continue to the famous Geysir geothermal area, where Strokkur hot spring erupts every 5 to 10 minutes and numerous small springs boil and bubble. 

Drive to Gullfoss, one of Iceland's most beautiful waterfalls, where massive volumes of water plunge into a rugged canyon. From Geysir, prepare for the highlight of your day: the drive to Landmannalaugar. This unforgettable journey takes you over lava fields and moon-like landscapes. To reach the colorful rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar, you'll cross rivers and pass over mountain passes in your 4x4 vehicle. Here you can walk between colorful mountains, black obsidian lava fields, and natural hot springs. Get information about hiking tracks at the mountain hut. Some hot springs are located at the bottom of a river, creating wonderful temperatures for a relaxing natural bath. Continue your journey along the highland road to the south coast for the night. 

Your next stop is Iceland's scenic southeast, one of the most visually spectacular regions in the country. After passing various outlet glaciers belonging to Vatnajökull, Europe's largest ice cap, you'll arrive at the stunningly surreal beauty of Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Watch enormous icebergs that have calved from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier drift slowly through the deep blue water. This exceptional sight sits at the foot of Iceland's highest mountain, Hvannadalshnúkur, creating a dramatic backdrop. The icebergs range from brilliant white to stunning shades of blue, some streaked with black volcanic ash. Seals often swim between the ice chunks, and the silence is broken only by the occasional crack and splash of ice breaking apart. Cross the road to Diamond Beach, where ice chunks wash ashore on black volcanic sand, sparkling like giant diamonds in the sunlight. 

Visit Skaftafell, another area definitely worth exploring. This oasis, surrounded by glaciers and black sand plains, offers a broad range of options for great hiking. Trails range from easy walks to challenging hikes, all showcasing stunning views of glacial tongues, waterfalls including the beautiful Svartifoss with its basalt column backdrop, and the dramatic landscape where ice meets land. Continue through Kirkjubæjarklaustur village, across the vast Eldhraun lava field covered in soft green moss, and over the Mýrdalssandur plain before arriving in the Vík area for the night. 

Today you'll spend the day exploring the spectacular south coast of Iceland, one of the country's most scenic regions. Drive through the black sands of Mýrdalur before arriving in the village of Vík í Mýrdal, a charming coastal settlement. A walk is highly recommended on the famous Reynisfjara black sand beach, where you can admire the impressive hexagonal basalt columns and the dramatic Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising from the ocean. 

During summer months, you can discover the puffin colony at Reynisfjall mountain, where these charming birds nest on the cliff faces. A stop can be made at Dyrhólaey cape, the southernmost point of mainland Iceland, where a 120-meter-high sea cliff offers spectacular views along the coast. Please note that Dyrhólaey is closed during the puffin breeding season from 15 May to 23 June, and the puffins leave the land around mid-August. Drive along the coast passing the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers, their massive ice caps dominating the landscape. Continue to Skógar, known for its impressive waterfall and folk museum. Skógafoss is one of Iceland's highest waterfalls at 60 meters, and you can climb stairs beside the falls for incredible aerial views. A visit to the Skógar Folk Museum is highly recommended to see fascinating exhibits showing how Icelanders lived in past centuries. Continue along the coast to Seljalandsfoss waterfall, a stop you absolutely must not miss. This unique waterfall allows you to walk behind the curtain of falling water for an unforgettable perspective. Don't miss the nearby Gljúfrabúi waterfall, hidden inside a narrow canyon. Drive to your accommodation for the night. 

Today you'll make your way back to Reykjavík, with time to enjoy any sights you may have missed or simply reflect on the incredible journey through the highlands and along the south coast. The drive gives you another opportunity to appreciate Iceland's dramatic landscapes from a different perspective. 

Once you arrive back in Iceland's capital, take time to explore more of what Reykjavík has to offer. Browse the city's museums and galleries, shop for last-minute souvenirs, or enjoy a meal at one of the excellent restaurants. Consider visiting attractions you might have missed on your arrival day, like the National Museum to learn more about Iceland's fascinating history, or the modern Harpa concert hall with its stunning glass architecture. For an authentic Icelandic experience, relax in one of the city's geothermal swimming pools, where locals gather year-round to soak in hot water and socialize. As darkness falls, take a stroll through the illuminated streets and perhaps enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife. Celebrate your incredible highland adventure with dinner at one of Reykjavík's top restaurants, reflecting on the colorful mountains of Landmannalaugar, floating icebergs at Jökulsárlón, and all the natural wonders you've experienced. Spend your final night in Iceland's charming capital. 

It seems as if your journey to fabulous Iceland only began a moment ago, but now it is time to head back home. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few hours to enjoy a final morning in Reykjavík. Take a leisurely breakfast at one of the city's excellent cafes, perhaps trying traditional Icelandic pastries or a hearty meal to fuel your journey home. Do some last-minute souvenir shopping for Icelandic wool sweaters or local chocolate and treats. If time permits, take one final walk through the colorful streets, soaking in the unique atmosphere of this northern capital, or visit any attractions you might have missed. 

For those with later flights, you may be able to squeeze in a last activity in Reykjavík, or even book an extra night to fully experience all the amazing things that the city has to offer, from museums and galleries to restaurants and the vibrant local culture. Drive back to Keflavík Airport to drop off your rental car and check in for your flight home, carrying memories of the remote highland landscapes at Landmannalaugar, river crossings and moon-like terrain, floating icebergs at Jökulsárlón, dramatic waterfalls, and black sand beaches. You've experienced Iceland like few visitors do, venturing into the volcanic heart of the country. You're already planning your return.