Iceland Ring Road & Snæfellsnes Self-Drive - 10 Days

On a self-drive trip with Iceland Tours, you’ll be at the wheel of the rental car of your choice and free to go pretty much where you want, whenever you want.

We provide a detailed itinerary to help you plan your route and where you want to stop along the way. But it’s up to you whether you want to stick to it or go your own way. If you do take detours, make sure that you aren’t too far from your accommodation on any given night.

That said, it’s a good idea to stick to the suggested itinerary if you’ve never visited Iceland before. Created by our Reykjavík-based travel experts, it contains plenty of things for you to and see and do on each leg of your trip. One thing’s for sure: you won’t be short on ideas!

You also get unlimited in-car Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected and use maps on your phone for navigation.

It’s best to book your trip at least a few weeks before you travel. This gives us enough time to organize your preferred accommodation and itinerary. For this reason, we’re unable to accept bookings with less than 1 week’s notice.

In the summer, which is the most popular time of year, booking a few months ahead is a good idea. In certain parts of the countryside, accommodation options are more limited and can be booked up well ahead of your trip.

You have to be at least 20 years old to rent a car in Iceland, or 23 years old for larger vehicles like jeeps and vans. You’ll need to have held a valid driver’s license for at least 1 year and present a credit card when you collect your car.

You don’t need an International Driving Permit unless your license is not in Latin script (for example, Arabic or Chinese).

Find out more about car rental in Iceland.

Yes! It’s possible to add extra activities or extend your trip with additional nights in Reykjavík or the countryside. Check the itinerary above to see what activities are available on what day.

Of course you can add extra adventures! We want you to be able to get the absolute most out of your trip to Iceland, so you can pick optional extra activities at checkout. You’ll be shown exactly what’s on offer for each day of your trip.

And if you feel like you just don’t have enough time to fit it all in, you can also add extra days.

The rules of the road in Iceland are similar to most other countries, although there are some local quirks that you might not be familiar with.

Iceland drives on the right and steering wheels are on the left side of the car. Distances and speed limits are given in kilometers only.

Roundabouts are very common in Iceland, especially in towns. If you’re not familiar with these, make sure you understand how to give way (yield) to other traffic.

In the countryside, you might encounter sheep on the road, or even reindeer in East Iceland. You may also come across gravel roads, single-lane bridges, and blind summits.

For all the info on how to handle these, see this guide to driving in Iceland.

Once you’ve paid your deposit for your trip, we’ll finalize bookings for your accommodation, rental car, and any activities. As soon as we receive confirmation of everything, we’ll email you, letting you know your travel documents are available in our portal.

We aim to finalize everything within a few weeks of receiving your booking request, but in busy periods this might take longer. That said, you’ll always receive all of your documents before your departure date.

You’ll be able to pick up your rental car at Keflavík International Airport from the arrivals hall. Before your trip, we’ll send you information about where to go in the terminal to collect your keys.

Make sure you have your driver’s license and credit card ready when you collect your vehicle.

If you land late at night, you can use the out-of-hours phone at the pick-up desk to contact someone who will be able to help you.

You also have the option to collect your rental car in Reykjavík, if you’re planning to spend some extra days in the city before your trip starts. If you’d like to do this, please let us know in the ‘Special requests’ box at checkout.

Yes, you can easily collect your rental car from Reykjavík instead of Keflavik Airport.

During the booking steps on our website, just let us know you'd prefer your pick-up/drop-off location to be in the city centre. We'll take care of it for you, no problem.

Just a quick heads-up: if you request different pick-up and drop-off locations (e.g. collect from the airport, drop off in the city, or vice versa) there's a one-way fee of around ISK 7.900 ISK (EUR 60). You'll pay this directly to the rental company when you pick up the car.

All of our self-drive tour packages include the following as standard:

• Rental car of your choice, with unlimited mileage
• Basic liability insurance coverage
• Collision damage waiver
• Authorization for second driver
• Unlimited in-car Wi-Fi
• Accommodation level of your choice
• Breakfast every day
• Detailed itinerary crafted by local travel experts
• 24/7 helpline in Iceland, just in case you need it

When you book your vacation on our website, you’ll be able to choose your preferred rental car and accommodation level.

You can see what vehicles are available on this car rental page.

On a self-drive package with Iceland Tours, you can choose from 3 levels of accommodation:

• Budget – Guesthouses and country hotels, with shared bathrooms
• Comfort – Hotels or guesthouses of around 3 stars, with private bathrooms
• Quality – Hotels or guesthouses of around 4 stars, with private bathrooms

Each accommodation level offers different types of rooms. We’ve described them below to help you choose the best one for you. Just keep in mind that not every hotel has all these room types available.

• Single room: one single bed in a room, perfect for solo travelers.
• Double room: a full-sized double bed for 2 people.
• Twin room: a room with 2 single beds that fit 1 person each.
• Triple room: these vary in size and layout, but are designed to fit 3 adults. Triple rooms feature a combination of double, single or sofa beds, depending on the hotel.

No matter which accommodation level you pick, breakfast is included. Read more about the differences between the levels on this accommodation page.

Feel like getting closer to nature? Check out these self-drive camping tours.

In Iceland, you can expect all weathers no matter what time of year you visit. With that in mind, it’s good to make sure you’ve got everything you need to stay cozy, warm, and dry.

Here’s a packing list to help you get ready for your trip:

• Tough, waterproof walking boots
• Thermal underlayers
• Sweaters or fleeces
• Waterproof raincoat
• Warm winter jacket
• Scarf, hat, and gloves
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear (for pools and hot springs)
• Lip salve and moisturizer

For more tips on what to bring with you, see this Iceland packing list.

No worries! Iceland Tours is already offsetting the carbon footprint of your tour package. We've teamed up with an environmental fund in Iceland to cover the carbon offset for all our tours.

Carbon offsetting for international flights is not included, but we suggest checking with your airline or through a local environmental fund for options.

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula on day 2 is the perfect way to start your Iceland 10 day tour! It's like getting an incredible preview of everything Iceland has to offer right at the beginning of your journey. You'll explore the mystical Snæfellsjökull glacier that inspired Jules Verne's "Journey to the Center of the Earth" and see the iconic Kirkjufell mountain that's been in Game of Thrones. You can discover incredible coastal formations like Djúpalónssandur black pebble beach and the striking Lóndrangar rock pinnacles. Starting with Snæfellsnes gives you this magical otherworldly introduction that's different from anywhere else you'll visit. You'll also get to explore charming fishing villages like Stykkishólmur and Arnarstapi plus unique spots like the golden beach at Ytri Tunga where seals love to hang out. It's the perfect way to begin your incredible Ring Road journey!

This Iceland 10 day tour pacing is so much more relaxed and enjoyable! Starting with an early exploration of the magical Snæfellsnes Peninsula on day 2 sets the perfect tone before heading through the scenic Borgarfjörður region to Akureyri. You'll then experience the Diamond Circle in northern Iceland followed by the eastern fjords before reaching Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and the famous south coast. Instead of rushing from highlight to highlight you'll actually have time to soak in each experience. Having Snæfellsnes early in your journey means you'll start with this incredible "Iceland in miniature" experience that prepares you for the diverse landscapes ahead. This 10 day Iceland tour gives you flexibility to truly appreciate each region's unique character.

Kirkjufell is absolutely as stunning as the photos suggest because there's a reason it's called "the most photographed mountain in Iceland"! The classic shot is from Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall where you get the perfect composition with the 463-meter cone-shaped peak reflected in the water. For the best light aim for early morning around 8:00-10:00 a.m. or evening 6:00-8:00 p.m. when the lighting is softer and more atmospheric. During summer the midnight sun creates incredible golden hour conditions that last for hours. Winter visitors get the bonus chance of capturing the Northern Lights dancing behind the mountain and it's absolutely magical! Pro tip: bring a tripod and try different angles from around the parking area.

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula offers fantastic activities that perfectly complement your sightseeing! You can explore the fascinating Vatnshellir lava cave which takes you 35 meters underground into an 8,000-year-old lava tube with helmet and headlamp provided. Glacier walks on Snæfellsjökull itself are available with experienced guides who provide all necessary equipment. Whale watching tours operate from Stykkishólmur where you might spot orcas and various whale species in Breiðafjörður bay. Horseback riding along the peninsula's beaches offers a uniquely Icelandic experience with those famous stocky horses. Kayaking tours around Kirkjufell provide incredible perspectives of the mountain from the water. Your accommodations are arranged when you book giving you flexibility to add peninsula-specific activities that match your interests during your 10 day Iceland tour.

Vatnshellir lava cave on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula offers a totally different underground adventure! Unlike seasonal ice caves this 8,000-year-old lava tube remains constant year-round so you can explore it during the tour's operating season. You'll descend 35 meters below ground into this incredible tunnel created by flowing lava. The cave formations and colors and geological features are completely different from ice caves with dark mysterious passages and fascinating rock formations instead of blue glacial ice. Plus, it's way less crowded than some other cave experiences. The tour takes about an hour and includes a helmet and headlamp and it's accessible to most fitness levels. It's a perfect complement to your other Iceland adventures and gives you insight into the volcanic forces that shaped this incredible island!

Plan at least 2-3 hours in Stykkishólmur because it's one of Iceland's most charming towns and the perfect base for exploring the northern Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The colorful houses along the harbor are absolutely Instagram-worthy and the short walk to Súgandisey Island lighthouse gives you incredible panoramic views of Breiðafjörður bay. The town has this authentic fishing village vibe that hasn't been overly touristified so you'll get a real taste of Icelandic coastal life. There are great restaurants for fresh seafood and cute shops for local crafts and the Norwegian House cultural center if you want to dive into local history. If you're there during summer, you might even catch a boat tour to explore the countless islands of Breiðafjörður with some of the best puffin watching in Iceland!

This Iceland 10 day tour offers incredible experiences during the operating season with extended daylight hours perfect for exploring all the spectacular landscapes and taking stunning photos of Iceland's natural wonders. The variety of locations from the historic Borgarfjörður region to northern Diamond Circle to eastern fjords and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula means you'll experience totally different impressive landscapes each day. Summer brings lupine flowers painting the countryside purple and optimal conditions for puffin viewing along the peninsula coastlines. The long daylight hours during peak season create perfect conditions for photography with golden light that seems to last forever. If you're interested in winter experiences like Northern Lights viewing, we offer winter-specific Ring Road tours that are designed for aurora hunting with shorter daylight hours and optimal viewing conditions.

Snæfellsnes National Park protects the mystical Snæfellsjökull glacier and surrounding coastal areas giving you access to incredible attractions like Djúpalónssandur black pebble beach and the golden sands of Ytri Tunga and striking Lóndrangar rock formations and the coastal cliffs around Hellnar and Arnarstapi. You can hike the marked trails and explore the tide pools and photograph the diverse landscapes. Be aware that some locations may have parking fees or facility charges as tourism infrastructure continues to develop. Popular activities you can add include whale watching excursions from coastal towns. Your accommodations are arranged when you book giving you flexibility to add activities that match your interests during your 10 day Iceland tour.

This Iceland 10 day tour strikes the perfect balance between must-see highlights and memorable experiences! Starting with the magical Snæfellsnes Peninsula on day 2 gives you that incredible "Iceland in miniature" preview before you begin the main Ring Road adventure. You'll then journey north through historic Borgarfjörður experiencing Iceland's saga country and geothermal wonders before reaching Akureyri and the Diamond Circle in northern Iceland. You'll continue through the eastern fjords before reaching the spectacular Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon on your way to the famous south coast waterfalls and black sand beaches. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula early in your journey provides classic Icelandic experiences like the Gerðuberg basalt cliffs and the charming fishing villages of Hellnar and Arnarstapi plus the mystical atmosphere around Snæfellsjökull glacier. Your 10 day Iceland tour includes the essential attractions that define Iceland's natural beauty and cultural heritage!