Around Iceland & Snæfellsnes in 12 Days Self-Drive Tour

Your memorable, Iceland adventure begins the very moment you arrive at Keflavik Airport. Once you pick up your rental vehicle, you’ll head directly for Reykjavik and your exciting, first night in “the land of fire and ice.”

Suggestion: If your flight arrives early enough, you can start your trip off in a spectacular way with a visit to Iceland’s world-famous, Blue Lagoon. Be sure to pack your swimsuit, so you can take a relaxing dip in the Lagoon’s soothing, geothermal waters, before heading to your hotel.

Now, your real journey to the wonders of Iceland begins. You’ll start by exploring the famous Golden Circle and the other, main attractions that Iceland’s southern region offers. Throughout the day, you will marvel the stunning waterfalls Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and Gullfoss and visit the world’s oldest parliament, Thingvellir. Then, continue on to Vík, the country’s southernmost village, where you will spend the night.

Your next stop is Iceland’s scenic southeast. Driving past a splendid panorama of outlet glaciers belonging to Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap, you’ll arrive at the mesmerizing beauty of Jokulsarlon, a glacial lagoon. This exceptional sight sits at the foot of Iceland’s highest mountain, Hvannadalshnúkur.Skaftafell National Park is another “must”visit. This oasis, surrounded by glaciers and black sand plains, offers a huge menu of options for great hiking, from easy-going to challenging.

This is the day to discover the East Fjords. Your trip takes you through the Almannaskarð tunnel to the villages of Djúpivogur and Breiðdalsvík. Then, you’ll continue along the fjords towards Reydarfjörður, where a small-but-fascinating, World War II history museum is located. You will end your day of sightseeing in Egilsstaðir, where you will spend another restful night.

Today´s journey takes you to Iceland’s north. You will start the day by driving through the Möðrudalur highland’s lunar landscape. From there, follow the road leading you to the mighty waterfall Dettifoss, where you will feel the earth tremble beneath the awe-inspiring force of the tumbling, glacial water.Then, follow the picturesque stretch of coastline of Tjörnes Peninsula, until you arrive in the charming fishing village of Húsavík.

The whole day is dedicated to the marvels of Lake Myvatn Nature Reserve. One of its main attractions is the Námaskarð geothermal area where you will find bubbling mud pools and hissing steam vents. You must not miss the Krafla area with the crater Víti and the Leirhnjúkur area. This leads you to a small geothermal area and then to a line of craters surrounded by chaotic black lava fields. Later on you can venture a walk up to the top of Hverfjall crater or dip into the geothermal water of the natural baths located east of the Lake.

Your entire day is dedicated to the marvels of the Lake Myvatn Nature Reserve, renowned as one of Iceland’s most inspiring, natural wonders. Of particular interest are two steam baths built for superb relaxation; both sit straight atop a geothermal area, and the sulphur-free steam rises up through holes in the floor. Typically the temperature is around 50°C and the humidity is close to 100%. For relaxation and enjoyment, we highly suggest you indulge in a few turns in the steam baths and cool-downs in the outdoor shower in-between.On the way to Akureyri be sure to make a stop at ”must see,” Godafoss, a waterfall of unspeakable beauty. It is justly known across Iceland as, “the fall of the gods”.

Your day starts with a drive through the Skagafjörður in the northeast of Iceland, known for horse breeding. True to form, magnificent, Icelandic horses can be seen on the way. Take some time to visit the museum at Glaumbær, a beautifully restored, turf farmhouse, one of the few that has been properly preserved in Iceland. Continue driving through the moors at Holtavörðuheiði to the southwest of Iceland.

Are you ready for invigorating exploration of the natural wonders of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula? Drive through its northern portion, passing through Stykkishólmur, a charming fishing village beautifully situated overlooking Breidafjörður Bay. From Stykkishólmur consider sightseeing among the uncountable islands and exploring the unique flora and fauna Breidafjörður has to offer.

Today’s itinerary takes you through lava fields and fertile farmland. Driving around Snaefellsnes Peninsula, explore all the beauty it has to offer. You are certain to enjoy the lush, natural surroundings, during your drive back to Reykjavík for the night.

Reykjavik offers a wide range of sights to visit and lots of activities. Among the things you can visit in Reykjavik are the old city center where you can walk by the lake, Tjörnin , visit the Town Hall, and walk through the Austurvöllur square, where the Parliament building stands, and down to the harbor. You can stroll along the main street, Laugavegur to have a look at the shops and the art galleries and find a restaurant or a café to your liking. Do not miss the church Hallgrímskirkja or the dome Perlan, a modern building from where you have a magnificent view over the whole city. There are several museums worth visiting in Reykjavik, for example the National Museum of Iceland near the University, the National Gallery of Iceland and the Reykjavik Art Gallery (includes 3 different collections). A whale-watching tour from Reykjavik harbor is a wonderful experience or you can take a half-day excursion from Reykjavik to the Reykjanes Peninsula, taking you to the geothermal springs in Krýsuvík.

Now it is time to head back home, after an amazing journey through one of the world’s most picturesque landscapes. You will drive back to Keflavík Airport for your flight back home. Depending on your flight time, you may be able to enjoy your last day strolling around Reykjavík. Or, even better, consider booking an extra night in Reykjavík to really give yourself time to experience all the amazing things Iceland’s capital city has to offer.