Around Iceland in 19 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 Reykjavík and your exciting, first night in Iceland.

If your flight arrives early enough, we have a great suggestion for starting your trip off the right way: Plan 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.

Today you will be discovering an interesting area, rich with cultural and historical heritage. As you head toward Borgarfjörður, we recommend stopping by the magnificent Hraunfossar waterfalls, where the water seems to magically flows from the lava bed into the river below. Heading to Snaefellsnes peninsula you should visit the beautiful places all around the peninsula; for example Búðir, Arnarstapi and Hellnar on the way to your accommodation in the Snaefellsnes area.

Today you will be exploring the natural wonders of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and the stunning Snaefellsjökull Glacier. This journey is perfect for nature lovers – you will explore the adventurous world of the ocean, coastline and beach. Drive along the coast and visit many popular sites such as the basalt pillars of Gerðuberg, Búðir with its small wooden church surrounded by a lava field, Arnarstapi, a small fishing village where you can have a look at the fascinating rock formations by the old pier and Djúpalónssandur, a black sand beach. On the north part of the peninsula you will drive along the shore of the Breiðafjörður Bay, passing through charming fishing villages.

Your day will start with a boat ride on the Baldur ferry, taking you to the beautiful West Fjords. You will depart in the morning from Stykkishólmur, heading to Patreksfjörður and sailing through Breiðafjörður Bay. Highlights of the day are the Látrabjarg cliffs and Rauðisandur beach.

Today you continue up north along the West Fjords, one of the most remote regions of Iceland. The landscape is breathtaking as you cross mountains and heaths and drive along the dramatic fjörds at the foot of steep cliffs. Dynjandi is a beautiful waterfall that lies in the northern arm of the fjord Arnarfjörður. You continue towards the north until you reach the village Flateyri and from there you drive on to reach your accommodation near the Isafjörður town.

Today you will have time to visit Ísafjörður. It is the largest town in the West Fjords; enjoy the beautiful landscape and join in with the lively atmosphere that the town has to offer. You can for example relax at the swimming pool or visit the fishing village around the area, Bolungarvik, Flateyri or Suðureyri. Second night in Ísafjörður area.

Today your journey through the most remote places in Iceland continues. Next up is Strandir, the eastern part of the West Fjords.  You’ll thrill to the spectacular landscape, while driving along the numerous small fjords of Ísafjarðardjúp and passing Vigur Island along the way.

Your next day’s journey continues toward the northern part of Iceland, ending in the north’s capital, Akureyri, passing through Skagafjörður, known for exceptional horse breeding; in fact, many stunning Icelandic horses can be seen on your drive.

You will visit Akureyri, the capital of the North. You can either take the day to relax in the city or you can drive around the Tröllaskagi Peninsula (the peninsula of the Trolls). Drive toward the fishing village of Dalvík where you can take a whale watching tour, Ólafsfjörður and Siglufjörður. You can take a short ferry ride to the island of Hrísey. On the way back to Akureyri, you could make a stop at the geothermal pool in Hofsos with impressive views over the islands. Second night in Akureyri.

Your whole 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 that sit straight on top of a geothermal area; 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%. Guests can take a few turns in the steam baths and cool down in the outdoor shower in between.

Your day starts in the charming fishing village of Husavik. After Husavik, you will drive along the coastline of the Tjörnes Peninsula, where you can make a quick stop on the way at the extremity of the peninsula to enjoy the view and spot some seabirds. The journey then continues to the eastern part of Iceland, with a few stops on the way, for your next evening’s stay.

The day is for relaxing or for excursions around Egilsstadir. It is worth making a trip to Bakkagerði, walk around the lake Lögurinn or hike to Hengifoss Waterfall. Accommodation as on the previous day.

Today is the day to discover the East Fjords. Starting toward the fjord Reydarfjörður, where a small-but-fascinating World War II history museum is located, and continue along the fjords toward Southeast Iceland. At times, the road hangs precariously high on the mountain slopes. Finally, you drive through the tunnel of Almannaskarð to arrive in the Höfn region, where you will spend that night.

Today you can start by taking a look at the black sand Reynisfjara beach, famous for the Reynisdrangar rock stacks that rise from the sea and for its basalt columns. Dyrhólaey cape is the southernmost point of Iceland. A small road takes you to the top of this 120 m high sea cliff where you often can see a large number of puffins (please note that Dyrhólaey is closed during nesting season from May 15 til June 23 and from mid-August the puffins will have gone to sea!). Continuing westbound you arrive at Skógar and pass Skógarfoss waterfall, one of the highest in Iceland. As you continue towards Hella you pass Seljalandsfoss waterfall – you can actually walk behind it!

Continue westbound to the south coast of Iceland and explore the Golden Circle, which takes you to the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland: Gullfoss, Geysir and Thingvellir National Park. On your way you will pass the magnificent waterfalls, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss.
Your day will end in Reykjavík where you will spend your last night in Iceland.

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.

It seems as if your journey to fabulous Iceland only began a moment ago, but now it is time to head back home and drive back to Keflavík Airport for your flight. Depending on your flight’s time, you may be able to squeeze in a last day in Reykjavík or an extra night in there to experience all the amazing things that the city has to offer.