Golden Circle & Snæfellsnes Self-Drive Adventure - 7 Days

Today you'll discover the stunning scenery of Iceland's famous south coast, a region renowned for its dramatic waterfalls and unique coastal landscapes. Your first stop is Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland's most photographed waterfalls, where you can actually walk behind the curtain of falling water for a truly unique perspective. The path takes you into a small cave behind the falls, offering incredible views through the water. Don't forget to visit the hidden Gljúfrabúi waterfall nearby, tucked inside a narrow canyon. 

Continue to Skógafoss, one of Iceland's largest and most impressive waterfalls, where 25 cubic meters of water per second plunges 60 meters over a cliff. Climb the stairs beside the falls for spectacular aerial views, or walk right up to the base to feel the power and spray. Consider visiting the nearby Skógar Folk Museum to see how Icelanders lived for centuries. For a truly unique experience, hike to Seljavallalaug, one of Iceland's oldest swimming pools nestled in a beautiful hidden valley. Continue along the coast to visit the dramatic black sand beaches near Vík and Reynishverfi. Stop at Dyrhólaey cape for stunning coastal views and potential puffin sightings during summer months. 

Today brings one of the most spectacular experiences of your entire 7-day journey as you head east toward the magnificent Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. The drive itself is breathtaking, passing through landscapes of black sand deserts, green farmlands, and towering glaciers. Stop at Skaftafell, a beautiful oasis surrounded by glaciers and black sand plains that offers excellent hiking opportunities through birch forests with views of glacial tongues and waterfalls. The trails range from easy walks to more challenging hikes, all showcasing the dramatic meeting of ice and land. 

Continue to Jökulsárlón, where enormous icebergs that have calved from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier drift slowly through the deep blue lagoon. The icebergs range from brilliant white to stunning shades of blue, some streaked with black volcanic ash, creating an ever-changing natural sculpture garden. Watch seals pop up between the ice chunks, and listen to the occasional crack and splash as ice breaks apart. Cross the road to Diamond Beach, where smaller ice chunks wash ashore on the black volcanic sand, sparkling like giant diamonds in the sunlight. Each piece glows with an ethereal blue light, creating one of Iceland's most photogenic locations. After experiencing this natural wonder, drive back west to Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur for your second night. 

Today you'll begin exploring the world-famous Golden Circle, starting with two of Iceland's most iconic natural attractions. Drive to the Geysir geothermal area, where the earth's power is on full display. Watch as Strokkur geyser erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, shooting a powerful column of boiling water up into the air. The anticipation before each eruption creates excitement, and the moment the water shoots skyward never gets old. Walk around the area to see numerous smaller hot springs bubbling and steaming, painted in vivid colors by mineral deposits. The smell of sulfur fills the air, reminding you of the intense geothermal activity beneath your feet. Continue to Gullfoss, one of Iceland's most beautiful and powerful waterfalls. Here, the Hvítá river plunges in two dramatic stages into a rugged canyon, creating massive clouds of mist that often produce rainbows on sunny days. Walk along the viewing platforms to experience different perspectives of this majestic waterfall. 

For a relaxing end to your day, consider visiting Laugarvatn Fontana Spa at nearby Laugarvatn lake. This natural geothermal spa features interconnected baths and steam rooms built directly over hot springs, offering a unique and authentic Icelandic spa experience with views over the lake. 

Start your day at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that holds both geological and historical significance. Walk through the dramatic Almannagjá rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are visibly pulling apart, creating deep fissures and towering rock walls. This is one of the few places on Earth where you can see the effects of continental drift above ground. The park is also where Iceland's ancient parliament, the Alþingi, was established in 930 AD and met for centuries, making it the birthplace of Icelandic democracy and one of the oldest parliamentary sites in the world. 

Continue north to the Borgarfjörður region, an area rich in natural beauty and saga history. Visit Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring in terms of water flow, where boiling water emerges from the ground at an incredible rate. Stop at the historic village of Reykholt, once home to medieval scholar Snorri Sturluson. Don't miss the enchanting Hraunfossar waterfalls, where crystal-clear water flows from beneath a lava field directly into the Hvítá river, creating a series of beautiful cascades that seem to emerge magically from the black rock. The contrast is stunning and unique. Settle into your accommodation in the west for the night. 

Today is dedicated to exploring the magnificent Snæfellsnes peninsula, often called 'Iceland in Miniature' because it showcases such incredible landscape diversity in a relatively compact area. Begin your exploration in Snæfellsjökull National Park, where the mystical ice-capped volcano that inspired Jules Verne's 'Journey to the Center of the Earth' dominates the landscape. Drive along the coastal road, passing through charming fishing villages where colorful houses cluster around small harbors and traditional ways of life continue. 

Stop at the iconic Kirkjufell mountain, one of Iceland's most photographed peaks, which rises dramatically beside a cascading waterfall. Visit the black pebble beach at Djúpalónssandur, where you can test your strength on ancient lifting stones once used to determine if fishermen were fit for sea duty. Rusted remnants of a shipwreck scattered across the beach serve as haunting reminders of the ocean's power. Marvel at the striking Gerðuberg basalt columns, where geometric rock formations create a natural wall that seems almost too perfect to be natural. 

Explore the dramatic coastal cliffs at Arnarstapi, where waves have carved natural arches and sea stacks. Visit the tiny hamlet of Búðir, home to an iconic black church standing alone against lava fields. Drive back to Reykjavík for your final night in Iceland. 

Your wonderful 7-day journey through south and west Iceland comes to an end today. 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 like kleinur or a hearty skyr parfait. Do some last-minute souvenir shopping for Icelandic wool sweaters, local chocolate, or unique design items. If time permits, visit any Reykjavík attractions you might have missed during your arrival day. Browse the shops along Laugavegur, the main shopping street, or visit the modern Harpa concert hall on the waterfront to admire its stunning glass architecture. Take one final walk through the colorful streets, soaking in the unique atmosphere of this northernmost capital city. 

For those with later flights, consider a relaxing visit to the Blue Lagoon on your way to the airport, ending your Icelandic adventure with a soak in the famous milky-blue geothermal waters. Drive to Keflavík Airport with a camera full of incredible photos and memories of waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and Iceland's dramatic landscapes. You're already planning your return.