South & West Iceland in a Week

7 days / 6 nights
7 days / 6 nights
The Barnafoss waterfall
A woman with sunglasses swims in the Seljavallalaug pool in South Iceland
Strokkur erupting on a sunny summer day
The Barnafoss waterfall
A woman with sunglasses swims in the Seljavallalaug pool in South Iceland
Strokkur erupting on a sunny summer day
The Barnafoss waterfall
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There’s no availability for the combination you’ve chosen.
Please try another combination.

Adults

Ages 12+

2

Children

Ages 2-11

0

Infants

Ages 0-1

0

7 days, dozens of unforgettable sights

Spend a week on a road trip along Iceland’s south coast and the Snæfellsnes peninsula. On this 7-day self-drive tour, you’ll take in classic sights such as waterfalls, hot springs, the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, and more.

This itinerary includes the famous Golden Circle, with its active geyser, Strokkur, the Gullfoss waterfall, and Þingvellir National Park. You’ll also experience the majestic Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the first of which you can walk behind.

Travel styleSelf-drive
Trip length7 days / 6 nights
VibeIn depth
SeasonSummer
(1 Apr–31 Oct)
TransportRental car
Starts fromReykjavík
Tour codeSD04

On this tour you will...

  • Roam black sand beaches on Iceland’s south coast

  • Hop between powerful and majestic waterfalls

  • Watch geysers erupt and hot springs bubble

  • Dive into the diversity of the Snæfellsnes peninsula

  • Immerse yourself in the pristine nature of national parks

  • Stay at guesthouses and hotels all over the countryside

Top attractions

Vik Church with Reynisdrangar sea stacks in the distance

Vík í Mýrdal

A rainbow over the Skógafoss waterfall on a sunny day

Skógafoss

The Seljalandsfoss waterfall covered in icicles

Seljalandsfoss

Þingvellir National Park, Iceland, in autumn colors

Þingvellir National Park

The Gullfoss waterfall in summertime

Gullfoss

The Strokkur geyser erupting in winter against a sunset

Geysir and Strokkur

The edge of the Vatnajökull glacier

Vatnajökull Glacier & National Park

Mountains in the Skaftafell Nature Reserve on a cloudy day

Skaftafell Nature Reserve

The Hraunfossar waterfall in winter covered in ice

Hraunfossar and Barnafoss

Gatklettur rock arch at Arnarstapi

Arnarstapi

A man standing below Kirkjufellsfoss

Kirkjufell

The Tjörnin pond in Reykjavík in summer

Downtown Reykjavík

Why book a self-drive trip with Iceland Tours?

  • Start your tour on the date that suits you

  • 24/7 emergency helpline in Iceland

  • Secure your booking with just a 5% deposit

  • New rental cars with 2 drivers as standard

  • Handpicked local accommodation options

  • Best Price Guarantee

Your 7-day self-drive itinerary

Your 7-day self-drive itinerary
Staying inReykjavík
Driving distance50 km (31 mi)
Staying inReykjavík
Driving distance50 km (31 mi)

Your memorable Icelandic adventure begins the very moment you arrive at Keflavík Airport. Collect your rental vehicle and drive through the beautiful landscape all the way to the capital for your first night in the Land of Fire and Ice.

Highlights

The Tjörnin pond in Reykjavík in summer

Downtown Reykjavík

Extra activities

Riders on FlyOver Iceland above a virtual waterfallExtra

FlyOver Iceland

The Sky Lagoon at sunsetExtra

Sky Lagoon Pure Pass

Staying inVík / Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
Driving distance260 km (162 mi)
Staying inVík / Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
Driving distance260 km (162 mi)

Enjoy the stunning scenery of the South Coast of Iceland on this day of exploration. The first two stops will be the spectacular waterfalls the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Take your chance to walk behind a waterfall at Seljalandsfoss. In Skógar, you could pop in for a visit at the Folk Museum to see how people in Iceland used to live centuries ago.

You could also take a dip in one of Iceland’s oldest swimming pool, Seljavallalaug. It is a naturally heated, thermal pool located in a beautiful hidden valley.

Another famous sight of the South Coast are black sand beaches. Go for a stroll and visit the little villages of Vík and Reynishverfi. Before arriving in Vík you could make a stop at the magnificent Dyrhólaey cape.

Please note that Dyrhólaey is closed during the nesting season, from 15 May to 23 June. Puffins disappear back to sea from mid-August.

Highlights

The Seljalandsfoss waterfall covered in icicles

Seljalandsfoss

A rainbow over the Skógafoss waterfall on a sunny day

Skógafoss

Vik Church with Reynisdrangar sea stacks in the distance

Vík í Mýrdal

Extra activities

Raufarhólshellir Lava TunnelExtra

Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel

Staying inVík / Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
Driving distance250 km (155 mi)
Staying inVík / Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
Driving distance250 km (155 mi)

Today you head east to visit one of the most popular and beautiful sights of Iceland. As you drive, you won’t miss the breathtaking views of the Skaftafell National Park, an oasis surrounded by glaciers and black sand, which offers many hiking possibilities.

Finally, you’ll arrive at your destination of the day, the spectacular Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where enormous icebergs drift onto the water like shining diamonds. Capture some fantastic photos and marvel at the sight with a walk along the banks of the lagoon. Later, drive back to Kirkjubæjarklaustur for a second night

Highlights

The Eldhraun lava field showing moss-covered lava rocks

Eldhraun lava field

Mountains in the Skaftafell Nature Reserve on a cloudy day

Skaftafell Nature Reserve

Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon at sunrise with a pink sky

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

The edge of the Vatnajökull glacier

Vatnajökull Glacier & National Park

Extra activities

The Skaftafell Blue Ice Glacier Walk from Iceland Mountain Guides © Björgvin HilmarssonExtra

Skaftafell Blue Ice Glacier Walk

Jökulsárlón Amphibian Boat Tour between two icebergsExtra

Jökulsárlón Amphibian Boat Tour

The zodiac boat tour on Fjallsárlón glacier lagoonExtra

Fjallsárlón Zodiac Boat Tour

Staying inGeysir / Laugarvatn area
Driving distance275 km (171 mi)
Staying inGeysir / Laugarvatn area
Driving distance275 km (171 mi)

Now it is time to visit some of the most interesting and famous areas in Iceland. At the geothermal area of Geysir the hot spring Strokkur ejects its water column high into the air every 5 to 10 minutes. There are also numerous small springs boil and bubble nearby.

You then only have a short drive to Gullfoss, which is one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls. For a relaxing end to your day, you could visit Laugarvatn lake for a nice thermal bath at Laugarvatn Fontana Spa, composed of a series of interconnected baths and steam rooms. They complement each other to create a natural and unique spa experience.

Highlights

The Strokkur geyser erupting in winter against a sunset

Geysir and Strokkur

The Gullfoss waterfall in summertime

Gullfoss

Extra activities

Mountaineers of Iceland Langjökull snowmobile tourExtra

Snowmobiling on Langjökull (Meet at Gullfoss)

A woman bathing in the Secret Lagoon (Gamla laugin)Extra

Secret Lagoon (Gamla laugin)

The Laugarvatn Fontana spa as seen from above

Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Spa

Staying inSnæfellsnes area
Driving distance360 km (224 mi)
Staying inSnæfellsnes area
Driving distance360 km (224 mi)

Start your day by visiting Þingvellir National Park which is considered one of the geological wonders of the world and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can see the effects of the tectonic plate movements which have opened various cracks and fissures in the Earth’s crust. Its importance is also historical as it was here that the Icelandic Parliament was first founded in the 10th century.

From Þingvellir, continue to the Borgarfjörður area and visit the Deildartunguhver hot spring. It is the biggest in Iceland in terms of water production per second. You could also pop by Reykholt and marvel at the Hraunfossar waterfalls, where the water flows out from beneath a lava field and into the river below.

Highlights

Þingvellir National Park, Iceland, in autumn colors

Þingvellir National Park

Water coming out of colorful rocks at Deildartunguhver hot spring

Deildartunguhver

The Hraunfossar waterfall in winter covered in ice

Hraunfossar and Barnafoss

Extra activities

Snorkeling in the Silfra gorge © DIVE.isExtra

Snorkeling at Silfra

The Krauma geothermal baths at DeildartunguhverExtra

Krauma Geothermal Baths

Staying inReykjavík
Driving distance300 km (186 mi)
Staying inReykjavík
Driving distance300 km (186 mi)

Today you will start your day by exploring the Snæfellsjökull National Park. Along the way you will drive through charming fishing villages as well as pass by the majestic Kirkjufell mountain.

You can explore the black sand beach of Djúpalónssandur, see the basaltic columns of Gerðuberg, the cliffs of Arnarstapi, and the hamlet of Búðir with its small wooden church surrounded by lava field. Then make your way back to Reykjavík for your last night in Iceland.

Highlights

A man standing below Kirkjufellsfoss

Kirkjufell

The black sand of the Djúpalónssandur beach

Djúpalónssandur

Gatklettur rock arch at Arnarstapi

Arnarstapi

The Snæfellsjökull glacier at sunset

Snæfellsjökull Glacier & National Park

A kittiwake flying above cliffs in the Breiðafjörður bay

Breiðafjörður bay

Extra activities

A group exploring the Vatnshellir lava caveExtra

Vatnshellir Cave Tour

Driving distance50 km (31 mi)
Driving distance50 km (31 mi)

Your journey to fabulous Iceland is coming to an end today. Drive back to Keflavík Airport to return your vehicle and catch your flight home. Depending on your flight time, you may be able to squeeze in a few last activities in Reykjavík, for a final taste of what this colorful capital city has to offer.

Highlights

The Tjörnin pond in Reykjavík in summer

Downtown Reykjavík

Extra activities

Riders on FlyOver Iceland above a virtual waterfallExtra

FlyOver Iceland

The Sky Lagoon at sunsetExtra

Sky Lagoon Pure Pass

What’s included?

Detailed itinerary

Budget, Comfort, or Quality accommodation every night

Continental breakfast every day

Rental car of your choice for 6 days

2 authorized drivers as standard

Unlimited in-car Wi-Fi

Unlimited mileage

Collision damage waiver

24/7 emergency helpline when you’re in Iceland

VAT, taxes & service fees

Flights to Iceland

Food & drink, unless otherwise stated

Attraction entrance fees, unless otherwise stated

Fuel & parking charges

Personal travel insurance

Choose your rental car

Included as standard:

Collision damage waiver

2 authorized drivers

Unlimited in-car Wi-Fi

Toyota Land Cruiser
Automatic

CO₂ 213g/km

Toyota Land Cruiser 4×4 or similar

Class I
x5
x5
x5
Toyota Yaris
Manual

CO₂ 109g/km

Toyota Yaris or similar

Class A
x4
x5
x2
Dacia Duster
Manual

CO₂ 116g/km

Dacia Duster 4×4 or similar

Class E2
x5
x5
x3
Volkswagen Golf
Automatic

CO₂ 273g/km

Volkswagen Golf or similar

Class B2
x5
x5
x3
Volkswagen Golf
Manual

CO₂ 196g/km

Volkswagen Golf or similar

Class  B
x5
x5
x3
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
Automatic

CO₂ 130g/km Plug-in hybrid

Hyundai Tucson Hybrid 4×4 or similar

Class N3
x5
x5
x3
Toyota Land Cruiser
Automatic

CO₂ 213g/km

Toyota Land Cruiser 4×4 or similar

Class I
x5
x5
x5
Toyota Yaris
Manual

CO₂ 109g/km

Toyota Yaris or similar

Class A
x4
x5
x2
Dacia Duster
Manual

CO₂ 116g/km

Dacia Duster 4×4 or similar

Class E2
x5
x5
x3
Volkswagen Golf
Automatic

CO₂ 273g/km

Volkswagen Golf or similar

Class B2
x5
x5
x3
Volkswagen Golf
Manual

CO₂ 196g/km

Volkswagen Golf or similar

Class  B
x5
x5
x3
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
Automatic

CO₂ 130g/km Plug-in hybrid

Hyundai Tucson Hybrid 4×4 or similar

Class N3
x5
x5
x3
Kia Nero
Automatic

CO₂ 29g/km Plug-in hybrid

Kia Niro or similar

Class B3
x5
x5
x3
Renault Captur
Automatic

CO₂ 217g/km Plug-in hybrid

Renault Captur or similar

Class P6
x5
x5
x3
Volkswagen Caravelle
Automatic

CO₂ 198g/km

Volkswagen Caravelle 4×4 or similar

Class D2
x9
x5
x7
Toyota Aygo
Manual

CO₂ 95g/km

Toyota Aygo or similar

Class Z
x4
x3
x1
Toyota Yaris
Automatic

CO₂ 114g/km

Toyota Yaris or similar

Class Y
x4
x5
x2
Kia Sportage
Manual

CO₂ 176g/km

Kia Sportage 4×4 or similar

Class F
x5
x5
x3
Kia Sportage
Automatic

CO₂ 176g/km

Kia Sportage 4×4 or similar

Class O
x5
x5
x3
Volkswagen Caravelle
Manual

CO₂ 198g/km

Volkswagen Caravelle 4×4 or similar

Class D
x9
x5
x7

Trip summary

Best price guarantee
There’s no availability for the combination you’ve chosen.
Please try another combination.

Adults

Ages 12+

2

Children

Ages 2-11

0

Infants

Ages 0-1

0

FAQs about our self-drive trips

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