Around Iceland in 8 Days Self-Drive Northern Lights Tour

Your memorable Icelandic adventure begins the very moment you arrive at Keflavik Airport. After having picked up your rental vehicle, you drive to the capital for your first night in “the land of fire and ice.”

If your flight arrives early enough, you can start your trip with a visit to Iceland’s world-famous Blue Lagoon for a relaxing moment in the blue, soothing and warm geothermal waters. Be sure to pack your swimsuit!

You travel today towards the northern part of Iceland to reach Akureyri, the north’s capital. 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. You then continue your journey driving through Skagafjörður which is known for exceptional horse breeding.

The whole day is dedicated to the marvels of Lake Myvatn Nature Reserve. On the way to Myvatn you might like to make a stop at the impressive waterfall Godafoss “The fall of the gods”. Then continue to the Mývatn area where you spend the day exploring the wonders around the lake which is one of Iceland’s most interesting regions with fantastic volcanic formations, geothermal activity and the lake itself, teeming with bird life, particularly ducks. 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.

Now you continue your journey to the East of Iceland. You can start your day by taking a walk at the Dimmuborgir lava formations and visit the Skútustaðir pseudo craters. You continue the exploration of the area by visiting the amazing boiling mud pools and steam vents of Námaskard, and then the Krafla area where a series of volcanic eruptions took place from 1975-1984. You continue your trip to the village of Egilsstaðir. If you are lucky you might see the reindeers or an artic fox!

You discover today the East Fjords starting with the fjord Reydarfjörður where a small but interesting World War II history museum is located. You continue the drive to reach Fáskrúðsfjörður where its French heritage is reflected by the names of the street being in French! You make your way towards the south east of Iceland driving by the coast to finally reach Höfn where you spend the night.

Your next stop is Iceland’s scenic southeast. After passing various outlet glaciers belonging to Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap, you’ll arrive at the stunningly surreal beauty of Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon. This exceptional sight sits at the foot of Iceland’s highest mountain, Hvannadalshnúkur. Skaftafell National Park is another area definitely worth a visit. This oasis surrounded by glaciers and black sand plains offers a broad range of options for great hiking. Continue through Kirkjubaejarklaustur village, the Eldhraun lava field and the Mýrdalssandur plain before you arrive in the Vík area.

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

It seems as if your journey to fabulous Iceland only began a moment ago but now it is time to head back home driving back to Keflavík Airport for your flight. Depending on your flight’s time, you may be able to visit a little more Reykjavík and take advantage of the many amazing things that the city has to offer.