Be magnetized by Iceland’s winter charm
This week-long winter self-drive is one of our most popular itineraries. Follow the famous Ring Road through Iceland’s spellbinding snow-covered scenery and experience true winter magic.
This tour also includes the Golden Circle route, where you can see a live geyser erupt. Before heading home, why not spend some time exploring buzzing Reykjavík or taking a dip in the Blue Lagoon? On this trip, you’ll do it all!
On this tour you will...
See steaming hot springs and bubbling mud pools
Wind through the spectacular Eastfjords
Watch as freshly calved icebergs float out to sea
Roam black sand beaches on the south coast
Walk below towering waterfalls
Visit charming country villages and towns
Top attractions
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 8-day self-drive itinerary
Your memorable Icelandic adventure begins the very moment you arrive at Keflavík Airport. After having picked up your rental vehicle, you drive to the capital for your first night in “the land of fire and ice.”
Highlights
Extra activities
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 Mývatn Nature Reserve. On the way to Mývatn you might like to make a stop at the impressive waterfall Goðafoss “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 Námaskarð, 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 Arctic fox!
You discover today the Eastfjords starting with the fjord Reyðarfjörður 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 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 Kirkjubæjarklaustur 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 Þingvellir National Park. On your way back to Reykjavík 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.
What’s included?
Detailed itinerary
Budget, Comfort, or Quality accommodation every night
Continental breakfast every day
Rental car of your choice for 7 days
2 authorized drivers as standard
Unlimited mileage
Unlimited in-car Wi-Fi
Collision damage waiver
24/7 emergency helpline when you’re in Iceland
VAT, taxes & service fees
Flights to Iceland
Fuel & parking charges
Food & drink, unless otherwise stated
Attraction entrance fees, unless otherwise stated
Personal travel insurance
Customer reviews
Read what real customers had to say about Iceland Ring Road Winter Adventure.
FAQs about our self-drive trips
On a self-drive trip with Iceland Tours, you’ll be at the wheel of the rental car of your choice and free to go pretty much where you want, whenever you want.
We provide a detailed itinerary to help you plan your route and where you want to stop along the way. But it’s up to you whether you want to stick to it or go your own way. If you do take detours, make sure that you aren’t too far from your accommodation on any given night.
That said, it’s a good idea to stick to the suggested itinerary if you’ve never visited Iceland before. Created by our Reykjavík-based travel experts, it contains plenty of things for you to and see and do on each leg of your trip. One thing’s for sure: you won’t be short on ideas!
You also get unlimited in-car Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected and use maps on your phone for navigation.
You have to be at least 20 years old to rent a car in Iceland, or 23 years old for larger vehicles like jeeps and vans. You’ll need to have held a valid driver’s license for at least 1 year and present a credit card when you collect your car.
You don’t need an International Driving Permit unless your license is not in Latin script (for example, Arabic or Chinese).
Find out more about car rental in Iceland.
Yes! It’s possible to add extra activities or extend your trip with additional nights in Reykjavík or the countryside. Check the itinerary above to see what activities are available on what day.
Once you’ve paid your deposit for your trip, we’ll finalize bookings for your accommodation, rental car, and any activities. As soon as we receive confirmation of everything, we’ll email your travel documents to you.
We aim to finalize everything within a few weeks of receiving your booking request, but in busy periods this might take longer. That said, you’ll always receive all of your documents before your departure date.
You’ll be able to pick up your rental car at Keflavík International Airport from the arrivals hall. Before your trip, we’ll send you information about where to go in the terminal to collect your keys.
Make sure you have your driver’s license and credit card ready when you collect your vehicle.
If you land late at night, you can use the out-of-hours phone at the pick-up desk to contact someone who will be able to help you.
You also have the option to collect your rental car in Reykjavík, if you’re planning to spend some extra days in the city before your trip starts. If you’d like to do this, please let us know in the ‘Special requests’ box at checkout.
Although Iceland’s weather can sometimes get in the way, it’s perfectly possible to have a safe self-drive trip in winter. The main roads are cleared regularly and there is good 4G coverage in most of the countryside if you need it.
That said, roads can sometimes close in winter if there are storms or heavy snowfall. When you book with Iceland Tours, you’ll get access to a 24/7 helpline while you’re in Iceland. Rest assured that help is at the end of the phone when you need it.
We’ll often contact you proactively if we think your trip will be affected by bad weather and adjust your plans accordingly. This means you’ll always stay safe and get the most out of your trip, no matter the weather.