Around Iceland in 8 Days Self Drive Northern Lights 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 Reykjavik and your exciting, first night in “the land of fire and ice.”

Suggestion: If your flight arrives early enough, you can start your trip off in a spectacular way with 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.

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

The whole day is dedicated to the marvels of Lake Myvatn Nature Reserve known as one of Iceland’s most fascinating areas of natural beauty. On the way to Myvatn you must make a stop at the impressive waterfall Godafoss “The fall of the gods”. Then continue to the Mývatn area where we 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 also have a look at the Skutustadir pseudo craters. You can visit 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. Then continue your trip through the desert highlands of Mödrudalur to the village of Egilsstadir. If you are lucky you might see the reindeers or an artic fox.

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, you 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.

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 Jokulsarlon, 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 takes you to the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland: Gullfoss, Geysir and Thingvellir National Park. On your way back to Reykjavik you will pass the magnificent waterfalls, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss.
Your day will end in Reykjavík where you will 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 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.