Iceland Glacier & Hot Spring Winter Road Trip

8 days / 7 nights
8 days / 7 nights
The Strokkur geyser erupting in winter against a sunset
Northern Lights over Kirkjufell mountain in West Iceland
An interesting view of the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
The Strokkur geyser erupting in winter against a sunset
Northern Lights over Kirkjufell mountain in West Iceland
An interesting view of the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
The Strokkur geyser erupting in winter against a sunset
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

Fire meets ice on this wintry adventure

See all the best of what Iceland has to offer in the wintertime on this 8-day self-drive tour. Frozen waterfalls, gigantic glaciers, and snow-capped mountains. Iceland has all this and more!

Follow the south coast to Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, and the magnificent Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon. Loop back to the Geysir hot spring, where you can see earth’s incredible geothermal might in action.

Witness steam rising out of the ground at Deildartunguhver. Head west to Iceland’s Snæfellsnes peninsula and catch a glimpse of the Snæfellsjökull glacier. Finally, arrive back in Reykjavík for some city culture before heading home.

Travel styleSelf-drive
Trip length8 days / 7 nights
VibeIn depth
SeasonWinter
(1 Oct–31 Mar)
TransportRental car
Starts fromReykjavík
Tour codeSD12

On this tour you will...

  • Explore the nature-packed Snæfellsnes peninsula

  • Gaze at majestic and powerful waterfalls

  • See Earth’s forces in play at active hot springs

  • Walk between tectonic plates at Þingvellir National Park

  • Have the chance to bathe in geothermal pools

  • Stay in Iceland’s capital and out in the countryside

Top attractions

The edge of the Vatnajökull glacier

Vatnajökull Glacier & National Park

The Strokkur geyser erupting in winter against a sunset

Geysir and Strokkur

Water coming out of colorful rocks at Deildartunguhver hot spring

Deildartunguhver

Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon at sunrise with a pink sky

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Mountains in the Skaftafell Nature Reserve on a cloudy day

Skaftafell Nature Reserve

The Seljalandsfoss waterfall covered in icicles

Seljalandsfoss

A rainbow over the Skógafoss waterfall on a sunny day

Skógafoss

The Gullfoss waterfall in summertime

Gullfoss

Þingvellir National Park, Iceland, in autumn colors

Þingvellir National Park

The Hraunfossar waterfall in winter covered in ice

Hraunfossar and Barnafoss

Gatklettur rock arch at Arnarstapi

Arnarstapi

A man standing below Kirkjufellsfoss

Kirkjufell

A kittiwake flying above cliffs in the Breiðafjörður bay

Breiðafjörður bay

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 8-day self-drive itinerary

Your 8-day self-drive itinerary
Staying inReykjavík
Driving distance50 km (31 mi)
Staying inReykjavík
Driving distance50 km (31 mi)

Your memorable Iceland adventure begins the very moment you arrive at Keflavík Airport. Once you pick up your rental vehicle, you’ll head directly for Reykjavík and your exciting first night in Iceland.

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)

On your way along the south coast you will pass two spectacular waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, two stops you must not miss. At Skógar, you will find a folk museum showing how people lived in past centuries in Iceland. The black sand beaches of the south coast are famous and you can take a walk on them in the little village of Vík or in Reynishverfi. If you wish you can go swimming in one of Iceland’s oldest swimming pool, the Seljavallarlaug, a naturally-heated thermal pool located in a beautiful hidden valley.

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 will visit one of the most popular and beautiful sights of Iceland. Enjoy the breathtaking sights of the Skaftafell Nature Reserve, an oasis surrounded by glaciers and black sand with many hiking possibilities and at the spectacular Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Enormous icebergs drift where you can walk along the banks of the lagoon to admire the fantastically-shaped icebergs. Drive back to Vík/Kirkjubæjarklaustur area for a second night.

Highlights

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

Katlatrack Fast Track Ice Cave TourExtra

Fast Track Ice Cave Tour

A man looking up inside an ice cave on the Crystal Ice Cave TourExtra

Crystal Ice Cave Tour with Super Jeep Ride

Staying inGeysir area
Driving distance280 km (174 mi)
Staying inGeysir area
Driving distance280 km (174 mi)

Today it is time to visit some of the most interesting and famous areas of Iceland: the famous geothermal area of Geysir where the Strokkur hot spring ejects its water column high into the air every 5–10 minutes and where numerous small springs boil and bubble. After this you only have a short drive to reach Gullfoss, surely the country’s most famous waterfall. If you wish you can continue to Lake Laugarvatn for a nice thermal bath at Laugarvatn Fontana spa, composed of a series of interconnected baths and steam rooms that complement each other to create a healthy, 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

The Laugarvatn Fontana spa as seen from aboveExtra

Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Spa

Staying inBorgarfjörður area
Driving distance245 km (152 mi)
Staying inBorgarfjörður area
Driving distance245 km (152 mi)

Now you will continue your drive to Þingvellir National Park (Thingvellir), considered one of the geological wonders of the world where you can see the effects of the tectonic plate movements which have opened various cracks and fissures in the earth’s crust. It was here that the Icelandic parliament was founded in the 10th century. Today you will take the time to explore the region along the Hvalfjörður to Borgarnes. You can make a stop at Deildartunguhver hot spring (the biggest in Iceland in terms of water production per second), Reykholt where the famous medieval writer Snorri Sturluson lived and the Hraunfossar waterfalls where the water flows out from beneath a lava field into the river below. The Barnafoss waterfall is just a short walk away from Hraunfossar.

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

The Krauma geothermal baths at DeildartunguhverExtra

Krauma Geothermal Baths

Staying inBorgarfjörður area
Driving distance340 km (211 mi)
Staying inBorgarfjörður area
Driving distance340 km (211 mi)

Today you will be exploring the natural wonders of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, which is known for the stunning Snæfellsjökull National Park and the Snæfellsjökull glacier that towers above the region. Today’s itinerary takes you through lava fields and fertile farming land. Explore the charming village of Arnarstapi where basalt columns have been eroded by the pounding waves, Hellnar, Djúpalónssandur, Snæfellsjökull glacier and the crater Eldborg. Drive through the north part of the peninsula passing through Stykkishólmur, a charming fishing village beautifully situated overlooking the Breiðafjörður bay. Return to Borgarnes for a second night.

Highlights

The Snæfellsjökull glacier at sunset

Snæfellsjökull Glacier & National Park

Gatklettur rock arch at Arnarstapi

Arnarstapi

A kittiwake flying above cliffs in the Breiðafjörður bay

Breiðafjörður bay

A man standing below Kirkjufellsfoss

Kirkjufell

Extra activities

A group exploring the Vatnshellir lava caveExtra

Vatnshellir Cave Tour

Staying inReykjavík
Driving distance180 km (112 mi)
Staying inReykjavík
Driving distance180 km (112 mi)

Drive back to Reykjavík. Take some time to explore Iceland’s capital, with its cool cafés and restaurants, interesting shops, and captivating museums and galleries. And why not relax and unwind in a “hot pot” at one of the city’s many pools? This is a great way to experience authentic Icelandic culture.

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

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

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.

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 7 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

Fuel & parking charges

Food & drink, unless otherwise stated

Attraction entrance fees, unless otherwise stated

Personal travel insurance

Choose your rental car

Included as standard:

Collision damage waiver

2 authorized drivers

Unlimited in-car Wi-Fi

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
Suzuki Swift
Manual

CO₂ 128g/km

Suzuki Swift 4×4 or similar

Class A2
x4
x5
x2
Skoda Octavia Wagon
Manual

CO₂ 119g/km

Škoda Octavia Wagon 4×4 or similar

Class E
x5
x5
x4
Skoda Octavia Wagon
Automatic

CO₂ 119g/km

Škoda Octavia Wagon 4×4 or similar

Class P
x5
x5
x4
Kia Sportage
Automatic

CO₂ 176g/km

Kia Sportage 4×4 or similar

Class O
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
Suzuki Swift
Manual

CO₂ 128g/km

Suzuki Swift 4×4 or similar

Class A2
x4
x5
x2
Skoda Octavia Wagon
Manual

CO₂ 119g/km

Škoda Octavia Wagon 4×4 or similar

Class E
x5
x5
x4
Skoda Octavia Wagon
Automatic

CO₂ 119g/km

Škoda Octavia Wagon 4×4 or similar

Class P
x5
x5
x4
Kia Sportage
Automatic

CO₂ 176g/km

Kia Sportage 4×4 or similar

Class O
x5
x5
x3
Toyota Land Cruiser
Automatic

CO₂ 213g/km

Toyota Land Cruiser 4×4 or similar

Class I
x5
x5
x5
Volkswagen Caravelle
Automatic

CO₂ 198g/km

Volkswagen Caravelle 4×4 or similar

Class D2
x9
x5
x7
Dacia Duster
Manual

CO₂ 116g/km

Dacia Duster 4×4 or similar

Class E2
x5
x5
x3
Renault Captur
Automatic

CO₂ 217g/km Plug-in hybrid

Renault Captur or similar

Class P6
x5
x5
x3
Kia Nero
Automatic

CO₂ 29g/km Plug-in hybrid

Kia Niro or similar

Class B3
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 Sportage
Manual

CO₂ 176g/km

Kia Sportage 4×4 or similar

Class F
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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