Iceland in Comfort: Full Circle Journey

Upon arrival at Keflavík Airport, your self-drive car will be waiting for you at the airport. If you arrive early in the day, you have the option to upgrade and visit the Blue Lagoon (this is optional and not included).

After checking into your accommodation, explore Laugavegur, Reykjavík’s main street, where you can enjoy its diverse shops and cozy cafes.

Overnight stay in Reykjavík.

Pick up your rental car in the morning and embark on a journey to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning landscapes and historical significance. This park is situated on the North Atlantic Rift, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Continue to the Geysir geothermal area to witness Strokkur, the active geyser that erupts every few minutes. Afterward, visit the breathtaking Gullfoss waterfall. Before heading to your accommodation, take a detour to see the nearby volcanic crater, Kerið.

Spend the next two nights in the Selfoss area.

Driving distance: approximately 96 km / 59 mi.

Today, continue exploring the Golden Circle area, revisiting any spots you may have missed or discovering additional attractions such as the Faxi waterfall and the delightful Friðheimar farm. At Friðheimar, you can tour the tomato greenhouses, shop for local products, and enjoy a tomato-based lunch (advance booking required). Alternatively, consider adding an optional activity like snorkeling in Þingvellir National Park to your itinerary.

Spend another night in Selfoss.

Driving distance: approximately 143 km / 88 mi.

Start your day by visiting Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the misty curtain of water, then continue to the impressive Skógafoss waterfall, located just a short drive away. Proceed south of the village of Vík to explore the striking volcanic black sand beach*, with its dramatic Dyrhólaey and Reynisdrangar rock formations jutting out of the crashing waves. For added adventure, consider options such as a glacier hike, ice cave tour, or snowmobile excursion. Check our optional activities for further details.

Spend the next two nights in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.

*Caution is advised at Reynisfjara beach near Vík due to powerful rogue waves and strong undertows. Always keep a safe distance from the water’s edge and observe all warning signs.

Driving distance: approximately 203 km / 126 mi.

Dedicate the day to exploring Skaftafell, a stunning area within the expansive Vatnajökull National Park. Discover a range of fascinating hiking trails*, including a short walk to Svartifoss, renowned for its striking basalt columns that resemble organ pipes. Depending on the season, you might also enjoy optional activities such as a guided glacier hike or an ice cave tour.

Spend another night in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.

*For safety, glacier hikes or ice climbing should only be done with a licensed and experienced guide.

Driving distance: approximately 144 km / 89 mi.

Begin your day with a visit to the renowned Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where you can marvel at the majestic floating icebergs. Next, explore the nearby Fjallsárlón lagoon and the striking Diamond Beach, where ice chunks glitter against the black sand. In the evening, consider dining in Höfn, famously known as the “Lobster Capital of Iceland,” and savor a delightful lobster meal.

Spend the night in the Höfn area.

Driving distance: approximately 203 km / 126 mi.

Embark on a drive through East Iceland, where you’ll encounter picturesque fjords flanked by steep mountains and rugged landscapes. Each fjord offers its own charm, with quaint fishing villages nestled in stunning settings and welcoming locals. Highlights include the chance to spot reindeer and visit the Lagarfljót River, known in folklore for its elusive, Loch Ness-like creature. If conditions permit, you might even catch a glimpse of the northern lights in this enchanting region.

Spend the night in the Egilsstaðir area.

Driving distance: approximately 256 km / 159 mi.

Travel north to the captivating Lake Mývatn region. Your journey begins with a visit to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. From there, continue to Lake Mývatn, a region renowned for its extraordinary natural features, including the Krafla volcano and the vividly colored Námaskarð pass. As evening approaches, if conditions are favorable, you might be treated to the breathtaking sight of the northern lights.*

Spend the next two nights in the Lake Mývatn area.

Driving distance: approximately 223 km / 138 mi

*Please be aware that northern lights sightings are subject to weather conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

Today is perfect for a scenic drive around Lake Mývatn, featuring Dimmuborgir—a captivating area of scattered lava formations, small caves, and volcanic cliffs. Mývatn, a shallow lake situated in a region of volcanic activity near Krafla, offers intriguing sights such as the Skútustaðagígar pseudo-craters. You can also choose from a range of optional activities, including husky tours and cave exploration. To unwind, consider a soothing visit to the Mývatn Nature Baths, where you can relax in warm geothermal waters sourced from 2,500 meters below the surface (entrance not included).

Spend another night in the Lake Mývatn area.

Driving distance: approximately 35 km / 21 mi

Begin your day with a visit to the spectacular Goðafoss waterfall before heading to the delightful northern town of Akureyri. Take some time to wander through Akureyri’s town center, where you can explore its charming shops, cozy cafes, and interesting museums. As you travel towards Skagafjörður—famous for its Icelandic horses—you might opt for a scenic detour around Tröllaskagi (the Peninsula of the Trolls) to admire its stunning mountains, cliffs, and fjords. Along the way, consider a stop in the village of Siglufjörður, historically known for its bustling herring industry.

Spend the night in Skagafjörður.

Driving distance: approximately 256 km / 159 mi

Today, embark on a scenic drive from the north to the west of Iceland. Begin with a visit to Vatnsdalshólar, a series of hills in the Vatnsdalur valley believed to have been created by a massive landslide. Continue south to the Grábrók volcanic crater, where you can enjoy a short hike to appreciate its unique geological features. After exploring the crater, head to Borgarnes and explore the Icelandic Settlement Centre to learn more about Iceland’s early history.

Spend the next two nights in Borgarnes.

Driving distance: approximately 234 km / 145 mi

Today, take the opportunity to drive around the captivating Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Marvel at the stunning landscapes of Snæfellsjökull National Park, dominated by the glacier-capped volcano at the peninsula’s tip. Highlights of your journey include the picturesque Dritvík Cove, the dramatic bird cliffs of Lóndrangar, and the charming coastal villages of Hellnar and Arnarstapi. At Djúpalónssandur Beach, challenge yourself with the traditional “lifting stones” used by Icelandic fishermen of the past.

Spend another night in the Borgarnes area.

Driving distance: approximately 320 km / 198 mi

Today, travel to the historic Borgarfjörður region in western Iceland. Explore the stunning Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, which cascade over a lava field, and visit Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring. You may also choose to visit the ice tunnel or relax at Krauma geothermal baths before returning to Reykjavík for the evening.

Spend the night in Reykjavík.

Driving distance: approximately 196 km / 121 mi

As your Iceland adventure comes to a close, consider visiting the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa to unwind in the warm mineral waters before heading to the airport (optional and not included). 

Your self-drive car will be returned at the airport.