Iceland Explorer Self Drive Summer

Once you have landed at Keflavik Airport, please pick up your luggage and head through customs. Collect your rental car at the airport and proceed to your hotel. We recommend driving the southern coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula towards your first overnight stay in the charming village of Hveragerdi. The Reykjanes Peninsula area is an ideal introduction to Iceland´s volcanic personality. The region has been designated a UNESCO Geopark for its otherworldly and beautiful volcanic features. There are numerous points of interest in the area. Some of these include Krysuvik, a primordial geothermal area of bubbling earth and steam, and the Midatlantic Ridge that divides the North American and European tectonic plates. Arrive in the Hveragerdi, one of the few sites in the world located directly on top of a geothermal area and, because of its many greenhouses heated by hot water from nearby springs it is often called the “flower village”.




Overnight in Hveragerdi 



Please note: Hotel check-in begins between 14:00 – 16:00 (2:00pm-4:00pm)

Today youll be exploring Icelands famous Golden Circle region. Start with a drive to Lake Thingvallavatn, Icelands largest lake and Thingvellir National Park. This UNESCO heritage site is where the worlds oldest continuing parliamentary government was founded in the 10th century. It is also the place where the North American and European tectonic plates meet. You will have the unusual experience of walking between two continents. Next on your journey is Gullfoss, the “Golden Waterfall”, where various walking paths give you photo-worthy views of the beautiful double-ledged cascade. Youll also visit the nearby Geysir hot spring area to see the famous Geysir and Strokkur, as well as numerous other hot springs and boiling mud pools. During the day you might enjoy a glimpse into Icelandic local life. Visit Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Steam Baths and indulge in the natural and healing steam rooms and a variety of relaxing mineral pools. Fontana has been a local favorite since the early 20th century, and youll see why. You might also visit Fridheimar, an Icelandic family farm where tomatoes and cucumbers are grown using organic geothermal energy. Tour the greenhouse and sample some of the farms sweet Icelandic tomatoes. Another recommendation is the Efstidalur dairy farm known for its delicious ice cream, skyr and cheese. We love the farms wonderful home-made ice cream, and we are sure you will also enjoy trying it. You might even get a glimpse of the “girls,” the farms beloved dairy cows. Your day ends again in Hveragerdi where you can relax in this friendly geothermal town.




Overnight in Hveragerdi

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore Thjorsardalur valley and its ever-changing landscapes of birch woods, sandy lava fields, rivers, and waterfalls. View the charming Gjain valley with its miniature waterfalls and volcanic formations. If the skies are clear, youll also see the impressive and beautiful Mt. Hekla volcano towering over the region. Visit Stong, where you can view a replica of a Viking-age longhouse that was buried by a volcanic eruption of Hekla during the 13th century. (There is an admission fee to visit the inside of the longhouse.) The Stong area was a filming location for Game of Thrones Season 4. Drive along the scenic farmlands of Icelands South Shore. Stop to admire the scenic waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Each waterfall has its own charm. You can get a glimpse of country life in Icelands olden days at the intriguing Skogar Folk Museum. We especially recommend checking out the turf-roofed farmhouse. Continue on to Dyrholaey* and the thundering waves of the Reynisfjara black sand beaches. Continue to Vik, Icelands southernmost town.




Overnight in the Vik area.

Today you will be in a world of glaciers! Youll be visiting the southern area of Vatnajokull National Park, named after Europes largest glacier. The total park area covers almost 14% of Iceland, making it the largest national park in Western Europe. Drive through vast sand plains created by glacial outwashes as you head east. Visit the national parks famous Skaftafell area, a site of outstanding natural beauty. Enjoy the views of rich green landscapes and black sands dominated by several magnificent glaciers. Youll also see Svinafellsjokull, one of the most beautiful glacial “tongues” that are slowly creeping down from Vatnajokull. Visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon where youll enjoy the breath-taking sight of icebergs floating in the fantastic 180m (591 ft.) deep glacial lagoon. Make sure that camera is charged and ready! You also have the option of enjoying a boat tour amid the ice bergs (we recommend booking this in advance and are glad to help with this!). Nearby is the dramatic beauty of the Diamond Beach, named for the shrinking icebergs that settle on the black sands before drifting out to sea. Your overnight is in Hofn, a fishing port in the shadow of Vatnajokull glacier. Hofn has a nice selection of restaurants and cafes. The local specialty is langoustines (Norway lobsters), and you might enjoy the opportunity to try some for yourself! 




Overnight in Hofn.

Drive from Hofn through Almannaskard pass, stopping to admire the majestic coastline. Continue to the towering mountains plunging vertically into the sea that form the magnificent East Fjords. Were sure youll love the amazing views, so keep your camera ready. You will also pass villages, each with its own special history and charm. You might enjoy visiting the town of Djupivogur, the gateway to the Eastfjords. It is nice to walk along the harbor and view the interesting art installation sculpture depicting seabird eggs. If youre feeling thirsty for a local brew, we recommend a stop at the Beljandi microbrewery in Breiddalsvik. The brewery was a community project, so youll get a feel for local life in the Eastfjords. The road brings you to Egilsstadir town, located near Icelands largest forest and a lake said to be home to a legendary (friendly) monster. The area also has an excellent reputation for locally sourced cuisine.  




Overnight in the Egilsstadir area.

Explore the empty vastness of the highland desert plateau Modrudalsoraefi, desolate and yet hauntingly beautiful, as you head towards the Lake Myvatn area. Your route takes you by a historical Modrudalsoraefi; it is located at the highest altitude of any working farm in Iceland. Stop at Dettifoss, Europes largest and most powerful waterfall. Continue onwards to the Namaskard pass with its boiling mud pools and vibrant colors. We often feel like we are visiting another planet when we come here, and you may the same way. Its such a surreal experience. Walk along the pseudo craters at Skutustadir and peek into Grjotagja, a cave with underground hot springs. Explore the peculiar lava formations at Dimmuborgir. They look as if they were built by fantasy creatures. Legend has it that elves live here, so be respectful during your visit. Youll see why the surreal Myvatn area has become so popular as a movie location. 




Overnight in the Myvatn area.



Please note: Roads 864, 862 and therefore Road 85 are usually closed during the fall, winter and spring until the end of May. (Road opening dates are dependent on the weather conditions.) Roads 864 and 862 are gravel roads, and you must heed warning signs in the area if road conditions are not good for driving. It is not possible to visit Dettifoss between October and April, as the roads to the waterfall are not safe for winter travel. We recommend following Ring Road 1 from Myvatn to Egilsstadir.

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel, start your days adventure with a visit to magnificent Godafoss waterfall, one of North Icelands most important symbols. Afterwards, youll see Akureyri, the colorful northern “capital“of Iceland. The town has charming buildings and a beautiful view of the Eyjafjordur fjord. After spending some free time in Akureyri, youll continue along the coastal roads of Eyjafjordur and the Troll Peninsula. Youll surely be amazed at the steep mountains with amazing views over the Arctic Sea and its black sand coastline. Stop in Siglufjordur, a town with some of the countrys most beautiful timber buildings. Its a great idea to visit the towns award-winning Herring-Era Maritime Museum. The museum recreates the atmosphere of the early 20th century, when Siglufjordur was transformed into a frontier-like boom town, thanks to a large migration of herring. The museum will transport you back to that exciting time. Head along majestic mountains and narrow passes to your overnight in Skagafjordur, a scenic region full of historical sites and folk tales. 




Overnight in Northwest Iceland.



Please Note: The Ring Road route today contains a toll tunnel.

Cross the Holtavorduheidi plateau taking you into West Iceland. Drive through Borgarfjordur, a region that has been getting international recognition for its lovely volcanic and wooded scenery and for its Viking history. Walk up to the top of Grabrok crater for an amazing view. Listen to the powerful rushing waters of Deildartunguhver, Europes mightiest hot spring area. Stop to admire the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls, were brightly blue water rushes through black lava formations. Nearby is Barnafoss, a waterfall with even more brilliantly blue colors. There is an interesting and poignant legend associated with this waterfall. A nice and relaxing activity is a visit to Krauma Natural Geothermal Baths. You can soak in water warmed by a blend of Deildartunguhvers hot water and cool spring water. 




Overnight in the Borgarfjordur area.

Today explore the amazing variety of natural landscapes in Snaefellsjokull National Park. The parks crown jewel is Snaefellsjokull glacier itself, which covers a dormant volcano that last erupted in 250 AD. In addition, youll also see Kirkjufell, one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland. Walk along the uniquely pebbled seascape of Djupalonssandur beach. At the picturesque harbor village of Arnarstapi, you can observe magnificent basalt rocks in stacked formations. One Icelandic Saga mentions that Snaefellsnes and its people are protected by a benevolent half troll who lives high on the glacier. You might even find a sense of magic and healing energy in this beautiful peninsula. At the end of the afternoon, drive to Reykjavik, Icelands amazing capital city.




Overnight in Reykjavik.

Today drive to Keflavik International Airport to drop off your car rental. We recommend departing Reykjavik no later than 3 hours before your flight.