Iceland Circular Self-Drive Adventure Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome to Iceland

Upon arrival at Keflavik International Airport, pick up your pre-booked rental car. If time permits, explore the rugged Reykjanes Peninsula on your way to Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. Highlights of the day include the Reykjanestá bird cliff, the Gunnuhver hot spring (named after an angry ghost), the Brimketill rock pool by the ocean, the famous Blue Lagoon, and the vibrant Krýsuvík hot spring area. Spend the night in Reykjavik. Optional activity: Visit the Blue Lagoon or The Sky Lagoon.
Overnight Location: Reykjavik
Meals: None

Day 2 The Golden Circle

In the morning, depart from the city and head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Park, Þingvellir. Take a walk through the Almannagjá gorge to the historical site of the former parliament, then continue to the beautiful Öxaráfoss waterfall. From here, your journey leads you to the farming region and the geysers of Haukadalur. While the old Geysir is quiet, the active Strokkur hot spring (known as the butterchurn) erupts every five to seven minutes. Just a short drive away, you’ll find the impressive Gullfoss waterfall. Continue your drive to your accommodation on the South Coast. Optional activity: Standard Lava Tunnel Tour (recommended as the first stop before Þingvellir).
Overnight Location: South Coast
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 The South Coast and Waterfalls

Today is all about waterfalls! Start your day with a memorable walk behind the Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Continue along the rock face to the hidden waterfall Gjlufrabúi, nestled in the gorge. Next, head to Skógar to admire the magnificent Skógafoss waterfall. A visit to the local Skógasafn museum, showcasing folk and transport history, is highly recommended. Continue along the south coast to explore the bird cliffs of Dyrhólaey and the famous Reynisfjara beach with its striking basalt columns and black sand. Your journey then takes you through the village of Vík, the desert-like black sands of Mýrdalssandur, the vast lava fields of Eldhraun, and onwards to the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur for the night. Optional activity: Sólheimajökull Glacier Discovery.
Overnight Location: Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Begin your day by visiting the Skaftafell information center in Vatnajökulsþjóðgarður National Park. We recommend an easy hike to the Svartifoss waterfall, surrounded by impressive basalt columns. Then, drive along the base of the massive Vatnajökull ice cap, passing Iceland’s highest peak, Hvannadalshnjúkur (2114 m), before reaching the stunning Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon. Take a walk along the lagoon’s shore and the beach, where smaller icebergs are often washed ashore. For a closer look, consider a boat tour among the drifting icebergs, with a chance to spot seals in the lagoon and along the coast. You might also visit the Hoffellslón glacier lagoon near Höfn before continuing your journey through East Iceland’s dramatic fjords and bird-rich coastlines. Overnight in the Höfn area. Optional activity: Amphibian / Zodiac Boat Tour – Jökulsárlón.
Overnight Location: Höfn area
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 The Eastfjords and Hengifoss Waterfall

Explore the unique sculptures of The Eggs of Merry Bay or admire the impressive mineral collection at Petra’s Stone Museum, displayed in her former home. At the Wilderness Centre, enjoy a captivating exhibition about the region’s nature and the lives of its early settlers around Lake Lagarfljót. Conclude the day with the popular and easy hike to Hengifoss waterfall. You may also want to visit the charming town of Seyðisfjörður, or take a detour to Mjóifjörður. Spend the night in the Egilsstaðir area. Optional activity: Puffins of Borgarfjörður Eystri – Travel East.
Overnight Location: Egilsstaðir area
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Dettifoss Waterfall and Lake Mývatn

Drive along the ring road from Egilsstaðir through the highland heath towards Lake Mývatn, with a detour to Europe’s largest waterfall, Dettifoss. Stop by the sulfuric, mud-filled hot springs at Námaskarð near the Krafla volcano. Just a short drive away, you’ll reach the fertile lands surrounding Lake Mývatn, one of the largest breeding grounds for ducks, waders, and other bird species. Explore the lava labyrinth of Dimmuborgir, walk around the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir, or hike to the summit of Hverfjall for stunning views over the lake and surrounding landscapes. Overnight in the Mývatn area. Optional activity: Mývatn Nature Baths.
Overnight Location: Mývatn area
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Húsavík Whale Watching and Ásbyrgi National Park

Drive to Húsavík, a traditional fishing village and Iceland’s whale watching capital. Take a whale watching tour from the harbor or visit the village’s whale museum. Afterward, continue along the Tjörnes Peninsula to Ásbyrgi National Park. Ásbyrgi is a horseshoe-shaped canyon with a small pond at its base. If you’re interested, visit Hljóðaklettar, a unique cluster of columnar rock formations at the entrance to Vesturdalur, near the Jökulsá á Fjöllum River. Return to the Mývatn area for a second overnight stay. Optional activity: Whale Watching (Húsavík).
Overnight Location: Mývatn area
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 Goðafoss Waterfall and Akureyri

On the way to Akureyri, stop by the picturesque Goðafoss waterfall. Akureyri, known as the “capital of the North,” has preserved its Danish influence, as it was once a Danish trading hub. The wives of Danish merchants, longing for trees from their homeland, planted them on a hill near the harbor, creating one of the northernmost botanical gardens. From Akureyri, you can choose to drive along the coast of the Tröllaskagi Peninsula or through the mountains, both routes leading to the Skagafjörður area where you’ll spend the night. Optional activity: Pleasure in Every Hoof Step – Hestasport.
Overnight Location: Skagafjörður area
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 Seal Watching and Borgarfjörður Exploration

Visit the Icelandic Seal Centre in the fishing village of Hvammstangi, where you can learn about the seals of the North Atlantic and Arctic, their significance in Icelandic culture and tradition, and view a documentary on their research, wildlife, and marine life in northern Iceland. Along the Vatnsnes Peninsula, seals can be spotted along the coast. On your way south, don’t miss a hike up the Grábrók crater. You can also explore the Borgarfjörður region, with highlights such as the Deildartunguhver hot spring, Reykholt medieval site, and the Hraunfossar waterfalls, before driving through the Hvalfjörður tunnel and onward to Reykjavík for your final overnight. Optional activity: Hvammsvík Hot Springs.
Overnight Location: Reykjavík
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 Departure Day

Drive back to Keflavik International Airport and return your rental car and depart with unforgettable memories of your Icelandic adventure.
Overnight Location: None
Meals: Breakfast