19 Day Self-drive Tour: the Ultimate Iceland Discovery

19-day self-drive itinerary · all-year

Discover Iceland at your own pace with a 19-day self-drive tour. This is the ultimate way to experience all that this country has to offer, from its stunning natural beauty to its unique culture. This one has it all.*

This 19-day self-drive tour allows you to discover all that Iceland has to offer at your own pace. You'll start by exploring the moon-like landscape of Reykjanes peninsula before moving on to the famous Golden Circle. After that, you'll head to the highlands and visit Landmannalaugar geothermal area and other stunning natural phenomena. The amazing South coast is next up before heading to the magical Eastfjords where you will drive through many charming fishing villages and get to know the local culture a bit better. The awesome highlands of the East are next up where you will get a chance to visit Iceland’s largest hydropower plant and hopefully get a glimpse of some wild reindeer. On your way through North Iceland you will make stops at Dettifoss waterfall and Mývatn lake, famed for its stunning nature. After your stop in North Iceland, you'll be heading towards the Westfjords of Iceland. Driving in this beautiful region is an adventure on its own so take your time and soak in all its beauty. Snæfellsnes peninsula will be your next destination. There you will encounter more stunning attractions and perhaps test your strength against the lifting stones at Djúpalónssandur beach. The Borgarfjörður area is next up where you’ll see the beautiful waterfall Hraunfossar among other attractions. Your last full day in Iceland will be devoted to Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital city. Discover all the best that this vibrant city has to offer before heading home. This is the perfect trip for those who want to see everything that Iceland has to offer at their own pace. With plenty of time to explore, you'll be able to take in all the country's stunning natural scenery and get a taste of its unique culture. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip today!

Day 1: Day 1

After arriving at Keflavík International Airport or in Reykjavík city, it's time to begin your Ultimate Iceland Discovery tour! If you're starting in Reykjavík, take some time to explore the world's northernmost capital city. Stroll down Laugavegur, the city's main shopping street, visit one of the many museums or art galleries, or just relax in one of the many parks or cafes. In the evening, enjoy a delicious Icelandic dinner before heading to your accommodation for the night. If you're starting your tour at the airport, pick up your rental car and drive to your accommodation in Reykjavík for the night.

Day 2: Day 2

Start your day by exploring the Reykjanes peninsula, a UNESCO Global Geopark. Drive out to the peninsula's tip to see the world's northernmost lighthouse, then continue to the Krysuvik geothermal area to see bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles. Make sure to also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Thingvellir National Park, where you can walk between the tectonic plates of North America and Europe. In the evening, head to your accommodation in the Selfoss area.

Day 3: Day 3

Today, it's time to explore the famous Golden Circle of Iceland. Drive to Thingvellir National Park to see the tectonic plates, then continue to the geothermal area of Haukadalur to see the geysers Strokkur and Geysir. Next stop will be at Gullfoss, one of Iceland's most iconic waterfalls. In the evening, head to your accommodation in the Selfoss area.

Day 4: Day 4

Today, you'll drive along the South Coast of Iceland. Stop at the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, then continue to the town of Vik where you can see the amazing sea stacks of Reynisdrangar. Make sure to also visit the Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls before continuing to your accommodation for the night in the Vík area.

Day 5: Day 5

Continue your drive along the South Coast today and explore the Skaftafell geothermal area and Vatnajökull National Park. Make sure to visit the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where you can see huge icebergs floating in the water. In the evening, head to your accommodation in the Höfn area.

Day 6: Day 6

Today, you'll visit the beautiful Eastfjords of Iceland. Drive to the town of Egilsstadir and then continue to the picturesque town of Seydisfjordur. Make sure to also visit the waterfalls of Dettifoss, Selfoss, and Hafragilsfoss before continuing to your accommodation for the night in the Fáskrúðsfjörður area.

Day 7: Day 7

Today, you'll explore the Fljótsdalur area in East Iceland. Stop at the Kárahjúkar hydropower dam, then continue to the historic site of Skriðuklaustur. Make sure to also visit the waterfalls of Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss before continuing to your accommodation for the night in the Egilsstaðir area.

Day 8: Day 8

Today, you'll visit the wonders of Mývatn lake. Stop at the Hverir mud pools and the Dimmuborgir lava field, then continue to the Skútustaðagígar pseudocraters. Make sure to also visit the Goðafoss and Akureyri waterfalls before continuing to your accommodation for the night in the Akureyri area.

Day 9: Day 9

Today, you'll visit the attractions of North Iceland. Stop at the Hvítserkur sea cliff and the Kolugljúfur canyon, then continue to the Illugastaðir seal watching area. Other highlights today include the waterfalls of Aldeyjarfoss and Godafoss. In the evening, head to your accommodation in the Hvammstangi area.

Day 10: Day 10

Today, you'll start exploring the Westfjords of Iceland. Drive to the town of Borgarnes and then continue to the town of Hólmavík. Make sure to visit the Drangsnes area and the Hólmavík Maritime Museum. In the evening, head to your accommodation for the night in the Drangsnes area or the Hólmavík area.

Day 11: Day 11

Continue your exploration of the Westfjords today with a drive to the town of Ísafjörður. Make sure to visit the Bolafjall viewpoint and the Ísafjörður Maritime Museum. Other highlights include the waterfalls of Dynjandi and Hvítárvatn lake. In the evening, head to your accommodation in the Ísafjörður area.

Day 12: Day 12

Today, you'll explore the secluded area of Strandir. Stop at the Djúpavík village and the Krossneslaug geothermal pool, then continue to the Hólmavík area for your accommodation for the night.

Day 13: Day 13

Today, you'll continue your drive along the Westfjords. Stop at the Reykjanes area, then continue to the town of Súðavík. Make sure to also visit the Ísafjörður area and the Bolafjall viewpoint before continuing to your accommodation for the night in the Ísafjörður area.

Day 14: Day 14

Today, you'll visit the largest sea cliffs in Iceland. Stop at the Látrabjarg sea cliffs and the Rauðasandur beach, then continue to the Patreksfjörður area for your accommodation for the night.

Day 15: Day 15

Today, you'll explore the Reykhólar area. Stop at the Grábrók crater and the Glanni waterfall, then continue to the Borgarnes area for your accommodation for the night.

Day 16: Day 16

Today is your last day exploring the Westfjords. Stop at the Reykjanes area, then continue to the town of Flateyri. Make sure to also visit the Dynjandi waterfall and the Ísafjörður area before continuing to your accommodation for the night in the Patreksfjörður area.

Day 17: Day 17

Today, you'll visit the Borgarfjörður area. Stop at the Deildartunguhver hot spring and the Hraunfossar waterfalls, then continue to the Reykholt historic site. In the evening, head to your accommodation in the Snæfellsnes peninsula area.

Day 18: Day 18

Today, you'll visit the Snæfellsnes peninsula, a UNESCO Global Geopark. Stop at the Ytri Tunga beach, the Bjarnarfoss waterfall, and the Rauðfelsgljúfur canyon. Make sure to also visit the Arnarstapi and Hellnar areas, the Djúpalónssandur beach, and the Lóndrangar and Saxhólar craters. In the evening, head back to Reykjavík city for your accommodation for the night.

Day 19: Day 19

Today is your departure day from Iceland. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some time to explore Reykjavík city or the Reykjanes peninsula before heading to Keflavík International Airport for your flight home. Thank you for choosing Iceland for your vacation, and we hope you'll come back to discover more of our amazing country soon!