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Amazing 20 Day Self-drive Tour: Discover Iceland's amazing scenery, History and explore epic hiking trails
20-day self-drive itinerary · all-year
Discover Iceland's epic scenery, history, and hiking with a 20 day self drive tour! This is the perfect way to explore the country at your own pace and really take in all that it has to offer. You'll get to experience the stunning landscapes, learn about the fascinating culture and history, and go on some amazing hikes.*
This 20-day self-drive trip will immerse you in genuine Iceland and give you a deeper understanding of its history while you enjoy the magnificent scenery. The trip begins in the capital, Reykjavik where you will have time to explore the city and its many museums before starting your journey into the Icelandic countryside. You will then head to the Golden Circle which is a popular tourist route that takes you to Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and Geysir geothermal area. From there, you will continue on to South Iceland where you will visit the black sand beaches of Vík í Mýrdal as well as the glacial lagoon, Jökulsárlón. After spending some time in South Iceland, you will then head to East Iceland where you can explore the largest forest in Iceland at Hallormsstaðaskógur and the beautiful waterfall, Hengifoss. As you make your way up North, you will stop at Mývatn lake which is a popular spot for bird watching as well as Dettifoss waterfall, Europe's most powerful waterfall. You will then continue on to the Westfjords where you can explore the many small towns and villages as well as hiking trails with stunning views. Your next stop will be in the Snæfellsnes peninsula where you can visit the unique lava formations at Hellnar before heading back to Reykjavik with its many shops, restaurants, and nightlife. This is the perfect trip for those who want to explore Iceland at their own pace and discover its hidden gems away from the crowds. With plenty of time to hike and enjoy the scenery, you will get a true taste of Icelandic culture and history. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip today!
Day 1: Day 1
Start your tour by picking up your rental car at Keflavik international airport or in Reykjavik city. If you're starting in Reykjavik, spend the day exploring all the highlights the city has to offer. Make sure to visit iconic landmarks such as Hallgrimskirkja church and the Harpa concert hall, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Reykjavik's many cafés, bars and restaurants. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Icelandic meal or go on a whale watching tour to search for the majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Accommodation in Reykjavik.
Day 2: Day 2
Today, you'll explore the world-famous Golden Circle of Iceland. This route takes you to some of Iceland's most stunning natural wonders, including the Gullfoss waterfall, the geothermal area of Haukadalur with its steaming hot springs, and the Thingvellir national park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hiking to Reykjadalur steam valley is a great way to experience the more serene side of Iceland's nature. The valley is home to a hot spring-fed river, and the hike takes you through some truly stunning scenery
Overnight: Hella area.
Day 3: Day 3
A day of hiking and exploring in the Landmannalaugar highlands area. This unique landscape is home to colourful rhyolite mountains, steaming hot springs, and bubbling mud pools. The area is also a popular starting point for hikes to the nearby Hrafntinnusker volcanic crater and the Laugavegurinn trail
Overnight: Hella area.
Day 4: Day 4
Today you will start your journey along the South coast of Iceland. This scenic route takes you past some of Iceland's most iconic landmarks, including the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, the Skógafoss waterfall, the Reynisfjara black sand beach, the town of Vík, the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, and the Skaftáreldahraun lava fields
Overnight: Skaftafell area.
Day 5: Day 5
Hiking in the Skaftafell geopark and Vatnajökull national park area. This area is home to Iceland's largest glacier, Vatnajökull, as well as the Skaftafell and Svartifoss waterfalls. There are also a number of easy hiking trails in the area, perfect for taking in the stunning scenery
Overnight: Höfn area.
Day 6: Day 6
Today you'll enjoy a day of exploring the Eastfjords of Iceland. This area is known for its dramatic mountain scenery, pristine lakes, and picturesque coastline. Popular activities in the area include hiking, biking, and kayaking. Be sure to visit the towns of Egilsstaðir and Seyðisfjörður, and the stunning Lake Myvatn
Overnight: Egilsstaðir area.
Day 7: Day 7
After breakfast, start your day with a hike to the Stórurð stone circle. This ancient site is believed to date back to the Bronze Age, and is one of the most impressive stone circles in Iceland. Afterward, continue your hike to the nearby Dettifoss waterfall, Europe's most powerful waterfall. Then, explore the Ásbyrgi canyon, a stunning horseshoe-shaped canyon formed by a glacial flood. In the evening, relax in your accommodations in the Egilsstaðir area.
Day 8: Day 8
This morning, start your day with a hike to the Stuðlagil canyon. This stunning canyon is located in the Eastfjords, and is known for its dramatic cliffs and views of the fjords. After your hike, continue to the Dettifoss waterfall, and then explore the Ásbyrgi canyon. In the evening, relax in your accommodations in the Húsavík area.
Day 9: Day 9
After breakfast, start your day with a visit to the Myvatn Nature Baths, a geothermal spa located in the Mývatn lake area. Then, explore the nearby Hverir mud pools, Dimmuborgir lava field, and the Skútustaðagígar pseudo-craters. In the afternoon, drive to the nearby town of Akureyri and explore its many shops and restaurants. In the evening, relax in your accommodations in the Akureyri area.
Day 10: Day 10
After breakfast, start your day with a visit to the Hvítserkur sea cliff, a 15m-high basalt column. Then, continue to the Kolugljúfur canyon, and the Illugastaðir seal watching area. In the afternoon, drive to the town of Hvammstangi and explore its shops and restaurants. In the evening, relax in your accommodations in the Hvammstangi area.
Day 11: Day 11
Today you will start exploring the Westfjords of Iceland, beginning with a drive to the town of Borðeyri. From Borðeyri, continue to the Hólmavík area, where you can explore the Museum of Sorcery and Witchcraft. Then, drive to the Drangsnes area and enjoy the stunning views of the fjords
Overnight: Drangsnes area or Hólmavík area.
Day 12: Day 12
Now it's time to explore the secluded area of Strandir, beginning with a drive to the town of Djúpavík. From Djúpavík, continue to the Krossneslaug geothermal pool, where you can take a dip in the warm waters. Then, drive to the Hólmavík area and enjoy the views of the fjords
Overnight: Hólmavík area.
Day 13: Day 13
Today you will drive along the Westfjords, beginning with a visit to the town of Súðavík. From Súðavík, continue to the Ísafjörður area, where you can explore the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. Then, drive to the Bolafjall viewpoint and enjoy the views of the fjords
Overnight: Ísafjörður area.
Day 14: Day 14
After breakfast, you will continue along the Westfjords, beginning with a drive to the town of Flateyri. From Flateyri, continue to the Dynjandi waterfall, where you can enjoy the views of the falls. Then, drive to the Patreksfjörður area and enjoy the views of the fjords
Overnight: Patreksfjörður area.
Day 15: Day 15
You will visit the largest sea cliffs in Iceland, beginning with a drive to the Látrabjarg sea cliffs. From the Látrabjarg sea cliffs, continue to the Rauðasandur area, where you can enjoy the views of the sand dunes. Then, drive to the Patreksfjörður area and enjoy the views of the fjords
Overnight: Patreksfjörður area.
Day 16: Day 16
Today you will head to west Iceland, beginning with a drive to the town of Reykhólar. From Reykhólar, continue to the Grábrók crater, where you can view the crater. Then, drive to the Glanni waterfall, where you can enjoy the views of the waterfall
Overnight: Borgarnes area.
Day 17: Day 17
Today you will visit the Borgarfjörður area, beginning with a drive to the Deildartunguhver hot springs. From the Deildartunguhver hot springs, continue to the Hraunfossar waterfalls, where you can view the waterfalls. Then, drive to the Reykholt historic site, where you can learn about the history of the site
Overnight: Snæfellsnes peninsula area.
Day 18: Day 18
Today you will visit the Snæfellsnes peninsula, beginning with a drive to the Snæfellsnes peninsula geopark. From the Snæfellsnes peninsula geopark, continue to the Ytri tunga beach, where you can enjoy the views of the beach. Then, drive to the Bjarnarfoss waterfall, where you can view the waterfall
Overnight: Borgarnes area.
Day 19: Day 19
After breakfast, start your day with a hike to the Glymur waterfall, one of Iceland's highest waterfalls. From the Glymur waterfall, continue to the Reykjavík city area, where you can explore the city. In the evening, relax in your accommodations in the Reykjavík city area.
Day 20: Day 20
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to explore the Reykjanes peninsula or the Reykjavík city area before returning your rental car at Keflavík international airport.
Prefer a guided journey?
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