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Mysterious Iceland: A 13 Day Self-drive Tour
13-day self-drive itinerary · all-year
Iceland is a country full of mystery and adventure. On this 13 day self-drive tour you’ll explore all that this beautiful country has to offer. Lagoons, black sands and geothermal energy and majestic waterfalls.*
Do you know why astronauts have trained in Iceland? A visit to Iceland's stunning yet unreal landscapes is probably the closest thing you'll get to visiting another planet. This 13-day self-drive tour will take you to all of Iceland's highlights, from its glaciers and waterfalls to its black sand beaches and hot springs. You'll also get to explore some of the country's more remote areas, where you can see volcanic craters, geothermal fields, and much more. If you're looking for an adventure that's out of this world, look no further than Iceland. This trip is perfect for those who want to explore everything the country has to offer.
Day 1: Day 1
Your adventure in Iceland starts as you pick up your rental car from Keflavik international airport or Reykjavik city. Spend the day exploring Reykjavik city, and make sure to visit some of its most famous landmarks, such as the Hallgrimskirkja church, the Perlan museum, and the Harpa concert hall. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at one of Reykjavik's many great restaurants, before heading to your accommodation for the night.
Day 2: Day 2
Start your day by driving to the famous Golden Circle, where you'll see some of Iceland's most spectacular natural wonders. First, stop at Thingvellir national park, where you can walk between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Then, continue to the geothermal area of Haukadalur, where you can see the geysers Strokkur and Geysir, and the hot springs of Hveragerði. End your day with a visit to Gullfoss, one of Iceland's most beautiful waterfalls. Overnight accommodation will be in the Flúðir area or Hella area.
Day 3: Day 3
Today, you'll explore the Hveravellir highlands area. This unique landscape is home to bubbling hot springs, steaming vents, and a stunning blue lake. Make sure to walk the short trail to the Hverir mud pools, where you can see the mud bubbling and steaming up close. In the afternoon, drive to the geothermal area of Reykjahlíð, where you can see the steaming crater of Lake Mývatn. Overnight accommodation will be in the Flúðir area or Hella area.
Day 4: Day 4
The Landmannalaugar highlands area will be on your menu today. This landscape is unlike anywhere else on Earth, with its lava fields, hot springs, and multi-colored mountains. Make sure to take a dip in the Landmannalaugar hot springs, before driving to the Laugavegur hiking trail. This trail takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in Iceland, so make sure to take your time and enjoy the views. Overnight accommodation will be in the Flúðir area or Hella area.
Day 5: Day 5
Today, you'll explore the South coast of Iceland. Start your day with a visit to Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the waterfall for a unique view. Then, continue to the Gljúfrabúi waterfall, which is hidden behind a cliff. Next, drive to the Skógafoss waterfall, where you can walk up the stairs to the top of the falls for a stunning view. In the afternoon, visit the Sólheimasandur black sands, the Dyrhólaey promontory, and the Reynisfjara black sand beach. End your day with a drive to the town of Vík, where you can enjoy a delicious dinner and overnight accommodation.
Day 6: Day 6
You start the day by exploring the Skaftafell geopark and the Vatnajökull national park. Start your day with a visit to the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where you can see huge icebergs floating in the water. Then, drive to the Diamond beach, where you can see the icebergs that have washed ashore. In the afternoon, head to the Skaftafell visitor center, where you can learn about the park's history and geology. End your day with a hike to the Svartifoss waterfall, where you can see the unique basalt columns that have formed the waterfall. Overnight accommodation will be in the Höfn area.
Day 7: Day 7
Today, you'll explore the Eastfjords of Iceland. Start your day with a drive to the Vestrahorn mountain, where you can see the stunning views of the fjords. Then, continue to the Stapi sea cliff, the Hvalnes nature reserve, and the Eggs at Merry bay. In the afternoon, drive to the Teigarhorn nature reserve, where you can see the beautiful landscapes of the fjords. End your day with a drive to the town of Egilsstaðir, where you can enjoy a delicious dinner and overnight accommodation.
Day 8: Day 8
After breakfast, you'll explore the Stuðlagil canyon, the Dettifoss waterfall, and the Hljóðaklettar rock formation. Start your day with a visit to the Stuðlagil canyon, where you can see the stunning views of the canyon. Then, continue to the Dettifoss waterfall, where you can see the powerful waterfalls. In the afternoon, drive to the Hljóðaklettar rock formation, where you can see the unique basalt columns. End your day with a drive to the town of Húsavík, where you can enjoy a delicious dinner and overnight accommodation.
Day 9: Day 9
On this day, you'll explore the Mývatn area. Start your day with a visit to the Krafla geothermal area, where you can see the steaming vents and bubbling mud pools. Then, continue to the Hverir mud pools, where you can see the mud bubbling and steaming up close. In the afternoon, drive to the Grjótagjá cave, where you can take a dip in the hot springs. End your day with a drive to the Hverfjall mountain, where you can see the stunning views of the volcano. Overnight accommodation will be in the Akureyri area.
Day 10: Day 10
After breakfast, you'll explore the Skagafjörður area. Start your day with a visit to the Hvítserkur sea cliff, where you can see the stunning views of the fjord. Then, continue to the Kolugljúfur canyon, where you can see the beautiful landscapes. In the afternoon, drive to the town of Hvammstangi, where you can enjoy a delicious dinner and overnight accommodation.
Day 11: Day 11
On day 11, you'll explore the Borgarfjörður area. Start your day with a visit to the Grábrók crater, where you can see the stunning views of the crater. Then, continue to the Deildartunguhver hot spring, where you can see the steam rising from the hot springs. In the afternoon, drive to the Hraunfossar waterfalls, where you can see the waterfalls cascading into the lava field. End your day with a drive to the town of Snæfellsnes, where you can enjoy a delicious dinner and overnight accommodation.
Day 12: Day 12
After breakfast, you'll explore the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Start your day with a visit to the Búðir black church, where you can see the stunning views of the church. Then, continue to the Arnarstapi sea cliffs, where you can see the beautiful landscapes. In the afternoon, drive to the Hellnar black beach, where you can see the black sand and the waves crashing against the cliffs. End your day with a drive to the town of Reykjavik, where you can enjoy a delicious dinner and overnight accommodation.
Day 13: Day 13
Depending on your flight schedule, a part of this day can be used to explore Reykjavik city or the Reykjanes peninsula. Make sure to visit some of Reykjavik's most famous landmarks, such as the Hallgrimskirkja church, the Perlan museum, and the Harpa concert hall. In the afternoon, drive to Keflavik international airport, where you'll return your rental car and catch your flight home.
Prefer a guided journey?
Guided audio journeys across Iceland — every stop mapped, narrated and ready to drive.
11 stops
Snaefellsnes and West iceland
Discover a region that brings together glaciers, lava fields, fishing villages, waterfalls, and dramatic coastal scenery.
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Golden Circle
Embark on an unforgettable digital journey through the Golden Circle, exploring Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, and more through gu...
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South Coast: Waterfalls and Black Sands
Follow Iceland’s best-known south coast landscapes, from powerful waterfalls to black sand beaches and sea cliffs.
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