Iceland Complete Self-Drive: Reykjavik, Akureyri, Hofn & More

Approximate distance: ca100km / 62miles

Geothermal Lagoon - Flower Village - Geothermal Greenhouses

Pick up the car at the airport and start your Iceland experience.
From Keflavik International Airport we recommend driving the southern coast of the Reykjanes peninsula towards your first overnight stay in the charming village of Hveragerdi. This village is 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".

If your flight arrives early in the day, consider a stop at the Blue Lagoon (a short distance from the airport) for a chance to relax in the soothing geothermal mineral waters. (not included in the trip price)

Important: Please note that admission to the Blue Lagoon must be booked in advance.
Overnight stay in Hveragerdi.

Approximate distance: ca310km / 193miles

Greenhouses - Exploding Geysers - National Park with Geological Wonders (UNESCO) - Massive Waterfall

Drive to the legendary waterfall Gullfoss and the hot springs at Geysir. Visit Thingvellir National Park, site of the ancient Icelandic parliament, before driving through Hvalfjordur fjord to the historic and scenic Borgarfjordur region.

If you have a 4WD vehicle, you can also take the scenic highland wilderness Kaldidalur track alongside Langjokull glacier to Borgarfjordur. The road generally is open between mid-June and mid-September.

Overnight in Borgarfjordur area.

Approximate distance: ca280km / 174miles

Fertile Farmlands - Glacial Rivers - Iceland's Second Largest Community - Viking Horses

Drive north through Borgarfjordur to the shores of Hunafloi bay and the towering mountains and horse breeding valley of Skagafjordur. Continue to Akureyri, the capital of the north.

Overnight in North Iceland.

Approximate distance: ca100km / 62miles

Botanical Gardens - Quality Museums - Waterfall Of the Gods

Spend the morning exploring the town of Akureyri. Continue your journey to the unique Lake Myvatn area. Stop en route to Myvatn to view the beautiful Godafoss waterfalls, which have a unique connection to Iceland's Viking Age.

Overnight in North Iceland.

Distance is variable

Bizarre Lava Formations - Geothermal Activity - Rich Birdlife

Explore the natural wonders of Lake Myvatn and the surrounding area. Stroll along the mystical lava formations at Dimmuborgir. Visit the volcanic area of Krafla along with the colourful sulfurous slopes of Namaskard pass. Enjoy the views of the pseudo craters at Skutustadir.

Overnight in North Iceland.

Approximate distance: ca310km / 193miles

Whale Watching - Glacier- Carved Gorge - Europe's Most Powerful Waterfall

Drive north to the fishing port of Husavik, where you might stop to enjoy a whale watching boat tour. Head around Tjornes peninsula on the edge of the Arctic Circle. Visit Asbyrgi, a magnificent horseshoe-shaped canyon, and Jokulsargljufur National Park. Proceed to the mighty Dettifoss waterfall, the most powerful ones in Europe. Then head across the vast highland plateau to Egilsstadir in the east.

Overnight in East Iceland.

Approximate distance: ca300km / 186miles

Narrow Fjords - Steep Mountains - Picturesque Coastline - Unique Mineral Collection

Drive south through the spectacular East Fjords, where towering mountains plunge vertically into the ocean. Leave yourself plenty time, both for safe driving and for amazing views of the coast and Vatnajokull glacier. The journey continues to the town of Hofn in Hornafjordur, also known as the lobster capital of northern Europe.

Overnight in Southeast Iceland.

Approximate distance: ca200km / 124miles

Europe's Largest Glacier - Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs - Glacier-Ringed Oasis

Today you will be in the vicinity of Vatnajokull National Park, named after Europe's largest glacier. Visit the shimmering icebergs and the still, milky waters of Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon before continuing to the Skaftafell area of the park, a beautiful green oasis surrounded by glaciers. There are many great hiking trails here. Head wards to the picturesque village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur.

Approximate distance: ca260km / 162miles

Lava Fields - Black Sand Beaches - Seabird Colony - Thundering Waterfalls

Drive along the spectacular south coast, a sweeping landscape of sandy deserts, rocky shores and rolling farmlands sandwiched between snow-capped glaciers, mountains and the ocean. Stop to admire the black sand beaches and cliffs at Dyrholaey. There are also vast bird colonies here, including puffins (generally seen mid May to early August). Also visit the beautiful waterfalls of Skogar and Seljalands, each with its own character. You will also see the mighty Eyjafjallajokull volcano, famous for its 2010 eruption. An interesting volcano center at the base of the mountain tells the story of this event. Return to Reykjavik in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Reykjavik.

Approximate distance: ca52km / 32miles

Drive back to Keflavik International Airport and stop at Blue Lagoon as it is on your way to the airport, if you did not have time to do it on your arrival day. (Blue Lagoon visit not included in the trip price)