Iceland Full Circle Classic Escapade: 10 Days Self Drive Itinerary

Route: Keflavík International Airport → Reykjavík

1. Reykjavík — Settle into the compact capital, where harbour walks, colourful streets and cafés offer an easy introduction to Iceland.
2. Laugavegur — Browse independent shops and cafés along Reykjavík’s central shopping street, choosing a short stroll to suit your arrival time.
3. Hallgrímskirkja — Look up at the landmark church above the city streets; tower access, when available, is a separate paid visit.

Route: Reykjavík → Selfoss / Hveragerði overnight area

1. Þingvellir — Almannagjá — Walk the marked paths beside Almannagjá, where the rift landscape frames the historic outdoor assembly site of the Alþingi.
2. Geysir geothermal area — Watch Strokkur erupt among steaming springs, staying on the marked paths around ground heated by the geothermal system below.
3. Gullfoss — Use the open viewpoints to see the Hvítá river plunge in two stages into its deep, spray-filled canyon.
4. Kerið crater — Look into the lake-filled volcanic crater from the established paths, where dark water contrasts with red and black slopes.

Driving note: Complete the agreed rental collection before starting today’s sightseeing. The overnight marker represents an area rather than a specific hotel; use your accommodation address for the last part of the drive.

Route: Selfoss / Hveragerði overnight area → Kirkjubæjarklaustur overnight area

1. Seljalandsfoss — See the narrow cascade from the main path, taking the route behind the water only when it is open and safe.
2. Skógafoss — Enjoy the broad curtain of water from below, or use the steps to the upper viewpoint when conditions and energy allow.
3. Reynisfjara viewpoint — View the basalt cliffs and Reynisdrangar from permitted areas, following current access restrictions and keeping well away from the powerful surf.
4. Vík — Pause in the South Coast village for food and supplies, with coastal views and the church on the hillside above.
5. Eldhraun lava field — See the moss-covered lava landscape from a designated roadside stop, keeping to established paths to protect its fragile surface.

Driving note: The endpoint marks the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area rather than a specific hotel. Use your confirmed overnight address for the final part of the drive, allowing for a different local route.

Route: Kirkjubæjarklaustur overnight area → Höfn overnight area

1. Svartifoss walking trail — From Skaftafell’s visitor centre, follow the marked uphill trail to the waterfall framed by dark basalt columns, conditions permitting.
2. Jökulsárlón — Watch drifting icebergs from the lagoon’s shore-side visitor area; boat trips are optional, seasonal and booked separately.
3. Diamond Beach — Look for stranded ice on the black sand from a safe distance, remembering that waves can reach far up the beach.

Driving note: The endpoint marks the Höfn area rather than a specific hotel. Use your confirmed overnight address for the final part of the drive, allowing for a different local route.

Route: Höfn overnight area → Lake Mývatn overnight area

1. Djúpivogur — Break the coastal drive with a harbour stroll in this small trading town, known for its bird-themed outdoor egg sculptures.
2. Stöðvarfjörður — Continue along the coastal Ring Road through this small fjord-side village, using a brief harbour pause to break the journey.
3. Fáskrúðsfjörður — Notice the village’s French connections in its street signs and seafaring heritage, with a museum visit optional if opening hours suit.
4. Egilsstaðir — Refuel and restock in East Iceland’s main service town before settling into your accommodation area near the Lagarfljót valley.
5. Lake Mývatn — Take in the lake and surrounding volcanic formations from designated stopping places, giving birdlife space and avoiding fragile shore vegetation.

Driving note: The endpoint marks the Lake Mývatn area rather than a specific hotel. Use your confirmed overnight address for the final part of the drive, allowing for a different local route.

Route: Lake Mývatn overnight area → Lake Mývatn overnight area

1. Dettifoss west-side trail — Walk from the west-side car park to viewpoints above the powerful waterfall, using the open marked trail and avoiding slippery edges.
2. Ásbyrgi — Explore an accessible trail beneath the horseshoe-shaped canyon walls, choosing the walk with current advice from the park’s visitor information.
3. Húsavík — Explore the working harbour and choose an optional whale-watching departure or museum visit, with sailings and wildlife sightings dependent on conditions.

Driving note: The endpoint marks the Lake Mývatn area rather than a specific hotel. Use your confirmed overnight address for the final part of the drive, allowing for a different local route.

Route: Lake Mývatn overnight area → Skagafjörður overnight area

1. Goðafoss — Pause at the marked viewpoints beside the broad waterfall before continuing west towards Eyjafjörður and the town of Akureyri.
2. Akureyri — Walk the compact town centre or visit the botanical garden, fitting shopping, cafés or museums around the onward journey.
3. Siglufjörður — Break the Tröllaskagi coastal drive in the former herring port, where colourful harbour buildings reflect the town’s fishing history.
4. Hofsós — Stop in the historic coastal village, with its pool and emigration museum offering optional visits when opening hours suit.

Driving note: The endpoint marks the Skagafjörður area rather than a specific hotel. Use your confirmed overnight address for the final part of the drive, allowing for a different local route.

Route: Skagafjörður overnight area → Snæfellsnes overnight area

1. Eiríksstaðir — Choose an optional visit to the reconstructed turf longhouse for an introduction to the settlement-era stories associated with the valley.
2. Stykkishólmur — Walk around the harbour and colourful town streets, with a short climb to Súgandisey when conditions allow.

Driving note: The endpoint marks the Snæfellsnes area rather than a specific hotel. Use your confirmed overnight address for the final part of the drive, allowing for a different local route.

Route: Snæfellsnes overnight area → Reykjavík

1. Kirkjufell viewpoint — Photograph the distinctive mountain from the established waterfall-side paths; this stop does not include a climb of the mountain itself.
2. Djúpalónssandur — Follow the path down towards the black-pebble beach and historic lifting stones, staying clear of the shore break and scattered wreckage.
3. Arnarstapi coastal path — Walk a section of the marked cliff-top path to see basalt arches and sea stacks, staying behind barriers above the ocean.
4. Búðir — See the black church against the surrounding lava and coast, respecting church services, private property and marked visitor paths.

Route: Reykjavík → Keflavík International Airport

1. Reykjavík — Settle into the compact capital, where harbour walks, colourful streets and cafés offer an easy introduction to Iceland.
2. Keflavík International Airport — Follow your confirmed flight and rental arrangements, allowing time for baggage, collection or return before continuing your journey.

Driving note: Follow the confirmed rental-return location and time, then allow the airline’s recommended airport margin. A Blue Lagoon visit or additional sightseeing requires its own booking and sufficient time before departure.