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Into the Glaciers of South and West Iceland: 6 Days Self Drive Itinerary

Into the Glaciers of South and West Iceland: 6 Days Self Drive Itinerary

  • 6 days
  • Self-drive

This 6-day self-drive winter adventure through South and West Iceland is a harmonious fusion of nature's marvels and cultural exploration. From the bustling streets of Reykjavik to the depths of Langjökull glacier ice and the iconic Golden Circle to the serene Blue Lagoon, this journey offers a memorable tapestry of Iceland's beauty and charm. As you bid farewell to Iceland, you'll carry treasured memories of glacier tunnels, erupting geysers, stunning waterfalls, and serene moments at the Blue Lagoon. This meticulously crafted itinerary ensures that your winter escapade in Iceland becomes an indelible chapter in your travel story.

Trip highlights

  • Visit a glacier tunnel for a unique experience. See the famous Golden Circle route.
  • Look at the big Gullfoss waterfall.
  • Watch a geyser shoot up in the Geysir hot springs.
  • Enjoy the quiet winter and look for the Northern Lights.
  • Take pictures of sharp rocks and big black sand beaches.

About this trip

Get ready for a fantastic 6 days self-drive winter trip into the glaciers of South and West Iceland. It all starts in Reykjavik, where you can enjoy the local culture and try to see the beautiful Northern Lights at night.

Then, explore more of Iceland, like the Langjökull glacier and the famous Golden Circle, with cool places like Þingvellir National Park, Haukadalur geysers, and the stunning Gullfoss waterfall. Afterward, head to the south coast to see pretty waterfalls and cool black volcanic beaches.

You'll also visit the Reykjanes Peninsula with its hot springs and maybe relax at the famous Blue Lagoon. On your last day, take it easy in Reykjavik or enjoy a peaceful visit to the Blue Lagoon before you head home. This trip mixes Iceland's amazing nature and interesting culture, making it memorable.

Itinerary — 6 days

The shape of your trip

19 stops · 6 days

Use this itinerary to discuss your dates, pace and preferences with FAR Travel.

  1. Day 1

    Arrival and a first taste of Reykjavík

    3 stops

    Approx. 52 km / 32 miles · 55 min driving, excluding stops

    Arrive in Iceland and follow your confirmed arrangements into Reykjavík. Keep the rest of the day deliberately flexible after the flight: a neighbourhood walk, an unhurried meal and an early night are a good introduction before the driving begins. Choose the city stops below according to your arrival time. In the darker months, any northern-lights outing depends on the forecast and is never guaranteed.

    Aerial view of Reykjavík and Hallgrímskirkja church, Iceland

    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.
  2. Day 2

    Borgarfjörður and Into the Glacier

    4 stops

    Approx. 199 km / 124 miles · 3 hr 5 min driving, excluding stops

    Travel through Borgarfjörður to the glacier excursion featured in this itinerary. Keep the confirmed meeting time as the day’s anchor, placing the waterfall and hot-spring stops around it. The rental car reaches the lowland meeting area; the operator provides the specialist transport and equipment needed for the ice-tunnel visit.

    The Langjökull glacier, West Iceland

    Route: Reykjavík → Borgarfjörður overnight area

    1. Deildartunguhver — View the steaming hot spring from behind the barriers; the boiling source is for viewing, with bathing offered separately at nearby Krauma.
    2. Hraunfossar — Follow the viewing paths beside the river to see a long series of clear cascades emerging from beneath the lava field.
    3. Barnafoss — Continue on foot from the shared waterfall parking area to see water rush through the narrow rocky channel beside Hraunfossar.
    4. Húsafell glacier-tour meeting area — Meet your prebooked Into the Glacier operator at the confirmed Húsafell departure point for the specialist vehicle transfer onto Langjökull.

    Driving note: Drive to the glacier operator’s confirmed Húsafell meeting point. Specialist glacier transport is separate from the road journey; never drive the rental car onto the ice, and plan other stops around the booked departure.

  3. Day 3

    The Golden Circle

    3 stops

    Approx. 227 km / 141 miles · 3 hr 35 min driving, excluding stops

    Spend the day exploring the contrasting landscapes of the Golden Circle: a historic rift valley, an active geothermal field and a great river waterfall. Follow the stops in sequence, leaving room to walk at each rather than adding every optional excursion. Conditions may affect which paths and viewpoints are open.

    The Almannagjá gorge at Þingvellir National Park, Iceland

    Route: Borgarfjörður overnight area → 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.

    Driving note: Use open roads and viewpoints, prioritising daylight and allowing extra time for winter conditions. The overnight marker represents an area rather than a specific hotel; follow your confirmed accommodation address.

  4. Day 4

    The South Coast to Vík

    5 stops

    Approx. 288 km / 179 miles · 4 hr 30 min driving, excluding stops

    Travel east beneath the South Coast mountains, stopping first at the waterfalls and then along the volcanic shoreline. The promontory and beach viewpoints make this a varied day even without a booked activity. Use the weather and access signs to choose your coastal stops, leaving room for the onward drive.

    Reynisfjara black sand beach and basalt sea stacks, South Iceland

    Route: Selfoss / Hveragerði overnight area → Selfoss / Hveragerði 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. Dyrhólaey — Use the permitted viewpoints for the sea arch and sweeping coast, respecting wind warnings and seasonal bird-protection closures.
    4. Reynisfjara viewpoint — View the basalt cliffs and Reynisdrangar from permitted areas, following current access restrictions and keeping well away from the powerful surf.
    5. Vík — Pause in the South Coast village for food and supplies, with coastal views and the church on the hillside above.

    Driving note: Use open roads and viewpoints, prioritising daylight and allowing extra time for winter conditions. The overnight marker represents an area rather than a specific hotel; follow your confirmed accommodation address.

  5. Day 5

    Volcanic Reykjanes and an optional soak

    3 stops

    Approx. 163 km / 101 miles · 2 hr 35 min driving, excluding stops

    Explore the volcanic landscapes of Reykjanes on the roads and sites that are open for your visit. Lake and geothermal viewpoints can be combined with a prebooked Blue Lagoon stop, but access can change with volcanic activity. Confirm the route shortly before travel and leave time for the onward journey.

    Icebergs drifting on the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Iceland

    Route: Selfoss / Hveragerði overnight area → Reykjavík

    1. Kleifarvatn — Stop at a designated viewpoint above the dark lake, surrounded by volcanic hills on the eastern side of Reykjanes.
    2. Seltún — Stay on the boardwalks through steaming vents and coloured geothermal ground; the boiling springs here are for viewing, not bathing.
    3. Blue Lagoon — A prebooked optional bathing visit offers a pause among the lava fields, subject to current volcanic access advice and operating conditions.

    Driving note: Check official Reykjanes access updates before departure and confirm any Blue Lagoon booking. Closed roads take priority over this suggested route; keep enough time for the onward drive or airport arrangements.

  6. Day 6

    Departure from Iceland

    2 stops

    Approx. 50 km / 31 miles · 50 min driving, excluding stops

    Keep your final day centred on the airport journey and the arrangements in your travel documents. If there is spare time, enjoy a last coffee or short city walk before leaving; longer sightseeing depends on your flight. Allow the rental company’s return buffer and the airline’s recommended airport arrival time.

    The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, Reykjanes peninsula

    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.

Days 3–6 · 12 more stops
Explore the route

Your journey through Iceland

19 stops
© OpenStreetMap contributors
© OpenStreetMap contributors
A closer look at every stopChoose a day or pin. + shows grouped stops.
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