The Ultimate Iceland Complete Classic Tour: 14 Days Self Drive Itinerary

Trip highlights

• Behold the grand icebergs at Glacier Lagoon
• Stroll along Diamond Beach, marvelling at the sparkling ice
• Journey through the renowned Golden Circle
• Witness the majestic waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss
• Explore the volcanic wonders of Lake Mývatn and its picturesque surroundings

About this trip

Day-by-day itinerary

A starting point, not a fixed route — request the full itinerary and we adjust it to your dates and pace.

1. 01Day 1: REYKJAVÍK ARRIVAL

   Scenery view of Reykjavik the capital city of Iceland

   When you arrive at Keflavík Airport, head to your Reykjavík accommodation. After you've settled in, the rest of the day is yours to explore the city's exciting centre. This area is a treasure trove of cultural experiences, offering a wide range of museums where you can learn about Icelandic history and art.

   For food lovers, there's an array of restaurants and bars, each offering unique flavours and dishes to suit every palate. Those interested in Icelandic design will find Laugavegur, the main street, a perfect destination. It's lined with shops showcasing local crafts and fashion.

   For coffee enthusiasts, the street is also home to numerous cosy cafes, each with its own charming atmosphere, serving up some of the city's best coffee and snacks.

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2. 02Day 2: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE

   Panoramic view on Gullfoss waterfall on the Hvíta river, a popular tourist attraction and part of the Golden Circle Tourist Route in Southwest Iceland

   Take a road trip on Iceland's famous "Golden Circle" route to see some of the country's most amazing natural sights. Start with Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you'll find yourself in a spectacular rift valley where the North American and Eurasian plates drift apart. It’s a unique visual representation of continental drift, offering a rare opportunity to walk between two continents.

   It's like standing on two continents at once! Next, visit the Haukadalur geothermal area. This is where you'll find the Great Geysir, the first geyser ever known to modern Europeans, and its lively neighbour, Strokkur. Strokkur is really active and shoots water up into the air every few minutes.

   The trip ends with a visit to the powerful Gullfoss waterfall, where water plunges dramatically in two stages, and the old Kerið crater, a large volcanic crater now filled with blue water. This crater is a reminder of the area's volcanic past and is a cool photo spot.

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3. 3–4Day 3–4: THE SOUTH COAST & WATERFALLS , SKAFTAFELL AND VATNAJÖKULL GLACIER

   Day 3 -4: THE SOUTH COAST & WATERFALLS

   Rainbow over Skógafoss, a waterfall on the Skógá River in the south of Iceland at the cliff marking the former coastline

   Take a journey to Iceland's south coast to see some spectacular sights. First, visit the amazing Seljalandsfoss waterfall. What's cool about this waterfall is that you can walk behind it and see the water tumbling down in front of you.

   Then, see the equally stunning Skógafoss waterfall, known for its massive water and beautiful rainbows on sunny days. As you travel further towards Vík, stop to check out the black sand beach. It's made from volcanic rocks and sand, which is pretty unique.

   Nearby, you'll see the dramatic Dyrhólaey and Reynisdrangar rock formations jutting out of the ocean. They're famous for their interesting shapes and their stories and legends. Along the way, you'll also pass by the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, a huge ice cap covering a volcano, and the small, picturesque village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, known for its scenic surroundings and historic sites.

   Day 4: SKAFTAFELL AND VATNAJÖKULL GLACIER

   Skaftafell National Park is a wilderness area located in the Vatnajökull National Park in the southeast of the island

   Have fun exploring the East Coast of Iceland. In Skaftafell, part of the huge Vatnajökull National Park. This place is beautiful and has many hiking trails, including the chance for an exhilarating glacier hiking adventure on one of the park’s many glaciers. It's a unique opportunity to experience the incredible ice formations and learn about glacial features from experienced guides.

   One popular trail leads to the stunning Svartifoss waterfall, known for its unique black basalt columns that look like a giant organ.

   If you're more excited, there are options for guided walks on the glacier or even ice climbing, which is quite an adventure.

   After that, see the incredible Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Here, you can take a boat ride (if you want) and sail among huge icebergs that float in the lagoon. It's like navigating through a frozen, icy maze and is a really cool experience!

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4. 05Day 5: THE EAST FJORDS

   Aerial view of Asbyrgi canyon in a sunny day and cloudy blue sky on the background

   Today, you'll drive through East Iceland, a region filled with peaceful fishing villages, amazing fjords, and wide-open landscapes. If you like unique attractions, especially if you're interested in geology or gardens, you should check out Petra's Mineral Collection in Stöðvarfjörður.

   This small museum is filled with natural objects and mineral rocks collected by a local as a hobby. It's a cool way to see the variety of rocks and minerals found in Iceland. Finish your day near Egilsstaðir.

   Here, you can explore Lagafljót, a lake famous for its legendary monster, and Hallormsstaðarskógur, the largest forest in Iceland. This forest is a great place to see a different side of Iceland's nature, with lots of trees and greenery, which is rare in Iceland!

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5. 06Day 6: LUNAR LANDSCAPES OF LAKE MÝVATN

   panorama of pseudo craters during sunset at lake myvatn

   Today, your journey takes you close to the Arctic Circle in North Iceland, to the Lake Mývatn area, known for its incredible volcanic features. You'll see the Námaskarð Pass, where the ground is full of hot springs and mud pots – it's like walking on another planet!

   Then, check out the Skútustaðagígar pseudo-craters formed by gas explosions when hot lava flows over wet ground. You'll also see the Dimmuborgir lava formations, known for their dramatic shapes and caves – it's a bit like a natural castle made of lava rocks. And don't miss Mt. Krafla, one of Iceland's most fascinating volcanoes with a history of eruptions.

   After a day packed with sightseeing, unwind in the Mývatn Nature Baths. These geothermal pools are really warm and relaxing, just like a natural hot tub. It's the perfect way to chill out and soak in the beauty of the surroundings.

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6. 07Day 7: JÖKULSÁRGLJÚFUR NATIONAL PARK

   Aerial view of Asbyrgi canyon in a sunny day and cloudy blue sky on the background

   Today, spend more time discovering Lake Mývatn and its cool places. A great idea is to head North and drive through the Jökulsárgljúfur area of Vatnajökull National Park.

   Here, you can see the Ásbyrgi Canyon, a massive, horseshoe-shaped canyon that's really impressive. Also, visit Dettifoss, which is the strongest waterfall in Europe. The amount of water that crashes down here is amazing!

   Another fun option is to go on a whale-watching tour from the nearby village of Húsavík. Húsavík is known as "the whale-watching capital of Europe" because you have a great chance of seeing whales there. It's exciting to be out on the water and spot these huge, majestic creatures swimming and splashing around.

7. 08Day 8: AKUREYRI & THE “TROLL PENINSULA”

   Aerial view of Asbyrgi canyon in a sunny day and cloudy blue sky on the background

   On your way to Akureyri, visit Goðafoss, the "waterfall of the gods." It's a stunning waterfall with a lot of history. You'll find a lovely town with interesting shops and museums when you reach Akureyri. Don't miss the chance to visit one of the world's northernmost botanical gardens, which has a surprising variety of plants despite its northern location.

   As you journey towards Skagafjörður, a valley famous for its many Icelandic horses, you'll travel through the gorgeous, mountainous region of Tröllaskagi, or "peninsula of the trolls." This area is known for its dramatic landscapes and folklore.

   You'll also pass through the old herring-fishing village of Siglufjörður, which has a rich history, and Hofsós, a town with an amazing thermal pool. The pool at Hofsós is especially cool because it offers incredible scenery views while you relax in the warm water.

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8. 09Day 9: THE WEST FJORDS

   A panoramic view of Hólmavík, Iceland from a hill overlooking the local church.

   Head out to the peaceful and remote Westfjords of Iceland for a drive. On your way, you'll see some cool places like Vatnsdalshólar, known for its many small hills that create a unique landscape. You'll also come across Borgarvirki, a natural fortress made of volcanic rock that looks straight out of a storybook.

   Make sure to visit the Glaumbær folk museum too. It's a place where you can see traditional Icelandic turf houses and learn about how people lived in Iceland a long time ago. In Hólmavík, check out the Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft Museum and the Sorcerer’s Cottage, which are both super interesting if you're curious about Iceland's magical history and folklore.

   And don't forget to relax in the hot natural pools in Drangsnes. These pools are right by the ocean and offer a great way to unwind and enjoy the stunning views of the Westfjords.

9. 10Day 10: ÍSAFJÖRÐUR & MARITIME HISTORY

   Ísafjörður (ice fjord) the largest settlement in the peninsula of Vestfirðir (Westfjords) in the northwest of Iceland.

   Today, you'll travel through a landscape filled with dramatic fjords and towering mountains as you head to Ísafjörður, often called the "Capital of the West Fjords." It's the largest town in this part of Iceland. When you get there, you'll see some of Iceland's oldest houses, dating back to the mid-1700s. They're a great way to see how people in Iceland used to live.

   If you have time, consider driving to the nearby town of Bolungarvík. There, you can visit the Ósvör Maritime Museum. This museum is really interesting because it shows what life was like for Icelandic fishermen in the past. You'll get to see an old fisherman's hut, boats, and fishing gear, giving you a glimpse into Iceland's fishing history.

10. 11Day 11: DYNJANDI WATERFALL & LÁTRABJARG CLIFFS

    Dynjandi is one the most famous waterfall of the West Fjords during summer

    Drive to Dýrafjörður, where you'll find a trail dedicated to Gisli Súrsson, a famous Viking Saga hero. This trail takes you through some historic spots connected to his story. Also, in Dýrafjörður, don't miss the Skrúður botanical garden. It's a beautiful garden that shows off a variety of plants that grow in Iceland's unique climate.

    Next, head to Hrafnseyri, where you can visit a museum dedicated to Jón Sigurðsson, a key figure in Iceland's fight for independence. The museum allows you to learn about his life and Iceland's journey to becoming an independent country.

    After that, stop by the breathtaking Dynjandi waterfall. This waterfall is impressive because of its size and the way it looks like a giant staircase of water cascading down the mountain.

    Finally, make your way to Látrabjarg cliff, 444 meters high and the westernmost point in Europe. This cliff is an amazing place to see many of Iceland's seabirds up close, like puffins and razorbills. They nest on the cliff sides, and you can watch them in their natural habitat. It's a great spot for birdwatching and enjoying the stunning views of the ocean.

11. 12–14Day 12–14: RAUÐISANDUR BEACH & BREIÐAFJÖRÐUR

    Day 12: RAUÐISANDUR BEACH & BREIÐAFJÖRÐUR

    Landscape at Rauðisandur Beach, WestFjords, Iceland

    Start your day with a trip to the beautiful Rauðisandur beach, known for its unusual golden sands. Or, if you prefer, relax in a natural hot pool at the Vatnsfjörður nature reserve, a great spot to unwind and enjoy Iceland's natural hot springs.

    Around noon, take the Baldur ferry across Breiðafjörður Bay to the village of Stykkishólmur on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. The ferry ride, which lasts about 2 hours and 45 minutes, offers great views and even passes by the small island of Flatey.

    Once you arrive in Stykkishólmur, explore the region's unique sights in the afternoon if you have time. Visit the Snæfellsjökull glacier, a massive glacier that's also a volcano, located in Snæfellsjökull National Park.

    Also, check out Dritvík Cove, a scenic spot with a rich history. Don't forget to visit the small, picturesque villages of Arnarstapi, Hellnar, and Búðir, each with charm and beautiful scenery.

    Day 13: SNÆFELLSNES PENINSULA & WEST ICELAND

    Hot Springs in Deildartunguhver near Borganes, Iceland. A tourist attraction.

    Spend the first part of your day discovering the Snæfellsnes peninsula, with many cool sights and natural beauty. Then, head towards Borgarfjörður and the western part of Iceland. If you're up for a side trip, drive through the scenic Borgarfjörður area.

    Here, you'll find Deildartunguhver, the largest hot spring in Europe. You can also see the unique twin waterfalls, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, where the water seems to come right out of the lava.

    Another great spot is Glanni Waterfall, known for its picturesque setting. If you like animals, visit the Háafell Goat Farm to meet some friendly Icelandic goats. For some adventure, explore the Víðgelmir lava tunnel, one of the largest in Iceland, where you can see cool rock formations inside.

    If you have extra time and want something exciting, you can join an ice cave tour at Into the Glacier. This tour takes you inside a glacier, which is an unforgettable experience. West Iceland truly has something interesting for everyone to see and do.

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12. 14Day 14: DEPARTURE

    Hot Springs in Deildartunguhver near Borganes, Iceland. A tourist attraction.

    On the day you leave, a shuttle bus will pick you up from your hotel in Reykjavík and take you to Keflavík International Airport in time for your flight.

    If your flight is later in the afternoon, you might have a chance to visit the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. It's a relaxing place to soak in warm, mineral-rich waters. Another option is to take a short guided tour of the Reykjanes Peninsula.

    This area has many volcanic features and is a great way to see more of Iceland's unique landscape before you go home. Remember, these activities are optional and not included in your travel package.