Witness the South Iceland At Leisure: 7 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.

Driving note: Your rental-car collection is planned for tomorrow. Any Blue Lagoon or Reykjanes visit on arrival needs separately confirmed transfer arrangements that fit your flight and onward journey to Reykjavík.

Route: Reykjavík → 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. Gljúfrabúi — Look towards the waterfall hidden in a cleft near Seljalandsfoss, avoiding the wet inner passage when footing or conditions are poor.
3. Skógafoss — Enjoy the broad curtain of water from below, or use the steps to the upper viewpoint when conditions and energy allow.
4. Vík — Pause in the South Coast village for food and supplies, with coastal views and the church on the hillside above.

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: Kirkjubæjarklaustur overnight area → Kirkjubæjarklaustur 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 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 → Selfoss / Hveragerði overnight area

1. Dverghamrar — Take a short signed walk among the basalt formations beside the South Coast road, a quieter contrast to the larger landmarks.
2. Fjaðrárgljúfur — Follow the open viewpoint paths above the winding canyon, staying behind barriers and respecting closures that protect the vegetation.
3. Vík — Pause in the South Coast village for food and supplies, with coastal views and the church on the hillside above.
4. Reynisfjara viewpoint — View the basalt cliffs and Reynisdrangar from permitted areas, following current access restrictions and keeping well away from the powerful surf.

Driving note: The endpoint marks the Selfoss / Hveragerði 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: Selfoss / Hveragerði overnight area → Selfoss / Hveragerði overnight area

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

Driving note: The endpoint marks the Selfoss / Hveragerði 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: 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.

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.