Majestic Fjords Self-Drive

Day 1 : Reykjanes Peninsula

On arrival at Keflavik Airport, make your way to your hotel. Enjoy your day at leisure and take some time to explore Reykjanes Peninsula (a UNESCO GeoPark site) before heading to Reykjavik for your overnight.

Reykjanes is a great introduction to Iceland’s unique geology and volcanoes and the site of two of Iceland’s most recent volcanic eruptions in 2021 and 2022 in the Fagridalur area. You can also stroll in the surreal Gunnuhver area where you can view colourful mud pools and steam vents bubbling away.

Reykjanes is also home to the renowned Blue Lagoon, and you might enjoy the chance to relax in the soothing azure waters. Drive along mystical lava landscapes of the South Coast road to the charming village of Hveragerdi for your overnight.

Day 2 : Reykjanes > Thingvellir > Gullfoss > Fludir

Today, you’ll visit the Golden Circle natural wonders. Start with the beautiful Thingvellir National Park, site of the ancient Icelandic Viking parliament and a jewel of nature. Here you can see the meeting point between the North American and Europe continents. Several walking trails take visitors to historical points of interest. Then, explore Gullfoss, the “Golden Waterfall”, and the nearby Geysir hot spring area to see the famous Geysir and Strokkur, as well as numerous other hot springs and boiling mud pools.

Visit Secret Lagoon and the local favourite spot, Laugarvatn Fontana steam baths. Overnight in the Golden Circle area.

Day 3 : South Shore > Vik > Kirkjubaejarklaustur

Drive along the spectacular south coast and view highlights along the way such as Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls and Myrdalsjokull glacier. If the skies are clear, you might even have a glimpse of beautiful Mt. Hekla, Iceland’s most frequently erupting volcano. Myrdalsjokull glacier offers great opportunities for guided snowmobile or ice hiking tours.

Head to Vik, Iceland’s southernmost village. In the area you can view the seabird cliff of Dyrholaey* and the black sand beach of Reynisfjara. Many seabirds nest here, including puffins.

Continue over Eldhraun, Iceland’s largest single lava flow, towards Kirkjubaejarklaustur, a picturesque village that is the former site of a 12th-century Catholic convent.

Day 4 : Kirkjubaejarklaustur > Vatnajokull National Park > Jokulsarlon > Hofn

Today you will be in the southern area of Vatnajokull National Park, named after Europe‘s largest glacier. You’ll certainly have this magnificent glacier in view as you follow the route. Visit the park’s amazing Skaftafell area, a green oasis nestled between glaciers that offers many hiking possibilities.

Continue to the shimmering icebergs of Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, where you should take time to admire the views of the icebergs floating in the cool waters. Head on to harbor town of Hofn, also known as the langoustine capital of northern Europe. Overnight in the Hofn area.

Day 5 : Hofn > Djupivogur > Reydarfjordur > Egilsstadir

Drive through the spectacular Eastfjords region with towering mountains and charming fishing villages to the fertile Egilsstadir area. On the way, you might opt to visit the quirky egg sculptures in the harbor of charming Djupivogur village or visit Petra’s famous local stone and mineral collection at Stodvarfjordur.

You can either drive straight through Fagridalur valley to Egilsstadir or head along the ancient East Fjords, shaped by glaciers during the Ice Age. Although many are uninhabited, each fjord has its own grandeur. The natural harbors in the fjords cradle fishing villages that have still hung on to a degree of old-world charm. Some of the unique villages include Faskrudsfjordur and its interesting French connection, Reydarfjordur and its World War II heritage, and Eskifjordur with its fishing traditions.

If you drive straight through Fagridalur valley, an area you might enjoy discovering is the award-winning Wilderness Center (Óbyggðasetur) located at the edge of the hauntingly beautiful eastern highlands.
Overnight in the Eastfjords area.

Day 6 : Egilsstadir > Dettifoss > Asbyrgi > Husavik

Today you will be in the northern area of Vatnajokull National Park. This region of the park has its own distinctive character. Less visited than the southern area, this area shows Iceland’s wild side to its fullest.

Travel across the vast Modrudalsoraefi highlands and into the wilderness. The route takes you to the mighty Dettifoss waterfall. A few moments here listening to the heavy thundering water against a surreal landscape is one of Iceland’s most amazing experiences.

Head through the park and its amazing canyon areas carved by the Jokulsar river. Explore the impressive horse-shoe-shaped Asbyrgi canyon, said to be formed by the god Odin’s stallion.

Drive around the fossil rich Tjornes Peninsula to the Husavik area, famous for its appearance in the 2020 Netflix movie Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. This town is known for whale watching, and you might enjoy a later afternoon or evening whale watching boat tour. A great way to end this exciting day is with a relaxing swim in the warm sea waters of Husavik’s GeoSea Baths.

NB: Please note Roads 864, 862 are usually closed during the fall, winter and spring until the end of May (Road opening dates are dependent on the weather conditions). Until these roads are open, please take the scenic Ring Road 1 to Road 87 and on to Husavik. Overnight in Husavik area or Lake Myvatn area.

Day 7 : Husavik > Lake Myvatn > Akureyri > Siglufjordur

Spend the day exploring the natural wonders of Lake Myvatn and the surrounding area. Visit highlights such as the lava citadels at Dimmuborgir, the pseudo craters at Skutustadir, the colorful sulfurous slopes of Namaskard, and the Krafla volcano area.

Depart Myvatn and drive westward, visiting beautiful Godafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods. Take some time to visit Akureyri, Iceland’s colorful northern “capital.”

Drive to Siglufjordur along one of Iceland’s most dramatic coastlines, enjoying a unique view towards the North Atlantic. This is the region of the Troll Peninsula, where the steep Icelandic mountains look towards the sea. Overnight in Northeast Iceland.

Day 8 : Siglufjordur > Skagafjordur > Laugarbakki

Thread your way around the peninsula, heading into Skagafjordur Fjord. Explore the fascinating area of Skagafjordur, renowned for horse breeding and medieval history.

The town of Hofsos has a unique swimming pool that seems to float into infinity. If you are a history buff, make a stop at Holar, a cultural center telling nine centuries of Icelandic history. The manor farm of Glaumbaer that dates back to the 18th century and will give you a sense of life in Iceland in the old days.

Continue your journey to Skagafjordur’s Icelandic horse heritage makes it an ideal place to try out riding one of these friendly Viking horses.
Overnight stay in the Laugarbakki area.

Day 9 : Laugarbakki > Holmavik > Isafjordur

Head across Steingrimsfjardarheidi and into the spectacular region of the Westfjords, the oldest part of Iceland.

Visit Holmavik, a village renowned for its museum of witchcraft. Ancient Icelandic tales depicted the Westfjords as an area full of sorcery, magical spells and witchcraft. The Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft gives an insight into this eerie aspect of Iceland’s history. Take your time with the drive and enjoy the amazing views. You’ll be in an area rich in wildlife, so keep an eye out for seals and seabirds along the coast.

Continue to Isafjordur, the largest town in the area.

Day 10 : Isafjordur

Spend time in Isafjordur and the surrounding area, including the neighboring towns of Bolungarvik and Sudureyri. In Sudureyri you might opt to take a pleasant walking tour around the town, getting acquainted with the town’s unique sustainable fishing industry.

The once-inhabited Hornstrandir is now a remote nature reserve where you can take a tour that includes a boat trip and guided hiking or Arctic fox viewing. Or take a day tour to Vigor Island and its tiny community where you’ll learn about how the inhabitants sustainably collect eider down.

After a day full of amazing scenery, spend another night in the Isafjordur area.

Day 11 : Isafjordur > Thingeyri > Bildudalur > Latrabjarg > Flokalundur

Drive from Isafjordur through the beautiful northern Westfjords. Visit the town of Bildudalur has a curious and entertaining Sea Monster Museum where you can discover local legends of mysterious ocean creatures. View the stunning multi-tiered Dynjandi waterfall, one of the symbols of the region.

Visit Latrabjarg cliffs, the westernmost point in Europe. In the summer, these high sea cliffs are teeming with millions of puffins, gannets, guillemots and razorbills. This is one of Iceland’s best areas for bird watching, as well as an amazing area to capture views of the sea cliffs. Head onwards to the southern coast of the Westfjords. Raudisandur is a gorgeous stretch of beach where you can see different colors of sand ranging from white to yellow to red to black. If time allows, maybe you’ll stop to take a dip in the Hellulaug natural geothermal pool in Vatnsfjordur fjord.
This part of the Westfjords was home to one of Iceland’s first settlers, a Viking named Raven-Floki. He is the one who first called the island “Iceland.”

Spend overnight in the Flokalundur area.

Day 12 : Flokalundur > Southern Westfjords > Breidafjordur > Stykkisholmur

Today you can drive the coastal road to Stykkisholmur town or take the ferry across Breidafjordur to the town.

Driving: Drive along the coast of Bardarstrond and into West Iceland. You can explore Dalir, the region of Eric the Red and birthplace of his son, the great explorer Leif Eiriksson at a living replica museum before driving to Snaefellsnes peninsula. Approximate distance: 280 km / 175 miles

Ferry option: Head to Brjanslaekur ferry dock. Sail with the ferry Baldur across Breidafjordur bay with its countless islands and rich birdlife. (Please note ferry trip is not included in the price, but we can book it for you). You will pass by the island of Flatey, a beloved summer holiday area for Icelanders. Enjoy the ride and the views of islands and birds. Approximate distance: 64 km / 40 miles (the ferry ride is about 2,5 hours)

Later, stop at the charming village of Stykkisholmur. A lovely place to take an evening walk, and you will surely enjoy the nice selection of cafes and restaurants available. Overnight on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Day 13 : Snaefellsnes Peninsula > Borgarfjordur > Reykjavik

Today you will explore the ever-changing beauty of Snaefellsnes peninsula and the Snaefellsjokull National Park. Continue around the Snaefellsnes peninsula, passing the small fishing villages of Grundarfjordur and Hellissandur. Keep an eye out for Kirkjufell, Iceland’s most photographed mountain. Make a stop at the rocky beach of Djupalonssandur as well as the magnificent columnar basalt rock formations at Arnarstapi.

Visit the brilliantly blue waters of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss falls, and the hot spring Deildartunguhver. Near the hot springs is Krauma, the relaxing “fire and ice” geothermal spa that uses a soothing blend of hot springs and glacier water. Continue via Hvalfjordur fjord to Reykjavik.

Day 14 : Reykjavik

Drive back to Keflavik International Airport for your last few hours in Iceland.