11-Day Self-Drive Tour - Iceland's Arctic Coast Way
Best Hits on the Ring Road & Hidden Roads in the North
Discover Iceland’s slow travel routes on the famous Ring Road and brand-new Arctic Coast Way.
Hit lesser-known roads on this awesome self-drive tour of North Iceland and the Ring Road! You’ll hit all the regular highlights–Snaefellsnes, Golden Circle and the South Coast. The road will also take you through North Iceland’s newest tourist route, the Arctic Coast Way.
Rated one of the best destinations in Europe by Lonely Planet, Iceland’s secluded North Coast offers all the small villages and slow travel you could want, without the crowds!
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Availability
All year
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Duration
11 days
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Duration Overwrite
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Level
Easy
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Pickup
No
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Meet on location
No
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Min. Age
No min age
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Departs from
Keflavik Airport
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Departs from Overwrite
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Price from
176.942 ISK
- Tour highlights
- The Golden Circle
- The South Coast
- The Arctic Coast Way Route
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula
- East Fjords
- Blue Lagoon (optional)
- Included
- 10 nights accommodation with private bathroom
- 11 days car rental (with basic insurances)
- Daily breakfast
- Detailed itinerary and information package
This 11-Day adventure introduces Iceland’s major attractions and North Coast on a spectacular road trip you won’t soon forget.
Snaefellsnes & North Iceland
Your adventure starts at Keflavík International Airport, where you’ll pick up your rental car. Drive up north past Reykjavik to lovely Snæfellsnes Peninsula, seabirds, seaside cliffs and epic mountains. See Mt. Kirkjufell, one of the most photographed mountains in the world. Your circle around the peninsula will introduce you to Snæfellsjökull Glacier, Reykholt historic town, and the immense Deildartunguhver geothermal area.
North Iceland
After that, it’s time for the Arctic Coast Way, and its six peninsulas that extend to the Arctic Circle. Book a whale watching tour in Dalvik or take a photo beside Godafoss Waterfall. Dedicate one full day to lovely Lake Myvatn and its strange lava formations, volcanic craters and Dettifoss Waterfall.
Hit the roads on Melrakkaslétta Peninsula, check out a fossil beach and the cute town of Borgarfjörður Eystri. After exploring the rural coastline of Northeast Iceland, drive out to quiet East Iceland.
South Iceland & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Zip down around the Ring Road to the South Coast of Iceland to see the otherworldly beauty of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Tour the world-famous Golden Circle.
On the last day, drive through Reykjanes Peninsula and visit some of the most striking abandoned places in the country.
Along the way, choose from optional activities like whale watching in Dalvik, glacier hiking, or soaking in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon.
This self-drive tour takes you off the beaten path at your own pace! Get ready to roll!
Please note: this itinerary is perfect for morning arrivals. If you’re arriving to Iceland in the afternoon, we suggest you arrive a day before and overnight in Reykjavik before the start of your self-drive tour.
Optional extra
- Blue Lagoon (optional extra)
On Day 11, you have the option of going for a soak in the famous Blue Lagoon located in the Reykjanes Peninsula if your flight schedule allows. Blue Lagoon admission fee is not included in our self-drive package, and since a pre-booking is required to enter the Lagoon, we recommend you booking your visit the Blue Lagoon website. Please remember to bring a bathing suit and a towel if you’re not planning to rent them at the reception.
Detailed Itinerary Included
√ Detailed map of Iceland with all stops
√ Easily follow daily travel plans
√ Mobile-friendly design
√ Descriptions & photos for all major stops
√ Print your itinerary or share with friends
Information for your rental car
Pick-up: Keflavik International airport (KEF) at flexible times.
For the best experience, we definitely recommend that you pick your car up early on the day of arrival, and return it in the afternoon or evening on your last day.
Drop-off: By default, the drop-off location for your car will be at Keflavik International Airport (KEF)
Accommodation
Comfort accommodation is included in this package. Great locations, breakfast is included and you will have a private bathroom.
Practical information
Remember to bring: Warm layers (woolen or fleece), waterproof clothing, headwear, scarf, gloves, we highly recommend you bring hiking boots since they are essential in exploring Iceland, driver’s license, sunglasses, and please check on the road condition and weather condition online frequently if you are traveling in winter.
What if I don’t own all of these clothing items?
Don’t worry, you can always rent sturdy hiking boots, a waterproof jacket, and pants in the booking process.
Please note
If you book for 2 or 4 persons you get twin / double rooms. If you book for 3 or 5 persons you get a combination of double/twin rooms and a single room.
To offer the best price possible, this self-drive package is fixed and cannot be changed or altered. The package has been optimized for the best experience.
Day 1 - Borgarfjörður & Snæfellsnes
Velkominn to your epic Icelandic road trip!
Once you arrive at Keflavík International Airport, pick up your rental car and head towards Reykjavik. Traveling the 40 km (25 mi) drive from Keflavik to the capital city is an adventure in itself. As you follow the winding road through moss-covered lava fields, you’ll feel like you’ve landed on the moon! Next, head North towards the scenic Snæfellsnes Peninsula via Borgarfjörður.
In the evening, arrive at your hotel in the Snæfellsnes area.
On your road to Snæfellsnes, you’ll find plenty of incredible attractions. Here is a useful list of the best sites you can see on the way.
Day Highlights
- Hraunfossar & Barnafoss Waterfalls
- Reykholt
- Deildartunguhver Geothermal Area
- Eldborg Crater (The Fire Castle)
- Gerðuberg Cliffs
- Ytri Tunga Beach
Included
- Rental Car
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
Day 2 - Snaefellsnes
After breakfast, explore the unparalleled beauty of Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Nicknamed “Iceland in Miniature,” the landscape of Snæfellsnes is like a snapshot of the whole country. Volcanic peaks, sea cliffs, black sand beaches — find your own natural element! On the western tip is Snæfellsjökull, a glacier-capped volcano immortalized in Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth.
A wonderful night with Kp 5 . Northern lights mountain Kirkjufell in Iceland.
After exploring Snaefellsnes, head northwest. Hvítserkur Sea Stack, of course, is the first highlight of the Arctic Coast Way.
In the evening, arrive at your hotel. Rest up to hit the romantic roads of North Iceland tomorrow
Day Highlights
- Arnarstapi fishing village
- Hellnar fishing village
- Lóndrangar Basalt Cliffs
- Djúpalónssandur Beach & Dritvík Cove
- Kirkjufell Mountain
- Stykkishólmur Town
- Erpsstaðir Dairy Farm
- Hvítserkur Sea Stack
Included
- Rental Car
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
Day 3 - Skagafjörður & Eyjafjörður
After breakfast, continue your journey through North Iceland. You’ll explore long fjords and cute villages, each with their own unique charm.
This day, you can opt for the whale watching tour in Dalvik at 3:00 p.m. (15:00 a.m.). You can book the activity via our website.
In the evening, arrive at your hotel in Akureyri. If you opted out of whale watching, you’ll have some extra time to explore this town.
Day Highlights
- Blönduós Town
- Hofsós Village
- Siglufjörður
- Ólafsfjörður
- Dalvik
- Svartifoss Waterfall
- Akureyri
- Dalvik whale watching tour
Included
- Rental Car
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
Day 4 - Mývatn and its Surroundings
After breakfast, drive east of Akureyri towards Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions. Marvel at bizarre lava formations, abundant birdlife, and steaming volcanic craters.
After exploring to your heart’s content, head North towards Húsavík. En route, don’t forget to check out Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall.
Spend the night at your hotel in Húsavík.
Day Highlights
- Goðafoss Waterfall
- Dimmuborgir Lava Field
- Lake Mývatn
- Grjótagjá Cave
- Hverarönd
- Stóra-Víti Crater
- Dettifoss Waterfall
- Husavik
Included
- Rental Car
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
Day 5 - Arctic Coast: Melrakkaslétta
Today is your last day on the Arctic Coast Way. Hit unhyped roads and get immersed in the beauties of two peninsulas — Tjörnes and Melrakkaslétta.
In the evening, arrive at your hotel in Þórshöfn or Vopnafjörður.
Day Highlights
- Tjörnes Peninsula
- Ásbyrgi Canyon
- Kópasker
- Melrakkaslétta Peninsula
- Raufarhöfn
- The Arctic Henge
- Þórshöfn
Included
- Rental Car
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
Day 6 - Borgarfjörður Eystri, East Iceland
Enjoy your breakfast before heading towards Borgarfjörður Eystri, a tiny hamlet surrounded by towering peaks. Along the way, visit Stuðlagil Canyon and its famous basalt columns.
Borgarfjordur fishing village in East Iceland. Calm and peaceful evening sunshine with houses along the sea edge.
Tonight, spend the night at your hotel in Borgarfjörður Eystri.
Day Highlights
- Vopnafjörður Village
- Stuðlagil Canyon
- Rjúkandi Waterfall
- Borgarfjörður Eystri Village
- Dyrfjöll Mountains
- Hafnarhólmi Cape
Included
- Rental Car
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
Day 7 - East Fjords
After breakfast, hop on your car and hit the road towards the South of Iceland. Expect a lot of driving through the picturesque region of the East Fjords. Along the way, discover more about village life in quaint rural towns in the fjords.
In the evening, arrive at your hotel in Höfn or Skaftafell.
Day Highlights
- Lagarfljót
- Hallormssaðarskógur
- Saxa Cliff
- Petra’s Stone & Mineral Collection
- Havarí
- Djúpivogur
- Höfn
Included
- Rental Car
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
Day 8 - Skaftafell & Kirkubæjarklaustur
This morning head to the iceberg-dotted Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon leaving the town of Höfn behind. Afterward, explore Skaftafell National Park, an area graced with landscapes found nowhere else on Earth. Next, continue your journey towards Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Spend the night at your hotel in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.
Day Highlights
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Diamond Beach
- Skaftafell Nature Reserve
- Svartifoss Waterfall
- Lómagnúpur Mountain
- Dverghamrar Cliffs
- Kirkjugólfið (The Church Floor)
- Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Included
- Rental Car
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
Day 9 - Vík í Mýrdal & Waterfalls on the South Coast
Continue your journey through the South Coast, one of the most popular sightseeing routes in Iceland. Be enchanted by the black beauty of Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and the waterfalls Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss.
Today you can opt for a glacier hike at 1:30 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. Strap on some crampons and embark on a guided walk atop a glacier! The tour is suitable for all levels of expertise. You can book the activity via our website.
Beautiful town of Vik i Myrdal in Iceland in summer. The village of Vik is the southernmost village in Iceland on the ring road around 180 km southeast of Reykjavík
After an action-packed day, arrive at your hotel in the Golden Circle / Hvolsvöllur Area.
Day Highlights
- Vík í Mýrdal
- Reynisfjara Black Beach
- Dyrhólaey
- Optional Glacier Hike Activity
- Skógar
- Skógafoss Waterfall
- Gljúfrabúi Waterfall
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Included
- Rental Car
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
Day 10 - The Golden Circle
Today set out to explore the Golden Circle, the most popular sightseeing route in Iceland. En route, discover hidden attractions known to few tourists. There are three main highlights on the route: Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir geothermal area and Thingvellir.
Gullfoss Waterfall flows down from Langjokull Glacier to the Hvita River, dropping down about 32 m (105 ft) into Gullfoss Canyon. Falling over two tiers, it’s the undisputed Queen of Icelandic waterfalls.
Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of the Althingi, the oldest parliament founded by Vikings more than one thousand years ago. Thingvellir also lies smack-dab in a geological rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Geysir geothermal area is an active region with steam vents, bubbling pools and spouting geysers. The star of the show, Strokkur, erupts every 6-10 minutes, shooting 15-20 meters (49-66 ft) up into the air.
In the evening, arrive at your hotel in the Reykjavík Capital Area.
Day Highlights
- Kerið
- Friðheimar Greenhouse
- Faxi Waterfall
- Geysir Geothermal Area
- Þingvellir National Park
- Gullfoss Waterfall
Included
- Rental Car
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
Day 11 - Return Home
Today is your last day on the road. Explore the soul-stirring landscapes of the Reykjanes Peninsula before you return your car. Lying directly on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Reykjanes enchants visitors with lunar-like lava fields and geothermal activity.
Add a visit to the praised Blue Lagoon (entrance fee is not included), if you wish.
Day Highlights
- Kleifarvatn Lake
- Hópsnesviti Lighthouse
- Blue Lagoon
- Reykjanesviti Lighthouse
- Bridge Between Continents
Included
- Rental Car
- Itinerary
What is a self-drive tour?
Self-drive tour is a package tour that includes accommodation, car rental and suggested itinerary. The tours are self-guided but we provide you with information to make sure you know where to go and what to see, as well as general practical information about Iceland.
Included with our tours are accommodation and car rental, as described for each tour, itinerary with suggested points of interest along the way, GPS points for each stop (accommodation, activities, points of interest), and a detailed self-drive handbook with lots of practical information.
Which hotels will we be staying in? What category are they?
We use a very varied mix of local accommodations.
Comfort rooms are private rooms with private bathroom in guesthouses, hotels, motels, lodges, etc. Approximately 3-star rating.
Budget rooms are private rooms with shared bathroom at guesthouses, hostels, hotels, etc. Approximately 2-star rating.
Which type of vehicle do you recommend?
4WD vehicles are recommended during winter months (October – April) but it doesn’t need to be a jeep, it is safest to drive a vehicle that you are comfortable with so if you’re not used to driving large cars then a smaller, but 4WD, might be a better option. In summer any vehicle is good, depending on how many are traveling together, how much luggage you carry along and how much you’re willing to pay.
How much time will we spend in the car every day?
This depends on the itinerary, some are faster paced while others are more relaxed. Days can range from 200-400 km, though very few days exceed 350 km. Of course you are your own driver and guide while on a self drive tour so you are free to make detours as you wish.
What kind of insurance do I need?
It is always a good idea to make sure you have good travel insurance, as you never know what might happen while in a foreign country. Sure it costs a bit extra, but it can take a load off the mind and end up being totally worth it in case something should happen.
Take a look at what type of insurance is provided with your credit card, alternatively buy special travel insurance from an insurance provider.
As for the car rental, you can opt to buy extra insurance at the time of collecting the car. It may be wise to buy extra insurance such as windshield protection, as a cracked windshield from a stone being thrown off another car is among the most common incidents on Icelandic roads.
Other extra car insurances would be for example sand and ash protection, or additional insurance to lower the self-risk in case of an incident.
Can the itinerary be changed?
Our self drive adventures have been optimized for the best value experience, which includes doing some thrilling activities in the amazing Icelandic nature. As the packages are offered at the best possible price no partial refunds or modifications to the itinerary can be permitted. That includes opting out of an included activity and getting a refund for that activity. You can, of course, choose not to do the activity but as mentioned there would be no partial refunds of the package price.
What do I do when I have a problem while traveling?
You should contact the service provider in question: If there is a problem with the car, contact the car rental. If you have troubles finding the hotel (which shouldn’t happen as you will be provided with the address and GPS coordinates), you should call the hotel.
If you have questions about an activity, contact the activity provider. You will receive all the necessary contact information from us.
Can I add twin bed for my accommodation?
We cannot guarantee twin beds but a large majority of our hotels can accommodate twin bed arrangements and clients can contact the hotels directly after purchase to request a twin bed arrangement.
