Discover Iceland’s slow travel routes on the famous Ring Road and brand-new Arctic Coast Way.
Hit Iceland's lesser-known roads on this awesome self-drive tour of North Iceland and the Ring Road! You’ll visit the country's iconic highlights and hidden gems across the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Golden Circle, and South Coast.
Rated one of the best destinations in Europe by Lonely Planet, explore North Iceland via the new Arctic Coast Way route. Along the way, you'll make stops in picturesque villages, one of which was featured in a major film. Enjoy the remote beauty of the open road!
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)
Rental car options
A mini/economy (Toyota Aygo or similar) vehicle option is included in the tour by default. As you make your booking you can upgrade the vehicle to Standard (Toyota Avensis or similar), Economy SUV (Dacia Duster or similar), or Full Size SUV (Mitsubishi Pajero or similar) car model.
Please Note: If the group consists of more than 5 people, you’ll need to upgrade to the van (8- person maximum) option.
All rental cars have automatic transmission. Van option can come either with automatic or manual transmission, if automatic is not available.
Accommodation
Comfort accommodation is included in this package. Great locations, breakfast is included and you will have a private bathroom
Velkominn to your epic Icelandic road trip! )
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.
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...)
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.
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
After breakfast, continue your journey through North Iceland. You’ll explore long fjords and cute villages, each with their own unique charm. )
After breakfast, continue your journey through North Iceland. You’ll explore long fjords and cute villages, each with their own unique charm.
This day, go on a thrilling whale watching tour in Dalvik at 3:00 p.m. (optional activity). You can expect to see minke whales, harbour porpoises, humpback whales, and white-beaked dolphins. And who knows? You might even spot an enormous blue whale.
In the evening, arrive at your hotel in Akureyri and have some time to explore this charming town.
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 t...)
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. This quiet town provided the backdrop the Netflix comedy 'Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga,' in which Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams played aspiring Icelandic singers. During your visit grab a drink at Jaja Ding Dong Bar in the Cape Hotel, inspired by the movie. For more movie trivia check out our 'Ultimate Guide to Movies Filmed in Iceland.' En route to Húsavík, keep your eyes peeled for Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall.
Your hotel for the night will be in Húsavík.
Spend the night at your hotel in Húsavík.
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.)
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.
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. )
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.
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.)
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.
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 Kirkjubæj...)
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.
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 prepare for a glacier hike ...)
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 prepare 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 and we provide all the necessary safety gear.
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.
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 Thing...)
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.
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....)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
