5-Day Self-Drive Tour | Fire & Ice

Start your road trip with a scenic journey to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its geology and history. The park was most notably the site of the Althingi, the first Icelandic Parliament back in 930 CE, which makes it the oldest continuously operational parliament in the modern world.

Located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Thingvellir straddles the continents of Europe and North America and visitors have the chance to gaze upon the gap that separates the two continents. Witness fascinating rock formations crafted by the volcanic activity and picturesque green valleys.

From Thingvellir, the route takes you through the picturesque village of Laugarvatn and to the Geysir area, where Iceland’s iconic geysers spew boiling streams of water into the air. The final stop on the tour is the magnificent Gullfoss Waterfall (Golden Falls), where rushing streams of cascading water crash over three stages of lava rock into the lush green valley below. 

Before calling it a night, take a scenic drive south to Faxi Waterfall. Once there, you’ll find a tranquil spot that’s quietly breathtaking. Though Faxi (also known as Faxafoss) stands only 7 meters (23 feet) tall, its impressive 90-meter (295-foot) width allows the Tungufljót River to cascade gracefully across the landscape. 

Day two will take you to Iceland’s legendary southern coast, taking you past the notorious and beautiful Eyjafjallajökull glacier.  The volcano below this ice-cap became infamous in 2010, when its eruption disrupted air traffic to and from Iceland. The perk of a self-drive tour is that you have the option to stop wherever you wish, but you’ll have itinerary suggestions to help you make the most of each region. 

We recommend that you begin at the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which is famous for its cylindrical jet of powerful water that crashes down into the valley below. Its unique cave allows visitors to travel behind the fall and enjoy it from a completely different perspective.

The Skogafoss waterfall is equally beautiful and has a rushing cascade that vaults 60 meters down the cliff face into the pool. A winding path is cut on the hill beside it, offering visitors the chance to climb the hill and be rewarded with a spectacular view of the surrounding area. Along this path are two fascinating rock formations nicknamed “the trolls.” Local legend is that the rocks are two petrified trolls that were turned to stone by the sun.

Next, trade solid ground for the icy expanse of Sólheimajökull on a thrilling 3-hour glacier hike. Your adventure begins with a quick introduction to essential gear like crampons and ice axes, along with important safety tips for navigating the ice. Then it’s time for real excitement—exploring the glacier itself. Follow your expert guide across the striking, otherworldly terrain, where snow and volcanic ash meet in dramatic contrast, and discover hidden features carved by centuries of ice and time. 

As you continue toward the mighty Solheimajokull glacier, we recommend stopping off at Dyrholaey, a craggy rock arch that is like a deep blue window into the sea.You’ll get to marvel at the magnificent black beach at Reynisdrangar, where white-crested waves contrast beautifully with the dark volcanic sands. Stunning basalt cliffs have been cut into incredible cylindrical rock formations. The unique landscape will leave you breathless. Another option is stopping off at the picturesque village of Vik, which is nestled at the foot of a mighty glacier.

Day three begins with a traditional Icelandic breakfast at your accommodation before you continue your journey through Iceland’s magical countryside. We strongly recommend making the short hike to the spectacular Svartifoss Waterfall where a cylindrical stream of cascading water crashes over round basalt columns into the luscious valley below. The stunning contrast of the frothing white water bouncing over the black basalt stone is a truly profound sight.

The next part of the route will take you to the legendary Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, which is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world. It is renowned for the gleaming chunks of glassy ice that float across its turquoise surface, a spellbinding sight that words really don’t do justice. Film buffs may recognize it from films like Die Another Day, Batman Begins, Tomb Raider and more. This incredible natural wonder might even be topped by the iconic Diamond Beach which lies just below it. Here gleaming diamond-like icebergs sparkle like jewels on the dark black volcanic sands.

The night will be spent near Skaftafell in Iceland’s south.

On day four, you’ll explore even more of Iceland’s stunning South Coast. As you proceed down the road you will find the photogenic Lómagnúpur Mountain, which rises 690 meters above sea level and towers above a crystal-clear lake, before arriving at Núpsstaðir, which is famed for the grass-carpeted buildings that are literally built into the hillside.

Next on the itinerary is Dverghamrar (the Dwarf Rocks), a series of cylindrical basalt columns that stand on a lonely hill and are strangely beautiful. It is believed that they were formed at the end of the last Ice Age when sea levels were much higher, which would explain their strange location.

As you approach the famous Icelandic highland region, you will see the capricious Katla, a powerful volcano that is hidden beneath the ice cap of the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier. The road passes through Mýrdalssandur, otherworldly volcanic desert with magical scenery and the gargantuan Eldhraun lava field, which was formed after the eruption of 934 that produced the largest lava flow that the planet has ever seen. 

For those who want to explore more areas around Reykjavik, we suggest visiting the coast. The idyllic villages of Stokkseyri and Eyrarbakki are both excellent choices.  

The traditional villages boast rustic wooden houses that visitors are sure to appreciate. Another option is the seaside village of Þorlákshöfn, which is perched on the deep blue Atlantic Ocean and is steeped in authentic Icelandic culture. 

The iconic Reykjanes area is conveniently situated near Iceland’s International Airport. With its convenient location and stunning natural beauty, it’s the perfect place to end your stay in Iceland. It is packed with moss-carpeted lava fields, craggy volcanic craters, spectacular rock formations, and the legendary Keilir, a distinctive cone-shaped mountain, which has come to symbolize the area. 

The first attraction of today is Þorlákshöfn. The name might be a tongue-twister, but the views are simply fantastic. Think black sand beaches, dramatic lava formations, cozy cafés, and inviting bakeries—perfect for both sightseeing and unwinding. 

Deeper in the volcanic ruggedness of Reykjanes is a jewel of a crater lake, Kleifarvatn. Shrouded in mystery and local folklore, it's said to harbor a Loch Ness-like monster in its 100 m (328 ft) depths. In truth, all you’ll find here is serene beauty thanks to the remote and impressive location. 

Up next is the hissing Seltún geothermal area. Wander along the path and take in the sights of steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and other dramatic volcanic features. Just a short drive from here is Grænavatn Lake—its name means “Green Lake,” a fitting description of the striking greenish-blue water that fills it. 

The famous (and supposedly haunted) Gunnuhver hot springs and the bridge that crosses the continents of Europe and North America are also well worth a look. Further afield, you’ll find the secluded fishing village of Grindavik, parts of which were destroyed during the 2023–2025 Sundhnúkur eruptions. 

If you have more time or would prefer a more relaxing final stop, then we highly recommend soaking in the Blue Lagoon. Famous for being the world’s finest natural spa, its milky turquoise and geothermally heated waters are renowned for their healing properties, making them the ideal place to relax amidst some truly stunning scenery. 

Your glacier hike on Sólheimajökull's outlet glacier is included in the specified price, but entry to the Blue Lagoon is not. You will need to book in advance on their website.

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.

Your detailed itinerary includes:

√ Detailed map of Iceland with all stops
√ Easy-to-follow daily travel plans
√ Mobile-friendly design
√ Descriptions and photos for all major stops
√ Approximate time needed at each stop
√ Tips on the best nearby restaurants
√ Exclusive locations not included in the tour description

Information about your rental car

Pick-up: Choose between pick-up locations at Keflavik International Airport (KEF) or the Reykjavik City office in downtown Reykjavík. It is very centrally located and easy to reach on foot for those staying in downtown Reykjavik. Picking up from the downtown office is from 08:00-18:00.

For the best experience, we recommend that you pick up your car early on your arrival day and return it in the afternoon or evening on your last day.

Drop-off: Pick-up and drop-off are in the same location (changes only available upon request).

This package includes comfortable accommodation in prime locations. Breakfast is included, and each room features a private bathroom.

When booking for 2 or 4 persons, twin or double rooms will be provided. 

For bookings of 3 or 5 persons, a combination of double/twin rooms and triple rooms will be arranged. 

Additionally, a single room can also be arranged for an extra fee.

To ensure the best possible price and experience, this self-drive package is fixed and cannot be modified.

By default, the tour includes a mini/economy (Toyota Aygo or similar) vehicle option. However, when you make your booking, you can upgrade the vehicle to a Standard (Toyota Avensis or similar), Economy SUV (Dacia Duster or similar), or Full-Size SUV (Mitsubishi Pajero or similar) car model. 

Please note: All rental cars have automatic transmissions. If an automatic transmission is not available, the van option can come with a manual transmission.