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Explore these mesmerizing natural wonders on the South Coast of Iceland towards Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.
On this tour you will get to explore some of Iceland’s most magnificent natural wonders, including the gleaming Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, whose floating diamond-like glaciers are renowned across the world, the iconic Gullfoss Waterfall, where cascading water crashes over three lava steps, and the legendary Strokkur geyser, which propels violent bursts of molten water into the air every few minutes.
This self-drive tour allows you to create unforgettable memories in the land of fire and ice: a magical four/five-day journey filled with adventure and exhilarating fun. It captures the very finest things that Iceland has to offer, from glacial hikes to places of geological and historical significance, along with spectacular natural beauty.
On the tour you will receive a detailed itinerary, map and self-drive handbook, it has been tailor-made to give visitors the very best possible experience, of Iceland’s legendary South Coast.
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.
Day two will take you to Iceland’s legendary southern coast, taking you past the notorious and beautiful Eyjafjallajökull glacier. The glacer’s snow-carpeted icecap grounded the majority of Europe’s air-fleet when it erupted in 2010. 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.
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 an 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.
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.
