Epic 3-Week Summer Self-Drive Tour of Iceland

On the third day of your self-drive tour of Iceland, you'll explore the region of West Iceland and its incredible sights, including waterfalls, hot springs, and historic villages.

You'll head 33 miles (53 kilometers) north out of Reykjavik through rural landscapes before reaching the spectacular fjord of Hvalfjordur. Here, you can take a tunnel beneath the waters to speed up your journey or follow the road.

On the road around, you'll see some beautiful nature, and you can also take a stop here to hike to the top of Iceland's second-tallest waterfall, Glymur.

Regardless of how you cross the fjord, you'll end up in the scenic coastal town of Borgarnes, about 32 miles (51 kilometers) from Gylmur waterfall.

It is home to the Settlement Center museum, where you can learn about Iceland's early history, from its discovery to the formation of its first parliament, and about one of the country's most epic sagas.

Your following significant attractions are the waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. Located 35 miles (56.5 kilometers) from Borgarnes, these two waterfalls offer unique beauty. 

Hraunfossar waterfall pours serenely across a plain of lava, surrounded by birch trees, whereas Barnafoss waterfall rages furiously through a barren, narrow gorge. Despite their dramatic differences, they are just a short walk apart, about 50 feet (15 meters) from each other.

Not far from these waterfalls is the village of Reykholt, renowned for its history as the home of Snorri Sturluson. Snorri's work on Edda, the Old Norse bible, is a vital medieval piece, while his role in the Icelandic civil war is fascinating.

Another great attraction of West Iceland is the Deildartunguhver hot spring, around 4.2 miles (6.8 kilometers) from Reykholt. It's the highest-flowing hot spring in Europe that feeds one of Iceland's most luxurious geothermal spas, the Krauma Spa. You can arrange admission here when you book this tour and unwind in its revitalizing waters.

There are also two alternative tours you can take today. The first is a caving excursion in Vidgelmir, a beautiful tunnel that winds beneath a lava field. Within this underground world, you'll be able to marvel over fascinating formations created by volcanic eruptions and surprisingly vivid colors staining the rocks.

The second is a journey into the world-famous ice tunnel carved into Langjokull glacier, the only artificial glacier cave in the world. You'll board a super jeep that'll take you up the slopes of Iceland's second-largest ice cap to its opening, giving you beautiful views.

You'll be given all the necessary safety equipment and have the opportunity to explore the tunnel's stunning corridors and chambers.

At day's end, you'll head to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, where you'll stay tonight and explore tomorrow.

On day four of your three-week summer self-drive vacation in Iceland, you'll explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. 

Around 56 miles (90 kilometers) long, this area is sometimes called "Iceland in miniature" because it's home to most of the natural features Iceland is famous for.

Traveling along the southern shore, you'll witness geological marvels and incredible wildlife. The Gerduberg cliffs are lined with perfectly symmetrical, hexagonal basalt columns. Meanwhile, about 24 miles (39 kilometers) away is Ytri Tunga, a beautiful and reliable seal-watching beach.

You'll then drive 12 miles (20 kilometers) to the windswept church of Budir, a beautiful monument that stands alone in an abandoned hamlet. It's a black wooden church, the only remaining structure of Budir's former community.

You can then visit Hellnar, about 14 miles (22 kilometers) from Budir. It's a fishing village that was largely deserted as Iceland industrialized. There's also Arnarstapi, a thriving community nearby, which is a great place to learn about the local culture.

Arnarstapi and Hellnar are located just before the peninsula's tip, where the Snaefellsjokull National Park is. The park is named after its most magnificent feature, the Snaefellsjokull glacier and volcano. Many spiritual people consider it one of the world's energy centers.

You can also explore the mighty basalt plug of Londrangar, a vast rock formation with tens of thousands of nesting seabirds. Nearby, you can also find the black sand beach of Djupalonssandur, which is naturally beautiful and historically significant. 

Moving out of Snaefellsjokull National Park and traveling east along the north shore, you'll get even more incredible views of the Westfjords across Breidafjordur Bay. These waters are also home to countless islands. You can stop to admire the seascapes at villages such as Bjarnahofn, where you'll find the Icelandic Shark Museum.

The most notable attraction on this part of the peninsula is undoubtedly Kirkjufell mountain. This mountain is a standalone peak measuring 1,519 feet (463 meters) tall. It's also shaped like a pyramid, church, or arrowhead. 

It's a favorite subject for photographers due to its distinctive, dramatic appearance. It is stunning when viewed beside Kirkjufellsfoss, its adjacent waterfall. If you would rather kayak than glacier hike today, you can do so beneath this mountain. 

Breidafjordur lake remains sheltered and spectacular, and there's no better place to admire Kirkjufell mountain than from its surface. If you're lucky, you may also see a wealth of wildlife, such as white-tailed eagles and seals, as you splash through the serene waters.

After a full day of adventure and exploration, you'll return to your accommodation on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

On day 10 of your three-week road trip around Iceland, you'll head to the whale-watching capital of Europe, Husavik. You can also discover a wealth of wildlife in the adjacent waters of Skjalfandi bay.

If you select a boat tour while booking, you'll set out from the harbor, surrounded by incredible landscapes and gleaming water. A professional guide will also tell you about the creatures you may see. 

Humpback whales are the most abundant. Measuring up to around 50 feet (15 meters) long, they're renowned for their acrobatic surface behavior, often breaching dramatically.

Meanwhile, white-beaked dolphins are another common sight, often congregating in large groups and bow-riding alongside your vessel. Occasionally, other great whales, such as the blue whales, the largest creatures ever to exist, can be seen. Orcas can also be spotted several times yearly, while belugas can make rare appearances.

It is not just whales to look out for. Skjalfandi bay has a wealth of birdlife on its islands and surrounding cliffs, including thousands of Atlantic puffins.

If several hours on a boat do not appeal, you could try Husavik's other main attraction, the GeoSea Baths. These geothermal pools are unique in Iceland because they are filled with saltwater, providing a unique and refreshing experience.

If you don't want to choose between a whale-watching trip or a dip into the baths, you need not worry. You can do both today.

If you decide not to book or do only one excursion, you can add other sights to your itinerary today. Two highly recommended destinations are Dettifoss waterfall and Asbyrgi canyon.

Dettifoss is the most powerful waterfall in all of Europe. It thunders with unbelievable force into an ancient valley of grey rock. It's no wonder why Hollywood has taken notice of this incredible site and used it in the opening sequence of Prometheus.

On the other hand, Asbyrgi canyon is an enormous horseshoe-shaped canyon, about 19 miles (30.5 kilometers) from Dettifoss. It's filled with birch forest and a beautiful central 'island' of rock.

According to the Old Norse religion, it was created by the horse of Odin when it stomped one of its eight legs on the earth. Avid hikers will want to take advantage of a walk through this dramatic place.

When it's time to retire, you'll head to your hotel in North Iceland. Don't forget to visit the beautiful Godafoss waterfall nearby, which is rich in fascinating history.

On day 11 of your self-drive tour of Iceland, you have two choices for spending the day. The first is to tour the many sites of the Lake Myvatn region, and the second is to head to the Icelandic Highlands.

Lake Myvatn is a series of lakes. The birdlife here is unbelievable, with thousands of birds of different species. Similarly, the flora is spectacular, with unique specimens such as underwater moss balls that are incredibly rare.

It also has impressive geology. Pseudocraters, formed in rows, line many of the shores, and several basalt columns rise in great towers from the waters. The lava fortress of Dimmuborgir stands nearby, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) away. The fortress is naturally dramatic and steeped in fascinating folklore, said to be home to the Icelandic Christmas trolls.

Lake Myvatn is a vibrant place of life, with lush grassland and bountiful waters. Nearby is the geothermal area of Namaskard, which contrasts with it dramatically. An entirely barren mountain pass, steam hisses furiously from many vents here, filling the air with an overpowering sulfur smell and unleashing strange colors onto the surroundings.

If you wish to break up your tour of Lake Myvatn with a visit to a geothermal spa, you can arrange admission to the Myvatn Nature Baths. The steam rooms, warm waters, and gorgeous surroundings make a dip here a wonderful experience. Like many of the spas in Iceland, the Myvatn Nature Baths are said to have many healing qualities.

Although these sites and experiences make for a magical day, you can still do something different to see the Highlands in depth. You can join a once-in-a-lifetime super jeep tour of the volcanic region of Askja.

This option allows you to see Lake Myvatn before heading east tomorrow, as the excursion will take twelve hours. This Highland adventure will introduce you to unbelievable landscapes that look more like they're from Mars than Earth.

The mountains and lava fields you'll drive and hike through are similarly breathtaking. Shaped by the forces of ice and fire over thousands of years and with no one else around, the beautiful sights around the Askja caldera will be nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Your main destination for today is the Viti crater lake in Askja, which is geothermally heated to a comfortable swimming temperature. It's also filled with minerals that give its waters a vivid blue color, making it an incredible place to bathe. Bathing in such a remote and breathtaking place is an unforgettable experience.

After your incredible adventures today, you'll return to your Northeast Iceland accommodation.

On day 13 of your three-week summer holiday in Iceland, you'll explore the magnificent Eastfjords. Like the Westfjords, this is one of the country's most remote regions, allowing you to marvel over each site and spectacular landscape far from the tourist crowds.

Borgarfjordur Eystri is one of the most spectacular villages in the country and home to just 100 residents. It boasts unbelievable surrounding fjords, around 106 miles (170 kilometers) of hiking trails, and gorgeous locations. Regardless of your fitness level and what you'd like to see, at least one of these treks will appeal to you.

If you want to focus on breathtaking nature, you can head to the long-deserted bay of Lodmundarfjordur and the untouched cove of Vikur. Within Lodmundarfjordur is Lodmundarskridur, one of the most important rockslides in the geological history of Iceland. It measures 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) long and falls from 2,297 feet (700 meters) down sea level.

If you're fascinated by the facets of Iceland's folklore, you could instead head to Alfaborg. It's an elf-rock said to be the court of the queen of the Hidden People. 

Next, you'll drive 61 miles (98 kilometers) to Seydisfjordur, a gorgeous town nestled in a fjord of the same name. The town has a wealth of attractions, with a charming blue church, an arts center, a technical museum, a pool, and a cinema.

Its history is fascinating, with the ruins of a stave church dating back to the 10th century and graves dating back even earlier. It even has remnants from the Allied military effort to protect Iceland in World War Two scattered throughout the fjord.

Seydisfjordur's greatest attraction, however, is its nature. It's very close to the Skalanes Nature Reserve, full of wildlife. It boasts nearly fifty bird species, abundant arctic foxes, and even herds of wild reindeer, which you can only find in East Iceland.

On the way to Seydisfjordur from Egilsstadir, you can detour to Gufufoss, a beautiful waterfall.
While it is possible to visit both Borgarfjordur Eystri and Seydisfordur in a day, it is recommended to choose one to make the most of it.

After a great day exploring the Eastfjords of Iceland, you'll return to your accommodation in East Iceland.

To mark the end of your second week in Iceland, on the 14th day of your self-drive tour, you'll fully immerse yourself in the wonders of the Eastfjords.

The Ring Road throughout this part of your journey is beautiful, winding up and down the fjords and crossing dramatic mountain passes. The drive will expose you to some of the country's most wonderful landscapes and seascapes.

There are also fantastic views inland. You'll travel alongside the Vatnajokull glacier and sights like Mount Snaefell, Iceland's tallest freestanding mountain.

The lack of humans in this area has allowed a wealth of animal life to blossom. You can see puffins and other seabirds as you travel. You'll encounter seals, whales, and dolphins. Even reindeer may also appear if you're lucky.

Though sparsely inhabited, the villages you'll find nestled in the corners of fjords are all wonderful examples of traditional Icelandic life and fishing culture. Each has a unique charm, appealing to a range of visitors.

Stodvarfjordur sits by a beautiful river, which you can hike alongside to marvel over several waterfalls. It has an archaeological site of two Viking longhouses said to date back to 800 AD - thirty years before Iceland was initially thought to be settled. 

About 59 miles (95 kilometers) away is Mjoifjordur, renowned for being Iceland's smallest town. Aside from its surrounding nature, it is famous for its folklore, lighthouse, abandoned prison, and abandoned whaling station.

About 78 miles (125 kilometers) from Mjoifjordur is Djupivogur, one of the last settlements you'll reach on your journey. It is best known for its chilled way of life, coastal hot pools, and public works of art, most notably the Eggs of Merry Bay.

You'll no doubt want to reference your itinerary for hidden gems as you travel. Eystrahorn is a dramatic 2,480-foot (756-meter) "horned" mountain composed of gabbro rock. Its cousin, Vestrahorn, is very similar and can be found in the town of Hofn.

You'll retire in Southeast Iceland.

On the 15th day of your self-drive vacation in Iceland, you'll see the most incredible wonders of the country's largest and most diverse national park, Vatnajokull.

First is the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, the country's most expansive and famous glacier lagoon. Located between the retreating tongue of Vatnajokull glacier and the ocean, this vast lake fills with enormous icebergs as the outlet glacier breaks apart. Many of these are so large that whole seal colonies can find a comfortable place to relax on a single one.

You can walk up and down either shore to admire this incredible place. However, if you want a more immersive experience, you can join one of two boat tours.

The first is in an amphibious vehicle that will effortlessly leave the land and escort you into the magical waters. The second option is a zodiac boat tour, which provides an even more intimate encounter. On both tours, you'll get close enough to the ice to touch it and can even snap a piece off for a taste.

When these beautiful icebergs break down to a small enough size, they can fit in the narrow channel that connects the lagoon with the ocean. After passing through it, they usually wash up on the black sand shoreline, glistening like gems while melting away. Because of the beauty of these unusual contrasts, this stretch of coast has been nicknamed Diamond Beach.

Overlooked by most group tours and travelers without your detailed itinerary is the nearby Fjallsarlon glacier lagoon. The lagoon is a little smaller than the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. However, the fact that it is virtually unknown means you'll be able to marvel over and photograph the ice formations without large crowds trying to do the same.

The final major attraction of this spectacular corner of Vatnajokull National Park is the Skaftafell Nature Reserve. Before Vatnajokull National Park was protected, Skaftafell was a national park in its own right. Here, you can find incredibly diverse attractions such as glaciers, more glacier lagoons, volcanic wonders, plains of lava, and even forests.

One of the most popular hiking routes here is to Svartifoss waterfall. This majestic feature falls amongst dramatic hexagonal basalt columns that have inspired architecture across the country. The Hallgrimskirkja church and the Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavik are examples of iconic structures that drew inspiration from the waterfall. 

A second route will take you to Svinafellsjokull, an outlet glacier. You can take a tour of this glacier if you choose to do so when booking.

The views of Skaftafell nature reserve from its heights are beautiful. There's also no pressure since you don't have to choose between a boat tour or a glacier hike today. Since they're highly recommended, you can easily fit both in today.

After marveling over the wonders and adventure opportunities offered in Vatnajokull National Park, you'll travel along the South Coast for your accommodation.

On the 16th day of your three-week summer road trip around Iceland, you'll follow the beautiful South Coast sightseeing route. Most guests visit this route by driving from Reykjavik. 

Traveling against the normal flow, you'll see most sites outside their peak times and with fewer crowds.

The first major attraction you can visit is Fjadrargljufur, a spectacular canyon carved out in the last Ice Age. With walls around 330 feet (100 meters) tall and winding for about 1.2 miles (two kilometers), it's a magnificent place to walk alongside from above or within.

If you choose to explore the canyon by hiking inside it, you may be required to wade through the low waters of the river Fjadra. If you're adventurous, this only adds to the fun.

Traveling further down Route 1, the landscape will change from mountains and glacier tongues to beautiful lava fields. If you wish to explore this barren terrain, stop at a car park along the road and follow a trail.

Drive further along the Ring Road, and you'll return to the quaint village of Vik, which sits beside Reynisfjara beach. Covered with black volcanic sands as far as the eye can see, this stretch of coastline is beaten daily with the enormous rolling waves of the Atlantic. It's also home to the basalt sea stacks of Reynisdrangar, which are integral to the local folklore.

Before leaving this area, take a tour from Vik, on which you'll go ice-caving on Myrdalsjokull, a glacier covering the notorious volcano of Katla. Ice caving is an exciting activity usually only possible in midwinter in Iceland, so you should make the most of this opportunity.

Your next destination is the rock arch of Dyrholaey. This formation is monumental, large enough for ships to sail beneath and small jets to soar. Moreover, it's one of the country's best places to admire puffins from the shore.

You can approach thousands of these nesting pairs within mere feet as they are unafraid of humans.

Your final three significant destinations of the day are equally enticing waterfalls. The first and most powerful is Skogafoss waterfall, which thunders from a 197-foot (60-meter) tall cliff with breathtaking force, throwing off vast blooms of spray as it smashes into the rocks below.

Seljalandsfoss waterfall is the second. Though just as tall as Skogafoss waterfall, it's far less powerful and far more serene, cascading in a gentle trickle. 

What makes this waterfall special is the enormous cavern that opens behind it. The cavern allows guests to fully encircle the falling water and take photographs from a unique perspective.

Just by Seljalandsfoss waterfall, but hidden from most guests in a cliff-side cleft, is the third waterfall, Gljufrabui. Though smaller than the others, measuring 131 feet (40 meters) tall, it attracts far fewer crowds and is mesmerizing as it falls over a moss-covered boulder in a magical grotto.

After an action-packed day, you'll retire for the night at a hotel in Southwest Iceland.

The 18th day of your three-week summer vacation to Iceland will be the last you'll spend on the countryside road. You'll spend the day exploring the Golden Circle, the most popular sightseeing route in the country.

The first attraction you'll visit will immediately demonstrate why this trail is so popular. Gullfoss waterfall is a spectacular feature, thundering down two steps into a canyon carved out in the last Ice Age.

Just over 105 feet (32 meters) tall, the Gullfoss waterfall's beauty comes from its power, serene surroundings, and the rainbows that burst from its spray in sunny weather.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can add a snowmobiling tour that leaves from the car park at Gullfoss waterfall. This tour will get your adrenaline pumping and give you magnificent views of the Highlands.

The second attraction of the Golden Circle is the Geysir geothermal area. The most active of these is Strokkur, which erupts every five to 10 minutes and occasionally exceeds 66 feet (20 meters). Watching it blast a column of water into the summer sky is awe-inspiring, especially after a bit of anticipation. 

If that's not enough, there's plenty to look at between eruptions, with many hot springs, vents, and mud pools in the area.

The third and final location on this sightseeing route is the Thingvellir National Park, about 34 miles (55 kilometers) from Geysir. It's the first UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Icelandic mainland and the third and final national park you'll visit.

Located between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, this wonderland of lava, forests, and intriguing history is unlike anywhere else in the country.

Because theThingvellir National Park is located directly between two continents, it's filled with ravines that open as the plates pull apart. Groundwater traveling from Langjokull glacier fills these ravines. 

Snorkeling and diving have become increasingly popular because of the springs' beauty, cleanliness, and clarity. If you don't like a snowmobile tour, you can join a snorkeling tour into the waters of Silfra ravine. Participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

You'll enjoy some of the world's most magnificent underwater views with a dry suit protecting you from the cold. The ravine offers visibility exceeding 328 feet (100 meters) and more shades of blue than you ever thought possible.

Though Gullfoss waterfall, Strokkur geyser, and Thingvellir National Park are the three main sites of the Golden Circle sightseeing route, there are dozens of hidden gems just off the route you can visit before returning to Reykjavik. Kerid crater lake is particularly alluring for its scale. The ease of the hike around it and the dramatic contrasts between the red rocks and azure waters are worth the stop.

After making the most of your final day on the road, you'll return to the capital of Iceland for the night.