3-Day Winter Self-Drive Tour of Iceland with the Golden Circle & South Coast

Welcome to your three-day winter tour in Iceland.

On day one, you'll pick up your car at the Keflavik International Airport or the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik. Once settled in the car with spacious seats and free Wi-Fi, you're ready to hit the road, whether alone or with a companion.

If you're coming from Keflavik, you can explore the otherworldly beauty of the Reykjanes Peninsula. This area south of Reykjavik is known for its hot springs, lava fields, and volcanoes that can be covered in snow during winter.

On the way to Reykjavik, you can take a detour to the Gunnuhver geothermal area or the Bridge Between Continents. While Gunnuhver has colorful and bubbling mud pools, the bridge marks the rift valley separating the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

The most significant stop you can take here is the Blue Lagoon spa, the most visited attraction in Iceland outside the capital. You can enter the milky-blue waters at this geothermal spa all year round. Soaking here is lovely, especially during wintertime, even if it's snowing.

During the booking process, you can choose from comfort or premium packages. Besides access to the Blue Lagoon facilities, these entrance packages include silica mud masks, a towel or bathrobe, and a drink of your choice.

After a rejuvenating dip in the lagoon, you'll drive towards Reykjavik, where you'll spend the night. You'll be staying in the city center, with plenty of excellent restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops within walking distance. The area also has cultural attractions, such as the beautiful Hallgrimskirkja church and the award-winning Harpa Concert Hall.

Remember to look out for the northern lights if the skies are clear. Check the aurora forecast and drive a little out of the city to escape the city lights for a better view.

The last day of your three-day winter adventure in Iceland brings you further south, either to the Reykjadalur hot spring valley or the South Coast region. If you choose to visit Reykjadalur, you can do so by driving and hiking. Meanwhile, exploring the South Coast is more laid-back and only involves driving and sightseeing. 

The hike to Reykjadalur should only be attempted if the weather is good and the roads are clear. If there's a lot of snow, you won't be able to see the path, and the route can be dangerous due to all of the hot springs along the way, which can create muddy conditions.

The route is beautiful if no snow is on the ground and you're dressed warmly with good hiking boots. The warm river at the trail's end is so breathtaking that you wouldn't mind the 1.5-hour-long hike.

If there's a lot of snow and conditions aren't suitable for the hike, you can drive along the South Coast towards the gorgeous waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. On a sunny and clear day, spotting a rainbow above Skogafoss waterfall's wide cascade is easy.

Right next to Seljalandsfoss is another stunning waterfall called Gljufrabui, hidden inside a cave.

On your itinerary, other attractions in this region are Vik village, Reynisfjara beach, and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. These locations are close to each other and offer a panoramic view of the North Atlantic Ocean.

If you still need to get your fill of soaking in hot water, you can drive towards Seljavallalaug, a warm pool on the side of a mountain. There's a 10 to 15-minute walk to the pool from the parking lot.

After your last soak, drive back to the airport or Reykjavik to return your car rental and catch your flight home.