4-Day Summer Self-Drive Tour of Iceland’s Golden Circle & South Coast with Reykjavik Accommodation
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Reykjavik / 3 nightsMap
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Day 1 – Reykjavik
- Reykjavik - Arrival day
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Welcome to your summer self-drive tour in Iceland!
Upon your arrival at the Keflavik International Airport, you'll pick up your rental and begin the short but scenic drive to the capital city of Reykjavik, passing rugged lava fields and majestic mountains along the way.
You could stop at the Blue Lagoon on your way to Iceland's capital city. This world-renowned spa is known for its healing waters, vivid azure colors, and luxurious treatments. It is in the middle of a moss-covered lava field, giving it an otherworldly atmosphere.
If you add the Blue Lagoon, it'll be arranged according to your flights. If there is no time to visit the lagoon today, it can be added to another day. Your travel consultant will be able to arrange this for you.
The Sky Lagoon is another optional spa closer to Reykjavik. The ocean panoramas over the infinity pool are beautiful, and the Skjol bathing ritual, inspired by Icelandic wellness traditions, offers a soothing and one-of-a-kind experience. Choosing the premium ticket provides the added luxury of private changing rooms, making your visit even more enjoyable.
If you have extra free time, there is still plenty to see and do in Reykjavik and the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Once in Reykjavik, you've reached the home base for your trip. Explore the buzzing downtown, visit the museums and galleries, dip in one of the city's many pools, or go for a stroll along the pier―it's entirely up to you.
A visit to the city wouldn't be complete without a stop at Hallgrimskirkja, an iconic Lutheran church whose distinct architecture is inspired by Iceland's natural landscapes. Its observation tower offers visitors panoramic views over the entire city.
The Harpa Concert Hall is another architectural gem with a stunning glass facade reflecting its beautiful surroundings. Inside, visitors can enjoy a range of musical performances from local and international artists.
Reykjavik is also home to the National Museum of Iceland, which offers a comprehensive overview of Icelandic history and culture. It showcases items from the settlement time to the modern day.
You'll spend your first night at your accommodation in Reykjavik.
Accommodation
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Day 2 – Reykjavik
- Reykjavik
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- Thingvellir National Park
- Geysir geothermal area
- Gullfoss waterfall
- Kerid Crater
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You'll be keeping a base in Reykjavik, so you don't have to start the day by packing your bags and loading them into your car. Instead, you can begin your second day by driving Iceland's most famed sightseeing route, the Golden Circle.
Start with Thingvellir National Park, a continental rift valley and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, the park's many canyons, lakes, and gorges showcase how the earth is continuously pulling apart, and today, you can opt to go snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Silfra, a fissure created by this movement of the earth. Snorkeling participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.
Then, you'll visit the Geysir geothermal area to witness the hot spring Strokkur spew boiling water high up in the air every few minutes. Geysir's otherworldly landscape is also home to boiling mud pots and steaming fumaroles.
The final Golden Circle site is the beautiful Gullfoss waterfall. Watch in awe as this dramatic cascade hurls down in two tiers into an ancient canyon below. The well-maintained path at Gullfoss allows you to enjoy its splendor from different vantage points, and you may even see a rainbow if it's a sunny day.
You can top your day off by going snowmobiling on Langjokull glacier or horseback riding in the beautiful South Iceland countryside. Snowmobiling is an exciting way to explore the vast icy expanse of Langjokull, so if you're seeking an adrenaline rush, you won't want to miss it.
Those who choose horse riding will love meeting the friendly Icelandic horses known for their calm and playful temperaments. Horse riding is a fantastic way to discover more of the tranquil South Iceland countryside, so if this appeals to you, ensure you add this option when booking.
These activities are also great for kids, although the age limits vary slightly.
If you'd prefer something more relaxing, visit the magical Secret Lagoon geothermal baths to soak your body in warm waters amid natural surroundings.
Once you're ready to head back to the capital, know you can take a different route than before, ensuring new sights. Spend another night exploring Reykjavik before settling in at your accommodation.
Accommodation
Experiences
Day 3 – Reykjavik
- Reykjavik
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- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- Skogafoss waterfall
- Solheimajokull Glacier
- Dyrholaey
- Reynisfjara black sand beach
- Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks
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On day three, you'll have a full buffet of activities and attractions from which to choose. Today, you can head out of the city to explore Iceland's renowned South Coast's many natural and cultural marvels.
Stop at the famous waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, or strap on your hiking boots and visit the hidden waterfall Gljufrabui. All are stunningly beautiful in their unique way.
A bit further along the coast, you'll find the village of Vik and its resident black beach Reynisfjara, where the eerie but picturesque Reynisdrangar sea stacks stand steadfast in the roaring Atlantic Ocean. Basalt columns line the shore in a striking array, so you'll want your camera ready to capture the magnificence of the area.
If you're an ambitious driver, start the day early to drive to the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, one of the country's most beautiful and celebrated natural sites. The experience is complete with a stop at Diamond Beach, where the lagoon's icebergs wash up and glisten in the sunlight on a blanket of black sand.
Suppose you want less driving and more action. In that case, you can go glacier hiking on the Solheimajokull glacier or visit an authentic ice cave in Myrdalsjokull glacier, the only one accessible all year round.
If you feel like heading out even further, you can drop off your car at a meeting point and board a modified super jeep to take you on an adventure in the otherworldly Highlands.
Other options include visiting the DC-3 plane wreck, swimming in the old pool Seljavallalaug, visiting puffin colonies, or scouting off-map locations to your heart's content. The midnight sun of Iceland's summer ensures you have enough daylight to complete a fulfilling day trip.
After a full day of sightseeing and adventure, you'll return to the city for your final night.
Accommodation
Experiences
Day 4 – Reykjavik
- Reykjavik - Departure day
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- Kleifarvatn
- Krysuvik
- Gunnuhver
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Today is the time to say goodbye to Reykjavik. After packing your bags, it is time to head back out to the black lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula to catch your departing flight at the Keflavik International Airport.
For those who have a later flight and choose to visit the Blue Lagoon today, you will finish off your stay unwinding before you head to the airport. This is the perfect place to relax as you bathe in the warm, mineral-rich waters and look back on the incredible adventure you've just taken in the land of fire and ice.
If your flight is later, there are plenty of things to do in Reykjavik and the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Those who have time to explore Reykjavik further could visit the Reykjavik Art Museum, a dynamic cultural hub that houses contemporary art exhibitions and a rich program of events.
The city also offers ample opportunities for foodies, with a burgeoning restaurant scene where you can taste everything from traditional Icelandic dishes to modern fusion cuisine. To immerse yourself in local culture, visit Laugavegur, the city's main shopping street, filled with designer boutiques, cozy cafes, and artisanal craft stores.
The Reykjanes Peninsula is home to many attractions that extend far beyond its well-known geothermal spa. This geologically active area features the Bridge Between Continents, a symbolic structure built over a fissure representing the separation of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
The Seltun geothermal area displays sizzling mud pools, fumaroles, and brightly colored mineral deposits, offering an almost lunar-like landscape. Reykjanes Lighthouse and the nearby Gunnuhver hot springs are also must-see attractions, with the latter being a dynamic and dramatic geothermal field.
Allow plenty of time to reach the airport and return your car before checking in for your flight. We wish you a pleasant journey home and hope to see you again soon.
Experiences
What to bring
Good to know
Self-drive tours begin either in Reykjavik City or at Keflavik International Airport. A valid driver's license and a one-year-long on-road experience are required. Gravel protection is not included if you choose a Toyota Aygo or similar.
Please be aware that your itinerary may be rearranged to fit your arrival date and time better and that breakfast may not be included in a few selected hostels and guesthouses.
Please note that you might need to present medical documents should you choose to go snorkeling. Snorkeling participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.
Although it is summertime, the Icelandic weather can be very unpredictable. Please bring appropriate clothing.
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