5-Day Self-Drive Tour of North Iceland and Reykjavik with Customizable Itinerary

Welcome to Iceland! Your 5-day North Iceland self-drive tour begins as you arrive at Keflavik International Airport.

After picking up your rental car, set out across the Reykjanes Peninsula, a dramatic region of open lava fields and rugged coastline. The drive to Reykjavik takes about 45 minutes and offers your first glimpse of Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes.

If time allows, consider making a detour to the Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most iconic experiences. Nestled in a black lava field and surrounded by rising geothermal steam, this open-air spa feels like another planet.

Soak in the milky-blue, mineral-rich waters and unwind in the warm comfort of this natural wonder. There are several entry packages available depending on your preferences. If you’d rather visit later in your trip, your travel consultant can help arrange the timing to fit your self-drive tour in Iceland.

In summer (June to August), extended daylight lets you visit the Blue Lagoon even after a late arrival. During winter (October to March), consider heading to the lagoon before dark, then watching for the northern lights on your drive into the capital, if skies are clear.

Once you arrive in Reykjavik, check into your accommodation and take the rest of the day to explore the capital at your own pace. You can start with a visit to Hallgrimskirkja Church. Inspired by basalt lava columns, this church towers over the city skyline, and the view from the top offers sweeping vistas of Mount Esja and the surrounding coastline.

Just a short walk away, Harpa Concert Hall dazzles with its geometric glass facade that mirrors the ever-changing Icelandic light. Another must-see is the Sun Voyager Sculpture along the waterfront. It’s a sleek, steel ode to the country’s seafaring past, especially beautiful at sunset.

Reykjavik also delivers on food and culture. You’ll find laid-back cafes, traditional bakeries, and modern restaurants serving fresh seafood and Icelandic lamb.

In the summer months, Reykjavik stays bright until late, perfect for an evening walk along the harbor or a relaxed outdoor dinner. During winter in Iceland, many cafes, food halls, and bars downtown offer a warm place to enjoy Icelandic treats and drinks.

Today sets the tone for your adventure ahead—relaxed, flexible, and full of Icelandic charm. Tomorrow, your North Iceland road trip begins.

Today, your North Iceland self-drive adventure truly begins as you leave Reykjavik and make your way toward Akureyri, the capital of the north. Along the route, you’ll pass through some of West Iceland’s most impressive natural and cultural sites.

Your first major stop is Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring. Here, you can walk along the steamy paths and feel the intense geothermal heat as water erupts from the ground at 180 liters per second.

While here, you can relax at Krauma Baths. This modern spa blends Deildartunguhver’s hot water with glacial runoff for the perfect natural soak, especially soothing on cold mornings during winter in Iceland.

Next, visit Reykholt, one of Iceland’s most significant historical villages. Once home to medieval scholar Snorri Sturluson, Reykholt holds deep cultural value. You can visit Snorralaug, a small geothermal pool thought to have been used by Snorri himself, and learn more about Iceland’s literary heritage at the local museum.

Not far from here are the stunning twin waterfalls, Hraunfossar and Barnafossar. Walk along the viewing paths to see Hraunfossar’s clear, ribbon-like streams flowing through porous lava rock.

Then, head upstream to watch the mighty rush of Barnafossar as it surges through a narrow canyon. Take time to read the nearby signs sharing the tragic folklore tied to its name.

For more adventure, consider a guided caving tour in Vidgelmir, one of Iceland’s largest lava caves, located in the nearby Hallmundarhraun Lava Field. Inside this massive lava tube, you’ll see colorful rock walls, twisted lava formations, and natural ice sculptures that showcase the dramatic aftermath of a volcanic eruption.

Once you've explored the area, return to Route 1 and continue your drive north. If time allows, consider a short stop at Glanni Waterfall, a lesser-known spot near Bifrost that’s perfect for a quiet break.

You might also enjoy a quick hike up Grabrok Crater, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over moss-covered lava fields. Both of these are easy detours if you're in the mood for more scenic stops along the way.

As you continue toward Akureyri, you’ll pass by wide valleys, distant glaciers, and glimpses of the north’s dramatic mountain landscapes.

During summer in Iceland, the drive is lit by long daylight hours, giving you plenty of time for stops and hikes. In winter, aim to reach Akureyri before dark, and keep an eye out for the northern lights if the skies are clear.

Upon arriving in the capital of the North, check into your accommodation and take time to stretch your legs in Kjarnaskogur, a quiet forest just outside the town. It’s a great place to enjoy easy walking trails, birdsong, and views of the surrounding fjord.

If you’re arriving early enough, you can join a walking tour of Akureyri to discover the town’s history, street art, and charming old houses. You’ll get to know the northern capital on foot and see spots you might otherwise miss. 

In winter, you might instead consider a northern lights super jeep tour from Akureyri, which takes you out of town into the surrounding mountains and valleys for the best chance of spotting the aurora far from lights.

This day offers the perfect mix of geothermal wonders, cultural history, and peaceful nature stops as you journey deeper into North Iceland.

On Day 3, explore one of North Iceland’s most scenic routes—the Diamond Circle. This drive features powerful waterfalls, dramatic canyons, and geothermal landscapes, making it a highlight of your North Iceland self-drive tour.

Covering roughly 155 miles (250 kilometers), the Diamond Circle is often seen as North Iceland’s counterpart to the Golden Circle in the south. It loops through remote and wildly beautiful terrain, offering a deeper look into Iceland's geology and history.

Start your itinerary with a visit to Godafoss, also known as the “Waterfall of the Gods.” Park nearby and take the short walking path on both sides of the falls for stunning views and photo opportunities.

This 98-foot (30-meter) wide, elegant waterfall is famous not just for its beauty but also for its connection to Iceland’s conversion to Christianity over a thousand years ago. In winter, the partially frozen falls are surrounded by sparkling snow and ice, while in summer, the mossy cliffs are vivid green under the endless daylight.

Next, drive about 29 miles (47 kilometers) to the coastal town of Husavik, the whale watching capital of Iceland. The town has a fascinating whale museum and a picturesque harbor lined with colorful boats and cafes.

If you're interested, you can book a whale watching tour aboard a RIB boat from the harbor, where sightings of humpbacks and even blue whales are common during summer in Iceland. Alternatively, you can join a horse riding tour in Husavik to explore the coastline and surrounding valleys from a different perspective.

For a more tranquil stop, consider a soak at GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths, where warm mineral-rich seawater pools overlook Skjalfandi Bay and the Arctic horizon.

After exploring Husavik, continue your drive toward Asbyrgi Canyon, a horseshoe-shaped gorge said to be Odin’s horse’s hoofprint. Walk peaceful trails lined with birch trees, willows, and summer wildflowers—an unexpected oasis in the otherwise rugged northern highlands.

From there, make your way to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. It plunges approximately 150 feet (45 meters) down and spans about 330 feet (100 meters) across, with an average water flow of 6,800 cubic feet (193 cubic meters) per second.

Dettifoss is accessible by walking paths on either side. You can feel the ground tremble as you approach this roaring force of nature. The mist can be intense, especially in spring and summer when meltwater is highest. During winter in Iceland, access may be limited or require a 4x4, so check conditions ahead of time.

For a quieter stop nearby, consider the lesser-known Selfoss Waterfall, just a short hike upstream.

End the day in the Myvatn area, one of Iceland’s most geologically active regions. Lake Myvatn itself was formed by a volcanic eruption around 2,300 years ago. In summer, its shallow waters and surrounding wetlands are home to rare bird species like Barrow's goldeneye.

In winter, the landscape transforms into a snowy wonderland, and the region becomes one of Iceland’s top spots for northern lights viewing. If you're looking to unwind, the Myvatn Nature Baths offer a peaceful geothermal soak with views over the volcanic landscape.

In the evening, take a moment to relax at your accommodation in the Myvatn area. This day combines dramatic natural sights, local culture, and optional adventures, making the Diamond Circle an unforgettable part of your Iceland road trip.

On day 4, your self-drive tour in Iceland takes you deeper into the north’s most surreal landscapes. Expect to explore the volcanic and geothermal highlights of the Myvatn region before heading back to Reykjavik by evening.

Start your day at Namafjall, a geothermal mountain known for its steaming, sulfur-streaked slopes. Just below it lies the Namaskard Geothermal Area, where you can walk among boiling mud pots, hissing steam vents, and colorful mineral-rich ground.

For a unique detour, make a short stop at Grjotagja, a small lava cave that hides a vivid blue geothermal spring. Though bathing isn’t advised due to fluctuating temperatures, the cave is easy to access and offers a unique, atmospheric stop.

Next, head to Hverfjall, a massive tephra crater rising dramatically from the lava fields. You can hike to the rim for sweeping panoramic views over Lake Myvatn and its volcanic surroundings.

About a 10-minute drive away is Dimmuborgir, a lava field filled with bizarre rock formations and natural caves shaped by ancient eruptions. Several trails wind through this area, ideal for exploring at your own pace.

As you go deeper into the Myvatn area, you can make a brief stop at the Hofdi Peninsula, a peaceful spot along the lakeshore. It’s home to unusual lava pillars rising out of the water and a lovely birch forest.

Then, continue to Skutustadagigar, a group of pseudocraters formed by lava flows over wetlands. You can walk the easy loop trail here for peaceful views over the lake and a chance to spot local birdlife. It’s a calm and scenic stop if you’d like to slow down before you continue your drive.

While in the Myvatn area, you can book a sightseeing flight over Askja and Vatnajokull, offering breathtaking aerial views of craters, glaciers, and vast volcanic landscapes. This optional tour lets you see remote areas that are otherwise difficult to reach by car, making it a memorable highlight of your North Iceland trip.

In the afternoon, begin your journey back to the capital. The drive from the Myvatn area to Reykjavik covers about 298 miles (480 kilometers), so take this opportunity to enjoy a few scenic stops along the way.

One worthwhile detour is Hvitserkur, a 49-foot (15-meter) basalt rock stack off the Vatnsnes Peninsula that resembles a sea monster. It’s a short detour from Route 1 and a great place to stretch your legs and take photos.

Arrive in Reykjavik by evening and check into your accommodation for your final night in Iceland. After days in the north, enjoy a last stroll through the city.

If you’d like something different, you can book a ticket to the Icelandic Phallological Museum, or the Penis Museum, which houses a quirky collection dedicated to the study of mammal specimens.

For a culinary farewell, consider joining a food walk in Reykjavik, where you’ll sample traditional Icelandic flavors and learn about the city’s culture through its cuisine. It’s the perfect way to end your Iceland adventure on a memorable and flavorful note.