Beautiful 5-Day Self-Drive Tour of the Wonders of West Iceland

On day two, you will head towards the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and explore the picturesque mountains and various small villages via the many hiking trails and country tracks found en route.

Stop at the hot spring area of Deildartunguhver, where hot water gushes from the ground at 207 F (97 Celsius). Located in a West Iceland district called Reykholtsdalur, Deildartunguhver is the highest-flowing hot spring in Europe.

The Deildartunguhver hot spring also boasts an impressive rapid flow rate of 180 liters (380 pints) per second. Because of Deildartunguhver's hot temperature, wooden walkways and observation points have been installed to keep visitors from getting too close.

Interestingly, the intense bubbling energy generated under Deildartunguhver enables the water to heat Icelandic homes.

Meanwhile, you'll find the beautiful Barnafoss and Hraunfossar waterfalls nearby. The area is a good place to stop for lunch before driving to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. 

Barnafoss is a rapid waterfall in West Iceland, about 15 miles (24 kilometers) from Deildartunguhver. As you reach Barnafoss waterfall, you'll see the rapid waters racing, twisting, and foaming down a narrow valley. 

After relishing Barnafoss waterfall, you'll walk toward Hraunfossar waterfall, about 50 feet (15 meters) away. Translated "Lava Falls" in English, Hraunfossar is a series of waterfalls that pour from the ledges of less porous rocks and into the Hvita river.

You'll also visit the Snorrastofa Cultural Research Center in Reykholt. Here, you'll learn about the life of Snorri Sturluson, a poet, chieftain, and author of Snorra-Edda and Heimskringla, two of Iceland's most iconic sagas.

You also have the option to explore the stunning lava cave Vidgelmir or go inside an ice cave tunnel inside Langjokull glacier if you like. Vidgelmir is Iceland's largest lava tube, measuring 5,200 feet (1,585 meters) long. It's also one of the most accessible caves for beginners to visit.

Meanwhile, Langjokull is Iceland's second-largest glacier, measuring 361 square miles (935 square kilometers). You'll find a man-made ice tunnel that lets you see what's inside a glacier, even if it's not mid-winter.

You can also spend the day getting off the road and discovering rural Icelandic culture. You'll finish your day at the Snaefellsnes Peninsula ready for a day of exploration.

Spend the night on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

On day three, you'll experience all the wonders the Snaefellsnes Peninsula offers.

Visit the magnificent Snaefellsjokull glacier, famed for its role in the Jules Verne novel 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Snaefellsjokull is a 7,000-year-old glacier-capped volcano located on the tip of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Snaefellsjokull stands 4,744 feet (1,446 meters) tall, making it visible from Reykjavik. Interestingly, the Snaefellsjokull volcano comes with a rich historical and folkloric background. It's long been believed by the superstitious residents of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula to be a source of energy, power, and mystery.

The area surrounding the volcano is filled with different rock formations that were said to be homes of the hidden people. Others claim that these rocks were trolls petrified by the sun.

You can also look at the charming, historic towns dotted around, such as Budir, Hellnar, Arnastapi, and Stykkisholmur. Budir is a small hamlet found in the lava fields of Budahraun. As you go around the area, you'll see its rich flora featuring around 130 plant species.

Meanwhile, Hellnar is an old fishing village on the peninsula's westernmost part. As one of the largest fishing stations in the area, Hellnar is home to the oldest seafaring record in Snaefellsnes, dating back to 1560.

Down the southern side of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is Arnarstapi, a former fishing hub now serving as a refueling stop for visitors entering the Snaefellsjokull National Park. Here, you'll find impressive natural attractions and charming old houses with many stories to tell.

If you choose to visit Arnarstapi, take time to appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds you. Check out the Hellnahraun lava field, where you'll find an old horse trail that's a favorite of hikers.

You may also drop by the town of Stykkisholmur on the peninsula's northern shore. It is the area's center of commerce and service and home to the Norwegian House, Iceland's oldest two-story building.

In addition, there are a wealth of beaches, mountains, and geological rock formations, such as the Londrangar sea stacks, to admire. Take your time, and find the places that interest you.

Spend another peaceful night on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Today, you'll head south. You can opt to drive the Hvalfjordur fjord, which translates to "the Fjord of the Whales," only 45 minutes outside Reykjavik. The fjord used to contain the primary whale-hunting harbor and has since served as the base of both the British and American armies during World War II.

Hvalfjordur is also the home of Iceland's second-highest waterfall, Glymur, which towers 650 feet (198 meters) high and is well worth the one-hour hike it takes to reach it during the summer. Interestingly, Glymur is fed by the river Botnsa, with the waters coming from a lake above and some of Iceland's glaciers.

After driving along this scenic fjord, take a small detour to the Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There, you'll have the option to go snorkeling in one of the world's best dive sites, Silfra. 

Silfra is a fissure full of fresh, crystal-clear spring water, which is now considered one of the world's most attractive dive sites. Silfra's water travels underground, resulting in constant cold temperatures. 

Another reason divers love Silfra is its water's remarkable clarity. It offers visibility extending to over 328 feet (100 meters) deep, allowing you to see the bottom and the canyon walls clearly. Participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

If you did not choose to snorkel, you could opt for an exciting snowmobile tour from Gullfoss Waterfall. Gullfoss is an iconic waterfall that features two drops. The first drop measures 36 feet (11 meters), while the second is 69 feet (21 meters).

You will also have time to visit the rest of the Golden Circle attractions, such as the Geysir geothermal area, home of the gushing geyser Strokkur, the country's most popular hot spring, known for its powerful jets of boiling water.

Once you have enjoyed your day, you will head back to Reykjavik for the last night of your trip.