Scenic 5-Day Road Trip Adventure Through Iceland’s South Coast, Landmannalaugar & Highlands
Description
Summary
Description
Included
Destinations
Reykjavik / 2 nights
Southwest Iceland / 2 nights
ReykholtMap
Attractions
Activities
Travel details
Car
Car
Small car
Medium car
Premium car
large car
SUV
Personalize your itinerary
Day 1 – Reykjavik
- Reykjavik - Arrival day
- More
Welcome to your summer drive in the land of fire and ice.
This five-day adventure in Iceland will start as soon as you touch down at the Keflavik International Airport. The first order of business is to pick up the vehicle, which will take you around this beautiful country for the next five days.
Your primary destination for today is Reykjavik, Iceland’s biggest city and the northernmost capital in the world. En route, you’ll traverse the beautiful Reykjanes Peninsula, known for its unique volcanic terrain and geothermal fields.
With time permitting, you can make several stops in the peninsula, such as at the Gunnuhver hot springs, Kleifarvatn lake, and the Bridge Between Two Continents. If not, you can still enjoy the peaceful drive to Reykjavik, amongst moss-covered lava fields and rugged coasts.
On your way to Iceland's capital city of Reykjavik, you can also make a stop at the Blue Lagoon. This world-renowned spa is known for its healing waters, vivid azure colors, and luxurious treatments. It is located in the middle of a moss-covered lava field, giving it an otherworldly atmosphere.
If you add the Blue Lagoon, it will 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. There is still plenty to see and do in Reykjavik and the Reykjanes Peninsula if you have extra free time.
Once you've had your fill of luxuriating in the Blue Lagoon, you'll head to Reykjavik city, which is a half-hour drive away. It's time to rest up for the exciting journey ahead.
Another geothermal bathing option is the Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik. Highlights at the Sky Lagoon include its breathtaking oceanfront infinity pool, offering stunning views of the North Atlantic. The seven-step spa ritual, inspired by Icelandic traditions, provides a deeply rejuvenating experience, complete with a cold plunge, steam room, and sauna.
The panoramic sauna is beautiful, allowing you to relax while enjoying sweeping views of the ocean.
If you still have the energy to explore, don’t miss your chance to stroll around downtown Reykjavik. The city center is lined with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Your accommodation for the first night will be in Reykjavik.
Accommodation
Experiences
Day 2 – Southwest Iceland
- Southwest Iceland
- More
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- Skogafoss waterfall
- Solheimajokull Glacier
- Dyrholaey
- Reynisfjara black sand beach
- Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks
- More
Rise and shine! It's your first full day in Iceland and there's so much to see in the countryside. You'll be driving from your accommodation in Reykjavik city down the gorgeous South Coast of Iceland, seeing sights along the way.
Your journey starts with visits to two of Iceland's many beautiful waterfalls.
Seljalandsfoss waterfall is first on the schedule. The waterfall stands 197 feet (60 meters) tall, and behind it is a small cave, allowing those who don't mind a bit of water spray to walk around it.
The next waterfall is Skogafoss, similar to Seljalandsfoss in height but much wider at 82 feet (25 meters) and, therefore, more majestic. A rainbow can be seen in the mist the dropping water creates if the sun is out.
After you admire the two waterfalls, you will drive to the Reynisfjara black sand beach. Most of Iceland's beaches are black, and Reynisfjara is perhaps the most stunning.
On the beach sits the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, impressive rock formations which, according to folklore, are petrified trolls. Whether you believe the sea stacks to be trolls or not, they are home to many seabirds, which you'll likely be able to spot.
The village Vik i Myrdal, your next stop, is not far from the black sand beach. Vik is an adorable town with beautiful surrounding landscapes. You'll be able to stretch your legs on a walk around the village and maybe take a look inside a shop or have a bite to eat in a café.
You have the option to select exciting extra activities on this day. There are three icy adventures you can pick from.
One option is to explore the beauty of Solheimajokull glacier on foot with a glacier hike. If you prefer traveling faster than your own two feet can carry you, hopping on a snowmobile and taking a tour of Myrdalsjokull glacier is the best option.
Your third option is a Katla ice cave tour, which will take you on a guided expedition to a rare Icelandic glacier feature.
At the end of your day, you'll backtrack a little bit and spend the night in Southwest Iceland.
Accommodation
Experiences
Day 3 – Southwest Iceland
- Southwest Iceland
- More
- Landmannalaugar
- More
Today, you will drive from Southwest Iceland to the Landmannalaugar area, a part of the Fjallabak Nature Reserve in the Highlands of Iceland. You've got quite a bit of ground to cover on this day, so we recommend getting an early start. The early bird gets the worm and more time to stop and admire the scenery.
The Highlands region in Iceland is like stepping into another world. It's a remote area in the middle of the country that's unlike anywhere else. This remote location makes its landscapes mostly intact over centuries, aside from the influence of natural events like volcanic eruptions and glacial melt.
You will have plenty of time to explore the Landmannalaugar area, a truly remarkable section of the nature reserve in the Icelandic Highlands. Otherworldly landscapes will surround you since the mountains here have a broad scope of splendid colors. For example, the rhyolite mountains, notable features of Landmannalaugar, boast red, pink, blue, yellow, and green slopes.
Aside from the towering peaks, Landmannalaugar is full of geothermal hot springs, many of which are safe for bathing in, so bring your swimsuit. Even if you don't take a dip, the steam rising from the ground and the natural puddles bubbling are a peculiar and memorable sight.
A sight that is hard to miss in the Highlands is the Laugahraun lava field, formed during an eruption some centuries ago. The contrast between the black lava and the colorful mountains is striking. They make great subjects for sightseeing and photography.
Meanwhile, specific hiking routes within the Landmannalaugar area include the Laugavegur trail, which connects Landmannalaugar to the Thorsmork valley. Although you won’t have time to complete this trail within a day, you can always explore some of its highlights.
At the end of your day, you'll drive back to Southwest Iceland, where you'll spend the night, excited to explore the Golden Circle the following day.
Accommodation
Experiences
Day 4 – Reykjavik
- Reykjavik
- More
- Kerid Crater
- Gullfoss waterfall
- Geysir geothermal area
- Thingvellir National Park
- Reykholt historical site
- More
Your day will start with a staple of sightseeing in Iceland, the Golden Circle. You'll see three of the country's most famous attractions in one day. This is another day with lots to see, so remember to get an early start if you want plenty of time at each stop.
The first stop is the Geysir hot spring, the geyser from which all geysers derive their name. Even more excitingly, you'll see Geysir's next-door neighbor, Strokkur, a much more reliable hot spring that lets out a hot water fountain every few minutes.
You'll want to bring a camera to capture the jets of water shooting up in the air.
Next, you'll witness the power of Gullfoss waterfall, a 105-foot (32-meter) tall cascade on two levels with glacial water rushing forward and down in a breathtaking display of nature's potential. The waterfall has been photographed from every possible angle, but nothing beats walking close to the actual thing and hearing the thundering rush of the water.
Closing the circle is the Thingvellir National Park, which is a cultural and natural treasure. It is known as the meeting point for the Icelandic parliament, Althingi, until the 1800s. It is also known for the Almannagja gorge, which sits on the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
After you finish the Golden Circle, you'll drive through Kaldidalur valley to Reykholt. Kaldidalur valley is an old passage across the Icelandic Highlands used to get to Althingi in Thingvellir for parliament meetings.
The village of Reykholt is a historical site once the home of Snorri Sturluson, a 12th-century writer, historian, and law speaker. For many years, the most important school in the country was situated at Reykholt.
Today, you will again have the chance to add exciting extra activities. The options available are a riding tour on the unique Icelandic horse, a thrilling snowmobile tour on Langjokull Glacier, or a fascinating snorkeling tour in Silfra fissure. Participants in the snorkeling tour need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.
All of the tours offer unique ways of exploring Iceland's landscapes.
Towards the end of the day, you will drive to Reykjavik. If you get there early, you can walk around the city streets and enjoy the city's vibrant life.
On your last night in Iceland, you will stay in a cozy accommodation in Reykjavik.
Accommodation
Experiences
Day 5 – Reykjavik
- Reykjavik - Departure day
- More
- Kleifarvatn
- Krysuvik
- Gunnuhver
- More
Your last day in Iceland has arrived all too soon. You'll be leaving with an abundance of good memories and perhaps a souvenir or two.
If your flight schedule allows for a later departure, seize the opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Reykjavik. The city offers many experiences, from cultural immersion to scenic exploration.
Begin your day by blending in with the locals, who often kickstart their mornings at the city's charming cafes. Alternatively, you can follow their lead and visit a local bakery to savor the delectable Icelandic treat known as "snudur."
For a spot of last-minute retail therapy, Laugavegur street invites you with its boutiques and specialty shops, catering to all budgets and tastes. You can also have your lunch in the area, which features the best local and international restaurants. They serve favorites such as lamb stew, seafood, vegetarian options, pizza, and more.
Alternatively, the city center unveils a treasure trove of iconic landmarks, perfect for sightseeing and capturing timeless photographs. This is your final chance to check off some sites from your bucket list.
The towering presence of Hallgrimskirkja, Iceland's tallest church, is a sight to behold. Its captivating facade, reminiscent of basalt columns, is a masterpiece in itself. Ascend to the church's heights to revel in panoramic vistas of the bustling streets and the tranquil bay.
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 as you look back on the incredible adventure you have just taken in the land of fire and ice.
With all these options on your last day, just make sure to arrive at the Keflavik International Airport to return your car and have a good rest before your flight.
See you on your next trip to the enchanting land of fire and ice.
Experiences
What to bring
Good to know
Self-drive tours begin either in Reykjavík City or at Keflavik International Airport. A valid driver's license is required, along with a one-year-long on-road experience. Please be aware that your itinerary may be rearranged to better fit with your arrival date and time. Gravel protection is not included if you choose a Toyota Aygo or similar.
Please note that breakfast may not be included in a few selected hostels and guesthouses.
Some optional activities might require you to have a valid driver's license, or you might need to send additional information to your travel planner.
Please note that you might need to present medical documents should you choose to go snorkeling. Participants also 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.
Video
Verified reviews
Similar travel packages
Download Iceland’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Iceland’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.
