6-Day Self-Drive Holiday in Iceland with the Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Welcome to Iceland! Once you land, pick up your car at Keflavik International Airport, then drive to your accommodation in downtown Reykjavik.

If you prefer some unwinding before continuing to Reykjavik, you can stop at the Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa, which is close to Keflavik. You can add this activity when booking your tour. If you do, it will be scheduled to fit the arrival time of your flight.

The Blue Lagoon is world-famous, boasting vivid azure waters, luxurious treatments, and a reputation for healing qualities. Relaxing in its warm, milky-blue waters surrounded by the beautiful, moss-covered lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula is a fantastic way to start your trip.

If today doesn’t work, your travel agent can schedule your Blue Lagoon visit for day five or six.

Another option is the Sky Lagoon. It’s located in Kopavogur town near Reykjavik. This serene geothermal spa is known for its breathtaking ocean views and peaceful vibe. 

Experience the Skjol bathing ritual, a seven-step wellness ritual. Choose from the standard entry or upgrade to the premium option, which includes private changing rooms for added comfort.

After reaching Reykjavik, settle into your hotel. You have the rest of the day to explore the capital and its abundant cultural attractions, restaurants, and bars. 

Reykjavik offers plenty of spots showcasing Iceland’s history, culture, and stunning natural beauty. Head to Hallgrimskirkja, a striking Lutheran church with a panoramic view of the city from its tower. Its design, inspired by Iceland’s basalt lava columns, makes it one of Reykjavik’s most iconic landmarks.

Nearby, you’ll find the Harpa Concert Hall, known for its modern glass design. It’s a hub for cultural events like music concerts and theater performances.

For a taste of history, visitors can explore the National Museum of Iceland, which provides a comprehensive overview of the country's heritage from the Viking era to modern times.

Art enthusiasts can visit the Reykjavik Art Museum, Iceland's most significant visual art institution.

If you're looking for a relaxing afternoon, visit Tjornin, a central pond home to plenty of birdlife, or enjoy a quiet walk through Hljomskalagardur Park.

If you want to check out Icelandic design or experience the city's thriving coffee culture, head to Laugavegur Street and enjoy its many shops and cozy cafes.

You'll spend your first night in a comfortable accommodation in downtown Reykjavik.

On day two of your 6-day Iceland itinerary, you'll go on a trip around the famous Golden Circle driving route. 

If you want to start your day with an activity, join a horse-riding tour from Reykjavik. Icelandic horses are known for their sure-footedness and unique tolt gait, making for a smooth and enjoyable ride through the scenic countryside.

Afterward, set off on the famous Golden Circle route, starting with Thingvellir National Park. Here, you can see the spectacular Almannagja Gorge, where the national assembly, founded in 930 AD, used to gather.

The gorge marks the divide between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, making a walk along its path a literal stroll between continents.

Nearby, you’ll find Silfra Fissure, a stunning underwater rift with some of the clearest water on the planet—so pure it’s even drinkable. Take a snorkeling tour here and float between two continents, surrounded by a shimmering canyon of blues and silvers. 

With visibility over 300 feet (90 meters), it’s like swimming through a crystal-clear world hidden beneath the surface. Don’t worry about the cold—your dry suit will keep you warm as you drift through this surreal landscape.

Next on your Golden Circle tour is Geysir Geothermal Area in Haukadalur Geothermal Valley. Here, you’ll find steaming hot pools and fumaroles, including the geyser Strokkur, which erupts every 10 minutes. Its spray can reach around 66 feet (20 meters), but it has been known to blast water to heights almost double that.

Lastly, drive to the magnificent Gullfoss Waterfall, Iceland's most popular attraction on the traditional Golden Circle route. Walk up to the edge of the falls to get a perfect view of the glacial water plunging into the canyon below, sending mist into the air.

From Gullfoss, it is also possible to take a snowmobiling excursion on Langjokull Glacier, one of Iceland’s largest ice caps. Ride across the expansive ice fields, take in breathtaking highland views, and experience the raw beauty of Iceland’s glaciers up close.

Your last stop on the Golden Circle is Kerid Crater. The volcanic rock is painted in fiery orange and rust-red colors, while the lake within is an azure oasis. The contrast is a breathtaking sight.

Iceland’s midnight sun extends daylight well into the evening, giving you more time to explore. Take your time at each stop, add extra activities, or simply enjoy the landscapes glowing in golden light.

You'll spend the night in a charming accommodation in Southwest Iceland near the Golden Circle.

On day three of your summer road trip in Iceland, you’ll drive along Iceland’s stunning South Coast, where volcanoes, glaciers, and waterfalls shape the landscape. Along the way, you’ll pass Eyjafjallajokull, the infamous volcano that erupted in 2010, briefly halting air travel across Europe.

The first major stop is Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. A walking path leads behind the cascading water, offering a rare perspective. On sunny days, rainbows dance in the mist, making the scene even more magical. 

Just a short walk from Seljalandsfoss, Gljufrabui Waterfall is partially hidden behind a narrow cliff opening. To reach it, step through the shallow stream into a mossy canyon, where the waterfall cascades into a quiet grotto.

Continue east to Skogafoss, a breathtakingly powerful waterfall with a 197-foot (60-meter) drop. Watch as the mist rises from the base, creating spectacular light displays. For a panoramic view, climb the staircase beside the falls to see the South Coast’s vast landscapes stretching into the distance.

A short drive away, history enthusiasts can stop at the Skogar Folk Museum, a fascinating collection of historic artifacts, traditional turf houses, and a reconstructed Icelandic church. This detour provides insight into Iceland’s rural past and Viking heritage.

For those craving adventure, Solheimajokull Glacier offers a chance to join an optional glacier hike or snowmobiling tour. Both experiences provide a thrilling way to explore the icy landscapes up close, surrounded by rugged mountains and deep crevasses.

Next, take a detour to Dyrholaey, a dramatic cliffside viewpoint with some of the best coastal views in Iceland. In summer, the area is also home to puffin nesting sites, making it a great stop for wildlife enthusiasts.

The final stop before settling in for the night is Reynisfjara Beach, one of Iceland’s most famous black sand beaches. Towering basalt columns and the dramatic Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks rise from the ocean, creating an unforgettable scene. The Atlantic waves here are unpredictable, so admire the beauty from a safe distance.

For those looking to extend the adventure, an optional ice cave tour to Katla Ice Cave is available. Departing from Vik Village, this super jeep excursion takes you into a breathtaking blue ice cave—the only one accessible in summer. This adventure is also available tomorrow.

After a day filled with spectacular landscapes and optional adventures, settle in for the night in Vik or another South Coast village.

On the fourth day of your summer self-drive tour in Iceland, you’ll explore more of the South Coast’s most striking natural landscapes.

Start your day with a visit to Fjadrargljufur Canyon, a 2-million-year-old geological wonder. With steep, moss-covered cliffs and a winding river below, it’s one of the most photographed spots in Iceland. A short walking path along the edge offers several panoramic viewpoints.

Next, stop at Foss a Sidu, a tall, narrow waterfall that flows gracefully over a cliffside. The surrounding landscape is peaceful and rugged, making it a great spot to take a few photos. Just a few minutes away, you’ll find Dverghamrar, also known as the Dwarf Cliffs. These hexagonal basalt columns were formed by rapidly cooling lava and are wrapped in folklore. Locals once believed dwarfs lived in the rocks.

From here, continue your drive east across the vast glacial sands of Skeidararsandur, a surreal landscape shaped by volcanoes and meltwater floods. Your next stop is Skaftafell Nature Reserve, part of the mighty Vatnajokull National Park.

Once at Skaftafell, stretch your legs on a hike to Svartifoss, a waterfall surrounded by dramatic basalt columns. These formations inspired the design of Hallgrimskirkja Church in Reykjavik. For more adventure, you can join a guided glacier walk on Skaftafellsjokull Glacier, a thrilling way to experience Iceland’s icy wilderness.

Next, drive about 40 minutes to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, one of the highlights of your entire trip. Here, massive icebergs drift across a shimmering glacial lake. You can join an optional boat tour, either in a zodiac for a close-up experience or an amphibious boat for a more relaxed ride. Keep your camera ready, as seals are often spotted resting on the ice or swimming nearby.

From Jokulsarlon, you can walk down to Diamond Beach, where chunks of glacier ice wash up on the black sand and sparkle like crystals. Together, Jokulsarlon and Diamond Beach offer some of the most unforgettable views in Iceland.

End the day at a peaceful accommodation in Southeast Iceland, the perfect place to relax after a day of breathtaking scenery.