Unforgettable 1-Week Self-Drive Tour of West and South Iceland with the Golden Circle

On the second day of your 7-day self-drive tour of Iceland, you'll explore the stunning Snaefellsnes Peninsula, where glaciers, beaches, and volcanic wonders await.

Your first stop is the Ytri Tunga Beach, where you’ll spot some seal colonies basking on the rocks. Continue to the charming Budir Hamlet, famous for its iconic black church and golden sand beach.

Continue your journey to the Snaefellsjokull Glacier. This site is known as the "gateway to the center of the Earth," from Jules Verne's novel “Journey to the Centre of the Earth.” Its icy peak rises over lava fields, offering epic views of Iceland's raw, volcanic landscape.

If you want to add excitement to your day, hike or explore the surrounding national park, where you’ll witness the contrasts between Iceland’s glacial ice and volcanic landscapes.

After exploring the glacier, you can enjoy a guided Vidgelmir Cave tour. Witness the massive underground wonder of colorful lava formations and countless icicles.

Once ready to explore more of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, head to the rugged Londrangar Basalt Cliffs. These rugged formations, home to countless seabirds, offer breathtaking views of the vast Atlantic Ocean.

Nearby, stop by Djupalonssandur Beach for its surreal stretch of black pebbles surrounded by lava fields and cliffs. The rhythmic crashing of waves on the shore creates a peaceful atmosphere you shouldn’t miss.

You can also hike from Arnarstapi to Hellnar. Walk along the dramatic coastline, spot some seabirds, and marvel at towering basalt columns and stunning rock arches that guide you to the charming port of Hellnar.

As you continue driving through the peninsula, you'll encounter rivers, lava fields, waterfalls, mountains, and beaches. Don’t miss the most photographed peak in Iceland, Kirkjufell Mountain, which towers at 1,519 feet (463 meters).

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is one of Iceland's gems, and you'll have no shortage of things to do. After a day of exploration, you’ll spend your night on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

On your third day of this summer self-drive tour of Iceland, get ready to explore the famous Golden Circle route, filled with nature's marvels and Icelandic history.

Before reaching the Golden Circle, you'll journey through the stunning Borgarfjordur area, filled with dramatic landscapes and hidden gems. You’ll pass by picturesque mountains, cascading waterfalls, and lush valleys at every turn.

Borgarfjordur boasts the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfalls, with creeks streaming from lava fields. It’s also home to Reykholt, where medieval scholar Snorri Sturluson once lived. Don't miss Deildartunguhver’s Geothermal Springs and the Krauma Spa if you want a peaceful retreat.

From Borgarfjordur, continue driving to Thingvellir National Park, your first stop in the Golden Circle. It’s where the world's longest-running parliament was founded. Aside from its rich history, the park is where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are slowly drifting apart.

At Thingvellir National Park, you can snorkel between two continents in the crystal-clear Silfra Fissure. Participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim. To ensure comfort, thermal suits are provided to keep you warm while swimming.

If you prefer to stay dry, you can experience caving in the Vidgelmir Lava Tube or explore the artificial ice tunnels inside the Langjokull Glacier.

After Thingvellir National Park, continue to the Geysir Geothermal Area. This valley of hot springs and steaming vents is home to Geysir and its active neighbor, Strokkur. It erupts every 5 to 10 minutes and shoots water over 66 feet (20 meters) high.

Next up is the breathtaking Gullfoss Waterfall. Walk along the paths to get close to the roaring water, feeling the spray as it crashes into the canyon below.

A short drive away, you can visit the striking Kerid Crater. Walk around its rim and admire the volcanic crater filled with vibrant blue water surrounded by striking red volcanic rock.

After seeing the sights of the Golden Circle, you can head to one of the spas in the area. The Secret Lagoon near Fludir is a peaceful spot to unwind. Alternatively, you can relax at the Laugarvatn Fontana Spa, conveniently near your accommodation.

End your day at your comfortable Southwest Iceland accommodation and recharge for tomorrow's

On day four of your self-drive vacation around Iceland, you'll leave Laugarvatn and the Golden Circle behind. Continue driving along the South Coast and get ready to discover waterfalls, glaciers, and black sand beaches. 

Next, head to two of Iceland's most incredible waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Seljalandsfoss stands at an impressive 197 feet (60 meters) and offers the unique opportunity to walk behind its cascade. Fed by the Eyjafjallajokull Glacier, its falling waters and lush surroundings make it one of the most scenic spots in Iceland.

A short walk from Seljalandsfoss will bring you to Gljufrabui Waterfall. This hidden gem is tucked away in a canyon. View this enchanting waterfall from a narrow gorge and add a sense of adventure to your day.

Continue driving to Skogafoss, one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland. On sunny days, see rainbows in the mist. You can also climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Drive a little further east, and you'll see the mighty Solheimajokull Glacier. As an outlet glacier of the larger Myrdalsjokull ice cap, it showcases a breathtaking blend of rugged ice formations, deep crevasses, and mesmerizing blue ice caves. 

Take the chance to glimpse the ever-changing world of glaciers with two thrilling optional activities. You can explore the icy terrain on an exciting glacier hike on Solheimajokull or race across the snowy expanse on a snowmobiling tour on Myrdalsjokull Glacier. Guided tours also provide an opportunity to witness the impact of climate change as the glacier recedes over time.

As you drive east along the coast, venture out to the Dyrholaey Cliff and witness panoramic views of Iceland's dramatic coastline. If you're visiting in summer, keep an eye out for puffins nesting in the cliffs.

Next, head to the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, where the Atlantic waves crash against the Reynisdrangar Basalt Sea Stacks. The eerie beauty of this beach, with the thunderous sound of the waves, contrasts the sights you've encountered earlier in the day.

End your day by heading to a charming village in South Iceland for the night, where you can relax and recharge for the next chapter of your adventure.

On the fifth day of your self-drive tour around West and South Iceland, you will explore two of Iceland's most beautiful attractions, the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and the Vatnajokull National Park.

Leave your accommodation behind and start your Southeast Iceland adventure. You’ll go on a scenic drive from Vik towards the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.

If you prefer, you can also start the day with an exciting Katla Ice Cave tour, located beneath the massive Myrdalsjokull Glacier. It's the only ice cave accessible during summer.

Afterward, continue driving along the South Coast towards the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.

As you travel through volcanic deserts and lava fields, you'll be greeted by the towering presence of Vatnajokull Glacier, the largest of its kind in Europe. Its shimmering expanse stretches over 8,000 square kilometers (3089 square miles), filled with ice formations, ice caves, and glacial lagoons.

On your way to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, stop at Kirkjubaejarklaustur, where you can stretch your legs on a short hike or enjoy a peaceful lunch. For a hidden gem, visit the 300-foot (100-meter) deep Fjadrargljufur Canyon, with its winding river and lush greenery.

As you reach Vatnajokull National Park, head into the Skaftafell Nature Reserve. The area is a hiker's paradise, which tumbles off the Svartifoss Waterfall framed by hexagonal basalt columns.

For those seeking more adventure, you can embark on another glacier hike through the icy wilderness of Skaftafell Glacier today or save it for tomorrow.

You'll end your day's journey at the stunning Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, where massive icebergs float to the ocean or wash up on Diamond Beach. For an even closer look, hop on a boat tour that will take you alongside the towering icebergs, giving you a front-row seat to this natural wonder.

Before you leave the area, stroll along the nearby Diamond Beach, where glittering chunks of ice wash up on the black sand shore. It's the perfect spot to witness the striking contrast between icy blue sculptures and the dark volcanic sand.

After a day of fascinating adventure, spend the night in a countryside hotel near Jokulsarlon, where you can reflect on the day's adventures surrounded by Iceland's pristine nature.