One Week Summer Self-Drive Tour of Iceland’s West & South Coasts with Waterfalls & Glaciers

Today, you'll head towards Snaefellsnes Peninsula, known as "Iceland in miniature" due to its diverse natural attractions.

Expect a scenic drive along the West Coast, taking in views of mountains, waterfalls, lava fields, fjords, and charming villages on your way to the Snaefellsjokull glacier and volcano and its surrounding national park.

Located inside the Snaefellsjokull National Park, the Snaefellsjokull glacier stands 4,744 feet (1,446 meters) tall at the peninsula's tip. It's also where the park is named after. Once you reach the glacier, you'll be treated to majestic views of the capital from across the bay.

Furthermore, the glacier is rich in folklore. The old and superstitious Icelanders believe that Snaefellsjokull was an ancient energy source. Others also claim that the rock formations around the glaciers were trolls petrified by the sun. The hidden people are also said to be living in these rock formations.

After marveling at the glacier, you can join a tour to visit Vatnshellir cave. It has a length of 656 feet (200 meters) and a depth of 114 feet (35 meters). 

Located about 10.8 miles (17.4 kilometers) from Snaefellsjokull, the cave is found in a volcano's lava field. There, you'll descend into the lava cave to learn about the place and the trolls that are said to live there.

The cave is one of Iceland's oldest lava tubes. It was formed around 8,000 years ago after a volcano eruption. As you enter the cave, check out the lava's minerals and enjoy the colorful rocks around you.

If you'd rather spend time exploring the coastline and the wildlife, you can join a whale-watching tour from the town of Olafsvik. The tour lets you see the playful whales and puffins that reside in Breidafjordur Bay.

On the peninsula, you'll find many other attractions, such as the black pebble beach of Djupalonssandur and the white sand beach at Ytri Tunga. There are also the hexagonal cliffs at Gerduberg and the black church at Budir.

You can also go hiking from the rock arch at Arnarstapi to nearby Hellnar village, where you can enjoy the views with a cup of coffee from their cute beachside cafe.

After a thrilling day, you'll spend your night at Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

From the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, you'll head south toward the Golden Circle, where you'll find accommodations for the next two nights. You can visit the stunning Hraunfossar waterfalls, the historic Reykholt village, and the bubbling Deildartunguhver hot spring on the way.

Hraunfossar is a series of waterfalls flowing from the Hallmundarhraun lava field. When visiting the waterfall, look at how it streams from the rock ledges before ending up in the Hvita river.

Meanwhile, about 50 feet (15 meters) away is the Barnafoss waterfall. It's a rapid waterfall showcasing sheer and impressive power. As you marvel at the waterfall, you'll see and feel the water twist, turn, and foam right before your eyes.

Next, you'll drive 11 miles (18 kilometers) to the village of Reykholt. The place is known for being the home of Snorri Sturluson, a chieftain and poet who wrote the 13th-century saga, Heimskringla.

After exploring Reykholt, you'll head to the Deildartunguhver hot spring, about 4.2 miles (6.8 kilometers) away. Deildartunguhver is Europe's largest hot spring, with a rapid flow rate of 380 pints (180 liters) per second. However, the water is dangerous to get close to, with its constant temperature of 97° Celsius (207° Fahrenheit).

You can also spice up your journey today with a variety of tours. You can join an excursion to the Vídgelmir lava tube, the largest cave in Iceland. You can also explore the man-made ice cave tunnels inside Langjokull, Iceland's second-largest glacier.

If you would rather take it easy and relax, a trip to Krauma Spa is highly recommended. There, hot water from the Deildartunguhver hot spring is mixed with cold water from the glacier Ok to create the perfect bathing temperature.

Continue towards Thingvellir National Park, your first stop on the Golden Circle and the birthplace of Iceland's parliament, Althingi. The park is between two tectonic plates drifting apart, creating a stunning landscape of canyons and fissures.

Stroll around the park to see the outcome of this tectonic shift before retiring to your accommodations in Southwest Iceland.

Today, you'll explore the rest of the Golden Circle and visit some off-the-beaten-path locations.

Start with visiting the Geysir geothermal area to watch the geyser Strokkur erupt high in the air. Strokkur can release a blast of steam every 10 minutes and up to over 66 feet (20 meters) tall. The area is also filled with numerous colorful mud pools and steaming fumaroles, making Geysir one of the most-visited places in the region.

Meanwhile, a short drive away is the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, fed by the glacier Langjokull. It boasts two fascinating cascades, with the first measuring 36 feet (11 meters) tall while the other at about 69 feet (21 meters) tall.

After spending some time at the waterfall, you can board a modified super jeep at Gullfoss, head into the highlands, and up to the Langjokull glacier. You can add this tour while booking and drive a snowmobile across the white glacier plains in a snowmobiling suit and other essential equipment.

An experienced instructor will also guide you in operating the snowmobile. You'll then zoom toward the ice cap, rising around 4,757 feet (1,450 meters) above sea level.

You can also snorkel in Silfra, a crystal clear dive site in Thingvallavatn lake. The water here has been filtered through the lava from Langjokull and has visibility for more than 328 feet (100 meters). It's also very cold, but you're provided a dry suit to keep you warm. Participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

If you prefer spending the day relaxing, you can visit the small town of Fludir, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) from Thingvellir National Park. Here, you can soak in the geothermal waters of the Secret Lagoon. 

You can also learn about Iceland's history at the Skalholt cathedral before grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many greenhouse farms in the area.

After another busy day, you'll return to your accommodation from the previous night for another good night's sleep.

There is so much to see on the South Coast of Iceland, so it's a good thing you've got two days here. 

Start day five of your summer adventure by driving towards the glaciers Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull. If you wish to get better acquainted with these ice caps, you can go glacier hiking or explore a black, natural ice cave, the only one accessible all year round.

Eyjafjallajokull is the smaller of the two glaciers. However, it's more popular than Myrdalsjokull because of its 2010 eruption that disrupted European air travel. On the other hand, Myrdalsjokull is Iceland's fourth-largest glacier and covers the Katla volcano.

Moreover, some of the country's most spectacular waterfalls are underneath these ice caps. Seljalandsfoss is a unique cascade that falls over a concave cliff. It allows visitors to encircle the falling springwater. 

Another is the Gljufrabui waterfall, a little-known gem hidden behind large rocks. Remember to stop at the mighty cascade Skogafoss plunges from 197 feet (60 meters).

Further east lies the cliffs of Dyrholaey, 16 miles (26 kilometers) from Skogafoss. The cliffs form an impressive rock arch serving as a puffin colony during summer. You'll likely spot a puffin or two, which you can get close to, as they're comfortable interacting with people.

You can also visit the abandoned place wreck on Solheimasandur sands, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from Dyrholaey. 

You can also check the black sand beach Reynisfjara, where you can admire the massive Reynisdrangar rock stacks that rise out of the ocean. Like Dyrholaey, the beach is also known for its large puffin colony.

After going through these attractions, you'll head to your accommodation in South Iceland.

From Vik, head east for today's exploration. You'll go toward your third National Park, which surrounds Europe's largest glacier, Vatnajokull. 

Make a stop in Skaftafell Nature Reserve, located at the roots of Vatnajokull, and see the beautiful but contrasting scenery of black sand, lush flora, and white glacier. The area is renowned for its many hiking trails and tracks.

It also leads to stunning locations like the 'black waterfall' Svartifoss. Interestingly, this waterfall cascades down unique hexagonal basalt columns. If you are feeling adventurous, you can even take a glacier hiking tour from here. The hiking trail goes up 1,280 feet (390 meters) and is about five miles (eight kilometers) long.

After enjoying the outdoors at Skaftafell, head 35 miles (57 kilometers) further east towards Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. Considered by many as the crown jewel of Iceland's nature, the lagoon features towering icebergs that break off the glacier. 

These magnificent icebergs then float in the water before drifting off to sea. Stay alert, as you can sometimes spot seals lazing about on the ice. 

You can also take a highly recommended boat ride on the lagoon to appreciate its beauty better. You can choose between going on a slower amphibian boat ride or a zodiac speedboat.

Ensure you take advantage of Diamond Beach, located a stone's throw away. Smaller icebergs wash up on shore and glisten in the sunlight, resembling diamonds on satin fabric.

If you have spare time, you can drive about 49 miles (79 kilometers) further east to the town of Hofn. Here, you can have some of the best lobsters in Iceland for your dinner. You can also admire the stunning mountains of the Eastfjords, such as Vestrahorn Mountain. 

On your way back, you can have the chance to see the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon again, this time under the midnight sun.

You'll spend the night in Southeast Iceland.