9-Day Northern Lights Winter Self-Drive Tour of Iceland’s Snaefellsnes Peninsula & South Coast

On the second day of your winter self-drive tour in Iceland, you’ll travel from Reykjavik to the stunning Snaefellsnes Peninsula, just 85 miles (136 kilometers) away. This peninsula is a favorite among locals and travelers for its remarkable natural beauty and breathtaking panoramic views.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula is often called “Iceland in Miniature” due to the incredible diversity of scenery along the 56-mile (90-kilometer) stretch. You'll spend your day exploring one stunning site after another, immersing yourself in the unique local culture.

On the way to Snaefellsnes, you'll pass some of West Iceland's most iconic sites. Take a detour to explore the stunning Barnafoss and Hraunfossar Waterfalls, the historic town of Reykholt, or Europe's highest-flowing hot spring, Deildartunguhver.

You can also stop by the charming town of Borgarnes, nestled along the picturesque Borgarfjordur Fjord.

Upon reaching Snaefellsnes, you'll have the chance to explore some of its most stunning attractions. Start with a visit to the Budir Black Church and the charming village of Arnarstapi. Budir is one of Iceland's most photographed churches, with breathtaking panoramic views of lava fields, mountains, and the coastline.

Arnarstapi, on the other hand, is a coastal village known for its dramatic cliffs, rugged coastline, and stunning scenery. The town is framed by Mount Stapafell, offering a breathtaking view of the mountains meeting the Atlantic Ocean.

Meanwhile, two of the most exciting stops on the peninsula are the Snaefellsjokull Glacier and Kirkjufell Mountain. As you journey from one site to another, you'll see Snaefellsjokull towering in the distance with its peak rising to 4,744 feet (1,446 meters).

Other notable attractions on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula include Hellnar Village, the black-pebble beach Djupalonssandur, and the coastal town of Stykkisholmur. You can also visit the unique Londrangar Cliffs and Ytri Tunga Beach, known for their striking views and wildlife.

You'll spend the night in one of the cozy accommodations on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. If the sky is clear, look up for a chance to witness the northern lights dancing in the sky.

On day three, you'll leave Snaefellsnes for Iceland's most popular tourist route, the Golden Circle. There are three main sites of the Golden Circle, although, with your custom itinerary, you can find many unique and lesser-known places in the surrounding area.

The first destination is Thingvellir National Park, Iceland's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the Icelandic parliament was founded in 930 AD. Besides its significant history, the national park boasts a rich geology that every visitor will enjoy.

It sits directly between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, creating many unique landscapes. These include the Silfra Fissure, Oxararfoss Waterfall, Almannagja Gorge, and Thingvallavatn Lake.

The second stop on the circle is the Geysir Geothermal Area in Haukadalur Valley. This valley is home to several geysers, including the one that gave all others their name, Geysir. Although Geysir is inactive these days, its neighbor Strokkur goes off every 5-10 minutes, reaching heights of around 66 feet (20 meters).

The final site is the Gullfoss Waterfall, an awe-inspiring cascade that plunges over two tiers into an ancient canyon from a height of more than 105 feet (32 meters). Fed by the Hvita River, it boasts a powerful flow. In winter, parts of the waterfall freeze, adding a magical touch to its stunning beauty.

On this self-drive adventure, you can choose from several amazing tours. 

At Thingvellir, take the unique opportunity to join a snorkeling tour and dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Silfra ravine. Float between two continents and discover what’s beneath the surface. Just be sure you're comfortable in the water and know how to swim.

You can join a caving tour in the Víðgelmir Lava Tube, following the path of lava that flowed over a thousand years ago. This underground adventure takes you through one of Iceland’s largest and most impressive lava caves. Inside, you’ll see stunning rock formations and colorful lava-stained walls.

After an exciting day of exploration, unwind and relax at your cozy accommodation on the Golden Circle. It's the perfect place to rest and search for the northern lights before your next adventure.

On day four, you'll journey along Iceland's South Coast, exploring its stunning wonders. This region is one of the most popular in the country, thanks to its breathtaking landscapes and iconic natural landmarks.

The first sites you may wish to stop at are two of Iceland's most iconic waterfalls.

Seljalandsfoss is a stunning waterfall that tumbles gracefully from a concave cliff. A bit further east, you'll find Skogafoss Waterfall, which stands around 200 feet (60 meters) tall with a powerful flow. Both waterfalls become even more enchanting during winter, as snow and ice blanket their cliffs and surrounding valleys.

You'll keep driving on, but stay alert! On clear days, the famous glacier volcano Eyjafjallajokull will come into view. In the opposite direction, across the ocean, the Westman Islands can be sighted.

As you continue, more breathtaking ice caps will soon rise on the horizon, tempting you to embark on another adventure. Join a guided tour and explore one of these frozen giants.

Whether you hike the Solheimajokull Glacial Tongue or embark on a fun snowmobile ride across the mighty Myrdalsjokull Glacier, both journeys lead you into an incredible, otherworldly landscape.

After enjoying one of these adventures, you'll continue east. Before reaching the village of Vik, you can stop at the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach to admire its long stretch of black sands, basalt cliffs, and sea stacks. Just remember to stay clear of the sneaker waves, as they're unpredictable and dangerous.

Just a short detour from Reynisfjara will lead you to the breathtaking Dyrholaey Peninsula. Here, panoramic views of the coastline, the black sand beach, and the iconic Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks await.

After a day of driving through the South Coast's most beautiful sights, you'll enjoy a good night's sleep in your cozy South Iceland accommodation. If the conditions are right, you can see the northern lights shine above you.

On day five, continue your winter self-drive tour along the South Coast toward Vatnajokull National Park, home to Vatnajokull Glacier, Europe’s largest ice cap. It covers over 10 percent of Iceland’s landmass and dominates the southeast region.

This vast park is famous for its stunning features, including the Skaftafell Nature Reserve and the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.

Skaftafell was once a national park on its own but is now part of Vatnajokull National Park. It offers scenic hiking trails through forests and lava fields, with many routes winding through its valleys.

One of the most highly recommended trails will take you to Svartifoss Waterfall. Here, you can witness the incredible basalt column structure that inspired the architecture of Reykjavik's Hallgrimskirkja Church. If you missed the glacier hike the day before, today offers a second chance.

After your time in Skaftafell, continue your drive to the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, widely regarded as Iceland’s most spectacular natural attraction. Watch as enormous icebergs drift across the serene lagoon, breaking away from a glacier before slowly making their way to the ocean.

The sight is mesmerizing. This area is also home to many seals, so while you marvel at the icebergs, be sure to keep an eye out for these playful creatures.

The coast beside Jokulsarlon is dotted with the ice that washed out to sea, giving it its name, the Diamond Beach. It's worth walking along and taking photos in this area before continuing to your accommodation in Southeast Iceland.

Before settling in for the night, step outside. Find a dark spot and look up at the sky. You might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis.

On day six of your winter self-drive in Iceland, you'll have more time to explore the natural wonders of the Vatnajokull Glacier. For an extra thrill, consider adding a guided ice-caving tour, where you’ll explore an authentic ice cave hidden in the frozen landscape.

To start the day, take a slight detour to the Stokksnes Peninsula. This beautiful headland, nestled by the Atlantic Ocean, is famous for its striking Vestrahorn Peak, which towers above 1,490 feet (454 meters).

If you push a little further, you can even visit some of the fishing villages of the Eastfjords. However, if you booked the ice-caving tour, you’ll drive back to the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.

Ice caves are rare and unique phenomena that only appear in winter. Thus, opportunities to explore them are minimal. Inside the caves, you can see ice walls and formations of different colors, with some ice chunks dating back thousands of years.

Two beautiful ice caves have been discovered in the Vatnajokull National Park: the Western Ice Cave and the Eastern Ice Cave. Choose to add this amazing adventure to your trip and visit the best ice cave accessible on the day, taking into account the weather conditions and visibility to ensure the ultimate ice-caving experience.

Be sure to bring your camera! Each ice cave is one-of-a-kind, melting and reforming with the seasons. Your expert guide will lead you through this natural wonder, and your package will include glacier gear like a helmet and crampons to ensure your safety.

If you’d prefer, head back to the glacier lagoon for a boat trip through the floating icebergs. It’s an unparalleled opportunity to view these majestic ice giants up close. Alternatively, you could visit Skaftafell and hike to the Skaftafellsjokull Glacier, where the ice changes from pearly white to a stunning shade of blue in the winter.

Stay another night in Southeast Iceland and enjoy the opportunity to hunt for the northern lights. It’s a perfect chance to experience this magical natural phenomenon.

Day seven of your Iceland self-drive adventure is your last chance to explore the countryside before returning to Reykjavik. You can revisit any missed spots or explore new ones along the South Coast. Plenty of unique places just off the main road make for rewarding detours.

A recommended stop is Kirkjubaejarklaustur, a village located between Hofn and Vik. Also called Klaustur, it’s a perfect place to take a break and grab a quick bite. You'll find grocery stores, gas stations, and a few cafes offering local food.

Just a short drive away is Fjadrargljufur, a stunning 328-foot (100-meter) deep canyon. This 1.2-mile (2-kilometer) long gorge is a photographer's dream and was featured in Justin Bieber's 2015 music video "I'll Show You."

You could also take another look at the black sand beach Reynisfjara or stop at the village of Vik for some local handmade souvenirs. As the Icelandic weather is fickle, you can view the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss Waterfalls in different conditions today. If the sun is out, you'll have a great chance to see rainbows above Skofagoss.

If you're in the mood for more exploring, head to Selfoss or Hveragerdi, where you’ll find local restaurants and Selfoss' large food hall with eight eateries serving Icelandic and international specialties.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a more adventurous experience, going to Seljavallalaug, the oldest swimming pool in Iceland, is a top recommendation.

As the day winds down, make your way back to Reykjavik. Relax and enjoy your final night in the city before your self-drive adventure ends.