9-Day Iceland Summer Road Trip of West Coast, Diamond Circle, and the Highlands

Welcome to Iceland, where your summer self-drive adventure begins.

Pick up your rental car directly at Keflavik International Airport upon arrival in Iceland. With included Wi-Fi and CDW rental insurance, navigating your way through Iceland is easy from the moment you land.

Depending on your arrival time, you can either head straight to Reykjavik or kick off your adventure with a relaxing visit to the Blue Lagoon. If you're up for exploring more of Reykjanes Peninsula, detour to nearby highlights like the Bridge Between Continents or the bubbling mud pools at Gunnuhver.

If you choose to stop at the Blue Lagoon, prepare for a peaceful start to your journey. This famous spa is known for its milky blue, mineral-rich water that feels warm and calming. It’s surrounded by black lava rocks, making the setting feel magical.

Enjoy a soak, try a face mask, or grab a drink while you float. It’s the perfect place to unwind after your flight and enjoy your first taste of Iceland. Your admission will be booked to match your flight schedule. If you can’t make it today, your travel consultant can reschedule it for another day.

Once in Reykjavik, let the city charm you. Stroll through the city center to see the striking Hallgrimskirkja Church, the modern Harpa Concert Hall, and the creative shops and galleries along Laugavegur and the Old Harbor.

If you need supplies for your road trip, this is a good time to visit a grocery store or outdoor gear shop. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Trying traditional Icelandic lamb, fresh seafood, or local drinks is the perfect way to settle into your first night in Iceland.

After a day of sightseeing and settling in, head back to your hotel to rest and get ready for the adventure ahead.

On the second day of your summer self-drive tour of Iceland, get ready to explore the famous Golden Circle and venture into the rugged beauty of the Highlands.

You’ll leave Reykjavik and drive 27 miles (45 kilometers) through lush valleys and dramatic rock formations before arriving at your first stop: Thingvellir National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is where the world’s longest-running parliament was founded. It’s also one of the few places in the world where you can see the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates drifting apart.

A scenic walking trail lets you stroll between them, and several viewing platforms throughout the park provide excellent photo opportunities. Next, continue to the Geysir Geothermal Area, a bubbling valley filled with steaming vents and colorful hot springs. Here, you’ll see the original Geysir (now mostly inactive) and Strokkur, which erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, shooting water up to 66 feet (20 meters) into the air.

A short drive brings you to Gullfoss Waterfall, one of Iceland’s most iconic natural sights. Walk along marked paths to view the powerful falls up close and feel the cool spray as the water crashes into the canyon below.

Before leaving the Golden Circle, take a detour to the striking Kerid Crater. This volcanic crater is filled with blue water and surrounded by red lava rock, offering a colorful contrast that’s great for photos. You can walk around the rim for fantastic views of the surrounding landscape.

After completing the Golden Circle, your adventure continues as you take on the Kjolur Highland Route, also known as F35. This road begins after Gullfoss and quickly changes from pavement to gravel, signaling the start of your journey through Iceland’s remote interior.

F-roads like this are unpaved mountain routes, accessible only with F-permitted vehicles. Luckily, your rental car is fully equipped for these conditions, so you can drive confidently across rough and uneven surfaces. The speed limit here is 80 km/h (50 mph), but it’s best to drive cautiously and enjoy the views.

One notable stop along F35 is Hvitarvatn Lake. This quiet, scenic spot is a nesting area for birds and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. On clear days, you may even spot glaciers in the distance. After a day of exciting driving through Iceland’s interior, you’ll arrive in the Skagafjordur area in North Iceland. You’ll spend the night in your handpicked accommodation, resting up for day 3 of your summer road trip.

Today, you’ll follow Iceland’s northern coastline to the beautiful Trollaskagi Peninsula. Trollaskagi, or the Peninsula of the Trolls, is one of the most scenic parts of North Iceland. Its dramatic coast is part of the Arctic Coast Way, a route that takes you off the beaten path, past dramatic mountains (some of the tallest outside the Highlands), fishing villages, and views of the nearby islands.

As you drive along the northern coastline, you’ll pass the small town of Hofsos. Just outside town, stop at the nearby black sand beach to see impressive basalt column formations. If you feel like relaxing, stop at the famous Hofsos swimming pool. It’s right by the sea, so you can soak in warm water while enjoying amazing views of the ocean and mountains.

After driving around 37 miles (60 kilometers), you’ll arrive in Siglufjordur, one of the most colorful towns on the Trollaskagi Peninsula. This charming fishing village boomed during the herring era in the early 20th century. To learn more about its history, visit the Herring Era Museum. It features three buildings by the harbor and, in summer, even hosts reenactments of life during the town’s fishing heyday.

The best part of today’s drive is the beautiful scenery along Eyjafjordur Fjord, making the journey anything but boring. You’ll also pass through charming coastal towns like Olafsfjordur, Dalvik, and Hauganes, where you can stop for photos or a quick break.

Finally, you will arrive in the charming town of Akureyri. Don’t worry if you don’t have enough time to explore the city today. You’ll be back on day 5 for more of Akureyri. Driving further south, your accommodation awaits you in the Lake Myvatn area.

If you still have energy, end the day with a relaxing soak in the Earth Lagoon Myvatn. The water is warm and soothing, staying between 97 and 104 F (36 to 40 C). It’s open until 11 PM, so it’s the perfect way to unwind after a full day of exploring.

On day 4 of your summer self-drive tour in Iceland, you'll hit the road to explore the Diamond Circle, one of the country's most exciting scenic routes. Prepare to walk through unique volcanic landscapes and chase some of Iceland's most stunning waterfalls.

The Diamond Circle is a 160-mile (260-kilometer) route in the northeast, often called the Golden Circle's wild cousin. It features four major sites: Lake Myvatn, Dettifoss Waterfall, Asbyrgi Canyon, and the whale-watching town of Husavik.

Your first stop is the stunning Godafoss Waterfall, located just 18 miles (30 kilometers) east of Akureyri. Known as the "Waterfall of the Gods," this wide, elegant cascade stretches 98 feet (30 meters) across and plunges 39 feet (12 meters) into a rocky basin below. The curved shape of the falls makes it one of the most photogenic waterfalls in Iceland.

It’s also easy to access, with plenty of parking, well-maintained walking paths, and viewing points on both sides of the river. Be sure to dress in layers and wear waterproof gear, because mist from the falls and quick-changing weather are part of the experience!

Next, you'll drive north to the charming town of Husavik. It might be small, but it's known as Europe's whale-watching capital, thanks to the rich waters of Skjalfandi Bay. You can join a whale-watching tour here and may spot minke whales, humpbacks, or even playful porpoises.

From there, continue to Asbyrgi Canyon, a stunning horseshoe-shaped gorge on the edge of Vatnajokull National Park, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) from Husavik. Towering cliffs up to 100 meters high surround a peaceful woodland of birch and willow trees, perfect for a short nature walk.

Then it's time to visit Dettifoss, one of the most powerful waterfalls in all of Europe! Located just 20 miles (33 kilometers) from Asbyrgi, this thundering 150-foot (45-meter) cascade is unforgettable. Summer is the best time to visit because the hiking paths are clear and easier to enjoy.

There are also well-marked trails here, and you can view the falls from both sides. End your day with another night at the beautiful Lake Myvatn. Tomorrow, you'll have more time to discover its incredible volcanic landscape.

On day 6 of your self-drive road trip, you’re back in Akureyri, the lively heart of the north.

If you missed a lot on day 3, now’s the perfect chance to catch up. For a bit of quiet, visit the Akureyri Botanical Garden, home to a lush collection of Arctic plants. Other must-see spots include Akureyri Church, the Nonni Museum, and the charming old houses in the city center.

If you didn’t go whale-watching in Husavik on day 4, Akureyri offers another great opportunity. The nearby fjords create the perfect setting to spot humpback whales and playful dolphins in action.

Next, you’ll head west to Skagafjordur, a charming district you briefly visited during your second night. This time, you'll have a few more hours to explore. The area is known for its Icelandic horses and black -sand beach.

Today, you can visit local farms, spend some time on the beach, or even join a short horseback riding tour if time allows. Before leaving the town, consider stopping at the Glaumbaer Folk Museum. Wander through well-preserved turf houses and step back in time to experience traditional Icelandic life.

As you continue driving, you’ll come across a fascinating field filled with grassy hills called Vatnsdalsholar. While there isn’t much to do here besides take in the view, it’s a great spot to stretch your legs and take photos of a unique landscape.

Inching closer to the west, make a stop at Hvitserkur Rock Stack. According to local legend, it’s a troll that turned to stone. The rock’s towering, arch-like shape looks like a creature rising from the sea—a photo stop you can’t miss.

While in the area, you can also explore the Hvatsnes Peninsula, known for its seal colonies and sweeping coastal views. Nearby towns like Hvammstangi and Laugarbakki offer quiet charm, local restaurants, and small museums. These towns are perfect if you want to stretch your legs or restock supplies at a local supermarket.

Tonight, you’ll stay in a cozy accommodation in Northwest Iceland, resting up for another amazing day on your summer self-drive tour of Iceland.

Today is all about exploring the wonders of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in miniature.” That’s because this region packs in so many of the landscapes that make Iceland so unique.

Start your day in Stykkisholmur, a charming fishing village known for its colorful wooden houses and scenic harbor. Walk the peaceful streets, pop into local museums and shops, or enjoy fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants.

Next, drive 24 miles (40 kilometers) southwest to see Kirkjufell, one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland. Its pointed peak rises beside a calm lake and a small waterfall, creating a picture-perfect reflection on clear days. It’s a dream spot for photographers, especially under the glow of the midnight sun.

As you follow the northern coast of the peninsula, you’ll reach Snaefellsjokull National Park. This park is home to the legendary Snaefellsjokull Glacier, a snow-capped volcano made famous by Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth. On clear days, its white peak towers over lava fields and the crashing waves of the Atlantic.

Continue your journey to Djupalonssandur, a black pebble beach surrounded by cliffs and powerful surf. Keep driving along the coast until you see basalt columns that rise dramatically from the ocean. These interesting rock formations are called the Londrangar Basalt Cliffs.

As you nearly complete the loop around the peninsula, you’ll pass through the coastal villages of Arnarstapi, Hellnar, and Budir. Arnarstapi and Hellnar offer scenic coastal trails, perfect for summer walks and birdwatching.

Don’t miss Budir’s famous black wooden church, Budakirkja, a peaceful spot with views over golden grasslands and distant mountains.

Before ending your day, take a detour to Ytri Tunga Beach. Unlike most of Iceland’s black beaches, this one has golden sand. It’s also a great place to see seals lounging on the rocks near the shore.

Tonight, you’ll stay at one of the beautiful accommodations on the peninsula. Rest up because tomorrow brings highlights from Iceland’s West Coast!