14 Day Self Drive Tour | Circle of Iceland & The Westfjords

On day two, travel to some of the best-known natural phenomena in Iceland on the Golden Circle. The first stop is Þingvellir National Park, which is located right between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates; you can literally walk between them. 

Þingvellir also played a huge role in Iceland's heritage, being the original site of the world's longesRead moret running, ongoing representative parliament, the place where it converted to Christianity in 1000 AD, and where it declared independence from Denmark in 1944. There is plenty to see as you walk around this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the adventurous can also opt into an exhilarating snorkel here. 

The beautiful geothermal valley of Haukadalur is next, where you can see the geysers Strokkur and Geysir, amongst many steaming hot springs. While the more famous Geysir is largely inactive now, Strokkur erupts every ten minutes or so, to heights of over 20 m (66 ft).

The final stop on the Golden Circle tour is one of the most popular attractions in Iceland, the mighty Gullfoss waterfall. A pathway takes you right to the water's edge, where you can get a real sense of the enormous natural power of these 32 m (150 ft) tall falls. 

From Gullfoss, you can choose to go on an optional snowmobile tour on the nearby Langjökull glacier. You can also take the opportunity to ride an Icelandic horse, an essential Icelandic experience.

The crater lake of Kerið is also well worth a visit as you traverse the area. Take in the dazzling colours of the red-and-orange lava rock, the azure waters of the deep lake in its centre, and get a few photos before spending the night in the Hvolsvöllur area.

Head to the south coast on today's road trip and visit the majestic and mesmerising Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. After these, you will see Sólheimajökull glacier, where you have the option to go glacier hiking and ice climbing or take an exhilarating snowmobile tour. From the village Vík, you can opt for an exciting ice cave tour to MýrdalsjökullRead more glacier. 

Along the coast near Vík, is the black volcanic coastline and the dramatic Dyrhólaey peninsula and Reynisdrangar rock formations. Just be sure to be very careful near this beach, as the waves and currents are powerful and unpredictable. This area has a large puffin colony during the summers, so try and spot some. 

More sights as you drive ahead include the magnificent Mýrdalsjökull glacier and the quaint, historic village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. You will spend the night in either Kirkjubæjarklaustur or the Skaftafell area.

Spend day four taking in the many beautiful vistas of the incredible Skaftafell Nature Reserve, within Vatnajökull National Park. 

If you enjoy hiking, you will find many trails here, tailored for all abilities, including one that leads to the beautiful Svartifoss waterfall, which cascades down unique, hexagonal basalt columns. You may also opt into an excitiRead moreng glacier hike on this day on Skaftafellsjökull.

Do not spend all day here, however, as the the stunning Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is the next stop. Here, you can see icebergs break from a glacier tongue and float serenely towards the ocean; it is a magnificent sight. If you wish to get closer, you can enjoy an optional boat ride that will take you right amongst them, with a choice between an amphibious vessel or a little zodiac. If you see any seals, give a whistle, and they may come closer to investigate the noise. They are often as curious about you as you are them.

Don't forget to have a look at the Diamond Beach, just by the ocean next to the lagoon. Chunks of ice in all shapes and sizes decorate the shoreline like a string of beautiful jewels, making for excellent photo opportunities.

Spend the night in Höfn.

Today you will experience rural Iceland in all its glory, visiting the idyllic villages, breathtaking fjords, and verdant fields of the east coast. Home to some of the most amazing wildlife in Iceland, including puffins, reindeer, foxes, and seals, the fjords invite you to take an up-and-down ride over the mountains as you explore one after the other. Each iRead mores incredibly beautiful, and has its own unique charm.

Waterfalls in hillsides and fantastic panoramic views will make your journey unforgettable. In the evening, you'll come to the town of Egilsstaðir, near Lagarflöt lake, which legends say hides a monster beneath its placid surface. Spend the night in Egilsstaðir or a smaller village nearby. 

On day six, you'll visit Lake Mývatn. The lake itself is serene and beautiful, and its surroundings dramatic and unique. There is a lot to see, but it is recommended that you prioritise the hot spring cave of Grjótagjá, the Dimmuborgir lava fields (known as 'the Dark Fortress'), and the nature baths.

A drive through the Jökulsárgljúfur part of Vatnajökull NatRead moreional Park to visit the impressive Dettifoss waterfall is also highly recommended, and the mud pits at Krafla are a sight to behold.

Another great option is to join a whale watching tour at the nearby village of Húsavík, renowned as the whale-watching capital of Europe. You can upgrade this to include a puffin watching segment as well. After you have finished your activities for the day, you'll cross over to Eyjafjörður fjord to the town of Akureyri, where you will stay the night.

Start the day in Akureyri, a charming town sporting unique shops and museums, as well as one of the world's northernmost botanical gardens which displays more than 7,000 native and non-native plant species. If you'd like a closer look at the local flora in nature, you could opt into a riding tour along the coast of the fjord on this morning. Otherwise, if yoRead moreu missed the whale watch the day before, you can take one from here.

Continuing towards Skagafjörður, a valley known for its abundance of Icelandic horses, you will also pass through the beautiful, mountainous area of Tröllaskagi. From there, you will see the old herring-fishing village of Siglufjörður, and Hofsós, where you can enjoy the magnificent scenery from the town’s thermal pool.

Spend the night in Blönduós.

Day eight is the beginning of your drive to the breathtaking and remote Westfjords of Iceland. Sights along the way include the many hills of Vatnsdalshólar, the Borgarvirki natural fortress, and the Hvítserkur monolith. 

The Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft Museum in Hólmavík and the Sorcerer’s Cottage, in Bjarnarfjörður, only 25 km away from Hólmavík, are wRead moreell worth a visit, especially for those who love folklore and history. Also, consider taking an extra soak in the natural hot springs at Drangsnes. 

Spend the night in the Strandir area.

The journey on day nine is characterised by the dramatic fjords you will pass through, as well as the towering mountains that run alongside you on your route to Ísafjörður. Here you will find some of the oldest mountains in Iceland, dating back to 18 million years ago. Be sure to look in the waters as you drive, as this is one of the best places in Iceland tRead moreo see whales feeding from the shore.

You may also wish to drive to nearby Bolungarvík and visit the Ósvör Maritime Museum - a great way to see what life was like for Iceland’s fishermen in years gone by. When you reach Ísafjörður, enjoy the town's quiet, isolated charm.

Spend the night in the Ísafjarðardjúp area.

At the start of day ten, head to Dýrafjörður fjord, where you can find the trail of the Viking saga hero Gisli Súrsson, as well as the Skrúður botanical garden. 

Continuing to Hrafnseyri, you can visit a museum dedicated to another national hero, Jón Sigurðsson, former president of the Althing and leader of the Icelandic independence movement of the 19th centRead moreury.

Next, stop at the magnificent Dynjandi, a stunning series of fast-moving waterfalls that cascade down the face of a massive cliff. After marvelling at this wonder, head to the spectacular 444 m (1,457 ft) high cliff of Látrabjarg, arguably the westernmost point of Europe. Here, you can get an incredibly close look at some of Iceland’s many species of nesting seabirds, such as puffins and razorbills.

Spend the night in the Vesturbyggð areas, near Patreksfjörður.

On day eleven, you will take the Baldur ferry from Brjánslækur across Breiðafjörður Bay to get some rest from driving, over to the village of Stykkishólmur on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. The price of the ferry is included in your tour, and you can bring your car at no additional cost!

Stykkishólmur is a charming fishing town, famous for portraying Greenland inRead more the movie 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty'. It is steeped in folklore and history, and worth a little explore.

From there, you can explore the peninsula’s many unique sights, including the Snæfellsjökull glacier in the beautiful Snæfellsjökull National Park, Dritvík cove, Djúpalónssandur beach, and the small, charming hamlets of Arnarstapi, Hellnar, and Búðir. The area is rich in lava fields and formations, impressive cliffs, dramatic beaches and flourishing birdlife.

Spend the night in the Snæfellsnes area.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula has a lot of beautiful and exciting locations to explore. Spend another day properly touring the area in depth, seeing anything you missed yesterday. You can opt for hikes in the beautiful nature or explore the rock formations and vast sands near the Djúpalónssandur black beach. There are many hikes to be had in this region, and more thRead morean enough activities to fill a day with.

If you are here during the summer season, you could also choose to ascend the mighty Snæfellsjökull glacier. In this extra activity, you will board a vehicle that has been specially built to handle the rough glacial landscapes of Iceland, from the quaint town of Grundarfjörður. You will travel to the foot of Snæafellsjökull and then take the journey to the top in a snowcat. The experience of standing on the top of a glacier that covers a volcano is second to none. This experience is a once in a lifetime opportunity that will provide you with lasting memories and exceptional photos.

Spend another night in the Snæfellsnes area.

On day thirteen, explore West Iceland with its many natural attractions, including Deildartunguhver, the largest hot spring in Europe, and the captivating Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls.

History buffs may also enjoy a visit to Snorrastofa, the medieval research institute in Reykholt, where the early settler Snorri Sturluson wrote the saga Heimskringla iRead moren the 13th century. Snorri is also famed for writing the bible of old Norse mythology, Edda.

On the way back to Reykjavik, you can opt for an incredible tour inside Langjökull glacier, the only place in the world where such a trip is possible, or else take an adventurous caving tour in Viðgelmir lava tubes. You may also opt to descend into a vast beautiful magma chamber on the 'Inside the Volcano' tour. From there, it is recommended that you take a short break at Fossatún, a waterfall said to be guarded by a troll woman named Drífa, before heading back to Reykjavík, either for a well-deserved rest or to hit the restaurants and bars.

Drop off your car at Keflavík airport in time for your departure. If you are lucky enough to be taking an afternoon or evening flight, consider fitting in one last fantastic Icelandic experience. 

For those who have a later flight and choose to visit the Blue Lagoon today, you will finish off your stay unwinding before you head to the airport. This is the perRead morefect place to relax as you bathe in the warm, mineral-rich waters as you look back on the incredible adventure you have just taken in the land of fire and ice. If your flight is later there are plenty of things to do in Reykjavik. If you have an early flight back home, we wish you a pleasant journey.