Ultimate 8-Day Self-Drive Tour of Iceland’s Game of Thrones Shooting Locations

On the first day of your self-drive Game of Thrones tour, you will arrive in Iceland.

You will land at the Keflavik International Airport, the biggest transportation hub in the country. After collecting your luggage, you will pick up your rental car outside the arrivals hall. From Keflavik, you will go to Iceland's capital city, Reykjavik.

Driving from the airport to the Icelandic capital takes about 40 minutes to an hour, covering 31 miles (50 kilometers) of scenic route. However, you have the option to explore the area if you land early, particularly in the Rekjanes Peninsula.

Reykjanes is one of the most unique regions in the country. It features otherworldly landscapes because of the volcanism and geothermal activities in the area. Some of its most notable attractions are the Krysuvik geothermal area, Kleifarvatn lake, and Gunnuhver hot springs.

While in the area, you can add a stop at the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa on your way to Reykjavik. It is close to the airport. Enjoy a few hours here as you relax in the heated waters. 

This world-renowned spa is known for its healing waters, vivid azure colors, and luxurious treatments. It is located in the middle of a moss-covered lava field, giving it an otherworldly atmosphere.

If you add the Blue Lagoon, it will be arranged according to your flights. If there is no time to visit the lagoon today, it can be added to another day. Your travel consultant will be able to arrange this for you.

Another option today is the Sky Lagoon. Located near Reykjavik, the Sky Lagoon is a luxurious oceanfront geothermal spa offering breathtaking views of the North Atlantic. Its infinity pool and traditional Icelandic wellness ritual create a serene and rejuvenating experience.

There are two ticket options, with the premium option including access to private changing rooms.

Once you're ready, make your way to your accommodation in Reykjavik.

If you have time, take a stroll around town. Iceland's capital, Reykjavik, is a small but cosmopolitan city, and you can get a good feel for it by exploring on foot. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from, should you want to get a drink or sample some Icelandic cuisine. 

If you have time for sightseeing, some impressive architecture is here, including the Harpa Concert Hall and Hallgrimskirkja church. There is also a wealth of museums and art galleries to explore to give you an insight into Icelandic culture.

You will spend the night in comfortable accommodation in Reykjavik.

On the second day of your self-drive tour of the Game of Thrones filming locations in Iceland, you will visit the Golden Circle sightseeing route and have the option to take a guided tour.

You will start your travels by visiting the Golden Circle sightseeing route, which features Iceland's three most famous attractions, the Thingvellir National Park, Haukadalur geothermal valley, and the Gullfoss waterfall.

The first stop is the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Thingvellir National Park. A famous rift that runs through the park and gives it its distinctive appearance is formed by the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates pulling apart. Here, you'll see the Almannagja rift, which might be familiar to you.  

The rift is featured in Game of Thrones more than once. Most recognizably, it is the valley known as the Bloody Gate, leading up to The Eyrie, that Sandor Clegane, also known as the Hound, takes Arya Stark in hopes of reuniting her with her aunt in the Vale of Arryn. 

Sansa and Littlefinger made the same journey later on in the series.

Thingvellir National Park is also the location for the scenes in which Ygritte and Tormund Giantsbane meet the cannibal Thenns once Jon Snow has betrayed them, showing this national park's versatile landscape.

After a while, you will move to the next attraction, the Haukadalur geothermal area. Here, you can find the hot spring from which all geysers get their name, Geysir. 

Geysir is dormant now, so Strokkur is the main feature. This geyser blows water up to 66 feet (20 meters) in the air every 5 to 10 minutes.

Moving on, you will visit Gullfoss waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. Rushing from the glacial river Hvita, it plummets down into the canyon below in three tiers, filling the air with its mighty roar. 

As if visiting those remarkable places isn't enough, you can also join a guided excursion. You could take a snorkeling trip in the Silfra fissure, filled with clear glacial water filtered by volcanic rocks. Participants of this optional tour need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

If you prefer something more adrenaline-fueled, you can go snowmobiling on Langjokull glacier for an exhilarating exploration of these icy giants.

For those who want to try the trusty transport of the Westerosi, you can meet the Icelandic horse, which also features in Game of Thrones. Put yourself in Arya's saddle as you admire the untouched Icelandic landscape as you ride over the land.

You will stay overnight in Southwest Iceland.

You will start the third day of your self-drive Game of Thrones filming locations tour by exploring some of the locations on the South Coast.

You'll head east towards Seljalandsfoss waterfall. A cavern behind the waterfall gives you the unique opportunity to walk behind it and admire its grandeur from all angles. 

A little further is the Skogar hamlet, standing by the Skogafoss waterfall, which legends say holds a treasure.

Your next stop should be at Dyholaey cliffs for your chance to spot a puffin in the summer months and admire the impressive rock arch standing strong in the sea. The Dyrholaey cliffs might be closed in the height of summer to preserve the nesting grounds.

The next stop you might recognize is Eastwatch by the Sea. This is the black sand beach at Reynisfjara, which will look much more inviting when it's not infested with wights or the Night King himself. 

Take your time to admire the iconic Reynisdrangar sea stacks and the epic basalt column cliffs looking out over the vast expanse of the North Atlantic.

Follow the coastline to Skaftafell Nature Reserve, an impressive valley filled with waterfalls, forests, glacial tongues, and basalt columns under the crown of Iceland's largest glacier, Vatnajokull. 

You can experience the age-old ice firsthand as you prepare for a glacier hike on one of the many glacial outlets. 

The high ice might be familiar as this place is known as North of the Wall. You will fare better, though, for unlike Jon Snow, you will have a certified glacier guide, crampons, and a helmet to assist you on your path. 

Leaving Skaftafell Nature Reserve, you will head to the enchanting Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, where icebergs, some as big as houses, float majestically out to sea. 

You can get closer to these white giants by taking a zodiac boat tour, which offers you an adrenaline-fuelled experience, or take a chilled-out amphibian boat tour.

Only a short walk away lies Diamond Beach, where icebergs wash up on the shore, contrasting with the black sand for a stark scene. After a day of exploration, you will spend the evening in this enchanting area of Southeast Iceland. 

The fourth day of your Game of Thrones filming locations self-drive tour in Iceland will be filled with wide and open visuals of the eastern fjords as you drive through the vales and mountain passes. 

Just before you enter East Iceland, you will pass the picturesque Stokksnes headland and Vestrahorn mountain, which stands as the gatekeeper to the east. Take a morning walk on the sands here while admiring the beautiful views.

This coastal wonder is defined by towering mountains, black sand dunes, and jagged rocks. The vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean adds to its allure, creating a picturesque setting for photography enthusiasts. 

Stokksnes is also home to a Viking village film set. The village replicates an authentic Viking village and was built as a movie set for a Universal Studios production. However, it was never used and is now open for visitors.

You can visit the quintessential fishing villages along the remote fjords and dramatic mountain landscapes as you travel around East Iceland. 

Possible stops include the town of Faskrudsfjordur, with its well-maintained colorful wooden houses from the late 1800s. 

Faskrudsfjordur also holds cultural significance as a former French trading post, and this influence is still felt today through the local cuisine and festivals. 

The area is dotted with hiking trails, inviting visitors to explore its breathtaking landscapes, while the nearby abandoned herring factory provides a glimpse into the region's industrial past.

The picturesque town of Seydisfjordur is also worth a visit. It is surrounded by steep mountains that open to a great natural port.

Another option is to go inland and walk in the largest forest in Iceland, Hallormsstadarskogur, on the shores of Lagafljot, a beautiful lake rumored to be inhabited by the Lagarfljotsormurinn worm, Iceland's own Loch Ness Monster. 

Today will end in the Egilsstadir area, where you can find beautiful shops and food places. You will spend the night in town or nearby settlements in the region.

On the fifth day of your self-drive Game of Thrones filming locations tour, your adventure will continue as you follow the Ring Road to travel to North Iceland and Beyond the Wall. 

You will start by crossing the Modrudalsoraefi Heights, getting a glimpse of Iceland's remote Highlands before descending into the Myvatnssveit area.

On your way, you can make a slight detour and visit the impressive Dettifoss waterfall. Dettifoss waterfall is the most powerful waterfall in Europe, plunging with intense force past the hexagonal basalt columns of the surrounding cliffs into the canyon below.

A bit further lies Lake Myvatn, offering plenty of things to see, such as the primordial Namaskard geothermal area and the Skutustadagigur pseudocraters. 

The Namaskard geothermal area is a surreal landscape filled with bubbling mud pools, hissing steam vents, and vibrant mineral deposits. The area is characterized by its otherworldly colors, ranging from intense yellows and oranges to deep reds and greens. The geothermal activity here is a testament to Iceland's volcanic origins, creating an ethereal atmosphere that enthralls visitors. 

The pungent smell of sulfur permeates the air, adding to the sensory experience. 

A place well worth a visit is the dramatic lava fields at Dimmuborgir. Be careful, though. There might be wildlings around, as Mance Rayder and his tribe of wildlings held camp in this area.

Nearby is also Grjotagja cave. For years, it served as a bathing spot for locals, but recently it has become known as a Game of Thrones filming location with Jon Snow and Ygritte.

Though Grjotagja cave itself is closed as it's too hot to enter, you can take a dip in the Myvatn Nature Baths and relax in a geothermally heated lagoon with breathtaking panoramas.

Continuing west, you will pass the lovely Godafoss waterfall, a location of legends and lore, before entering the Eyjafjordur area and reaching the town of Akureyri.

You will spend the night in one of the accommodations of North Iceland.

On the sixth day of your Game of Thrones filming locations tour in Iceland, you will visit the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. It is often called 'Iceland in miniature' due to its diverse geography. Today will offer you a wide scale of incredible sights.

Passing the picturesque harbor town of Grundarfjordur, you will see a familiar landmark looming over the town, the Kirkjufell mountain. 

This sharp comb of cliffs strikes a hard triangular feature as you pass it by. Recently, the mountain has become known as the Mountain-like-an-Arrowhead. Towering over the humble town, Arrowhead Mountain is shown in its green glory as Children of the Forest create the very first White Walker. 

It is the same mountain that the Hound sees in the fire when leading Jon Snow and his brave group Beyond the Wall to capture a wight as proof of the Army of the Dead.

In summer, the mountain and the rest of the peninsula are more impressive than terrifying. As you continue along the coast, you will get closer to the crown jewel of the peninsula, Snaefellsnesjokull Glacier, and its surrounding park. 

Next on your itinerary are the beautiful black beach Djupalonssandur and the dramatic cliffsides of nearby towns Arnarstapi and Hellnar.

Known for its rugged beauty, Djupalonssandur beach showcases a captivating blend of volcanic black sand, smooth pebbles, and towering basalt columns. 

The beach's name translates to "Deep Lagoon's Sand," referring to two small freshwater lagoons nearby. Visitors can explore the remnants of a shipwreck that serve as a haunting reminder of the area's treacherous waters. 

Djupalonssandur also holds historical significance as a former fishing village, and you can still find relics such as lifting stones used to test the strength of fishermen along the shore.

You will stay the night on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

On the seventh day of your Game of Thrones-themed road trip around Iceland, you'll enjoy the natural sights of Borgardjordur, including waterfalls, hot springs, and lava caves.

Start your day by exploring the sights in the Borgarfjordur area. A visit to the Hraunfossar waterfalls is highly recommended. 

Hraunfossar waterfall, also known as the "Lava Falls," is a series of cascading waterfalls that emerge from the rugged lava field of Hallmundarhraun. Unlike traditional waterfalls, the Hraunfossar waterfall flows underneath the lava, creating a unique and magical sight. 

The crystal-clear water glides over the dark volcanic rocks, forming a picturesque scene of cascading streams that span about 2,952 feet (900 meters) in length. 

The beauty of the Hraunfossar waterfall is enhanced by the surrounding untouched wilderness and dramatic landscapes, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and photographers seeking awe-inspiring natural wonders in Iceland.

Close to Hraunfossar waterfall, you'll find another stunning waterfall, Barnafoss. Barnafoss waterfall, also known as the "Children's Waterfall," is located in the Hvita river canyon and is renowned for its unique charm and intriguing folklore. 

The waterfall gets its name from a tragic tale in which two children fell into the raging river, and their grieving mother cursed the bridge, causing it to collapse. It cascades through a narrow ravine, creating a mesmerizing display of rushing turquoise waters crashing against the rocky cliffs.

Borgarfjordur is also the home of Europe's most powerful hot spring, Deildartunguhver, which provides most of the hot water to heat homes in nearby towns Borgarnes and Akranes. You can bathe in the hot water there with a visit to Krauma spa and geothermal baths. 

Alternatively, if you fancy a bit more adventure, you can go caving in one of Iceland's largest lava caves, the massive Vidgelmir, in the Husafell lava fields near Eiriksjokull glacier. 

If you have free time upon your arrival in Reykjavik, take a walk around the city center and grab a meal in town or enjoy the quirky nightlife.

You'll spend the night in comfortable accommodation in Reykjavik.