Express 7-Day Summer Self-Drive Tour of Iceland’s Best Attractions with Waterfalls and Glacier Hike

You'll start your holiday once you land at the Keflavik International Airport. After passing through customs, you'll find your rental car waiting.

To get to your hotel in Reykjavik, you will drive for 40 minutes or so along the spectacular Reykjanes Peninsula. With its iconic volcanoes, lunar landscapes, and geothermal springs, you may want to make several detours for an excellent introduction to Iceland's stark nature.

If you do so while booking, you can head to the most famous site on the peninsula, the luxurious Blue Lagoon spa. Its deep blue waters have many healing qualities, providing an alternative way to unwind after a flight than with a relaxing silica mask or sweating it out in a steam room or sauna.

Alternatively, you may focus on exploring Reykjavik, Iceland's capital. It has a thriving culture and picturesque beauty, with a wealth of attractions that appeal to all travelers. It also has an abundance of museums, galleries, restaurants, and bars.

Check out the Perlan museum, up on Oskjuhlid hill, to enjoy the best views of the city. Aside from its unique rotating glass dome design, the Perlan also hosts various exhibitions about the natural wonders of Iceland.

Another must-see is the great Hallgrimskirkja church, about 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) from the Perlan. The church stands 245 feet (74.5 meters) tall and features design elements that draw inspiration from glaciers, mountains, and the hexagonal basalt columns around the Svartifoss waterfall.

Since this is a self-drive tour, your freedom is unlimited. You are also welcome to explore some of the beautiful nature that surrounds the city. 

You may also check out the boutiques and restaurants along the famous Laugavegur main street before retiring for the night in your Reykjavik hotel.

On day two of your week-long Icelandic holiday, you will depart Reykjavik and explore West Iceland on your way to the north. 

You're welcome to take your time and detour many cultural and natural attractions or drive straight to your primary destination, Akureyri, to explore its many wonders.

Cultural sites in West Iceland include the villages of Borgarnes and Reykholt. The former is home to the Settlement Centre, where you can learn all about the olden days of Iceland and the country's best ice cream parlor.

The latter, meanwhile, was once home to Snorri Sturluson, a legendary writer, historian, and chieftain. You can learn about his medieval works and dramatic life at a local museum. 

In terms of natural attractions, your options are nearly endless. About 47 miles (76 kilometers) from Reykholt is the stunning fjord of Hvalfjordur. It boasts Glymur, one of the tallest waterfalls in the country. Inland, you can find Deildartunghver, Europe's highest-flowing hot spring. 

The twin waterfalls of Barnafoss and Hraunfossar are also well worth a visit due to their dramatic contrasts and individual beauty. 

Once you reach North Iceland, you can take a detour to the Vatnsnes peninsula. It is Iceland's premier location for seal-watching. It is also home to the Icelandic Seal Center in the charming village of Hvammstangi.

You can also find the monolith of Hvitserkur off the peninsula's coast. It's a mysterious rock formation with the shape of an elephant protruding from the sea.

Meanwhile, your primary destination is Akureyri. Like Reykjavik, this charming town boasts many boutiques, restaurants, and bars, as well as some stunning architecture and a range of museums. It's also connected to attractions in North Iceland, such as the tiny fishing hamlets on the peninsulas to the north.

Four equally appealing tours are offered if you want to add some adventure to your sightseeing journey.

In West Iceland, you can visit the winding lava cave of Vidgelmir and explore its beautiful depths. Interestingly, Vidgelmir is Iceland's longest cave, measuring 5,200 feet (1,595 meters) long, 52 feet (15.8 meters) high, and 54 feet (16.5 meters) wide.

Alternatively, you can arrange for a monstrous super jeep to guide you up the slopes of Langjokull glacier and enter its ice tunnel. This man-made cave into the ice cap is one-of-a-kind, making this a particularly unique opportunity.

Finally, you can head to the village of Dalvik to experience the unusual Beer Spa. You can enjoy a pint as you bask in warm, young ale before driving to your North Iceland accommodation.

On the third day of your week-long summer vacation to Iceland, you’ll explore the many wonders of the incredible north. 

Though you can look for attractions that appeal to you, independently embarking on the Diamond Circle sightseeing route is highly recommended. The diversity and beauty of its sites are like no other.

This route focuses on the magnificent Lake Myvatn, about 49 miles (79 kilometers) from Akureyri. It’s a region of serene bodies of water, abundant flora and fauna, and spectacular geology. Rows of craters and incredible lava fortresses, such as Dimmuborgir, stand in contrast to the blooming colors of life in the area.

Despite being such a verdant oasis, Myvatn is surrounded by dramatic, barren landscapes and features. Namaskard Pass is a perfect example of a lifeless plateau littered with furious steam vents. Located 8.6 miles (14 kilometers) from Lake Myvatn, Namaskard Pass’ soil is hot and acidic, creating colorful streaks of red, green, yellow, and orange on the ground.

En route to Myvatn, it’s recommended to stop at another feature of the Diamond Circle, the beautiful and historic Godafoss waterfall. About 33 miles (53 kilometers) from Namaskard Pass, the Godafoss waterfall is worth the drive, especially when you see the water falling from a height of 39 feet (12 meters) with a width of 98 feet (30 meters).

Meanwhile, detouring north before Myvatn will take you to the serene village of Husavik, renowned for being one of the world’s best whale-watching locations.

The last sites of the Diamond Circle are a little further east. Dettifoss is a stark waterfall that pours into an ancient valley with more force than any other in Europe. Asbyrgi, meanwhile, is a forested canyon formed into a perfect horseshoe shape and a paradise for hikers.

After exploring the sites on your North Iceland itinerary, you’ll then follow the Ring Road. You’ll drive through the spectacular scenery of Vatnajokull National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before reaching the largest town in East Iceland, Egilsstadir.

To break up your sightseeing, you can visit two incredible geothermal spas today, the Myvatn Nature Baths and the Vok Baths. The Myvatn Nature Baths have many facilities, and its waters boast a reputation for healing qualities akin to the Blue Lagoon. 

Meanwhile, the Vok Baths are immersed in a beautiful lake in East Iceland, providing the perfect place to end your day. 

In the evening, you’ll spend the night in a hotel in East Iceland.

On day four of your week in Iceland, you'll traverse a region that few guests manage to reach, the remote and breathtaking Eastfjords.

Though the Ring Road will take you around the magnificent bays, you may detour Egilsstadir to witness the beautiful Borgarfjordur Eystri, among other attractions along off-the-beaten tracks.

Before heading to the coast, check out some incredible attractions around the town, such as Hallormsstadaskogur, Iceland's largest forest, and the mysterious Lake Lagarfljot. 

The Hallormsstadaskogur forest is about 16 miles (25 kilometers) from Egilsstadir. It covers an impressive 285 square miles (740 square kilometers) filled with trees, hiking trails, and dynamic wildlife.

Meanwhile, Lake Lagarfljot is a famous fishing spot surrounded by natural beauty. It's also known for its folklore, claiming the lake is where the Lagarfljot Wyrm, a mysterious beast lives. The beast is believed to be the cousin of the Loch Ness monster and is the one disrupting Lake Lagarfjlot's surface.

As you drive over mountain passes and on narrow coastal roads, you'll be overwhelmed by the sheer majesty of this region. The sparkling bays, dramatic peaks, minuscule villages, and the sparsity of other guests all add to its appeal. 

Furthermore, you'll likely see many seabirds nesting on the cliffs and seals on the beaches, highlighting the Eastfjords' abundant wildlife. Interestingly, this is also the only part of Iceland where herds of wild reindeer roam free. 

As you come to the end of the Eastfjords, be sure to admire the striking mountains of Eystrahorn and Vestrahorn. Though not as popular as other Icelandic mountains, Eystrahorn has some exciting features only a few mountains have.

The mountain is made up of gabbro, a dark and jagged lava rock rich in iron and magnesium. It's difficult to climb Eystrahorn because of its steep gravel slopes. However, watching it stand 2,480 feet (756 meters) tall from the Krossasnesfjall mountain range is worth the drive.

As for Vestrahorn, it's also made with gabbro rock like Eystrahorn, giving its dark and jagged appearance. It is 1,490 feet (454 meters) tall and stands separately from other mountains in nearby Vatnajokull National Park.

After another full day of sightseeing, you'll drive toward a hotel in the country's southeast and stay there for the night.

On day five, you will travel across the magnificent South Coast, a region full of natural wonders. 

There could be no better introduction to this area than the first attraction, the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. Located between one of the many tongues of Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajokull, and the ocean, this lake is filled with breathtakingly beautiful icebergs. 

Colored vivid blues, gleaming whites, and streaked with black ash from past eruptions, many of these icebergs are as large as multistorey buildings. To get a more intimate experience at this unbelievable place, you can take a boat tour into the lagoon on an amphibious vessel or a zodiac.

When the icebergs break up small enough to pass through a narrow channel to the sea, they wash onto the black sand shoreline of Diamond Beach. Before continuing along the South Coast, it is highly recommended to take a walk along the beach and be mesmerized by how the icebergs glitter. 

The next site on the route is Skaftafell, a nature reserve with an abundance of attractions. Many hiking routes connect the sites, including glacier tongues and the famous waterfall of Svartifoss.

If you elect to do so while booking, you can enjoy a hike on one of the glacial outlets. Equipped in all safety gear necessary, you’ll ascend the beautiful Svinafellsjokull glacier and marvel over its fascinating formations, plunging crevasses, and spectacular views.

The next major attraction you’ll visit on the South Coast is Reynisfjara, another black sand beach. Reynisfjara is renowned for its haunting beauty, powerful waves, and coastal geology. 

Most notable are the twin sea stacks of Reynisdrangar. Legend says the stacks were created when two trolls were caught in the sun while pulling a ship to shore.

Next to Reynisfjara is another incredible coastal site, the enormous rock arch of Dyrholaey. Though beautiful throughout the year, it’s particularly worth visiting in summer when thousands of puffins nest in its rocks.

The final three foremost attractions of the South Coast are equally spectacular waterfalls. The first and most powerful is the Skogafoss waterfall, falling from a 197-foot (60-meter) cliff in a spectacular cascade. 

Next is the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which is just as tall but much more serene and has a path that fully encircles it. 

Last but not least is the Gljufrabui waterfall. It’s unique because it’s not visible from the Ring Road and is thus often overlooked. Moreover, it pours over a great boulder into a fairytale-like grotto, requiring a short walk through a narrow gorge to reach.

After a thrilling exploration of the South Coast, your accommodation for the evening will be in the area.

On the sixth day of your adventure in Iceland, you'll visit the three spectacular sites that make the Golden Circle the country's most famous sightseeing route.

The first is Gullfoss, a two-tiered waterfall with incredible power and majestic beauty. It is also a monument to Iceland's environmental history, having been saved by the daughter of a local farmer from being turned into a power plant. In summer, walkways lead up to its lip, allowing you to feel the spray against your face.

Next is the Geysir geothermal area, about 5.6 miles (nine kilometers) from the Gullfoss waterfall. The area is home to the explosive Strokkur geyser. While waiting a few minutes for Strokkur to erupt, there are many hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pots to marvel over.

Finally, you'll drive to Thingvellir, one of Iceland's three National Parks. Framed between the edges of two visible tectonic plates, separating Europe and North America. This spectacular place has many trails leading to ravines, springs, forests, a small waterfall, and some of the country's most important historical sites.

Traveling around the Golden Circle, you can embark on one of two classic Icelandic adventures. The first is a snorkeling tour within the crystal clear spring water of the Silfra ravine in the Thingvellir National Park. Equipped with a drysuit, you'll explore between two continents in an underwater world of vivid blue. Snorkeling participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

The second is a snowmobiling excursion. From the car park at Gullfoss, you'll board a super jeep that'll take you up the slopes of Langjokull glacier. Once on its gleaming surface, you'll embark on an adrenaline-pumping adventure amid spectacular views.

After following the Golden Circle trail and embarking on a thrilling tour, you can head to Reykjavik to explore Iceland's cultural capital. If you prefer spending more time with nature, there are several attractions around the sightseeing route that many guests overlook, such as Kerid crater lake and the Secret Lagoon.

After conquering the Golden Circle, you'll spend the final night of your week-long vacation in Iceland in Reykjavik.