Amazing 10 Day Game of Thrones Self Drive Tour of Iceland with Filming Locations

Icelandic horses in front of Mt. Kirkjufell on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
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Description

Summary

Tour starts
Keflavík Airport
Starting time
Flexible
Duration
10 days
Ending place
Keflavík Airport
Difficulty
Easy
Available
All year
Ending time
Flexible
Minimum age
None

Description

Book yourself an incredible Game of Thrones-themed adventure in Iceland, circling the country and visiting some of the most well-known locations, as well as partaking in thrilling extra activities such as snowmobiling and horse riding. This is an amazing tour opportunity for travelers to Iceland who also share a deep passion for the Game of Thrones lore. 

Iceland was one of the primary shooting locations for HBO's fantasy television series, Game of Thrones, based on the books by George R. R. Martin, making it an extra special travel destination for fans.

With this fantastic 10-day self-drive itinerary, you'll pay a visit to some of the show's most recognizable locations, including The Eyrie, North of the Wall, and the "mountain like an arrowhead", Kirkjufell. Fear not, your itinerary will provide you with detailed instructions as to how to find each location. 

Driving around Iceland yourself allows you to set the pace, all the while taking comfort in the fact that you have 24/7 communication with your personal travel advisor. Before arrival, your itinerary will be customized to your liking, meaning you have full say over what activities you'll be engaged in while here.

Hurry now so as not to miss this amazing 10-day quest to discover the incredible shooting locations for Game of Thrones in Iceland. Check availability by choosing a date.

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Included

9 nights of accommodation (different levels available; breakfast included for Comfort and Quality levels; more detailed info below)
Vehicle for 10 days (Toyota Aygo or similar. Upgrades available)
CDW insurance for super budget level vehicle; other levels include gravel protection insurance
Free Wi-Fi in vehicle
Detailed itinerary
Personal travel agent
Taxes

Activities

Glacier Hiking
Snorkelling
Caving
Diving
Snowmobile
Horse Riding
Sightseeing
Boat Trip
Northern lights hunting
Hot Spring Bathing
Cultural Activity
Bird watching
Helicopter
Ice Caving
Self drive

Daily itinerary

Day 1
Reykjanes is known for its scenic coastlines and strange rock formations.

Day 1 - Arrival and Car Pick Up

Welcome to Iceland, or should we say, Westeros, the land of ice and fire. You'll be arriving at Keflavík International Airport, located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, where you will pick up your rental vehicle for the trip. From there, you will drive to Iceland's capital city, Reykjavík, where you will check in to your accommodation for the evening.

You may wish to spend some time resting for the start of your adventure tomorrow or, if you have the energy, you could check out Reykjavík's exciting nightlife. The city is also a fantastic midnight stroll, with plenty of late-night food options available to keep you satisfied.

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Day 2
The geyser Strokkur in full eruption mode!

Day 2 - Golden Circle

With your fellow adventurers, you will take off towards Iceland's most popular sightseeing route, the Golden Circle, which comprises three major attractions: Thingvellir National Park, Haukadalur Geothermal Valley, and Gullfoss Waterfall.

This area also happens to be the shooting location for The Eyrie—you will pay a visit to Thingvellir's jagged canyon, Almannagja, known as the entrance to The Eyrie made famous by season 3 featuring Littlefinger and Arya Stark.

The other major highlights are two of Iceland's most popular attractions. You will visit Haukadalur, famed for the geysers, Geysir and Strokkur. Strokkur erupts every five to ten minutes, shooting jets of water high into the air to heights of 66 ft (20 m).

Gullfoss waterfall, only a short distance away, sees glacial water cascading over two rocky crags, dropping 105 ft (32 m) in total. Both of these areas will leave you with lasting memories of your second day in the country.

There is also the opportunity to partake in an extra activity on your second day. The choice is entirely up to you. For instance, you could take a snorkeling trip into the glacial spring, Silfra Fissure, known for its dramatic underwater scenery and near 328 ft (100-meter) visibility.

Alternatively, you could decide to go snowmobiling on the glittering glacier, Langjökull. This is known to be one of the most exhilarating experiences in Iceland and is sure to put you in the adventurous spirit. Or, to really feel a part of the Game of Thrones universe, you could choose to partake in a horse riding tour, galloping through Iceland's impressive countryside and making you feel even closer to your favorite Game of Thrones character.

You will then spend the night near the southern town of Selfoss. There are very few houses around this settlement, making it a prime location to try and spot the Northern Lights if you are visiting in the winter.

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Day 3
Reynisfjara black sand beach was used as a backdrop for some scenes in Game of Thrones season 7.

Day 3 - South Coast

The South Coast is another much-loved area of Iceland and just so happens to be the shooting location for Eastwatch by the sea, the only castle of the great wall that happens to be by the coastline. This location is most recognizable for the dramatic finale of the seventh season!

Your third day will see you visiting some of the most prized attractions on the South Coast, including the likes of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, and the black sand beach, Reynisfjara, near the village of Vik, where you will spend the night. These are stapled stops on the South Coast and will do much to make you truly believe you’re staying in a fantasy world.

There is also the opportunity to take part in an extra activity, taking the form of either a glacier hike on the ice cap, Solheimajokull, or a visit to an ice cave at Katla volcano.

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Day 4
Icebergs laying on Diamond Beach near Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.

Day 4 - South Coast II

Many of the scenes from Game of Thrones were shot within your next stop, Skaftafell nature reserve, itself a part of the much larger Vatnajokull National Park.

Glacier hiking in Skaftafell means that you will be surrounded by the landscapes of Westeros, immersing yourself truly into the scenery that makes both Games of Thrones and Iceland so compelling, and so booking a hiking tour is highly recommended. 

The major stop of the day will be at the "Crown Jewel of Iceland," Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, an attraction that boasts enormous icebergs floating on a still and glittering surface. Home to resident seals and with stunning surrounding views characterized by mountains and ice caps, Jokulsarlon is undoubtedly one of the most incredible sites in Iceland.

A short walk away. Guests can also visit Diamond Beach, a stretch of shoreline where icebergs wash up against the black sand on their journey out toward the Atlantic ocean.

If you're taking part in this journey during the summer, it is possible to add on either a speedy Zodiac boat tour or a slower amphibian boat tour on Jokulsarlon. Both tours can take you right up close to the floating icebergs.

Those visiting in the winter could also choose to explore one of the ice caves located inside Vatnajokull. These ice caves are much bluer than those further down the South Coast and make for one of the most unique experiences available during the Icelandic winter months.

You will spend the night in Hofn, a town where every restaurant serves Icelandic lobster. It is a great place for dinner and to search for the Northern Lights in the winter.

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Day 5
Vestrahorn is the most recognisable mountain in the east of Iceland.

Day 5 - Eastfjords

The Eastfjords is one of the lesser-visited regions of Iceland, primarily due to its distance from the capital. However, with ten days on the itinerary, you'll have more than enough time to get to grips with this thrilling location truly. The Eastfjords are known for their sweeping landscapes, herds of wild reindeer, and quintessential fishing villages.

One area you may pay a visit to is Stokknes, known primarily for the mountain, Vestrahorn. Vestrahorn is often referred to as 'Batman Mountain' or 'Iceland's Horniest Mountain' due to its ominous and instantly recognizable peaks.

You'll travel up the coastline, zigzagging the many fjords of the East, until you reach your accommodations in the town of Egilsstadir. While there are no dragons in Iceland, a large wyrm monster is said to live in the nearby Lagarfljot lake.

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Day 6
A steaming fumarole at Námaskarð geothermal pass near Lake Mývatn.

Day 6 - Lake Myvatn

Today, you will head out from Egilsstadir and continue your journey to the famous Lake Myvatn. The region around the lake was used as the location for the Wildlings Camp in Game of Thrones, an area beyond the wall known for its savage creatures and enduring winters.

In real life, the Myvatn area is characterized by its volcanic hillsides, picturesque scenery, and notable attractions such as Dimmuborgir (Dark Fortresses), Namaskard geothermal pass, and Grjotagja cave, known as the lovenest of Jon Snow and the wildling lass, Ygritte.

As an added extra, you could visit the Myvatn Nature Baths, which are often considered a cheaper and quieter alternative to the more known Blue Lagoon Spa but certainly competes in terms of relaxation and surrounding beauty.

At the end of the day, you will make your way to the northern town of Akureyri, where you will spend the night.

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Day 7
The iconic Kirkjufell mountain on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula was described as 'the mountain like an arrowhead' by the Hound in Game of Thrones.

Day 7 - The Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Today, you will make your way west to explore the magical Snaefellsnes Peninsula, also known as 'Iceland in Miniature', due to the sheer range of attractions to be found there. Waterfalls, glaciers, jagged shorelines, mountains, volcanic craters, and fascinating magma fields all lie in wait for the intrepid traveler of Snasefellsnes.

The area around Iceland's most photographed mountain, Kirkjufell on the peninsula's north side, features dominantly in Game of Thrones, both in seasons 3 and 7. In season 3, the area is shown as it appears in summer, luscious and green, and features the Children of the Forest as they create White Walkers for the first time. In season 7, the Hound references Kirkjufell as "the mountain like an arrowhead" as Jon Snow and his party explore 'beyond the wall'.

You will spend the day discovering this fascinating region before making your way to your accommodations in the area.

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Day 8
Hraunfossar waterfalls in western Iceland.

Day 8 - Returning to Reykjavik

Today, you will be making the return journey back to Iceland's capital, Reykjavik, but not without making some notable stops on the way.

West Iceland is truly a fantastic region filled with picturesque waterfalls, creeping glaciers, dramatic lava fields, and rich history. The land around the area's Borgarfjordur fjord has been inhabited since the time of settlement, and it is here where many events from the Icelandic Sagas took place.

Once again, there are several options available to you for added extras. Not only was Snaefellsnes a location in Game of Thrones, but the area also played a big role in Jules Verne's classic novel 'Journey to the Center of the Earth'. Today, you can have your own subterranean adventure on Snaefellsnes by visiting Vatnshellir lava Cave.

Another option could be taking some time for yourself at Krauma Spa, where the water originates from Europe's most powerful hot spring, Deildartunguhver. To cool it down and create the right bathing temperature, it is mixed with glacial water from Iceland's smallest glacier.

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Day 9
Hallgrímskirkja is just one of the many cultural landmarks in Reykjavik.

Day 9 - Day in Reykjavik

Reykjavik is one of those cities that is seemingly made for sightseeing. With several cultural landmarks—including Hallgrimskirkja Church, Perlan Observation Deck, and Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center—and countless galleries, museums, restaurants, and shops, one could easily spend days discovering new facets of the Icelandic capital.

Extra activities on option today are as varied as they are adrenaline-fuelled. One option could be taking a helicopter from Reykjavik Domestic Airport, flying over the city's surrounding volcanic landscape before landing at one of the nearby geothermal areas. Visiting locations such as this, in this manner, not only provides a real insight into Iceland's geothermal underbelly but also allows you to see the country from a bird's eye point of view.

Summer travelers could, alternatively, undertake an Inside the Volcano tour. As the name suggests, you will take a lift into the caldera of one of Iceland's dormant volcanoes, getting a first-hand look at the incredible lava formations and colors that fill this enormous chamber.

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Day 10
At the end of your tour, you will depart Iceland with a head full of memories.

Day 10 - Departure and return car

It is the final day of your Game of Thrones adventure. Depending on your flight time, you may have some time left to explore the city, but if not, you will check out of your accommodation and begin the return journey to Keflavik Airport. There, you’ll return your rental vehicle and depart for home.

Thank you for visiting Westeros, and we hope to see you again.

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What to bring

Warm and waterproof clothes
Good shoes
Swimwear and towel
Driver's License
Camera

Good to know

Self-drive tours begin either in Reykjavík City or at Keflavik International Airport. A valid driver's license is required, along with a one-year-long on-road experience. Please be aware that your itinerary may be rearranged to better fit with your arrival date and time.

Some optional activities might require you to have a valid driver's license, or you might need to send additional information to your travel planner. Please note that you might need to present medical documents should you choose to go snorkeling.

Wearing cotton or jeans as the outer layer during your trip to the Þríhnjúkagígur volcano tour is not allowed. Please wear suitable waterproof clothes and sturdy hiking shoes for this trip. It's always the same temperature inside the crater – about 5–6°C (42–43°F). The Þríhnjúkagígur volcano tour involves a hike of approximately 3 km (2 miles) each way. The walk usually takes around 45–50 minutes (depending on the condition of people in the group). A guide will be with you at all times during the walk.

The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and therefore cannot be guaranteed. They are only visible during the winter. This itinerary is designed to maximize your chances to see them if the weather allows.

Note that Icelandic roads and pavements can be slippery in the wintertime. We recommend you bring shoes with slip-resistant soles or ice-grip shoe covers when visiting the country in the winter. The covers can be purchased in most supermarkets and gas stations around the country.

It can happen, in the case of extreme weather, that an activity is canceled. If your chosen activity is canceled, we will assist you with rearranging or booking other activities when possible, and any potential price difference will be refunded to you.

Please note that this tour is available all year. If you are arriving in winter, we recommend that you upgrade to a 4x4 vehicle.

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Accommodation

See our accommodation levels below and our preferred accommodation partners under each day in the daily itinerary.

Super budget level accommodations will be arranged in hostel dorm beds. For other levels, bookings for one person will be arranged in single rooms, and bookings for two or more people will share a twin/double or triple room(s).

Teenagers and children will be arranged in the same room with parents. If additional room(s) is needed, additional costs will incur.

Guide to Iceland will provide you with the best available accommodation at the time of your booking from our preferred partners. Please keep in mind that hotel quality in Iceland varies among locations and availability is highly limited. If our preferred partners are fully booked at the time of your booking, we will find another suitable accommodation for you of similar level.

Please note that not all locations offer quality level accommodation. Comfort level accommodation will be arranged at those particular locations, which is reflected in the quality level upgrade price.

We always do our best to accommodate special requests, which may incur additional costs. Press choose a date to find availability.

Super Budget

Dormitory beds with shared bathrooms in guesthouses or hostels. Located in the region of the best attractions. Breakfast is not included.

Budget

Rooms with shared bathrooms in farmhouses, guesthouses or hostels, with good locations near the best attractions. Breakfast is not included.

Comfort

Rooms with a private bathroom in three star hotels or quality guesthouses. Very close to the best attractions at each location. Breakfast is included.

Quality

Rooms with a private bathroom in a four star hotel or superior rooms in a quality three star hotel at the best locations in Iceland. Breakfast is included.

Car

Below you can see the car rental options available for this self-drive tour.

All our vehicles are new or current models, of maximum 2 years of age. Super Budget levels come with standard CDW insurance, while all other levels also include Gravel Protection (GP) insurance. Please note that off-road driving is illegal for all types of cars.

All levels come equipped with free Wi-fi. You can enjoy unlimited data with the Wi-Fi device, which can be connected to up to 10 devices at once. The car rental will provide 24-hour roadside emergency services.

Age requirement for each level can be found below. For all levels, the driver must possess a valid driving license for at least one year before the date of the rental.

We recommend Budget 4X4 level for summer driving and Comfort 4X4 for winter driving.

Super Budget 2WD

A small 2WD vehicle such as Toyota Aygo or similar, fit for basic travelling in everyday conditions. Compact and comfortable for up to 2 travellers with very little luggage. No highland capabilities. The driver must be of 20 years of age or above.

Budget 2WD

A basic 2WD vehicle, such as a Toyota Yaris or similar, suitable for travelling in everyday conditions. Comfortable for 3 travellers with light luggage. This vehicle does not have highland capabilities. The driver must be of 20 years of age or above.

Budget 4x4

A basic 4WD (4X4) jeep or SUV such as a Dacia Duster or similar. Comfortably fit up to 3 travellers with 2 large pieces of luggage. Fit for most travel and decent for snow and off-asphalt driving. Has basic highland capabilities. The driver must be of 20 years of age or above.

Comfort 4x4

A medium-sized 4WD (4x4) jeep or SUV such as a Toyota Rav4 (automatic) and Suzuki Vitara (manual), or similar. Comfortably fit up to 4 travelers with 3 large pieces of luggage. Fit for most travel and good for snow and off-asphalt driving. Has basic highland capabilities. The driver must be of 21 years of age or above.

Luxury 4x4

A large 4WD jeep such as a Toyota Land Cruiser or similar. Comfortable for up to 4 travellers with 4 large pieces of luggage. Fit for nearly all travelling. Has full highland capabilities to drive on accessible mountain roads. The driver must be of 21 years of age or above.

Van

A large 9-seater van such as a Mercedes Benz Vito or similar. Comfortable for 5 to 7 travelers. If seated full, luggage space is limited. The driver must be of 23 years of age or above.

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