This self-drive tour in Southern Iceland will have you marvelling at a fantastic variety of landscapes; wild coastlines and black sand beaches. Farms surrounded by green pastures, waterfalls and hot water springs, all the while, experiencing a seemingly endless horizon dominated by majestic Glaciers! And, the list goes on! Although your journey is in the south of Iceland, it is a great representation of the diversity of the island’s natural marvels. In winter it is usually the most accessible area of the country. During the summer months, if you choose to travel in a four wheel drive vehicle, you will be able to access the Fjallaback nature reserve which is uninhabited and wondrous.
Arrive at Keflavik International Airport. Rental car pick up and drive to Reykjavík. Settle in to your accommodation. The first night is at your leisure in the world’s northernmost capital. Staying overnight Reykjavík.
Distance travelled: 50 km, 1h
Night in Reykjavík
Jour 2
Reykjavík - Gulfoss
gulfoss
After picking up your rental car, you’re off to discover Iceland’s famous Golden Circle. Your first stop will be Thingvellir to discover the effects of the oceanic rift and the site of the oldest parliament in the world. Then you’ll continue your drive passing through fertile farmlands to reach the famous Strokkur geyser in Geysir (the place that originally gave the phenomenon its name). A bit further is the Gullfoss waterfall, where the Hvítá River has created an impressive canyon.
Distance travelled: 150 km, 2h30
Night in the Flúdir region
Jour 3
Flúdir – Skogar – Vík - Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Discover the marvels lying at the feet of the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. Black sand beaches and bird cliffs on the ocean-side of the road. On the other side, innumerable waterfalls crash from cliff tops and glacial tongues drift down from the mountains higher up. Stop at the Skogar waterfall and visit its rustic museum. If you are in a 4WD vehicle, drive down to the black sand beaches of Dyrholaey. In the Vik region, you can observe a large puffin colony in their natural habitat.
In summer, only with the 4WD option: Cross the Fjallaback natural reserve and discover some of the country’s most untouched landscapes, the Helka volcano, the Eldgjá rift, and of course go for a swim in the hot springs at Landmannalaugar, nestled amongst a mountain range turned multicoloured by geothermal activity.
Distance travelled: 230 km, 4h00
Night in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur region.
Jour 4
Skaftafell National Park – Jökulsarlon – Höfn
Höfn
Hike around the Skaftafell area of the Vatnajokull National Park. Many spectacular trails abound, one of which will take you to the Svartifoss waterfall and its stunning basalt rock formations. Driving east, you’ll reach the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon. You may think you’re in Greenland for a minute as you take in the sight of these icebergs that are cast off from Europe’s largest glacier and the lazy seals that sunbathe on them.
Distance travelled: 200 km, 3h30
Night in the Höfn region.
Jour 5
Höfn - Vík
Vík
Continue your discovery of the area surrounding the Vatnajökull glacier, Europe’s largest. Then, move on to the verdant region of Kirkjubaejarklaustur: waterfalls, ancient lava flows left by Laki’s eruption in 1783 and covered today by a thick layer of moss. Stop at the canyon of Fjardrarglufur, a short walk from the road. Then you’ll cross through the long desert-like expanse of Mýrdalssandur.
In summer, only with the 4WD option: Discover the Laki region, home to the most powerful eruptions since Iceland’s settlement, and the lunar landscapes these left behind. You’ll discover a line of 120 craters extending over 25 km. The black lava and green moss make for an interesting contrast. The Tjarnargígur Lake and the Fagrifoss waterfall are also on the menu today!
Distance travelled: 270 km, 4h30
Night in the Vík region.
Jour 6
Vik – Reykjanes Peninsula- Reykjavík
Return towards the capital by driving along the southern coast of the Reykjanes peninsula. Savage coasts and lunar landscapes formed by numerous volcanic eruptions. Iceland’s Geothermal activity manifests itself here in many forms: the bubbling cauldrons of mud and steam at Krýsuvík as well as the thermal turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon.
In summer, only with the 4WD option: Take a detour to drive by the surprising cliffs of Krýsuvíkurberg and the isolated trail of Vigdísarvellir.
Distance travelled: 300 km, 5h00
Night in Reykjavik.
Jour 7
Hvalfjordur – Reykholt
Reykholt
Drive on the shores of the long and impressive Hvalfjördur, or “whale fjord” until you reach the valley of Reykholt. Here you’ll find the hot water springs of Deildartunguhver that are often said to be the fastest flowing in the Europe. Stop at the waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss and continue back to the capital. Return your rental car before a relaxing last night in Reykjavik.
In summer, only with the 4WD option: Follow the trail of Kaldidalur that links the valley of Reykholt to that of Thingvellir along the western flanks of the Langjökull glacier.
Distance travelled: 300 km, 5h00
Night in Reykjavik.
Jour 8
Reykjavik – Keflavik
Keflavik
Return your rental car at Keflavik International Airport for your flight home.
Your accomodation during your Iceland Southern Coast Travel
Take your pick: hotels, mountain huts, campsites…
The vast majority of Icelandic establishments are modest, but clean and comfortable. Most of the guesthouses, farmhouses and hotels offer catering. Your accommodation will fall under whichever category of establishment you choose. There is also a camping option (all camping equipment provided). With our voucher system, you’ll be able to camp when and where you want, giving you as much freedom as you want to adapt your itinerary based on the weather as well as your own location choices.
We recommend that your book your Iceland self-drive as soon as possible in order to have to the most choice when it comes to the establishment itself and the type of accommodation you stay in.
Friendly advice for your Iceland Southern Coast travel:
Take this trip in May or June to take advantage of permanent daylight and nature coming out of hibernation. This is also the best time for watching sea birds, and escaping the craziness of high tourist season.
In September this trip is also nice thanks to the autumn light, the mountain roads still being open, the possibility of seeing northern lights and, again, the tranquillity of off season travel.
If you are on a small budget do not travel in July or August. If you do, stay in hostels, mountain huts or campsites during your trip.
Discover in Iceland in comfort even as it lies under a blanket of snow and Ice.
An Iceland self drive that is compact but rich and full of variety.
The essential Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon experiences.
The Aurora season; From September to April and the magical light it brings.
The luxury of stress free travel outside of the main tourist season.
Experience an artic winter in a safe environment without having to visit the North Pole.
Nos garanties
Icelandic Pioneer
Based in Reykjavik
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Value for money
Les avis de nos voyageurs
Hi Julien,
The trip was AMAZING!!! We had such a great time and we really appreciate everything you did to help make it that way. We’ll definitely be back! 🙂
Rachel
Rachel
Juin 2022
Hi Priscilla,
Everything was fantastic! I’m amazed at how quickly you pulled everything together, and it went so smoothly. Your personalized recommendations each day were incredibly helpful!
Macy & Courtland
Juin 2022
Hi Trent,
I’m sure it was a very hectic summer for you and bet you are glad that it’s now over. We had a fantastic trip and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. I once again would like to thank you and your company for an extremely pleasant experience. I would have no hesitation with recommending the trip to any of my friends.
Kind regards
