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Keflavik
This is the complete Iceland Summer Holidays self-drive tour including all the popular must-see spots as well as many of the island’s best kept secrets. Among these “out of the way” spots are the peninsulas of the fjords of the north-west and the Snaefellsnes peninsula that will delight both sea and bird lovers with their refreshing ocean air and breath-taking vistas!
The length of your Iceland Summer Holidays self-drive will give you the time to really appreciate the diversity of Iceland’s landscapes: Oceanic, volcanic, glacial or desert, you’ll be amazed to discover that such a small country is home to so many natural marvels.
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The famous Golden Circle
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Your unique Iceland Summer Holidays self-drive tour!
You begin your Iceland Summer Holidays journey by arriving at Keflavik international airport. Rental car pick up. The first evening spent at your leisure in the northernmost capital of the world.
Option: If you have an early morning arrival, there is the possibility to go whale watching in Reykjavik, or to visit the Reykjanes peninsula and the Blue Lagoon (not included).
Distance travelled: 50km – 1h
Staying overnight in Reykjavík.
Today, depart for 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.
Next, the Golden Circle: discover the oceanic rift at Thingvellir, the geyser Strokkur at Geysir and the Gullfoss waterfall where the HvÍta river has created an impressive canyon. There is also the day/half day hike at Reykjadalur up to the geothermal spring for a nice relaxing soak or the beautiful Thjórsadalur valley with it´s walkways to explore.
Distance travelled: approx. 200 km
Staying overnight in Flúðir area.
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 glacier tongues drift down from the mountains higher up.
Stop at the Seljalandsfoss and Skogarfoss waterfalls. Visit Skogar’s rustic museum. You’ll arrive in Vik in the afternoon to meet the puffin colonies that reside there. If you are in a 4X4 vehicle, drive down to the black sand beaches of Dyrholaey.
4X4 option: Add a day to your Iceland Summer Holidays tour to explore the natural reserve of Fjallabak which houses some of Iceland most spectacular and wildest sites, the Hekla volcano, the volcanic rift of Eldgjá, and of course, the hot water river of Landmanalaugar, nestled in the mountains that geothermal activity has stained many colours over the years!
Distance travelled: approx. 230 km
Staying overnight in Vik.
Going eastward until Skaftafell National Park. Numerous hikes are possible in the park, one of which leads you to Svartifoss waterfall and its beautiful basaltic columns, over-looking gigantic glaciers and endless plains. Further east, discover Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon and its Greenland-like landscapes with floating icebergs.
4X4 alternative: Take an extra day on your Iceland Summer Holidays tour to discover Laki and its amazing lunar landscapes sculpted during the biggest eruption since Iceland was populated occurred leaving behind surreal and lunar-like landscapes.
Distance travelled: approx. 260 km
Staying overnight in Höfn area.
From one fjord to the next, discover the wild landscapes shaped sculpted by the glaciers of the last ice-age, the seals of Lónsvík, the swans of Álftafjördur (depending on the season), Petra’s rocks and minerals museum at Stödvarfjördur, or Djúpivogur charming harbour.
Distance travelled: approx. 260 km
Staying overnight in Egilsstadir area.
After crossing the desert-like plains of the north-east, you will reach Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. It marks the entrance of the Jökulsárglúfur region which extends north until the canyon of Ásbyrgi. You will then drive around Tjörnes peninsula where it is possible to see flying puffins, (until the middle of August) before you arrive in Húsavík’s charming harbour where a whale watching cruise is possible. Then it’s off to Myvatn.
4X4 option (tracks opening around the 17th of June, early July at the latest): Discover Snæfell, Kverkfjöll and Askja regions. You are at the heart of volcanic regions and deserts, under Vatnajökull glacier.
Distance travelled: approx. 300 km
Staying overnight in Mývatn area.
Explore Lake Mývatn region, which includes amongst some of the most astonishing geological and geothermal manifestations in the country: Pseudo-craters and explosive craters, recent lava flows which may still be steaming, bubbling mud pools, a vast variety of birdlife, many walking paths and the possibility to relax in the geothermal spa.
Distance travelled: approx. 60 km
Staying overnight in the Lake Mývatn area.
Head west toward the Godafoss waterfall and Akureyri, the capital of the north, before reaching the Skagafjördur fjord. It is possible to visit the Glaumbær museum, a renovated farm dating from the 19th century.
4X4 option (track opens around the 6th of June, early April at the latest): Spend your Iceland Summer Holidays tour day discovering the Aldeyjarfoss waterfall and Laugafell’s hot springs. Enter the highlands in the Sprengisandur region north of Hofsjökull glacier.
Distance travelled: approx. 220 km
Staying overnight in Skagafjördur area.
Transition day to reach the west fjords peninsula, land of sorcery and completely untouched by tourists. On the way, a detour is possible by Vatnsnes peninsula to discover wild coasts inhabited by a few colonies of seals.
Distance travelled: approx. 300 km
Staying overnight in Hólmavík area.
From fjord to fjord, the road winds between jagged coasts and little beaches where seals come to be admired under the gaze of mountains and valleys created by glaciers millions of years ago. Stop at the Arctic fox center at Súðarvík to see these wonderful and resilient animals up close. Next, your arrival in Ísafjörður, the region’s biggest town and a prosperous fishing port.
During the summer, tours to the island Vigur are possible: By boat, cross the Ísafjardarðjúp fjord to get to this little island and its puffin and eider colonies.
Distance travelled: approx. 250 km
Staying overnight in Ísafjörður region.
From one fjord to the other, you follow the coast. Stop at the spectacular Dynjandi waterfalls and at Látrabjarg cliffs, Europe’s highest!
Distance travelled: approx. 230 km
Staying overnight in Ísafjörður region.
Walk along Raudisandur red beach, to observe a colony of seals before taking the ferry across Breidarfjördur fjord.
Distance travelled: approx. 120 km
Spend a charming night on Flatey island in the middle of the fjord or in the quiet fishing town of Stykkyshólmur.
If you spend the night on Flatey: Enjoy a relaxing morning on the island. Take the opportunity to stroll around the island, observing the many birds that nest there like the kittiwake, puffins (until mid-August) and guillemots. Most of the island is a protected nature reserve and its location in the middle of the bay offers wonderful views of the mainland on the horizon. In summertime, witness the vibrancy (Relatively speaking!) of this small fishing village. Departure from the island by ferry early afternoon before docking in Stykkisholmur and exploring the Snaefellsnes peninsula.
If you spend the night in Stykkisholmur: Discover the wild coasts of this peninsula under the ever-present Snæfellsjökull volcano, where Jules Verne imagined the beginning of his Journey to the center of the earth. Rocky seashores and colonies of seagulls and guillemots on the cliffs of Arnarstapi and Hellnar.
4WD option: Drive up to the edge of Snæfellsjökull glacier and gaze over the sandy shores of Snæfellsnes peninsula.
Distance travelled: approx. 230 km
Staying overnight in South Snæfellsnes/Borgarnes area.
Back to Reykjavik through the Reykholt valley where you will find the Deildartunguhver’s hot springs. Discover the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, and then continue to the capital via the impressive Hvalfjördur, “Whale fjord”. Here, you have the possibily to hike to the top of the highest waterfall of the country, Glymur (200m).
4WD option: Take Kaldidalur road along Langjökull glacier on your way to Thingvellir National Park.
Distance travelled: approx. 220 km
Staying overnight in Reykjavik.
Your Iceland Summer Holidays ends here. Rental car drop off in Keflavík International airport in time for your flight home.
Option: If your departure is in the afternoon or the evening, there is a possibility to visit Reykjanes peninsula and the Blue Lagoon (not included).
Distance travelled: approx. 50 km
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.
Request QuotePricing based on two persons, double room, tent or in dorm/common rooms for the Youth hostel option, with a regular car.
In camping, from June through to August.
– With Flatey Island hotel – and equipment provided: from 1.519€ to 1.851€/pers. depending on the season.
– Without Flatey Island hotel – and equipment provided: from 1.407€ to 1.727€ /pers. depending on the season
In hut or youth hostel, from May to September.
– In dormitory or common (Sleeping bag) room in the country: from 1.976€ to 2.366€ /pers. depending on the season
In guesthouses, farms or country hotels, from May to September.
– In room with private facilities: from 2.674€ to 3.540€ /pers. depending on season
– In room without private facilities: from 2.274€ to 2.729€ /pers. depending on season
*Final price depending on the number of persons, the season and the vehicle category
Check out our travel guide and read our articles about traveling to Iceland!
Sleeping in a yurt in Iceland
Thinking of sleeping in a yurt in Iceland? Well, it may seem unbelievable, but yes it is possible!
Make your trip to Iceland unforgettable spending a night in a yurt!
Embark on a zodiac tour to be able to reach a small isolated island in the middle of a glacier river (south Iceland).
You will find several yurts there. It’s time to reconnect with the nature and enjoy every second of this experience : it all starts off by turning your phone off, taking the fishing nets out of the water and season the fresh salmon for tonight’s bbq.
After stargazing and perhaps get the chance to see northern lights, slip under your sheepskin cover in your yurt for a lovely night..
This unique experience is an Iceland Like A Local finding
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Sleep in an ice cave
Do you long to experience the deep cold? Well put on your crampons and helmet, grab your ice pick and traverse a glacier to explore an ice cave that will also be your accommodation for the night.
The exact location is confidential, but we can tell you that it is located 25 km from the Skaftafell region.
Once you have arrived at the Vatnajökull glacier, it’s time to meet your equipment! Helmets, crampons and ice picks will make sure you are properly prepared! Enter the ice cave and be amazed by the many focal points as you discover the various shades of blue created by the varied density of the ice.
After a local Icelandic diner, set out your sleeping bag and enjoy your night under the glacier. What an adventure!
This activity is available from mid-December to mid-March.
Note: This activity is not recommended for families and seniors.
This unique experience is an Iceland Like A Local finding
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Surfing the Artic waves
Of course it is possible, come surf the cold Arctic waves !
Discover one of the most surprising activities to do in Iceland!
This 8 hours excursion starts with a visit of the wonders of the Reykjanes peninsula before jumping onto your surfboard ! To surf the best waves in the best conditions, keep an ear out to the precious local advices, they always love to share their tips for this unique experience!
This unique experience is an Iceland Like A Local finding
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Watching the midnight sun beyond the Arctic Circle
Experience one of the most unique events in Iceland : the midnight sun.
Hop on a ferry in Akureyri, and sale to the island of Grimsey, straddling the Arctic Circle. During summer solstice, (approx. 20 – 22.st of June ) the sun remains constantly above the horizon for 24 hours.
Meet Atlantic puffins and more than 12 other different species before settling in your guesthouse to enjoy a local meal. Shortly after it will be time to find a perfect spot for the spectacular scene: enjoy the endless sun of Grímsey..
This unique experience is an Iceland Like A Local finding
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Icelandic cooking class
Participate in preparing and enjoying a mouth-watering Icelandic style 3-course gourmet meal using fresh local ingredients, all under the supervision of skilled and entertaining local chefs. Afterwards you will have plenty of time to enjoy, in a relaxing atmosphere, a well-earned glass of wine.
You will sample local delicacies such as homemade Icelandic rye bread, dung smoked Arctic char, dried Atlantic wolfish, smoked free-range lamb and selected local beers. The class does not require any prior culinary experience and is enjoyable for gourmet cooks and novices alike.
This Icelandic cooking class is an Iceland Like A Local finding
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