Iceland's south: glaciers, volcanoes & national parks
This self-drive tour of South Iceland is perfect for those who want to see the diverse wonders and highlights without venturing too far - giving you plenty of time at each place to soak in the sights slowly.
Highlights include: exploring the lava landscapes of the Reykjanes Peninsula along with the diverse wonders of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, enjoying time at the ever-impressive Golden Circle, and cruising along the South Coast taking in volcanoes, glaciers, and dramatic waterfalls. You'll pack in plenty during this eight-day tour!
Services
Included:
- Seven nights' accommodation in three or four-star hotels
- Daily breakfast
- Car rental (CDW insurance, unlimited kilometers, emergency service and Wi-Fi included)
- Activities & admission fees to sites as per the itinerary
- Ability to expand the duration of your trip, add more travelers & customize your itinerary during the planning stages
Excluded:
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Any meals & drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses
- Petrol & parking fees
Optional:
- Additional activities & excursions
Itinerary at a Glance
Reykjanesta - Kleifarvatn - Snæfellsnesvegur
Welcome to Iceland!
Snæfellsnesvegur - Grundarfjordur - Snæfellsnesvegur
Mountains & waterfalls
Snæfellsnesvegur - Reykholt - Brattholt
Lavish lava landscapes
Brattholt - Thingvellir National Park - Brattholt
Highlights of the Golden Circle
Brattholt - Seljalandsfoss - Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Black sand beaches & sea stacks
Kirkjubæjarklaustur - Skaftafell Nature Reserve - Kirkjubæjarklaustur
The epic Vatnajokull Glacier
Kirkjubæjarklaustur - Solheimasandur - Reykjavik
Drive along the South Coast
Reykjavik
Enjoy the capital, Reykjavik
Detailed Itinerary
Reykjanesta - Kleifarvatn - Snæfellsnesvegur
Day 1: Welcome to Iceland!
Upon arrival in Iceland, collect your rental car and get ready to start your Icelandic adventure!
You'll begin by exploring the less-visited Reykjanes Peninsula, a perfect introduction to the landscapes of Iceland - the moon-like lava landscape is enthralling.
Except for the world-famous Blue Lagoon, the geological wonders of this region remain much less visited. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge cuts across the peninsula making it one of the most volcanically active parts of Iceland, with colorful geothermal areas, a dramatic coastline, bustling bird cliffs and the Bridge Between Continents. You can even take a tour inside an actual volcano!
Snæfellsnesvegur - Grundarfjordur - Snæfellsnesvegur
Day 2: Mountains & waterfalls
Today you'll head northwest to the beautiful Snaefellsnes Peninsula, often referred to as ‘Iceland in miniature'. Dominated by the majestic Snaefellsjokull Glacier Volcano, it offers an incredible variety of sights.
As you explore you'll see strange lava fields and fascinating rock formations, windswept beaches with inspiring coastal views, orca whales and bird colonies.
The dramatic Kirkjufell Mountain and waterfall just outside of the town of Grundarfjordur is a very popular icon of the region. This is another of Iceland’s landscapes featured in Game of Thrones and it is indeed very photogenic!
Snæfellsnesvegur - Reykholt - Brattholt
Day 3: Lavish lava landscapes
The lava landscape of West Iceland is home to several lesser-known sights, such as the Grabrok Crater and Glanni Waterfall. A detour into the Borgarfjordur area will take you to the unique Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls and Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring.
The village of Reykholt on the way is steeped in saga history with a medieval center and the oldest hot spring in Iceland. Hikers must take the road into the Hvalfjordur Fjord for the exhilarating hike along a canyon and through caves to the 198m tall Glymur Waterfall.
Brattholt - Thingvellir National Park - Brattholt
Day 4: Highlights of the Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is Iceland's most popular sightseeing route and is just a short drive west of Reykjavik. The trio of impressive sights are Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss Waterfall.
Thingvellir, a historically significant site, is located in the rift valley between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. The Strokkur geyser, which regularly erupts 30m up into the air, is the highlight of the Geysir Geothermal Area.
In addition to these most famous sights, there are other options for activities and less-visited local gems to stop off at, including the Kerid Crater Lake and the hot springs town of Hveragerdi.
Brattholt - Seljalandsfoss - Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Day 5: Black sand beaches & sea stacks
After marveling at the Golden Circle sights, you'll head east along the scenic South Coast. This stretch of the Ring Road is home to many of Iceland's most well-known waterfalls.
Seljalandsfoss is a unique waterfall in Iceland that has a path running around behind it, so that visitors can walk behind the falling curtain of water. Picture-perfect Skogafoss Waterfall is a favorite among photographers and filmmakers for its striking appearance.
Further east, the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara offer fantastic views of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks and the Dyrholaey cliff.
Kirkjubæjarklaustur - Skaftafell Nature Reserve - Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Day 6: The epic Vatnajokull Glacier
The landscape of Southeast Iceland is dominated by Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier. Nestled between its glacier tongues is the beautiful Skaftafell Nature Reserve which offers a great variety of hiking routes, including one to the lovely Svartifoss Waterfall.
The famous Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is dotted with sculptural icebergs that flow out to the sea and are then broken down and washed up on the sparkling Diamond Beach.
If you visit during the winter you could try glacier hiking or visit an ice cave, while in summer boat trips across the Jokulsarlon Lagoon to see the icebergs and seals is a great option.
Kirkjubæjarklaustur - Solheimasandur - Reykjavik
Day 7: Drive along the South Coast
Today you drive back west along the South Coast, stopping at some of the lesser-visited gems such as Thakgil and the Solheimasandur black sand beach. You could also choose to visit anywhere you missed on the way in, or embark on an incredible hike!
Reykjavik
Day 8: Enjoy the capital, Reykjavik
You'll spend your last day in the capital city of Reykjavik, the world's northernmost capital. Enjoy some time exploring its charming downtown area and visiting a variety of museums. The city has much to offer with a vibrant cultural and music scene, great design shops, art galleries, and world-class restaurants.
After a full week of adventure, it's time to head home! Drop off your rental car and have a safe journey home.
