9-day discovery of northern Iceland
This North Iceland discovery self-drive takes you on a true adventure through the country’s less visited north. You’ll fly to Akureyri and pick up your rental car at the airport. From there, hit Highway One on the Diamond Circle route to tranquil Lake Myvatn with its inspiring natural surroundings. See geothermal activity, lava formations and the canyons of Dimmuborgir and Asbyrgi as well as the spectacular waterfalls of Dettifoss and Godafoss.
Then it’s on to the remote Westfjords and some of the most spectacular and isolated landscapes of Iceland. An endless variety of deep blue fjords, silent white glaciers, unspoiled beaches and rejuvenating hot springs await you here. Heading south, arrive at the Snaefellsnes Peninsula with its lava fields, waterfalls and volcanoes before finishing your adventure in Reykjavik.
Services
Included:
- 8 nights accommodation in 3 or 4-star hotels with private bathroom
- Daily breakfast
- Domestic flight
- Car rental (CDW insurance, Wi-Fi, unlimited miles & emergency service)
- Airport bus transfer
- Ferry transfer
- Activities & admission fees to sites as per the itinerary
- Northern lights tips
Excluded:
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Any meals & drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Optional:
- Speak to your local expert if there's an experience that you'd really love to include in your trip
Itinerary at a Glance
Hverir - Dimmuborgir Parking - Skutustadagigar
The wonders of Lake Myvatn
Asbiyrgi - Dettifoss - Husavik
Explore the Diamond Circle
Godafoss - Akureyri - Kolugljufur
The wonders of Godafoss & Akureyri
Hvitanes - Litlibaer - Isafjordur
Into the Westfjords
ÖNundarfjörður Pier (Holt í ÖNundarfirði) - Thingeyri - Parking For Dynjandi
Marvel at Dynjandi Waterfall & spectacular fjords
Raudasandur - Breidavik - Látrabjarg
Go in search of magical beaches & puffins
Kirkjufell - Djupalonssandur - Arnarstapi
Exploring the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Grabrok - Hraunfossar - Reykholt
The waterfalls & springs of the west
Reykjavik
Goodbye, Iceland!
Detailed Itinerary
Hverir - Dimmuborgir Parking - Skutustadagigar
Day 1: The wonders of Lake Myvatn
Begin your North Iceland adventure by driving to the volcanic Lake Myvatn. The whole area is surrounded by diverse natural wonders – including the Dimmuborgir lava park, the craters at Skutustadagigar, bubbling geothermal areas, and the Viti and Hverfjall craters.
Fans of Game of Thrones might recognize the Grjotagja lava cave and spring which featured in the show. There are also some fantastic natural hot springs to enjoy at the Myvatn Nature Baths. With your own transport, you’ll be able to explore the whole area, spending quality time at your favorite spots.
Asbiyrgi - Dettifoss - Husavik
Day 2: Explore the Diamond Circle
The Diamond Circle driving route loops around from Lake Myvatn and takes in the impressive Dettifoss Waterfall before heading further north to the spectacular Vesturdalur Valley and Asbyrgi Canyon.
Dettifoss is Europe's most powerful waterfall and is an incredible place to experience. Meanwhile, the remote Vesturdalur Valley has fascinating geological wonders to observe, such as the Hljodaklettar basalt formations and the colorful Raudholar Hills.
You'll then head to the fishing village of Husavik, best known as the whale-watching capital of Iceland, and also home to the GeoSea geothermal sea baths.
Godafoss - Akureyri - Kolugljufur
Day 3: The wonders of Godafoss & Akureyri
The city of Akureyri is at the heart of North Iceland and features a charming downtown area, several noteworthy architectural sites, interesting museums, and the beautiful Lystigardurinn Botanical Gardens. After exploring there, head west and just off of the Ring Road, you'll encounter the Godafoss Waterfall, one of the prettiest falls in Iceland.
The northwest is an often-overlooked region with several options for sightseeing off the beaten track. Consider visiting the Vatnsnes and Trollaskagi peninsulas to see the colorful fishing village of Siglufjordur, the Hvitserkur sea stack, or the Borgarvirki Fortress, amongst many other sights.
Hvitanes - Litlibaer - Isafjordur
Day 4: Into the Westfjords
Continue along Highway One before heading north into Iceland’s remote Westfjords. Head to Isafjordur Bay, located in the northern Westfjords, where you can best experience the stunning beauty of Iceland's fjord landscape.
The scenic drive there offers plenty of opportunities to stop, perhaps to spot seals at the cape of Hvitanes, enjoy waffles at the charming Litlibaer turf-roofed house, or hike in the Valagil Gorge. The picturesque town of Isafjordur is the largest settlement in the region, with a rich maritime history and a well-preserved town center.
ÖNundarfjörður Pier (Holt í ÖNundarfirði) - Thingeyri - Parking For Dynjandi
Day 5: Marvel at Dynjandi Waterfall & spectacular fjords
The road between the northern and southern Westfjords goes through some of the most beautiful fjords in Iceland, passing charming fishing villages and leading over steep mountain passes. The drive through the fjords of Arnarfjordur, Dyrafjordur and Onundarfjordur is particularly scenic.
The highlight of this route is the majestic Dynjandi Waterfall, one of Iceland’s loveliest waterfalls. There are also some excellent hiking and horseriding routes in the region, if you want a change of pace.
Raudasandur - Breidavik - Látrabjarg
Day 6: Go in search of magical beaches & puffins
The southern Westfjords are famous for having some of the most stunning multicolored beaches in Iceland. The most popular of these is the red-hued Raudasandur, also home to a colony of seals.
You could also spend a while visiting the Latrabjarg cliffs, the westernmost point of Iceland. In the summer, they offer fantastic opportunities for birdwatching and are one of the best places in Iceland to photograph puffins up close.
Kirkjufell - Djupalonssandur - Arnarstapi
Day 7: Exploring the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
After leaving the Westfjords. head southwest to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. This area is often referred to as ‘Iceland in miniature’ because of its breadth of sights within a relatively small space.
Dominated by the impressive Snaefellsjokull glacier volcano, it offers an incredible variety of landscapes from lava fields and fascinating rock formations to windswept beaches, waterfalls, and volcanos.
The Kirkjufell Mountain and waterfall just outside of the town of Grundarfjordur are particularly impressive - pay a visit to bear witness to more incredible landscapes to have featured in Game of Thrones.
Grabrok - Hraunfossar - Reykholt
Day 8: The waterfalls & springs of the west
The lava landscape of western Iceland is home to several lesser-known sights, such as the Grabrok Crater and Glanni Waterfall, just off the Ring Road. A detour into the Borgarfjordur area will take you to the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, as well as Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring.
The village of Reykholt is steeped in saga history with a medieval center and the oldest hot spring in Iceland - for these reasons alone, it's also well worth a visit. Hikers shouldn't miss taking the road into the Hvalfjordur Fjord for an exhilarating hike along a canyon and through caves, towards the 198m-tall Glymur Waterfall.
Reykjavik
Day 9: Goodbye, Iceland!
Today, make your way to Reykjavik, Iceland's exciting capital city. After dropping off your rental car, you'll prepare for your flight back home.
Alternatively, speak to your local expert about extending your trip, and stay for a few days to explore the city at leisure. There are many excellent museums and art galleries to enjoy, as well as unmissable shopping, dining and nightlife.
