30 – Days in Iceland Self drive

This day marks your first full day in Iceland. Dive into the heart of Reykjavík with the Reykjavík Food Walk! This guided tour will give you an authentic taste of the city, allowing you to savor delicious local delicacies while learning about Reykjavík ‘s vibrant culture, rich history and unique traditions. After the tour, continue exploring the parts of the city that caught your interest or venture off on your own to see more of Reykjavík at your own pace.

Activity: Reykjavík Food Walk

Cabin Hotel, Superior room or something similar

Explore the Golden Circle, one of Iceland ‘s most famous routes. Begin at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Marvel at the erupting geysers at Geysir geothermal area, where Strokkur the butter churn erupts every few minutes. Continue to Gullfoss the stunning „Golden Falls “. End the day with an overnight stay in the Golden Circle area.

Blue Hotel Fagrilundur, Standard room or something similar. 

Today, take a highland bus to Þórsmörk, a stunning nature reserve nestled between glaciers and mountains. Named after Thor, the Norse god of thunder, this area is a paradise for nature lovers, offering breathtaking landscapes, lush valleys, and dramatic views. Spend the night surrounded by the peaceful beauty of Þórsmörk.

Transfer: Highland bus from Hvolsvöllur to Þórsmörk

Volcano Hut (glamping/hut)

With your map in hand, embark on a self-guided hike in Þórsmörk, home to some of Iceland’s most beautiful and versatile trails. Whether you choose a short scenic walk or a more challenging adventure, you’ll be immersed in stunning landscapes. Spend your second night in this peaceful and awe-inspiring natural reserve, surrounded by the dramatic beauty of Iceland’s wilderness.

Volcano Hut (glamping/hut)

Before you head back with the highland bus, be sure to take one final moment to admire the breathtaking views of Þórsmörk. The stunning landscapes will leave you in awe. Afterward, make your way to the Hvolsvöllur area for your overnight stay, where you can unwind and reflect on the beauty of the day.

Transfer: Highland bus from Þórsmörk to Hvolsvöllur

Hellishólar,  Standard room or something similar

Today, continue your journey along Iceland’s stunning south coast. Start by standing behind the plummeting Seljalandsfoss waterfall, then walk up to Skógafoss to admire its impressive 60-meter drop. Next, head to Vík in Mýrdalur, Iceland’s southernmost village, nestled among cliffs teeming with thriving birdlife. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of glaciers, black sand beaches, and striking rock formations. Finish the day with an overnight stay in the Krikjubæjarklaustur area, surrounded by serene landscapes.

Hunkubakkar, Standard room or something similar

Today, visit Skaftafell National Park, where you'll hike to Svartifoss, a stunning waterfall framed by striking black basalt columns. Next, explore Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where icebergs float serenely on the water. The best way to fully appreciate the lagoon’s beauty is by taking a boat tour. Afterward, head to the Diamond Beach, where ice chunks, polished by the sea, rest on the black sand shore. If weather and road conditions permit, visit the magnificent Fjarðarárgljúfur canyon near Kirkjubæjarklaustur, believed to have formed around 9,000 years ago at the end of the last Ice Age. Return to Kirkjubæjarklaustur for your second overnight stay.

Activity: Zodiac Boat tour

Hunkubakkar, Standard room or something similar

Continue your travel to the Eastfjords of Iceland enjoying the stunning costal views and rugged landscape. Passing through the charming fishing village of Höfn. Along the way consider stopping in Djúpivogur to see the Eggs of Merry Bay sculptures or explore Petra‘s Stone Museum which show cases a remarkable collection of Icelandic mineral stones. After the day enjoy a overnight stay in the Eastfjords.

Breiðdalsvík Hotel, Standard room or something similar

In the area around Egilsstaðir, you'll find Iceland's largest forest, Hallormsstaðaskógur, located by Lake Lagafljót. Visit Hengifoss, one of Iceland's tallest waterfalls, and further inland, explore the Wilderness Center for a deeper look at the country's wild landscapes.

After discovering Egilsstaðir, head 70 km north to Borgarfjörður Eystri, a village renowned for its stunning natural beauty and endless hiking possibilities. Borgarfjörður Eystri is also famously known as the home of the Queen of Elves.

End your day with an overnight stay in this charming village.

Álfheimar Hotel, Standard room or something similar

With a map in hand, embark on a self-guided hike in the Borgarfjörður Eystri area, where you'll find several scenic routes to explore. Popular trails include the Brúnavík Circle, Stórurð, Urðarhólar Lake, and Stapavík. With detailed maps available, you can easily find the route that best suits your interests and fitness level, allowing you to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the region at your own pace.

Álfheimar Hotel, Standard room or something similar

Borgarfjörður Eystri is a fantastic destination for puffin viewing. Start your day with a tour to the puffin colony, where you can get a close-up look at these charming seabirds. Afterward, you might visit Seyðisfjörður, a picturesque village renowned for its colorful houses and scenic surroundings, or Mjóifjörður, a tranquil fjord known for its breathtaking landscapes and serene atmosphere. Return to Borgarfjörður Eystri for the night.

Activity: Puffins of Borgarfjörður Eystri

Álfheimar Hotel, Standard room or something similar

Leaving the Eastfjords, make your way to Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall. Marvel at the sheer force and beauty of the cascading water as it plunges into the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river. After your visit, continue to the Mývatn/Húsavík area for an overnight stay.

Narfastaðir, Standard room or something similar

Explore the highlights of the Diamond Circle today, starting with Lake Mývatn and its captivating surroundings. Visit Dimmuborgir, a unique lava field with striking rock formations, and the Skútustaðir pseudo-craters, offering panoramic views of the lake. Mývatn Nature Baths, a geothermal spa with a tranquil atmosphere. Next, head to Húsavík, Iceland’s whale watching capital, where you take part in a whale watching tour to spot these magnificent creatures. If time permits, consider visiting Ásbyrgi, a horseshoe-shaped canyon with lush greenery and peaceful hiking trails. Enjoy your second overnight stay in the Mývatn/Húsavík area

Activity: Original Whale Watching

Narfastaðir, Standard room or something similar

Journey south from the North through the vast and remote Sprengisandur, a desert-like region in the heart of Iceland. This route takes you across a rugged expanse defined by Eyvindarver and Kiðagil, bordered by the glaciers Hofsjökull and Tungnafellsjökull, and the river Skjálfandafljót to the west. Sprengisandur is situated at an elevation of about 700-800 meters above sea level. As you travel through this isolated landscape, you’ll witness stunning volcanic terrains, vast lava fields, and sweeping, open spaces, offering a truly unique and raw experience of Iceland’s wilderness. Overnight stay in the Hrauneyjar area.

Highland Center Hrauneyjar, Standard room or something similar

Today explore Landmannalaugar nature reserve in the South highlands. Considered to be one of Iceland’s most stunning landscapes. Though the altitude is over 600m, the riverbanks are covered in grass and flowers. Encircled by the colorful rhyolite mountains surrounding the scene, this area possesses a unique charm and beauty. The area offers multiple hiking trails and the opportunity to bathe in the geothermal pools. Return to Hrauneyjar for your second overnight stay.

Highland Center Hrauneyjar, Standard room or something similar

Pass through the picturesque Þjórsárdalur Valley. Along the way, stop to admire Hjálparfoss, a beautiful two-tiered waterfall. Not far from here, explore the Þjóðveldisbær turf building, a reconstruction of a medieval court that gives a glimpse into Iceland’s early history. Next, visit the excavated ruins of the Saga farm Stöng, where an easy hike leads you to the lush Gjáin gorge, filled with waterfalls and stunning natural beauty. On a clear day, you’ll have a great view of Hekla, one of Iceland's most active volcanoes, historically believed to be the entrance to hell.

After a full day of exploration, unwind at the Secret Lagoon, a geothermal hot spring known for its natural, rustic charm. Finally, head back to the Golden Circle area for your overnight stay.

Activity: Secret Lagoon

Blue Hotel Fagrilundur, Standard room or something similar

Today, leave the Golden Circle behind and head towards Borgarfjörður via the Kaldidalur highland route, one of Iceland’s shortest highland routes. The name Kaldidalur, meaning "cold valley“. The route starts just north of Þingvellir National Park and to the West of the volcano Skjaldbreiður „meaning broad sheild“. Transversing between the glaciers Þórisjökull and Ok and leads up to the north. To the east of Reykholt it comes near Reykholtsdalur to Húsafell. Overnight stay in Borgarfjörður area.

Reykholt Fosshotel, Standard room or something similar

In Borgarfjörður, you will find Deildartunguhver, Iceland’s most active hot spring, know for it’s impressive geothermal energy. On the same spot you can find Krauma Geothermal Baths. Hraunfossar and Barnafossar are not far away. If you are in the mood you might want to consider joining a guided tour either to the lava cave Víðgelmir or the man-made ice cave in Langjökull glacier.

 
In Borgarnes we recommend a visit to the Settlement Centre.

Another overnight stay in Borgarfjörður.

Reykholt Fosshotel, Standard room or something similar

From Borgarfjörður your journey continues to Dalir. Few parts of Iceland are as rich in history as Dalir, with records dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries. Indeed, Dalir deserves to be called a stepping stone to the New World. Old Icelandic records indicate that Eirík the Red, who pioneered the settlement of Greenland in 985-6 AD, lived in the Haukadalur Valley, in a place called Eiríksstaðir. His son, Leif the Lucky, was born there and a reconstruction of his birthplace can be visited. The supply center of the extreme sparsely populated area is Búðardalur, a small town with a petrol station, supermarket. Head to your overnight in Strandir area.

Hólmavík Guesthouse, Standard room or something similar

The village of Hólmavík we recommend a visit to the sorcery museum, enjoy a dish of delicious locally bread mussels. In the village of Drangsnes you should not miss the opportunity to take a bath in the pools, located just by the roadside. Take drive as far as the road takes you into the desolate, and very sparsely populated Strandir area. Drive along the coast of the fjord Bjarnarfjörður, along the mountains of Balafjöll and into the fjord Reykjarfjörður. There you should stop by the deserted herring processing station in Djúpavík, where you can visit an exhibition about the herring era at the station. In recent years, artists, musicians such as Sigurrós, and theatre groups have used this peculiar location for their art and performances. Almost at the end of the road, in Krossnes in the fjord Norðurfjörður, you come across a gem, the very basic outdoor swimming pool of Krossneslaug, located right on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Second overnight stay in the Strandir area.

Hólmavík Guesthouse, Standard room or something similar

On your way through the fjord Ísafjarðardjúp make time for some stops. Visit the Arctic Fox Museum in Súðavík. The Arctic Fox was the only land mammal living in Iceland before the Vikings settled here. If you fancy a swim visit Reykjanes geothermal pool or Heydalur who is also known for its natural hot spring. Take a moment to visit Café Litlibær is a cute little café and museum. Continue to Ísafjörður for your overnight stay.

Ísafjörður Hotel Horn, Standard room or something similar

Start your day in Ísafjörður, the largest town in the Westfjords, known for its vibrant cultural and music scene. From the Ísafjörður harbor, embark on a calm water kayaking tour. Afterwards, visit the nearby village of Bolungarvík and explore the Ósvör Maritime Museum, where you can learn about the region's fishing heritage. Continue your journey by driving to the top of Bolafjall Mountain, where you'll find an old radar station. From the summit, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Ísafjarðardjúp, the surrounding fjords, and, on a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of Greenland in the distance.
Return to Ísafjörður for your second overnight stay.

Activity: Calm Water Kayaking

Ísafjörður Hotel Horn, Standard room or something similar

Halfway along the tunnel from Ísafjörður, the tunnel forks (You ‘ll find a crossing in the middle of the tunnel that lead from the village Ísafjörður.) Here you might want to take a detour to the fishing village of Suðureyri in the fjord of Súgandafjörður before heading futher south to the fjord Önundarfjörður, where you can visit the fishing village of Flateyri. Then drive over the Gemlufallsheiði plateau to the fjord of Dýrafjörður. In the village of Þingeyri, you should stop by at the old blacksmith ‘s shop by the harbour for a visit and the belgian waffles at the Café Simbahöllin are extremely tasty. Cross Hrafnseyrarheiði plateau into the beautiful fjord of Arnarfjörður. An absolute must-see is the picturesque waterfall Dynjandi, just next to the road at the bottom of the fjord. From there the road lies over the Dynjandisheiði plateau but midway you will be taking a turn to the right and start descending into the fjord of Trostansfjörður, one of the sidefjords of Arnarfjörður. Don ‘t miss the outdoor swimming pool just by the roadside in Reykjarfjörður. You will find your accommodation in the Látrabjarg area.

Westfjords Fosshotel, Standard room or something similar

You can spend the morning driving to the Selárdalur valley, where farmer and artist Samúel Jónsson decorated his home with his sculptures. On the way back you can find many good places for a walk along the coast. Drive again through Bíldudalur and over the mountain Hálfdán, through the fjord of Tálknafjörður to Patreksfjörður fjord. Follow the coast to Örlygshöfn, where you will find the folk- and transport museum Hnjótur to be worth a visit before continuing over the mountain Hafnarfjall and the Breiðavík bay to the bird cliff Látrabjarg. Iceland ‘s (and therefore Europe‘s) westernmost point, Látrabjarg is home to a vast number of birds that nest in this 14 km stretch of cliffs that reach a height of over 400 m in places. Amongst the many bird species to be found here are the easygoing puffins (May to Mid-August). One of the gems of the Westfjords is in the Látrabjarg area, Rauðasandur beach. Make sure to pay this 10km red sand strip a visit before you leave. Second overnight in Látrabjarg area.

Westfjords Fosshotel, Standard room or something similar

You catch the car ferry Baldur at the harbour in Brjánslækur. On the way over Breiðafjörður bay, the ferry stops on the island of Flatey. If the weather is nice, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the bay’s countless islands as well as the glacier Snæfellsjökull. After your arrival in Stykkishólmur if you have the time, we recommend you proceed to the farm Bjarnarhöfn for a visit at a privately-owned museum dedicated to the tradition of shark catching in Iceland. Tonight’s accommodation is in the vicinity.

Transfer: Ferry from Brjánslækur to Stykkishólmur

Snæfellsnes Hotel, Standard room or something similar

Today you will travel on the Snæfellsnes peninsula, often referred to as Iceland in a nutshell. Highlights include colourful mountains, rugged and sandy beaches, lava fields, Snæfellsjökull National Park and home to the iconic Snæfellsjökull glacier.
Some noteworthy locations Mt. Kirkjufell, Skarðsvík beach, Saxhóll Crater, Djúpalón beach, Hellnar beach, Arnarstapi village and Búðahraun lava field. To make the day even more exciting take part in a tour to the Vatshellir cave.  Stay a second overnight on the peninsula.

 Activity: Vatnshellir Cave Exploring.

Snæfellsnes Hotel, Standard room or something similar

Today, your journey takes you from the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Reykjanes. As you travel through Borgarnes, consider revisiting any sites you may have missed during your earlier stay in Borgarfjörður. Alternatively, if you’re craving more exploration, head back to Reykjavík for a deeper dive into the capital. Continue your drive to the Reykjanes peninsula where you will stay the night.

Lighthouse Inn, Standard room or something similar

Explore the rugged Reykjanes peninsula Highlights of the area include Reykjanestá bird cliff, Gunnuhver hot spring – named after an angry ghost, Brimketill rock pool by the ocean and colourful Krýsuvík hot spring area.

 
If you are interested maybe visit the world-famous Blue Lagoon. Second and Final overnight stay in Reykjanes.

Lighthouse Inn, Standard room or something similar

„Við vonum að þú hafir notið ferðarinnar til Íslands.“

(Translation: "We hope you've enjoyed your trip to Iceland.")