8 Days Self Drive Highland, Snæfellsnes & Diamonds of the North
This is one of our most favourite tours, as it showcases all the main attractions of the north, a drive through the highlands to the Golden Circle, as well as the mysterious and incredibly diverse Snæfellsnes peninsula. For nature lovers and adventurers, this is definitely the one!
Highlights
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula
- Lake Mývatn
- Goðafoss waterfall
- Highlands of Iceland
- The Golden Circle
- Black sand beaches and waterfalls of the South Shore
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival – Keflavík – Reykjavík
Pick up the rental car at Keflavík international airport upon arrival and drive to Reykjavík where you stay the first night.
Day 2: Þingvellir – Kaldidalur – Hraunfossar – Reykholt
Start the day with a visit to Þingvellir national park – the site of the first parliament, founded in 930. Þingvellir was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its cultural value. The Þingvellir Lake with its surroundings is a place of great geological interest. The Kaldidalur highland road will take you close to Langjökull glacier. Perfect opportunity to add an optional tour in the glacier tunnel to your experience before continuing towards Borgarfjörður. Stop at the Hraunfossar waterfalls where cold springs of subterranean water seep through the lava and drop as tiny waterfalls and rapids into the Hvítá glacial river. Further along the way you can visit the historical sight of Reykholt known from the times of Sagas and visit the geyser Deildartunguhver. Accommodation in the Borgarfjörður area.
Day 3: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Explore the Snæfellsnes peninsula where you can observe most of the natural phenomena that can be found around Iceland – only on a much smaller scale: lava fields, volcanic craters, glacier, waterfalls, sandy beaches, charming fishing towns, bird cliffs and more. Drive around Snæfellsjökull glacier – the entrance to the center of the earth according to Jules Verne’s story. The day ends int the village of Stykkishólmur where you stay overnight.
Day 4: Stykkishólmur – Siglufjörður – Akureyri
The drive east along the northern coast of the peninsula offers views of the numerous islands in Breiðafjörður bay. Continue through green valleys and along the fjords towards Skagafjörður. Possibility for a visit to the old turf farmhouse museum of Glaumbær and the town of Sauðárkrókur. Hólar in Hjaltadalur with the old cathedral is one of the historical sights of interest along the way before we continue north around the Troll peninsula to Siglufjörður. In Siglufjörður we have the opportunity to visit the award winning Herring Era museum where we get a glimpse into the times when this charming little village was a thriving fishing town. The route then continues through three tunnels and along the coastal road to your accommodation in Akureyri.
Day 5: Goðafoss Waterfall – Lake Mývatn
Today you will see some of the most impressive sights in north Iceland. Drive to Goðafoss waterfall and explore the Lake Mývatn area with the abundance of natural volcanic wonders. We enter the Rift zone and along the way you will see clear signs of past volcanic activity, as recent as 1975-84. Among the highlights are pseudocraters at Skútustaðir, Dimmuborgir (The Dark Castle) and the solfatara field at Námaskarð.
In summer months the lake is teeming with bird life as various bird and duck species come nesting in the surroundings of the lake. There will also be several possibilities for short (easy) hikes and a chance for a relaxing bath in the Nature Baths geothermal lagoon. Return to Akureyri for another overnight.
Day 6: Akureyri – Kjölur – Golden Circle
The return towards Varmahlíð will be along the ring road and then further south via the Kjölur highland road. Stop at Hveravellir hot spring area gives you a chance for a quick dip in the natural geothermal pool or a stroll around the boiling hot springs. The road further south goes in between the Langjökull and Hofsjökull glacier through desert land. In the south your way goes past Gullfoss waterfall – the Golden Falls and the Geysir area where you can wait for Strokkur geyser which spouts regularly every 5-10 minutes! Accommodation in the area.
Day 7: South Shore
Drive to Selfoss then east along the ring road to Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss – two of the most iconic waterfalls in Iceland. The drive continues at the foot of Eyjafjöll mountains where the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano rests under the glacier of the same name. A stop at Reynisfjara black sand beach offers views of Reynisdrangar cliffs in the ocean as well as the Dyrhólaey promontory. Head back west to Reykjavík for the last overnight stay.
Day 8: Reykjavík – Keflavík – Departure
Drive to Keflavík airport in time for your international flight where you drop off your rental car. If departing in the afternoon or evening you have a possibility for a visit to the Blue lagoon (admission needs to be pre-booked).
Dates & prices
Available daily from the end of June – September (exact days depend on opening of the highland routes)
Price per person (in Dbl room): from 307.000 ISK
Included in the package price:
- 7 days car rental with unlimited mileage, GP, TP, CDW, tax; pick up/drop off at Keflavík International airport
- 7 nights accommodation in double/twin rooms with private facilities, breakfast included
- Detailed itinerary
- Service and VAT
