5 Day Self-drive Iceland at a Glance: South, Kjölur & Snæfellsnes
This is an ideal road trip for those with a limited number of travel days. You will visit the key highlights as well as going off the beaten track into the true Iceland. First, you visit the pearls of south Iceland; geysers, waterfalls, black sandy beaches and then you will cross the highlands to the north via the Kjölur highland route with a stop at the Hveravellir hot springs, where you can soak in this natural geothermal pool. Lastly, you will finish this circle route of the south and west of Iceland by exploring the magical Snæfellsnes peninsula.
Highlights
- The Golden Circle
- The South Shore of Iceland
- Hveravellir geothermal area
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Iceland – Reykjavík (ca. 50 km)
Arrival in Iceland. Pick up your rental car at Keflavík international airport and drive to your accommodation in Reykjavík.
Day 2: Reykjavík – South Shore (ca. 340 km)
Drive east along the south coast of Iceland towards the towns of Hveragerði and Selfoss. Further along, the way stop at the inspiring waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss – two of the most iconic waterfalls in Iceland. The drive continues along the foot of the Eyjafjöll mountains where the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano rests under the glacier of the same name. Drive on to the village of Vík with a chance for a stop at Reynisfjara black sand beach with a view of Reynisdrangar cliffs in the sea and the Dyrhólaey promontory. Drive back west, ending the day in Selfoss.
Optional tours available: Glacier hike, snowmobile tour, ATV tour, horseback riding tour and zip line experience!
Day 3: Selfoss – Þingvellir – Geysir – Gullfoss – Kjölur & Hveravellir – Miðfjörður (ca. 380 km)
The day starts with a drive along the southern shore of Lake Þingvallavatn with views of the steamy slopes of Mt Hengill. Visit the Þingvellir national park – the site of the old parliament and place of great geological interest. The route continues to the Geyser area, where the most active one named Strokkur spouts impressively every 5-10 minutes. A short drive further there is the breathtaking Gullfoss waterfall (the Golden Falls).
Further north, via the Kjölur highland route, we will have an off-road experience which takes us between the Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers. Mid-point we reach Hveravellir a geothermal area with a natural pool where you have the chance to take a dip in its geothermal waters or take a stroll around the hot springs of this desert oasis. We continue north entering no man’s land, cutting across the interior of the island; experiencing the amazing highlands of Iceland.
The day ends in the area of Miðfjörður in the north west of Iceland.
Day 4: Snæfellsnes – Reykjavík (ca. 470 km)
Today it is time to visit the Snæfellsnes peninsula which we can refer to as “Iceland in miniature”; practically all natural phenomena that exist all around Iceland can be found on the peninsula – only on a smaller scale! There are volcanic mountains and craters, lava fields, a glacier, waterfalls, sandy beaches, columnar basalt formations, bird cliffs, etc. Snæfellsnes peninsula is also the only area in Iceland where mineral water springs can be found. Circle around the peninsula, then drive via Borgarnes to Reykjavík where you stay overnight.
*Optional tours: Whale watching, Viking Sushi Adventure and Vatnshellir Caving tour!
Day 5: Departure day (ca. 50 km)
Drive to Keflavík airport in time for check in for your international flight.
If your flight departs late afternoon, then you have the possibility to add an optional whale watching boat tour in the morning, drive around the Reykjanes peninsula or visit the Blue Lagoon before dropping off the rental car at Keflavík airport.
Dates & prices
Daily departures from mid June to mid September*
Prices:
Single room supplement: ISK 52.000
*Departure dates depend on road conditions on the Kjölur highland route which is typically open from June to mid September.
Included in the package price:
- 4 nights accommodation in double/twin rooms with private facilities, including breakfast
- 4 days car rental: unlimited mileage, tax, CDW, GP, TP, SCDW; pick up/drop off at Keflavík airport. Toyota RAV4 or similar
- a detailed itinerary with multiple daily options based on pre-booked accommodation
- service and VAT
Not included in the package price: optional tours, admission to museums and meals others than specified above.
Any questions? Please contact us at nonni(at)nonnitravel.is
Good to know
- Possibility for an add-on: INTSD2 – Akureyri & Highlights of North Iceland or Greenland
