LanguagesGerman, English, Spanish, French, Italian
Self-Drive Adventure · Iceland · 10 Days
Ultimate Iceland Road Trip: 10-Day Self-Drive
From volcanic coastlines to glacier lagoons — discover Iceland at your own pace.
This Iceland self-drive road trip takes you across ten days of extraordinary landscapes, from the lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula to the thundering gorges of the North, covering Iceland's most iconic natural and cultural landmarks. With a rental car collected directly at the airport, you control the pace, the stops, and the moments that matter most.
The route loops through the South Shore's dramatic waterfalls and black sand beaches, the ice formations of Vatnajökull National Park, the volcanic wonders around Lake Mývatn, the whale-watching harbour of Húsavík, and the historically layered landscapes of Borgarfjörður before the journey ends with the Golden Circle back in Reykjavík.
Accommodation ranges from countryside guesthouses to quality hotels in Reykjavík, with Classic and Quality categories available depending on your preference. Car options include compact 2WD vehicles for summer travel as well as 4WD models suited for more rugged conditions, with both manual and automatic transmissions on offer.
This itinerary is designed for travellers who prefer independence without sacrificing structure. Each day includes a suggested driving distance and a curated set of stops, while leaving room for spontaneous detours and personal discoveries along the way.
Tour Highlights
Walk behind Seljalandsfoss and stand before the powerful cascade of Skógafoss on Iceland's legendary South Shore.
Witness the floating icebergs of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the diamond-like ice chunks scattered across Diamond Beach.
Join a whale-watching excursion from Húsavík, Iceland's whale-watching capital, with frequent sightings of humpback and minke whales.
Explore Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates visibly diverge.
Witness Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall, and the geothermal spectacle of Strokkur erupting at Geysir.
Drive the winding fjord roads of East Iceland and discover the quiet fishing villages and dramatic coastal scenery of the East Fjords.
Photograph Kirkjufell mountain beside Kirkjufellsfoss on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, one of Iceland's most recognisable natural landmarks.
Itinerary Overview
1
Arrival & Reykjanes Peninsula to Reykjavík (approx. 50 km)
Collect your rental car at Keflavík Airport and drive through the moss-covered lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula before settling into Reykjavík for your first night.
2
South Shore: Waterfalls, Black Beaches & Vík (approx. 200 km)
Visit Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, then continue to Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara black sand beach before arriving in the coastal village of Vík í Mýrdal.
3
Vatnajökull National Park & Höfn (approx. 270 km)
Pass through the Skaftafell area, stop at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, and end the day in the fishing town of Höfn, known for its views of Europe's largest glacier.
4
East Fjords to Egilsstaðir (approx. 260 km)
Wind through the fjords of East Iceland, passing through fishing hamlets such as Djúpivogur and Fáskrúðsfjörður, before arriving in Egilsstaðir near the legendary Lake Lagarfljót.
5
Dettifoss, Krafla & Lake Mývatn (approx. 290 km)
Detour to Dettifoss, explore the Krafla volcanic area and Námaskarð geothermal fields, then spend the evening near Lake Mývatn visiting Grjótagjá cave, Hverfjall crater, and Dimmuborgir lava formations.
6
Húsavík, Goðafoss & Akureyri (approx. 150 km)
Head to Húsavík for whale watching or a visit to the Whale Museum, then stop at Goðafoss waterfall before arriving in Akureyri, Iceland's second city, to explore the botanical garden and city centre.
What Is Included
Included
9 nights accommodation (Classic or Quality category)
Please read all practical details carefully before booking. Iceland's road and weather conditions can change rapidly, and prior preparation makes a significant difference to your experience.
Duration
10 days and 9 nights. Car rental covers 9 days. The itinerary is available from April through October.
Meeting Point
Keflavík International Airport, Iceland. The rental car is collected on arrival and returned at the same location on day 10.
What to Bring
Waterproof and layered clothing, sturdy walking shoes, sunscreen for summer months, a valid driving licence, and your passport or national ID.
Cancellation
Cancellation terms vary depending on the accommodation and car rental category selected. Please review the full cancellation policy at the time of booking.
Accessibility
Several natural sites involve uneven terrain, gravel paths, and steps. Travellers with mobility requirements should review individual site accessibility in advance.
Age Range
This tour is suitable for all ages. Drivers must meet the minimum age requirement set by the car rental provider, typically 20 to 23 years depending on the vehicle category.
Ready to Drive Iceland?
Secure your place on this 10-day self-drive adventure and explore Iceland's most remarkable landscapes on your own schedule. Availability is limited during peak summer months, so early booking is recommended.
What type of driving licence is required to rent a car in Iceland?▼
A full, valid driving licence from your country of residence is accepted in Iceland. An International Driving Permit is not required for most nationalities, but it is recommended to verify requirements with the car rental provider at booking.
Can I do this road trip in April or October when weather is less predictable?▼
Yes, the itinerary runs from April through October. Conditions in the shoulder months can include cooler temperatures and variable weather. A 4WD vehicle is recommended for April and October departures as some roads may still be partially closed or slippery.
Is the whale watching in Húsavík included in the tour price?▼
No, the whale watching tour in Húsavík is an optional activity and is not included in the base price. It must be booked and paid for separately, either locally or in advance through a local operator.
What is the difference between the Classic and Quality accommodation categories?▼
Classic accommodation consists of guesthouses and 3-star equivalent hotels. The Quality category includes 4-star hotels in Reykjavík and the best available hotels in the countryside. Both categories offer standard rooms.
Are all roads on this itinerary accessible with a 2WD vehicle in summer?▼
The main roads used in this itinerary, including the Ring Road and Snæfellsnes Peninsula routes, are generally accessible with a 2WD vehicle during summer months from June through August. However, some short detours, including the route to Dettifoss via the western approach, may require a 4WD vehicle.
Can the itinerary be adjusted or are additional stops possible?▼
As a self-drive tour, you have the flexibility to adjust daily plans and add personal stops at your discretion. The suggested daily driving distances and sites are recommendations, not fixed requirements. Major changes to accommodation locations should be discussed with the operator prior to departure.
This self-drive tour covers Iceland's most geographically diverse regions over 10 days, beginning and ending at Keflavík International Airport near Reykjavík. The route travels the South Shore through Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, and Vík, then moves east through Vatnajökull National Park — home to Europe's largest glacier — before reaching Höfn in Southeast Iceland. The itinerary continues north through the East Fjords and on to the volcanic district around Lake Mývatn, where Dettifoss, Krafla, and Námaskarð are key sites. The northern segment includes Húsavík on Skjálfandi Bay and Akureyri, Iceland's largest city outside the capital. The western return passes through Borgarfjörður and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula before completing the loop via the Golden Circle — Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss — back to Reykjavík. The journey spans approximately 1,960 km of driving across Iceland's main road network.
Type: Self-Drive Road Trip | Country: Iceland | Region: Nationwide (South, East, North, West) | Start/End: Keflavík International Airport | Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights | Season: April–October | Difficulty: Easy | Transport: Rental Car (2WD and 4WD options) | Accommodation: Guesthouses and Hotels (Classic and Quality) | Themes: Nature, Geology, Wildlife, History, Photography | Key Sites: Ring Road, Golden Circle, Vatnajökull, Jökulsárlón, Húsavík, Mývatn, Snæfellsnes, Akureyri, Þingvellir
Gift more than a trip
Extraordinary experiences, beautifully gifted
Give the joy of travel with a ToursXplorer Gift Card. Perfect for every occasion.
