South Iceland Highlights - 5-Day Self-Drive Tour
Glaciers, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and the Golden Circle — all at your own pace.
This South Iceland self-drive tour takes you through five days of the country's most celebrated natural landscapes, from the volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula to the ice-blue expanse of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the historic sites of the Golden Circle.
Departing from Keflavík Airport, the route follows Iceland's southern coast through lava fields, past thundering waterfalls, across black sand beaches, and into Vatnajökull National Park. The itinerary is designed for independent travellers who want structured guidance without losing the freedom to linger where the scenery demands it.
Accommodation ranges from classic guesthouses to quality four-star hotels, with all rooms in standard configuration. A choice of rental vehicles — from compact two-wheel-drive options to four-wheel-drive automatics — allows you to match the car to your group size, luggage, and comfort preferences.
The difficulty level is rated easy, making this suitable for travellers who are comfortable driving on Icelandic roads but do not require off-road or highland experience. Road conditions vary by season, and all driving distances are approximate.
Tour Highlights
Walk behind the curtain of Seljalandsfoss and feel the full force of Skógafoss, two of Iceland's most photographed waterfalls on the south coast.
Explore Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, where icebergs calve from Vatnajökull and drift onto black volcanic sand.
Drive through Vatnajökull National Park and hike to Svartifoss, the basalt-column waterfall that inspired the design of Hallgrímskirkja church in Reykjavík.
Watch Strokkur geyser erupt every few minutes at the Geysir geothermal area in Haukadalur Valley, one of the most active geothermal zones in Europe.
Visit Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the world's oldest parliament met in 930 AD and two tectonic plates continue to drift apart.
Cross the Eldhraun lava field, one of the largest lava flows in recorded history, now blanketed in a dense carpet of green moss stretching to the horizon.
Discover Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, an ancient gorge carved by glacial meltwater with steep walls and a winding river that rewards those who detour from the main road.
Itinerary Overview
Collect your rental car at the airport and drive through the volcanic lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula before reaching the capital. Reykjavík offers the evening to explore its museums, harbour, and cultural landmarks at your leisure. Driving: approximately 50 km.
Head east along the southern coast, stopping at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the black sand beaches and basalt sea stacks at Reynisfjara near Vík, and the surreal moss-covered Eldhraun lava field. A recommended detour to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon adds a striking geological feature before arriving at Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Driving: approximately 270 km.
Drive east into Vatnajökull National Park, hiking to Svartifoss in Skaftafell before continuing to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the adjacent Diamond Beach. The return journey west brings you back to the Vík area, with time to revisit any sites from the previous day. Driving: approximately 330 km.
Travel northwest to Gullfoss waterfall, then to the Geysir geothermal area to watch Strokkur erupt. Continue to Þingvellir National Park before returning to Reykjavík, where the city's galleries, restaurants, and the Old Harbour provide a fitting close to the journey. Driving: approximately 300 km.
Depart from your Reykjavík accommodation and drive back to Keflavík International Airport to return the rental car and conclude the tour. Driving: approximately 50 km.
What Is Included
Included
- 4 days of car rental (collected Day 1, returned Day 5)
- 4 nights of accommodation (Reykjavík, Kirkjubæjarklaustur area, Vík area, Reykjavík)
- Detailed self-drive itinerary and route guidance
- Choice of vehicle category (2WD or 4WD, manual or automatic)
- Accommodation in classic guesthouses or quality hotels depending on selected category
Not Included
- International flights to and from Iceland
- Meals and drinks
- Fuel costs
- Optional activities and guided glacier hikes
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and entrance fees to paid attractions
Important Information
Plan Your Iceland Self-Drive
This five-day route covers the essential highlights of south Iceland with the flexibility of your own vehicle and schedule. Secure your preferred car category and accommodation level before availability closes.
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