Iceland Express Circle: 6-Day Self-Drive Adventure
A compact journey through volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, and geothermal wonders — from Reykjavík to the East Fjords and back.
The Iceland Express Circle self-drive tour is designed for travellers who want to experience Iceland's most iconic landscapes in six days, following a circular route that covers the south coast, East Fjords, Lake Mývatn, and Akureyri before returning to Reykjavík.
This itinerary runs from April through October, offering road conditions suitable for travellers with standard driving experience. The route is rated easy and covers approximately 1,700 kilometres across diverse terrain, from black sand beaches and glacier lagoons to geothermal fields and historic towns.
Car rental options range from compact manual vehicles to automatic 4WD SUVs, allowing you to choose based on your group size and luggage needs. Accommodation is available in two categories — Classic guesthouses and 3-star equivalents, or Quality 4-star hotels in Reykjavík with the best available countryside options.
Each day of this tour delivers a distinct character of Iceland, from the volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula and the Golden Circle to the serene East Fjords and the cultural depth of Akureyri. The self-drive format gives you the freedom to pace your stops and absorb each landscape at your own rhythm.
Tour Highlights
Walk behind the curtain of Seljalandsfoss and witness the dramatic drop of Skógafoss on Iceland's south coast.
Explore Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site sitting on the rift between two tectonic plates.
Visit Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach, where icebergs drift and glitter against black sand.
Stand before Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall, a thunderous spectacle in the northeast highlands.
Discover the boiling mud pots and steaming fumaroles of the Námaskarð geothermal area near Lake Mývatn.
Drive the scenic East Fjords, a winding coastal route through remote fishing villages and dramatic inlets.
Explore Akureyri and Reykjavík, Iceland's two most significant urban centres, each with distinct cultural character.
Itinerary Overview
Collect your rental car at Keflavík Airport and drive through the moss-covered lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula. Settle into Reykjavík, Iceland's capital, for your first night.
Visit Þingvellir National Park, the Strokkur geyser, and Gullfoss waterfall on the Golden Circle. Continue south to Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, the black sand beach at Reynisfjara, and the canyon at Fjaðrárgljúfur before reaching Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Hike to Svartifoss in Vatnajökull National Park and take in the floating icebergs at Jökulsárlón lagoon and Diamond Beach. Wind through the East Fjords past Djúpivogur and Breiðdalsvík to reach Egilsstaðir.
Detour to Dettifoss before exploring Lake Mývatn's geothermal landscape, including Námaskarð, Hverfjall crater, and the Dimmuborgir lava formations. Stop at Goðafoss waterfall on the way to Akureyri.
Visit the Glaumbær turf farm museum, explore Deildartunguhver hot spring, and see the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls near Reykholt. Complete the circle back to Reykjavík for your final night.
Check out from your Reykjavík accommodation and drive to Keflavík International Airport to return your rental car. Your Icelandic self-drive adventure concludes here.
What Is Included
Included
- 5 nights accommodation (Classic or Quality category)
- Rental car for 5 days with standard insurance
- Detailed self-drive route maps and GPS guidance notes
- 24/7 roadside assistance through the car rental provider
- Pre-trip planning support and itinerary documentation
Not Included
- Flights to and from Iceland
- Meals and beverages throughout the tour
- Fuel costs for the rental vehicle
- Optional activities such as glacier hikes or horse riding
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Personal expenses and entry fees to paid attractions
Important Information
Ready to Drive Iceland?
Secure your place on the Iceland Express Circle and start planning your self-drive journey through some of the most extraordinary landscapes in the world.
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