Iceland Self Drive: Reykjavík, Golden Circle & Glaciers

Today you collect your rental car and begin your self-drive journey into the Icelandic countryside. Leaving Reykjavík behind, head north through some of west Iceland’s most scenic coastal landscapes, with the option to detour through the dramatic fjord scenery of Hvalfjörður.

Your destination is Stykkishólmur, a charming harbor town on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often described as “Iceland in miniature” thanks to its diverse landscapes. Colourful wooden houses, fishing boats and sweeping views across Breiðafjörður Bay create a picturesque setting. The peninsula is known for its volcanic peaks, lava fields and coastal cliffs, offering a taste of Iceland’s extraordinary natural beauty.

Spend today exploring the spectacular landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, home to some of Iceland’s most iconic scenery. Visit Kirkjufell, one of the most photographed mountains in the country, and explore Snæfellsjökull National Park, where glaciers, lava fields and rugged coastline combine in dramatic fashion.

You may also wish to stop at Djúpalónssandur, a striking black sand beach framed by volcanic cliffs. In the afternoon, join a whale watching boat tour from Stykkishólmur, heading into Breiðafjörður Bay in search of humpback whales and other marine life.

Continue your journey through west Iceland, driving across the scenic Borgarfjörður region toward the village of Húsafell, located near the edge of the vast Langjökull Glacier.

Here you’ll experience one of Iceland’s most unique adventures: a guided journey inside the Langjökull glacier. Travelling through a series of ice tunnels carved deep within the glacier, you’ll learn about the formation and movement of Iceland’s glaciers while witnessing the vivid blue ice from within. Surrounded by rugged landscapes and glacial scenery, this region offers a fascinating insight into Iceland’s powerful natural forces.

Continue your adventure to Iceland’s famous Golden Circle, one of the country’s most celebrated sightseeing routes. Visit the powerful Gullfoss waterfall, witness the erupting geysers of the Geysir Geothermal Area, and explore Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.

At Þingvellir you’ll also experience the remarkable opportunity to snorkel in the Silfra fissure, drifting between two continental plates in crystal-clear glacial water. Afterwards, continue south toward Iceland’s dramatic south coast, arriving in the small village of Vík, surrounded by volcanic landscapes and black sand beaches.

Over the next two days, explore the spectacular scenery of Iceland’s South Coast, an area known for its waterfalls, glaciers and volcanic landscapes. Highlights include Reynisfjara Beach, famous for its striking black sand and basalt columns, and Sólheimajökull Glacier, where ice tongues extend from the vast ice caps above.

You’ll also visit Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s most unique waterfalls, where a path allows you to walk behind the curtain of water. Travelling further east along the Ring Road, reach the stunning Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs drift slowly across the water before washing ashore on nearby Diamond Beach.

On your final day, begin the drive back toward Keflavík Airport, returning your rental car before your flight home. Along the way, you may wish to explore the striking landscapes of the Reykjanes Peninsula, a geothermal region shaped by volcanic activity.

Expect dramatic lava fields, steaming vents, volcanic craters and bubbling mud pools that showcase Iceland’s powerful geological forces. With its otherworldly scenery and rugged coastal views, the Reykjanes Peninsula offers a fitting final glimpse of Iceland’s remarkable landscapes before your journey comes to an end.