Our Express Iceland road trip is an ideal self-drive tour for those who want to visit all the major attractions in Iceland in a short amount of time. With pearls like Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss the golden waterfall, the town of Akureyri, Geysir spouting spring, Skaftafell National Park and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon that are all visited. This 8-day tour is one of the most popular of all our Iceland self-drive holidays.
This itinerary can be offered throughout the year (some adjustments might be required depending on travel dates).
Welcome to Iceland and to your Iceland road trip in 8 days. Once you arrive in Keflavik national Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in the heart of Reykjavik. After you have checked in to your hotel and received your travel documents, we would like to have an optional private information meeting during office hours at our headquarters. Explore the pearls of the city in the afternoon before staying the first night in the world's northernmost capital. If you arrive early, you might be interested in optional day tours such as whale watching from Reykjavík Harbour or relaxing at the Blue Lagoon.
Today your Express Iceland self-drive holiday starts! You will pick up your rental car in the morning and start your day by driving to Þingvellir National park. Because of its beauty and its geological and historical value, Þingvellir was accepted as UNESCO’s heritage site in 2004. After exploring the treasures of the park, head south to see Geysir Spouting Spring and Gullfoss waterfall to complete the “Golden Circle”. Enjoy the afternoon seeing the sizzling hot springs and geysers and the force of the great waterfall. Make your way to the south coast of Iceland. Stay the night at a hotel/guest house/cottage in the Hvolsvöllur/Vík area.
Today you will head to the famous Skaftafell National park. After breakfast and packing you will drive east to the picturesque waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss. Above the waterfalls looms the mighty Eyjafjallajökull where the great volcanic eruption took place in 2010. Drive along the south shore to Dyrhólaey natural reserve where you can find one of the best seabird colony in Iceland. You will cross Mýrdalssandur and Eldhraun which is the largest lava field ever to flow on earth. When arriving to Kirkjubæjarklaustur take a look at the amazing Fjarðárgljúfur, a narrow and beautiful canyon and one of our favorite hidden treasures in Iceland. After passing Skeiðarársandur you will arrive at Skaftafell in the Vatnajökull National Park. We recommend the easy hiking trail to Svartifoss waterfall, that is surrounded by beautiful and pitch black basalt columns
Your Express Iceland self-drive holiday continues by exploring the place many people consider is the greatest sight of Iceland, Jökulsárlón or The Glacial Lagoon. Jökulsárlón is a lagoon at the roots of Vatnajökull which is Europe’s largest glacier and on the lagoon are icebergs that has broken off the glacier floating around. During summer time you can take an optional boat tour on the lagoon that we highly recommend. After Jökulsárlón you will pass the village Höfn which is known for being the lobster (langoustine if you will) capital of Iceland so if you are passing by during lunch hour, we recommend stopping at the Hotel Höfn for a lobster feast or lobster soup. After passing Djúpivogur, you will explore the East Coast of Iceland. If you have time, you can drive up to Kárahnjúkar Dam, a project that caused a great stir in Iceland when it was being built. Near by Egilsstaðir, there is a small forest called Hallormsstaðarskógur, the largest forest in Iceland. Stay the night in Egilsstaðir.
Today will be a busy day so we suggest leaving early from Egilsstaðir. Drive from Egilsstaðir through Möðrudalsöræfi to Lake Mývatn. We recommend that you take route 864 and explore Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. A little further down the road, you’ll find Ásbyrgi Canyon that our forefathers believed was an ancient hoof print, made by Sleipnir – Odin’s eight legged horse. Then drive to Húsavík where you can take an optional whale watching tour before arriving at Mývatn. Around the Mývatn area, you will find amazing attractions such as the Námaskarð pass, the Lavafield of Dimmuborgir, Krafla Volcano and the Nature Baths of Mývatn. Stay the night in Mývatn.
Start the day early by exploring Mývatn and surroundings before heading for Akureyri. On your way to Akureyri (the “capital of the North”) stop and enjoy the charming Goðafoss Waterfall. Akureyri is a very charming town located in the Eyjafjörður Fjord. We recommend exploring the Botanical Garden, Akureyri geothermal swimming pool and water park, Hof Culture & Music Center and having ice cream in Brynja Store (the world famous in Iceland). From Akureyri, you can take a day tour to Grímsey Island and cross the Arctic Circle or go on a whale watching tour. Drive south from Akureyri into Eyjafjörður Fjord where you’ll find lush farmlands, beautiful churches, the Christmas Garden and a farm that produces its own ice cream! Enjoy a nice dinner at one of many gourmet restaurants to be found in Akureyri. Stay the night in or around Akureyri.
Today you will be heading back to the capital. Before finishing your ”ring road”, you might want to take a look at the highlights of West Iceland. Sights along the way are the volcanic crater Grábrók, Hraunfossar waterfalls, Deildartunguhver (the largest hot spring in Europe) and the settlement center in Borgarnes. Please note that driving into Borgarfjörður fjord takes an additional two hours. Once heading back to Reykjavík, you can either take the route #1 via the underwater tunnel or the Hvalfjörður fjord route where you’ll find the Glymur waterfall (the highest waterfall in Iceland with 198 meter/650 feet drop). The hike up to the waterfall is not an easy one but very rewarding. Arrive back in Reykjavik late afternoon and return the rental car. Stay the night in central Reykjavik.
Your last day in Iceland! How time flies when you’re having fun. Transfer to Keflavik airport in time for your departing flight. If you have an afternoon flight you can either do some last minute shopping or stop by the Blue Lagoon (optional) to relax before your flight. Have a safe journey home and you are always welcome again for any of our tours or another Iceland self-drive holiday!
Let your personal travel consultant know what other activities catch your eye and we’ll add them to your custom-made trip itinerary.
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We handpick accommodations to ensure memorable stays for every type of traveler.
Experience a higher level of comfort with our carefully selected comfort accommodations, each offering private facilities including a shower and toilet for your convenience and privacy. These lodges fall under the 3-star hotel category, providing a perfect blend of quality and value. Most properties boast an on-site restaurant where you can enjoy a variety of meals without needing to venture far. In Reykjavik, all comfort accommodations are ideally situated in central locations, giving you easy access to the city’s main attractions, shopping districts, and vibrant cultural spots. This category represents a significant upgrade in both comfort and service compared to budget options, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a cozy yet affordable stay. To make your mornings hassle-free, a delicious breakfast is included with your stay.
Our quality accommodations feature spacious private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, offering the choice of a relaxing bath or a refreshing shower, along with a private toilet to ensure maximum comfort and privacy. These rooms represent the best available lodging options, found within prestigious 4-star hotels or the finest, highest-quality lodges across each region. In Reykjavik, all quality accommodations are centrally located, placing you within easy reach of the city’s key attractions, shopping areas, and vibrant dining and cultural scenes. These accommodations provide an elevated experience with superior comfort, thoughtful amenities, and attentive service designed to make your stay truly memorable. To enhance your visit, a complimentary breakfast is included each morning, helping you start your day well-nourished and ready to explore.
Our luxury accommodations feature exquisite suites and premium rooms within top-tier lodges and resorts, offering an elegant and sophisticated ambiance. Designed with refined decor and upscale touches, these accommodations provide a seamless blend of style, comfort, and exclusivity. Personalized services cater to your every need, ensuring a truly indulgent and tailored experience. In Reykjavik, all luxury accommodations are centrally located, placing you at the heart of the city’s vibrant cultural scene, fine dining, shopping, and key attractions. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil retreat or an immersive urban experience, these upscale lodgings deliver the perfect base. Classy, elegant, and supremely comfortable, our luxury options strive to provide a first-class stay marked by exceptional amenities, impeccable service, and attention to detail. Every aspect is carefully crafted to make your visit not just memorable, but extraordinary.
Prepare for your adventure with these essential tips and information for a smooth journey.
Yes. Visitors can drive in Iceland with a valid driver's license from their home country. If your license is not in Latin script, an international driving permit is recommended.
We regret that we are unable to offer a full refund in the case of cancellation. The cancellation fee depends upon the length of notice and type of booking. Please refer to our Booking Information section “Cancellations.”
When you have submitted your booking and personal details through icelandunlimited.is a travel consultant will view the booking. They will crosscheck your booking and send you confirmation within 48 hours. Your credit card will be charged with a 20% deposit at that time. If our travel consultant is unable to obtain confirmation then an alternative will be offered. If you do not accept the alternative or Iceland Unlimited is not able to offer you an alternative, no charge will be made on your credit card. When your booking has been confirmed and your credit card has been charged, Iceland Unlimited will issue vouchers for your travel arrangements. Travel documents will not be delivered until full payment has been made. It’s optional whether we post your travel documents or arrange for you to pick them up on arrival to your holiday destination.
Absolutely. Iceland has some of the purest and cleanest drinking water in the world—straight from natural springs. No need to buy bottled water.
