Iceland Unique Adventure: 4x4 Highland Tour - 10 Days

The highlands happen to be the most remote and wild area in Iceland, covering nearly 40% of the whole country. This 4×4 Iceland highland tour takes you to some of the most magnificent yet secluded places this country has to offer. You will explore sites such as Þingvellir National Park, Hveravellir geothermal area, Lake Mývatn, Askja Caldera, Víti Crater, Landmannalaugar, Skaftafell, and many more. During your exciting adventure, you will cross rivers, encounter vast lava fields and drive between breathtaking glaciers. If you are an adventurous traveler, this self-drive tour is the perfect choice for you.

SEASON
Jun - Aug
travel style
Self-Drive Tours
Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Location
Iceland, Highlands
accessibility
Not Recommended

The itinerary

This itinerary can be offered throughout the year (some adjustments might be required depending on travel dates).

Day 1: Arrival / Reykjavík

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Welcome to the first day of your highland tour of Iceland! After you clear customs, you will be transferred to your accommodation in the city center in Reykjavik. In the afternoon, you might want to explore some landmarks of the city, such as Laugavegur shopping street, Hallgrímskirkja Church, and Harpa – Music & Conference Center. We recommend paying a visit to some of the many entertaining museums, such as the National Museum of Iceland, Reykjavík Art Museum, or Reykjavík Maritime Museum. Alternatively, you might want to soak in the geothermal waters of the newly opened spa just 15 minutes from Reykjavík – Sky Lagoon. In the evening, you can choose from one of the many local restaurants that provide traditional dining experiences. After a delicious dinner, you can celebrate the beginning of your holiday by the Arctic Circle by visiting one of the many vibrant bars in the city center. Overnight in the heart of Reykjavík.

Day 2: Golden Circle & The Remote Highlands

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Today your Iceland travel begins for real! Pick up your rental car in the morning and start your day by driving to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known worldwide for its incredible natural beauty and history. There you will be able to see how the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are diverging. Continue to the famous Geysir geothermal area and witness the great spouting spring, namesake of every other spring in the world. Even though Geysir itself has been dormant for decades, his "brother" Strokkur gets to erupt every 6 to 10 minutes, spouting water to the average height of 20 meters. After a short drive, you are going to arrive at Gullfoss (Golden Falls), which has been voted as one of the 10 most beautiful waterfalls in the world. If you fancy grabbing some lunch, the areas around both Geysir and Gullfoss offer a lot of options from full local meals to quick bites. Afterward, make your way to the interior of Iceland via the Kjölur Highland Road, located between two glaciers. It takes roughly 4 to 5 hours to cross this region and traverse from the South to the North. On the way, you should check out Kerlingafjöll, in the old times, Icelanders believed that the outlaws were living there. Be sure to make a stop at Hveravellir Geothermal Area where you can bathe in a natural hot spring, before continuing and arriving in Skagafjörður Fjord. Overnight in the area of Sauðárkrókur.

Day 3: North Iceland & Lake Mývatn

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Today you will start the day by driving towards the second biggest town in Iceland – Akureyri, also known as "The Capital of the North". Have a good breakfast and drive along the coast of the stunning Tröll Peninsula. Along the way, you will admire the beautiful coastal villages of Siglufjörður, Ólafsfjörður, and Dalvík. Don’t skip having a relaxing bath in Hauganes Hot Pots! Once you reach Akureyri, we recommend taking a stroll downtown, having some lunch, and enjoying the view over the fjord. Proceed towards Lake Mývatn. On the way to Mývatn, make sure to stop at Goðafoss Waterfall (Waterfall of the Gods) which will be visible on your right side from the main road. Arrive at Lake Mývatn and explore this otherworldly area with its fascinating and bizarre lava formations, boiling mud pools, and pseudocraters. If you like, take a short hike to the top of Mt.Hverfjall, an extinct volcanic crater that dominates the Mývatn scenery. In the evening, it can be a nice treat to soak in the Mývatn Nature Baths and relax after a busy day of travel and sightseeing. Stay overnight in the area of Lake Mývatn.

Day 4: The Diamond Circle & Mývatn

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Today you will get to explore the beautiful area known as “Diamond Circle”. Start the day by driving to the charming village of Húsavík, the capital of whale watching in Iceland. The fruitful waters of Skjálfandi bay provide the best opportunity to see and admire these gentle giants. A whale-watching tour can be arranged. Continue to the natural wonder of the forested Ásbyrgi canyon, which is shaped like a horseshoe. The next stop on your itinerary is the most powerful waterfall in Europe that will take your breath away – Dettifoss. Don’t forget to take a moment to admire its dramatic surroundings. Alternatively, if you are planning to enjoy an extra relaxing day in Mývatn, there are plenty of incredible highlights in this area to fill your day with excitement and adventure. Overnight in the same hotel as the day before.

Day 5: Return to the Highlands

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It‘s now time to return to the highland plateau of Iceland and to proceed towards the spectacular Askja Caldera. On the way to Askja, admire Mount Herðubreið that some consider being the most beautiful of all Icelandic mountains. Continue via rough gravel road to Askja Caldera with a couple of smaller river crossings on the way. Once at the parking long, take a hike to Askja! After exploring this remote, moon-like area, drive towards Egilsstaðir village where you will stay overnight. If you fancy an evening of relaxation, we recommend having a rejuvenating soak in Vök Baths, a geothermal spa located just outside Egilsstaðir.

Day 6: The Eastern Fjords of Iceland

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Today you will leave Egilsstaðir and travel through the beautiful East Fjords of Iceland. From Egilsstaðir, you also have the opportunity to take a detour through a mountainous road to the adorable and colorful town of Seyðisfjörður. Afterward, make your way to the tranquil and charming village of Djúpivogur. On your way to Höfn (your destination for the night), we suggest taking a detour to Stokksnes, to admire the stunning mountain Vestrahorn. Höfn is often referred to as the “lobster capital of Iceland”, with many restaurants by the harbor offering delicious lobster-themed menus as well as catering to other dietary preferences. Spend the night in the area of Höfn.

Day 7: Glacier Lagoon and Skaftafell National Park

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Today you will get to admire one of the most impressive and magnificent sites Iceland has to offer – the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. From Höfn, head south to the lagoon, where we highly recommend joining a boat tour between the stunning icebergs dropped into the ocean by the mighty Vatnajökull. Don’t forget to visit the other side of the road to appreciate the beauty of sparkling icebergs laying on Diamond Beach. Continue to Skaftafell, a lush green oasis between the vast Vatnajökull and the black volcanic Skeiðarársandur desert. From there you might enjoy an invigorating hike (usually less than an hour each way) to Svartifoss (Black Waterfall), named after the pitch-black basalt columns that surround it. Continue from there to Kirkjubæjarklaustur area, where you will spend the night.

Day 8: South Coast & Landmannalaugar

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After a good night's sleep, it is time to explore the highlands once again! Before doing so, drive to the amazing and popular Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. Afterward, drive across the vast Eldhraun Lava Field before taking the road F208 (Fjallabak highland route) towards the spectacular Landmannalaugar area. Your next destination is indeed Landmannalaugar, located by the end of a black and rugged lava field. If you wish, it’s possible to add an extra day to your itinerary, to explore this magical and enchanting area. Today you might even want to bathe in splendid natural hot pools, surrounded by colorful mountains. After a relaxing bath, head North to your overnight accommodation. Make sure to stop by Sigöldufoss along the way, a beautiful waterfall with vibrant, blue waters.

Day 9: Reykjavik via Þjórsárdalur Valley

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Leave your accommodation and start heading towards the South Coast of Iceland. In Þjórsárdalur, you will find an interesting, reconstructed Viking settlement farm (Stöng). After exploring the area, make sure to stop at the beautiful Hjálparfoss Waterfall. Afterward, drive past Mt.Hekla, the most active volcano in Iceland, towards the South Coast. Continue through the town of Selfoss, where you can grab some food at the newly opened food hall called Mjólkurbúið Mathöll. After fueling your body, proceed to the greenhouse village of Hveragerði, where you can encounter geothermal activity in the center of town! Arrive in Reykjavik and drop off the rental car. Overnight in a downtown hotel in Reykjavik City center.

Day 10: Blue Lagoon (optional) and Departure

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Your Iceland travel is coming to an end. How time flies when you’re having fun! You will be transferred to Keflavik airport in time for your flight. If it departs in the afternoon, it‘s possible to stop at the Blue Lagoon where you can enjoy soaking in the milky blue waters of the lagoon. Treat yourself to additional massage, to rejuvenate both and the body after 10 days of exploring this beautiful country. We hope you had a great time!

What's included in the tour

Included

9 nights’ accommodation (budget/comfort/quality) with breakfast

Rental car of your choice for 8 days w/unlimited mileage, CDW & VAT

WiFi hotspot in your rental car for easy internet access

1 extra driver for each rental car

Transfer from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavik

Big, handwritten, detailed map with route, recommendations and accommodations highlighted

Written guides of the regions you will be visiting

Transfer from Reykjavík to Keflavík Aiport upon departure

24-hour emergency service

Taxes and service fee

Not included

Flights to/from Iceland

Meals, drinks at restaurants, and entrance fees (unless otherwise agreed upon)

Personal travel insurance

Gasoline

Discover local activities and adventures

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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Unwind in the perfect accommodations

We handpick accommodations to ensure memorable stays for every type of traveler.

Comfort

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.

Quality

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.

Luxury

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.

Good to know

Prepare for your adventure with these essential tips and information for a smooth journey.

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How far in advance should I book?

All travel arrangements should be booked at least 48 hours in advance. For holiday packages and custom-made tours, we strongly recommend you book with a few weeks/months notice. For larger groups we recommend you book with a few months’ notice.

How does the booking process work?

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.

Who operates the travel arrangements on this website?

Everything you see on this site; all the products and packages are created by us. Iceland Unlimited organises all the travel arrangements in close co-operation with the very best local providers who are valuable members of our team.

What is the weather like in Iceland?

The weather in Iceland can be unpredictable. Expect rapid changes, even within the same day. Summer temperatures: 10–15°C (50–59°F) Winter temperatures: -1 to 4°C (30–39°F) Always pack layers, waterproof clothing, and sturdy shoes, regardless of the season.