The Best of South and West: 9 Days Self-Drive Tour

For a real Iceland road trip, consider our best-seller tour – the Snæfellsnes peninsula and the South Coast in 9 days tour. Snæfellsnes being one of the most spectacular places in Iceland combined with the rough landscapes of the south creates a combination not to be missed. This Iceland road trip in 9 days, gives an opportunity to see the perfect cone-shaped mountain Kirkjufell, fishing villages of the west, the Vatnajökull national park, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon just to name a few. On the way, you will have a great opportunity to get acquainted with the Icelandic sagas and you will see all the major natural attractions including volcanoes, geysers and waterfalls. If you are keen on fully enjoying your vacation in Iceland, we are sure that this is the perfect tour package for you.

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SEASON

May - Sept

travel style

Self-Drive Tours

Duration

9 days / 8 nights

Location

South Iceland, West Iceland

accessibility

Moderate

The itinerary

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

Day 1: Góðan Dag Reykjavik!

dAY STARTS IN

DAY ENDS IN

DRIVING DISTANCE

About your day

Welcome to Iceland! At the airport, you will either hop on the Flybus (budget) or be met by a driver from Iceland Unlimited in the arrival hall of Keflavík International Airport (comfort & quality). Transfer to your accommodation in the city centre in Reykjavík. Your travel documents, such as the hard copy of your final itinerary, map of Iceland and more will either be handed to you by your driver or wait for you at your hotel/guesthouse. On your way to Reykjavík, you will see endless lava fields and moon-like landscapes. After you have checked into your hotel room, we would like to invite you to an optional private information meeting during office hours at our headquarters. As for the rest of the day, you can enjoy by exploring the capital of Iceland or simply resting up for your upcoming road trip in your cosy hotel room (check in is normally at 14:00). There are also many interesting guided tours available in Reykjavik. Overnight at a hotel or guesthouse in the heart of Reykjavík.

Attractions of the day

Reykjavík City

Reykjavík Old Harbour

Hallgrímskirkja Church

Day 2: West of Iceland with Hraunfossar Waterfalls

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Reykjavik

DAY ENDS IN

Snæfellsnes area

DRIVING DISTANCE

~301 km / 187 miles

About your day

Today, your adventure starts for real! You will pick up your rental car and drive north, towards the mystical and powerful Snæfellsnes peninsula. Drive through the Route #1 underwater tunnel, and later, take road 50 via Borgarfjörður. This road will lead you to Hraunfossar, a series of waterfalls coming from underneath the lava, and then Deildartunguhver, Europe´s most powerful hot spring. Afterwards, you can visit Langjökull glacier and take a tour of the man-made ice tunnel and ice caves located in Europe´s second largest glacier. Then, head to Snæfellsnes where you will stay in the area for a good night’s sleep.

Attractions of the day

Hraunfossar Waterfalls

Deildartunguhver Hot Spring

Settlement Center in Borgarnes

Barnafoss Waterfall

Day 3: Snæfellsnes – Small Fishing Towns, Beautiful Beaches

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Snæfellsnes area

DAY ENDS IN

Snæfellsnes area

DRIVING DISTANCE

~197 km / 122 miles

About your day

In southern Snæfellsnes, you can explore places such as Sönghellir cave and the spectacular Hellnar Cove. Here you can have lunch at the beautiful Hellnar café whilst gazing at the crashing waves on the shore. You should also visit the famous black church – Búðir and don´t forget to test your strength on the four stones at the Djúpalónssandur. In the northern part of the peninsula, visit the small towns Ólafsvik and Grundarfjörður, and the well-known, perfectly cone-shaped Mount Kirkjufell. Not far away from Grundarfjördur, driving east via lava fields, you will end up in Stykkishólmur. On your way there, a stop at the Bjarnarhofn shark museum is a must. There you can taste some rotten shark meat, a traditional Icelandic delicatessen. Stykkishólmur is a gate to Breiðafjörður´s amazing islands. At the harbour of Stykkishólmur, you will find the dark and magnificent Norwegian House (built in 1832 as the first double story timber house in Iceland). This old house is now a folk museum with rather interesting objects. There you will also find a cliff with an amazing view over the Breiðaförður fjord. Overnight in a hotel or guesthouse in the area.

Attractions of the day

Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum

Breiðafjörður Bay

Day 4: Golden Circle with Gullfoss Waterfall and Geyser Strokkur

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Snæfellsnes area

DAY ENDS IN

Hella/ Hvolsvöllur area

DRIVING DISTANCE

~395 km / 246 miles

About your day

Start the day by driving back south and head to the amazing Þingvellir National Park. Driving there, you have a choice between taking the underwater tunnels again, or doing a small detour via Hvalfjörður route, where you will find the amazing Glymur waterfall. Þingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rich with its incredible natural beauty and history. There you can see how the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are diverging. On the Golden Circle tour, your next stop is the Strokkur geyser, which gushes a column of water up to 30 meters high. Later, continue to Gullfoss waterfall, recently voted as one of 10 most beautiful waterfalls in the world. From there, make your way towards the south coast, passing through beautiful Icelandic lush farmlands. Finally, make sure to stop at Kerið, a volcanic crater displaying its crystal clear water. Stay overnight in the Hella/ Hvolsvöllur area.

Attractions of the day

Þingvellir National Park

Day 5: Adventurous South Coast with Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

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Hella/ Hvolsvöllur area

DAY ENDS IN

Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur

DRIVING DISTANCE

~155 km / 96 miles

About your day

This day will take you along the beautiful south coast of Iceland. Shortly after leaving the Hella/Hvolsvöllur area, you will reach the spectacular Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Take the opportunity to enjoy a 360° view of the waterfall, as it is possible to walk behind it. Above, you will have a very good view of Eyjafjallajökull volcano, famous for its 2010 eruption. Next on your map, is the majestic Skógafoss, which is an impressive 60 meters high waterfall. If interested, visit the Skógar Folk museum where you can see reconstructed turf houses and ancient artefacts on display. From there, continue to Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara beach, with its black sand and stunning cliffs and basalt columns. Stay the night in the area of Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

Attractions of the day

Reynisfjara - Black Sand Beach

Day 6: National Park Vatnajökull and the Famous Glacial Lagoon

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Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur

DAY ENDS IN

Höfn area

DRIVING DISTANCE

~206 km / 126 miles

About your day

Today your journey takes you to the famous Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. On your way there, make a stop at Foss á Síðu (waterfall) and then enjoy a hike in Skaftafell, a part of the Vatnajökull National Park. We recommend a light hike to Svartifoss waterfall, that features pitch black hexagonal basalt columns and a rugged canyon. Moreover, Skaftafell is a site of enormous splendor and variations of landscape: from a lush green oasis to a mighty glacier and black sands. When you reach Jökulsárlón, you will witness the impressing floating icebergs and if you are lucky, you might even spot some seals. Then, continue to the village of Höfn – the lobster capital of Iceland. Once there, enjoy a luxurious lobster dinner at one of Höfn’s gourmet lobster restaurants. Overnight in the area.

Attractions of the day

Svartifoss Waterfall

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Day 7: Waterfalls, Canyons & Lava

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Höfn area

DAY ENDS IN

Hvolsvöllur area

DRIVING DISTANCE

~352 km / 219 miles

About your day

From Höfn you will turn back and drive west towards Reykjavik. On the way, you can make stops here and there, according to your preferences. You will pass Ingolfshöfði, where you can join a guided bird watching tour. In Kirkjubæjarklaustur we recommend stopping by Systrafoss, a truly beautiful waterfall in the middle of the village. The story behind its name refers to the first monastery in Iceland, built there, back in 1186. A few kilometres west of Kirkjubæjarklaustur you will be passing Iceland’s second-biggest lava field – Eldhraun. Also near Kirkjubæjarklaustur, you will find Fjarðárgljúfur canyon which is a beautiful sight. In the afternoon, you can meet and get to know the Icelandic horse on a horseback riding tour. Continue to the Hvolsvöllur area where you’ll stay for the night.

Attractions of the day

Day 8: Blue Lagoon and Reykjanes Hot Springs

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Hvolsvöllur area

DAY ENDS IN

Reykjavík

DRIVING DISTANCE

~226 km / 140 miles

About your day

As your holiday slowly comes to an end, it’s time for you to spoil yourself and relax in the unique Blue Lagoon (optional, needs to be booked in advance). This part of the trip will give you a very good feeling of how powerful Iceland is. Drive west from your hotel and make a left turn by the village of Selfoss, towards the coast and head for the Reykjanes peninsula; an active geothermal area with dramatic coastlines and quaint, historic towns. In Seltún (Krýsuvík) you will find boiling mud pools and colourful mountains. Take a moment to stand on the “Bridge between the Continents” which connects the American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Continue to your hotel in Reykjavik after returning the rental car. In the evening, we recommend enjoying a nice dinner in one of the many gourmet restaurants Reykjavík has to offer.

Attractions of the day

Reykjanes Peninsula

Geothermal area in Seltún

The Blue Lagoon

The Bridge Between the Continents

Reykjavík City

What's included in the tour

Included

8 nights accommodation (budget/comfort/quality) with breakfast
Rental car of your choice for 7 days with unlimited mileage/CDW & VAT
WiFi hotspot in your rental car for easy internet access
1 extra driver for each rental car
Optional private information meeting with our travel consultant in Reykjavik before your tour starts
Transfer from Keflavik International Airport to your accommodation in Reykjavík (private or by bus)
Handwritten, detailed map with route, sightseeing recommendations and accommodations highlighted
Written guides of the regions you will be visiting
Transfer to Keflavík International Airport with pickup at your accommodation in Reykjavik upon departure (private or by bus)
24-hour emergency service
Taxes and service fee

Not included

Flights to/from Iceland
Meals and 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.

Heading

Iceland Helicopter Tour from Reykjavík - Geothermal Wonders

Whale watching Reykjavik

Blue Lagoon

Sky Lagoon

Ice Tunnel Iceland Tour - Go Into The Glacier - All Year

Vatnshellir Lava Cave Iceland Tour on Snaefellsnes

Horseback Riding Tour at Beach in Snaefellsnes

Orca whale watching on Snaefellsnes

Silfra Diving Tour

Silfra Snorkeling Tour

Glacier Snowmobiling Iceland on Myrdalsjokull

Iceland Glacier Walk on Solheimajokull

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour in an Amphibian Boat

Jökulsárlón Zodiac Tour - Sail Among Icebergs & Close to the Glacier

Skaftafell Glacier Hike

Zodiac Boat Tour – Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon

South Iceland Puffin tour - Ingólfshöfði

Your route

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.