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Self-Drive Tours

Iceland South Coast Sensation: 7 Days Self-Drive Tour

For an eventful and adventurous Iceland vacation, you should consider our Iceland south coast tour. The south coast has arguably, some of the most spectacular natural features that can be found in Iceland. This self-drive holiday package focuses on this area and places like Skaftafell in Vatnajökull national park, Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, the beautiful village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur and much more. There are a plethora of available activities to choose from in this south coast Iceland vacation, such as snowmobiling, glacier hiking, riding tours, hiking tours, ATV tours and much more. If you are interested in spending a few vacation days in Iceland at a leisurely pace, this is the perfect holiday package for you.

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SEASON
May - Sept
travel style
Self-Drive Tours
Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Location
South Iceland
accessibility
Moderate

The itinerary

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

Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavik

dAY STARTS IN
DAY ENDS IN
DRIVING DISTANCE
About your day

Welcome to Iceland! After you have cleared customs, 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 will either be handed to you by your driver or wait for you at your hotel/guesthouse. If you arrive around noon, it is possible to stop at the Blue Lagoon before continuing to the capital. 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. After the meeting, you’ll have free time in Reykjavik to explore and enjoy the northernmost capital of the world. Overnight at a hotel in the heart of the city.

Attractions of the day
The Blue Lagoon
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Reykjavík City
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Hallgrímskirkja Church
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Harpa - Music Hall
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Reykjavík Old Harbour
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Day 2: The Gullfoss & Geysir Route

dAY STARTS IN
Reykjavík
DAY ENDS IN
Hvolsvöllur area
DRIVING DISTANCE
~237 kilometers / 147 miles
About your day

Today you will receive your rental car and your Iceland vacation begins for real! Start the day by driving east towards the amazing Þingvellir National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site, rich with its incredible natural beauty, history and where you can see how the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are diverging. Continue to the famous Geyser geothermal fields and witness the great spouting spring, namesake of every other spouting spring in the world. Close by you’ll find Gullfoss (Golden Falls), recently voted one of 10 most beautiful waterfalls of the world. By Gullfoss and Geyser are popular lunch stops and for a chance to enjoy a traditional Icelandic meal we recommend the Icelandic lamb soup. From there, make your way towards the south coast and drive through lush farmlands, but be sure to make a stop at Kerið, a volcanic crater displaying its crystal clear water. Stay overnight in the Hvolsvöllur area.

Attractions of the day
Þingvellir National Park
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Geysir
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Gullfoss Waterfall
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Kerið Crater
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Day 3: Sensational South Coast

dAY STARTS IN
Hvolsvöllur areal
DAY ENDS IN
Kirkjubæjarklaustur
DRIVING DISTANCE
~155 km / 96 miles
About your day

It’s time to travel further east along the beautiful south coast. Shortly after leaving Hvolsvöllur, you will reach the wonderful Seljalandsfoss waterfall. You can (and should) take the opportunity to enjoy a 360°view of the waterfall as it is possible to walk behind it if you are wearing good shoes and don’t mind the light drizzle. Continue to Skógar where you’ll find the picture perfect Skógafoss waterfall and the Skógar Folk museum where you can see reconstructed turf houses and ancient artefacts on display. Drive further east to the mighty Mýrdalsjökull glacier and enjoy optional activities such as glacier hiking and or snowmobiling with professional guides. Continue to the charming village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, home to Iceland’s first monastery (built in 1186) where you will stay for the night in the area.

Attractions of the day
Seljalandsfoss
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Skógafoss
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Skógar Folk Museum
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Kirkjubæjarklaustur
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Day 4: Crown jewels of Icelandic nature

dAY STARTS IN
Kirkjubæjarklaustur
DAY ENDS IN
Höfn
DRIVING DISTANCE
~203 km / 126 miles
About your day

After breakfast an to Skaftafell, a part of the Vatnajökull National Park. Skaftafell is a site of immense beauty and variations. It’s a lush green oasis between a mighty glacier and vast black sand beach. In Skaftafell you’ll find many different hiking routes. We recommend a light hike to Svartifoss waterfall, that features pitch black hexagonal basalt columns and a rugged canyon. Continue east to the spectacular Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon; the crown jewel of Icelandic nature where you can enjoy an unforgettable 40-minute boat ride between the icebergs on the lagoon that’s offered in summer. After that, continue to the village of Höfn – the lobster capital of Iceland. In Höfn you will, of course, find great, gourmet lobster restaurants. Overnight in the Höfn area.

Attractions of the day
Svartifoss Waterfall
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Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
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Svínafellsjökull Glacier
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Höfn
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The Diamond Beach
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Day 5: Rugged cliffs and volcanic beaches

dAY STARTS IN
Höfn
DAY ENDS IN
Hvolsvöllur area
DRIVING DISTANCE
~352 km / 219 miles
About your day

Time to turn around and head back towards Reykjavik. On the way, nature lovers will want to visit the village of Vík in Mýrdalur and walk along the Reynisfjara beach with its beautiful view of the Reynisdrangar cliffs. In summer you have the chance to see puffins that nest in this area. Continue to the Hvolsvöllur area where you’ll stay for the night.

Attractions of the day
Vatnajökull glacier
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Eldhraun Lava Field
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Vík
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Reynisfjara - Black Sand Beach
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Dyrhólaey
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Day 6: Return to Reykjavik with a twist

dAY STARTS IN
Hvolsvöllur area
DAY ENDS IN
Reykjavik
DRIVING DISTANCE
~226 km / 140 miles
About your day

Today you will return to the city but with a slight twist. Drive west from your hotel and make a left turn in the village of Selfoss, towards the coast and head for the Reykjanes peninsula; an active geothermal area and a diamond in the rough. In Seltún (Krýsuvík) you will find boiling mud pools and colourful mountains. (There are two ways of getting there: One is by using the map, the other is by following the sulfur “aroma”!) Continue along the coastline to Grindavík village where you’ll find the Salt-fish Museum; a museum dedicated to the history of salt fish that in the late 19th century was to Iceland’s exporting industry what oil is to Saudi Arabia. Continue to the unique Blue Lagoon where you can stop to relax and unwind after a few days on the road. Continue to your hotel in Reykjavik after returning the rental car. Overnight in the heart of the city.

Attractions of the day
Reykjanes Peninsula
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Geothermal area in Seltún
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The Blue Lagoon
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The Bridge Between the Continents
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Reykjavík City
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Day 7: Departure

dAY STARTS IN
DAY ENDS IN
DRIVING DISTANCE
About your day

Sadly your Iceland vacation has come to an end. You will be transferred to Keflavík International Airport by bus (budget and comfort) or our private driver (quality) in time for your flight home. Have a safe and enjoyable trip back home!

Attractions of the day
The Blue Lagoon
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What's included in the tour

Included

  • 6 nights accommodation (budget/comfort/quality) with breakfast
  • Rental car of your choice for 5 days with unlimited mileage/CDW & VAT
  • WiFi hotspot in your rental car for easy internet access
  • 1 extra driver for each rental car
  • Transfer from Keflavik International Airport to your accommodation in Reykjavík (private or by bus)
  • Optional private information meeting with our travel consultant in Reykjavik before your tour starts
  • Big, handwritten, detailed map with route, recommendations and accommodations highlighted
  • Written guides of the region 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 & 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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Whale watching Reykjavik

Your route

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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.

Get a vehicle that fits your needs

4x4 Kia Sportage
type
SUV Full Size Intermediate
Passengers
5
Luggage
4
Doors
5
TRANSMISSION
Automatic (Manual option available)
4×4 Hyundai Kona
type
SUV Economy
Passengers
5
Luggage
3
Doors
5
TRANSMISSION
Automatic (Manual option available)
4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser
type
SUV Full size
Passengers
5
Luggage
4
Doors
5
TRANSMISSION
Automatic (Manual option available)
Kia Rio
type
Compact Economy
Passengers
5
Luggage
2
Doors
5
TRANSMISSION
Automatic (Manual option available)
Volkswagen Golf
type
Compact
Passengers
5
Luggage
2
Doors
5
TRANSMISSION
Automatic (Manual option available)
Kia Ceed Wagon
type
Intermediate Wagon
Passengers
5
Luggage
4
Doors
5
TRANSMISSION
Automatic (Manual option available)

Good to know

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

Contact us
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.

What language is spoken in Iceland?

The official language is Icelandic, but English is widely spoken, especially in the tourism industry. Most locals are fluent and happy to assist visitors in English.

What if I need to cancel my tour?

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.”

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 currency is used in Iceland?

The currency is the Icelandic króna (ISK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, even for small purchases. ATMs are easily accessible throughout the country.

What is the best time to visit Iceland?

Iceland is a year-round destination, each season offering unique experiences. - Summer (June–August): Midnight sun, milder weather, and access to the highlands. - Winter (October–March): Best for viewing the Northern Lights and experiencing snowy landscapes. - Shoulder seasons (April–May and September): Fewer crowds and lower prices, with a good mix of daylight and activities.

Comfort
Luxury
Quality