Iceland South Coast Self-Drive

Welcome to Iceland! Upon arrival, pick up your vehicle to kick off your adventure. Settle into your accommodation in Reykjavik or Keflavik and take the rest of the day to relax or explore independently. Stroll through Reykjavik’s lively streets, grab a bite at a local café, or relax and prepare for the journey ahead.

Please note that this trip is a highly customizable self-drive trip. Optional tours can be added daily depending on how much independence or structure you would like to have in your itinerary. Optional day tours may require pre-registration to guarantee availability and will be an additional cost. For more details, please discuss with your trip planners.

Optional Tour Additions in Reykjavik could include: A soak at either the Blue Lagoon or the Sky Lagoon to relax after your travels or a whale-watching adventure leaving from Reykjavik. 

Today, head out from Reykjavik and drive about 2 hours north to discover the diverse beauty of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, often called “Little Iceland” for its stunning variety of landscapes. From black sand beaches to dramatic cliffs and lava fields, this region captures the essence of the entire island. Choose your adventure today and visit the iconic Snæfellsjökull volcano, made legendary by Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth. Spend the day exploring this magical region before settling in for the night on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Drive time: 2 hours (traffic dependent)
Distance: 136km / 85 miles

This morning, set out from Snaefellsnes to one of Iceland’s most famous routes, the Golden Circle. Witness the power of Geysir, where boiling water erupts skyward. Stand in awe at the mighty Gullfoss Waterfall, cascading into a dramatic canyon. Explore Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the tectonic plates of Europe and North America drift apart. End the day with accommodation in the Golden Circle area. Most visitors dedicate an entire day to exploring the Golden Circle which, with sightseeing stops included, usually takes between 6 and 10 hours to complete the full circuit.

Drive Time to the Golden Circle: 3 hours
Distance: 200km / 124 miles

Begin the day with self-guided visits to two of Iceland’s most breathtaking waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Take your time walking behind the cascading waters of Seljalandsfoss and feel the mist of Skógafoss as it thunders down. Don't forget your camera for both of these natural marvels. Continue to the black sand beaches the South Coast is renowned for, Reynisfjara being the most famous, where volcanic landscapes and basalt rock formations meet the roaring Atlantic. Sólheimasandur is another popular beach stop known for the abandoned aircraft wreckage still in place from a crash in the 90s. Dyrholaey is another option for adventurous travelers who want to see the famous black sands but also catch views of seabirds, arch-shaped cliff structures, and panoramic scenery. Opt to stop in the quaint town of Vik for lunch or a local snack while exploring this area. 

During summer months, add a visit to the cliffside nesting grounds of puffins for a glimpse of these iconic seabirds. End the day with accommodation in the southeast area.

Travel toward the mighty Vatnajökull Glacier, the third-largest glacier on Earth. Along the way, explore the trails of Skaftafell National Park, known for its stunning glaciers, waterfalls, and black sand plains. Settle in for the night in the southern area.

Option Excursions to Add today for additional cost: Visit the breathtaking glacial lagoons of Jökulsárlón or Fjallsárlón, where floating icebergs create unforgettable scenery. Opt for a zodiac excursion in Fjallsárlón Glacial Lagoon or Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon. Discuss either option's timing and cost with your trip planner. Or, if you are looking for a more adrenaline-pumping adventure, add a snowmobile tour on Mýrdalsjökull.

 

This day is a free day along the South Coast to explore your interests!

Optional Tour: On this day, we recommend the option to join on a unique and remarkable adventure to Landmannalaugar, one of Iceland's most stunning highland areas. Departing from Hella in the morning aboard the "Yeti Bus", traverse rugged landscapes to reach this volcanic wonderland. Hike through colorful mountains, shimmering lakes, and moss-covered lava fields, where shades of green and yellow contrast against ancient basalt, obsidian, and rhyolite formations. Experience the raw beauty of this geothermal paradise before returning to Hella for the night. This optional excursion is a full 12 hours and additional costs apply.

Journey back to Reykjavík, stopping at the Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant to learn about Iceland’s renewable energy and volcanic activity. Travel back to the capital, where you can explore its vibrant streets, visit landmarks, or relax at a local café. Enjoy your final night with accommodation in Reykjavík.

Spend your final morning in Reykjavík at your own pace. Choose to go whale watching, soak in the Sky Lagoon, or take a relaxing stroll through the city. When it’s time, return your rental vehicle and head to the airport for your flight home, bringing your incredible Icelandic adventure to a close.

*This self-drive itinerary can be completed in either direction and is for reference purposes only.