7 Day | Self-Drive West & South Iceland

Welcome to Iceland!  Once you clear customs and enter the arrivals hall, the car rental shuttle parking space is right outside – next to “Flybus Parking”. The shuttle bus will take you to the Rental Car Area where. Quite convenient and easy to find.

Our car-pick-up office is at the Keflavik International Airport and is located within 4 minutes’ walking distance from the airport. You are more than welcome to take the walk over to us.

When the car is picked drive for 20min. to reach the first activity of the day – Blue Lagoon Spa. Please make sure to keep the swim attire somewhere easy to reach, you will need it. Usually, people stay 2 hours there. But you are welcome to stay there as long as you want. After the spa, you will have the rest of the evening for yourself.

Overnight stay: Reykjavik

After enjoying breakfast in the morning, let’s start with your adventure to the West. It takes about 2 hours to get to the first stop, sit back, and enjoy the scenic ride there.

Bjarnarfoss Waterfall

The first stop of the day will be Bjarnafoss, a small waterfall that stands out from the main highway. It is a nice stop to step outside and do a little bit of walking to enjoy its beauty and uniqueness.

Búðir church

Just a few miles/kilometers away, on the coastal side, there is Búðir church. The church was first built in 1703 but later demolished due to a lack of parishioners. In 1847 new church was built and then rebuilt once again in 1987 in the original design of the previous one. It is distinct from other churches by its’ black color. Because of its’ uniqueness, it is a popular spot for wedding photography.

Now we will enter the Snæfellsnes National Park area, the most western part of the peninsula. It embraces many beautiful sights of nature. Such as the mystical glacier of Snæfellsjökull, Djúpalónssandur Black Sand Beach, Þufubjarg cliff, and more.

Arnarstapi

We will start with a stop at Arnarstapi fishing village, where we get to see the sculpture of the mythological creature Bardur Snaefellsas who was half-human and half-troll. Arnarstapi is also known for its cliffs and unusual basalt arches that you can explore from close range. Just make sure to do not get too close to the edge of them or else you’ll fall into the cold Atlantic Ocean.

Lóndrangar Basalt Cliffs

Lóndrangur is a basalt rock formation, the formation reaching 75m and 61m respectively. These pinnacles are the remains of an ancient crater that has long since been eroded by the sea. They serve as both a stunning view from all angles as well as home to various nesting bird species.

Djúpalónssandur

Our next stop is Djúpalónssandur black sand beach, where you can see and witness the beauty of lava rock formations that were once hot lava that flowed from Snæfellsnes volcano situated 6 miles (10km) away. A beautiful black sand beach where the air is filled with the sounds of birds and the Atlantic waves pounding the sands. You’ll be able to walk through the lava fields on rock steps to the ocean. You will see the rusty remains of an old shipwreck offering a stark contrast to the black sand beach. These ruins are a memorial to men lost at sea here and should be left as they are.

The last stop of the day is the iconic mountain Kirkjufell. For those who have watched the show Game of Thrones, you might recognize this mountain. In the series, it is known as Arrowhead Mountain which appeared in S06E05 and S07E06.

By now we have seen all the highlights of the western peninsula, and now it’s time to go to your accommodation. If you are doing this package in the winter, the night in the countryside would increase the chance of seeing the northern lights.

Overnight: In Borgarnes or nearby

Duration: 9-10 hours

Highlights

• Búðir church
• Arnarstapi village and cliffs
• Kolugljúfur Canyon
• Djúpalónssandur beach
• Kirkjufell mountain

Today you are going towards the Borgarfjörður area, we often refer to this day tour as the Silver Circle Tour. Borgarfjörður area is known as the heartland of the Icelandic Sagas, where the untamed landscapes and striking scenery of West Iceland help to bring Viking history to life.

Glanni Waterfall

A place that you might have heard about when reading stories about Norse Mythology. Here, aside from the mythical border between human and god’s world, you will find a tiny, but charming waterfall called Glanni. Located on the Nordura River multiple tiers fall down across old lava fields called the Grabrokarhraun. In fact, you can also enjoy the view over 3 volcanic craters called Grabrok, that rise above these fields.

Grábrók Crater

Grábrók is a crater formed by a fissure eruption approximately three thousand years ago. The fissure that initially opened during that eruption wasn’t very long but left behind Grábrók and her two crater sisters that can be seen when on top. Also, from the top the massive lava of about seven square kilometers that surfaced in that eruption is visible.  It is a sight of geological interest comparable to Lakagígar, the Laki craters in the Icelandic Highland accessible from the Southern Region. The view from the top is not only interesting because of the lava. It is an impressive view over the most beautiful part of the Western Region Borgarfjörður and the tiny but beautiful lake Hreðarvatn, which was formed during that eruption.

Deildartunguhver – the most powerful hot spring in Europe

Our next stop is a visit to Deildartunguhver, famed as the most powerful hot springs in Europe. It produces more than 180 liters of boiling hot water per second! You can feel the fierce power of Mother Nature as you walk safely on boardwalks through billowing clouds of steam around the bubbling hot springs, or just see them from the viewing platform.

Reykholt Historic Site

Snorralaug (Snorri’s Pool) is a smaller hot spring found just a few minutes away in Reykholt, where local people have bathed since the 12th century. This pool was first mentioned in the medieval writings of Snorri Sturluson, a famous Icelandic poet, and chieftain, who used to live and bathe here too. Snorralaug is now a protected archaeological site.

There will be time to take pictures of the beautiful old timber church here, which dates back to the 19th century. You can take a look inside, where a viewing glass to a medieval smithy cistern can be seen.

Hraunfossar – famous Lava Falls

we will see the great Hraunfossar, a stunning series of waterfalls formed by several rivers running a distance of about 900m across the Hallmundarhraun lava field, created a thousand years ago by a volcano erupting under the nearby Langjokull glacier.

Hraunfossar translates as the “Lava Waterfalls”, but nowadays it’s clear glacial meltwater that tumbles down into the Hvita (White) river below to provide one of the most breathtaking views in the country.

Barnafoss waterfalls

A short walk through the many viewing points and platforms here brings us to another beautiful waterfall, but this is one with a tragic tale to tell. This is Barnafoss, or “the waterfall of the children”. The sad story here is that there used to be a natural stone bridge over these ferociously powerful falls, and one day two children from a nearby farm fell to their deaths when they were trying to cross the river. The grief-stricken mother had the bridge destroyed so that no others would ever suffer the same fate.

Highlights:

• Glanni Waterfall
• Grábrók crater
• Deildartunguhver hotspring
• Barnafoss Waterfall
• Húsafell
• Reykholt
• Viðgelmir lava cave

Optional activities: Hvammsvík Geothermal Baths

After having breakfast in the morning, now you are set for the next adventure. The first stop of the day is Þingvellir National Park, where you will have a chance to walk on a tectonic plate rift that splits Iceland into two parts and see Öxaráfoss Waterfall which flows into the rift. Also, you will have a chance to see the site of the first parliament in the world. That’s actually where the name Þingvellir (e. Fields of the Parliament) comes from.

Next, you can visit Laugarvatn to experience the geothermal energy firsthand and try geothermally baked bread in the ground, yes, we meant it. It’s baked in the geothermally heated ground.

The next stop is Efstidalur farm where we will see cattle and locally made yummy ice cream. This farm has been run by the same family since 1750.

From there we will head to a very active place Haukadalur (Geysir) geothermal area, where you will find Strokkur hot spring. It is the most famous geyser in Iceland that shoots hot water as high as 20-30 meters (65-98ft), approx. every 5-10 minutes. There are over 20 other sleeping geysers and the small cute Litli Geysir that looks like a boiling pot.

We continue the drive to Gullfoss waterfall, the second-largest waterfall in Iceland. In the summer, if you stand close enough to the falls, you will feel fresh mist touching your face.

We will continue this journey towards the south to visit Fridheimar tomato cultivation farm, where you get a chance to taste various meals and desserts, with tomato as their main ingredient. Some people say that this place offers the best Bloody Mary cocktail in the world. Please note that tomato farm is very popular, and table reservation is required.

After the lunch break, we keep moving with our tour and we have a special stop at the Secret Lagoon, where you have a chance to soak in the beautiful natural hot spring. You can stay there as long as you want.

The last stop of the day is the Kerid crater which was created by an explosive eruption, four thousand years ago. In the mid of the crater, you will find a beautiful lagoon.

We will now be heading to the accommodation in the south, you will have the experience of staying in the cozy countryside. It might be a big bonus, if you do this trip in the winter, you will have a great chance to see the northern lights from the hotel.

Overnight: In Hvolsvöllur or simiar

Duration: 10-11 hours

Highlights: 

• Þingvellir National Park
• Geysir
• Gullfoss waterfalls
• Kerid crater
• Friðheimar farm
• Efstidalur farm
• Secret lagoon – with admission

Optional activities: Monstertruck ride on Langjökull glacier

After breakfast, you are set for the next adventure. Today you will explore the extended south coast tour all the way to the Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. Please prepare well for a long day, it will be packed full of activities.

The South Coast tour of Iceland will reveal many secret sites and show both the green and the icy side of Iceland. On this tour, you get to see the magical Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you will be able to literally walk behind it without getting completely wet. In the same area, we will also visit a beautiful waterfall, which is secretly hidden inside the mountain.

After enjoying these two amazing waterfalls, we will be heading to see another beauty. The Skogafoss waterfall is 60m (197 ft) high. Even from a distance, we will still feel its power of it. If you like to see it from above, you can take a little hike on the wooden stairs all the way to the top, where you can enjoy the view from above. According to the legend, the Vikings hid treasures behind the fall. Nobody dares yet to check it out?

The next stop is the hidden waterfall Kvernusfoss is a beautiful 30-meters high (98 ft) waterfall that is half-hidden away in a gorge in South Iceland, yet very close to the ring road. It is located on the east side of the popular Skógafoss waterfall and is often overlooked by travelers. We will show you this beauty on this tour.

The next stop is the Sólheimajökull glacier. Where we will do a two-hour glacier hike on the glacier that is partly covered with ash from the Eyjafjallajökull eruption in 2010. You will be equipped with all the necessary gear to do the activity, such as a helmet, harness, crampons, and axe.  

After this activity, you will continue to explore further east to the Reynisfjara black sand beach famous for its basalt column caves and mystical beach.

Our last stop of this tour is the famous Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Fjadrargljufur is a stunning and magical canyon close to Kirkjubæjarklaustur in the South East of Iceland. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is best known as the location of Justin Bieber’s video “I’ll show you.” Enjoy stupendous views and tumbling waterfalls with a visit to Fjadrargljufur! After this stop, you will be taken back to your accommodation.

Overnight stay: In the south of Iceland

Highlights: 

• Seljalandsfoss waterfall
• Skógafoss waterfall
• Kvernufoss waterfall
• Glacier hike on Sólheimajökull glacier
• Vík
• Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Duration: 10 hours

After enjoying the local breakfast in the morning, we will start the day by visiting the magnificent Jökulsárlón – Glacier Lagoon, where you will have a close look at the melting icebergs moving toward the Atlantic Ocean. Just within a few minutes from the lagoon, we will take a walk on Diamond Beach, where polished icebergs get washed back to the coastline by enormous ocean waves.

Next on our agenda is the Ice Cave activity, it might be your highlight of the day, it takes 2-3 hours. It is a naturally occurring blue ice cave located on Vatnajökull – the biggest glacier in Iceland. This part will be operated by a specialized glacier guide on a super jeep. Please note, that this activity is offered from November to March.

If you are traveling in the summer, we will replace this activity with Kayak or Zodiac boat activity in the glacier lagoon.

After you finish this activity, you will be taken back to your hotel in Reykjavik.

Overnight stay: in Reykjavík

Driving distance: 480km 

Highlights: 

• Glacier Lagoon
• Diamond Beach
• Natural Ice Cave or boat activity
• Vík town

Time flies, today you are heading home. See you next time!

The minimum group size is two people. If you are planning to travel alone, you still pay for a group of two.

Yes, it is available all year round with some itinerary changes depending on the season.

Yes, the activities are extra add-ons, it’s not compulsory, so you can skip them all or some of them, we would deduct the fees.

Yes, when the package is booked we will send a digital itinerary with all the essential information that you will need during your driving period.

Included in all rentals:
• Basic liability insurance coverage
• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
• Unlimited mileage
• Authorisation for two drivers (extra fee for additional drivers)
• Free pick-up and drop-off service within opening hours
• Icelandic VAT @ 25.5%

Not included:
• Fuel or oil
• Overnight parking at hotels
• Parking fees, parking fines, or towing charges
• Fines for traffic violations
• Fees for ferries, tunnels, or toll roads
• Charges due to negligent vehicle damage (e.g. incorrect fuel, alcohol/drug use, off-road driving, etc.)

Yes, you can do it upon arrival and can decide when you pick up the rental car.
• Insurance upgrades (e.g. super collision damage waiver, gravel protection, tire insurance, sandstorm protection, theft protection, etc)
• Additional driver(s)
• Child seat
• another special equipment subject to availability

*Optional features are available for an additional fee and can be selected at the local car rental office at the time of pick-up.

Icelandic winter weather is unpredictable, so if you are driving between mid-October and mid-April, we recommend renting a 4-wheel drive. The cold weather conditions can cause snowstorms, which may result in slippery roads. A 4-wheel drive handles adverse conditions better because of its increased traction and added grip on the road.

No cancellation fee will be charged if a client cancels the booking more than 48 hours and you will be entitled to get a 96.5% refund.
A 3.5% is non-refundable and it represents the transaction fee.
A 100% cancellation fee will be charged for the cancellations received within 48 hours before the service date.
If the transfer service is canceled by us due to the weather or any other mishaps, you will get a 100% refund from us.