9 Day Explore Iceland - Self drive
9 Day Explore Iceland - Self drive suggestion
Thanks to the convenience of a private hire car, getting around the country couldnt be simpler or less stressful. As theres so much to tempt every kind of traveller, you can bask in the glorious nature and culture throughout the land.
This travel suggestion comprises 8 nights and 9 days, ensuring you can sample a little bit of everything. It takes you right up to the north, leading you to waterfalls, mountains and glaciers along the way, not to mention giving you the chance to spot puffins or even whales. From the comfort of a car, all you need to do is drive and let your passengers sit back and watch in awe.
Both rural and town hotels are there to greet you at the end of each day so you can also look forward to meeting the friendly people of our nation.
1st DAY: ARRIVAL DAY | KEFLAVIK - REYKJAVIK
Arrive at Keflavik International Airport. It then takes about 50 minutes to drive or take the Flybus/taxi to Reykjavík. Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura offers free city bus tickets and we would recommend you take the opportunity to go to the city centre and see what the town has to offer. Check what's going on here: www.visitreykjavik.is
Suggested accommodation: Overnight at Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura - book now
2nd DAY: REYKJAVIK - VIK
HIGHLIGHTS: Thingvellir National Park Geysir Gullfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls
By driving down to South Iceland you can see many of the lands best wonders of nature. We recommend that you drive to Þingvellir National Park and then on to the great area of Geysir and the waterfall Gullfoss.
Suggested accommodation: Overnight at Hotel Edda Vik - book now
3rd DAY: VATNAJOKULL GLACIER
HIGHLIGHTS: Skaftafell National Park Vatnajokull glacier Jokulsarlon, Glacial Lagoon
Today you will drive along the south coast in an easterly direction. You have the opportunity to see puffins and collect shells or beautiful stones at the black sand beach, plus see or even venture onto the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull glacier. Whats more, you can go and check out the famous Glacial Lagoon where they filmed the James Bond film, Die Another Day.
Suggested accommodation: Overnight at Hotel Edda Hofn - book now
4th DAY: THE EAST FJORDS
HIGHLIGHTS: Stone collection at Stoðvarfjordur Papey Island Les Francis en Island
Explore the spectacular East Fjords. The East Fjords are a magnificent landscape of long, narrow fjords, steep mountains and jagged peaks as well as many other beautiful natural phenomena. We recommend a visit to Petras stone collection at Stöðvafjörður.
Suggested accommodation: Overnight at Hotel Edda Neskaupsstadur - Book now
5th DAY: LAKE MYVATN
HIGHLIGHTS: Modrudalur Lake Myvatn Dimmuborgir Myvatn Nature Baths
Drive across Moðrudalsoraefi to the famous Lake Myvatn. We like to advise travelers to explore Lake Myvatn and its surroundings, visiting highlights such as Dimmuborgir and the colourful sulphurous slopes of Namaskarð and Krafla volcano.
Suggested accommodation: Overnight at Hotel Edda Storutjarnir - book now
6th DAY: AKUREYRI
HIGHLIGHTS: Botanical garden The cultural life of Akureyri in Kaupvangsstraeti
On the 6th morning, youll be driving to the capital of the North, Akureyri, where you can spend the day. A whole host of options await you there, including a botanical garden and a swimming pool. Alternatively, you could unwind and refresh in a local café or restaurant. You can also drive to Husavík for whale watching or over to Jokulsargljufur National Park.
Suggested accommodation: Overnight at Hotel Edda Akureyri - book now
7th DAY: SKAGAFJORÐUR
HIGHLIGHTS: The Glaumbær Folk Museum ? The countless mounds of Vatnsdalsholar
Driving from Akureyri to Laugar in Saelingsdalur, we recommend that you travel in the direction of Hrútafjörður and via the mountain road over the heath Laxárdalsheiði.
Suggested accommodation: Overnight at Hotel Edda Laugar in Saelingsdalur - book now
8th DAY: SNÆFELLSNES PENINSULA
HIGHLIGHTS: Stykkisholmur Snaefellsjokull Glacier Dritvik Hellnar Arnarstapi
As your holiday begins to draw to a close, you can choose your route back to Reykjavik. We would favour driving along the beautiful Snaefellsnes Peninsula, stopping to see the famous Snaefellsjokul glacier, but, for a little more time in the city, you may want to head straight to Reykjavik Natura and relax for the whole evening.
Suggested accommodation: Overnight at Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura - book now
9th DAY: REYKJAVÍK - KEFLAVÍK
DEPARTURE