Reykjavík: 8-Day Iceland Circle Self-Drive Tour

Planning a trip to Iceland often involves long stretches of research and narrowing down the must-see sights. This 8-day self-drive tour offers a comprehensive way to experience the island’s highlights at your own pace, focusing on stunning landscapes, iconic waterfalls, glaciers, and geothermal wonders. While it’s ideal for travelers who enjoy independence and scenic exploration, it does require a bit of planning and a good sense of adventure.

What makes this tour stand out? Firstly, the flexibility of self-driving lets you take your time at each stop and savor the views without feeling rushed. Secondly, the itinerary covers a broad sweep of Iceland’s breathtaking scenery—think black sand beaches, enormous glaciers, and bubbling geothermal areas. Thirdly, the included accommodation and rental car offer convenience, making it easier to focus on the experience rather than logistics. That said, a potential drawback is that it’s designed for drivers who are comfortable navigating unfamiliar roads, especially in winter or challenging conditions.

If you love exploring at your own pace, enjoy stunning natural scenery, and want an authentic Icelandic experience that combines adventure with comfort, this tour is a great fit. It’s also ideal for those who value flexibility and want to avoid group tours or crowded buses.

Good To Know

• Self-drive flexibility allows you to explore Iceland at your own pace.
• Comprehensive route covers major highlights from waterfalls to glaciers and geothermal areas.
• Accommodation options include comfortable guesthouses and 4-star hotels, ensuring restful nights.
• All necessary car protection and airport pickup make logistics straightforward.
• Includes detailed itineraries in multiple languages, helping you plan each day.
• Price point offers good value considering accommodation, car rental, and access to top sights.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Ultimate Icelandic Road Trip: What to Expect

This tour balances the rugged beauty of Iceland’s landscapes with the convenience of pre-arranged logistics. As you drive along the route, you’ll encounter some of the best scenery the island has to offer—perfect for photography, nature lovers, and those looking to connect with Iceland’s wild side.

Day 1: Arrival and Reykjavík

Your journey begins in Reykjavík, Iceland’s lively capital. After collecting your rental car at Keflavík Airport, you’ll settle into a comfortable hotel or guesthouse. This first night is perfect for relaxing and getting your bearings before hitting the road.

Day 2: South Coast

The drive along the South Coast is often considered one of Iceland’s most scenic routes. Highlights include Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the waterfall, and Skógafoss, a powerful cascade famous for its rainbow displays on sunny days. You’ll also visit Dyrhólaey, a dramatic promontory offering panoramic ocean views, and Reynisfjara, the black sand beach with striking basalt columns.

Traveling this route means plenty of opportunities for memorable photos, especially of the coast’s striking contrast of black sands and white waterfalls. Reviewers rave about the scenery here, calling it “breathtaking” and “surreal.”

Day 3: Vatnajökull National Park & Jökulsárlón

Continuing eastward, you’ll marvel at Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap, which looms over the landscape. The Skaftafell area within the park offers accessible trails and views of glaciers and ice formations. Visiting Svartifoss, known for its basalt column backdrop, adds a unique geological element to your day.

A highlight is Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where floating icebergs create a spectacular scene. Just across the road, Diamond Beach displays ice chunks glistening on black sands—an otherworldly sight. Multiple reviews mention how stunning and peaceful this area feels, making it a favorite photo spot.

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Day 4: East Fjords

Traveling through the East Fjords takes you along winding roads hugging the coastline, dotted with charming fishing villages. This less-visited region provides a sense of solitude and authentic Icelandic life. Visitors often comment on the scenery’s tranquility and the opportunity to see how locals live in this rugged landscape. Overnight stay in Egilsstaðir.

Day 5: Lake Mývatn and North Iceland

From the East Fjords, you’ll head north to Lake Mývatn, a volcanic wonderland. Here, you can explore Námaskarð geothermal area with bubbling mud pots, Hverfjall crater, and the surreal lava formations of Dimmuborgir. The Dettifoss waterfall, Europe’s most powerful, is a must-see for anyone wanting to feel the raw power of nature.

Your stop in Akureyri offers a cozy base for exploring the north. Travelers highlight the Mývatn Nature Baths as a quieter alternative to the Blue Lagoon, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring.

Day 6: Borgarfjörður and Húsafell

Driving west, you’ll visit the Borgarfjörður region, known for its sagas and horse breeding. The Glaumbær turf houses are a fascinating glimpse into traditional Icelandic life, while Reykholt was home to the medieval historian Snorri Sturluson.

The hot springs of Deildartunguhver are Europe’s most powerful, and the waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafoss add to the landscape’s dramatic beauty. Reviewers often comment on how these sites combine natural wonder with cultural history.

Day 7: The Golden Circle

No Iceland trip is complete without experiencing the Golden Circle. Visiting Þingvellir National Park offers both geological and cultural insights, as this UNESCO site is where the Icelandic parliament was founded. Next, you’ll see Geysir, home to the erupting Strokkur, and conclude at Gullfoss, a massive waterfall that often leaves visitors speechless.

This route offers a satisfying mix of geology, history, and sheer waterfalls. Reviewers mention how convenient it is to see these iconic sights in one day, making it a perfect finale before returning to Reykjavík.

Day 8: Departure

After a leisurely start, you’ll return your rental car and head to Keflavík Airport for your flight home. The entire experience aims to blend Iceland’s wild beauty with easy logistics, leaving you with memorable sights and a deep appreciation for the island’s stark, captivating landscapes.

The Value of This Tour

With a price of $2,285 per person, this tour offers good value considering the included accommodation, car rental with unlimited mileage, and the extensive itinerary covering Iceland’s top destinations. The flexibility to explore independently means you can linger longer at favorite spots or skip others, tailoring the experience to your interests.

The accommodation choices, ranging from guesthouses to four-star hotels, strike a balance between comfort and immersion. This setup keeps costs reasonable while providing a comfortable home base after long days of sightseeing. The rental car includes comprehensive insurance options, which simplifies planning and reduces unexpected costs.

Having a detailed itinerary available in multiple languages adds convenience, ensuring travelers understand each day’s highlights and logistics. The included emergency telephone service provides peace of mind, especially when venturing into more remote regions.

Traveling at Your Own Pace

One of the biggest benefits is the freedom to set your own schedule, stop for spontaneous photos, or explore less-visited areas. Based on reviews, many travelers appreciated the ability to customize their days, and the scenic stops like Jökulsárlón, Dettifoss, and Hraunfossar are often highlighted as unforgettable highlights.

Practical Considerations

While the tour offers a well-rounded experience, it’s important to note that it’s designed for those comfortable with driving in potentially challenging conditions, especially in winter. The roads are well-maintained, but Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable. Travelers should plan accordingly and bring an international driver’s license.

The tour’s inclusion of detailed daily itineraries in multiple languages helps in planning your days, but flexibility remains key. Fuel costs and parking fees are not included, so budgeting for these is wise.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This self-drive adventure is perfect for travelers who value independence and want to craft their own Icelandic story. It appeals to those comfortable with driving, eager to see a broad range of sights, and seeking authentic experiences without the constraints of group tours.

It’s suited for couples, friends, or families who enjoy scenic road trips and are prepared for some driving over varied terrains. The inclusion of comfortable accommodations makes it accessible even for those who prefer a touch of luxury after days of exploring.

Final Thoughts

This 8-day Iceland Circle Self-Drive Tour offers a well-balanced, immersive experience of Iceland’s most iconic sights and lesser-known gems. You’ll enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace, combined with the comfort of thoughtfully selected accommodations and a detailed itinerary.

Travelers who prize scenic beauty, unforgettable waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, and geothermal wonders will find this trip rewarding. It’s also an excellent choice for those wanting to experience Iceland’s wild beauty without sacrificing ease and comfort.

While it requires some planning and confidence in driving, the overall value, flexibility, and access to top sights make it a compelling way to see Iceland’s diverse landscapes.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for drivers under 21?
No, this tour is not suitable for drivers under 21 years of age or those without a valid driver’s license.

What is included in the price?
The price covers accommodation with private facilities and breakfast, a rental car with unlimited mileage and insurance, airport pickup and drop-off, and detailed daily itineraries in multiple languages.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but breakfast is provided at the accommodations. You’ll need to budget for additional meals and snacks.

Can I modify the itinerary?
Yes, since it’s a self-drive tour, you can adjust your plans. The detailed itinerary provides suggested routes, but you have the flexibility to linger longer or skip certain activities.

What kind of accommodations are provided?
You can choose between Standard (guesthouses and 3-star hotels) and Comfort (4-star hotels). All rooms are standard but comfortable.

Is this tour suitable in winter?
While the tour is available year-round, be aware that winter driving conditions can be challenging. Proper clothing and vehicle preparedness are essential.

What happens if I need assistance during the trip?
An emergency telephone service is included, allowing you to get help if needed during your journey.

How much does fuel cost?
Fuel expenses are not included, so you should budget accordingly based on your planned driving.

What is the best way to prepare for this tour?
Bring an international driver’s license, plan your daily stops, and be flexible to enjoy Iceland’s unpredictable weather and stunning scenery.

This self-drive Iceland tour offers an ideal blend of adventure, comfort, and flexibility, perfect for explorers eager to uncover the island’s natural wonders at their own pace.

You can check if your dates are available here: