Iceland Complete Self-Drive: Reykjavik, Akureyri, Hofn & More
- Duration
- 10 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,059
MODERATE | SELF-DRIVE: This self-drive favorite explores Iceland’s rich natural treasures, including national parks, beautiful waterfalls, striking glaciers, magnificent volcanoes and hot springs. With time in the funky capital city of Reykjavik and to visit mighty Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Lake Myvatn, and Thingvellir and Vatnajokull National Parks, it is the perfect option for globetrotters looking to discover Iceland in depth.
Embark on the complete Iceland adventure over 10 days, picking up your car from Reykjavik airport and circumnavigating the land of fire and ice.
Collect your vehicle and set off along the southwest coast, staying overnight in the ‘flower village’ of Hveragerdi, where geothermal springs power local greenhouses. See the full force of those springs as you explore Geysir National Park, as well as the famous Gullfoss waterfall. Overnight in Bogarfjordur, then catch a glimpse of rural life in Iceland, visiting the horse breeding valley of Skagafjordur, and Hunafloi Bay. Glaciers that cut through the landscape serve as a reminder that this is still nature’s show.
Overnight in Akureyri and explore the Lake Myvatn area, including the incredible Godafoss waterfalls. You’re deep in the northern part of Iceland now, seeing sights many tourists never reach. Enjoy the unique lava formations at Dimmuborgir, and colourful Namaskard pass. The following day, you’ll have the chance for whale watching before going on to Europe’s most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss. Drive south into the east fjordland, taking things slowly as you admire the Vatnajokull glacier.
Heading into the home stretch of your journey, Iceland’s southern coast, explore Vatnajokull National Park, named for Europe’s largest glacier. See Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon and the green oasis of Skaftafell before overnighting in Kirkjubaejarklaustur. The south coast is defined by glaciers, rocky shores, black sand beaches and in summer, Iceland’s adorable puffins. You’ll also see the infamous Eyjafjallajokull volcano, which grounded flights across Europe in 2010. A visitor’s centre at the base explains how.
Return to Keflavik Airport for departure. If you have time, stop in at the Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s must-do experiences, and a great way to soak away your aches and pains.
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- Duration
- 10 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,059
Itinerary View Trip Map
Arrival
Approximate distance: ca100km / 62miles
Geothermal Lagoon - Flower Village - Geothermal Greenhouses
Pick up the car at the airport and start your Iceland experience.
From Keflavik International Airport we recommend driving the southern coast of the Reykjanes peninsula towards your first overnight stay in the charming village of Hveragerdi. This village is one of the few sites in the world located directly on top of a geothermal area and, because of its many greenhouses heated by hot water from nearby springs it is often called the "flower village".
If your flight arrives early in the day, consider a stop at the Blue Lagoon (a short distance from the airport) for a chance to relax in the soothing geothermal mineral waters. (not included in the trip price)
Important: Please note that admission to the Blue Lagoon must be booked in advance.
Overnight stay in Hveragerdi.
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
Ork Hotel Hveragerdi |
| Location | View map |
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Ork Hotel Hveragerdi
This countryside hotel is located in the village of Hveragerdi and offers friendly accommodation and well-equipped facilities in beautiful surroundings. Guests can enjoy traditional Icelandic cuisine served at Ork's restaurant. There are 85 well furnished guest rooms at Hotel Ork. The rooms have simple yet …
This countryside hotel is located in the village of Hveragerdi and offers friendly accommodation and well-equipped facilities in beautiful surroundings. Guests can enjoy traditional Icelandic cuisine served at Ork's restaurant.
There are 85 well furnished guest rooms at Hotel Ork. The rooms have simple yet classic furnishings and feature private bathrooms with a bathtub with shower.Photo gallery
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Hveragerdi - Geysir - Thingvellir - Borgarfjordur
Approximate distance: ca310km / 193miles
Greenhouses - Exploding Geysers - National Park with Geological Wonders (UNESCO) - Massive Waterfall
Drive to the legendary waterfall Gullfoss and the hot springs at Geysir. Visit Thingvellir National Park, site of the ancient Icelandic parliament, before driving through Hvalfjordur fjord to the historic and scenic Borgarfjordur region.
If you have a 4WD vehicle, you can also take the scenic highland wilderness Kaldidalur track alongside Langjokull glacier to Borgarfjordur. The road generally is open between mid-June and mid-September.
Overnight in Borgarfjordur area.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation |
Reykholt Fosshotel |
| Location | View map |
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Reykholt Fosshotel
Fosshotel Reykholt is only a few minutes' drive from the hot springs of Deildartunguhver and the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls. It offers free parking, free Wi-Fi and 3 outdoor hot tubs. Traditional Icelandic cuisine and international dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients are served …
Fosshotel Reykholt is only a few minutes' drive from the hot springs of Deildartunguhver and the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls. It offers free parking, free Wi-Fi and 3 outdoor hot tubs. Traditional Icelandic cuisine and international dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients are served in Fosshotel's restaurant. Fosshotel Reykholt has a number of different wellness rooms, where guests can try aroma and daylight therapy. The relaxation room has a massage bench and a night sky ceiling. Other facilities at Fosshotel include a guest TV lounge with a DVD player.
Attractions such as the Langjokull Glacier, the Surtshellir lava caves and the Hallmundarhraun lava field are all within walking distance from Fosshotel Reykholt. Borgarnes is 30 minutes' drive away.Facilities
- DVD players
- Internet Access - Wireless
- Massage Treatments
- Restaurant
- Spa(Hot-tub)/Jacuzzi
- TV
Photo gallery
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Borgarfjordur - Blonduos - Varmahlid - Akureyri
Approximate distance: ca280km / 174miles
Fertile Farmlands - Glacial Rivers - Iceland's Second Largest Community - Viking Horses
Drive north through Borgarfjordur to the shores of Hunafloi bay and the towering mountains and horse breeding valley of Skagafjordur. Continue to Akureyri, the capital of the north.
Overnight in North Iceland.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation |
Icelandair Hotel Akureyri |
| Location | View map |
-
Icelandair Hotel Akureyri
Icelandair Hotel Akureyri is a new, friendly hotel, with tastefully decorated, bright and sunny rooms and inviting facilities. The view from the hotel is magnificent and visitors can enjoy not only our nearby natural wonders, and some of Iceland's best skiing, but also by the …
Icelandair Hotel Akureyri is a new, friendly hotel, with tastefully decorated, bright and sunny rooms and inviting facilities. The view from the hotel is magnificent and visitors can enjoy not only our nearby natural wonders, and some of Iceland's best skiing, but also by the cultural life in the capital of the North. The warm geothermal swimming pool is just across the street and the centre of Akureyri is only a short walk away. The hotel garden is eminently cozy during winter and summer.
Facilities
- Check-In Time
- Check-Out Time
- Coffee/Tea Making Facilities
- Hairdryers
- Internet
- Reception
- Restaurant
- Swimming Pool
- TV
Photo gallery
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Akureyri - Lake Myvatn
Approximate distance: ca100km / 62miles
Botanical Gardens - Quality Museums - Waterfall Of the Gods
Spend the morning exploring the town of Akureyri. Continue your journey to the unique Lake Myvatn area. Stop en route to Myvatn to view the beautiful Godafoss waterfalls, which have a unique connection to Iceland's Viking Age.
Overnight in North Iceland.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation |
Icelandair Hotel Akureyri |
| Location | View map |
-
Icelandair Hotel Akureyri
Icelandair Hotel Akureyri is a new, friendly hotel, with tastefully decorated, bright and sunny rooms and inviting facilities. The view from the hotel is magnificent and visitors can enjoy not only our nearby natural wonders, and some of Iceland's best skiing, but also by the …
Icelandair Hotel Akureyri is a new, friendly hotel, with tastefully decorated, bright and sunny rooms and inviting facilities. The view from the hotel is magnificent and visitors can enjoy not only our nearby natural wonders, and some of Iceland's best skiing, but also by the cultural life in the capital of the North. The warm geothermal swimming pool is just across the street and the centre of Akureyri is only a short walk away. The hotel garden is eminently cozy during winter and summer.
Facilities
- Check-In Time
- Check-Out Time
- Coffee/Tea Making Facilities
- Hairdryers
- Internet
- Reception
- Restaurant
- Swimming Pool
- TV
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
Lake Myvatn Area
Distance is variable
Bizarre Lava Formations - Geothermal Activity - Rich Birdlife
Explore the natural wonders of Lake Myvatn and the surrounding area. Stroll along the mystical lava formations at Dimmuborgir. Visit the volcanic area of Krafla along with the colourful sulfurous slopes of Namaskard pass. Enjoy the views of the pseudo craters at Skutustadir.
Overnight in North Iceland.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation |
Selhotel Myvatn |
| Location | View map |
-
Selhotel Myvatn
Situated by Lake Myvatn, Selhotel Myvatn is the ideal base for experiencing the wonders of Myvatn and its surroundings. The Skutustaoagigar pseudo-craters are just a couple minutes' walk away and they can be seen from the restaurant. The views both to north and south are …
Situated by Lake Myvatn, Selhotel Myvatn is the ideal base for experiencing the wonders of Myvatn and its surroundings. The Skutustaoagigar pseudo-craters are just a couple minutes' walk away and they can be seen from the restaurant. The views both to north and south are magnificent.
The hotel has 35 rooms which all are beautifully furnished with solid mahogany with the aim to create a friendly atmosphere for guests.Photo gallery
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Husavik - Tjornes - Dettifoss - Egilsstadir
Approximate distance: ca310km / 193miles
Whale Watching - Glacier- Carved Gorge - Europe's Most Powerful Waterfall
Drive north to the fishing port of Husavik, where you might stop to enjoy a whale watching boat tour. Head around Tjornes peninsula on the edge of the Arctic Circle. Visit Asbyrgi, a magnificent horseshoe-shaped canyon, and Jokulsargljufur National Park. Proceed to the mighty Dettifoss waterfall, the most powerful ones in Europe. Then head across the vast highland plateau to Egilsstadir in the east.
Overnight in East Iceland.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation |
Hotel Hallormsstadur |
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Hotel Hallormsstadur
Beautifully located in a forest area by Lake Lagarfljot, 25 km south of Egilsstadir, is the Hotel Hallormsstadur, close to hiking trails and various recreational opportunities. Guest room and cottage accommodation with a private bathroom and shower is offered at Hotel Hallormsstadur. This hotel is …
Beautifully located in a forest area by Lake Lagarfljot, 25 km south of Egilsstadir, is the Hotel Hallormsstadur, close to hiking trails and various recreational opportunities. Guest room and cottage accommodation with a private bathroom and shower is offered at Hotel Hallormsstadur. This hotel is located near the east entrance of one of the largest nature reserves in Europe, the Vatnajokull National Park. The surrounding area has many scenic trails and guests are welcome to rent mountain bikes from the hotel. Horse riding is also available nearby during the summer.
Facilities
- Bar
- Facilities for Disabled Guests
- Heating
- Non Smoking Rooms
- Reception
- Restaurant(s)
- Sauna
- Spa
- Terrace
Photo gallery
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Reydarfjordur - Stodvarfjordur - Djupivogur - Hofn
Approximate distance: ca300km / 186miles
Narrow Fjords - Steep Mountains - Picturesque Coastline - Unique Mineral Collection
Drive south through the spectacular East Fjords, where towering mountains plunge vertically into the ocean. Leave yourself plenty time, both for safe driving and for amazing views of the coast and Vatnajokull glacier. The journey continues to the town of Hofn in Hornafjordur, also known as the lobster capital of northern Europe.
Overnight in Southeast Iceland.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation |
Hotel Hofn |
-
Hotel Hofn
Situated in south-eastern Iceland, in the coastal town of Hofn. The hotel is within 10 minutes' walk of Hofn Harbour and Silfurnes Golf Club, while the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is less than 1 hours' drive away. This hotel offers local cuisine and modern en-suite rooms …
Situated in south-eastern Iceland, in the coastal town of Hofn. The hotel is within 10 minutes' walk of Hofn Harbour and Silfurnes Golf Club, while the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is less than 1 hours' drive away. This hotel offers local cuisine and modern en-suite rooms with a flat-screen TVs.
Photo gallery
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Hofn - Skaftafell - Kirkjubaejarklaustur
Approximate distance: ca200km / 124miles
Europe's Largest Glacier - Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs - Glacier-Ringed Oasis
Today you will be in the vicinity of Vatnajokull National Park, named after Europe's largest glacier. Visit the shimmering icebergs and the still, milky waters of Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon before continuing to the Skaftafell area of the park, a beautiful green oasis surrounded by glaciers. There are many great hiking trails here. Head wards to the picturesque village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation |
Icelandair Hotel Vik |
| Location | View map |
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Icelandair Hotel Vik
With views of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, this Icelandair Hotel Vik hotel is just 270 metres off southern Iceland's Ring Road. It offers free Wi-Fi, a bar, as well as bright, modern rooms. A daily breakfast buffet is available at Icelandair Hotel Vik. Staff arranges …
With views of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, this Icelandair Hotel Vik hotel is just 270 metres off southern Iceland's Ring Road. It offers free Wi-Fi, a bar, as well as bright, modern rooms. A daily breakfast buffet is available at Icelandair Hotel Vik. Staff arranges on-site horse rental and glacier tours. Dyrholaey Peninsula is 19km away, while Skogafoss Waterfall is 34km from the hotel. Other area activities include golfing, hiking and bird watching.
Facilities
- Coffee/Tea Making Facilities
- TV
Photo gallery
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Vik - Skogar - Reykjavik
Approximate distance: ca260km / 162miles
Lava Fields - Black Sand Beaches - Seabird Colony - Thundering Waterfalls
Drive along the spectacular south coast, a sweeping landscape of sandy deserts, rocky shores and rolling farmlands sandwiched between snow-capped glaciers, mountains and the ocean. Stop to admire the black sand beaches and cliffs at Dyrholaey. There are also vast bird colonies here, including puffins (generally seen mid May to early August). Also visit the beautiful waterfalls of Skogar and Seljalands, each with its own character. You will also see the mighty Eyjafjallajokull volcano, famous for its 2010 eruption. An interesting volcano center at the base of the mountain tells the story of this event. Return to Reykjavik in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Reykjavik.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation |
Icelandairhotel Reykjavik Natura |
| Location | View map |
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Icelandairhotel Reykjavik Natura
Located in one of the greenest areas of Reykjavik, this first class hotel enjoys easy access to expansive stretches of biking, running and walking trails and pathways. The hotel is home to the Icelandic Modern Art Exhibition. It is also close to the city centre, …
Located in one of the greenest areas of Reykjavik, this first class hotel enjoys easy access to expansive stretches of biking, running and walking trails and pathways. The hotel is home to the Icelandic Modern Art Exhibition. It is also close to the city centre, Oskjuhlid Hill's quiet woods and the Nautholsvik geothermal beach.
The 220 guest rooms and 2 suites feature Iceland-inspired themes.Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Hairdryers
- Internet Access - Wireless
- Reception
- Spa
- TV
Photo gallery
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Departure
Approximate distance: ca52km / 32miles
Drive back to Keflavik International Airport and stop at Blue Lagoon as it is on your way to the airport, if you did not have time to do it on your arrival day. (Blue Lagoon visit not included in the trip price)
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
2023: Daily
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 9 nights in the accommodations of your choice (moderate or first-class)
- 9 day vehicle rental with CDW, mileage, VAT, GPS system and two drivers (Toyota Yaris Automatic or similar)
- GPS system and no charges for an additional driver
- Service fee and taxes
- Mobile-based app with virtual Roadbook, audioguides, points of interest and more
- Breakfast daily (excluding day 1)
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
- Visa fees if applicable
OTHER INFORMATION:
Please note that the price is based on 9-day x 24-hour rental days starting at the time of rental. If your flight arrives early on day 1 and departs late on day 10 an additional supplement will be necessary unless you choose to return the car in Reykjavik when the 9 day rental is up and arrange a Reykjavik city to Keflavik Airport departure transfer. "From” pricing includes a 2WD automatic Toyota Yaris or similar. An upgrade to a 4WD vehicle is recommended for self-drive programs in Iceland. First-Class/Quality Accommodations include private facilities, first-class hotels, first-class guesthouses and farmhouse accommodation, and your final night in a 4-star hotel (or equivalent) in Reykjavik. Moderate/Comfort Accommodations include private facilities moderate hotels, moderate guesthouses and farmhouse accommodation, and your final night in a 3-star hotel (or equivalent) in Reykjavik.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Listed hotels are to be used as a guide only. Actual hotels will be confirmed at the time of booking. Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Hotels are not guaranteed and are subject to change until 3 weeks prior to departure. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Car upgrades available, please inquire. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.
31 May 2023
