godafoss waterfall in north iceland

13-Day Iceland Self-Drive Tour The North

Duration

13 Days

Season

Summer (May - Sept.)

Driving distance

Approx. 2900 KM

Accommodation

Private bathroom

Description

If you have got 2 weeks to spare, this is the perfect summer break if you want to experience the less traveled Westfjords, the beautiful North Iceland and still some of the main attractions in other regions. During this 13 day trip you will travel most of Iceland, the West, with Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the Westfjords, in addition to both the North and South regions of Iceland.

 

For this trip we’ll take care of everything ahead of time, so you only need to show up, enter your rental car and the adventure starts! We both make all the bookings and hand you a travel plan to ensure you catch all the highlights en route. And if you are interested in introducing more activities, you can choose from additional, well fitted options upon booking that will boost your experience.

 

If this peaks your interest, then check out the itinerary!

 

Included

Rental car for 13 days (different categories available, more info below)
Accommodation for 12 nights (private bathroom, breakfast included)  
SCDW insurance and Gravel Protection for the rental car
Ferry ride on Baldur, one car included
Detailed travel information (Roadbook)
Personal travel advisor
Icelandic taxes

Not Included

Flights to and from Iceland
Meals, drinks, and entrance costs, unless otherwise noted
Personal Travel Insurance
Any services not listed above as “included”

How to book with us

Step 1 – Select Participants, Travel Date, and Rental Car Type

Step 2 – Enter Main Traveler’s Details

Step 3 – Choose Additional Services

Step 4 – Finalize Your Booking Using a Credit Card

Cancellation Protection

Cancel/Rebook a tour within 72 hours before arrival and receive a full refund

Read our Terms and Conditions 

Itinerary
Day 1
Highlights

Capital Reykjavík

Good to Know

Driving Distance: approx. 50 km

Accommodation: Reykjavík

things to do reykjavik

When you land in Iceland your rental car will be waiting for you. Reykjavík is only a short drive away, and after checking into your hotel you can explore the northern most capital city in the world. Whether you are looking for tasty food or thrilling entertainment, you will definitely find something to experience in this lively city.

Optional Activities
Day 2
Highlights

Arnarstapi

Lóndrangar

Djúpalónssandur

Kirkjufell

Stykkishólmur

Good to Know

Driving Distance: approx. 310 km

Accommodation: Snæfellsnes Peninsula

kirkjufell mountain in snaefellsnes peninsula

Today you venture out of the city to explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. During your trip you will encounter many special sights like the Gatklettur rock arch, the rocky peaks of Lóndrangar, the black sand beach Djúpalónssandur and the well known Mount Kirkjufell. If you want to take a break from driving on your way to the peninsula there is a hot spring called Landbrotalaug on the way. It is located in a rough environment but offers warm water to relax in and amazing views of the surrounding mountain ranges.

 

Naturally, the majestic Snaefellsjökull glacier volcano will easily grab your attention during most of the day and in clear weather, you can even drive up to it in a snowcat. It is an option to go whale watching if you stop in Grundarfjörður, and if you do, you might be lucky and spot orcas! You will end the day in the picturesque village of Stykkishólmur where you will be staying over night.

Optional Activities

Into the Glacier

Day 3
Highlights

Ferry Trip Across Breiðafjörður

Krosslaug & Hellulaug Hot Tubs

Rauðasandur Beach

Látrabjarg Bird Cliffs

Good to Know

Driving Distance: approx. 240 km

Accommodation: Patreksfjörður

Puffins in Iceland

You will start your day with a boat ride from the picturesque village of Stykkishólmur over Breiðafjörður Fjord to Brjánslækur. The trip takes you between countless small islands and offers a great view of the surroudings. Of course, if you do not feel like taking a boat over Breiðafjörður or if the schedule does not suit you, you can drive around it instead.

 

When you arrive at Brjánslækur, you can take a short detour to Flókalundur for a meal if you are hungry and a bath in Hellulaug Hot Spring. Otherwise you can stop by and relax in Krosslaug Hot Spring on your way to Rauðasandur. This red and gold beach stretches 10 kilometers between mountain ranges and can feel like an otherworldly paradise. Close by, on the westernmost point in Iceland, are the 441 m high bird cliffs at Látrabjarg nature reserve. Here you will find the breeding grounds of a variety of different bird species, amount them puffins.

 

You will end your day at Patreksfjörður fishing village for a well earned sleep.

 

Naturally, the majestic Snaefellsjökull glacier volcano will easily grab your attention during most of the day and in clear weather, you can even drive up to it in a snowcat. It is an option to go whale watching if you stop in Grundarfjörður, and if you do, you might be lucky and spot orcas! You will end the day in the picturesque village of Stykkishólmur where you will be staying over night.

Optional Activities
Day 4
Highlights

Reykjafjarðarlaug Hot Pool

Dynjandi Waterfall

Skrúður Botanical Garden

Good to Know

Driving Distance: approx. 230 km

Accommodation: Ísafjörður

Dynjandi

On day 4 you can start by stopping in Bíldudalur's Sea Monster Museum and if you drive further west along the coast you can find the very special Samúel Jónsson's Art Farm. Before visiting today’s highlight and one of the Westfjord's jewels, the mighty Dynjandi waterfall, it might be good idea to relax in the hot pool Reykjafjarðarlaug.

 

After Dynjandi you can make a quick detour to Jón Sigurðsson Museum and in Þingeyri village, you can order a waffle in the cozy café of Simbahöllin. Another nice detour would be Skrúður, likely one of the world's more secluded botanical gardens and a real contrast to the otherwise barren but beautiful landscape of the Westfjords. On your way to your accommodation at the Westfjords largest settlement, Ísafjörður, Önundarfjörður Pier makes for a nice and quick photo stop.

Optional Activities
Day 5
Highlights

Ísafjörður Village

Arctic Fox Center in Súðavík

Hot Springs at Heydalur

Good to Know

Driving Distance: approx. 230 km

Accommodation: Hólmavík

white arctic fox in iceland

Today, your trip takes you to Ósvör Maritime Museum and if the weather is nice a short detour to Bolafjall Viewing Platform gives you a staggering view of the surrounding landscape. Next you can visit the Arctic Fox Center in Súðavík where you can learn all about the only native mammal to Iceland. Arctic foxes in the Westfjords are more used to people, so you might be lucky enough to see them out and about in the wild nature.

 

As you enjoy the unique nature and beautiful mountain ranges while driving the lonely roads of Ísafjarðardjúp, you can make a few more stops along the way. If you feel like going for a hike, Valagil Waterfall would be a nice destination. Another cool stop would be Heydalur valley which has a restaurant for hungry mouths and natural hot springs for its guests to stretch their legs in. You end the day in Hólmavík, home to the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft. 

Optional Activities
Day 6
Highlights

Eiríkstaðir Longhouse

Hvítserkur

Good to Know

Driving Distance: approx. 300 km

Accommodation: Blönduós area

Today you travel to the region of North Iceland. where you can indulge in the sights and sounds of enchanting waterfalls, ancient grounds and steaming hot springs. On your way there are many nice stops to make such as at the Sheep Farming Museum and Hólar Farm animal shelter. Eiríkstaðir Viking Longhouse is another great place to visit to get insight into Iceland's history. This was the house of Erik the Red, father of Leifur Eiríksson the first European to find America.

 

On your way there you can check out the seal colonies on the Vatnsnes peninsula and the fossilized rock of Hvítserkur, which looks like a rhino or an elephant drinking from the sea. If you go all the way down to the beach from the observation deck it offers an even greater opportunity for photos.

Optional Activities
Day 7
Highlights

Akureyri Town

Goðafoss Waterfall

Mývatn Geothermal Area

Good to Know

Driving Distance: approx. 220 km

Accommodation: Mývatn

godafoss waterfall in north iceland

There is plenty to do in the charming Akureyri with plenty of shops, bars and museums. Go on a whale watching tour to encounter the gentle giants of the Atlantic or go for a ride on the cherished Icelandic horse in the countryside. After Akureyri you will enjoy a delightful journey along the Tröllaskagi peninsula, which offers amazing views.

 

On your way to your end destination of the day, Mývatn, you will visit the great waterfall, Goðafoss.

 

Now you journey north to the very popular Lake Mývatn. Right before arriving there you will find the geothermal area of Námaskarð. This alien landscape is the home to hot, bubbling and hissing clay water from underground that spreads the air with a hint of rotten eggs. Don't worry, though, the smell is not that bad! Lake Mývatn itself is a shallow lake surrounded by birch forests and other lava formations. Here you will find Dimmuborgir Lava Field and Mývatn Nature Baths.

Optional Activities
Day 8
Highlights

Dettifoss Waterfall

Ásbyrgi Canyon

Húsavík Fishing Village

Good to Know

Driving Distance: approx. 230 km

Accommodation: Akureyri

Asbyrgi canyon in north iceland

Discover the magnificent North! Today, your end destination is Akuyreri, the region's largest city, which has an active nightlife, retail outlets, and unique local hotspots. On your way there you will visit the second most powerful waterfall in Europe, Dettifoss, and the very special Ásbyrgi Canyon, one of Iceland's few forested places.

 

Húsavík, a lovely fishing village, offers unique whale watching experiences for anyone interested in seeing them up close in their natural environment. You could just as well spend your spare time exploring Húsavík or visiting the GeoSea sea baths where the hot water and breathtaking view will indulge your senses.

Optional Activities
Day 9
Highlights

Siglufjörður Fishing Village

Hofsós Swimming Pool

Glaumbær Museum

Good to Know

Driving Distance: approx. 280 km

Accommodation: Hvammstangi area

girl playing with water in an icelandic swimming pool

Along your drive the most well-known town is Siglufjörður. There you may learn about the main industry that fueled this small town at the quaint and European Museum Award-winning herring museum. When you reach the west coast of Tröllaskagi you will find Hofsós swimming pool which has a truly stunning view out the fjord. In the Skagafjörður valley the museum farm Glaumbaer awaits you with its charming turf huts. At the end of the day you will be staying in the Northwest, close to Hvammstangi, a seaside village.

Optional Activities
Day 10
Highlights

Deildartunguhver Hot Spring

Hraunfossar & Barnafoss Waterfalls

Good to Know

Driving Distance: approx. 280 km

Accommodation: Reykjavík

hraunfossar waterfall in west iceland

This day brings you to the gorgeous Borgarfjörður region, where you can indulge in the sights and sounds of enchanting waterfalls, ancient grounds and steaming hot springs. On your way you can make two quick stops at Grábrók Crater and Glanni Waterfall before continuing to the extreme heat of Deildartunguhver. The poet and scholar Snorri Sturluson's historic hot pot is located in Reykholt, but you can also take a bath: the Krauma geothermal bath is a great place to unwind after a long day of sightseeing.

 

The lava waterfalls at Barnafoss and Hraunfossar are located farther inland. Hraunfossar is unlike any other waterfall in Iceland; it cascades out from a laterally extended lava field into a glacial river. When the day is over, you head back to your accommodation in the region.

Optional Activities

Into the Glacier, Krauma Geothermal Bath

Day 11
Highlights

Þingvellir National Park

Strokkur Geysir

Gullfoss Waterfall

Good to Know

Driving Distance: approx. 240 km

Accommodation: Hvolsvöllur area

If you don't mind a longer day you can start with a hike to Iceland's second tallest waterfall, Glymur. It is a beautiful hike where you see the waterfall on your way up before wading the ice cold river at the top. We recommend taking a snack, a towel and sandals for crossing the river. Afterwards you can experience one of the nicer geothermal baths in Iceland, Hvammsvík Hot Springs.

 

As you get closer to the South Coast of Iceland, you will visit Þingvellir National Park. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a significant place in Iceland, historically, geologically and politically as this is where the oldest surviving parliament was founded. Next you will reach Strokkur geyser, that shoots up extremely hot water up to 40 meters into the air. You will discover Gullfoss waterfall close by, which is the most famous waterfall in Iceland.

 

When you feel hungry in the Golden Circle area we recommend eating inside a greenhouse at Friðheimar Tomato Farm. And if you did not try Hvammsvík and wish to relax in warm water, Laugarvatn Fontana is also in the area.

Optional Activities

Into the Glacier, Krauma Geothermal Bath

Day 12
Highlights

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Skógafoss Waterfall

Reynisfjara

Good to Know

Driving Distance: approx. 280 km

Accommodation: Reykjavík

Sunset View From Behind Seljalandsfoss Most Famous Waterfall In iceland

On the ninth day you will drive along the beautiful South Coast. There you will find the gorgeous waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, which are a must see, but there are also other stunning waterfalls on your route that are not as well known.

 

Before reaching the waterfalls you have the option of checking out Kerið Crater and The Caves of Hella. Later in the day, close to Vík village, you will witness one of todays highlights, the black sand beach of Reynisfjara. In Vík you can experience the Lava Show where you can see real, hot lava up close, before driving to Reykjavík City for your overnight stay.

Optional Activities

Into the Glacier, Krauma Geothermal Bath

Day 13
Highlights

Capital Reykjavík

Good to Know

Driving Distance: approx. 50 km

The iconic Hallgrimskirkja church in Reykjavik, Iceland

On your last day in Iceland you can do whatever you feel like will make the most of your remaining time here. You could do some shopping before heading home, relax in a hot tub in one of the swimming pools or do one last activity. Whatever you end up doing, you will definitely be heading home with memories for a lifetime!

Optional Activities
Hotel selection in the comfort category

Comfort (Private Bathroom)

In our comfort category, we book rooms with private bathroom in hotels and boutique guesthouses. Breakfast is included.

The hotels are of a good standard and offer towels, hairdryers, and free WiFi. Examples include Storm Hotel, Stracta Hotel, and Hali Country Hotel.

If you book with an odd number of travelers, we provide an extra room. E.g. 3 travelers get 2 rooms.

Toyota Aygo rental car in Iceland

Economy 2WD

Toyota Yaris (automatic) or similar, SCDW insurance and gravel protection are included.Recommended for up to 3 adult travelers.

Standard 4WD

Dacia Duster (manual) or similar, SCDW insurance and gravel protection are included.Recommended for up to 4 adult travelers.

Toyota RAV4 Mietwagen in Island

Comfort 4WD

Toyota RAV4 (automatic) or similar, SCDW insurance and gravel protection are included.Recommended for up to 4 adult travelers.

Price from p.p.
411,090 ISK

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