9-Day Iceland Self-Drive Tour West to South

Duration

9 Days

Season

All Year

Driving distance

Approx. 1600 KM

Accommodation

Private bathroom

Description

Iceland – from West to South! If you have just over a week free for vacation, you can experience the best of these two regions here in 9 days. If you want to discover all the contrasts in Icelandic nature, then you are in the right place!

 

Even if an extended week might pass quickly, you will never forget your experiences over these days. You travel the scenic West and the famous South Coast, with plenty of time to take in the sights. The segments of this vacation are purposefully situated to save travel time, giving you more time for other activities.

 

Tired of planning? We’ll take care of everything in advance, so all you need to do is pick up your vehicle and your adventure will begin! In addition to the bookings, we will give you a travel itinerary to ensure you do not miss any highlights. Are you interested in introducing more activities? That’s not an issue; upon booking, you will receive appropriate options to choose from that will enhance your trip.

 

If this sounds intriguing, then check out our Iceland 9 day itinerary!

 

Included

Rental car for 9 days (different categories available, more info below)
Accommodation for 8 nights (private bathroom, breakfast included)  
SCDW insurance and Gravel Protection for the rental car
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 

Route Map
7D
Itinerary
Day 1
Highlights

Capital Reykjavík

Good to Know

Driving Distance: approx. 50 km

Accommodation: Reykjavík

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

Capital Reykjavík

Good to Know

Accommodation: Reykjavík

humpback whale jumping out of sea in iceland

An additional day in the capital! There is much to explore in and around Reykjavík. Here you can take one of the many city tours, check out popular activities like FlyOver Iceland and Lava Show or go to museums and galleries. If you wish to do as the locals do, visiting the hot pots in one of the many swimming pools is a strong option. There are also tours that take you just outside the city, for example whale and puffin watching, horseback riding and lava cave exploration. In the evening many check out the restaurants and bars but you might also want to check for music shows and stand-ups.

Optional Activities
Day 3
Highlights

Arnarstapi

Lóndrangar

Djúpalónssandur

Kirkjufell

Stykkishólmur

Good to Know

Driving Distance: approx. 310 km

Accommodation: Snæfellsnes Peninsula

kirkjufell mountain under the northern lights in iceland

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 4
Highlights

Deildartunguhver Hot Spring

Hraunfossar & Barnafoss Waterfalls

Good to Know

Driving Distance: approx. 250 km

Accommodation: Borgarnes area

Hraunfossar

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 5
Highlights

Þingvellir National Park

Geysir & Strokkur

Gullfoss Waterfall

Good to Know

Driving Distance: approx. 230 km

Accommodation: Hvolsvöllur area

As you head towards the South Coast of Iceland, you can visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Þingvellir National Park. This is one of the most geologically and politically significant sites in Iceland, as this is where the oldest existing parliament was founded (Alþingi). The Gullfoss waterfall is arguably the most famous waterfall in Iceland, it is breathtaking, and its two steps glisten in the sun. This is followed by the incredible Strokkur geyser, whose boiling water shoots up to 40 meters into the air from the depths of the earth.

 

Now you have the option of eating inside a greenhouse at the well known Friðheimar Farm. If you wish to relax in warm water, Laugarvatn Fontana is also close by. On your way to your hotel in Hvolsvöllur area you will stop at Kerið Crater for the last sight of the day.

Optional Activities

Laugarvatn Fontana

Day 6
Highlights

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Skógafoss Waterfall

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Good to Know

Driving Distance: approx. 270 km

Accommodation: Vatnajökull area

reynisfjara black sand beach iceland

On the sixth day you will discover the stunning South Coast. The beautiful and famous waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss are a must see, but we also suggest stopping at a few lesser-known waterfalls along the way.

 

There is more to explore than waterfalls today. One of the highlights will undoubtedly be the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, which is the perfect spot for an amazing stroll. The small village of Vík offers a gorgeous view and here you can experience the Lava Show where you can see real, hot lava up close. At the end of the day you will travel to the Vatnajökull region where you will spend the night—a great starting point for your travels the following day!

Optional Activities

Snowmobiling, Lava Show, ATV Tour

Day 7
Highlights

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Skaftafell National Park

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canion

Good to Know

Driving Distance: approx. 230 km

Accommodation: Vík area

jokulsarlon glacier lagoon under the northern lights

The first stop of the day is at the stunning glacial lagoon Jökulsárlón, the most well-known location on the South Coast. This frozen paradise has a breathtaking display of icebergs and if you keep your eyes open you might be able to spot some seals! The neighbouring Diamond Beach offers the opportunity for fantastic pictures of icebergs that lie scattered along the black sand beach and glisten in the sun.

 

Today you could take advantage of the opportunity and go on an unforgettable glacier hike on Vatnajökull Glacier and could potentially combine it with a trip to an ice cave! The interior of these caves, which are transformed annually, features incredible blue architecture. Skaftafell National Park offers many different hikes, and the most popular one takes you to Svartifoss Waterfall. Before arriving back in Vík for your overnight stay, a stop at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is highly recommended. This canyon offers a magnificent, but dramatic, view that you would not want to miss.

Optional Activities

Glacier Hiking, Ice Caving

Day 8
Highlights

South Coast & Reykjanes Peninsula

Good to Know

Driving Distance: approx. 230 km

Accommodation: Reykjavík

Olfus region

On your way back to the capital, you will take a different route along the South Coast. Here you will discover small towns and villages and can opt for a fun horseback ride or a hike to the hot springs in Reykjadalur Valley.

 

The Reykjanes peninsula is home to five volcanic systems and has a lot to offer, such as bubbling geothermal areas and rugged Atlantic coasts. Optionally, you can enjoy a swim in the famous Blue Lagoon, before you drive to your accommodation in Reykjavík City. On this day, if it is safe, you can go for a short hike to enjoy the new, and still hot, lava fields!

Optional Activities

Blue Lagoon, Horseback Riding

Day 9
Highlights

Capital Reykjavík

Good to Know

Driving Distance: approx. 50 km

harpa concert hall 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.
197,990 ISK

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