Self-Drive The highland road to Northern Iceland

Fly to Iceland and collect your rental car on arrival at Keflavik International Airport. Dive into the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon before heading south to your first accommodation. A visit to the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa* could be a good start to your stay in Iceland. Guests renew their relationship with nature, soak up the scenic beauty, and enjoy breathing the clean, fresh air while relaxing in the warm geothermal seawater. On the roundtrip in Iceland, you will also find other geothermal pools to visit. First night in Reykjavik.

* Please note that admission to the Blue Lagoon needs to be booked ahead of time, and entrance is not included in this offer.

Drive to the World Heritage Site of Thingvellir National Park. This is the location of Iceland‘s original parliament. Enjoy views across the clear waters of Lake Thingvallavatn. Visit the thundering Gullfoss waterfall and the famous Geysir geothermal area, where the geyser of Strokkur regularly erupts and numerous other hot springs bubble and steam. Nearby Geysir area, we recommend stopping at the farm Efstidalur (about 10 minute's drive from the Laugarvatn area, between Thingvellir and Geysir). Here you can enjoy a nice dinner or just have a taste of homemade ice cream.

You will also find the natural pool Secret Lagoon by the Geysir area. Next you head towards the highland road Sprengisandur and spend a couple of nights in this area before crossing over the highlands.

From your accommodation, you will take a day tour of the highland area of Landmannalaugar. Landmannalaugar is a place in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve in the Highlands of Iceland. It is at the edge of the Laugahraun lava field, which was formed in an eruption around the year 1477. It is known for its natural geothermal hot springs and surrounding landscape and too many as the pearl of the Icelandic highlands.

Landmannalaugar itself is made up of Rhyolite Mountains, a rock type that creates a full spectrum of dazzling colors on the mountainside. Shades of red, pink, green, and golden yellow all change their tone, keeping in movement with the sun's rays and creating an area of wilderness that resembles no place else on Earth. Use the day for a nice hike on the mountainside and top it with a bath in the geothermal pool before heading back to your accommodation.

Today’s route will take you across the ancient pass through the highland plateau Sprengisandur, from south to north, and passing the glaciers Hofsjokull and Vatnajokull. Make sure the tank is full of gasoline and you pack both drinks and lunch in the car. The gravel road is about 125 miles long, reaches a height of around 2,540 feet, and is only passable with good 4WD cars during the summer. You will have to cross rivers on the way.

The landscape is mostly highland gravel desert but with a beautiful view of the glaciers. The scenic beauty makes this route unforgettable. From the highland gravel road, you will reach the green areas of the north. Three-night stay in the area in or around the capital of the north, Akureyri.

After a long drive on a rough gravel road, it's highly recommended to start your day by relaxing in a nearby swimming pool and stretching out your sore muscles in a Jacuzzi. Spend your day in Akureyri, where there are many interesting recreational areas and hiking paths within the town limits.

The Akureyri Botanical Garden, renowned for its beautiful walking paths and lush flora, is one of the town's highlights. Established in 1912, the garden features nearly every plant native to Iceland—approximately 450 species—and around 7,000 foreign plants. Akureyri also boasts numerous museums, galleries, and exhibitions that provide insight into the rich diversity of Icelandic culture and history.

Drive along the Diamond Circle route to experience the stunning landscapes of northern Iceland. Take the time to explore the area around Lake Myvatn, which features intriguing pseudo-craters, steaming fissures, lush green plains, and an array of diverse birdlife. Two highlights near Myvatn are the lava formation known as Dimmuborgir and the geothermal area of Namaskard.

Continue your journey around the dramatic Tjörnes Peninsula to visit Husavík, Asbyrgi, and Jokulsa Canyon, culminating at Europe’s most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss. With a width of 330 feet and a drop of 150 feet, Dettifoss is a breathtaking sight; you can feel the ground tremble as you stand near the falls.

Asbyrgi is a horseshoe-shaped valley that offers excellent hiking opportunities, along with a beautiful little lake nestled in its center. Be sure to visit the fishing village of Husavík, often referred to as Europe’s whale capital, where you can join a whale-watching excursion. There's a great chance of spotting whales during the boat trip, which allows you to take in the majestic northern coast of Iceland.

On your way to Akureyri, don't miss Godafoss, the impressive "waterfall of the Gods." 

Drive the ring road toward the west. The Skagafjordur area features a number of intriguing sights. This region is particularly famous for breeding world-renowned Icelandic horses. Nearby is Saudakrokur and the fascinating folk museum at Glaumbaer. There are possibilities for horseback riding on Iceland horses, hiking tours and if you want more excitement, there is river rafting.

In Vididalur near Hvammstangi, you will find the beautiful Kolugljufur canyon with its stunning waterfall Kolufossar. In this area, you will also find the amazing cliff of Hvitserkur. Continue west to the Borgarfjordur district, where you spend the night.

Start your day driving to Reykholt. The place of Snorri Sturluson, Icelandic author and poet who lived in Reykholt in the 1200s. He is most famous as a writer of Heimskringla, Norse Kings Sagas. Nearby Reykholt, you will find Husafell. Here you have the opportunity to join a tour of Langjokull glacier and into a manmade cave on the glacier. Just by Husafell, you will also find the beautiful waterfalls Barnafossar and Hraunfossar.

It is possible to stop at Deildartunguhver, Europe's largest geometric hot water source. It produces 40 gallons of boiling water per second! The steaming water testifies to the inner forces of the earth. You will find Krauma Spa by Deildartunguhver.

In the afternoon, you arrive in Reykjavik, where the journey ends. Take a stroll in the old city, with the small colorful houses, shops, galleries, and cafes. There are options for city sightseeing excursions and boat tours from the city harbor, as well as guided walk tours with both food and beer tasting on the way. Visit the beautiful concert house Harpa by the harbor. Reykjavik has many outdoor swimming pools, open from early morning to late evening, and a good way to ease the body after a long drive. Laugavegur shopping street is worth visiting, and you will find the big shopping center Kringlan near the city center. Enjoy your last evening in the city.

Spend the day as you wish, depending on your return flight. Drop off your rental car at Keflavik Airport.