Self-Drive From South to west

Fly to Iceland and collect your rental car on arrival at Keflavik International Airport. Drive along the coast up to the town of Hveragerdi, where you will be staying your first night. The first stop on the Golden Circle route is Thingvellir, where the world’s oldest parliament was established around 930 AD. Thingvellir is on the World Heritage List, first published by UNESCO in 1972.

Continuing on to the Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir hot springs area, you will have the chance to visit one of the most remarkable tourist attractions in Iceland. On the way, back you might want to stop at Skalholt. Skalholt was home to the head of the Icelandic Church from 1056 AD. The Church had its headquarters here for nearly 750 years.

The geothermal pool of Secret Lagoon you find near Skalholt. You can also make a stop at the ancient volcanic crater of Kerid, which is thought to be around 3,000 years old.

Today you can have the chance to explore the Borgarfjordur area and Reykholt, one of the most important historical places in the country, and visit the Snorri Museum. The beautiful waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. Next to the Hredavatnsskali lies the ring krater of the extinct Grabrok Volcano, the climb up there is tiring, but the view is splendid.

You continue the travel to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. The main attraction of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is the Snaefellsjokul glacier. Even today, it is said to have magic powers. In Jules Verne’s novel, “Travels to the Center of the Earth” the glacier is the gate to a subterranean path. Overnight in the Snaefellsnes area for 2 nights

On the southern coast of the peninsula lies Budir, often referred to as Iceland’s ‘Copacabana.’ This charming area features a beautiful church surrounded by a small cemetery, overlooking golden sand dunes and the snow-covered Snaefellsjokull glacier in the background. The fishing village of Arnarstapi is famous for its basalt coast and picturesque harbor. A 2.5 km long road leads you swiftly to the “Badstofa” (bathhouse) cave in Hellnar, also located along the striking basalt coast.

Next, you can visit the bird cliffs of Londrangar. These unique rock formations are visible from the main road, but you can also drive down to Malarrif for a short hike to explore the formations up close. The area is home to Atlantic puffins, razorbills, kittiwakes, and various other bird species, making it a great spot for birdwatching. On the west side of the peninsula, a 1.5-mile-long road branches off to Dritvik. Here, a footpath leads to the sea, and a 1-mile hike will take you to the abandoned village of Dritvik, where only the foundations of the houses remain. Additionally, there is a stunning cave called Vatnshellir that offers guided tours.

Finally, near the town of Grundarfjordur, you can find Kirkjufell Mountain, one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland.

You can start the day with a boat excursion from Stykkisholmur before you head back to Reykjavik. Hiking option at the bottom of the fjord Hvalfjordur, where you can take a 3-4 hours hike to one of the highest waterfalls in Iceland, Glymur, with its stunning 196m drop. Take a stroll in the old city of Reykjavik in the afternoon, 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.

Check out of your accommodation and drop off your rental car at Keflavik Airport.