Iceland Summer Road Trip

Imagine a place where glaciers shimmer under the midnight sun, waterfalls tumble from moss-covered cliffs, and volcanic beaches stretch out into the Atlantic. Welcome to Iceland – a land shaped by fire and ice, where summer road trips offer the perfect blend of freedom, natural beauty, and unforgettable moments.

A self-drive holiday around Iceland is the ideal way to explore this breathtaking island at your own pace. The famous Ring Road, a 1,332-km loop around the country, allows you to discover its many wonders – from crashing waterfalls and bubbling hot springs to whale-filled bays and dramatic lava fields.

And best of all? Iceland is incredibly family-friendly, safe, and packed with unique experiences that will leave both kids and grown-ups wide-eyed with wonder.

🚗 Why Self-Drive in Iceland?

There’s a reason self-drive holidays are the most popular way to explore Iceland. The roads are excellent, traffic is minimal, and every bend reveals a scene more striking than the last. Unlike coach tours or guided groups, a self-drive trip gives you full control over your itinerary – whether you want to linger at a waterfall, detour for a glacier hike, or stop at a roadside hot spring.

For families, couples or solo adventurers, it offers a rare combination of independence, comfort, and spontaneity. Kids can nap in the backseat, teens can plug into their playlists, and you’re free to follow your own rhythm.

🌋 Iceland’s Most Stunning Summer Highlights

Here’s a region-by-region breakdown of some of the most iconic (and some lesser-known) attractions you’ll encounter on a summer self-drive trip:

1. The Golden Circle (Day Trip from Reykjavík)

This classic route is the perfect warm-up lap. In just a few hours, you can see:

• Þingvellir National Park: Walk through a rift valley where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates pull apart. A UNESCO site with ancient Viking history and dramatic cliffside views.

• Geysir Geothermal Area: Watch Strokkur erupt like clockwork, shooting boiling water 20 metres into the air every few minutes – an absolute thrill for kids.

• Gullfoss Waterfall: A powerful double cascade that sends mist flying into the air, often creating rainbows in the summer sunshine.

This route is full of short walks, interactive visitor centres, and picnic spots.

2. The South Coast: Waterfalls, Glaciers & Black Beaches

Driving east along the south coast brings you face-to-face with Iceland’s wildest scenery.

• Seljalandsfoss: A waterfall you can walk behind. Prepare to get a little wet!

• Skógafoss: A towering curtain of water with an optional climb to the top via 370 steps.

• Reynisfjara Beach: Famous for its jet-black sand, roaring waves, and otherworldly basalt columns.

• Vatnajökull National Park: Home to Europe’s largest glacier and the surreal Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs drift lazily toward the sea.

Family Tip: Book an amphibious boat ride on the glacier lagoon for an exciting – and safe – adventure among the floating ice.

3. The East Fjords: Serene & Understated

Often overlooked, Iceland’s east is a place of tranquillity and beauty. Winding roads follow dramatic fjords, tiny fishing villages cling to rocky shores, and reindeer roam free in the hills.

Stop in Seyðisfjörður, a colourful artsy town nestled between snow-dusted mountains. It’s a perfect spot for a quiet family stroll, lunch by the harbour, or simply soaking up the peace.

4. North Iceland: Geothermal Wonders & Whale Encounters

As you enter the north, things heat up again – literally.

• Lake Mývatn is surrounded by steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, and lava formations that look like alien sculptures.

• Nearby Dettifoss crashes with such power, the earth seems to tremble.

• Húsavík, meanwhile, is Iceland’s whale watching capital. From June to August, you have a good chance of spotting humpbacks, minke whales – even blue whales – from eco-friendly boats.

Good to Know: Many tours provide thermal overalls for warmth and are suitable for children aged 5 and up.

5. Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Iceland in Miniature

Known as “Iceland in Miniature,” this region packs glaciers, lava fields, volcanic craters, and golden beaches into a single peninsula.

• See the iconic Kirkjufell Mountain, made famous by Game of Thrones.

• Visit Snæfellsjökull, a mystical glacier-capped volcano that inspired Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth.

• Explore hidden black pebble coves and natural rock arches.

It’s a brilliant region for slow, scenic exploration and wildlife spotting.

6. Reykjavík & The Reykjanes Peninsula: The Grand Finale

End your journey with a splash – literally – at the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon, two of Iceland’s most iconic geothermal spas. Both are child-friendly and offer shallow sections, floaties, and warm mineral-rich waters that soothe tired legs.

In Reykjavík itself, don’t miss:

• The striking Hallgrímskirkja Church

• Whale and Viking museums

• Ice cream shops and open-air pools dotted throughout the city

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What Makes Iceland So Good for Kids?

Despite its wild appearance, Iceland is extremely safe and clean – and it’s a playground for curious minds.

Family-friendly highlights include:

• Short, scenic hikes with dragons-in-the-rock-style landscapes

• Thermal swimming pools in every town (often with slides!)

• Horse riding tours on gentle Icelandic horses

• Interactive museums that cover everything from volcanoes to Viking ships

And let’s be honest – where else can you see erupting geysers, puffins, and seals in a single day?

❗ Things to Watch Out For on the Road

• Weather: Icelandic summers can flip between sunshine, fog, and rain in minutes. Pack layers, waterproofs, and be prepared to change plans.

• Gravel roads: While Route 1 is paved, detours may require slow driving or even a 4x4.

• Fuel: Petrol stations can be far apart in rural areas – fill up often and use rest stops.

• Moss & nature: Iceland’s ecosystem is fragile. Stay on marked paths and never step on moss – it can take 100 years to recover!

🎒 Essentials to Pack

• Waterproof jackets and trousers for all

• Layers – including warm fleece or wool, even in summer

• Swimwear and towels for those surprise hot spring dips

• Hiking boots or sturdy shoes

• A good road map or offline GPS app

• Snacks, refillable bottles, and a sense of adventure!

🏡 Accommodation Ideas

From farm stays and guesthouses to countryside cabins and boutique hotels, Iceland offers a wide range of family-friendly places to stay.

• Farmstays: Often have animals and fresh breakfasts.

• Cabins & self-catering lodges: Give flexibility for families.

• Hotels: Many offer hot tubs, kids’ menus, and interconnecting rooms.

Summer is peak season, so book early, especially in remote areas.

🌞 The Best Time to Go

The prime self-drive window runs from late June to August. During this time:

• Roads are clear of snow

• Highlands routes are open

• Puffins are nesting

• Days are long – think 20+ hours of daylight

• The weather is at its mildest (average highs of 13–15°C)

Final Thoughts

Iceland isn’t just a destination; it’s a journey into the elements. With every twist of the road, you’ll discover steaming volcanic fields, dreamy fjords, or sheep-dotted valleys. You’ll stop to watch waterfalls you hadn’t even planned to visit. You’ll eat lunch beside glacial rivers and end the day in a steaming pool under a pink-lit sky.

Whether travelling as a family, couple, or group of friends, a summer self-drive around Iceland is more than a holiday – it’s an adventure you’ll talk about for years.