Self Drive West Fjords + Ring Road - 15 Days

Day 1: Arrival - Snaeellsnes PeninsulaArrival Day

Arrival at Keflavik airport and pick up of the vehicle.

Icelandic mythology is compiled in what is known as Norse, or Scandinavian, mythology and comes from the Germanic peoples of the north. It came to Iceland via the Vikings, who continued an oral tradition that would later be written down with the arrival of Christianity.

The part that survived centuries of word of mouth was recorded in the Eddas and other medieval books. The Sagas, which are stories about real or invented characters from the pre-Christian period, are also important to know about this tradition.

The Hallgrimskirkja church, the Harpa building, the Sun Voyager sculpture, Lake Tjörnin, Austurvöllur square and the pedestrian streets of the city centre are waiting for you to discover them.

Make a stop at Kirkjufell, an impressive peak on the west coast, nestled in a unique setting. Indeed, this mountain has become an icon and a must-see for nature lovers and photographers.

At the southern end of the Snæfellsjökull glacier lies Djúpalónssandur, a beautiful black sand beach that was once home to one of the largest fishing villages on the peninsula, but is now uninhabited. You will find the remains of an English shipwreck and some rocks that the ancient settlers used to measure the force of the fishermen.

Visit the fabulous rock formations of Arnarstapi, where you can take a walk along the cliffs and enjoy this ornithological paradise where a multitude of water birds nest in spring and remain throughout the summer.

Búðir is a small village on the southwestern tip of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. The collection of old buildings that make up the village include an iconic black church, Búðakirkja, built in 1848, and the popular Hotel Búðir, which was rebuilt after a fire in 2001, trying to maintain the original appearance of the inn that stood on this site for many years.

At Ytri Tunga enjoy seal sightings on the shores of a beautiful yellow sandy beach. From this point, you will have a wonderful view of the beach with the majestic Snæfellsjökull volcano in the background.

Overnight: Snaefellsnes area 3 star B&B

No meals included today.

Day 2: West Fjords

In this region of the country, you will find breathtaking cliffs, breathtaking fjords and many thermal pools where you can enjoy a relaxing break.

To access this region, we have two options: The first option is to take a 3-hour ferry from Stykkishólmur. The second option is to drive, it will take us longer, but we will be able to make interesting stops along the way.

Rauðisandur, or ‘Red Sands’, gets its name from the unusual golden red color of the sand on its beaches. It is located near Látrabjarg on the south coast of the West Fjords.

Looking south from Breiðafjörður Bay, you will enjoy a breathtaking landscape amidst a pleasant sense of tranquillity, with the Snæfellsjökull glacier visible in the background (on a clear day). The vast sandy coastline is also considered a prime spot for viewing a variety of wildlife, including seals and seabirds.

A favourite spot for bird lovers, the Látrabjarg cliff is located at the westernmost point of the country. It is Iceland's largest sea cliff, 14 km long and up to 441 metres high, and one of the busiest bird cliffs in the world.

In summer, Látrabjarg welcomes around one million birds. In addition to this, seals can often be seen on the nearby rocks and, if you're lucky, whales too.

*There are two ways to travel to the western fjords: by road or by ferry. Ferry: from Stykkishólmur to Brjánslaekur (3 hours)

Overnight: Westfejords area, 3 star B&B

Meals: Breakfast Included

Day 3: Westfjords - Dynjandi

Today you explore Dynjandi, a majestic waterfall set in the शांत and remote landscapes of the Westfjords, where cascading tiers create a scene of striking natural beauty.

After a short walk to admire its surroundings, you can take time to enjoy the silence of this untouched area.

To end the day, you will relax in a natural hot spring, embracing one of Iceland’s most authentic experiences.

The impressive Dynjandi waterfall is located at the beginning of the Arnarfjörður fjord. Often compared to a bridal veil, the waterfall is 30 metres wide at its highest point and 60 meters wide at its lowest point. They are 100 meters high.

To get to the waterfall, you will walk alongside 6 other small waterfalls... so you can take advantage of the walk to take beautiful pictures and enjoy the surroundings. The swimming pool in Laugarnes by Birkimelur is a beautifully placed small pool with stunning views over Breiðafjörður.

Overnight: Westfejords area, 3 star B&B

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4: Akureyri

On your way to Akureyri, we suggest a stop at the Icelandic farm museum ´Glaumbaer´*. With its beautiful peat houses and exquisitely furnished rooms, you are immediately transported back to 18th century Icelandic life. You will learn much more about Iceland's past and its adaptation to life on the border between the North Atlantic and the Arctic. After the visits continue to Akureyri, the so-called ‘capital of the north’, for a stroll through its charming streets and its particular hustle and bustle. Situated on the shores of Iceland's longest fjord, Eyjafjördur, it is surrounded by beautiful mountains and fjords that offer breathtaking scenery but also provide a more oceanic and therefore warmer climate than the rest of the island. It is a city rich in history and culture.

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS: Whale watching by zodiac from Akureyri Forest Lagoon Akureyri Bjórbödin - Spa/Beer Spa

Overnight: Akureyri area, 3 star B&B

Meals Includd: Breakfast

Day 5: Godafoss & Lake Mývatn

Stop at Godafoss waterfall and continue to explore the Lake Mývatn area. Start your day visiting Goðafoss, very close to road number 1 and known as ‘the waterfall of the gods’. A beautiful waterfall on the way to the Mývatn region.

Dimmuborgir is a magnificent lava landscape with extraordinary formations, columns, caves and arches created by the flow of a lava lake over a marshy area some 2,300 years ago. Dimmuborgir, meaning ‘dark city’, is considered in Icelandic folklore to be an area connecting earth and hell, and is also believed to be the place where Satan landed when he was cast down from the heavens.

The huge tephra crater of Hverfjall was formed in an explosive eruption some 2,500 years ago. At one kilometre in diameter, Hverfjall is probably the largest tephra crater in Europe, making it well worth a visit.

Another site worth a visit is Námafjall, one of the many geothermal areas in Iceland. Also known as Hverir, you can see steaming vents and boiling mud cauldrons surrounded by different coloured sulphur crystals in an ever-changing environment.

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS: Mývatn Nature Baths

Overnight: Myvatn area, 3 star B&B

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6: Husvak & Dettifoss

Húsavík is known as ‘the capital of whales’, a perfect place for whale watching and a pleasant stroll through the streets. Head towards Ásbyrgi, a canyon nestled in one of the most beautiful forested areas of Iceland. Finally, visit Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe, and Selfoss, another waterfall located a few meters from the previous one. If you like whales, Húsavík is the place for you. This fishing village of 2,300 inhabitants is a perfect place for whale watching in beautiful surroundings. You can also enjoy a thermal experience at GeoSea.

The lush canyon of Ásbyrgi is more than a kilometre wide and more than three kilometres long, and is shaped like a huge horseshoe. The large rocky ‘island’ in the centre of the canyon and its surrounding high walls have protected the area enough to allow lush vegetation to grow.

In the area there is also Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in all of Europe. You will hear the mighty roar of Dettifoss long before you see it. It is 45 metres high and 100 metres wide, allowing 193 m3 of water to cascade into the Dettifoss gorge every second.

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS: Whale Watching in Husavík GeoSea Spa Husavik

Overnight: Myvatn area, 3 star B&B

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7: East Fjords & Hengifoss

On the way to Egilsstadir you cross a desert around Möðrudalur area. Reindeer live in the East Fjords region and there is a chance to see them. On the way east, you are able to visit Studlagil canyon, famous for its basalt columns and one of the most famous places in Iceland recently.

Stuðlagil Canyon is one of the most spectacular natural formations in East Iceland, famous for its towering basalt column walls that rise above the striking turquoise waters of the Jökla River. These perfectly shaped volcanic columns create a dramatic and almost surreal landscape, making the canyon one of the most photogenic locations in the country.

To reach the best viewpoints, visitors can follow a short hiking trail from the nearby parking area. The walk takes around 30–40 minutes each way and follows a relatively easy path across open countryside and along the river valley. This pleasant hike allows visitors to fully appreciate the scale of the canyon and enjoy the unique geological formations up close.

You might also want to visit Lagarfljót, a narrow lake located in eastern Iceland. The environment is known for its great natural beauty.

The Hengifossá river feeds two spectacular waterfalls, one of which, Hengifoss, is the third highest in the country at 128 meters. This spectacular waterfall falls into a spectacular gorge and is easily accessible from the road. Below Hengifoss is a smaller waterfall, Litlanesfoss, which is notable for its basalt column configuration. Both are worth a visit. Hallormsstadur forest is the largest forest in the country (2,300 hectars) and a fascinating site for research. Scientists are trying to see which types of trees are best suited to the Icelandic climate and over forty varieties from many countries have been planted in this protected area. If you like to explore the outdoors, there are many quiet walks in the forest or you can hire a horseback riding tour of the area.

OPTIONAL EXCURSION: Vök Baths (Egilsstadir)

Overnight: Egilsstadir area

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8: Glacial Lagoons

Today we journey from Egilsstaðir toward the vast landscapes of Vatnajökull, following one of Iceland’s most scenic coastal routes through the remote Eastfjords. The road winds along dramatic fjords, where steep mountains plunge into the sea and the light constantly shifts across water and rock.

Along the way, we pass through small fishing villages scattered between the fjords — quiet communities where life is closely tied to the ocean. Colorful harbors, wooden houses, and boats resting on calm waters offer a glimpse into a slower, authentic rhythm of life in this isolated corner of Iceland.

This drive is not just a transition, but an experience in itself — a journey through solitude, raw beauty, and ever-changing landscapes as we gradually approach the glacial realm of Vatnajökull.

On your way to the Vatnajökull National Park you will see how you approach the ice region, where Jökulsárlón stands out. A glacial lagoon with a size of 18 km2 and where you will be able to see hundreds of icebergs that break off from the tongue of Breiðamerkurjökull. Located next to the famous Jökulsárlón Lake, the Diamond Beach is a beautiful place on the southeast coast of Iceland, where icebergs wash up on the shore pushed by the waves to create a unique image. A magical place that will not leave you indifferent. We also strongly recommend making a stop at Fjallsárlón which is a glacial lake in the southeast of Iceland where floating icebergs can be seen. It is a historic place shaped by glacial activity that offers visitors the opportunity to experience the majesty of the glaciers and the natural beauty of Iceland at its best. It´s less known than the famous Jökulsárlón Lagoon but definitely worth a visit.

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS: Glacier walk on the Vatnajökull glacier (from Jökulsárlón or Fjallsárlón) Zodiac sailing on the Fjallsárlón glacial lagoon Amphibious navigation in the glacial lagoon Jökulsárlón Kayaking at Jökulsárlón

Overnight: Vatnajokull area, 3 star B&B

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9: Skaftafell & Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Visit of the Skaftafell National Park. You will be able to contemplate the magnitude of the Vatnajökull glacier. Continuation through lava fields and stop at the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon. On our way to the town with the unpronounceable name Kirkjubæjarklaustur, located in the south of the island, on road number 1, make a stop at the Skaftafell.

The park offers a variety of activities such as trekking, amazing waterfalls and/or glacier walk with crampons. Enjoy this natural paradise that contrasts sandy plateaus, flowery valleys and impressive waterfalls next to the largest glacier in Europe.

Svartifoss (´black waterfall´) , is one of the most iconic waterfalls in the country, known for its striking basalt column formations. To reach Svartifoss, you’ll embark on a scenic hike that takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours (around 4 km/2.5 miles) round trip. The trail is well-maintained, with a gradual ascent through stunning landscapes, making it an enjoyable trek for visitors of various fitness levels. The waterfall itself, cascading from a height of 20 meters (66 feet) amidst the unique basalt columns, is a breathtaking sight and well worth the hike. If you want you can extend and do a longer hike in the park. Fjadrárgljúfur canyon, which has become one of the most photographed and iconic places in Iceland. Just west of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, this magnificent work of nature has been formed over thousands of years by the passage of the Fjaðrá River.

The Eldhraun lava and moss fields is a surreal landscape of bright green moss that stretches along the southern road in Iceland, between Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Vìk, showing a very particular natural beauty of the country.

OPTIONAL EXCURSION: Glacier walk on the Vatnajökull glacier (Skaftafell)

Overnight: South area, 3 star B&B

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10: South Coast

Today is to discover the cliffs and the black sand beaches of the south of the island. You will continue to visit the famous waterfalls of Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss.

Reynisfjara beach is undoubtedly the most famous beach in Iceland. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, basalt formations are constantly being transformed by the North Atlantic swell. From here you can observe Reynisdrangar, Skessudrangar, Landdrangar and Landghamrar, the famous ‘trolls’* found in the sea, which legend says were petrified at dawn. Set against crashing waves and dramatic cliffs, they offer a breathtaking backdrop for photography and a powerful glimpse into Iceland’s geological and mythical heritage. As a next stop we recommend Dyrhólaey, an ornithological reserve characterised by its cliffs and basalt formations, where it is possible to observe the colonies of puffins that nest during the summer (from mid-June to mid-August). It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful spots on the island, blending glaciers, cliffs, miles of black sand beaches and the power of the North Atlantic.

As a farewell to the ‘ice kingdom’ in which you find yourselves, visit Sólheimajökull; one of the glacier tongues from the Myrdalsjökull, which in Icelandic translates as the ´Glacier of the House of the Sun´. It is one of those places where the arctic winter light makes its magic by highlighting the colors of the ice and the mountains that surround us.

Optional: Glacier Hike (duration: 3 hours; 10-13:00h) - approx. 110 € p.p.*

Located at the foot of the impressive Eyjafjöll mountain range is Skógafoss, a magnificent 60 meters high and 25-meters wide waterfall where, according to legend, the first Viking settler in the area hid a treasure in a cave hidden behind the waterfall. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and representative waterfalls in all of Iceland. Drive further to Seljalandsfoss is a beautiful waterfall also the result of the melting of the Eyjafjallajökull glacier. In summer, the waterfall allows visitors to pass behind its column of water, while in winter, it splashes ice over the cliff.

The Gljúfrabúi waterfall is 40 meters high and 25 meters wide. Gljúfrabúi is a hidden treasure in Iceland and is located in a rocky chamber behind a cliff called Franskanef, the water falls into a lava cave and is turquoise in colour, which makes it look even more beautiful. The waterfall is a place of great beauty and spectacular scenery.

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS: Glacier Walk Solheimajökull Kayaking at Solheimajökull Askur Ice Cave Adventure (Myrdalsjökull Road 222) Horse excursion (Vík)

Overnight: South area, 3 star B&B

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11: Landmannalaugar: The Colourful Mountains

The real adventure begins! After an early breakfast. You're heading into the heart of the Highlands. Today you cover the longest stage of the route, crossing the striking Laugahraun lava field — a rugged landscape of twisted rocks and solidified flows formed by past volcanic eruptions.

As we gain elevation, the terrain gradually transforms, leading us toward the active geothermal area of Stórihver. Along the way, you pass steaming vents, mineral-rich soils, and patches of vivid colors that reflect the intense geothermal activity beneath our feet. The trail offers wide, open views over the valley, and on clear days, distant glaciers appear on the horizon, adding scale to this vast and remote landscape.

A demanding but deeply rewarding day, where every step reveals the raw and ever-changing nature of Iceland’s interior.

Today you will enjoy the best inland scenery in an enviable setting where colorful mountains, lakes and mosses in a myriad of shades of green and yellow will be our companions on the road.

You are in the heart of the Highlands and will trek to enjoy a unique landscape where approximately 550 years ago, due to intense volcanic activity, incandescent lava flows left large areas full of basalt, obsidian, rhyolite and ashes that have evolved to create a mosaic of colors and textures that are difficult to match.

This is, without a doubt, the ‘temple’ of trekking in Iceland, where adventurers from all over the world travel in search of unparalleled scenery.

After your hike and before continuing on to your accommodation, we will take the opportunity to bathe in the fabulous hot springs of Landmannalaugar.

*Important Notice Access to this location is via an F-road (mountain road), which requires a 4x4 vehicle. Regular cars are not permitted on these routes. If you do not have a suitable vehicle, it is necessary to arrange a transfer or guided excursion. We can assist in organizing this service if needed.

Overnight: South area, 3 star B&B

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12: Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is undoubtedly the most popular sightseeing area on the island due to its close proximity to Reykjavík. Here you will visit three essential places on a trip to Iceland: Geysir, Gullfoss or the ‘Golden Waterfall´ and Þingvellir National Park.

Gullfoss, the ‘Golden Waterfall’ is one of the most famous and beautiful waterfalls in Iceland thanks to its fabulous waterfalls that reach a height of 32 meters.

The Geysir geothermal field, the famous geyser that has given its name to all the geysers in the world and which is currently dormant, is located very close by and is also the result of the Meso-Atlantic ridge. Next to it you can see its *‘little brother’ Strokkur, that every 5-10 minutes expels a jet of boiling water that sometimes reaches a height of up to 30 meters. Another important stop will be at Þingvellir, the site of Iceland's first parliament, where the separation of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates can be observed, was declared a national park in 1930. A law was passed designating Þingvellir as ‘a protected national sanctuary for all Icelanders, the perpetual property of the Icelandic nation under the preservation of the parliament, which will never be sold or mortgaged’.

The colonization of the island of ice and fire that is Iceland came somewhat late. A mythological place, dark and icy, it appeared in the logbooks of some brave Greeks during the time when they dominated the seas and the known world. They called it Thule. By the end of the 8th century, the Norwegian Vikings were the first to establish their habitual residence on this inhospitable piece of land emerging from the cold waters of the North Atlantic. The initial territorial organization was based on clan chiefs, and in time, a kind of system of lords of small territories was established.

By 930, there were 48 such lords. These leaders met in the area of Þingvellir - a name that translates into English as ‘The Plains of Parliament’ - to create the Althing, a body that would have a speaker, a kind of president (or sole leader) and the power to legislate and judge with national validity.

Thus was born in Iceland Þingvellir, the oldest parliament in the world.

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS: Snorkeling In Silfra Fissure (Þingvellir) Snowmobile Adventure (Langjökull) from Geysir

Overnight: Reykjavik, 3 star B&B

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 13: Reykjanes Peninsula

Visit the Seltún (Krýsuvík) area, an area of fumaroles and boiling mud in a region that concentrates the largest number of active calderas in Iceland. In an area of fissures created by the separation of the North Atlantic Ridge (which runs through Iceland) lies the large geothermal area of Krýsuvík. Within the same area is the impressive Seltún geothermal field, where volcanic vents, mud pots and hot springs have formed over millennia. The result of the geothermal activity is a landscape seemingly painted bright yellow, red and green as a result of the interaction of sulphur with the other minerals in the ground.

Not far from the geothermal areas of Krýsuvík and Seltún is Kleifarvatn, the third largest lake in southern Iceland, set in a surreal volcanic environment. The Reykjanes peninsula has the largest number of active calderas in Iceland and is the most volcanically active region. These include the Grindavík volcanic caldera, erupting up to six times in 2024, and the lava fields created in the summer of 2021 by the famous Fagradalsfjall Volcano, which erupted for several months.

OPTIONAL EXCURSION: Blue Lagoon

Overnight: Reykjavik, 3 star B&B

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 14: Free Time In Reykjavik

Today we will take the day to explore Reykjavík, a city where history, culture, and modern life come together. Walking through its streets, we can admire the colorful houses and impressive landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja church and the striking Harpa Concert Hall. We will discover the city’s past at the National Museum, learning about Iceland’s Viking heritage, and enjoy its vibrant present through art galleries, cozy cafés, and lively music venues. Reykjavík invites us to experience its unique spirit—a blend of tradition, creativity, and warmth that makes every corner worth exploring.

Overnight: Reykjavik, 3 star B&B

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 15: Departure

Today we will take the day to explore Reykjavík, a city where history, culture, and modern life come together. Walking through its streets, we can admire the colorful houses and impressive landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja church and the striking Harpa Concert Hall. We will discover the city’s past at the National Museum, learning about Iceland’s Viking heritage, and enjoy its vibrant present through art galleries, cozy cafés, and lively music venues. Reykjavík invites us to experience its unique spirit—a blend of tradition, creativity, and warmth that makes every corner worth exploring.

Now it´s time to say goodbye to Iceland and head back to the international airport.

Meals Included: Breakfast