Home / Multi-Day Tours / Around Iceland / Iceland Unique Adventure: 4×4 Highland Tour – 10 Days
The highlands happen to be the most remote and wild area in Iceland, covering nearly 40% of the whole country. This 4×4 Iceland highland tour takes you to some of the most magnificent yet secluded places this country has to offer. You will explore sites such as Þingvellir National Park, Hveravellir geothermal area, Lake Mývatn, Askja Caldera, Víti Crater, Landmannalaugar, Skaftafell, and many more. During your exciting adventure, you will cross rivers, encounter vast lava fields and drive between breathtaking glaciers. If you are an adventurous traveler, this self-drive tour is the perfect choice for you.
If you are interested in receiving more information about this tour, please click on the “Request a quote” widget on the left side of the page. A quick form will open where you will be able to provide us with more information about your travel expectations. You will then be paired with one of our Travel Specialists who will assist you throughout the planning and provide a fully detailed quote.
Please note that this itinerary can be adjusted and customized to meet your travel needs and preferences. The package can also be offered as a privately guided tour if a self-drive option is not what you had in mind for your Iceland experience.
SD-17
Jun - Aug
Self-Drive
10 days / 9 nights
Iceland
Welcome to the first day of your highland tour of Iceland! After you clear customs, you will be transferred to your accommodation in the city center in Reykjavik. In the afternoon, you might want to explore some landmarks of the city, such as Laugavegur shopping street, Hallgrímskirkja Church, and Harpa – Music & Conference Center. We recommend paying a visit to some of the many entertaining museums, such as the National Museum of Iceland, Reykjavík Art Museum, or Reykjavík Maritime Museum. Alternatively, you might want to soak in the geothermal waters of the newly opened spa just 15 minutes from Reykjavík – Sky Lagoon. In the evening, you can choose from one of the many local restaurants that provide traditional dining experiences. After a delicious dinner, you can celebrate the beginning of your holiday by the Arctic Circle by visiting one of the many vibrant bars in the city center. Overnight in the heart of Reykjavík.
Today your Iceland travel begins for real! Pick up your rental car in the morning and start your day by driving to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known worldwide for its incredible natural beauty and history. There you will be able to see how the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are diverging. Continue to the famous Geysir geothermal area and witness the great spouting spring, namesake of every other spring in the world. Even though Geysir itself has been dormant for decades, his “brother” Strokkur gets to erupt every 6 to 10 minutes, spouting water to the average height of 20 meters.
After a short drive, you are going to arrive at Gullfoss (Golden Falls), which has been voted as one of the 10 most beautiful waterfalls in the world. If you fancy grabbing some lunch, the areas around both Geysir and Gullfoss offer a lot of options from full local meals to quick bites. Afterward, make your way to the interior of Iceland via the Kjölur Highland Road, located between two glaciers. It takes roughly 4 to 5 hours to cross this region and traverse from the South to the North. On the way, you should check out Kerlingafjöll, in the old times, Icelanders believed that the outlaws were living there. Be sure to make a stop at Hveravellir Geothermal Area where you can bathe in a natural hot spring, before continuing and arriving in Skagafjörður Fjord. Overnight in the area of Sauðárkrókur.
Reykjavík
Sauðárkrókur area
~340 kilometers / 211 miles
Today you will start the day by driving towards the second biggest town in Iceland – Akureyri, also known as “The Capital of the North”. Have a good breakfast and drive along the coast of the stunning Tröll Peninsula. Along the way, you will admire the beautiful coastal villages of Siglufjörður, Ólafsfjörður, and Dalvík. Don’t skip having a relaxing bath in Hauganes Hot Pots! Once you reach Akureyri, we recommend taking a stroll downtown, having some lunch, and enjoying the view over the fjord. Proceed towards Lake Mývatn. On the way to Mývatn, make sure to stop at Goðafoss Waterfall (Waterfall of the Gods) which will be visible on your right side from the main road. Arrive at Lake Mývatn and explore this otherworldly area with its fascinating and bizarre lava formations, boiling mud pools, and pseudocraters. If you like, take a short hike to the top of Mt.Hverfjall, an extinct volcanic crater that dominates the Mývatn scenery. In the evening, it can be a nice treat to soak in the Mývatn Nature Baths and relax after a busy day of travel and sightseeing. Stay overnight in the area of Lake Mývatn.
Sauðárkrókur area
Lake Mývatn area
~280 km / 174 miles
Today you will get to explore the beautiful area known as “Diamond Circle”. Start the day by driving to the charming village of Húsavík, the capital of whale watching in Iceland. The fruitful waters of Skjálfandi bay provide the best opportunity to see and admire these gentle giants. A whale-watching tour can be arranged. Continue to the natural wonder of the forested Ásbyrgi canyon, which is shaped like a horseshoe. The next stop on your itinerary is the most powerful waterfall in Europe that will take your breath away – Dettifoss. Don’t forget to take a moment to admire its dramatic surroundings. Alternatively, if you are planning to enjoy an extra relaxing day in Mývatn, there are plenty of incredible highlights in this area to fill your day with excitement and adventure. Overnight in the same hotel as the day before.
Lake Mývatn area
Lake Mývatn area
~210 km / 130 miles
It‘s now time to return to the highland plateau of Iceland and to proceed towards the spectacular Askja Caldera. On the way to Askja, admire Mount Herðubreið that some consider being the most beautiful of all Icelandic mountains. Continue via rough gravel road to Askja Caldera with a couple of smaller river crossings on the way. Once at the parking long, take a hike to Askja! After exploring this remote, moon-like area, drive towards Egilsstaðir village where you will stay overnight. If you fancy an evening of relaxation, we recommend having a rejuvenating soak in Vök Baths, a geothermal spa located just outside Egilsstaðir.
Lake Mývatn area
Egilsstaðir area
~360 km / 224 miles
Today you will leave Egilsstaðir and travel through the beautiful East Fjords of Iceland. From Egilsstaðir, you also have the opportunity to take a detour through a mountainous road to the adorable and colorful town of Seyðisfjörður. Afterward, make your way to the tranquil and charming village of Djúpivogur. On your way to Höfn (your destination for the night), we suggest taking a detour to Stokksnes, to admire the stunning mountain Vestrahorn. Höfn is often referred to as the “lobster capital of Iceland”, with many restaurants by the harbor offering delicious lobster-themed menus as well as catering to other dietary preferences. Spend the night in the area of Höfn.
Egilsstaðir area
Höfn area
~255 km/ 158 miles (the route through the East Fjords, without the detour to Seyðisfjörður)
Today you will get to admire one of the most impressive and magnificent sites Iceland has to offer – the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. From Höfn, head south to the lagoon, where we highly recommend joining a boat tour between the stunning icebergs dropped into the ocean by the mighty Vatnajökull. Don’t forget to visit the other side of the road to appreciate the beauty of sparkling icebergs laying on Diamond Beach. Continue to Skaftafell, a lush green oasis between the vast Vatnajökull and the black volcanic Skeiðarársandur desert. From there you might enjoy an invigorating hike (usually less than an hour each way) to Svartifoss (Black Waterfall), named after the pitch-black basalt columns that surround it. Continue from there to Kirkjubæjarklaustur area, where you will spend the night.
Höfn area
Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
~210 km / 130 miles
After a good night’s sleep, it is time to explore the highlands once again! Before doing so, drive to the amazing and popular Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. Afterward, drive across the vast Eldhraun Lava Field before taking the road F208 (Fjallabak highland route) towards the spectacular Landmannalaugar area. Your next destination is indeed Landmannalaugar, located by the end of a black and rugged lava field. If you wish, it’s possible to add an extra day to your itinerary, to explore this magical and enchanting area. Today you might even want to bathe in splendid natural hot pools, surrounded by colorful mountains. After a relaxing bath, head North to your overnight accommodation. Make sure to stop by Sigöldufoss along the way, a beautiful waterfall with vibrant, blue waters.
Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
Þjórsárdalur area
~160 km / 100 miles
Leave your accommodation and start heading towards the South Coast of Iceland. In Þjórsárdalur, you will find an interesting, reconstructed Viking settlement farm (Stöng). After exploring the area, make sure to stop at the beautiful Hjálparfoss Waterfall. Afterward, drive past Mt.Hekla, the most active volcano in Iceland, towards the South Coast. Continue through the town of Selfoss, where you can grab some food at the newly opened food hall called Mjólkurbúið Mathöll. After fueling your body, proceed to the greenhouse village of Hveragerði, where you can encounter geothermal activity in the center of town! Arrive in Reykjavik and drop off the rental car. Overnight in a downtown hotel in Reykjavik City center.
Þjórsárdalur area
Reykjavík
~190 km / 118 miles
Your Iceland travel is coming to an end. How time flies when you’re having fun! You will be transferred to Keflavik airport in time for your flight. If it departs in the afternoon, it‘s possible to stop at the Blue Lagoon where you can enjoy soaking in the milky blue waters of the lagoon. Treat yourself to additional massage, to rejuvenate both and the body after 10 days of exploring this beautiful country. We hope you had a great time!
Budget accommodations include shared facilities in guest houses, country hotels, farmhouses, etc. In some cases, the rooms might be equipped with a TV and a washbasin. The in-room amenities are limited and basic but they all adhere to a high standard of cleanliness.
Breakfast is included.
Comfort accommodations offer access to private facilities (shower and toilet). This type of lodges belongs to the 3-star hotel category. Most of these properties have an in-house restaurant. This section offers an upgrade in comfort and service compared to the budget category. Breakfast is included.
Quality accommodations offer private rooms with en-suite shower/bath and toilet. These rooms are the best available accommodations in 4-star hotels or the highest quality lodges in each region. Luxury accommodations - the highest class of lodges, suites, and penthouses - are available upon request. Breakfast is included.
Luxury accommodations include Suites and high-end rooms in Quality Accommodations. These types of lodges and resorts provide an upscale look and personalized services.
Classy, elegant, and comfortable, luxury accommodations strive to offer a first-class experience and top-quality services to ensure a truly extraordinary and memorable stay.
Type: SUV Full Size Intermediate
Passenger: 5
Luggage: 4
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)
Type: SUV Full Size
Passenger: 5
Luggage: 4
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)
Type: SUV Full Size Luxury
Passenger: 5
Luggage: 4
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)
Reykjavík is the capital and biggest city of Iceland with a population of approximately 124,000. It is the northernmost capital in the world. Despite its small size, you can find many attractions and museums, making Reykjavik a popular destination.
Reykjavík Old Harbour is fast becoming the new lively center of the city. There you will find museums such as Maritime Museum, the Northern Lights center and the Whales of Iceland exhibition. The harbour, which is quickly transforming into a modern city space, is also home to restaurants and cafes. A local favourite is ice cream shop Valdís, which makes fresh ice cream every morning and always offers new flavours.
Harpa is the famous concert hall and conference center located in Reykjavik. The building features a distinctive and original colored glass facade inspired by the basalt landscape of Iceland. Its unique architecture makes it one of Reykjavik most loved landmarks.
Hallgrímskirkja Church is most certainly Reykjavík´s best-known landmark. The white concrete Church whose image is printed in many postcards, dominates the city. As a matter of fact its tower can be seen from almost every corner of Reykjavík. Its distinctive and futuristic exterior made the Church one of the most visited spots in Reykjavík.
Sky Lagoon is a newly opened spa and wellness center just 15 minutes outside Reykjavík. It is known for its 7-step ritual, a unique experience tightly connected to the roots of Icelandic culture. Bathe in the geothermal waters in an infinity pool, relax in a warm blanket of steam and revitalize your skin with a nourishing body scrub.
Laugavegur is the main shopping street in Reykjavik and it is located in the heart of the city. Its name means literally „wash road“ as this was once the route to the hot springs where many Icelanders took their clothes to launder. Today it is a vibrant and innovative street filled with designer ateliers, tourist gift shops, bars, and restaurants.
Þingvellir National Park is the most important historic and geological sites in Iceland. The area is part of a fissure zone running through Iceland, being situated on the tectonic plate boundaries of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Major events in the history of Iceland have taken place at Þingvellir and today the entire area is a protected national treasure.
Gullfoss, also called the Golden Waterfall, is one of the most iconic gems of the likewise named Golden Circle. The waterfall is located in the upper part of the River Hvíta. Gullfoss is actually two separate waterfalls, the upper one has a drop of 11 meters and the lower one 21 meters.
Geysir is the famous hot spring area located in the Haukadalur valley. The main attraction is known as Strokkur, which erupts energetically at regular intervals of 10 minutes or so its boiling waterjets can reach as high as 30 meters.
Akureyri is the main town of northern Iceland. It is located at the base of Eyjafjörður Fjord and is the second largest urban area of Iceland. Akureyri is well known to be an important port and fishing center.
Goðafoss Waterfall is located in the Barðardalur area in the northeastern region of Iceland. The water of the river Skjálfandafljót falls from 12 meters height. The river originates in the Icelandic Highland and runs from the highland through the Bárðardalur valley. It is amongst Iceland larger waterfalls.
Mývatn is a volcanic lake in northern Iceland. It is located in a geothermal area not far from Krafla volcano. The lake was formed by a volcanic eruption therefore the surrounding area is characterized by lava pillars and craters. The lake is also well known because of the rich waterbirds fauna that populates it.
Mývatn Nature Baths, located in the popular Lake Mývatn Geothermal Area, is an impressive man-made hot-spring. The characteristics of the water are unique in many ways. It contains a large amount of minerals, is alkaline and well suited for bathing.
Skútustaðir is a chain of volcanic pseudo craters in the Mývatn area. They were formed by gas explosions when boiling lava flowed over the cool, wet surfaces about 2,300 years ago.
Dimmuborgir is a field of unusually shaped lava formations located east of Mývatn in Iceland. The area consists of caves and rock formations resembling an ancient collapsed fortress. The lava tubes were formed by a lava lake flowing in from a large eruption in the Þrengslaborgir and Lúdentsborgir crater row to the East. The legend wants Dimmuborgir to be connecting earth with the infernal regions.
Húsavík is a characteristic town on the north coast of Iceland. Income is supported by tourism and fishing. Until recently, Húsavík was the export harbor for silica that was extracted from nearby lake Mývatn. The village is well-known for being a center of whale watching in Iceland.
Ásbyrgi canyon is located in the north of Iceland on the Diamond Circle Road. The crater has the shape of a horseshoe and measures 3.5 km in length and over 1 km wide.
Dettifoss is a waterfall in Vatnajökull National Park in Northeast Iceland. It is part of the Diamond Circle and it is the considered the most powerful waterfall in Europe. The water of the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river descends from the nearby Vatnajökull glacier and falls for more than 44 metres, causing a massive, crashing spray. This the largest waterfall in Iceland in terms of volume discharge.
The high-temperature geothermal field Hverir at Námafjall is probably the closest earthlings can get to being on the planet Mars. This desolate area features steaming fumaroles, boiling mud pools with walking paths that reach all the way to the top of the nearby Námafjall where the view is nothing but spectacular.
Askja is a caldera situated in the central highlands of Iceland. The caldera contains several volcanoes, including Víti (explosive volcanic crater).
The Krafla Víti crater, located near lake Mývatn in North of Iceland, is a circular crater filled with blue water and surrounded by a geothermal area and beautiful mountains.
This quiet little town in the area of Hérað is the capital of the east and sits on the banks of the Lagarfljót river with a population of 2300 inhabitants. This is one of the youngest towns in Iceland as urbanization began in the 1940s. Renowned for its warm weather in the summer and gorgeous northern lights in the winter.
Egilsstaðir has grown to become the largest town of East Iceland and its main service, transportation, and administration centre. It has an airport, college, and a hospital.
Herðubreið is a distinctive tuya located in the Icelandic Highlands, not far away from Askja. It is often referred to as "The Queen of Icelandic Mountains" due to its beautiful shape. Tuya happens to be a flat-topped, steep-sided volcano formed when lava erupts through a thick glacier or ice sheet.
Seyðisfjörður is a fjord located in East Iceland. It is believed to be one of the most beautiful fjords of Iceland, surrounded by steep mountains with small rivers running down the sides. The town Seyðisfjörður is named after the fjord.
Photographers favor this gabbro mountain in the east of Iceland, as it is one of the most dramatic landscapes in the entire country. Stokksnes peninsula is on a private road that requires visitors to pay a small fee to visit. This is well worth it as the sand dunes of the peninsula provide a stark contrast to the mountain in the background.
Petra's Stone Collection is a rock museum/ collection in Stöðvarfjörður, East Iceland. Petra was a local lady who collected various natural stones throughout her life, the stones that now make up her stone collection.
Djúpivogur is home to one of the most notable works of art found on the ring road around Iceland. „The Eggs of Merry Bay“ are located on the old harbor and were unveiled in 2009, the artist Sigurður Guðmundsson created 34 eggs out of granite that is identically shaped to the eggs of birds that nest in the area. Another feature of this small fishing town is the majestic mountain Búlandstindur that towers over at 1069 meters and is has been dated to be over 8 million years old.
Jökulsárlón is a large glacial lake located in the Southeast of Iceland on the edge of the Vatnajökull National Park. The Lagoon developed into a lake after the glacier started receding from the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The lake can be seen from Route 1 between Höfn and Skaftafell. The lagoon offers outstanding views of the ice cap and it is one of the most spectacular and loved, natural destinations in all Iceland.
Vatnajökull glacier is the 3rd largest glacier in Europe at 8100 km is the largest ice cap in Iceland and covers close to 9% of the entire country. The glacier is named after the lakes that can be found on top of the ice cap as the several active volcanoes melt the ice from below.
The newly named Diamond Beach is a popular site for visitors in recent years. The icebergs floating out of the glacier lagoon wash up on the black beach and visitors get a chance to get up close with crystal clear ice.
The visitor center for the Vatnajökull national park is a source of information and support for weary travelers all year round. From Skaftafell hikers enjoy paths to Sjónarnípa, Svartifoss as well as the ever-popular glacier hiking tours, including a day climb to the highest summit in Iceland, Hvannadalshnúkur.
Svartifoss, or the Black Fall, is a beautiful waterfall in Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park. It falls off dark lava columns. The hike to the waterfall takes approximately 45 minutes.
Fjaðárgljúfur Canyon is a massive canyon located in South East Iceland and is about 100 meters deep and 2 km long. It is thought to be about two million years old and is crossed by Fjaðrá river, making it a perfect stop for great photos.
Eldhraun is a lava field in the southern highlands of Iceland. It was created by a great volcano eruption known as Skaftareldar.
Landmannalaugar is a unique area in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve in the Highlands of Iceland situated at the edge of Laugahraun lava field. It is known for its natural geothermal hot springs and surrounding landscape. and it is only accessible with a 4X4 vehicle.
Stöng is a reconstructed Viking-era farm in Iceland. Stöng can be found in Þjórsárdalur valley.
Hjálparfoss is a two stepped waterfall situated close to Golden Circle area and Hekla, surrounded by beautiful basalt formations.
Háifoss, the "High Waterfall", drops from the height of 122 meters, which makes it the third highest waterfall in Iceland. It can be found in Fossárdalur valley in South Iceland. Accessible only during summer months with a 4x4 vehicle.
Hekla is one of the most unpredictable, explosive, and powerful volcanoes. It has erupted between 20 to 30 times since the time of settlement, and it's active until the present day. Located in South Iceland, its 1,491 metres high peak can be seen from far away.
The Blue Lagoon is a famous geothermal spa located in Reykjanes peninsula nearby the International Airport of Iceland. It was formed during an operation at the nearby geothermal power plant. Reservations in advance are necessary for those who are planning a visit.
Reykjavík is the capital and biggest city of Iceland with a population of approximately 124,000. It is the northernmost capital in the world. Despite its small size, you can find many attractions and museums, making Reykjavik a popular destination.
