Home / Multi-Day Tours / North Iceland / Highlights of North Iceland Tour: 8 Days
Follow your compass north and explore towering mountains, sizzling hot springs and thundering waterfalls on this 8 day/7 nights road trip focusing on north Iceland. On this journey, you will travel through beautiful fjords where you’ll find rustic fishing villages and friendly locals. You will explore the otherworldly Lake Mývatn area and enjoy optional activities like horseback riding, caving, whale watching or treat yourself for a sightseeing flight over the highlands of Iceland. This is an ideal self-drive tour for those who are visiting Iceland for the second time and want a more in-depth experience of the beautiful north.
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 up where you will provide us with more information about your travel expectations. You will then be connected with your specialized travel agent who will assist you throughout the planning a 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-12
May - Sept
Self-Drive
8 days / 7 nights
North Iceland
Welcome to Iceland. After you clear customs, you will be transferred to your accommodation in the city centre in Reykjavík where you’ll stay for the first night. Today you will receive your travel documents. We also invite you to come by our office for a private information meeting to go over your travel plans. We recommend exploring the famous landmarks of the city such as Hallgrímskirkja Church, Harpa Music & Conference Centre and the Sun Voyager sculpture to name a few. In the evening, enjoy a nice dinner at one of many nearby restaurants. Overnight in the heart of Reykjavik.
Today is when your self-drive adventure begins. Collect your rental car in the morning and head north towards Borgarnes. There you’ll find the most voluminous hot spring in Europe, Deildartunguhver. If you’re up for an adventure, drive towards Húsafell and stop by the beautiful Hraunfossar on the way. In Húsafell you can join a super truck tour which takes you up to Langjökull glacier. Once there, explore a man-made ice cave which gives you a unique opportunity venture deep into the bowels of a glacier, truly a once in a lifetime experience. Continue your drive to north-west Iceland in the afternoon.
Between mid of June and mid of September, it would be also possible to go North via the famous Kjölur highland road. A 4×4 rental car is needed for this trip since you will travel right across the heart of Iceland. The road starts right by Gullfoss waterfall so it would be possible to have a quick stop at the famous waterfall and the geyser area close-by. On your way to the North be sure to make a stop at the high-temperature area at the Kerlingarfjöll mountain range. It is a paradise for hikers and the colours of the mountains are simply stunning. Another must-see is the Hveravellir hot temperature area where you can bathe in a natural hot spring. You spend the night in the Skagafjörður region.
Today’s drive is a scenic one through the impressive mountains of Tröllaskagi or the Troll Peninsula. You might want to start off by visiting the tiny village of Hofsós and enjoy a dip in their geothermal infinity pool with an amazing ocean view. Continue to Siglufjörður, a thriving fishing village, where we recommend that you enjoy a nice lunch in one of the colorful restaurants by the harbor. Continue to Akureyri, the hub of North East Iceland, where we recommend to explore the Botanical Garden, Hof Culture House or simply enjoy a nice cup of coffee in the charming Hafnarstræti street. In the afternoon you head East for the beautiful Lake Mývatn region where you’ll spend the next days exploring this beautiful area. On the way, stop and visit Goðafoss (The Waterfall of the Gods).
Today you have a full day to explore the highlights of the Mývatn area. You should not miss the impressive Skútustaðir pseudo craters. The craters are not due to volcanic eruptions. centre. As hot lava overflow the ground and heated up the water below the ground, the steam could not find any exit and forced its way through the lava. It is possible to walk on the rim of the pseudo craters. The view from there of Lake Mývatn and the surrounding areas is very beautiful. When you visit Mývatn, don’t miss to go to Dimmuborgir, where you find a huge lava field and very interesting formations. The name Dimmuborgir can be translated as “Dark Castles” and it was often told that it is the entrance to hell. You will find some well-marked hiking trails of different difficulties there. You can also visit Krafla caldera where you’ll find the smaller of the two Víti craters found in Iceland, a volcanic crater with an opaque teal green lake. The trail to the crater goes through a hot spring area east of the crater and takes about 40-60 minutes. After a long but rewarding day, we highly recommend that you take a dip in Mývatn Nature Baths where you can relax and unwind in the mineral-rich geothermal water while enjoying a cold beverage. You stay for a second night in the Mývatn area.
Today you embark on the Diamond Circle, a magnificent route that includes some of the most stunning sites and landscapes on the entire island. Start by heading towards Húsavík where you might want to enjoy an optional whale watching tour (duration 3 hours) or visit the whale museum of Húsavík. Drive to Jökulsárgljúfur National Park and thereafter visit Ásbyrgi canyon before continuing your drive to the amazing Dettifoss waterfall, the most powerful waterfall in Europe.
In the afternoon we recommend visiting the huge geothermal area Námaskarð where you’ll find a number of fumaroles, mud pools and mud pots. You can walk around in that area, but be careful, the fumes and of course the mud pools are very hot. Continue back to Lake Mývatn region where you can enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants in the area before making your way back to your accommodation.
Today you have a free day and we recommend that you use this opportunity to visit the Northern part of the Icelandic highlands. We can arrange a unique guided tour that takes you all the way up to the Askja caldera. On the way, you will be driven through the lunar-like landscape that characterizes this stunning region and gets to visit sights such as Drekagil canyon and Herðubreiðarlindir, from where you can enjoy views to the majestic Herðubreið mountain. Once in the Askja caldera you will hike to the larger Víti crater and if conditions allow you may even be able to bathe in its opaque blue waters.
It would be also possible to join a sightseeing flight from Akureyri. It would be possible to visit the small island Grimsey, the northernmost inhabited Icelandic territory, by plane. Grimsey is not only famous for lying on the Arctic Circle but also for its rich bird life. During the summer, thousands of puffins (and other seabirds) nest on this island. It would also be possible to fly over the magnificent highlands and towards Askja, Mývatn, Herðubreið and Vatnajökull Glacier.
Time has come to say goodbye to the beautiful North and return to Reykjavik. We recommend leaving early as you have a long journey ahead. On the way back to Reykjavik, we recommend stopping at Grábrók crater in Borgarfjörður which offers an exploring vantage point of the rugged lava field all around. In Borgarnes, you will find the interesting Settlement Exhibition where you can get to know some of the heroes of the Icelandic Sagas a little bit better.
Once heading back to Reykjavík, you can either take the scenic Hvalfjörður Fjord route where you can stop and hike up to the famous Glymur waterfall or if you want to return directly to Reykjavik take the Route 1 underwater tunnel. Continue to Reykjavik and drop off your rental car before checking into your downtown accommodation. Spend the night in the heart of Reykjavik.
Your road trip in Iceland has come to an end. You will be transferred to Keflavík International airport in time for your departure flight. If your flight is in the afternoon, there’s still one twist in this tale. On your way to Keflavik International Airport, you can stop for an optional dip in the geothermal waters of the world-renowned Blue Lagoon geothermal spa (your luggage will be stored safely for a small fee during your visit). After a rejuvenating dip in the lagoon, continue to Keflavik Airport in time for your flight home. We wish you a pleasant flight and hope to see you again in Iceland.
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: Compact
Passenger: 5
Luggage: 2
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)
Type: Intermediate Wagon
Passenger: 5
Luggage: 4
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)
Type: SUV Economy
Passenger: 5
Luggage: 3
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)
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: VAN
Passenger: 8
Luggage: 5
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.
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.
Solfar Sculpture, also known as the Sun Voyager, is the famous steel sculpture created by artist Jón Gunnar Árnason. The art piece is located next to the Sæbraut road in downtown Reykjavík. Its shape reminds of a ship floating on air, facing the ocean.
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.
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.
Barnafossar, also known as Bjarnafoss, is a series of rapids coming from out of the surrounding lava plains. The name means "Children´s falls".
Hraunfossar is a series of waterfalls coming from underneath Hallmundarhraun, a lava field formed by an eruption of the volcano situated under the glacier Langjökull. The waterfalls pour into the Hvítá river. Hraunfossar is located near Húsafell and Reykholt.
Deildartunguhver Hot Spring is the largest hot spring in Europe. It provides all hot water for the neighbouring villages.
The settlement center in Borgarnes tells the account of Iceland‘s famed Viking poet Egill Skallagrímsson as well as the story of the settlement of Iceland. This comprehensive exhibit tells the record of how Iceland was discovered, how the settlers traversed the Atlantic from Norway and Northern Ireland to establish a new commonwealth up to the institution of the general assembly of Alþingi in the mid 10th century.
Hofsós Swimming Pool is a lovely swimming pool in North Iceland with astonishing view of Skagafjörður.
Siglufjörður, a lovely village, located in North Iceland, is often known as the Herring town as the herring industry was blooming in Siglufjörður in the 1940s and 1950s.
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.
The Herring Era Museum in Siglufjörður opened in 1994 and is the largest maritime museum in Iceland. It covers the story of the „Herring Adventure“ which transformed the hamlet of Siglufjörður into a bustling town centered around the gold rush processing of herring.
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.
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.
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.
Krafla is one of the largest calderas in Iceland, at a whopping 10 km in diameter, located in the Lake Mývatn area. One of the most stunning features of Krafla is the 300 m crater Víti that formed in an explosive eruption in 1724, that lasted 5 years. This extremely active volcano is a source of many legends and interesting history and is well worth the visit.
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.
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.
Hljóðaklettar(translates: sound rocks) or Echo Rocks like they are sometimes called are a collection of basalts columns. They are the remains of an ancient volcano's which have been eroded by the Jökulsá river. These unique formations, arches, and caves are one of a kind and it seems like they have formed in every direction. There are two marked paths in blue from the parking lot that is ideal for a short hike. They are an easy stroll, one will take about 30-40 minutes (1km) and the Circle path takes about 1, 15 -1,5 hours(3km). The paths that are marked in red are longer and a bit more difficult.
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.
Jökulsárgljúfur canyon is the northernmost part of Vatnajökull National park. The canyon is a home to several waterfalls, such as Dettifoss, Selfoss and Hafragilsfoss. This area is a wonderful place with various hiking possibilities.
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.
Askja is a caldera situated in the central highlands of Iceland. The caldera contains several volcanoes, including Víti (explosive volcanic crater).
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.
Grábrók Crater is the larger of three craters in a volcanic fissure belonging to the volcanic system of Ljosufjoll. Grábrók is located in the fjord of Borgarfjörður in West Iceland.
Glymur is a stunning waterfall located in Botnsdalur valley in Hvalfjörður. It is the second highest waterfall in Iceland, with the cascade of 198 m.
The settlement center in Borgarnes tells the account of Iceland‘s famed Viking poet Egill Skallagrímsson as well as the story of the settlement of Iceland. This comprehensive exhibit tells the record of how Iceland was discovered, how the settlers traversed the Atlantic from Norway and Northern Ireland to establish a new commonwealth up to the institution of the general assembly of Alþingi in the mid 10th century.
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.
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.
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.
The Reykjanes peninsula is located on a drift zone, between two continents, the North American and Eurasian plate. It is a unique area where you can see different elements of the drift zone; very active geothermal energy, lava fields and other natural phenomenon. The Blue Lagoon and Keflavik international airport are also located in the area.