Home / Multi-Day Tours / Around Iceland / Activity Round Trip: 11 Day Tour
Capture the amazing beauty of Iceland and experience thrilling activities in this Iceland self-drive tour. Visit places such as Þingvellir national park and snorkel in the Silfra lava fissure. Enjoy a three-hour glacier hike in Skaftafell in Vatnajökull national park with experienced glacier guides by your side. Iceland offers a plethora of activities and we have included some of the most popular in this latest addition to our 11 days Iceland self-drive tour.
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.
Please note that this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
SD-08
May - Sept
Self-Drive
11 days / 10 nights
Around Iceland
12 Years Old
Welcome to Iceland! After clearing customs in Keflavik Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in the centre of Reykjavik. The drive takes approx. 40 minutes and if you arrive after 9:00 in the morning, it is possible to visit the Blue Lagoon before continuing to Reykjavik. After you have checked in to your hotel and received your travel documents, we would like to have an optional private information meeting during office hours at our headquarters. Afterwards, you will have some free time to explore the northernmost capital of the world! Visit some of Reykjavik’s most renowned landmarks such as the Hallgrímskirkja church, Harpa Music Center and Perlan dome in Öskjuhlíð hill. Overnight in the heart of Reykjavik.
It is time to hit the road. First of all, you will be picked up by the car rental agency in the morning and transferred to their HQ for delivery of the rental car. Afterwards, you will drive to Þingvellir National park where you will meet with our diving operator. Here you will enjoy fantastic snorkelling experience in the crystal clear waters of the Silfra lava fissure. This activity takes around 3-4 hours to complete. Afterwards, you should enjoy the unsurpassed beauty of Þingvellir – a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2004. Continue to Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir geothermal area where you will see the eruptions of the Strokkur geyser, before heading down to the south coast. Overnight in the area close to the village of Hvolsvöllur.
Reykjavik
Hvolsvöllur
~250 km / 155 miles
Today you will be driving along the splendid south coast of Iceland. Leave Hvolsvöllur area and head east. First stop is by the amazing Seljalandsfoss waterfall which you will be able to enjoy a 360° view by walking behind it. Just remember to wear good shoes and prepare for some light drizzle. Next up is Skógafoss, a picture-perfect waterfall, located by the foot of the mighty Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Close by you’ll find Mýrdalsjökull glacier where we have booked you on a one-hour thrilling snowmobile tour.
After the snowmobiling, continue to the village of Vík, where we recommend you visit the Reynisfjara black volcanic beach. Drive further east and locate the Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, a hidden gem of Icelandic nature and often overlooked by visitors. Close by is the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur where you will spend the next night.
Hvolsvöllur
Kirkjubæjarklaustur
~152 km / 95 miles
Leave Kirkjubæjarklaustur behind and head across Skeiðarársandur, to Skaftafell in Vatnajökull national park. You will meet up with professional glacier guides for an exciting three-hour glacier hiking tour. After the glacier hike, we recommend that you hike to Svartifoss waterfall. The hike is easy and takes around two hours to complete. We also recommend that you visit Svínafellsjökull glacier fall. After Skaftafell, continue east to the wonderful Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. There you will enjoy a thrilling Zodiac boat tour in between the icebergs. This is a fantastic experience and a tour that takes approx. one hour. A little further east close to Höfn in Hornafjörður, you will find your hotel for the night.
Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Höfn
~195 km / 121 miles
Today you will travel through the beautiful and rugged East Fjords of Iceland. Drive past Höfn in Hornafjörður and continue to Djúpivogur – a tranquil and beautiful coastal village where it’s ideal to have a cup of morning coffee before continuing your journey.
Afterwards, visit Stöðvarfjörður fjord and have a look at Ms Petra’s collection of rare Icelandic stones and minerals. Later you arrive at Fáskrúðsfjörður from where you can take a road tunnel to Reyðarfjörður. Drive through Fagridalur valley and continue to Egilsstaðir, the largest town in East Iceland. You will spend the night in this area.
Höfn
Egilsstaðir
~260 km / 162 miles
It’s time to continue your Iceland self drive tour and drive towards the other worldly Lake Mývatn, area but with a twist. Drive through the Jökuldalur valley and to the Möðrudalsöræfi (yeah, that’s a tough one) highland region. Take a right turn down to road 862 and continue to the mighty Dettifoss waterfall – the most powerful of all waterfalls in Europe. A little further north you’ll find the Ásbyrgi canyon. Drive to the beautiful village of Húsavík where you will enjoy a three-hour long whale watching tour. After the tour, drive to Lake Mývatn are where you will spend the next two nights. In the evening, we recommend that you visit the Nature Baths of Mývatn and relax after a full day of sightseeing and adventures.
Egilsstaðir
Lake Mývatn
~305 km /190 miles
The Lake Mývatn area is about as unique as they come. It is bound to amaze you with its plethora of natural splendours, and that’s why you will have a full day to explore it. Start the day by visiting Lofthellir lava cave and experience the world of lava, ice and darkness. Lofthellir cave boasts the greatest natural ice sculptures currently known in an Icelandic lava cave. The tour takes around 4-5 hours. In the afternoon, drive to Námaskarð pass and visit the Hverarönd geothermal area, where you’ll see boiling mud pools and steaming lava vents.
Furthermore, close by you’ll find Krafla volcano. If you are extremely energetic, you can hike up to Mt.Hverfjall and from there make your way down to the Dimmuborgir lava maze. Finally, in the evening you will probably want to visit the Mývatn Nature Baths again after this active and adventurous day. Same like last night, stay in or around Lake Mývatn.
Lake Mývatn
Lake Mývatn
Optional
It’s time to leave this amazing area behind and continue your Iceland self-drive tour. On the way to Akureyri – the “capital of the north”, we would not want you to miss the beautiful Goðafoss waterfall – the waterfall of the Gods. In addition, today we have included a fantastic riding tour on the Icelandic horse in the cosy village of Grenivík. After the riding tour, you will be invited for some coffee and home-baked cakes at the farm. You will spend the second half of the day in the beautiful town of Akureyri. We recommend a visit to Akureyri Botanical Garden and Hof – Cultural house. In the evening you might want to visit the Akureyri swimming pool before residing at your hotel for the night.
Lake Mývatn
Akureyri
~90 km / 55 miles
Today is a day of travel. Drive from Akureyri via Route #1 to the rugged Snæfellsnes peninsula. On the way, you will drive between beautiful mountains such as in the Öxnadalur valley, to Skagafjörður. In Skagafjörður you can have a look at Glaumbær, an old turf house exhibition and the Víðimýri church.
Continue your journey and you might want to make a small detour up Vatnsnes peninsula to set your eyes on Hvítserkur, a basalt stack that rises from the beach. Continue to Snæfellsnes Peninsula, where you will stay for the night. On your way, you might want to stop by Grábrók and stretch your legs by hiking up the wonderful crater.
Akureyri
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
~475 km / 295 miles
Today is your last day on the road and what a day! Travel around the unique Snæfellsnes peninsula. Visit Bjarnarhöfn shark museum, Snæfellsjökull National Park and Hellnar Cove, where we recommend that you enjoy a bowl of warm, delicious seafood soup. Close by you’ll find Sönghellir cave but remember to bring a flashlight. You will drive through beautiful coastal villages and rough lava fields before returning to Reykjavik. Once back in Reykjavik, return the rental car and check into a hotel in the downtown area. In the evening, there are many gourmet restaurants that await you. Overnight at a hotel in the heart of Reykjavik.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Reykjavik
~282 km / 175 miles
The time to say goodbye or “bless bless” to Iceland, has come. Transfer to Keflavik International Airport. If your flight is in the afternoon, it is ideal to visit the Blue Lagoon on the way. After soaking in the lagoon, continue to Keflavik in time for your departure. Thank you for traveling with Iceland Unlimited and we hope to see you again in the future!
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: 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: SUV Full Size Luxury
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.
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.
Perlan Dome is a landmark of Reykjavik, offering magnificent views to the city as it is located on a hill. From 2017, it features an exhibition with a man-made ice cave 100 meters long.
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.
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.
Kerið is a volcanic crater lake located in the area called Grímsnes in the South of Iceland, along the famous Golden Circle route. The crater walls are steep and often covered with Icelandic moss. The inside of the crater is a lake whose water is aquamarine colored due to the minerals from the soil. The crater is 55 meters deep and about 3000 years old.
Seljalandsfoss is one of the most famous and visited waterfalls in Iceland. It located along the South Coast of the Country right by the road n. 1. The waterfall is part of the Seljalands river that originated from the famous volcano glacier Eyjafjallajökull. The waterfall is approximately 60-meter high and it is famous for its path that leads visitor behind its powerful water flow.
Skógafoss is a waterfall located on the Skógá river on the South Coast of Iceland. This picture-perfect waterfall descends 60 meters from the cliffs. Before pouring down the cliffs becoming the famous waterfall, the river flows through the Skógárgil gorge.
Reynisfjara is a famous black sand beach in the South of Iceland, just next to the village of Vik. Black sand, lava formations, and basalt columns make it a popular stop for all visitors.
Reynisdrangar cliffs are towering basalt-type rock formations situated near the shore of Reynisfjara black sand beach, on the South Coast of Iceland. The folk legend wants them to be the rocky representation of two trolls turned into stone after being caught by the sunlight after dawn.
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.
Kirkjubæjarklaustur is home to Iceland’s first monastery, built in 1186. In the area of the village there are many of the South Coast's interesting attractions such as the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon and Kirkjugolf- the church floor.
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.
Svínafellsjökull is a part of the great Vatnajökull glacier. All glacier tongues have names and Svínafellsökull is the most famous with its raw and grand icy curves. This astonishing and majestic outlet of Vatnajökull Glacier offers amazing scenery and views all around with the possibility to see the glacier crevasses and sculptures.
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.
Höfn is an Icelandic fishing town located in the southeastern part of the Country. The town, the second largest in the southeastern part of Iceland, offers scenic views of Vatnajökull (the largest ice cap in Europe by volume). The main economic activities in Höfn are fishing and tourism. The location is also well known for its culinary tradition with lobster being the most acclaimed specialty of the area.
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.
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.
Fáskrúðsfjörður is a fjord located between Vattarnes and Hafnarnes peninsulas on the East of Iceland. The town at the bottom of the fjord is named after it and it has french heritage.
Hengifoss Waterfall, located in East Iceland, is the third highest waterfall in Iceland. The waterfall is 128 meters high and it is surrounded by basaltic rocks featuring red layers of clay between the lava strata.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Akureyri botanical garden is located in the southern part of the city, in North Iceland. The garden is exceptional for its extreme northern location. This is also known as a site of scientific research where it has been proven that shrubs, trees and other plants can survive on the edge of the Arctic.
Akureyrarkirkja is an outstanding Lutheran Church in Akureyri designed by Guðjón Samúelsson. It is located in the center of the city, overlooking the town from the top of a hill.
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.
The fire glows and crackles in the fireplace, while Christmas melodies and aroma fill the air. After only ten minutes drive from the center of the town of Akureyri you will find yourself within the magical world of Christmas in Jólagarðurinn, or the Christmas garden. On the outside, the red house resembles a cookie house but once inside you discover Christmas decorations from all over the world, alongside with traditional Icelandic Christmas items and variations of selected handicrafts from local craftsmen/women.
In the beautiful garden surrounding the house, there are benches and tables provided, making this an excellent spot for a picnic. The fairy-tale tower houses the world’s biggest Christmas calendar worth climbing the stairs for. In the garden, one can also find The Wishing well of unborn children, a place of tranquillity and peace.
Visit as well the Bakgarður „tante Grethe “and be inspired by gorgeous housewares and tasty delights. For all the connoisseurs and gourmets! In a quiet corner, you will find a workshop for spin art where you can explore Vera’s textured handmade yarn.
When the weather is fair they open the hatch to our Apple Cottage and warm up the waffle iron for hungry visitors.
Open all year around
No entrance fee
Jólagarðurinn:
June – August 10.00 - 21.00
September – December 14:00 - 21.00
Christmas days 24./25./26.Dec open 9:00-11:00 upon request the day before
January – May 14.00 - 18.00
Closed on 31. Dec and 1. Jan
Bakgarður „tante Grethe“:
June – August 10.00 – 18.00
September – May 14.00 – 18.00
Hvítserkur is a 15 m high basalt stack on the eastern shore of the Vatnsnes peninsula, in northwest Iceland. The rock has two holes at the base, which give it the appearance of an animal of some sort who is drinking from the ocean.
Snæfellsjökull Glacier is a 700,000-year-old glacier-capped stratovolcano in western Iceland. The glacier-volcano is active and it is believed to be one of the seven energy centres of the earth.
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.
Bjarnarhöfn is the region leading producer of hákarl (fermented shark meat), a traditional Icelandic dish. The Shark Museum at Bjarnarhöfn farm, on the northern side of Snæfellsnes peninsula, is where visitors can get a down-home taste of it.
Arnarstapi is a small fishing village at the foot of Stapafell mountain, between Hellnar village and Breiðavík farms, on the southern side of Snæfellsnes, Iceland. It is famous for its extraordinary columnar basalt and rock formations.
Kirkjufell is a stunning 463 m high mountain on the north coast of Snæfellsnes peninsula in Iceland. It is located near Grundarfjörður village.
Búðakirkja Church is a famous black wooden Church built up in 1703. This fascinating building sits alone in the Búðahraun lava field.
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.
