Home / Multi-Day Tours / Reykjavík / The Best of South and West: 9 Days Self-Drive Tour
For a real Iceland road trip, consider our best-seller tour – the Snæfellsnes peninsula and the South Coast in 9 days tour. Snæfellsnes being one of the most spectacular places in Iceland combined with the rough landscapes of the south creates a combination not to be missed.
This Iceland road trip in 9 days, gives an opportunity to see the perfect cone-shaped mountain Kirkjufell, fishing villages of the west, the Vatnajökull national park, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon just to name a few.
On the way, you will have a great opportunity to get acquainted with the Icelandic sagas and you will see all the major natural attractions including volcanoes, geysers and waterfalls. If you are keen on fully enjoying your vacation in Iceland, we are sure that this is the perfect tour package 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 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-05
May - Sept
Self drive
9 days / 8 nights
South and West Iceland
Welcome to Iceland! At the airport, you will either hop on the Flybus (budget) or be met by a driver from Iceland Unlimited in the arrival hall of Keflavík International Airport (comfort & quality). Transfer to your accommodation in the city centre in Reykjavík. Your travel documents, such as the hard copy of your final itinerary, map of Iceland and more will either be handed to you by your driver or wait for you at your hotel/guesthouse.
On your way to Reykjavík, you will see endless lava fields and moon-like landscapes. After you have checked into your hotel room, we would like to invite you to an optional private information meeting during office hours at our headquarters. As for the rest of the day, you can enjoy by exploring the capital of Iceland or simply resting up for your upcoming road trip in your cosy hotel room (check in is normally at 14:00). There are also many interesting guided tours available in Reykjavik. Overnight at a hotel or guesthouse in the heart of Reykjavík.
Today, your adventure starts for real! You will pick up your rental car and drive north, towards the mystical and powerful Snæfellsnes peninsula. Drive through the Route #1 underwater tunnel, and later, take road 50 via Borgarfjörður. This road will lead you to Hraunfossar, a series of waterfalls coming from underneath the lava, and then Deildartunguhver, Europe´s most powerful hot spring. Afterwards, you can visit Langjökull glacier and take a tour of the man-made ice tunnel and ice caves located in Europe´s second largest glacier. Then, head to Snæfellsnes where you will stay in the area for a good night’s sleep.
In southern Snæfellsnes, you can explore places such as Sönghellir cave and the spectacular Hellnar Cove. Here you can have lunch at the beautiful Hellnar café whilst gazing at the crashing waves on the shore. You should also visit the famous black church – Búðir and don´t forget to test your strength on the four stones at the Djúpalónssandur. In the northern part of the peninsula, visit the small towns Ólafsvik and Grundarfjörður, and the well-known, perfectly cone-shaped Mount Kirkjufell.
Not far away from Grundarfjördur, driving east via lava fields, you will end up in Stykkishólmur. On your way there, a stop at the Bjarnarhofn shark museum is a must. There you can taste some rotten shark meat, a traditional Icelandic delicatessen. Stykkishólmur is a gate to Breiðafjörður´s amazing islands. At the harbour of Stykkishólmur, you will find the dark and magnificent Norwegian House (built in 1832 as the first double story timber house in Iceland). This old house is now a folk museum with rather interesting objects. There you will also find a cliff with an amazing view over the Breiðaförður fjord. Overnight in a hotel or guesthouse in the area.
Start the day by driving back south and head to the amazing Þingvellir National Park. Driving there, you have a choice between taking the underwater tunnels again, or doing a small detour via Hvalfjörður route, where you will find the amazing Glymur waterfall.
Þingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rich with its incredible natural beauty and history. There you can see how the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are diverging. On the Golden Circle tour, your next stop is the Strokkur geyser, which gushes a column of water up to 30 meters high. Later, continue to Gullfoss waterfall, recently voted as one of 10 most beautiful waterfalls in the world.
From there, make your way towards the south coast, passing through beautiful Icelandic lush farmlands. Finally, make sure to stop at Kerið, a volcanic crater displaying its crystal clear water. Stay overnight in the Hella/ Hvolsvöllur area.
This day will take you along the beautiful south coast of Iceland. Shortly after leaving the Hella/Hvolsvöllur area, you will reach the spectacular Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Take the opportunity to enjoy a 360° view of the waterfall, as it is possible to walk behind it. Above, you will have a very good view of Eyjafjallajökull volcano, famous for its 2010 eruption. Next on your map, is the majestic Skógafoss, which is an impressive 60 meters high waterfall. If interested, visit the Skógar Folk museum where you can see reconstructed turf houses and ancient artefacts on display. From there, continue to Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara beach, with its black sand and stunning cliffs and basalt columns. Stay the night in the area of Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Today your journey takes you to the famous Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. On your way there, make a stop at Foss á Síðu (waterfall) and then enjoy a hike in Skaftafell, a part of the Vatnajökull National Park. We recommend a light hike to Svartifoss waterfall, that features pitch black hexagonal basalt columns and a rugged canyon. Moreover, Skaftafell is a site of enormous splendor and variations of landscape: from a lush green oasis to a mighty glacier and black sands. When you reach Jökulsárlón, you will witness the impressing floating icebergs and if you are lucky, you might even spot some seals. Then, continue to the village of Höfn – the lobster capital of Iceland. Once there, enjoy a luxurious lobster dinner at one of Höfn’s gourmet lobster restaurants. Overnight in the area.
From Höfn you will turn back and drive west towards Reykjavik. On the way, you can make stops here and there, according to your preferences. You will pass Ingolfshöfði, where you can join a guided bird watching tour. In Kirkjubæjarklaustur we recommend stopping by Systrafoss, a truly beautiful waterfall in the middle of the village. The story behind its name refers to the first monastery in Iceland, built there, back in 1186. A few kilometres west of Kirkjubæjarklaustur you will be passing Iceland’s second-biggest lava field – Eldhraun. Also near Kirkjubæjarklaustur, you will find Fjarðárgljúfur canyon which is a beautiful sight. In the afternoon, you can meet and get to know the Icelandic horse on a horseback riding tour. Continue to the Hvolsvöllur area where you’ll stay for the night.
As your holiday slowly comes to an end, it’s time for you to spoil yourself and relax in the unique Blue Lagoon (optional, needs to be booked in advance). This part of the trip will give you a very good feeling of how powerful Iceland is. Drive west from your hotel and make a left turn by the village of Selfoss, towards the coast and head for the Reykjanes peninsula; an active geothermal area with dramatic coastlines and quaint, historic towns. In Seltún (Krýsuvík) you will find boiling mud pools and colourful mountains. Take a moment to stand on the “Bridge between the Continents” which connects the American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Continue to your hotel in Reykjavik after returning the rental car. In the evening, we recommend enjoying a nice dinner in one of the many gourmet restaurants Reykjavík has to offer.
Sadly your Iceland vacation has come to an end. You will be transferred to Keflavík International Airport by bus (budget and comfort) or our private driver (quality) in time for your flight home. Have a safe and enjoyable trip back home!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Barnafossar, also known as Bjarnafoss, is a series of rapids coming from out of the surrounding lava plains. The name means "Children´s falls".
Búðakirkja Church is a famous black wooden Church built up in 1703. This fascinating building sits alone in the Búðahraun lava field.
Kirkjufell is a stunning 463 m high mountain on the north coast of Snæfellsnes peninsula in Iceland. It is located near Grundarfjörður village.
Stykkishólmur is the largest town in Snæfellsnes Peninsula and also the gateway to the Westfjords via the ferry Baldur. It is a center of services and commerce for this region and it is based on tourism and on the fishing industry.
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.
Breiðafjörður is a large bay, about 50 km wide and 125 km long, in the west of Iceland, between the Westfjords and the Snaefellsnes peninsula. It is surrounded by mountains, including the glacier Snæfellsjökull.
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.
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.
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.
Skogár Folk Museum is located next to the Skógafoss waterfall, in south Iceland. It consists of a cultural heritage collection of folk craft artifacts and examples of typical Icelandic turf farmhouses.
Please visit the museum's webpage for further information. https://www.skogasafn.is/
The famous promontory named Dyrhólaey is located in the south coast of Iceland. From this peninsula, that once was a volcanic island, the views are stunning. Glacier, lava columns, the open sea. The highlight of this area is the lava arch that is standing in the ocean. Dyrhólaey is also well known for its puffin colonies during the summertime.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kirkjugólf Basalt Tiles or "the Church floor" is an 80 square meter expanse of columnar basalt stone slabs which have eroded over time. The hexagonal ‘tiles’ look as if they were man-made.
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.
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.
Vík is the southernmost village in Iceland, located on the ring road (Road number 1), featuring the impressive and popular black sand beach.
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.
Seltún is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, a highly active geothermal area. Seltún consists of boiling mud pools and colourful mountains.
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.
The Bridge Between the Continents is a small footbridge over a large fissure, where the continental plates are diverging. The bridge is located on the Reykjanes peninsula and is a symbol of the connection between Europe and North America.
Here you can have one foot in each continent at the same time.
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.