9-Nights Iceland Complete Road Trip - Road Trips, Goway Select from $2,776

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrive in the Land of Fire and Ice

Approximate Distance: 100 km / 62 miles, with Reykjanes Peninsula 130 km / 81 miles

Once you have landed at Keflavik Airport, please pick up your luggage and head through customs. Collect your rental car at the airport and proceed to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time in Iceland, we suggest that you take some time to explore the Reykjanes Peninsula (a UNESCO GeoPark site) before you head to Reykjavik.

Reykjanes is a great introduction to Iceland's unique geology and volcanoes and the site of Iceland's 2021, 2022 and 2023 eruptions. You will see unusual and stunning features around the peninsula, including craters, lava cliffs, and fissures. We recommend a stroll in the surreal Gunnuhver area where you can view quirky colorful mud pools and steam vents bubbling away.

Reykjanes is also home to the renowned Blue Lagoon, and you might enjoy the chance to relax in the soothing azure waters. Important: Admission to the Blue Lagoon needs to be booked in advance. We can help you with that!

Drive along the southern coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula to the charming village of Hveragerdi for your overnight. This village is one of the few sites in the world located directly on top of a geothermal area and, because of its many greenhouses heated by hot water from nearby springs, it is often called the "flower village." There are plenty of outdoor and wellness activities to enjoy here, and several restaurants with a unique local focus.

Overnight in Hveragerdi.

Please note check-in for most hotels begins at 14:00 - 16:00 (2:00pm-4:00pm).

Hotel: Eldhestar Hotel (3 Star Rating)

This eco-friendly hotel, 30 minutes drive from Reykjavik, is surrounded by nature in the town of Olfus. It offers free use of an outdoor wooden hot tub and arranges Icelandic horse riding tours on site. The Blue Lagoon with its hot springs and spa, as well as Reykjavik Airport, are both 40 minutes drive from the hotel.

Approximate Distance: 205 km / 127 miles

Famous National Park - Lively Geysers - Golden Waterfall

Today, you will be exploring Iceland's famous Golden Circle region. Start with a drive to Lake Thingvallavatn, Iceland's largest lake and Thingvellir National Park. This UNESCO heritage site is where the world's oldest continuing parliamentary government was founded in the 10th century. It is also the place where the North American and European tectonic plates meet. You will have the unusual experience of walking between two continents!

Next on your journey is Gullfoss, the "Golden Waterfall", where various walking paths give you photo-worthy views of the beautiful double-ledged cascade. You will also visit the nearby Geysir hot spring area to see the famous Geysir and Strokkur, as well as numerous other hot springs and boiling mud pools.

During the day, you might enjoy a glimpse into Icelandic local life. Visit Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Steam Baths and indulge in the natural and healing steam rooms and a variety of relaxing mineral pools. Fontana has been a local favorite since the early 20th century, and you will see why.

Another recommendation is the Efstidalur dairy farm, known for its delicious ice cream, skyr and cheese. We love the farm's wonderful homemade ice cream, and we are sure you will also enjoy trying it. You might even get a glimpse of the "girls," the farm's beloved dairy cows.

Your day ends again in Hveragerdi where you can relax in this friendly geothermal town.

Overnight in the Hveragerdi area.

Hotel: Eldhestar Hotel (3 Star Rating)

This eco-friendly hotel, 30 minutes drive from Reykjavik, is surrounded by nature in the town of Olfus. It offers free use of an outdoor wooden hot tub and arranges Icelandic horse riding tours on site. The Blue Lagoon with its hot springs and spa, as well as Reykjavik Airport, are both 40 minutes drive from the hotel.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Approximate Driving Distance: 295 km / 183 miles

Volcanic Valley - Waterfall Duo - Black Sand Beaches

Explore Thjorsardalur valley and its ever-changing landscapes of birch woods, sandy lava fields, rivers, and waterfalls. View the charming Gjain valley with its miniature waterfalls and volcanic formations. If the skies are clear, you will also see the impressive and beautiful Mt. Hekla volcano towering over the region. Thjorsardalur was a filming location for Game of Thrones Season 4.

Drive along the scenic farmlands of Iceland's South Shore. Stop to admire the scenic waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Each waterfall has its own charm. We especially recommend checking out the turf-roofed farmhouse. Continue to Dyrholaey* and the thundering waves of the Reynisfjara black sand beaches. Continue to Vik, Iceland's southernmost town.

Overnight in the Vik area.

Please note that Dyrholaey is closed for the bird nesting season between mid-May and the 25th of June.

Hotel: Hotel Dyrholaey (3 Star Rating)

This hotel is in southern Iceland, 9km from Vik I Myrdal. It offers free public area Wi-Fi and rooms with magnificent views of Myrdalsjokull Glacier and the Atlantic Ocean. Traditional Icelandic cuisine and local beers are served in Dyrholaey Hotel's restaurant. There is also a terrace overlooking the Myrdalur Valley. In summer, guests can watch puffins nest on the Dyrholaey Cliffs. Staff can arrange snowmobile tours and hiking trips on the Myrdalsjokull and Solheimajokull glaciers. Hotel Dyrholaey is situated by Iceland's scenic Ring Road, 178km from Reykjavík. Free parking is possible on site.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 285 km / 177 miles

Lava Fields - Iceberg Lagoon - Europe's Largest Glacier

Today you will be in a world of glaciers! You will be visiting the southern area of Vatnajokull National Park, named after Europe's largest glacier. The total park area covers almost 14% of Iceland, making it the largest national park in Western Europe. Drive through vast sand plains created by glacial outwashes as you head east. Visit the national park's famous Skaftafell area, a site of outstanding natural beauty. Enjoy the views of rich green landscapes and black sands dominated by several magnificent glaciers. You can also see Svinafellsjokull, one of the most beautiful glacial "tongues" that are slowly creeping down from Vatnajokull.

Visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon where you will enjoy the breathtaking sight of icebergs floating in the fantastic 180m (591 ft.) deep glacial lagoon. You also have the option of enjoying a boat tour amid the icebergs (We recommend booking this in advance and are glad to help with this). Nearby is the dramatic beauty of the Diamond Beach, named for the shrinking icebergs that settle on the black sands before drifting out to sea.

Your overnight is in Hofn, a fishing port in the shadow of Vatnajokull glacier. Hofn has a nice selection of restaurants and cafes. The local specialty is langoustines (Norway lobsters), and you might enjoy the opportunity to try some for yourself!

Overnight in Hofn.

Hotel: Adventure Hotel Hof (3 Star Rating)

Hof 1 Hotel in Oraefi is a located in one of the most beautiful and extraordinary regions in Iceland, often referred to as "Sveitin milli sanda", which loosely translates as "The land between the sands".

Located in the midst of this spectacular landscape, we at Hof 1 hotel strive to offer personal service to all our guests in first class accomadations and restaurant. Hof 1 hotel in Oraefi is open all year round.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 260 km / 162 miles

Narrow Fjords - Steep Mountains - Picturesque Coastline

Drive from Hofn through Almannaskard pass, stopping to admire the majestic coastline. Continue to the towering mountains plunging vertically into the sea that form the magnificent East Fjords. We are sure you will love the amazing views, so keep your camera ready. You will pass villages, each with its own special history and charm. You might enjoy visiting the town of Djupivogur, the gateway to the Eastfjords. It is nice to walk along the harbor and view the interesting art installation sculpture depicting seabird eggs. If you are feeling thirsty for a local brew, we recommend a stop at the Beljandi microbrewery in Breiddalsvik. The brewery was a community project, so you will definitely get a feel for local life in the Eastfjords.

The road brings you to Egilsstadir town, located near Iceland's largest forest and a lake said to be home to a legendary (friendly) monster. The area also has an excellent reputation for locally sourced cuisine, and you'll enjoy some of it at dinner.

Overnight in the Egilsstadir area.

Hotel: Egilsstadir Edda Hotel (3 Star Rating)

Located in the village of Egilsstadir, next to the Lagarfljot River, Hotel Edda offers a river-view restaurant and free internet access in public areas. Egilsstadir, the "capital of the east" boasts its own international airport and is host to many local attractions. Among them are Hallormsstadur, Iceland's biggest forest and the extinct Mount Snaefell Volcano.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 300 km / 186 miles

Highland Desert - Bizarre Lava Formations - Volcanic Wonderland

Explore the highland desert plateau Modrudalsoraefi, desolate and yet hauntingly beautiful, as you head towards the Lake Myvatn area. Your route takes you by historical Modrudalsoraefi farm, it is located at the highest altitude of any working farm in Iceland.

Visit fantastical Studlagil, a canyon made of basalt columns that seem to resemble organ pipes. A viewing platform near the canyon lets you enjoy the canyon easily and safely. Studlagil is one of Iceland's largest basalt formations. When you visit here, you can see how basalt columns influenced the design of Reykjavik's Hallgrimskirkja.

Stop at Dettifoss, Europe's largest and most powerful waterfall. Continue onwards to the Namaskard pass with its boiling mud pools and vibrant colors. We often feel like we are visiting another planet when we come here, and you may the same way.

Walk along the pseudo craters at Skutustadir. Explore the peculiar lava formations at Dimmuborgir. They look as if they were built by fantasy creatures. Legend has it that elves live here, so be respectful during your visit. You will definitely see why the surreal Myvatn area has become so popular as a movie location.

Overnight in the Myvatn area.

Important: Roads 864 and 862 are gravel roads, and you must heed warning signs in the area if road conditions are not good for driving.

Hotel: Selhotel Myvatn (3 Star Rating)

Situated by Lake Myvatn, Selhotel Myvatn is the ideal base for experiencing the wonders of Myvatn and its surroundings. The Skutustaoagigar pseudo-craters are just a couple minutes' walk away and they can be seen from the restaurant. The views both to north and south are magnificent.

The hotel has 35 rooms which all are beautifully furnished with solid mahogany with the aim to create a friendly atmosphere for guests.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 85 km / 53 miles

"Waterfall of the Gods" - Iceland's Colorful Northern "Capital"

Breakfast at your hotel. Start your day's adventure with visiting sites in the Myvatn area. Next, head to magnificent Godafoss waterfall, one of North Iceland's most important symbols. You will also learn how the waterfall got its interesting name.

Afterward, you will head to Akureyri, the colorful northern "capital" of Iceland. The town has charming buildings and a beautiful view of the Eyjafjordur fjord. Though small in size, Akureyri has a lively cultural scene.

The rest of the day is open for you to explore of Akureyri. If you are interested in culture, check out the trendy Listagil area, the "Art Canyon." You can stroll the street here, browsing art galleries and stopping in at one of the friendly cafes or pubs for delicious, locally sourced food. Several museums are worth a visit. The botanical garden is open year-round; many visitors find it interesting that a garden so close to the Arctic Circle has such a large variety of plants. Akureyri also has a nice variety of restaurants, so you will enjoy the chance to dine out tonight.

Overnight in Akureyri. Dinner is on your own.

Hotel: Akureyri Edda Hotel (3 Star Rating)

In Iceland's second largest city and "capital of the north", Hotel Edda Akureyri is a great base for touring the rugged northern coastline. Idyllic Lake Myvatn is an hour by car and the Hrisey Island bird sanctuary is just a short ferry ride away. Nearby are Kjarnaskogur and Vaglaskogur woodlands and top salmon, trout and sea fishing. In early summer, the sight of the sun on the horizon at midnight is like no other.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 415 km / 258 miles

Scenic Valleys - Europe's Largest Hot Spring - Picturesque Waterfalls

Breakfast at your hotel. Drive through scenic valleys framed by dramatic mountains as you head into the Skagafjordur region. Icelanders consider the Skagafjordur area to be one of the country's finest places for horse breeding. Maybe you will experience it for yourself on a guided horseback riding tour in the area.

Cross the Holtavorduheidi plateau taking you into West Iceland. Drive through Borgarfjordur, a region that has been getting international recognition for its lovely volcanic and wooded scenery and for its Viking history. Walk up to the top of Grabrok crater for an amazing view. Listen to the powerful rushing waters of Deildartunguhver, Europe's mightiest hot spring area. Stop to admire the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls, where brightly blue water rushes through black lava formations. Nearby is Barnafoss, a waterfall with even more brilliantly blue colors. There is an interesting and poignant legend associated with this waterfall.

Dinner and overnight stay in the Borgarfjordur area.

Hotel: Langaholt Guesthouse & Restaurant (3 Star Rating)

Langaholt is a family-run country hotel located in the south of the Snaefellsnes peninsula. They started in 1978 and the host learned from the best teacher, his mother. Keli and Runa are hosts at Langaholt and the place is all about what they like, personal and cozy. Keli is born here and he has been the head of the company since 2006 when his parents retired from the family business. Here in this beautiful area, they take pride in comfortable rooms, excellent food, and a friendly atmosphere. Your place - your home, while you explore the wonders and adventures of Iceland.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 405 km / 252 miles

Snaefellsjokull Glacier - Pebble Beaches - Sea Cliffs with Birdlife - Quaint Fishing Villages

Today you will explore the amazing variety of natural landscapes in Snaefellsjokull National Park. The park's crown jewel is Snaefellsjokull glacier itself, which covers a dormant volcano that last erupted in 250 AD. In addition, you will also see Kirkjufell, one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland. Walk along the uniquely pebbled seascape of Djupalonssandur beach. At the picturesque harbor village of Arnarstapi, you can observe magnificent basalt rocks in stacked formations.

One Icelandic Saga mentions that Snaefellsnes and its people are protected by a benevolent half troll who lives high on the glacier. You might even find a sense of magic and healing energy in this beautiful peninsula.

At the end of the afternoon, your journey to Reykjavik, Iceland's amazing capital city.

Overnight stay in Reykjavik. Dinner is on your own.

Hotel: Reykjavik Lights by Keahotels (3 Star Rating)

Modern Nordic elegance and affordable comfort combine to create a stylishly simple stay. Whenever your day of adventure ends a warm welcome is ensured with us.

At Reykjavik Lights Hotel you will find a selection of rooms that meet all needs. Whether you need a comfortable Single Room for an individual stay, a spacious Standard Room for traveling companions or a Double Room with Mountain View with a magnificent view of Mount Esjan and Laugardalurinn, we have what you are looking for. For those who want more space and comfort, there is a Superior Room, which offers added luxury with a large double bed and sofa. All rooms have modern amenities such as en-suite bathrooms, flat-screen TVs and work desks. Enjoy a unique stay in the heart of Reykjavik.

Our bar offers a relaxed atmosphere and first-class service. With a wide selection of cocktails, wines and beers. It is the perfect place to relax after a busy day or enjoy an evening with friends. In our lounge area you can enjoy a game of chess or even a variety of card games. We have a Happy Hour of selected wine and beer every day from 4-7pm.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Drive back to Keflavik International Airport. We recommend departing from your hotel in Reykjavik no later than at least 3 hours before your flight departure. It takes approximately 1 hour to drive to the airport, and check-in will start 2 hours before your departure.

If you did not visit the Blue Lagoon earlier but have some free time today, you might want to use the opportunity en route to the airport. For this detour, please be sure to allow for at least 2-2,5 hours extra so you'll have ample time at the lagoon. Your rental car should be returned to the airport service area, which is located only 2 minutes from the airport building. A shuttle will then transport you to the departure hall.

Meal(s): Breakfast