7 days in South & West Iceland
Quick info
Type: Self-Drive
Season: All year round
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Areas: South Iceland and west Iceland
Enjoy the beautiful and diverse landscape of south and west Iceland on this 7 days self-drive tour to the spectacular Golden Circle, South Coast, Snæfellsnes peninsula and Borgarfjörður fjord.
The varied landscape on the way has much to offer with many interesting beautiful sights and lovely villages. Along the way, visit some of the country’s most spectacular natural attractions, including Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Hot Spring, Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Kirkjufell mountain. For those who want more adventure add an exciting activity to the tour, such as glacier hiking, snowmobiling, ATV tours, hiking tours, horse riding tours or snorkeling for example.
Since this is a self-drive trip you can decide where to stop and what attractions to explore while driving the less travelled roads of the West, giving you a better insight into the charm of the Icelandic nature and culture. You will not miss out on anything as we have put together this great itinerary with well located camping sites/accommodation, suggestions of interesting places to visit and optional activity available on the way.
Included
- Camper and camping gear/accommodation and rental car for 7 days
- GPS and extra driver
- Detailed itinerary for each day
- Map with practical information on interesting sites, things to do and more
- Fun Iceland Travel Guide
- Travel agent to oversee your itinerary and answer all your questions
- Meeting with travel agent when you arrive (optional)
- Taxes, service fee and VAT
Not included
- Flights to and from Iceland
- Optional activities (can be added)
- Fuel
- Personal insurance
- Any arrangements not specifically stated as included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival
Depending on your arrival to Iceland either spend one night in Reykjavik after your flight or begin our journey when you arrive. We will transfer you from the airport to your accommodation in Reykjavik with the Flybus airport transfer or you can pick up your rental car at the airport. We recommend that you spend at least one day in Reykjavik, you can do it before or after your travels to the south.
Accommodation: Reykjavik (Optional and not included in the price)
Day 2 - Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Head towards the Snæfellsnes peninsula, an area characterized by diverse landscape, unique natural wonders and friendly villages. Along the way stop by Guðrúnarlaug geothermal pool and Eiríkstaðir museum. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring Snæfellsnes peninsula, including Snæfellsnes National Park, Arnarstapi, Djúpalónssandur beach, Lóndrangar basalt cliffs and Kirkjufell mountain.
Highlights: Guðrúnarlaug geothermal pool, Eiríkstaðir museum, Stykkishólmur, Grundarfjörður, Ólafsvík, hellissandur, Rif, Kirkjufell mountain, Snæfellsnes National Park, Djúpalónssandur beach, Dritvík, Lóndrangar basalt cliffs, Hellnar, Arnarstapi and Sönghellir cave.
Optional activity: Vatnshellir cave
Accommodation: Snæfellsnes
Day 3 - Borgarfjörður
Today you drive to the spectacular Borgarfjörður fjord. The fjord is known for its history and exquisite nature. For those interested in Icelandic history you might enjoy a visit to Snorrastofa at Reykholt. Also don’t miss the waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, the powerful hot spring Deildartunguhver or go on a cave tour and explore the Víðgelmir cave (optional). From Húsafell you also have the option to go on a snowmobile tour to Langjokull glacier and visit the ice cave located there. (Optional).
Highlights: Snorrastofa & Reykholt, Hraunfossar waterfall, Barnafoss waterfall and Deildartunguhver hot spring.
Optional activity: Víðgelmir cave, Snowmobile tour to Langjökull glacier and Into the Glacier.
Accommodation: Borgarfjörður fjord
Day 4 - Golden Circle
It’s time to explore the famous Golden Circle. First stop of the day is Þingvellir, Iceland’s greatest historical site and a natural wonder. The national park is listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List and there you can see where the tectonic plates are drifting apart.
Next visit the famous Geysir Hot Spring located in the geothermal area, Haukadalur valley. Even though Geysir himself is less active today the thermal area offers other amazing hot springs and one of them is called Strokkur. Strokkur erupts every 10 minutes and spouts water about 30 meters high in the air. A short drive from Geysir you will find one of Iceland’s most iconic and spectacular waterfall, Gullfoss or the Golden Waterfall.
The rest of the day you can further explore some amazing sites in the area, like Kerið Crater, Brárfoss waterfall or the Secret Lagoon.
Highlights: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Hot Spring, Gullfoss Waterfall and Kerið Crater.
Optional activity: Diving Silfra or Snorkeling Silfra.
Accommodation: Flúðir/Selfoss
Day 5 - The South Coast
Experience the stunning south coast your way, you have a whole day of freedom to explore as you wish. The south coast is known for its beauty, diverse nature with waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, black sand beaches and much more. You can also add an exciting activity to the day like, glacier hike on Sólheimajökull glacier, Snowmobiling on Mýrdalsjökull glacier or ATV to Sólheimasandur black sand beach.
Highlights: Eyjafjallajökull Volcano, Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Skógafoss Waterfall, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Dyrhólaey Peninsula and Vík.
Optional activity: Glacier Hike Sólheimajökull, Snowmobile Mýrdalsjökull, ATV Sólheimasandur, Horseback Riding or Skógasafn Museum.
Accommodation: Vík area
Day 6 - Vatnajokull National Park
The journey continues to Vatnajökull National Park. The unique qualities of the national park are first and foremost how the combined forces of volcanoes, glaciers, rivers and geothermal activity have created a great variety of landscapes throughout history. Skaftafell is an area part of the national park and a natural paradise, where some of the most beautiful natural pearls of Iceland can be found. In Skaftafell you also have the opportunity to do some exciting activity, including glacier hike or ice climbing. Also found in Vatnajökull National Park is the spectacular Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon where the icebergs float around in the crystalline blue glacial waters.
Highlights: Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Stjórnarfoss Waterfall, Foss á Síðu Waterfall, Dverghamrar Basalt Columns, Skaftafell Area, Svartifoss Waterfall, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach.
Optional activity: Glacier Walk Skaftafell, Ice Climbing Skaftafell, Ice Caves Vatnajökull (season) or Glacial Lagoon Boat Ride.
Accommodation: Skaftafell area
Day 7 - Back to the South Coast
On the drive back you have the opportunity to explore the sites you missed on the south coast or want to visit again. You can also book some exciting activities or if you want to have a relaxed day there are some nice restaurants in the area as well as swimming pools with outdoor hot tubs.
Highlights: The South Coast
Optional activity: Glacier Hike Sólheimajökull, Snowmobile Mýrdalsjökull, ATV Sólheimasandur, Horseback Riding, Lava Center Hvolsvöllur or Skógasafn Museum.
Drive back to Reykjavik