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View of Reykjavik from the Church Tower

Iceland South Coast Self-Drive

Iceland Self-drive Tour - Example 8 Day Tour
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Get ready for an unforgettable 8-day Iceland South Coast self-drive adventure. Dive straight into Iceland’s raw beauty, exploring Reykjavik, where modern culture meets striking natural surroundings. Then, hit the road on your personalized journey toward the Snaefellsnes Peninsula for its diverse landscapes. Next, conquer the iconic Golden Circle. Witness the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, two of Iceland’s most stunning natural wonders. Stand in awe at the thunderous drop of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Continue the adventure to Skaftafell National Park, a haven for hikers and nature lovers. Navigate the trails surrounded by glaciers, waterfalls, and black sand deserts. Head toward Hella, where Iceland’s icy giants dominate the landscape of the South Coast area. Wrap up your journey back in Reykjavik with a well-deserved geothermal soak.
Icy waters of Jokulsarlon LagoonHiking to Gljufrafoss near SeljalandsfossThe amazing Godafoss WaterfallHiking in LandmannalaugarStokkur Geyser in ThingvellirStanding at the fissure in ThingvellirVatnajokull glacier. Largest Icelandic glacier.View of Reykjavik from the Church Tower
Highlights
  • Explore Reykjavik and discover how its modern culture meets natural beauty
  • Drive the famous Golden Circle and see Geysir and Gullfoss waterfall
  • See volcanic peaks and black sand beaches of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
  • Witness Iceland's stunning waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss
  • Discover Skaftafell National Park, surrounded by glaciers and waterfalls
Activities
Places Visited
  • Arctic
  • Europe
  • Iceland
  • Reykjavik
  • Fjallabak Nature Reserve
  • Geysir
  • Gullfoss Falls
  • Landmannalaugar
  • Seljalandsfoss
  • Skaftafell Park
  • Skógafoss
  • Snæfellsnes Peninsula
  • Southern Iceland
  • Vatnajökull Glacier
  • Vatnajökull National Park
  • Þingvellir National Park
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Iceland | Reykjavik

Welcome to Iceland! Upon arrival, pick up your vehicle to kick off your adventure. Settle into your accommodation in Reykjavik or Keflavik and take the rest of the day to relax or explore independently. Stroll through Reykjavik’s lively streets, grab a bite at a local café, or relax and prepare for the journey ahead.

Please note that this trip is a highly customizable self-drive trip. Optional tours can be added daily depending on how much independence or structure you would like to have in your itinerary. Optional day tours may require pre-registration to guarantee availability and will be an additional cost. For more details, please discuss with your trip planners.

Optional Tour Additions in Reykjavik could include: A soak at either the Blue Lagoon or the Sky Lagoon to relax after your travels or a whale-watching adventure leaving from Reykjavik. 

Day 2: Explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Today, head out from Reykjavik and drive about 2 hours north to discover the diverse beauty of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, often called “Little Iceland” for its stunning variety of landscapes. From black sand beaches to dramatic cliffs and lava fields, this region captures the essence of the entire island. Choose your adventure today and visit the iconic Snæfellsjökull volcano, made legendary by Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth. Spend the day exploring this magical region before settling in for the night on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Drive time: 2 hours (traffic dependent)
Distance: 136km / 85 miles

Day 3: Golden Circle | Þingvellir National Park | Geysir

This morning, set out from Snaefellsnes to one of Iceland’s most famous routes, the Golden Circle. Witness the power of Geysir, where boiling water erupts skyward. Stand in awe at the mighty Gullfoss Waterfall, cascading into a dramatic canyon. Explore Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the tectonic plates of Europe and North America drift apart. End the day with accommodation in the Golden Circle area. Most visitors dedicate an entire day to exploring the Golden Circle which, with sightseeing stops included, usually takes between 6 and 10 hours to complete the full circuit.

Drive Time to the Golden Circle: 3 hours
Distance: 200km / 124 miles

Day 4: Seljalandsfoss | Skógafoss Waterfalls | South Coast Beaches

Begin the day with self-guided visits to two of Iceland’s most breathtaking waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Take your time walking behind the cascading waters of Seljalandsfoss and feel the mist of Skógafoss as it thunders down. Don't forget your camera for both of these natural marvels. Continue to the black sand beaches the South Coast is renowned for, Reynisfjara being the most famous, where volcanic landscapes and basalt rock formations meet the roaring Atlantic. Sólheimasandur is another popular beach stop known for the abandoned aircraft wreckage still in place from a crash in the 90s. Dyrholaey is another option for adventurous travelers who want to see the famous black sands but also catch views of seabirds, arch-shaped cliff structures, and panoramic scenery. Opt to stop in the quaint town of Vik for lunch or a local snack while exploring this area. 

During summer months, add a visit to the cliffside nesting grounds of puffins for a glimpse of these iconic seabirds. End the day with accommodation in the southeast area.

Day 5: Skaftafell | Vatnajökull Glaciers Adventure

Travel toward the mighty Vatnajökull Glacier, the third-largest glacier on Earth. Along the way, explore the trails of Skaftafell National Park, known for its stunning glaciers, waterfalls, and black sand plains. Settle in for the night in the southern area.

Option Excursions to Add today for additional cost: Visit the breathtaking glacial lagoons of Jökulsárlón or Fjallsárlón, where floating icebergs create unforgettable scenery. Opt for a zodiac excursion in Fjallsárlón Glacial Lagoon or Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon. Discuss either option's timing and cost with your trip planner. Or, if you are looking for a more adrenaline-pumping adventure, add a snowmobile tour on Mýrdalsjökull.

 

Day 6: Adventure in Landmannalaugar | Or Free day in South Coast

This day is a free day along the South Coast to explore your interests!

Optional Tour: On this day, we recommend the option to join on a unique and remarkable adventure to Landmannalaugar, one of Iceland's most stunning highland areas. Departing from Hella in the morning aboard the "Yeti Bus", traverse rugged landscapes to reach this volcanic wonderland. Hike through colorful mountains, shimmering lakes, and moss-covered lava fields, where shades of green and yellow contrast against ancient basalt, obsidian, and rhyolite formations. Experience the raw beauty of this geothermal paradise before returning to Hella for the night. This optional excursion is a full 12 hours and additional costs apply.

Day 7: Geothermal Wonders | Return to Reykjavík

Journey back to Reykjavík, stopping at the Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant to learn about Iceland’s renewable energy and volcanic activity. Travel back to the capital, where you can explore its vibrant streets, visit landmarks, or relax at a local café. Enjoy your final night with accommodation in Reykjavík.

Day 8: Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
Spend your final morning in Reykjavík at your own pace. Choose to go whale watching, soak in the Sky Lagoon, or take a relaxing stroll through the city. When it’s time, return your rental vehicle and head to the airport for your flight home, bringing your incredible Icelandic adventure to a close.

*This self-drive itinerary can be completed in either direction and is for reference purposes only.

Accommodations

Southern Iceland - Hotels

Hotel Geirland

Hotel Geirland

Visit Hotel Geirlund on your South Iceland tour. This comfortable hotel offers 40 rooms with private bathroom and shower and a great view of the Northern Lights when they appear in the South Iceland skies. The main hotel building offers a restaurant and lounge and complimentary WiFi to make your Iceland hotel stay more comfortable.

Vatnsholt Guesthouse

Vatnsholt Guesthouse and Hotel offers a variety of accommodation options, from more luxurious suites in the White House to private cottages with private bathroom or rooms in a shared facility arrangement. The personal service and welcoming and cozy interiors will give you a comfortable stay in West Iceland.
Boutique Hotel Anna

Boutique Hotel Anna

The hotel is located in South Iceland, near the village of Hvolsvöllur, making it a perfect base for exploring iconic sights like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the black sand beaches of the South Coast, and the surrounding highlands. Its peaceful rural setting offers a quiet escape with exceptional access to natural wonders.

More Southern Iceland Hotels

Reykjavik - Hotels

Centerhotel Klopp

Centerhotel Klopp

Centerhotel Klopp is right in Reykjavik’s city center, ideally located to explore the city and learn more about the local culture.
Exterior Fosshotel Baron

Fosshotel Baron

This comfortable hotel is located in the heart of Reykjavik near the water and offers easy access to many of Reykjavik's attractions including shops, the seaside, and Harpa Concert Hall. Small rooms up to large family rooms are available and breakfast is included in your rate.
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Fosshotel Reykjavik

This 4 star hotel in Reykjavik is the largest in Iceland and located close to downtown and the City Center. A short walk away you find Reykjavik's main shopping area, business district, and stunning architecture. Sixteen floors offer impressive views over the city. Relax in the beer garden or Haust restaurant after your Iceland touring.
View of Reykjavik from the Church Tower

More Reykjavik Hotels

Snæfellsnes Peninsula - Hotels

Godafoss, One of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland.

Hotel Rjukandi

Hotel Rjukandi is a comfortable hotel situated along the scenic Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Offering 14 simple yet cozy en-suite rooms, WiFi and scenic views, this hotel is an ideal base from which to explore West Iceland.

Guesthouse Hof

Guesthouse Hof is a recently built guesthouse located next to the stunning Volcano called Snæfellsjökull in western Iceland on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Enjoy unique opportunities to hike, fish, or spot birds, whales and seals in this remote region. Opt to stay in one of the flats in the main house, or an individual cottage.
Hotel Langaholt

Hotel Langaholt

Hotel Langaholt is situated on the southern coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, offering easy access to iconic landmarks such as Snæfellsjökull Glacier, Kirkjufell Mountain, and black sand beaches. Because of its remote location, the hotel is a great place to see the Northern Lights and stargaze in the winter.
Godafoss, One of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland.

More Snæfellsnes Peninsula Hotels

Golden Circle Area - Hotels

Blue Hotel Fagrilundur

Blue Hotel Fagrilundur

Blue Hotel Fagrilundur is in the Golden Circle area, a short distance from major attractions such as Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Hot Springs, and Thingvellir National Park. The location provides an excellent base for exploring Iceland’s stunning landscapes while enjoying the tranquility of the countryside.
Hótel Skálholt

Hótel Skálholt

The hotel is located in the southern region of Iceland, near Flúðir, within easy reach of the Golden Circle attractions such as Geysir, Gullfoss, and Thingvellir National Park. Its rural location provides expansive views of Icelandic nature and excellent opportunities for viewing the Northern Lights in winter.

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Available departures
Selected departure
Per person starting at
$2,707

Notes

Pricing based on two people in a 4x4 SUV vehicle rental. Various rental car options are available and group pricing will vary.

Rates may vary based on current exchange rate.

Included
  • 7 Breakfasts
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Iceland tourist activity fees
  • Toyota Rav 4x4 with unlimited mileage
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Rental Car Fuel
  • Optional tours or excursions not mentioned in the program
  • Medical Expenses and Insurance of Any Kind
  • International and Domestic flights
  • Expenses derived from adverse weather, transportation delays, or anything not specified in the inclusions

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When to Go

Jan
Feb
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Jun
Jul
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Oct
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Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.

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