From Reykjavík: 8-Day Iceland Circle Self-Drive Tour

Discover Iceland on a Self-Drive Adventure Spanning 8 Days

This 8-day Iceland Circle Self-Drive Tour from Snæland Travel offers an impressive way to see the country’s most iconic sights at your own pace. Starting in Reykjavík, the tour takes you along the south coast, through the East Fjords, up to Lake Mývatn, and back via the Golden Circle. The package is priced with the flexibility of reserve now, pay later, making it easy to plan ahead.

The tour is rated 5 out of 5 based on a review, highlighting its quality and appeal. It includes stays in guesthouses and 3-star hotels for the standard option, or 4-star hotels in Reykjavík and the best available countryside accommodations for the comfort option. With private groups, this trip emphasizes a personalized experience, perfect for independent travelers who appreciate the freedom of self-driving.

While the journey covers stunning landscapes, waterfalls, glaciers, and geothermal areas, it’s best suited for those comfortable with driving in Iceland and seeking a flexible, scenic exploration. Travelers should note that all rooms are standard, and the tour is not suitable for visually impaired individuals or drivers under 21 without a valid driver’s license.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• 8 days of self-drive exploration starting and ending in Reykjavík
• Visit top sights such as Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Lake Mývatn, Geysir, and Gullfoss
• Flexible accommodation options with standard or comfort categories
• Private group format provides personalized attention
• Includes important stops like Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Hverfjall
• Ideal for travelers seeking a scenic, independent adventure along Iceland’s famous route

Convenient Pickup and Transportation at Keflavík Airport

The tour starts with a car rental pickup right outside Keflavík International Airport. The shuttle service runs from 06:00 to 18:00, every 15 minutes, making it easy to find your vehicle upon arrival. If arriving later, visitors can walk to the delivery office just across the parking lot, located at Blikavellir 3. The rental vehicle is provided by Blue Car Rental, ensuring a straightforward start to your Icelandic road trip.

The meeting point is well signposted, simplifying the process after clearing customs. This setup allows for a smooth transition from plane to the start of the journey, especially convenient for those arriving during regular hours.

Exploring Iceland’s South Coast and Waterfalls

Driving along Iceland’s south coast is a visual feast. The tour highlights Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, two of the most famous cascades, each offering striking views and photo opportunities. The Dyrhólaey promontory provides panoramic ocean vistas, while the Reynisfjara black sand beach showcases dramatic volcanic sands and sea stacks. The charming village of Vík completes this stretch, offering local cafes and shops.

The journey on this day emphasizes breathtaking scenery and diverse geological features, making it a top section of the tour. The stops are well-paced, giving ample time to enjoy each site without feeling rushed.

Vatnajökull National Park and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Continuing east along the south coast, the tour approaches Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. The Skaftafell area within the park offers views of ice-capped mountains and waterfalls, including Svartifoss, known for its dark basalt columns.

The highlight here is Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where floating icebergs create a mesmerizing landscape. Nearby, Diamond Beach offers an extraordinary sight of ice chunks scattered on black sands, perfect for photography. This section showcases Iceland’s massive glaciers and icy landscapes, making it a favorite stop for visitors.

Staying overnight in Höfn allows travelers to appreciate these stunning sights with plenty of time to explore.

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Discovering the East Fjords’ Unique Charm

The tour then ventures through the East Fjords, a region characterized by rugged coastlines, small fishing villages, and scenic mountain roads. Traveling through this area offers a chance to see less-visited, yet equally breathtaking, parts of Iceland. The region’s quiet charm and distinctive geological formations make it a peaceful contrast to the busier south coast.

An overnight stay in Egilsstaðir provides a base to explore this serene landscape and its quaint settlements, emphasizing Iceland’s diverse scenery beyond the more crowded sites.

Lake Mývatn and Its Volcanic Wonders

Driving further north, the tour reaches the Lake Mývatn area, a volcanic zone filled with geological features. The tour includes Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, which offers a thunderous display of nature’s force. The Námaskarð geothermal area features bubbling mud pools and steaming vents, giving a direct look at Iceland’s volcanic activity.

Additional stops include the Mývatn Nature Baths, similar to a small-scale Blue Lagoon, and the Hverfjall crater, offering panoramic views of the region. The Dimmuborgir lava formations and Goðafoss waterfall add dramatic scenery to this volcanic landscape.

Staying overnight in Akureyri allows for further exploration of this lively town, known as the “Capital of North Iceland.”

Exploring Borgarfjörður’s Saga-Linked Sites

Heading west, the tour explores the Borgarfjörður region, famed for its connection to Icelandic sagas. Here, visitors find Glaumbær, a turf house museum illustrating traditional Icelandic architecture, and Reykholt, home to Snorri Sturluson, a medieval historian and poet.

The tour also visits Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, and the waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. These natural features combine geothermal activity with scenic river landscapes, adding a historical and cultural dimension to the journey.

The Golden Circle’s Iconic Landmarks

The final major day features the Golden Circle, a route that hits Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can see the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates and learn about Iceland’s political history at the site of the old parliament.

Next, the Geysir geothermal area boasts erupting hot springs, including the famous Geysir itself. The tour concludes with Gullfoss, a powerful two-tiered waterfall that showcases Iceland’s raw energy. This day encapsulates the volcanic activity and geological forces that shape Iceland.

Practicalities: Accommodation, Group Size, and Accessibility

The tour offers two accommodation categories: Standard, with guesthouses and 3-star hotels, and Comfort, with 4-star hotels in Reykjavík and premium countryside lodgings. All rooms are standard, but the focus remains on the excellent locations and real Icelandic hospitality.

Designed as a private group, this tour prioritizes flexibility and personalized service. It is not suitable for visually impaired individuals or drivers under 21 without a valid driver’s license. Travelers should bring an international driver’s license to meet rental requirements.

Final Thoughts on the 8-Day Iceland Self-Drive Tour

This self-drive experience is a comprehensive way to see Iceland’s most impressive sights over eight days, especially for those who want control over their itinerary. The route covers waterfalls, glaciers, geysers, volcanic landscapes, and culturally significant sites, providing a well-rounded impression of the country’s natural wonder.

The inclusion of stunning views, the flexibility of accommodation options, and the private group format make this a strong choice for independent travelers and adventure-seekers. The main limitations are the standard room offerings and the requirement for drivers to be over 21 with an international license.

This tour balances scenic highlights, cultural sites, and personal freedom, making it ideal for visitors eager to explore Iceland at their own pace while enjoying curated stops along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited driving experience?
While the tour involves self-driving, it is designed for travelers comfortable with Icelandic roads and conditions. The itinerary includes well-known routes and scenic stops, but drivers should be confident with long drives.

Can I upgrade to better accommodations?
Yes, the comfort option offers 4-star hotels in Reykjavík and the best available countryside lodgings. All rooms are standard, but the locations and quality are higher for comfort travelers.

What are the main sights I will see?
You’ll visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Lake Mývatn, Geysir, Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Hverfjall, and Goðafoss, among others.

Is this tour suitable for families or only solo travelers?
The tour is designed as a private group, making it flexible for families, couples, or friends traveling together. The key requirement is that drivers have a valid driver’s license and meet age requirements.

How do I get from the airport to the rental car pickup?
The shuttle service runs from 06:00 to 18:00, every 15 minutes outside the Keflavík airport arrivals, taking you to Blue Car Rental. If arriving after hours, you can walk to the delivery office, just minutes away.

What makes this tour stand out?
The ability to drive at your own pace along Iceland’s most famous route, combined with stunning scenery and cultural stops in a private group setting, offers a personalized, flexible Iceland experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby