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- Destination: Iceland
- Duration: 8 Days
- Tour Type: Self-Drive
- Tour Style: Classic
About This Trip
Discover the breathtaking South and West Coast of Iceland on this 8-day self-drive adventure. From majestic waterfalls and black sand beaches to massive glaciers, volcanic landscapes, and charming fishing villages, this trip offers the perfect balance of nature, culture, and Icelandic heritage. Travel at your own pace along the iconic Ring Road and immerse yourself in Iceland’s unique scenery, including the Golden Circle, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and the picturesque Reykjanes Peninsula.
Experience the freedom of a self-drive tour with full flexibility to explore hidden gems, capture stunning photography, and enjoy optional activities like horse riding, glacier tours, and relaxing in the famous Blue Lagoon. This South and West Coast itinerary is ideal for road trip enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone seeking an unforgettable Icelandic adventure.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1
Reykjavik
Pick Up Your Rental Car
2
Reykjavik - Borgarnes
Borgarnes Town, Deildartunguhver Hot Springs, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfalls
3
Borgarnes
Snaefellsjokull National Park
4
Borgarnes - Hvolsvöllur
Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, Strokkur, Friðheimar Farm
5
Hvolsvöllur
Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss Waterfalls, Reynisfjara Beach
6
Hvolsvöllur - Reykjavik
Horse Riding, Raufarholshellir, Eyrarbakki and Stokkseyri Fishing Villages, Blue Lagoon
7 - 8
Reykjavík
Leisure Time before Departure
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavik & Pick Up Your Rental Car
Welcome to Iceland, the land of fire and ice! Upon arrival at Keflavik International Airport, pick up your rental car and drive to Reykjavik. Settle into your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring Iceland’s vibrant capital. Stroll along Laugavegur street, visit Hallgrímskirkja Church, or enjoy Icelandic cuisine at a local café. This marks the start of your unforgettable South and West Coast adventure.
Highlights: Pick up rental car, explore Reykjavik city, Hallgrímskirkja Church, Laugavegur Street, Icelandic cuisine
- Reykjavik
- Day 2: Reykjavik – Borgarnes, Explore Borgarfjordur Valley
Begin your South and West Coast journey by driving north to Borgarnes. Visit the Settlement Center to learn about Iceland’s Viking history and the legendary Egill Skallagrimsson. Next, experience the steaming Deildartunguhver Hot Springs and the unique lava waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss.
Optional: Explore the Víðgelmir Lava Cave, the longest in Iceland, for an illuminated underground adventure. End the day at your Borgarnes hotel, recharging for tomorrow’s South and West Coast excursion.
Highlights: Settlement Center, Deildartunguhver Hot Springs, Hraunfossar Waterfall, Barnafoss Waterfall, optional Víðgelmir Lava Cave
- B
- Borgarnes
- Day 3: Borgarnes – Snæfellsnes Peninsula Excursion
Drive northwest to the iconic Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a highlight of the South and West Coast. Stop at Bjarnarhöfn Farm to taste the traditional Icelandic fermented shark, “hákarl.” Admire the striking Kirkjufell Mountain and explore Snæfellsjökull National Park, where a glacier-capped volcano meets black pebble beaches at Djúpalónssandur.
On your return, spot seals at Búðir and Ytri-Tunga, and marvel at the hexagonal basalt columns of Gerðuberg, one of the natural wonders of Iceland’s South and West Coast.
Highlights: Bjarnarhöfn Farm, Kirkjufell Mountain, Snæfellsjökull National Park, Djúpalónssandur Beach, seal watching at Búðir & Ytri-Tunga, Gerðuberg basalt columns
- B
- Borgarnes
- Day 4: Borgarnes – Hvolsvöllur, Golden Circle Highlights
Today, explore the world-famous Golden Circle, an essential part of the South and West Coast itinerary. Start at Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where tectonic plates meet. Continue to the spectacular Gullfoss Waterfall, and watch the erupting geyser Strokkur at the Geysir Geothermal Area.
End the day with a visit to Friðheimar Farm to enjoy fresh tomato soup and meet Icelandic horses. Optional: Relax at the Secret Lagoon, a natural hot spring nearby. Overnight in Hvolsvöllur completes today’s South and West Coast adventure.
Highlights: Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, Strokkur Geyser, Friðheimar Farm, optional Secret Lagoon
- B
- Hvolsvollur
- Day 5: Hvolsvöllur – South Coast Waterfalls & Beaches
Drive along the South Coast, exploring Iceland’s dramatic South and West Coast landscapes. Walk behind the iconic Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, and marvel at the towering Skogafoss Waterfall, where rainbows often form in the mist. Visit the Skogar Museum for local culture and artifacts.
Finish the day at the famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, known for its basalt columns and puffin colonies. Optional: Take a thrilling snowmobile tour on Sólheimajökull Glacier before returning to Hvolsvöllur.
Highlights: Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Skogafoss Waterfall, Skogar Museum, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, optional Sólheimajökull Glacier snowmobile
- B
- Hvolsvollur
- Day 6: Hvolsvöllur – Reykjavik, Reykjanes Peninsula & Blue Lagoon
Start the day with horse riding at Eldhestar Riding Farm, followed by a walk through the stunning Raufarholshellir Lava Tunnel. Visit the charming fishing villages of Eyrarbakki and Stokkseyri, then explore the volcanic wonders of Reykjanes Peninsula, including Krisuvik Hot Springs and Kleifarvatn Lake.
End the adventure with a relaxing soak at the world-famous Blue Lagoon before returning to Reykjavik, completing your South and West Coast journey.
Highlights: Horse riding at Eldhestar, Raufarholshellir Lava Tunnel, Eyrarbakki & Stokkseyri fishing villages, Reykjanes Peninsula, Krisuvik Hot Springs, Kleifarvatn Lake, Blue Lagoon
- B
- Reykjavik
- Day 7: Reykjavik, Free Day to Explore
Spend a full day discovering Reykjavik at your own pace. Visit museums, galleries, and local markets, or take an optional day trip for whale watching, volcano hiking, or other outdoor adventures. This is your chance to soak in the culture, cuisine, and charm of Iceland’s capital city while reflecting on your South and West Coast exploration.
Highlights: Museums, galleries, local markets, optional whale watching, volcano hiking, Reykjavik street art
- B
- Reykjavik
- Day 8: Departure from Reykjavik
After breakfast, enjoy any last-minute exploration in Reykjavik before driving to Keflavik International Airport. Return your rental car and board your flight home, carrying unforgettable memories of Iceland’s South and West Coast.
Highlights: Last-minute Reykjavik exploration, drive to Keflavik International Airport, return rental car
- B
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