Best of Iceland Express – Self Drive

Day 1: Arrival - Velkomin til Íslands!

Pick up your rental car at Keflavik International Airport and drive past Reykjavík to the BORGARFJORDUR region. Often referred to as “the saga valley of western Iceland,” this area served as the stage for many significant events in the literary masterpieces that Iceland is known for. It is home to Hraunfossar, a remarkable series of waterfalls formed by water emerging from a porous lava field, and Barnafoss, a cluster of robust rapids with a tragic story behind their name.

Spend 1 night in the Borgarfjordur region.

Driving distance: Driving distance: 70 miles

Day 2: Akureyri, the “Capital of the North” and The Natural Wonders of Mývatn

Drive through the Skagafjordur region to AKUREYRI. This small, yet bustling city is nestled in Eyjafjordur, Iceland’s longest fjord. Because it serves as the hub for trade, education, and culture in the region, Akureyri is often referred to as “the capital of the north.” And although it is situated less than 40 miles south of the Arctic Circle, the climate here is surprisingly mild. Spend some time wandering through the northernmost botanical garden, and then take a dip in one of Iceland’s most popular swimming pools. Spend the night in Akureyri or Myvatn. Myvatn is the fourth largest lake in Iceland. Frequent lava flows have left its shoreline very irregular in shape, and few areas offer such a wide spectrum of geological formations. The lake lies on an active volcanic belt where eruptions are frequent and intense geothermal activity results in bubbling mud pools, steaming solfataras, and brightly-colored mineral deposits.
Relax in the sublime Jarðbodin at Myvatn, a bathing lagoon filled with mineral-rich, geo thermally heated water. Marvel at the magical waterfall, Godafoss, the volcanic area around Krafla, the spectacular sulphur fields at Namaskard, the dramatic lava formations at Dimmuborgir, and the pseudo craters at Skutustadir.

Spend the night in the Myvatn/Husavík region.

Driving distance: Driving distance: ca. 250 -300 miles

Day 3: Along the East Fjords

Skjalfandi is a large bay known for its remarkable wildlife, so whale watching and bird watching tours originating in a little town called Husavik are quite popular. Before leaving the north, check out Europe’s most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss. Then, travel south along the beautiful, rugged coastline of the East Fjords which are punctuated with towering mountains and charming small villages such as Egilsstadir. Spend the night in the East Fjords.

Driving distance: Driving distance: ca. 120 miles

Day 4: Jokulsarlon, Diamond Beach and Skaftafell

Continue your journey south of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. Spend some time at JOKULSARLON, a stunning glacial lagoon filled with icebergs that have calved off the glacier Breidamerkurjokull and are heading out to sea. It is abundant with fish that have drifted in from the ocean, and you may catch a glimpse of seals swimming around the lagoon looking to reap the bounty. The Diamond beach is often filled with small Icebergs.
Next, explore SKAFTAFELL NATIONAL PARK. Part of the larger Vatnajokull National Park, Skaftafell is a masterpiece of seemingly impossible contrasts of nature. The landscape in the park has considerable variety and has been formed over thousands of years by the influences of ice, fire, and water. The waterfall Svartifoss is one of Skaftafell’s best known attractions, mainly for the towering black basalt columns that flank it.

Spend the night in the southeast.

Driving distance: Driving distance: ca. 170 miles

Day 5: The South Coast, the waterfalls and the Black Beach

VIK is the southernmost village in Iceland, and it is renowned for the breathtaking black beaches of Reynisfjara. To the west lies Dyrholaey, a promontory formed by a submarine volcanic eruption and known for its large, distinctive archway.

SKOGAR is a tiny village that is home to not only a fantastic folk museum - which contains an outstanding collection of artifacts and impressive turf houses - but it is also home to Skogafoss, one of Iceland’s largest waterfalls with a width of 82 feet and a drop of 200 feet.

SELJALANDSFOSS is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in all of Iceland. Here, the river Seljalandsá drops 200 feet over the cliffs of what used to be the island‘s coastline. If favorable conditions allow (and if you don‘t mind getting a bit wet), it is possible to walk behind the waterfall. Spend the night in the south.

Driving distance: Driving distance: ca. 110 miles

Day 6: The Golden Circle

Spend the day touring Iceland’s iconic Golden Circle. THINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Iceland’s most fascinating places due to both its impressive geological formations and for the significant role it plays in the country’s history as the original meeting site of the Icelandic parliament, the oldest existing parliament in the world.

GULLFOSS is a majestic double waterfall that tumbles 105 feet into the canyon of Hvítá, one of the longest rivers in Iceland. And located in the Haukadalur geothermal area, GEYSIR is the geyser from which the English word is derived.

Geysir itself is now dormant, but an adjacent geyser, Strokkur, erupts every few minutes. Spend the last night in Reykjavik.

Driving distance: Driving distance: ca. 70 miles

Day 7: Reykjavík - Departure

If you leave in the afternoon you can spend the morning in Reykjavik or leave early and stop by the Blue lagoon on your way to the airport. You may also enjoy the newly opened Sky Lagoon close to Reykjavik with it´s infinity lagoon.
REYKJAVIK is the northern most capital city in the world. Lined with colorful, corrugated steel buildings, the streets in the downtown area are very pedestrian-friendly and full of fascinating museums, quaint shops, and cozy cafes. Spend the morning exploring the city at your leisure and then head back to Keflavik airport.

Driving distance: Driving distance: ca. 30 miles