Scenic Iceland Self Drive Summer

Welcome to Iceland! Upon arrival, you will pick up your rental vehicle at the airport to begin your Iceland experience. Departing Keflavik International Airport, we recommend driving through the southern coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula towards Hveragerdi, your first overnight stay in this charming village. The Reykjanes Peninsula area will give you the perfect introduction to Icelands volcanic personality. The region has been selected as a UNESCO Geopark for its otherworldly volcanic features. There are various points of interest in the area with plenty of sights to see! These include the Krysuvik, a primordial geothermal area with bubbling earth and steam, and the Midatlantic Ridge, which divides the North American and European tectonic plates. You will arrive in the Hveragerdi, one of the few sites in the world that sits directly on top of a geothermal area. Because of the many greenhouses heated by hot water from the nearby springs, it is often referred to as the “flower village”.




Overnight in Hveragerdi

Today you may choose to visit the magical Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss Waterfalls, the legendary Eyjafjallajokull Glacier, and the surrounding area affected by the volcanic eruption of 2010. Dyrholaey is a rocky headland, characterized by a black lava arch. Every year thousands of sea birds and puffins nest here in the summer. Please note that Dyrholaey is closed during nesting season, roughly ranging from mid-May through late June.




Overnight in the Vik Area

Get ready to visit the awe-inspiring Skaftafell National Park, one of the largest national parks in Europe. This magnificent park is between glaciers and offers many incredible hiking possibilities. Continue your journey to see the shimmering icebergs of the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon before returning to the charming village of Vik in the afternoon. The Glacier Lagoon is close to highway number one, approximately 370 km (230 miles) east of Reykjavík. This lagoon is believed to be one of the greatest natural wonders in Iceland. This lagoon is a recent natural wonder — the result of a warmer climate. The surface is at sea level and sea water flows into the lagoon at high tide. Huge blocks of ice constantly break off the glacier Breiðamerkurjökull, and large icebergs float in the lagoon. While this lagoon may not be very wide, it is up to 250 meters deep which makes it the deepest lake in Iceland. Breiðamerkurjökull is an outlet of the Vatnajökull Glacier.




Overnight in the Vik Area



Optional: Glaciers Wonder Walk in Skaftafell                                                                            



The Adventurer Bundle



This easy glacier walk will take you to see the incredible Svinafellsjokull glacier tongue. Svinafellsjokull is a breathtaking outlet glacier of the Vatnajokull icecap — one of the largest glaciers in Europe. The Svinafellsjokull glacier tongue is quite unique as it offers everything glaciers are known for, without needing to travel great distances. With this tour you will through a wonderland of glacial ice sculptures, making your way between the ice ridges and deep crevasses of the glacier. Discover the unique ice formations and sculptures as you make your way through the labyrinth of ice.



Start your walk at the bottom of the glacier-carved valley, where your guide will describe the unique features left by the Falljökull and Virkisjökull Glaciers and their surroundings. As you arrive at the edge of the glacier, your guide will assist you with crampons and give you a short lesson about the use of the equipment along with a safety talk. You will explore the lower part of the glacier with many opportunities for snapping photos and Q&As along the way, to your vantage point surrounded by the breathtaking landscape. The Glacier Wonders trip will give you approximately one hour on the glacier.



Optional: Snowmobiling on the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier                                                              



The Adventurer Bundle



For those of you who are looking for a scenic view to immerse your imagination, visiting the Myrdalsjokull glacier will be a tour to remember! Myrdalsjokull is one of Iceland's most spectacular glaciers. Southern Iceland is spectacular from \"below”, but nothing tops seeing it from \"above”. The snowmobile tour will take you to the top of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier — an icecap covering one of Icelands largest volcanos — the Katla. This magnificent site is located in Southern Iceland, and therefore, this will be a perfect opportunity to visit the attractions on the South Coast. There are so many incredible sights in Southern Iceland to see, to take your mind off all the urban noise. Discover the breathtaking views over Southern Iceland and make your way through the local wilderness!



The tour will start with a short safety briefing and gearing up at the main base. You will ride a glacier truck up the mountain and towards the glacier — to the location of the snowmobiles. From there, enjoy a snowmobile ride that will take you up to the top of the glacier. The Myrdalsjokull Glacier Adventure will give you the opportunity to take photographs and film all of the breathtaking sights and natural entities surrounding the ice cap. The length of the tour will be suitable for first-time riders. The snowmobile tour is perfect for those who are looking for a fun and scenic ride on a glacier. Everything you need for a safe and comfortable ride will be provided… All your need to bring is yourself! The guides will go through the safety procedures with you and hand out the special clothing and helmets that are required. For driving a snowmobile, you need to have a valid drivers license.



Optional: The Secret Lagoon in Fludir                                               



The Discoverer/The Hot Spring Specialist Bundle



Visit the Secret Lagoon and discover the rugged charm of an open-air Icelandic geothermal bath. Sample Icelandic cuisine with a delicious buffet-style dinner and see the magic and beauty of the Northern Lights. The Secret Lagoon is a natural hot spring and pool situated near the village of Fludir in Southern Iceland, just off the route of the Golden Circle. Fed by mineral-rich geothermal water from the nearby hot springs with a steady temperature of 38° — 40°, the Secret Lagoons pool of water is perfect for visitors to bathe and relax. Over the years, the Secret Lagoon, or “Gamla Laugin” as it was referred to by locals, has played a part in the local culture that is keeping the unique and authentic Icelandic open-air geothermal bathing experience alive. The Secret Lagoon features neat and clean locker rooms, showers, changing facilities, and a small bar and eating area. Boardwalks and footpaths surround the concrete encased pool, allowing guests to explore the small hot springs and see the geothermal features in the immediate area. There will be a fee for bathing and to rent a towel.



Optional: LAVA Centre in Hvolsvöllur                                                                             



The Discoverer Bundle



This museum is dedicated to one of the most fascinating features in Icelands unique topography: the world of molten lava, which has played a crucial role in the Land of Fire and Ice. Learn all about volcanic and tectonic forces and how they have shaped Iceland.



The LAVA Center uses technology to exhibit various geological features. One example includes the earthquake simulator, which will make your experience even more exciting! The lava experience is divided into different exhibitions, including the volcanic corridor, which details the eruptions which have taken place in Iceland since 1900 and their effects, the geology globe, which shows how the tectonic plates beneath Earths surface move, the magma and molten rock exhibition, which demonstrates how pressure beneath the Earths surface creates volcanoes, and how the convection currents heat and cool the molten rock. You will also discover an earthquake alert service that monitors seismic activity and allows scientists to predict when the next earthquake will strike. All of the exhibitions are completely interactive, ensuring that it is educational and engaging for people of all ages. Included: Entrance fee to the Lava Centre and volcano film.



Optional: Fontana Geothermal Steam Baths                                 



The Discoverer / The Hot Spring Specialist Bundle



The Fontana Geothermal Baths have played a part in Icelands legendary hot spring culture since 1929. This is one of the oldest and most famous sets of thermal baths in Iceland. Wispy clouds of healing steam rise from the floors from three traditional steam rooms, providing a nourishing experience that will rejuvenate your body and soul. Before enjoying a soak in the geothermal pools and enjoying a relaxing moment in the natural steam rooms, you will get the opportunity to visit a geothermal bakery located next to Lake Laugarvatn. For many, this is the highlight of the tour; to see where rye bread, which has been baking in a pot in the warm sand, is dug-out. later, you will get the opportunity to taste the bread with delicious Icelandic butter. Bathing fee and rent of towel.

Today you will drive to Thingvellir National Park, designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This magnificent park is a site of the ancient Icelandic parliament and a jewel of nature. The Park itself is situated in a breathtaking volcanic landscape of mountains and lava flows on the edge of Iceland's largest lake. From there you will continue your tour to the Borgarfjordur Fjord and visit the historic site of Reykholt, the incredibly beautiful Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfalls, and Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe. A drive through Borgarfjordur will reveal a region that is proud of its legacy, serving as the setting for most of the Icelandic Sagas. The incredible landscapes, natural beauty, and rich culture of this breathtaking region need to be experienced.




Overnight in Western Iceland



Optional: Krauma Natural Geothermal Spa                                             



The Discoverer/The Hot Spring Specialist Bundle



Uncover nature from its core by bathing in the geothermal baths of Krauma. The hot water originates from Deildartunguhver, Europes most powerful hot spring, at a temperature of 100°C (212°F). To achieve the perfect bathing temperature, hot water is mixed with the cold water from Rauosgil, which originates in the glacier “Ok”, otherwise known as Okjokull. Ok was the smallest glacier in Iceland, and it is now the first Icelandic glacier to lose its status as a glacier in August 2019. Krauma features five relaxing natural geothermal baths, a cold tub to get your blood circulation going, two calming saunas, and a relaxation room where you can rest by the fireplace as you listen to soothing music. Bathing fee and rent of towel.

Get ready to see the countless natural wonders of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Visit the Arnarstapi sea cliffs with their variety of birdlife and see the rocky beach of Djupalonssandur before driving along the north coast through the lovely fishing villages. In Stykkisholmur, you may choose to join a boat tour in Breidafjordur Bay (approx. 2 hours - not included) to see the rich birdlife and sea life in the area. During the boat tour, a shellfish plough will be lowered into the ocean and a wonderful selection of shellfish and sea life will be caught for viewing and tasting — expect to see scallops, sea urchins, crabs, starfish, sea cucumbers, and much more!




Overnight in Western Iceland



Optional: Entrance and Tasting at the Bjamarhofn Shark Museum:                                                   The Viking Bundle



The Shark Museum in the Bjarnarhofn Farm, situated on the northern side of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, is where visitors can get a down-home taste of ‘real Iceland by meeting with the friendly curator and owner who will reveal fascinating details about the local Greenland shark, from which traditional ‘hakarl is made. The shark processing operation has served as the livelihood of this family for generations, and it is still going on as the regions leading producer of ‘hakarl. The museum features exhibits for the history of this culinary curiosity, along with the familys fishing boats and processing tools. A video will explain the hunting and fermenting procedure. The Greenland shark is poisonous if eaten fresh — but fermentation neutralizes the toxin.



Included: Entrance fee and sample of cured shark meat.



Guests will get the opportunity to taste the pungent petrified shark meat (along with a shot of the famous Icelandic schnapps Brennivin) and dried fish ‘jerky. You can also taste the shark liver oil, which purportedly cures all sorts of minor ailments. The folksy museum is filled with an astounding array of shark fishing paraphernalia — that alone tends to keep young ones fascinated for hours!



Optional: Settlement Center in the Borganes Settlement Exhibition                                 



The Viking Bundle



This exhibition will give you incredible insight into the settlement of Iceland. You will find out how the land was discovered, how the Viking sailors conquered the open ocean waters, and why they left their homelands in Norway. This exhibition will tell the tales of the first men who set foot on the island and how the land was settled, all the way up to the establishment of the first parliament in the world; the Althing, in Thingvellir 930AD. Multi-media and theatrical techniques will be used to help visitors experience the fear and excitement of setting off over the open ocean waters for lands unknown.



Egils Saga Exhibition



This exhibition will tell the tales one of Egil, one of the most colorful of all the saga heroes, and the son of Skalla-Grím Kveldúlfsson. As one of the very first settlers on the land, Egil's father arrived from Norway just 10 years after the first land had been claimed. The Saga of this family's pioneering and settlement of the Borgarfjörd region will give you brilliant insight into the tumultuous years of settlement. Egil himself is a larger-than-life hero, boasting a fascinating combination of violent Viking and sensitive poet. The saga boasts a complex and vibrant intertwining of battles and love affairs, sorcery, and pagan lore.



Entrance fee for two exhibitions



Optional: Viking Sushi Boat Tour:                                                                                                  



The Viking Bundle



Sail from the harbor in Stykkisholmur for 1 hour and 20 minutes to the rocky islands of Breidafjordur Bay, right above the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Get as close to the cliffs as possible to admire the local birdlife and see the natural rock formations in the area. During the tour, a shellfish plough will be lowered into the ocean, and a wonderful selection of shellfish and sea life will be caught for viewing and tasting scallops, sea urchins, crabs, starfish, sea cucumbers, and much more. It is possible to eat some of these fresh from the sea — including scallops and sea urchins. After taking a look or tasting the catch, your trip will continue. Sail around the islands in search of white-tailed eagles and other seabirds before returning to the harbor.

Drive to the Reykjanes Peninsula and visit the moonlike surroundings of Lake Kleifarvatn and the Krysuvik Geothermal Area, known for its bubbling mud pools. You may choose to visit the Grindavik Fishing Village and the famous Blue Lagoon for a relaxing dip in the warm and pleasant geothermal waters of the area, which are rich in silica and minerals that are great for your skin. From there you will drive to Reykjavik for your last night in Iceland.




Overnight in Reykjavik



Optional: Wonders of Iceland Exhibit at the Perlan Museum                                                          The Discoverer Bundle



Perlan – Wonders of Iceland will give you deep insight into the unique nature of Iceland. In the summer of 2017, Perlan opened the glacier exhibition — the first part of the Icelandic Natural Wonders exhibition — where you can learn about the rich history of Icelands magnificent glaciers. You will also get the chance to experience walking through one of them (highly recommend)! The glacier exhibition will take place on two storeys, in one of Perlans six hot water tanks. It will illustrate the glaciers, describe their history and their future, and give visitors an incredible opportunity to travel through one of them. The Museum has developed a method to accurately replicate an ice cave dug through a glacier. Nothing like this has ever been seen anywhere else in the world. Traveling through the cave, visitors will learn about the glaciers dangers, the secrets it keeps, and how the disappearance of these vast bodies of ice is leading to enormous change, both on the island itself and around the world.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before you drive back to Keflavik International Airport to drop off your rental car. We recommend departing Reykjavik no later than 3 hours before your flight.