RT29 - The Complete Iceland In Three Weeks 21 days
Self Drive Tour
| Season: | (JUN 15 to SEP 15) |
| Operates: | (Daily) |
| Duration: | (21 days / 20 nights) |
| Price from: | (275982 ISK  ) |
This Self drive tour is for those who like relaxed travelling with modest driving each day. It takes you around all the country and with a bit more focus on the majestic Western Fjords than other tours.
Day 1. Arrival - Reykjavik City
You will transfer from the airport to your accommodation in Reykjavik in a comfortable Wi-Fi connected bus. Enjoy the rest of the day in Reykjavik, which offers a great variety of things to do. See iconic buildings including the Perlan (the Pearl), the Alþingishúsið (where the Icelandic parliament is housed), and Hallgrímskirkja Church. If you don't have time to shop on Laugarvegur Street, don't worry; you can do that when you return from your Icelandic Circle adventure.
Highlights:
Reykjavik city
Overnight:
Reykjavik city
Day 2. Hvalfjörður and Borgarfjörður district
Pick up your car in the morning and start your road trip adventure. Leave Reykjavík and head to Borgarnes town via Hvalfjörður fjord where you will find the Icelandic Settlement Centre, whose main objective is to present the fascinating sagas from the settlement times as well as a special exhibition of the famous Viking poet, Egill Skallagrímsson. Drive towards Deildartunguhver hot spring, the largest hot spring in Europe. Continue a short distance further to the historic site Reykholt. Visit the interesting historical museum at Reykholt and see the hot pool Snorralaug. After a visit to Reykholt drive further inland to Barnafossar and Hraunfossar waterfalls. Make the waterfalls a turnaround point and return to Borgarnes town.
Highlights:
Borgarnes-Town
Reykholt Town
Hraunfossar Waterfalls
Optional Extra:
Krauma Baths
Driving Distance:
200 kilometers
Overnight:
Borgarfjörður area
Day 3. The West Coast and Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Head for the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Shortly after leaving Borgarnes, continue towards Stykkishólmur to explore the countless natural wonders of the Snæfellsnes peninsula that divides the west coast of Iceland into two large bays. Cross the plains of Mýrar, drive to the south coast of Snæfellsnes and head towards the tip of the peninsula. In the northern part of Mýrar, you will be passing a number of volcanic craters on both sides of the road, Eldborg being the largest and most beautiful shape. At the farm Ytri Tunga, on the south coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, only a few hundred meters drive from the main road, seals can often to be seen on land or in the water. Visit Búðir, a pretty site located on a natural inlet. Continue to Arnarstapi and Hellnar to view beautiful and spectacular coast and interesting birdlife. There is an interesting museum at Hellnar. Continue around the tip of the peninsula at the foot of Snæfellsjökull, a glaciated volcano, the backdrop for the famous novel “The Journey to the Centre of the Earth” written by the famous French author, Jules Verne. Many interesting geological phenomena and historic sites are found in the Snæfellsjökull National Park, the most recent one in Iceland. Among many places of interest are Dritvík, Djúpalónssandur and Öndverðarnes, a former fishing station. Make a short detour to Djúpalónssandur and take a short walk along a marked path to the beach. Drive east along the north coast of the peninsula, passing the small fishing towns Hellissandur, Rif and Ólafsvík. Continue to the charming town of Stykkishólmur situated by Breiðafjörður Bay.
Highlights:
Arnarstapi Village
Lóndrangar Rock Formations
Snæfellsjökull Glacier
Stykkishólmur Town
Driving Distance:
260 kilometers
Overnight:
Snæfellsnes area
Day 4. Countless islands of Breiðafjörður Bay
We recommend an adventure cruise from Stykkishólmur to explore the many small islands of Breiðafjörður Bay with its rich birdlife and delicious scallops and sea urchin rows. This is an unforgettable experience and takes a little more than two hours. In the afternoon, take the ferry Baldur across the Breiðafjörður Bay with its countless islands to Brjánslækur port on the south coast of the West fjords. Enroute to Brjánslækur, the ferry will make a short stop at the Flatey Island to drop off and pick up passengers. Drive from Brjánslækur to Patreksfjörður town. The town was named after Saint Patrick, who was the spiritual guide of Örlygur Hrappsson – the original settler of the area. At Patreksfjörður you will find a geothermal pool where you can relax in a hot tub in the evening.
Highlights:
Breiðafjörður Bay
Optional Extra:
Viking Sushi Boat Tour
Driving Distance:
160 kilometers
Overnight:
Patreksfjörður area
Day 5. Rauðasandur Beach and Látrabjarg Bird Cliff
Today you will explore the area around Patreksfjörður. Start by heading to most famous beach of Iceland – Rauðasandur. The unique sand and shell mix gives the beach spectacular yellow-read colour. This is a wonderful place to enjoy an amazing bird- and wildlife. During the summer time you may spot seals relaxing at the beach. Next continue to Látrabjarg, one of the most crowded bird cliffs in the world. In summer the 444 m high sea cliffs are occupied by millions of Puffins, Gannets, Guillemots and Razorbills kindly note that the seabirds leave their nests in the cliffs in late summer. Enroute, stop at the interesting folk museum at Hnjótur. Continue to explore Kollsvík, which is surrounded by magnificent scenery.
Highlights:
Látrabjarg Cliff
Rauðasandur
Driving Distance:
180 kilometers
Overnight:
Patreksfjörður area
Day 6. Dynjandi Waterfall - Ísafjörður
Drive to the north towards Ísafjörður town. The drive to Ísafjörður, the largest town in the West fjords is characterized by stunning steep-sided mountain scenery and deep and narrow fjords. As you cross the Dynjandisheiði pass, visit the picturesque Dynjandi waterfall. It is the largest waterfall in Westfjords. Continue to Ísafjörður.
Highlights:
Ísafjörður Town
Dynjandi Waterfall
Driving Distance:
230 kilometers
Overnight:
Ísafjörður area
Day 7. Extra Day at Ísafjörður
Today you have plenty of time to explore the town of Ísafjörður and its surroundings, the neighboring towns of Bolungarvík and Suðureyri. Various day tours are available from Ísafjörður – sea kayaking, horse riding, boat trips and even hiking trips to Hornstrandir area during summer. Hornstrandir is a nature reserve that was established in 1975. The nature reserve is accessible only by boat and foot; there are no roads for the cars.
Overnight:
Ísafjörður area
Day 8. The West Fjords & Witchcraft
Drive along the shores of the many fjords of Ísafjarðardjúp with beautiful coastlines teeming with seals and bird life. Cross Steingrímsfjarðarheiði Heath and head towards Hólmavík town in the Standir area known for its interesting history of witchcraft and sorcery. Visit the Sorcery and Witchcraft Museum for a closer look into witchcraft and witch hunting as it was practised here in the 17th century.
Highlights:
Hólmavík Town
Driving Distance:
220 kilometers
Overnight:
Hólmavík area
Day 9. Norðurstrandir - Remote Iceland
Continue to explore the fjords of Strandir. Begin the day by exploring Bjarnarfjörður fjord, where you will find several farms, some of them no longer used. Visit the natural hot spring named Gvendarlaug and even take a bath. Continue to Reykjarfjörður fjord – this scenic road is usually closed during the winter time due to massive snow. Visit Djúpavík village at the end of the fjord. In the old days Djúpavík was busy fishing town - nowadays, however, the village is quiet as the fishing industry has left from there. Continue to Norðurfjörður fjord where you will find a unique geothermal pool just by the ocean. You can take a hike around this beautiful area, as the road further north ends, drive back to Hólmavík area where you will spend the night again. Please note because of the condition of this road you will drive slowly today and we recommend a 4x4 for this tour.
Highlights:
Hólmavík Town
Drangsnes Town
Djúpavík
Krossaneslaug swimmingpool
Driving Distance:
220 kilometers
Overnight:
Hólmavík area
Day 10. The North West
Today, you will head for the fertile valley of Skagafjörður, known for breeding of the Icelandic horse. Pass Blönduós town, situated on the banks of Blanda River. Popular horse riding tours for beginners and experienced riders are available in the Skagafjörður district and some of the best white water rafting in the country is available here too. We recommend visits to Glaumbær Folk Museum and the tiny old church at Víðimýri, close to Varmahlíð.
Highlights:
Hvítserkur Cliff
Vatnsdalshólar Mounds
Glaumbær Folk Museum
Optional Extra:
Horse Riding
Driving Distance:
200 kilometers
Overnight:
Northwest Iceland
Day 11. Akureyri – the Capital of North Iceland
Your destination is Akureyri the largest town in North Iceland. Akureyri is a picturesque town and although it is situated only about 60 miles south of the Arctic Circle, it enjoys some of the best weather in Iceland. See the Botanical Gardens and some of the many museums and art galleries. Akureyri is the trade and service centre of North Iceland as well as a centre of culture and education. This is truly a city where there's something for everyone.
A different option:
Drive around Tröllaskagi Peninsula to Hofsós town where you might want to visit The Icelandic Emigration Center built in honor of Icelanders who emigrated to North America between 1850 and 1914. Continue to Siglufjörður, a remotely located fishing town that was once the most prosperous fishing town in Iceland during the herring boom in the early 20th century. Enjoy the tranquility of Siglufjörður and other fishing towns on your way to your destination, the vibrant city of Akureyri.
Highlights:
Akureyri Town
Siglufjörður Town
Driving Distance:
130 - 180 kilometers
Overnight:
Eyjafjörður area
Day 12. Húsavík Town- Ásbyrgi Canyon - National Park - Lake Mývatn Area
Start the day by driving to town of Húsavík, which is known also as the Whale Watching Capital of the World. You might want to join a whale watching tour. Next continue to the massive, horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi Canyon, from there head to see the strange Hljóðaklettar rock formations. Continue to the Jökulsárgljúfur National park, where you will witness the raw force of the Europe´s most powerful waterfall – Dettifoss. Standing near the waterfall you can´t help but feel humbled by the devastating power of nature. Next head to explore the surrounding area of Mývatn – hot springs and mud pools at Námaskarð, the impressive volcano Krafla as well as mysterious lava formations at Dimmuborgir. After a day of sightseeing we recommend you to visit Mývatn Nature Baths and relax in the mineral rich waters.
Highlights:
Dettifoss Waterfall
Ásbyrgi Canyon
Hljóðaklettar Rock Formations
Húsavík Town
Optional Extra:
Whale Watching from Húsavík
Driving Distance:
240 kilometers
Overnight:
Lake Mývatn Area
Day 13. Lake Mývatn Area
Continue your journey to explore the abundance of natural wonders Lake Mývatn and the surrounding area, including amazing formations of geological interest. Visit the numerous highlights of the area: the Dimmuborgir lava field, the Námaskarð geothermal area, the Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters, the nature baths, Krafla Volcano, and numerous other interesting spots.
Highlights:
Lake Mývatn
Optional Extra
Mývatn Nature Baths
Driving Distance:
50 km
Overnight:
Lake Mývatn area
Day 14. To The East
Proceed across the highland plateau to the town of Egilsstaðir, the largest town in East Iceland. Hallormsstaðaskógur, the largest forest in the country, and the legendary Lake Lagarfljót are nearby. Across Fjarðarheiði Pass is Seyðisfjörður, a small and picturesque fishing town and a ferry port that is certainly worth a visit.
Highlights:
Hallormsstaðaskógur Forrest
Seyðisfjörður Fjord
Driving Distance:
170 kilometers
Overnight:
Egilsstaðir / Seyðisfjörður area
Day 15. The Scenic East Fjords
Drive to the long narrow fjords and with steep-sided mountain peaks. The East Fjords are famous for their colorful minerals and the stone collection of Petra at Stöðvarfjörður is an interesting place to visit.
Continue to the top of Almannaskarð Pass for a spectacular view of the surrounding area. Continue to Höfn, a fishing town in the realm of Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. Höfn located at the foot of Vatnajökull is famous for its lobster catch, and the scenery is breathtaking.
Highlights:
East Fjords
Djúpivogur Town
Höfn Town
Driving Distance:
250 kilometers
Overnight:
Djúpivogur / Höfn area
Day 16. Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon and Skaftafell
Today you will head for Jökulsárlón, the Glacial Lagoon and one of the major attractions in Iceland. Large blocks of ice constantly break off the edge of the glacier and drift about in the blue glacial waters of the lagoon at the foot of the glacier. Boat trips that take you sailing among the icebergs are popular during the summer.
Continue to Skaftafell National Park, nestled at the foot Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull. Hike to Svartifoss, one of Iceland’s most picturesque waterfalls, framed in by hexagonal basalt columns. Skaftafell has a network of excellent hiking trails, and guided treks are available.
Highlights:
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Skaftafell
Vatnajökull Glacier
Optional Extra:
The Glacier Lagoon - Amphibian Boat Tour
Scenic Skaftafell - Helicopter Tour
Driving Distance:
140 kilometers
Overnight:
Skaftafell area
Day 17. Skaftafell to Vik
Spend some time in Skaftafell before continueing to Kirkjubæjarklaustur town and see Kirkjugólfið (the Church Floor), a protected natural monument with a floor that looks like man-made tile. Stop to take a look at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon just west of Kirkjubæjarklaustur on your way to the black sandy floodplains of Mýrdalssandur and the charming town of Vík. Visit the black beach of Reynisfjara where strangely formed basalt columns, cliffs, and caves are to be found. Local folklore says that the formations were once trolls attempting to reach shore in the cover of night, but when the sun came out, they were turned to stone.
Highlights:
Kirkjubæjarklaustur Town
Kirkjugólf - The Church Floor
Vík Town
Reynisfjara Beach
Driving Distance:
140 kilometers
Overnight:
Vík area
Day 18. Black Beaches – Spectacular Waterfalls – Geysers
Continue your journey to the majestic Skógafoss Waterfall, situated at the foot of the infamous Eyjafjallajökull Glacier and volcano that erupted in 2010.
Along the way stop at the mesmerizing Seljalandsfoss Waterfall where you can gain a unique perspective by walking behind the waterfall.
Continue to Hvolsvöllur town where the surrounding area is the scene of Njáls Saga, one of the most famous Icelandic sagas. Continue on to the Kerið Volcanic Crater and the beautiful Faxi Waterfall. Next on the agenda is the famous Great Geysir and Strokkur, an active geyser that spouts boiling hot water up to 20 meters in the air every few minutes.
Continue inland to the awe-inspiring Gullfoss Waterfall (the Golden Waterfall) one of Iceland’s largest and most beautiful falls.
Highlights:
Skógafoss Waterfall
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Kerið Crater
Geysir Geothermal Area
Gullfoss Waterfall
Optional Extra:
Glacier Walk
Snowmobiling on Mýrdalsjökull Glacier
LAVA Centre
Driving Distance:
180 kilometers
Overnight:
Geysir area
Day 19. Thingvellir National Park &The Blue Lagoon
From Gullfoss head back to visit Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Þingvellir National Park is an historic site where the Icelandic Parliament was established in 930. Þingvellir is also hauntingly beautiful with its rugged lunar-like landscapes on the spot where two continental plates meet creating a fascinating rift valley. Head back to Reykjavík across Mosfellsheiði Heath you have the option of just satying in Reykjavik but we recommend a a leisurely drive to the Blue Lagoon for a relaxing bath in an otherworldly setting in the middle of a recently formed lava field. Filled with mineral rich warm water, the Blue Lagoon provides a sensational bathing experience out in the open air all year round. Apply some silica mud to rejuvenate and soften your skin or get a relaxing message. Dine at the Lava Restaurant or the Blue Lagoon Café before dropping off the car in Reykjavik late evening or early next morning.
Highlights:
Þingvellir National Park
The Blue Lagoon
Driving Distance:
200 kilometers (including Blue Lagoon)
Overnight:
Reykjavík
Day 20. Free day in Reykjavik.
A full day in Reykjavik where you can visit one of the many museums, exhibitions and art galleries, take a tour of the city or simply relax at some of the down town cafes see our travel guide for more interesting things to do and see in Reykjavik What to see - Capital area
Day 21. Departure
Transfer in a comfortable Wi-Fi connected bus to the airport from your accommodation in Reykjavik to Keflavik airport
Departures: Daily
Duration: 21 days / 20 nights
Price from: 275982 ISK/person - Price per person based on 4 adults together sharing 2 double rooms in Economy Accommodation accommodation and 01.A - Hyundai I10 or similar - Manual car type. Please use our Price Calculator or Book Now page to calculate your price.
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