South & West Iceland in 6 Days Self-Drive Northern Lights Tour

Your memorable adventure in Iceland begins the very moment you arrive at Keflavík Airport. Once you pick up your rental vehicle, head for Reykjavík and your exciting first night in Iceland.

If your flight arrives early in the day, we have a great suggestion for starting your trip the right way: visit Iceland’s world-famous Blue Lagoon. Be sure to pack your swimsuit so you can take a relaxing dip in the lagoon’s soothing, geothermal waters before heading to your hotel.

Driving Distance: Approximately 50 km (30 miles)
Overnight: Reykjavík

Now it is time to visit some of the most interesting and famous areas in Iceland. At the geothermal area of Geysir the hot spring Strokkur ejects its water column high into the air every 5 to 10 minutes. There are also numerous small springs boil and bubble nearby.

Afterwards you only have a short drive to Gullfoss, which many regard as Iceland’s most beautiful waterfall. Along the way you can stop at Laugarvatn lake for a nice thermal bath at Laugarvatn Fontana Spa, composed of a series of interconnected baths and steam rooms. They complement each other to create a natural and unique spa experience.

Driving Distance: Approximately 190 km (118 miles)
Overnight: Selfoss / Laugarvatn area

On your way along the South Coast you will pass the Seljalandsfoss waterfall. It is special as a cavern allows you to walk behind the water curtain. A little further down the road you’ll come across Skógafoss, one of the highest waterfalls in Iceland.

At Skógar you will find a Folk Museum showing how people used to live in Iceland centuries ago. To end the day, don’t miss the famous black sand beaches of the South Coast. Go for a stroll and visit the little village of Vík as well as Reynishverfi. After Vík drive back to Selfoss for a second night.

Driving Distance: Approximately 260 km (162 miles)
Overnight: Selfoss / Laugarvatn area

Start your day by visiting Þingvellir National Park (Thingvellir) which is considered one of the geological wonders of the world and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can see the effects of the tectonic plate movements which have opened various cracks and fissures in the Earth’s crust. Its importance is also historical as it was here that the Icelandic Parliament was first founded in the 10th century.

From Þingvellir, continue to the Borgarfjörður area and visit the Deildartunguhver hot spring. It is the biggest in Iceland in terms of water production per second. You could also pop by Reykholt and marvel at the Hraunfossar waterfalls, where the water flows out from beneath a lava field and into the river below.

Driving Distance: Approximately 375 km (233 miles)
Snæfellsnes area

Today you will start your day by exploring the Snæfellsjökull National Park. Along the way you will drive through charming fishing villages as well as pass by the majestic Kirkjufell mountain.

You can explore the black sand beach of Djúpalónssandur, see the basaltic columns of Gerðuberg, the cliffs of Arnarstapi, and the hamlet of Búðir with its small wooden church surrounded by lava field. As you make your way back to Reykjavík, there are many places to stop for a visit or a fantastic photo.

Driving Distance: Approximately 300 km (186 miles)
Overnight: Reykjavík

After 5 amazing days in Iceland, your journey comes to an end today as it is time to go back home. Drive back to Keflavík Airport to return your vehicle and catch your flight home. Depending on your flight time, you may be able to squeeze in a few last activities in Reykjavík, for a final taste of what this colorful capital city has to offer.

Driving Distance: Approximately 50 km (30 miles)