Iceland 12 Self Drive Circle

What you'll do

Day 1 – Arrival in Iceland

Overnight: Aurora Hotel Laxnes

Arrive at Keflavik Airport, collect your hire car and begin your Iceland adventure. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to explore Reykjavik’s colourful streets, waterfront and cafés, or head straight into the countryside.

Aurora Hotel Laxnes offers a comfortable first night just outside the city, giving you space to unwind after your flight while still being well positioned for tomorrow’s journey.

Day 2 – The Golden Circle

Overnight: Litli Geysir Hotel

Today you explore Iceland’s famous Golden Circle route. Walk through Thingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Continue to the erupting Strokkur geyser in the Geysir geothermal area, before finishing at the powerful Gullfoss waterfall.

Litli Geysir Hotel places you right in the heart of this geothermal landscape.

Day 3 – Snowmobiling Adventure

Overnight: Litli Geysir Hotel
Excursion: Snowmobiling from Base Camp

Head into Iceland’s interior for an exhilarating snowmobiling experience on Langjokull Glacier. After gearing up at base camp, ride across the vast white expanse with panoramic views stretching across the highlands.

Spend the rest of the day exploring additional waterfalls, visiting a local geothermal pool, or simply enjoying the surrounding countryside.

Day 4 – West Iceland

Overnight: Hotel Hamar

Travel north into West Iceland. Visit Hraunfossar, where clear water flows through lava fields, and stop at Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring. The region combines striking scenery with a quieter, more relaxed feel.

Overnight near Borgarnes at Hotel Hamar.

Day 5 – North Iceland

Overnight: Hotel Kea Akureyri

Drive through scenic valleys and along fjords as you head to Akureyri, often called the capital of the north. En route, stop at Godafoss, known as the Waterfall of the Gods.

Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, harbour views and cafés of Akureyri in the evening.

Day 6 – Whale Watching and Lake Myvatn

Overnight: Sel Hotel Myvatn
Excursion: Whale Watching Husavik with North Sailing

Travel to Husavik for a whale watching excursion in Skjalfandi Bay, one of the best places in Iceland to see humpback whales during the summer months.

Later, explore the volcanic landscapes around Lake Myvatn, including lava formations, bubbling mud pools and dramatic crater views.

Day 7 – Exploring Myvatn and the North

Overnight: Sel Hotel Myvatn

Spend the day discovering more of North Iceland. Visit Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, explore the Krafla volcanic area, or relax in the Myvatn Nature Baths.

This region showcases Iceland’s raw geological power and varied landscapes.

Day 8 – East Fjords

Overnight: Hotel Breiddalsvik

Drive through the dramatic East Fjords, where winding coastal roads connect small fishing villages. This quieter region offers sweeping sea views and opportunities to spot wildlife, including reindeer.

Hotel Breiddalsvik provides a comfortable base by the coast.

Day 9 – Glacier Lagoon

Overnight: Hotel Skaftafell
Excursion: Amphibian Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour

Today brings one of Iceland’s most iconic sights: Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Board an amphibian boat to sail among floating icebergs while learning about the glacier and its history.

Nearby Diamond Beach, where ice fragments wash ashore, is equally striking.

Day 10 – South Coast

Overnight: Hotel Katla

Follow the South Coast westward. Visit Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls and walk along the black sands of Reynisfjara beach.

Stay near Vik at Hotel Katla, surrounded by wide open landscapes.

Day 11 – South West Iceland

Overnight: Hotel Eldhestar

Continue toward the south west, perhaps stopping in Hveragerdi, known for its geothermal activity and hiking trails. Horse riding tours are also popular in this area.

Hotel Eldhestar offers a rural setting within easy reach of Reykjavik.

Day 12 – Blue Lagoon and Reykjanes Peninsula

Overnight: Hotel Vogar
Excursion: Blue Lagoon Admission

Spend your final full day relaxing at the Blue Lagoon, soaking in its mineral rich waters surrounded by lava fields.

You may also explore the Reykjanes Peninsula, with its rugged coastline and geothermal areas, before settling in for your last evening.

Day 13 – Departure

Return your hire car at Keflavik Airport and depart Iceland after completing a full circle of the country, experiencing waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, fjords and geothermal landscapes along the way.