A 8 day Self-Drive Tour of Iceland
In this itinerary, we’re going to focus on using your rental not only to get to some of Iceland’s most scenic spots but also where there are fun activities to do as well. You’ll be able to experience some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes while hiking, horse riding, exploring on an ATV, caving, and getting up onto our majestic glaciers. You’ll be surprised at how much you can fit in, so let’s take a look at what you can expect with this 8 day self-drive tour of Iceland.
Day one and two
We suggest you start by delving into Iceland’s volcanic past as you point the car in the direction of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. It’s about a 200km drive to Vatnshellir, though you’ll probably want to stop off at Arnastapi to see the dramatic arch that is one of the area’s most famous coastal landforms, the beach of Djúpalónssandur with its black lava pearls and Lóndrangar sea stacks a little further on.
Park up at Vatnshellir, where you’ll get kitted out for your guided tour – it’s not permitted for safety reasons to go inside unaccompanied. Helmet in place, you’ll venture 35 meters below the surface to find yourself inside an 8000-year-old lava tube formed during an ancient eruption. The formations within the cave are rich in minerals, and you’ll be impressed at the array of stalactites and stalagmites down here. Deep within the cave, your group will be invited to turn off torches and headlamps so that you can get a sense of just how dark it gets down here, deep underground.
Back at ground level, continue looping around the end of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Follow the coast road along its northern edge until you reach the Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum. Now it’s time for an adventure of the culinary kind – though once again, it’s only for those brave enough. Here, you’ll have the chance to sample hákarl. This is the dried meat of the Greenland shark that has been hung long enough for it not to be poisonous. There’s a whiff of ammonia about it, but if you can stomach it, there are bragging rights on offer for being able to say you swallowed it and kept it down.
Leaving the Snæfellsnes Peninsula behind, make your way towards Iceland’s second-largest glacier, Langjökull. This icy adventure playground is the setting for a number of thrilling pursuits. You might choose to sign up for a fun snowmobile adventure over the surface of the glacier or head into a manmade, artificial ice cave, open year-round. Pick-up is easiest from Husafell, from where there’s a shuttle service, though high clearance 4x4s can reach Klaki Base Camp via a rough gravel road.
Days three and four
Iceland is located where the North American and Eurasian plates meet, and there are several parts of Iceland where it’s possible to access the plate boundary. These vast pieces of the earth’s crust are actually moving apart slowly and – to the naked eye at least – imperceptibly.
Most visitors to Þingvellir National Park content themselves with a leisurely hike through the Almannagjá Gorge. This is a short and easy stroll; you get to see the historic Lögberg, where for centuries, the country’s lawmakers convened to agree on policy. But to get a different perspective on the area’s geology, we recommend you consider signing up for a guided snorkeling tour of Silfra Fissure. The water is icy cold, but since it’s been filtered through the volcanic rock, it’s also incredibly clear.
Continue inland and you’ll reach the other two major sights of the Golden Circle region. At Geysir, it takes relatively no effort at all to watch the mighty Strokkur geyser erupt and shoot a jet of boiling water and steam high into the air. It’s similarly easy to visit Gullfoss, where a torrent of water crashes over a fault in the rock to create a two-stepped waterfall and a breathtaking gorge. The Hvitá River has another treat in store for adrenaline junkies: the chance to participate in a white water rafting trip along a turbulent stretch of this glacial river.
Days five and six
Set your sights on Hveragerði this morning. Eldhestar is a well-established riding tour provider that has offered horseback excursions for several decades. Their stables are ideally situated for scenic rides in this beautiful area, and no prior riding experience is necessary as full instruction is given. The village nestles between Hengill volcano and the flat plains of the coast. The area’s volcanic hills form a magnificent backdrop to a ride through this geothermally active area of hot springs which also features verdant forest.
One of the most popular hikes within the Reykjadalur Valley, if you prefer to stick to two feet for at least part of the day, follows the path alongside the Varmá River, which is warm enough to swim in as it is fed by a geothermal spring. Later, pick up the ring road heading east as you make your way along the coast to Vik. Along the way, stop off at Sólheimasandur, where you can ride an ATV to see the old US Navy DC-3. This wrecked plane came down in bad weather more than fifty years ago – the crew survived, but the aircraft never took off again. Hike out there or ride an ATV for a speedier transfer.
Days seven and eight
Vik is only a small town on the South Iceland coast but it punches well above its weight when it comes to tourism. Be sure to make a pit stop at Reynisfjara Beach. You might wonder how a strip of volcanic black sand could be an adventurous stop but this one is impacted by dangerous sneaker waves, powerful breakers that sneak up unannounced and have washed people off their feet. Nevertheless, it’s fine to visit if you keep an eye on what the ocean is doing, so it’s a must-see.
It’s also worth knowing that if you didn’t opt for the glacier activities on Langjökull, you could get up onto the smaller but just as pretty Mýrdalsjökull from Vik; you still need a tour operator, but there are a handful here to choose from, and you simply leave your rental car outside their office for a few hours while they take you up on the glacier in their super jeeps. Round off this 8-day self-drive itinerary by heading west again, where you should consider a hike alongside the lava-filled valley of Mount Fagradalsfjall, the volcano that unexpectedly sprang to life back in 2021 after being dormant for centuries.
The activity has moved further to the southwest, so you can usually access the area on foot to see how this eruption transformed the landscape. Another option is to descend into the empty lava chamber of a long-dormant volcano. Visitors hike for a couple of kilometers through a breathtaking landscape before descending into Thríhnúkagígur by open-sided elevator. If you’re brave enough, you’ll find yourself 120 meters below the surface – inside a volcano!
As you can see, renting a car from us can unlock a plethora of possibilities for adrenaline-fuelled, thrilling adventures. In the space of little more than a week you’ll be able to pack a lot into your itinerary and be left in no doubt as to why Iceland is nicknamed the Land of Fire and Ice. Why not start planning your 8-day self-drive tour of Iceland right now?
FAQ for an Icelandic 8 day road trip
Is it safe to drive alone in Iceland?
Absolutely! Iceland’s roads are well-maintained, and driving solo is safe as long as you check weather conditions and stay cautious.
Can you drive around Iceland in 8 days?
Yes, 8 days is perfect for a full circle of the Ring Road with plenty of time for stops and activities.
How many days do you need to drive around Iceland?
You’ll need at least 7-10 days to comfortably drive the Ring Road and enjoy the key sights.
Is it better to drive or take tours in Iceland?
Driving gives you more freedom and flexibility, but tours are great if you prefer guided experiences without planning.
Can you self-drive around Iceland?
Definitely! Iceland is ideal for self-drive adventures, with clear roads and amazing landscapes to explore at your own pace.
Can I drive in Iceland with a US license?
Yes, you can! A valid US driver’s license is all you need to drive in Iceland.
