South Iceland Highlights - 5-Day Self-Drive

Upon landing in Iceland, collect your rental car at the airport. Embark on your journey from the airport, traversing the otherworldly lava fields that define the Reykjanes Peninsula. This unique, volcanic landscape, adorned with moss-covered rocks and framed by distant mountains, serves as a mesmerizing gateway to Iceland's natural marvels. Depending on your arrival time, the rest of the day is a leisure. Your first night will be spent in Reykjavík, the country's vibrant capital. Driving: Approx 50 km (31 miles) Accommodation: Reykjavík.

Driving along Iceland's south coast is an expedition through some of the most breathtaking scenery the island has to offer. Your journey begins with a visit to Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where the water cascades over a cliff into a serene pool below, allowing visitors to walk behind the falls for a unique perspective.

Continuing along the coast, Skógafoss awaits with its powerful water plummeting down from a height, creating a mist that dances in the light.

Further along the coast, Dyrhólaey presents a rugged promontory with panoramic views of the ocean and coastline, including the iconic arched rock that juts into the sea. Nearby, Reynisfjara beach astonishes visitors with its black sands, towering basalt columns, and the powerful waves of the North Atlantic crashing against the shore.

Vík í Mýrdal is a charming village known for its black sand beaches and dramatic cliffs, it's a popular stop for tourists exploring the region. Despite its small size, Vík offers a range of amenities including cosy guesthouses, restaurants, and shops, making it a perfect base for exploring Iceland's southern wonders.

of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history. The vast expanse of moss-covered lava creates an otherworldly landscape that's both eerie and beautiful. A detour to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is highly recommended. This ancient canyon, carved by glacial meltwater, features steep walls and a winding riverbed, offering stunning views from its rim.

Your destination, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, is a small village with a big history. Known for its natural beauty and historical sites, including the Systrafoss waterfall and Kirkjugólf, the 'Church Floor,' which is a natural pavement of basalt columns, Kirkjubæjarklaustur serves as a perfect base to explore the surrounding area.

This day promises an exploration of glaciers, lagoons, and black sand beaches, encapsulating the dramatic beauty of the Icelandic landscape. Your first destination is Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park, a paradise for nature lovers. The drive east will unveil stunning vistas of vast lava fields, with the mighty Vatnajökull glacier looming in the distance. In Skaftafell, hike to the majestic Svartifoss, encircled by dark basalt columns that inspired the architecture of Reykjavík's Hallgrímskirkja church. The area offers numerous trails leading to glacier tongues and panoramic views.

Further east lies Jökulsárlón, a breathtaking glacier lagoon filled with floating icebergs. The contrast of the ice against the deep blue water creates a mesmerizing scene. Visit the adjacent Diamond Beach, where ice chunks from the lagoon wash onto the black sand, glistening like jewels under the sun.

After Jökulsárlón its time to head back west to Vík í Mýrdal. As you make your way back, the landscapes transition from the ice and water of Jökulsárlón to the volcanic sands and cliffs of Iceland’s south coast. If you still have time, you can continue exploring the area around Vík, perhaps adding something you did not have time for the day before.

Today we head northwest towards Gullfoss, one of Iceland's most magnificent waterfalls. Gullfoss, or "Golden Falls," cascades down a deep gorge in two stages, creating a stunning visual and auditory spectacle. Numerous viewpoints allow you to experience the waterfall from different perspectives.

A short drive from Gullfoss brings you to Geysir geothermal area in Haukadalur Valley. Witness the awe-inspiring Strokkur geyser, which erupts every few minutes, shooting boiling water up to 30 meters into the air.

From Geysir drive west towards Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its historical, cultural, and geological significance. Þingvellir is the site of the world’s oldest recorded legislative parliament (Alþingi), established in 930 AD, and sits atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly drifting apart.

After exploring the Golden Circle, make your way back to Reykjavík. The capital city awaits with its array of cultural attractions, including museums, galleries, the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church, and the bustling Old Harbour, perfect for winding down after your journey through Iceland's natural wonders.

Depart from your lodging in Reykjavík and make your way to Keflavík International Airport. Returning your rental car at Keflavík Airport marks the completion of your Icelandic adventure. Driving: Approx 50 km (31 miles)