Hit the Arctic Coast Way on the ultimate self-drive adventure.
The secluded North Coast was rated one of the best destinations in Europe by Lonely Planet and offers the best of Iceland without the crowds. Sample volcanic landscapes, rolling hills, and glacial planes from the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to the South Coast. In addition to the natural attractions, you'll experience the culture of idyllic fishing villages, one of which was featured in a Netflix film!
From
Please note: the lowest price is applicable when booking for a group of 4-5 people
Your adventure starts at Keflavík International Airport, where your rental car awaits. First head towards Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The otherworldly landscapes are sure to enliven your senses. Driving northward will take you straight to the Arctic Coast Way. Take a detour from the Ring Road and discover the North’s six peninsulas that stretch out towards the Arctic Circle.
After exploring the sparsely populated coastline of North Iceland, discover the mystic allure of East Iceland. Then head to the South Coast of Iceland and cruise along the world-famous Golden Circle. On the last day, drive through the dreamy Reykjanes Peninsula and visit the most striking abandoned sights in the country.
Along the way, embark on optional activities, such as whale watching in Dalvik, glacier hiking, or soaking in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon.
This self-drive tour takes you off the beaten path at your own pace. Skip the tedious research and enjoy customer support throughout your trip. Pack your bags and get ready to roll!
Upon arrival at Keflavík International Airport, pick up your rental car and head towards Reykjavik. The 25 mi (40 km) drive from Keflavik to the capital city is an adventure in itself. As you follow the winding road through moss-covered lava fields, ...)
Upon arrival at Keflavík International Airport, pick up your rental car and head towards Reykjavik. The 25 mi (40 km) drive from Keflavik to the capital city is an adventure in itself. As you follow the winding road through moss-covered lava fields, you’ll feel as if you’ve landed on the moon.
Next, head north towards the scenic Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The route takes you through Borgarfjörður, a fjord between Reykjavik and Snaefellsnes. Along the way, soak up mountain views and experience the subtle charms of small towns.
In the evening, arrive at your hotel in the Snæfellsnes area.
After an appetizing breakfast, explore the gorgeous landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Also known as “Iceland in Miniature,” Snaefellsnes collects the best of Iceland in one place: volcanic peaks, sea cliffs, waterfalls, and black sand beaches....)
After an appetizing breakfast, explore the gorgeous landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Also known as “Iceland in Miniature,” Snaefellsnes collects the best of Iceland in one place: volcanic peaks, sea cliffs, waterfalls, and black sand beaches. If you look to the west, you’ll see Snæfellsjökull, a glacier-capped volcano that was immortalized in Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth.
After exploring Snaefellsnes, head towards Northwest Iceland. Hvítserkur Sea Stack on Vatnsnes Peninsula is the first highlight of the Arctic Coast Way.
In the evening, arrive at your hotel. Rest up — the romantic roadways of North Iceland await tomorrow!
Wake up in the Northwest. After breakfast, continue your journey towards the North of Iceland, a wonderland of unspoiled nature. As you pass through elongated fjords, explore the small villages along the way. Each village has a unique charm and a dis...)
Wake up in the Northwest. After breakfast, continue your journey towards the North of Iceland, a wonderland of unspoiled nature. As you pass through elongated fjords, explore the small villages along the way. Each village has a unique charm and a distinct atmosphere.
Opt for whale watching tour in Dalvik at 3:00 p.m. (15:00). Book the activity on our website.
In the evening, arrive at your hotel in Akureyri. If you’ve skipped whale watching, you’ll have additional time to explore the bustling city and its surroundings.
After a scrumptious breakfast, drive east from Akureyri towards Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions. The lakeshore is world-famous for its abundant birdlife. Marvel at bizarre lava formations, heavenly waterfalls, and steam...)
After a scrumptious breakfast, drive east from Akureyri towards Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions. The lakeshore is world-famous for its abundant birdlife. Marvel at bizarre lava formations, heavenly waterfalls, and steaming volcanic craters.
After a scrumptious breakfast, drive east from Akureyri towards Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions. The lakeshore is world-famous for its abundant birdlife. Marvel at bizarre lava formations, heavenly waterfalls, and steaming volcanic craters.
After exploring the Lake Mývatn area, head north towards the town of Húsavík. The charming village served as the backdrop for Will Ferrell's Netflix comedy, 'Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga,' in which he played an aspiring Icelandic singer. If you watch the film you are sure to spot some familiar sites. You can even stop at the Jaja Ding Dong Bar in the Cape Hotel, created as a hilarious tribute to the movie. En route to Húsavík, you'll pass by Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall.
Your hotel for the night will be in Húsavík.
Today is your last day on the Arctic Coast Way. Hit unspoiled roads and immerse yourself in the beauty of two peninsulas — Tjörnes and Melrakkaslétta. In the evening, arrive at your hotel in Þórshöfn/Vopnafjörður)
Today is your last day on the Arctic Coast Way. Hit unspoiled roads and immerse yourself in the beauty of two peninsulas — Tjörnes and Melrakkaslétta.
In the evening, arrive at your hotel in Þórshöfn/Vopnafjörður
Enjoy breakfast before you head towards Borgarfjörður Eystri, a tiny hamlet surrounded by towering mountains. Along the way, visit Stuðlagil Canyon, one of the numerous geological wonders in Iceland. Embark on leisurely strolls and explore the exotic...)
Enjoy breakfast before you head towards Borgarfjörður Eystri, a tiny hamlet surrounded by towering mountains. Along the way, visit Stuðlagil Canyon, one of the numerous geological wonders in Iceland. Embark on leisurely strolls and explore the exotic nature of East Iceland.
Spend the night at your hotel in Borgarfjörður Eystri.
After breakfast, hop in your car and hit the road towards South Iceland. Journey through the wonderful East Fjords, the oldest region in Iceland. Along the way, discover life in quaint rural towns. In the evening, arrive at your hotel in Höfn/Skaftaf...)
After breakfast, hop in your car and hit the road towards South Iceland. Journey through the wonderful East Fjords, the oldest region in Iceland. Along the way, discover life in quaint rural towns.
In the evening, arrive at your hotel in Höfn/Skaftafell.
Leave the town of Höfn behind and head to iceberg-dotted Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Afterward, explore Skaftafell National Park, an area graced with landscapes unlike anything else on Earth. Then continue your journey towards Kirkjubæjarklaustur. S...)
Leave the town of Höfn behind and head to iceberg-dotted Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Afterward, explore Skaftafell National Park, an area graced with landscapes unlike anything else on Earth. Then continue your journey towards Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Spend the night at your hotel in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.
After a delicious breakfast, continue your journey through the South Coast. Be enchanted by the black beauty of Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. Along the way, visit the best waterfalls on the South Coast. Opt for a glacier hike at 1:30 p.m. or 2:30 p....)
After a delicious breakfast, continue your journey through the South Coast. Be enchanted by the black beauty of Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. Along the way, visit the best waterfalls on the South Coast.
Opt for a glacier hike at 1:30 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. Strap on your crampons and embark on a guided walk atop a glacier! The tour is suitable for all experience levels. Book the activity on our website.
After an action-packed day, relax at your hotel in the Golden Circle / Hvolsvöllur Area.
Set out to explore the Golden Circle, the most popular sightseeing route in Iceland. En route, veer away from the tourist hotspots and discover lesser-known attractions. In the evening, arrive at your hotel in the Reykjavík Capital Area.)
Set out to explore the Golden Circle, the most popular sightseeing route in Iceland. En route, veer away from the tourist hotspots and discover lesser-known attractions.
In the evening, arrive at your hotel in the Reykjavík Capital Area.
Today is your last day on the road. Explore the soul-stirring landscapes of Reykjanes Peninsula before you return your car at the airport. Lying directly on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Reykjanes greets visitors with lunar-like lava fields and intense geo...)
Today is your last day on the road. Explore the soul-stirring landscapes of Reykjanes Peninsula before you return your car at the airport. Lying directly on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Reykjanes greets visitors with lunar-like lava fields and intense geothermal activity.
Add a visit to the praised Blue Lagoon (entrance fee is not included).
Still got questions about the tour? Hopefully you will find the answer here.
It is a package tour that includes accommodation, car rental, and suggested itinerary. We provide you with all information to make sure you know where to go and what to see in Iceland along with general practical information about Iceland, as this is a self-guided tour.
Included with our tours are accommodation and car rental, as described for each tour, itinerary with suggested points of interest along the way, GPS points for each stop (accommodation, activities, points of interest), and a detailed self-drive handbook with lots of practical information.
We use a very varied mix of local accommodations.
Comfort rooms are private rooms with private bathroom in guesthouses, hotels, motels, lodges, etc. Approximately 3-star rating.
Budget rooms are private rooms with a shared bathroom at guesthouses, hostels, hotels, etc. Approximately 2-star rating.
During winter months (October-April) we recommend 4WD vehicles but it doesn’t necessarily have to be a jeep, it is safest to drive a vehicle that you are comfortable with so if you’re not used to driving large cars then a smaller, but 4WD might be a better option.
In summertime any vehicle is good, depending on how many are traveling together, how much luggage you carry along and how much you’re willing to pay.
That depends mostly on the itinerary, some are faster paced while others are more relaxed. Days can range from 200-400 km, though very few days exceed 350 km. You are of course your own driver and guide while on a self-drive tour so you are free to make detours as you wish.
You never know what might happen while in a foreign country so we highly recommend you to have good travel insurance. Sure it costs a bit extra, but it can take a load off the mind and end up being a totally worth it in case something sudden could happen.
Take a look at what type of insurance is provided with your credit card, alternatively buy special travel insurance from an insurance provider.
As for the car rental, you can opt to buy extra insurance at the time of collecting the car. It may be wise to buy extra insurance such as windshield protection, as a cracked windshield from a stone being thrown off another car is among the most common incidents on Icelandic roads.
Other extra car insurances would be for example sand and ash protection, or additional insurance to lower the self-risk in case of an incident.
Our self-drive adventures have been optimized for the best value experience, which includes doing some thrilling activities in the amazing Icelandic nature. As the packages are offered at the best possible price no partial refunds or modifications to the itinerary can be permitted. That includes opting out of an included activity and getting a refund for that activity. You can, of course, choose not to do the activity but as mentioned there would be no partial refunds of the package price.
You should contact the service provider in question: If there is a problem with the car, contact the car rental. If you have troubles finding the hotel (which shouldn’t happen as you will be provided with the address and GPS coordinates), you should call the hotel.
If you have questions about an activity, contact the activity provider. You will receive all the necessary contact information from us.
