From Glaciers to Geysers – Winter
Explore the stunning diversity of Iceland’s southern and western regions on this 7-day self-drive tour. From the mystical Snæfellsnes Peninsula to the legendary Golden Circle and the awe-inspiring glacial lagoons of the south coast, you’ll experience dramatic landscapes, geothermal wonders, and serene coastal villages—all with the flexibility of your own schedule.
Guided
Self-Drive (Not Guided)
Custom Dates /Fixed Dates
November - April
Price
Starting from £1,200 - £1,700 per person
Price Detail
6 nights accommodation with breakfast
Flights
Rental car with unlimited mileage
Detailed itinerary & map
Emergency phone support
Day 1: Welcome to Iceland
Your memorable adventure in Iceland begins the very moment you arrive at Keflavík Airport. Once you have picked up your rental vehicle, you will head directly for Reykjavík, the colorful capital city of Iceland. If your flight arrives early enough, we have a great suggestion for starting your trip off the right way: plan a visit to Iceland’s world-famous Blue Lagoon (book online at www.bluelagoon.com) or to the Sky Lagoon, the newest spa and wellness attraction situated just a short drive from Reykjavík. Be sure to pack your swimsuit, so you can take a relaxing dip in either of those spa’s soothing geothermal waters before heading to your hotel.
Driving distance / time: approx. 50 km / 45 minutes
Overnight: in Reykjavík
Suggested add-ons, on request: Sky Lagoon; FlyOver Iceland
Day 2: Reykjavík – Snæfellsnes
From Reykjavík, drive towards Borgarnes and then make your way to Snæfellsnes Peninsula, famous for the majestic Snæfell volcano. Spend the day exploring the numerous places of interest including the basalt pillars of Gerduberg, the lovely wooden church of Búdir, and Arnarstapi, a small fishing village, where basalt columns have been eroded by the pounding waves of the North Atlantic Ocean. Take a stroll at
Djúpalónssandur black sand beach and at Skardsvík, its white sand counterpart. Then drive along the north shore of the peninsula, passing through fishing villages and discovering beautiful mountains such as Kirkjufell. Depending on local weather conditions, this first night in the Icelandic countryside, away from the light pollution of Reykjavík, will give you your first best opportunity to observe northern lights, this mesmerizing natural phenomenon also known as aurora borealis (until mid-April).
Driving distance / time: approx. 280-320 km / 4-5 hours
Overnight: on Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Suggested add-ons, on request: Vatnshellir lava cave
Day 3: Borgarfjördur – Thingvellir – Laugarvatn or Selfoss
From Snæfellsnes, you drive towards Borgarnes and the Borgarfjördur region. Take some time exploring this area. You can make a stop at Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring. Further away, discover Hraunfossar waterfalls where the water flows out from underneath a lava field into the river below.
Leave Borgarfjördur area and continue to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the geological wonders of the world. Here, you can see the effects of the movements of tectonic plates.
Observe various cracks and fissures in the earth’s crust.
Driving distance / time: approx. 320 km / 4,5-5 hours
Overnight: in Laugarvatn or Selfoss area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Krauma Spa
Day 4: Gullfoss – Geysir – Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Discover some of the most famous areas of Iceland. Stop at Geysir geothermal area where the Strokkur hot spring ejects its water column high into the air every 5 to 10 minutes. Afterwards you only have a short
drive to reach Gullfoss, surely one of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls. Continue along the South Coast for your overnight stay in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur area. On your way there, or on your way back later in your trip, discover beautifull waterfalls along your way, such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss, and explore the famous black sand beach and basalt colum columns of Reynisfjara. Finally, you might also want to take some time to explore the Sólheimajökull glacier outlet and its breathtaking surroundings.
Driving distance / time: approx. 220-320 km / 3-4,5 hours
Overnight: in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Snowmobile on Langjökull Glacier;
Secret Lagoon
Day 5: Skaftafell – Jökulsárlón – Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur
the vast Mýrdalssandur sand plains and Eldhraun lava field, a result of the major Laki eruption that occurred in 1783 and was arguably one of the greatest disasters in Iceland’s history. Further to the east, discover the towering cliffs of Lómagnúpur, Iceland’s highest at 670m, Skeidarársandur sand plains, and Skaftafell National Park. Under the gaze of Hvannadalshnúkur peak, this region is surrounded by the glacial tongues of Vatnajökull on one side and vast volcanic sand plains on the other. Explore Vatnajökull Glacier area, observing numerous glacial outlets along your route. At Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, the glacier breaks into stunning icebergs that drift peacefully towards the ocean (“Diamond Beach”).
Driving distance / time: approx. 250-400 km / 3,5-5 hours
Overnight: in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Glacier walk in Skaftafell National Park
Day 6: Selfoss – Reykjanes – Reykjavík
Today, in the vicinity of Katla and Eyjafjalajökull volcanoes, south of Mýrdalsjökull glacier, you have more time to explore the South Shore area around Vík and Skógar.
Continue towards Reykjavík. Once in Selfoss and Hveragerdi area, you can either go straight to the capital city and relax in one of its cosy coffee shops. Or you can drive to the Reykjanes volcanic peninsula, where you discover Krýsuvík and Gunnuhver geothermal areas, as well aslava fields of recent eruptions. Once in that area, you can also enjoy a relaxing bath at the Blue Lagoon if you didn’t get the chance to do it earlier in your stay (book online at www.bluelagoon.com).
Driving distance / time: approx. 200-340 km / 2,5-4,5 hours
Overnight: in Reykjavík
Suggested add-ons, on request: Snwomobile tour on Mýrdalsjökull
glacier; ATV tour on black sand beach; Raufarhólshellir lava cave
Day 7: Departure
It is now time to head back home, after an amazing journey through some of the world’s most picturesque landscapes. Drive to Keflavík International Airport and return your rental car before your flight home. Depending on your flight schedule, you may be able to enjoy your last day strolling around Reykjavík or discover some of its attractions.
Driving distance / time: approx. 50 km / 45 minutes
This self-drive itinerary is ideal for winter travelers seeking both adventure and comfort. Weather may affect route accessibility; flexibility is key. Northern Lights sightings are not guaranteed, but this tour gives you excellent chances to witness them away from city lights.
Overview
Guided
Self-Drive (Not Guided)
Custom Dates /Fixed Dates
November - April
Prices
Price
Starting from £1,200 - £1,700 per person
Price Detail
6 nights accommodation with breakfast Flights Rental car with unlimited mileage Detailed itinerary & map Emergency phone support
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Iceland
Your memorable adventure in Iceland begins the very moment you arrive at Keflavík Airport. Once you have picked up your rental vehicle, you will head directly for Reykjavík, the colorful capital city of Iceland. If your flight arrives early enough, we have a great suggestion for starting your trip off the right way: plan a visit to Iceland’s world-famous Blue Lagoon (book online at www.bluelagoon.com) or to the Sky Lagoon, the newest spa and wellness attraction situated just a short drive from Reykjavík. Be sure to pack your swimsuit, so you can take a relaxing dip in either of those spa’s soothing geothermal waters before heading to your hotel.
Driving distance / time: approx. 50 km / 45 minutes
Overnight: in Reykjavík
Suggested add-ons, on request: Sky Lagoon; FlyOver Iceland
Day 2: Reykjavík – Snæfellsnes
From Reykjavík, drive towards Borgarnes and then make your way to Snæfellsnes Peninsula, famous for the majestic Snæfell volcano. Spend the day exploring the numerous places of interest including the basalt pillars of Gerduberg, the lovely wooden church of Búdir, and Arnarstapi, a small fishing village, where basalt columns have been eroded by the pounding waves of the North Atlantic Ocean. Take a stroll at
Djúpalónssandur black sand beach and at Skardsvík, its white sand counterpart. Then drive along the north shore of the peninsula, passing through fishing villages and discovering beautiful mountains such as Kirkjufell. Depending on local weather conditions, this first night in the Icelandic countryside, away from the light pollution of Reykjavík, will give you your first best opportunity to observe northern lights, this mesmerizing natural phenomenon also known as aurora borealis (until mid-April).
Driving distance / time: approx. 280-320 km / 4-5 hours
Overnight: on Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Suggested add-ons, on request: Vatnshellir lava cave
Day 3: Borgarfjördur – Thingvellir – Laugarvatn or Selfoss
From Snæfellsnes, you drive towards Borgarnes and the Borgarfjördur region. Take some time exploring this area. You can make a stop at Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring. Further away, discover Hraunfossar waterfalls where the water flows out from underneath a lava field into the river below.
Leave Borgarfjördur area and continue to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the geological wonders of the world. Here, you can see the effects of the movements of tectonic plates.
Observe various cracks and fissures in the earth’s crust.
Driving distance / time: approx. 320 km / 4,5-5 hours
Overnight: in Laugarvatn or Selfoss area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Krauma Spa
Day 4: Gullfoss – Geysir – Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Discover some of the most famous areas of Iceland. Stop at Geysir geothermal area where the Strokkur hot spring ejects its water column high into the air every 5 to 10 minutes. Afterwards you only have a short
drive to reach Gullfoss, surely one of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls. Continue along the South Coast for your overnight stay in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur area. On your way there, or on your way back later in your trip, discover beautifull waterfalls along your way, such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss, and explore the famous black sand beach and basalt colum columns of Reynisfjara. Finally, you might also want to take some time to explore the Sólheimajökull glacier outlet and its breathtaking surroundings.
Driving distance / time: approx. 220-320 km / 3-4,5 hours
Overnight: in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Snowmobile on Langjökull Glacier;
Secret Lagoon
Day 5: Skaftafell – Jökulsárlón – Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur
the vast Mýrdalssandur sand plains and Eldhraun lava field, a result of the major Laki eruption that occurred in 1783 and was arguably one of the greatest disasters in Iceland’s history. Further to the east, discover the towering cliffs of Lómagnúpur, Iceland’s highest at 670m, Skeidarársandur sand plains, and Skaftafell National Park. Under the gaze of Hvannadalshnúkur peak, this region is surrounded by the glacial tongues of Vatnajökull on one side and vast volcanic sand plains on the other. Explore Vatnajökull Glacier area, observing numerous glacial outlets along your route. At Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, the glacier breaks into stunning icebergs that drift peacefully towards the ocean (“Diamond Beach”).
Driving distance / time: approx. 250-400 km / 3,5-5 hours
Overnight: in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Glacier walk in Skaftafell National Park
Day 6: Selfoss – Reykjanes – Reykjavík
Today, in the vicinity of Katla and Eyjafjalajökull volcanoes, south of Mýrdalsjökull glacier, you have more time to explore the South Shore area around Vík and Skógar.
Continue towards Reykjavík. Once in Selfoss and Hveragerdi area, you can either go straight to the capital city and relax in one of its cosy coffee shops. Or you can drive to the Reykjanes volcanic peninsula, where you discover Krýsuvík and Gunnuhver geothermal areas, as well aslava fields of recent eruptions. Once in that area, you can also enjoy a relaxing bath at the Blue Lagoon if you didn’t get the chance to do it earlier in your stay (book online at www.bluelagoon.com).
Driving distance / time: approx. 200-340 km / 2,5-4,5 hours
Overnight: in Reykjavík
Suggested add-ons, on request: Snwomobile tour on Mýrdalsjökull
glacier; ATV tour on black sand beach; Raufarhólshellir lava cave
Day 7: Departure
It is now time to head back home, after an amazing journey through some of the world’s most picturesque landscapes. Drive to Keflavík International Airport and return your rental car before your flight home. Depending on your flight schedule, you may be able to enjoy your last day strolling around Reykjavík or discover some of its attractions.
Driving distance / time: approx. 50 km / 45 minutes
Need to Know
This self-drive itinerary is ideal for winter travelers seeking both adventure and comfort. Weather may affect route accessibility; flexibility is key. Northern Lights sightings are not guaranteed, but this tour gives you excellent chances to witness them away from city lights.
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