Pure Iceland – Winter
Embark on a winter adventure like no other as you drive the full circle around Iceland in just one week. This self-drive itinerary is ideal for travellers eager to explore the country’s contrasting regions—from geothermal wonders in the North to dramatic glacial landscapes in the South. Visit charming towns like Akureyri and Höfn, marvel at powerful waterfalls, navigate black sand beaches, and experience the magic of the Golden Circle. With highlights including Mývatn, Jökulsárlón, and the East Fjords, this is your chance to witness Iceland’s raw beauty at your own pace.
Guided
Self-Drive (Not Guided)
Custom Dates /Fixed Dates
November - April
Price
Starting from £1,300 - £1,800 per person
Price Detail
7 nights accommodation with breakfast
Flights
Rental car with unlimited mileage
Detailed itinerary, driving map
24/7 emergency support line
Day 1: Welcome to Iceland
Arrive at Keflavík Airport. Once you have picked up your rental vehicle, you 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; Whale Watching Cruise
from Reykjavík; FlyOver Iceland
Day 2: Reykjavík – Akureyri
From Reykjavík, you drive along roan n°1 towards Borgarnes and the Borgarfjördur region. Continue over Höltavörduheidi mountain pass to reach the North coast. The road winds between the waters of the Arctic Ocean and landscapes shaped during the last ice age. Marshy moorlands, rounded mountains, and farmland succeed each other until you reach the Skagafjördur fjord area, known for exceptional horse breeding. Continue along road n°1 and over Öxnadalsheidi mountain pass to reach Eyjafjördur fjord and the town of Akureyri, the “capital of the North”. 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. 380 km / 5 hours
Overnight: in Akureyri area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Forest Lagoon
Day 3: Akureyri – Godafoss – Mývatn
When in Eyjafjördur area, take some time to discover the charming, little town of Akureyri. Not too far away from the city, you can also head to the harbour of Árskógssandur, where you can go on a whale watching tour (except from Dec. 15 until Jan. 31) or soak in a beer bath at the local Beer Spa.
Then head towards Lake Mývatn and its many natural wonders, including fantastic volcanic formations, geothermal activity, and the lake itself. Depending on snow condition and accessibility of sites, take a walk around the pseudo-craters of Skútustadir, or through the labyrinthine lava formations of Dimmuborgir, the “dark citadel.” Next, visit the geothermal area of Námaskard, where numerous solfataras, fumaroles, and bubbling mud pots emit strong sulfuric odours. Halfway between Akureyri and Mývatn, plan a stop at Godafoss waterfall, a beautiful site where the Skjálfandi river has created a magnificent arrangement of cascades.
Driving distance / time: approx. 200 km / 2,5-3 hours
Overnight: in Mývatn area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Whale Watching Cruise from
Árskógssandur; Beer Spa Mývan Nature Baths
Day 4: Mývatn – Dettifoss – Egilsstadir
After completing your visits in Mývatn area, follow road n°1 towards Egilsstadirto the East. On the way, depending on weather conditions and accessibility, take a detour to Dettifoss waterfall. However, even if the
road is open (20km drive from road n°1), access to the waterfall from the parking lot can sometimes be difficult and perilous in winter (deep snow and/or icy grounds), limiting visibility of the waterfall and canyon. Use caution!
From there, cross the barren regions of Mödrudalsöræfi until you reach Egilsstadir and Lake Lagarfjlót area.
Driving distance / time: approx. 200-250 km / 2,5-3 hours
Overnight: in Egilsstadir area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Snowshoeing guided hike in Mývatn;
Dog sledding in Mývatn; Vök Baths
Day 5: East Fjords – Höfn
Discover the East Fjords between the small towns of Egillsstadir and Höfn. In Stödvarfjördur a local lady has collected an impressive number of minerals and stones, presented in Petra’s Stone Collection (www.steinapetra.is). Note that in winter, most museum are opened by appointment. Call ahead of your visit! Passing small fishing villages like Breiddalsvik and Djúpivogur, at times the road hangs precariously high on the mountain slopes. Between the capes of Hvalnes and Stokknes, you pass through the beautiful Lónsvík bay. Occasionally, along the road and depending on the season, you might catch a glimpse of a herd of reindeer or observe the graceful flight of swans.
As you approach your destination, you drive through the tunnel of Almannaskard and enter in the Höfn region. You are now in the realm of Vatnajökull ice cap. With an area comparable to that of the islands of Corsica or Puerto Rico, not only is it Iceland’s largest glacier, but also the largest in Europe!
Driving distance / time: approx. 250-325 km / 3-4 hours
Overnight: in Höfn area
Day 6: Jökulsárlón – Skaftafell – Kirkjubæjarklaustur or Vík
Discover Iceland’s scenic southeast. 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”). This exceptional site sits at the foot of Iceland’s highest mountain, Hvannadalshnúkur. Further to the west, you drive through Skaftafell National Park. Under the gaze of Hvannadalshnúkur peak, this area is a bordered by the glacial tongues of Vatnajökull on one side and vast volcanic sand plains on the other.
Drive through Skeidarársandur sand plains towards the towering cliffs of Lómagnúpur, Iceland’s highest at 670m. In the beautiful region of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, take the time to discover the beautiful Fjardrárgljúfur canyon and drive across the vast 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.
Driving distance / time: approx. 200-280 km / 2,5-3,5 hours
Overnight: in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
Suggested add-ons ons, on request: Glacier walk in Skaftafell National Park
Day 7: Vík – Skógar – Golden Circle – Reykjavík
Begin the day with a refreshing walk on Reynisfjara in the region of Vík, the southernmost village in Iceland. There, discover a magnificent black sand beach and impressive cliffs made of basalt columns of all sizes and shapes. Next stops at the powerful Skógafoss waterfall, and Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall renowned not only for its beauty but also because it is possible to walk behind it and through to the other side. Finally, explore the famous attractions of the Golden Circle, including Gullfoss, surely one of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls. Only a few kilometers away is the Geysir area where the geyser Strokkur ejects its water column high into the air every 5–10 minutes and where numerous small springs boil and bubble. Finally, drive to Thingvellir National Park, a historical site where the Icelandic parliament was founded in the 10th century. It is also on the UNESCO World Heritage List and considered one of the geological wonders of the world where you will see astonishing fissures and lava fields. After a walk through the park, drive back to Reykjavík.
Driving distance / time: approx. 300-350 km / 3,5-4,5 hours
Overnight: in Reykjavík
Suggested add-ons, on request: Secret Lagoon
Day 8: 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 tour is designed for winter travel and requires confident driving skills in snowy and icy conditions. Some routes or sites may be inaccessible due to weather. Always check local road and weather updates before departure.
Overview
Guided
Self-Drive (Not Guided)
Custom Dates /Fixed Dates
November - April
Prices
Price
Starting from £1,300 - £1,800 per person
Price Detail
7 nights accommodation with breakfast Flights Rental car with unlimited mileage Detailed itinerary, driving map 24/7 emergency support line
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Iceland
Arrive at Keflavík Airport. Once you have picked up your rental vehicle, you 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; Whale Watching Cruise
from Reykjavík; FlyOver Iceland
Day 2: Reykjavík – Akureyri
From Reykjavík, you drive along roan n°1 towards Borgarnes and the Borgarfjördur region. Continue over Höltavörduheidi mountain pass to reach the North coast. The road winds between the waters of the Arctic Ocean and landscapes shaped during the last ice age. Marshy moorlands, rounded mountains, and farmland succeed each other until you reach the Skagafjördur fjord area, known for exceptional horse breeding. Continue along road n°1 and over Öxnadalsheidi mountain pass to reach Eyjafjördur fjord and the town of Akureyri, the “capital of the North”. 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. 380 km / 5 hours
Overnight: in Akureyri area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Forest Lagoon
Day 3: Akureyri – Godafoss – Mývatn
When in Eyjafjördur area, take some time to discover the charming, little town of Akureyri. Not too far away from the city, you can also head to the harbour of Árskógssandur, where you can go on a whale watching tour (except from Dec. 15 until Jan. 31) or soak in a beer bath at the local Beer Spa.
Then head towards Lake Mývatn and its many natural wonders, including fantastic volcanic formations, geothermal activity, and the lake itself. Depending on snow condition and accessibility of sites, take a walk around the pseudo-craters of Skútustadir, or through the labyrinthine lava formations of Dimmuborgir, the “dark citadel.” Next, visit the geothermal area of Námaskard, where numerous solfataras, fumaroles, and bubbling mud pots emit strong sulfuric odours. Halfway between Akureyri and Mývatn, plan a stop at Godafoss waterfall, a beautiful site where the Skjálfandi river has created a magnificent arrangement of cascades.
Driving distance / time: approx. 200 km / 2,5-3 hours
Overnight: in Mývatn area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Whale Watching Cruise from
Árskógssandur; Beer Spa Mývan Nature Baths
Day 4: Mývatn – Dettifoss – Egilsstadir
After completing your visits in Mývatn area, follow road n°1 towards Egilsstadirto the East. On the way, depending on weather conditions and accessibility, take a detour to Dettifoss waterfall. However, even if the
road is open (20km drive from road n°1), access to the waterfall from the parking lot can sometimes be difficult and perilous in winter (deep snow and/or icy grounds), limiting visibility of the waterfall and canyon. Use caution!
From there, cross the barren regions of Mödrudalsöræfi until you reach Egilsstadir and Lake Lagarfjlót area.
Driving distance / time: approx. 200-250 km / 2,5-3 hours
Overnight: in Egilsstadir area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Snowshoeing guided hike in Mývatn;
Dog sledding in Mývatn; Vök Baths
Day 5: East Fjords – Höfn
Discover the East Fjords between the small towns of Egillsstadir and Höfn. In Stödvarfjördur a local lady has collected an impressive number of minerals and stones, presented in Petra’s Stone Collection (www.steinapetra.is). Note that in winter, most museum are opened by appointment. Call ahead of your visit! Passing small fishing villages like Breiddalsvik and Djúpivogur, at times the road hangs precariously high on the mountain slopes. Between the capes of Hvalnes and Stokknes, you pass through the beautiful Lónsvík bay. Occasionally, along the road and depending on the season, you might catch a glimpse of a herd of reindeer or observe the graceful flight of swans.
As you approach your destination, you drive through the tunnel of Almannaskard and enter in the Höfn region. You are now in the realm of Vatnajökull ice cap. With an area comparable to that of the islands of Corsica or Puerto Rico, not only is it Iceland’s largest glacier, but also the largest in Europe!
Driving distance / time: approx. 250-325 km / 3-4 hours
Overnight: in Höfn area
Day 6: Jökulsárlón – Skaftafell – Kirkjubæjarklaustur or Vík
Discover Iceland’s scenic southeast. 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”). This exceptional site sits at the foot of Iceland’s highest mountain, Hvannadalshnúkur. Further to the west, you drive through Skaftafell National Park. Under the gaze of Hvannadalshnúkur peak, this area is a bordered by the glacial tongues of Vatnajökull on one side and vast volcanic sand plains on the other.
Drive through Skeidarársandur sand plains towards the towering cliffs of Lómagnúpur, Iceland’s highest at 670m. In the beautiful region of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, take the time to discover the beautiful Fjardrárgljúfur canyon and drive across the vast 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.
Driving distance / time: approx. 200-280 km / 2,5-3,5 hours
Overnight: in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
Suggested add-ons ons, on request: Glacier walk in Skaftafell National Park
Day 7: Vík – Skógar – Golden Circle – Reykjavík
Begin the day with a refreshing walk on Reynisfjara in the region of Vík, the southernmost village in Iceland. There, discover a magnificent black sand beach and impressive cliffs made of basalt columns of all sizes and shapes. Next stops at the powerful Skógafoss waterfall, and Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall renowned not only for its beauty but also because it is possible to walk behind it and through to the other side. Finally, explore the famous attractions of the Golden Circle, including Gullfoss, surely one of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls. Only a few kilometers away is the Geysir area where the geyser Strokkur ejects its water column high into the air every 5–10 minutes and where numerous small springs boil and bubble. Finally, drive to Thingvellir National Park, a historical site where the Icelandic parliament was founded in the 10th century. It is also on the UNESCO World Heritage List and considered one of the geological wonders of the world where you will see astonishing fissures and lava fields. After a walk through the park, drive back to Reykjavík.
Driving distance / time: approx. 300-350 km / 3,5-4,5 hours
Overnight: in Reykjavík
Suggested add-ons, on request: Secret Lagoon
Day 8: 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 tour is designed for winter travel and requires confident driving skills in snowy and icy conditions. Some routes or sites may be inaccessible due to weather. Always check local road and weather updates before departure.
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