South Iceland Explorer – Summer🌌
Discover Iceland’s southern wonders on this self-drive journey through waterfalls, glaciers, lava fields, and black sand beaches. From the iconic Golden Circle to the serene Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, this route blends dramatic natural beauty with cultural charm. Visit UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, witness geysers erupting sky-high, and explore the ethereal landscapes of Vatnajökull National Park — all at your own pace. Perfect for travelers seeking an unforgettable Icelandic adventure with flexibility and freedom.
Guided
Self-drive tour with an optional digital route guide and 24/7 local support.
Custom Dates /Fixed Dates
May- October
Price
Starting from £1,000 - £1,500 per person
Price Detail
(Final rates depend on travel dates, vehicle category, and accommodation type.)
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; Whale-watching from Reykjavík;
FlyOver Iceland
Day 2: Reykjavík – Golden Circle – Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Drive 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.
Continue to the famous Geysir geothermal area where the Strokkur hot spring ejects its water column high into the air every 5 to 10 minutes. Discover numerous small springs boil and bubble all around you. 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 beautiful waterfalls along your way, such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss, and explore the famous black sand beach and basalt columns of Reynisfjara
Driving distance / time: approx. 300-370 km / 4,5-5,5 hours
Overnight: in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Secret Lagoon
Day 3: Skaftafell – Jökulsárlón – Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur
In the beautiful region between Vík and Kirkjubæjarklaustur, drive across 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.
Near Kirkjubæjarklaustur, also take the time to discover the beautiful Fjardrárgljúfur canyon. 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 area is a true oasis bordered 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”). This exceptional site sits at the foot of Iceland’s highest mountain, Hvannadalshnúkur.
Driving distance / time: approx. 250-400 km / 3,5-5 hours
Overnight: in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Amphibian boat or zodiac tour on Jökulsárlón
glacial lagoon; Glacier walk in Skaftafell National Park
Day 4: South Shore – 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. Discover beautiful sites such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss waterfalls and Reynisfjara beach. Also, take a short detour to Dyrhólaey promontory, the southernmost point of Iceland. A small road takes you to the top of this 120 m high sea cliff where you often can see some puffins from late April to early August. However, note that access to Dyrhólaey is closed during nesting season, approx. from May 15 until June 23. Past mid-August, the puffins have all gone out to sea and are nowhere to be seen!
You might also want to take some time to explore the Sólheimajökull glacier outlet and its breathtaking surroundings!
Continuing westbound, end your day in Reykjavík where you will spend your last night in Iceland.
Driving distance / time: approx. 200-280 km / 3-4hours
Overnight: in Reykjavík
Suggested add-ons, on request: Glacier walk on Sólheimajökull glacier;
Snwomobile tour on Mýrdalsjökull glacier; ATV tour on black sand beach
Day 5: Departure
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
Driving in Iceland offers freedom and flexibility but requires preparation — especially along the South Coast, where weather can change rapidly. Check the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (road.is) for daily conditions, and always fill up on fuel when available. Be cautious of gravel roads, wind gusts, and limited daylight hours in late autumn and winter.
Remember to pre-book popular attractions such as Blue Lagoon, glacier tours, and accommodations during the high season (June–August). Travel insurance and valid driver’s licenses are mandatory for all self-drive travelers.
Overview
Discover Iceland’s southern wonders on this self-drive journey through waterfalls, glaciers, lava fields, and black sand beaches. From the iconic Golden Circle to the serene Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, this route blends dramatic natural beauty with cultural charm. Visit UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, witness geysers erupting sky-high, and explore the ethereal landscapes of Vatnajökull National Park — all at your own pace. Perfect for travelers seeking an unforgettable Icelandic adventure with flexibility and freedom.
Guided
Self-drive tour with an optional digital route guide and 24/7 local support.
Custom Dates /Fixed Dates
May- October
Prices
Price
Starting from £1,000 - £1,500 per person
Price Detail
Final rate varies by travel dates, vehicle choice, and accommodation type.
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; Whale-watching from Reykjavík;
FlyOver Iceland
Day 2: Reykjavík – Golden Circle – Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Drive 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.
Continue to the famous Geysir geothermal area where the Strokkur hot spring ejects its water column high into the air every 5 to 10 minutes. Discover numerous small springs boil and bubble all around you. 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 beautiful waterfalls along your way, such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss, and explore the famous black sand beach and basalt columns of Reynisfjara
Driving distance / time: approx. 300-370 km / 4,5-5,5 hours
Overnight: in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Secret Lagoon
Day 3: Skaftafell – Jökulsárlón – Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur
In the beautiful region between Vík and Kirkjubæjarklaustur, drive across 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.
Near Kirkjubæjarklaustur, also take the time to discover the beautiful Fjardrárgljúfur canyon. 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 area is a true oasis bordered 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”). This exceptional site sits at the foot of Iceland’s highest mountain, Hvannadalshnúkur.
Driving distance / time: approx. 250-400 km / 3,5-5 hours
Overnight: in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Amphibian boat or zodiac tour on Jökulsárlón
glacial lagoon; Glacier walk in Skaftafell National Park
Day 4: South Shore – 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. Discover beautiful sites such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss waterfalls and Reynisfjara beach. Also, take a short detour to Dyrhólaey promontory, the southernmost point of Iceland. A small road takes you to the top of this 120 m high sea cliff where you often can see some puffins from late April to early August. However, note that access to Dyrhólaey is closed during nesting season, approx. from May 15 until June 23. Past mid-August, the puffins have all gone out to sea and are nowhere to be seen!
You might also want to take some time to explore the Sólheimajökull glacier outlet and its breathtaking surroundings!
Continuing westbound, end your day in Reykjavík where you will spend your last night in Iceland.
Driving distance / time: approx. 200-280 km / 3-4hours
Overnight: in Reykjavík
Suggested add-ons, on request: Glacier walk on Sólheimajökull glacier;
Snwomobile tour on Mýrdalsjökull glacier; ATV tour on black sand beach
Day 5: Departure
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
Driving in Iceland offers freedom and flexibility but requires preparation — especially along the South Coast, where weather can change rapidly. Check the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (road.is) for daily conditions, and always fill up on fuel when available. Be cautious of gravel roads, wind gusts, and limited daylight hours in late autumn and winter.
Remember to pre-book popular attractions such as Blue Lagoon, glacier tours, and accommodations during the high season (June–August). Travel insurance and valid driver’s licenses are mandatory for all self-drive travelers.
Enquire Now
Have questions or want to personalise your trip? Our travel experts are ready to help you tailor the perfect itinerary. Get in touch today — no commitment, just friendly advice.
