Iceland Explorer Self Drive Winter

Best price guaranteed

No booking fees

E-ticket/Mobile-voucher

Carbon neutral

9 daysDuration

Independent TourPrivate tour for one or two travelers

2 peopleMaximum group size

8 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Relaxed

Minimal physical effort, perfect for travelers seeking an easy-going experience.

Starts

Reykjavik, Iceland

Ends

Reykjavik, Iceland

Highlights

See the natural wonders of Gulfoss and the Geysir hot spring area along the Golden Circle

Soak in the majestic views of the siking icebergs on the black sand at the Diamond Beach

Marvel at the magnificent Godafoss Waterfall, one of the world's most stunning waterfalls

Unveil Iceland's rich fishing history at Siglufjordurs iconic Herring-Era Maritime Museum

Walk through the clouds of steam at Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hotspring

Itinerary

Set off on an unforgettable self-drive adventure across Iceland, a land where fire and ice collide to create some of the planet’s most breathtaking landscapes. This immersive journey invites you to experience the full spectrum of Iceland’s natural wonders, from tranquil fjords and mossy lava fields to thundering waterfalls and dramatic glaciers—each destination offering its own story and beauty. Driving along Iceland’s scenic routes, you’ll explore both well-known highlights and hidden gems nestled deep within the countryside. The journey begins with the famed Golden Circle, where you’ll walk in the footsteps of ancient Vikings at Þingvellir National Park, witness the boiling geysers and erupting hot springs of the Geysir area, and stand before the raw power of Gullfoss, a roaring two-tiered waterfall plunging into a glacial canyon. Continue southward through a world shaped by volcanic forces—towering cliffs, basalt sea stacks, and black sand beaches. Pause to admire Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, two iconic waterfalls that pour down from towering cliffs, and explore the eerie beauty of Reynisfjara beach, where waves crash dramatically against hexagonal basalt columns. Your adventure reaches a dazzling crescendo at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs—carved from Europe’s largest glacier—float silently in icy blue waters. Just across the road lies Diamond Beach, where crystal-clear ice shards glisten like jewels on black volcanic sands, creating a surreal landscape found nowhere else on earth. Along the way, discover the warm and welcoming Icelandic culture through charming villages, geothermal spas, and unique local cuisine. Whether you’re soaking in a natural hot spring, marveling at vast stretches of untouched wilderness, or stopping for fresh-baked rye bread cooked in the earth’s heat, this journey blends adventure, serenity, and wonder.This self-drive tour is the perfect balance of freedom and discovery, allowing you to set your own pace while unveiling the essence of Iceland—wild, majestic, and truly unforgettable.

day 1 - Reykjavik (arrival)

Upon arrival at Keflavik International Airport make your own way to the tour hotel.

Overnight at Reykjavik

Please note: Hotel check-in begins between 14:00 – 16:00 (2:00pm-4:00pm)

day 2 - The Golden Circle And The South Shore

Your guide will meet you in the lobby of the hotel. Start your adventure by visiting the fascinating Aurora Reykjavik Northern Lights Centre. You’ll get a great introduction to northern lights, how they are formed, and the folklore surrounding them. You’ll also get tips about how to capture northern lights on film. Continue to the Golden Circle natural wonders. Explore Gullfoss waterfall, a spectacular sight in winter when frozen mid-cascade. Continue to the geothermal fields of Geysir with bubbling mud pools and the high-spouting Strokkur hot spring (and other geysers). Continue along the south shore and stop to admire the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss before continuing to Dyrholaey and the black sand beaches of Iceland’s South Shore. Continue to the village of Vik

Overnight in the Vik area

day 3 - Vatnajokull National Park (skaftafell Area)

After breakfast, visit the southern area of Vatnajokull National Park, named after Europe’s largest glacier. The total park area covers almost 14% of Iceland, making it the largest national park in Western Europe! Visit the national park’s famous Skaftafell area, a site of outstanding natural beauty dominated by several magnificent glaciers. Visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, where you can enjoy the breath-taking sight of icebergs floating in the fantastic 180m (591 ft.) deep glacial lagoon (make sure your camera is loaded and ready!) Nearby is the dramatic beauty of the Diamond Beach, where shrinking icebergs settle on the black sands before they drift out to sea

Overnight in Southeast Iceland or in the Hofn area

day 4 - The East Fjords

Get ready to enjoy some amazing views today! Drive through Almannaskard Pass, stopping to admire the majestic coastline. Continue to an area of towering mountains plunging vertically into the sea that forms the magnificent East Fjords. Keep your hand on your camera and keep an eye out for wild reindeer, which can sometimes be seen in the area during the winter months. You will also pass villages, each with its own special history and charm. One of these is the tiny village of Breiddalsvik. Here, you’ll visit the local Beljandi microbrewery and sample some of the beer. You’ll meet one of the townsfolk and get a feel for life in a small town. Drive to Egilsstadir town, located near Iceland’s largest forest and a lake said to be home to a legendary (friendly) monster. Egilsstadir is also getting a name for itself for its excellent locally sourced cuisine.

Overnight in the Eastfjords area

day 5 - Lake Myvantn Area

Explore the empty vastness of the highland desert plateau Modrudalsoraefi, desolate and yet hauntingly beautiful in its winter snows, as you head towards the Lake Myvatn area. On the way, stop at Dettifoss, Europe’s largest and most powerful waterfall. Continue onwards to Namaskard Pass with its boiling mud pools and vibrant colors. We often feel like we are visiting another planet when we come here, and you may the same way. It’s such a surreal experience! Please note: The visit to Dettifoss waterfall depends on weather and road conditions and cannot be guaranteed. Explore the natural beauty of the Lake Myvatn area, including the pseudo craters at Skutustadir and the Laxa Salmon River. You will probably see why this area, especially during the wintertime, has been so popular for movie makers

Overnight stay in the Myvatn area

day 6 - Akureyri And The Troll Peninsula

Start the day by exploring the peculiar lava formations at Dimmuborgir after your breakfast. The name means “Dark Citadels” in Icelandic, and they certainly look as though were built by fantasy creatures. There are local legends that elves live here. Visit the magnificent Godafoss waterfall, one of the most important symbols of North Iceland. Afterward, drive to Akureyri, the colorful northern “capital” of Iceland. The town has charming buildings and a beautiful view of the Eyjafjordur fjord. After spending some time in Akureyri, continue along the coastal roads of Eyjafjordur and the Troll Peninsula. This is a beautiful drive along steep mountains with amazing views over the Arctic Sea and the black sand coastline. Enjoy a stop in Siglufjordur, a town set in a beautiful fjord of the same name. This town has some of the finest timber buildings in the country, beautifully restored to their original glory. Visit Siglufjordur’s award-winning Herring-Era Maritime Museum. The museum recreates the atmosphere of the early 20th century when Siglufjordur was transformed into a frontier-like boom town, thanks to a large migration of herring. The museum will transport you back to that exciting time. Afterward, head along majestic mountains and narrow passes to Skagafjordur, considered to be one of the finest places in Iceland for horse breeding

Overnight in Northwest Iceland

day 7 - Skagafjordur – Borgarnes

Today, enjoy an introduction to the unique Icelandic horse breed with its special fifth gait, the tolt. Icelandic horses are very important to the country’s history. These gentle horses are known as the Icelandic people’s most faithful servants. Continue towards the village of Blonduos, built on both sides of the river Blanda. This is a part of Iceland known from the Icelandic literary work Vatnsdaela Saga. Cross the Holtavorduheidi plateau, taking you into West Iceland. Drive through Borgarfjordur, a region that has been getting international recognition for its diverse landscapes and its Viking history.

Overnight in the Borgarnes area

day 8 - Borgarfjordur – Thingvellir - Reykjavik

Today visit some of West Iceland’s beautiful natural wonders. Drive to Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe. Stop to admire the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls, where brightly blue water rushes through black lava formations. Nearby is Barnafoss, a waterfall with a brilliantly blue color. Drive through the scenic and mountain-lined Hvalfjordur fjord to Lake Thingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest lake, and Thingvellir National Park. This UNESCO heritage site is where the world’s oldest continuing parliamentary government was founded in the 10th century. It is also the place where the North American and European tectonic plates meet. You will have the unusual experience of walking between two continents! Afterward, head to Reykjavik for a last night in the colorful capital city.

Overnight in Reykjavik

day 9 - Reykjavik (departure) –

Today drive back to Keflavik International Airport to drop of your car rental. We recommend departing Reykjavik no later than 3 hours before your flight.

Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount

Download a detailed PDF brochure and unlock an exclusive discount for this tour

What's Included

Accommodation

Accommodation in Standard hotels on twin sharing basis as listed or similar

Meals

8 Icelandic style breakfasts

Others

Car rental for 09days including:Pick up and drop off at Keflavik International AirportRental car type: 4x4 Manual transmission (Nissan Juke 4WD Manual or similar) including:Unlimited mileageTheft Protection. Unwaivable charges may applyCollision Damage Waiver Reduction (CDW). Unwaivable charges may applyAll currently applicable local taxes

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

This tour has not received any customer reviews yet. However, you can expect a PremierThis travel specialist is consistently delivering tours which receive customer ratings above 4.8 on average. tour and service level as the travel specialist who runs it has received 295 reviews for other tours with an average 4.8rating.

Request a Private, Customizable Departure

By design, this is a group tour. You can however request a private, customized version of this tour for yourself or your private group of people. Private departures are usually more expensive, but come with these benefits:

Personal

Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.

Professional

Access our Travel Specialists' insider knowledge.

Privacy

Enjoy a tour focused solely on you or your travel group.

Protected

Travel within your own bubble.

Request a private and/or personalized departure

To design a private tour, we'll ask you some more information in the following steps.

Tour Availability

Select your preferred departure date and secure your spot

Christmas Super Sales Extended SalesUp to 5% off

Loading availability...

Good to Know

Cancellation

Payment

Travel Insurance

Visa

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our travel experts are ready to help.

Why Book with Bookmundi

Earn USD 72+ in travel credits.

Best price guaranteed.

No credit card or booking fees.

100% financial protection.Bookmundi is a member of the Danish Travel Fund which guarantees for any payment made via us. Our guarantee covers all travelers, irrespective of nationality.

Carbon neutral tours.Algorithms and machine learning enables Bookmundi to calculate the carbon footprint for each tour. We then subsequently offset carbon emissions for all tour bookings on Bookmundi via investments in carbon reduction projects to help combat climate change.

25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

4.67/5

Excellent based on 808 customer reviews from

Anonymous

Sistema di prenotazione semplice e intuibile. In caso di necessità le istruzioni presenti sul sito sono risultate utili e chiare. Nessun problema riscontrato

1 week ago

Similar Tours You Might Like

Discover our top tours similar to Iceland Explorer Self Drive Winter that you might like.

Iceland Circle - 8 Days

4.0(1 review)

Discover the untamed beauty of Iceland on the "Iceland Circle - 8 Days" tour, an easy-paced natural landmarks sightseeing journey designed for those enchanted by both history and landscapes. Travel from Reykjavik through Namaskard Hot Springs, Akureyri, and beyond, encountering glacier lagoons, volcanic wonders, and the famed Golden Circle. Explore rural towns, marvel at Lake Mývatn, and immerse yourself in the culture of the ‘Capital of the North.’ With group hotels, transport, and meals included, the tour’s unique selling point is its year-round access, offering the full spectrum of Iceland’s natural and cultural marvels in a single, expertly guided loop.

8 days

Northern Lights Exploration - 8 days

Chase the magic of Iceland’s winter on the "Northern Lights Exploration - 8 Days" tour, starting and ending in Reykjavik. Designed for travelers who appreciate nature’s spectacles with a touch of comfort, this easy-paced group trip takes you through the wonders of West and South Iceland—from the erupting geysers of the Golden Circle to the soothing waters of the Blue Lagoon. Climb a volcano, meet Icelandic horses, and spend evenings scanning the sky for the elusive Northern Lights. With hotels, transport, and meals included, the standout feature of this tour package is its comprehensive coverage of Iceland’s seasonal highlights, combining natural marvels and cultural encounters for a truly inclusive winter adventure.

8 days

Journeys: Explore Iceland

5.0(7 reviews)

Let Iceland’s legendary landscapes captivate you on the “Journeys: Explore Iceland” tour package. Beginning and ending in Reykjavik, this nine-day guided journey invites you to experience the country’s most iconic natural wonders. Traverse the dramatic Snaefellsnes Peninsula, stroll along haunting black sand beaches, and hike to vibrant, rainbow-streaked waterfalls. Delve into the geothermal power of active volcanoes and witness the dynamic meeting point of two continental plates. Along the way, your itinerary weaves in cultural encounters, offering insight into Icelandic traditions and the resilient spirit of its people. This sightseeing tour moves at a comfortable pace, allowing you to fully absorb the otherworldly beauty that has inspired fantasy writers from Jules Verne to Tolkien and George R. R. Martin. Each day unveils a new facet of Iceland’s ‘fire and ice’ allure—whether you’re marveling at glacial lagoons, exploring historic villages, or relaxing in cozy accommodations included in your package. A key highlight of this trip is the blend of nature and culture: not only do you witness natural phenomena up close, but you also gain a deeper understanding of local life through guided experiences and authentic interactions. Perfect for travelers eager to combine scenic beauty with meaningful exploration, this small-group tour ensures a memorable and immersive Iceland adventure.

9 days

Natural Wonders of Iceland

4.8(36 reviews)

Breathe in the fresh air of Iceland as you tour the scenic bay of Reykjavik, uncover volcanoes on the way to Vik and explore the geothermal hubbub of Lake Mývatn—near Akureyri. From the thunder of the two-tiered Gullfoss Waterfall and the geothermal floating pools of Egilsstaðir to the black lava fields of Búðir and the sea cliffs of Arnastapi, experience every imaginable landscape on this one week guided tour. Take an Insight Choice in Reykjavik between either a visit to the Perlan Museum with the Wonders of Iceland's one-of-a-kind exhibition to experience Iceland’s natural beauty or experience the magic of Iceland on an exhilarating flight-ride at FlyOver to see incredible scenery from sweeping glaciers to stunning fjords. In Hellisheidi, visit Iceland’s flagship geothermal heat and power station, and learn how this scientific wonder helped the country generate 70% of its power from renewable energy sources.

9 days

Iceland - Land of the Midnight Sun

4.9(8 reviews)

Discover the land of the midnight sun on our summer adventure following Iceland's scenic Ring Road. Explore Iceland's two cities, Reykjavik and Akureyri, and delve into the rural wonders - from volcanoes to waterfalls and glaciers - that make up the country's famously dramatic landscapes. Golden Circle - Explore the remarkable natural wonders of Thingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss. Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon - Drift past icebergs and look out for seals on a boat trip across the lagoon. Eastern Fjords - Spot puffins and discover mountainous landscapes carved by glaciers over the years. Eclipse Departure - Book our 4th August 2026 trip for special eclipse tour with Astronomer Andy Green

9 days

Iceland Circle

This valeu group tour will show you the most magnificent attractions and otherworldly beauty of Iceland. Travel along the Ring Road and discover breathtaking scenery showcasing dramatic landscapes. Begin your tour in Reykjavik, home to steaming hot springs, spectacular waterfalls, and astonishing views of the Northern Lights (seen during certain times of the year). Continue your journey to Akureyri and explore the magical capital of Northern Iceland. From there you will travel to Godafoss and uncover the natural wonders of Lake Myvatn, Kalfastrond, Skutustadir, Hverfjall, and Myvatn. Walk through the fascinating lava labyrinth in the dark castles of Dimmuborgir. Rejuvenate your mind and body with a visit to Namaskard and admire the dramatic fjords of Egilsstaoir. Bask in the beauty of Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Europe. Embark on a scenic drive towards the Skogafoss Waterfall and explore the Golden Circle Route. Finally, you will travel to Thingvellir National Park, an extraordinary World Heritage Site before you end your trip with a city tour of Reykjavik.

8 days

Iceland Explorer Winter

Embrace the power and poetry of Iceland in winter on this immersive escorted group journey around the Ring Road. Discover the raw forces of nature that shape this land of fire and ice — from mighty glaciers and volcanic craters to bubbling hot springs and thunderous waterfalls, all blanketed under a pristine winter coat. Guided by an expert local, explore the dramatic beauty of Lake Mývatn’s geothermal landscapes, stand in awe at the floating icebergs of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and walk the black sands of Diamond Beach. Witness the magic of the Golden Circle, including the roaring Gullfoss waterfall, erupting Strokkur geyser, and the tectonic rift at Þingvellir National Park — a place where continents drift apart. Winter transforms Iceland into a wonderland of icy serenity, where snow-capped peaks glow under the low Arctic sun and the elusive Northern Lights may paint the night sky. This classic circle tour offers the perfect balance of Iceland’s top natural wonders and cultural heritage — a truly unforgettable winter escape.

9 days

Keep Exploring Iceland

Europe

Asia

South America

Africa

North America

Oceania

Polar

Food, wine, events and nightlife

Adventure and sport

Wildlife, landscapes and nature

Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife

Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history

Air tours, road trips and transfers

Beach, romance, getaways and relaxation

Special interests and hobbies

Hi there

Highlights