Explore South Coast, Diamond Beach, and Snæfellsnes Highlights Road Trip
Experience the very best of Iceland's south and west coasts on this perfectly paced 7-day self-drive adventure. This week-long journey combines the country's most iconic attractions with the diverse landscapes of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, creating an unforgettable introduction to the Land of Fire and Ice. From thundering waterfalls and black sand beaches to floating icebergs and erupting geysers, every day brings new wonders.
Your journey takes you along Iceland's stunning south coast, where dramatic scenery unfolds at every turn. Walk behind the cascading waters of Seljalandsfoss, stand in awe before the powerful Skógafoss waterfall, and stroll along the otherworldly black sand beaches near Vík, where towering basalt sea stacks rise from the Atlantic. The highlight of the south coast is undoubtedly Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where massive icebergs drift serenely through crystal-blue water before washing up on nearby Diamond Beach like scattered jewels on black sand.
Explore the world-famous Golden Circle, witnessing the raw power of Gullfoss as it plunges into a rugged canyon, watching Strokkur geyser erupt every few minutes, and walking between tectonic plates at historic Þingvellir National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is where Iceland's ancient parliament was founded over a thousand years ago, making it a place of both geological and historical significance.
The Snæfellsnes peninsula adds a magical dimension to your 7-day adventure. Often called 'Iceland in Miniature,' this region showcases incredible diversity in a compact area. Marvel at the iconic Kirkjufell mountain, explore dramatic coastal cliffs at Arnarstapi, walk the black pebble beach at Djúpalónssandur, and discover charming fishing villages where traditions run deep. Throughout your journey, the mystical Snæfellsjökull glacier dominates the skyline, its ice-capped peak inspiring wonder and legend.
With handpicked accommodations, complete freedom to explore at your own pace, and a carefully crafted itinerary covering the best of south and west Iceland, this 7-day tour is perfect for first-time visitors wanting to experience Iceland's greatest hits.
On this tour you will...
Roam black sand beaches on Iceland’s south coast
Hop between powerful and majestic waterfalls
Watch geysers erupt and hot springs bubble
Dive into the diversity of the Snæfellsnes peninsula
Immerse yourself in the pristine nature of national parks
Stay at guesthouses and hotels all over the countryside
Top attractions
Vík í Mýrdal
Skógafoss
Seljalandsfoss
Þingvellir National Park
Gullfoss
Geysir and Strokkur
Vatnajökull Glacier & National Park
Skaftafell
Hraunfossar and Barnafoss
Arnarstapi
Kirkjufell
Downtown Reykjavík
Why book a self-drive trip with Iceland Tours?
Start your tour on the date that suits you
24/7 emergency helpline in Iceland
Secure your booking with just a 5% deposit
New rental cars with 2 drivers as standard
Handpicked local accommodation options
Best Price Guarantee
Your 7-day self-drive itinerary
Your exciting 7-day Icelandic adventure begins the moment you land at Keflavík Airport. After collecting your rental car and familiarizing yourself with the vehicle, you'll embark on the scenic 50-kilometer drive to Reykjavík through dramatic lava fields that stretch as far as the eye can see. This initial journey offers your first glimpse of Iceland's unique volcanic landscape, with moss-covered lava rocks creating an otherworldly green carpet across the black stone. As you approach the capital, you'll catch views of the Atlantic Ocean and distant mountains.
Once you arrive in Reykjavík, check into your accommodation and take time to explore Iceland's charming capital at your leisure. Wander through the colorful downtown streets lined with independent shops, cozy cafes, and excellent restaurants. Visit the striking Hallgrímskirkja church for panoramic views over the city, stroll along the harbor where fishing boats still come and go, or simply relax and prepare for the incredible week ahead. Reykjavík offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and cosmopolitan energy, making it an ideal place to start your Icelandic journey.
Highlights
Downtown Reykjavík
Extra activities
ExtraFlyOver Iceland
ExtraSky Lagoon Saman Pass
ExtraClassic Whale Watching from Reykjavík
ExtraPuffin Watching
ExtraThe Reykjavík Food Walk
ExtraHorse Riding from Reykjavík
ExtraInside the Volcano tour from Bláfjöll
Today you'll discover the stunning scenery of Iceland's famous south coast, a region renowned for its dramatic waterfalls and unique coastal landscapes. Your first stop is Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland's most photographed waterfalls, where you can actually walk behind the curtain of falling water for a truly unique perspective. The path takes you into a small cave behind the falls, offering incredible views through the water. Don't forget to visit the hidden Gljúfrabúi waterfall nearby, tucked inside a narrow canyon.
Continue to Skógafoss, one of Iceland's largest and most impressive waterfalls, where 25 cubic meters of water per second plunges 60 meters over a cliff. Climb the stairs beside the falls for spectacular aerial views, or walk right up to the base to feel the power and spray. Consider visiting the nearby Skógar Folk Museum to see how Icelanders lived for centuries. For a truly unique experience, hike to Seljavallalaug, one of Iceland's oldest swimming pools nestled in a beautiful hidden valley. Continue along the coast to visit the dramatic black sand beaches near Vík and Reynishverfi. Stop at Dyrhólaey cape for stunning coastal views and potential puffin sightings during summer months.
Today brings one of the most spectacular experiences of your entire 7-day journey as you head east toward the magnificent Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. The drive itself is breathtaking, passing through landscapes of black sand deserts, green farmlands, and towering glaciers. Stop at Skaftafell, a beautiful oasis surrounded by glaciers and black sand plains that offers excellent hiking opportunities through birch forests with views of glacial tongues and waterfalls. The trails range from easy walks to more challenging hikes, all showcasing the dramatic meeting of ice and land.
Continue to Jökulsárlón, where enormous icebergs that have calved from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier drift slowly through the deep blue lagoon. The icebergs range from brilliant white to stunning shades of blue, some streaked with black volcanic ash, creating an ever-changing natural sculpture garden. Watch seals pop up between the ice chunks, and listen to the occasional crack and splash as ice breaks apart. Cross the road to Diamond Beach, where smaller ice chunks wash ashore on the black volcanic sand, sparkling like giant diamonds in the sunlight. Each piece glows with an ethereal blue light, creating one of Iceland's most photogenic locations. After experiencing this natural wonder, drive back west to Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur for your second night.
Today you'll begin exploring the world-famous Golden Circle, starting with two of Iceland's most iconic natural attractions. Drive to the Geysir geothermal area, where the earth's power is on full display. Watch as Strokkur geyser erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, shooting a powerful column of boiling water up into the air. The anticipation before each eruption creates excitement, and the moment the water shoots skyward never gets old. Walk around the area to see numerous smaller hot springs bubbling and steaming, painted in vivid colors by mineral deposits. The smell of sulfur fills the air, reminding you of the intense geothermal activity beneath your feet. Continue to Gullfoss, one of Iceland's most beautiful and powerful waterfalls. Here, the Hvítá river plunges in two dramatic stages into a rugged canyon, creating massive clouds of mist that often produce rainbows on sunny days. Walk along the viewing platforms to experience different perspectives of this majestic waterfall.
For a relaxing end to your day, consider visiting Laugarvatn Fontana Spa at nearby Laugarvatn lake. This natural geothermal spa features interconnected baths and steam rooms built directly over hot springs, offering a unique and authentic Icelandic spa experience with views over the lake.
Start your day at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that holds both geological and historical significance. Walk through the dramatic Almannagjá rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are visibly pulling apart, creating deep fissures and towering rock walls. This is one of the few places on Earth where you can see the effects of continental drift above ground. The park is also where Iceland's ancient parliament, the Alþingi, was established in 930 AD and met for centuries, making it the birthplace of Icelandic democracy and one of the oldest parliamentary sites in the world.
Continue north to the Borgarfjörður region, an area rich in natural beauty and saga history. Visit Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring in terms of water flow, where boiling water emerges from the ground at an incredible rate. Stop at the historic village of Reykholt, once home to medieval scholar Snorri Sturluson. Don't miss the enchanting Hraunfossar waterfalls, where crystal-clear water flows from beneath a lava field directly into the Hvítá river, creating a series of beautiful cascades that seem to emerge magically from the black rock. The contrast is stunning and unique. Settle into your accommodation in the west for the night.
Today is dedicated to exploring the magnificent Snæfellsnes peninsula, often called 'Iceland in Miniature' because it showcases such incredible landscape diversity in a relatively compact area. Begin your exploration in Snæfellsjökull National Park, where the mystical ice-capped volcano that inspired Jules Verne's 'Journey to the Center of the Earth' dominates the landscape. Drive along the coastal road, passing through charming fishing villages where colorful houses cluster around small harbors and traditional ways of life continue.
Stop at the iconic Kirkjufell mountain, one of Iceland's most photographed peaks, which rises dramatically beside a cascading waterfall. Visit the black pebble beach at Djúpalónssandur, where you can test your strength on ancient lifting stones once used to determine if fishermen were fit for sea duty. Rusted remnants of a shipwreck scattered across the beach serve as haunting reminders of the ocean's power. Marvel at the striking Gerðuberg basalt columns, where geometric rock formations create a natural wall that seems almost too perfect to be natural.
Explore the dramatic coastal cliffs at Arnarstapi, where waves have carved natural arches and sea stacks. Visit the tiny hamlet of Búðir, home to an iconic black church standing alone against lava fields. Drive back to Reykjavík for your final night in Iceland.
Your wonderful 7-day journey through south and west Iceland comes to an end today. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few hours to enjoy a final morning in Reykjavík. Take a leisurely breakfast at one of the city's excellent cafes, perhaps trying traditional Icelandic pastries like kleinur or a hearty skyr parfait. Do some last-minute souvenir shopping for Icelandic wool sweaters, local chocolate, or unique design items. If time permits, visit any Reykjavík attractions you might have missed during your arrival day. Browse the shops along Laugavegur, the main shopping street, or visit the modern Harpa concert hall on the waterfront to admire its stunning glass architecture. Take one final walk through the colorful streets, soaking in the unique atmosphere of this northernmost capital city.
For those with later flights, consider a relaxing visit to the Blue Lagoon on your way to the airport, ending your Icelandic adventure with a soak in the famous milky-blue geothermal waters. Drive to Keflavík Airport with a camera full of incredible photos and memories of waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and Iceland's dramatic landscapes. You're already planning your return.
What’s included?
Detailed itinerary
Budget, Comfort, or Quality accommodation every night
Continental breakfast every day
Rental car of your choice for 6 days
2 authorized drivers as standard
Unlimited in-car Wi-Fi
Unlimited mileage
Collision damage waiver
24/7 emergency helpline when you’re in Iceland
Carbon offsetting of your tour
VAT, taxes & service fees
Flights to Iceland
Food & drink, unless otherwise stated
Attraction entrance fees, unless otherwise stated
Fuel & parking charges
Personal travel insurance
Customer reviews
Read what real customers had to say about South & West Iceland in a Week.
FAQs about our self-drive trips
On a self-drive trip with Iceland Tours, you’ll be at the wheel of the rental car of your choice and free to go pretty much where you want, whenever you want.
We provide a detailed itinerary to help you plan your route and where you want to stop along the way. But it’s up to you whether you want to stick to it or go your own way. If you do take detours, make sure that you aren’t too far from your accommodation on any given night.
That said, it’s a good idea to stick to the suggested itinerary if you’ve never visited Iceland before. Created by our Reykjavík-based travel experts, it contains plenty of things for you to and see and do on each leg of your trip. One thing’s for sure: you won’t be short on ideas!
You also get unlimited in-car Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected and use maps on your phone for navigation.
It’s best to book your trip at least a few weeks before you travel. This gives us enough time to organize your preferred accommodation and itinerary. For this reason, we’re unable to accept bookings with less than 1 week’s notice.
In the summer, which is the most popular time of year, booking a few months ahead is a good idea. In certain parts of the countryside, accommodation options are more limited and can be booked up well ahead of your trip.
You have to be at least 20 years old to rent a car in Iceland, or 23 years old for larger vehicles like jeeps and vans. You’ll need to have held a valid driver’s license for at least 1 year and present a credit card when you collect your car.
You don’t need an International Driving Permit unless your license is not in Latin script (for example, Arabic or Chinese).
Find out more about car rental in Iceland.
Yes! It’s possible to add extra activities or extend your trip with additional nights in Reykjavík or the countryside. Check the itinerary above to see what activities are available on what day.
Of course you can add extra adventures! We want you to be able to get the absolute most out of your trip to Iceland, so you can pick optional extra activities at checkout. You’ll be shown exactly what’s on offer for each day of your trip.
And if you feel like you just don’t have enough time to fit it all in, you can also add extra days.
The rules of the road in Iceland are similar to most other countries, although there are some local quirks that you might not be familiar with.
Iceland drives on the right and steering wheels are on the left side of the car. Distances and speed limits are given in kilometers only.
Roundabouts are very common in Iceland, especially in towns. If you’re not familiar with these, make sure you understand how to give way (yield) to other traffic.
In the countryside, you might encounter sheep on the road, or even reindeer in East Iceland. You may also come across gravel roads, single-lane bridges, and blind summits.
For all the info on how to handle these, see this guide to driving in Iceland.
Once you’ve paid your deposit for your trip, we’ll finalize bookings for your accommodation, rental car, and any activities. As soon as we receive confirmation of everything, we’ll email you, letting you know your travel documents are available in our portal.
We aim to finalize everything within a few weeks of receiving your booking request, but in busy periods this might take longer. That said, you’ll always receive all of your documents before your departure date.
You’ll be able to pick up your rental car at Keflavík International Airport from the arrivals hall. Before your trip, we’ll send you information about where to go in the terminal to collect your keys.
Make sure you have your driver’s license and credit card ready when you collect your vehicle.
If you land late at night, you can use the out-of-hours phone at the pick-up desk to contact someone who will be able to help you.
You also have the option to collect your rental car in Reykjavík, if you’re planning to spend some extra days in the city before your trip starts. If you’d like to do this, please let us know in the ‘Special requests’ box at checkout.
Yes, you can easily collect your rental car from Reykjavík instead of Keflavik Airport.
During the booking steps on our website, just let us know you'd prefer your pick-up/drop-off location to be in the city centre. We'll take care of it for you, no problem.
Just a quick heads-up: if you request different pick-up and drop-off locations (e.g. collect from the airport, drop off in the city, or vice versa) there's a one-way fee of around ISK 7.900 ISK (EUR 60). You'll pay this directly to the rental company when you pick up the car.
All of our self-drive tour packages include the following as standard:
- Rental car of your choice, with unlimited mileage
- Basic liability insurance coverage
- Collision damage waiver
- Authorization for second driver
- Unlimited in-car Wi-Fi
- Accommodation level of your choice
- Breakfast every day
- Detailed itinerary crafted by local travel experts
- 24/7 helpline in Iceland, just in case you need it
When you book your vacation on our website, you’ll be able to choose your preferred rental car and accommodation level.
You can see what vehicles are available on this car rental page.
On a self-drive package with Iceland Tours, you can choose from 3 levels of accommodation:
- Budget – Guesthouses and country hotels, with shared bathrooms
- Comfort – Hotels or guesthouses of around 3 stars, with private bathrooms
- Quality – Hotels or guesthouses of around 4 stars, with private bathrooms
Each accommodation level offers different types of rooms. We’ve described them below to help you choose the best one for you. Just keep in mind that not every hotel has all these room types available.
- Single room: one single bed in a room, perfect for solo travelers.
- Double room: a full-sized double bed for 2 people.
- Twin room: a room with 2 single beds that fit 1 person each.
- Triple room: these vary in size and layout, but are designed to fit 3 adults. Triple rooms feature a combination of double, single or sofa beds, depending on the hotel.
No matter which accommodation level you pick, breakfast is included. Read more about the differences between the levels on this accommodation page.
Feel like getting closer to nature? Check out these self-drive camping tours.
In Iceland, you can expect all weathers no matter what time of year you visit. With that in mind, it’s good to make sure you’ve got everything you need to stay cozy, warm, and dry.
Here’s a packing list to help you get ready for your trip:
- Tough, waterproof walking boots
- Thermal underlayers
- Sweaters or fleeces
- Waterproof raincoat
- Warm winter jacket
- Scarf, hat, and gloves
- Sunglasses
- Swimwear (for pools and hot springs)
- Lip salve and moisturizer
For more tips on what to bring with you, see this Iceland packing list.
No worries! Iceland Tours is already offsetting the carbon footprint of your tour package. We've teamed up with an environmental fund in Iceland to cover the carbon offset for all our tours.
Carbon offsetting for international flights is not included, but we suggest checking with your airline or through a local environmental fund for options.
This 7-day tour is absolutely ideal for first-time visitors because it combines Iceland's most iconic attractions with incredible hidden gems! You'll experience the world-famous Golden Circle including Þingvellir National Park where you can walk between tectonic plates and see Strokkur geyser shooting water 15-20 meters into the air. The magical Snæfellsnes Peninsula gives you that incredible "Iceland in miniature" experience with the mystical Snæfellsjökull glacier and iconic Kirkjufell mountain from Game of Thrones. Unlike longer Ring Road tours this itinerary keeps you closer to Reykjavík which means less driving and more time actually exploring each amazing location. You'll get the perfect introduction to Iceland's diverse landscapes from geothermal wonders to dramatic coastlines without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
This perfectly planned 7-day tour gives you the best of both worlds! The Golden Circle portion showcases Iceland's geological wonders including the historic Þingvellir National Park and the powerful Gullfoss waterfall plus the famous geothermal area where Strokkur geyser performs its incredible show. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula adds that magical "Iceland in miniature" experience with diverse landscapes from black pebble beaches at Djúpalónssandur to the charming fishing villages of Stykkishólmur and Arnarstapi. You'll have dedicated time for both regions without the marathon driving of full Ring Road tours. The seven days allow for a relaxed pace where you can really soak in each experience and take those perfect photos without constantly checking your watch.
Kirkjufell mountain is absolutely Iceland's most photographed peak for good reason! This 463-meter cone-shaped mountain creates the perfect composition with Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall in the foreground. You'll instantly recognize it from Game of Thrones where it appeared as the "arrowhead mountain." The entire Snæfellsnes Peninsula offers incredible diversity in a compact area which is why locals call it "Iceland in miniature." You'll explore the mystical Snæfellsjökull glacier that inspired Jules Verne's "Journey to the Center of the Earth" plus dramatic coastal formations like Lóndrangar rock pinnacles and the golden beach at Ytri Tunga where seals love to hang out. The peninsula gives you that otherworldly Iceland experience with charming fishing villages and volcanic landscapes all within easy driving distances.
Absolutely! This 7-day tour offers fantastic opportunities to add exciting activities that complement your sightseeing perfectly. Popular additions include glacier hiking experiences and exploring Iceland's incredible lava caves and ice formations. You could add the Blue Ice Experience glacier walk or discover the fascinating underground world of lava tubes. Snorkeling in Silfra fissure at Þingvellir is an incredible add-on where you can literally swim between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in crystal-clear glacial water. Whale watching tours operate from Reykjavík and other coastal areas throughout the operating season. Your accommodations are arranged when you book giving you flexibility to add activities that match your interests and energy level. The seven-day timeframe provides perfect pacing for both sightseeing and adventure activities.
This tour operates during Iceland's optimal travel season when you'll have extended daylight hours and the most predictable weather conditions! Summer months offer up to 19 hours of daylight which means you can explore attractions from early morning until late evening with gorgeous golden light that seems to last forever. You'll experience Iceland's famous lupine flowers painting the countryside purple and have excellent opportunities to see diverse wildlife along Iceland's coastlines. The weather is much more stable with temperatures around 10-15°C and minimal risk of road closures. Spring and fall shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and unique seasonal beauty with dramatic skies and changing landscapes. The extended operating season gives you flexibility to choose timing that matches your preferences for weather and crowd levels.
This tour is designed with comfortable daily driving distances that never feel overwhelming! During the Golden Circle portion, you'll have 2-3 hours of sightseeing drives between attractions each day, with overnight accommodation in the Geysir/Flúðir area to minimize travel time. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula days typically include 3-4 hours of scenic coastal driving, but you'll be stopping constantly for photos and exploration.
Total daily driving times vary depending on your route and accommodation locations - some days may include additional travel time to reach your overnight stops. However, since you're staying relatively close to Reykjavík throughout the tour, overall driving distances remain much shorter than full Ring Road tours, giving you more time for actual sightseeing and activities. The seven-day pacing means you never feel rushed and can take spontaneous stops whenever something catches your eye.
Your accommodations are carefully selected and arranged when you book to guarantee excellent locations throughout your journey! You'll stay in well-positioned hotels and guesthouses that put you close to major attractions while offering authentic Icelandic hospitality. During the Golden Circle portion you might stay in the charming south Iceland countryside with easy access to the main attractions. When exploring Snæfellsnes Peninsula you'll typically stay in Stykkishólmur at charming country hotels around the peninsula that offer incredible views of the dramatic landscapes right from your accommodation window.
Budget category accommodations feature shared facilities, while other categories include private bathrooms. Breakfast is always included to fuel your daily adventures, regardless of accommodation category. The variety of locations means you'll experience different aspects of Icelandic culture from countryside charm to coastal village life while always having comfortable places to rest between days of exploration.
This 7-day Golden Circle and Snæfellsnes tour offers distinct advantages over longer Ring Road journeys! You'll experience Iceland's most iconic and accessible attractions without the marathon driving sessions that come with circling the entire country. The focus on two incredible regions means you can really dive deep into each area instead of just checking attractions off a list. You'll have more time for optional activities like glacier hiking or cave exploration because you're not constantly driving to the next distant location. The proximity to Reykjavík means you can enjoy the capital's restaurants and culture plus you'll never be too far from services or support if needed. For first-time visitors this tour provides the perfect Iceland introduction with maximum impact and minimum travel stress.
The Golden Circle portion of your tour showcases Iceland's incredible geological and historical wonders! At Þingvellir National Park you'll walk literally between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in a UNESCO World Heritage site where Iceland's ancient parliament first met in 930 AD. The Geysir geothermal area features Strokkur geyser that erupts every 4-8 minutes sending boiling water 15-20 meters into the sky creating an unforgettable natural spectacle. Gullfoss waterfall demonstrates the raw power of Icelandic nature as glacial water plunges 32 meters into a dramatic crevice with rainbow mists on sunny days. You can add incredible experiences like snorkeling in Silfra fissure or visiting local attractions like the Friðheimar tomato farm. The Golden Circle combines natural wonders with cultural heritage in a compact area that's perfect for thorough exploration.
This Iceland itinerary 7 days format transforms the Golden Circle and Snæfellsnes experience from rushed day trips into a proper Iceland adventure! Instead of cramming everything into exhausting single days you'll have time to truly appreciate each incredible location. You can watch multiple Strokkur eruptions shooting water 15-20 meters into the air and really explore Þingvellir's fascinating geological features rather than just taking quick photos. The multi-day format allows you to experience these regions during different times of day when lighting and crowds create totally different atmospheres. You'll discover spectacular attractions and take scenic detours that day-trippers never see. Plus, you can add activities like glacier hiking or cave exploration that aren't possible on rushed day tours. This 7-day Iceland itinerary gives you that perfect balance of iconic sights and authentic experiences that create lasting memories rather than just checked boxes on a tourist list.
