Self-Drive FROM SOUTH TO WEST

Fly to Iceland and collect your rental car on arrival at Keflavik International Airport. Drive along the coast up to the town of Hveragerdi, where you will be staying your first night. First stop on the Golden Circle route is Thingvellir, where the world’s oldest parliament was established around 930 AD. Thingvellir is on the World Heritage List, first published by UNESCO in 1972. Continuing on to Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir hot springs area, you will have the chance to visit one of the most remarkable tourist attractions in Iceland. On the way, back you might want to stop at Skalholt. Skálholt was home to the head of the Icelandic Church from 1056 AD. The Church had its headquarters here for nearly 750 years. The geothermal pool of Secret Lagoon you find nearby Skalholt. You can also make a stop at the ancient volcanic crater of Kerid, which is thought to be around 3,000 years old.

Today you can have the chance to explore Borgarfjordur area and Reykholt, one of the most important historical places in the country and visit the Snorri-Museum. The beautiful waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. Next to the Hredavatnsskali lies the ring krater of the extinct Grabrok Volcano, the climb up there is tiring, but the view is splendid. You continue the travel to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. The main attraction of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is the Snaefellsjokul glacier. Even today, it is said to have magic powers. In Jules Verne’s novel, “Travels to the Center of the Earth” the glacier is the gate to a subterranean path. Overnight in the Snaefellsnes area for 2 nights

In Budir on the southern coast of the peninsula lies Iceland’s ‘Copacabana’.  A beautiful church surrounded by a small cemetery hovers above the golden sand dunes and the background of the snow covered Snaefellsjokul glacier. The fishing village Arnarstapi is known for its basalt coast and a picturesque harbor.  A 2.5 km long street leads you relatively quickly to the “Badstofa” (bathhouse) cave of Hellnar, also set on an interesting basalt coast. Next, the bird cliffs of Londrangar:  these peculiar rock formations can be seen from the main road but you can also drive down to Malarrif and take a short hike from there to the rock formations and back. Atlantic puffins, razorbills, kittiwakes and many bird species invite to a further break.  On the west side of the peninsula a 2.5 km street veers off to Dritvk. Here a foot path leads to the sea. From there a 1 km long hike takes you to he no longer populated village Dritvík, where only the foundations of the houses remain. There is also a beautiful cave called Vatnshellir where you can go on guided tours.  You will find Kirkjufell Mountain by the town of Grundarfjordur, which is one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland.

You can start the day with a boat excursion from the town of Stykkisholmur, before you head back to Reykjavik. Hiking option at the bottom of the fjord Hvalfjordur, were you can take a 3-4 hours hike to one of the highest waterfalls in Iceland, Glymur, with its stunning 196m drop.  Take a stroll in the old city of Reykjavik in the afternoon, with the small colorful houses, shops, galleries and cafes. There are options for city sightseeing excursions and boat-tours from the city harbor, as well as guided walk tours with both food and beer tasting on the way. Visit the beautiful concert house Harpa by the harbor. Reykjavik has many outdoor swimming pools, open from early morning to late evening and a good way to ease the body after a long drive. Laugavegur shopping-street is worth visiting, and you will find the big shopping center Kringlan near by the city center. Enjoy your last evening in the city.

Check out of your accommodation and drop off your rental car at Keflavik Airport.