Iceland’s ultimate self-drive adventure

Your Icelandic adventure begins in Reykjavík, a compact, creative capital where Nordic cool combines with that quintessential geothermal warmth. Depending on arrival time, you might stop at the Blue Lagoon en route from Keflavík Airport for a restorative soak in the mineral-rich waters. Settle in and enjoy the city’s harbour cafés, contemporary art galleries and striking architecture before heading north to the wild landscapes of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Over the next two days, explore a region often dubbed ‘Iceland in Miniature’ , where black beaches, sea cliffs, lava fields and volcanoes collide in a cinematic sweep.

Leaving the peninsula behind, wind your way north to Akureyri (Iceland’s unofficial northern capital) with an overnight stop in Hvammstangi along the way. This coastal village is a peaceful place to stretch your legs and spot seals basking on the shore.

Once in Akureyri, you’ll find yourself surrounded by fjord views and local charm. Stroll through the botanical gardens, browse design boutiques, or take a scenic detour along the quieter roads through Siglufjörður and Ólafsfjörður, where mountain tunnels give way to spectacular coastal views. From here, it’s an easy drive to Lake Mývatn, where volcanic drama is the main event.

Head north to the colourful harbour town of Húsavík – the whale watching capital of Iceland. Board a traditional oak boat or modern RIB to spot humpbacks breaching in the bay, often accompanied by puffins and playful dolphins. Inland, explore the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi Canyon – a striking natural amphitheatre steeped in Norse legend and perfect for a peaceful hike.

From here, journey east across stark highland plateaus and stop at Modrudalur, a remote farmstead with turf-roofed buildings and views that stretch for miles. This is Iceland at its most untouched. Continue to the East Fjords, where steep mountains plunge into mirror-like bays and fishing villages feel frozen in time.

Leaving the fjords behind, the road begins to bend southward – and the scale of the landscapes steps up again. Pass dramatic peaks and black-sand plains as you approach the Vatnajökull region, home to Europe’s largest glacier. Stop at Höfn for sweeping views of the coast, then continue to the craggy silhouette of Mt Vestrahorn, a photographer’s dream.

A highlight awaits at Jökulsárlón, where luminous blue icebergs drift across a glacial lagoon and seals laze on the shore. Nearby, Diamond Beach glitters with ice fragments washed up on volcanic sands. In Skaftafell National Park, follow gentle trails to Svartifoss (a waterfall framed by basalt columns) or take a glacier walk for a closer look at the ice.

Round off your journey with Iceland’s most iconic trio: the Golden Circle. Begin at Þingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates drift apart in a rift valley rich with geological drama and historic significance. It was here that Iceland’s parliament first gathered over 1,000 years ago.

From there, head to the erupting geysers of Haukadalur, where Strokkur sends steaming water skyward every few minutes, and the thundering double cascade of Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most photogenic waterfalls. If time allows, make a detour to the turf-roofed church at Skálholt or relax in a hidden geothermal spring.