
Iceland
Iceland - Self-drive tour: Exclusive Iceland in winter
Iceland - Self-drive tour: Exclusive Iceland in winter
Duration
15 days
Start/End
Keflavík
Tour type
Individual
Level
Easy
Accommodation
Hotel / Guesthouse
Overview
This exclusive self-drive tour takes you along the Ring Road to Iceland's finest sights. A special highlight is the day trip into the uninhabited highlands with a private driver in a super jeep. You stay in selected 4* hotels and charming boutique hotels and have time for your own explorations.
This exclusive self-guided tour takes you to the most beautiful places in Iceland. A special highlight is the day trip to the uninhabited highlands with a private driver/guide in a 4x4 vehicle. You'll stay in select 4-star hotels and charming boutique hotels. The route along the Ring Road showcases the full diversity of Iceland's natural beauty and offers ample time for independent exploration and activities.
Tour Code
Tour language
GermanItinerary
Day 1
Arrival – Reykjavik
Accommodation in the old town
Fly to Keflavik and pick up your rental car at the airport. Drive to Reykjavik and spend the night in the Old Town. Explore the charming area of the capital on foot (if you arrive late, spend your first night near Keflavik or the airport).
Arrival – Reykjavik
Day 1
Accommodation in the old town
Fly to Keflavik and pick up your rental car at the airport. Drive to Reykjavik and spend the night in the Old Town. Explore the charming area of the capital on foot (if you arrive late, spend your first night near Keflavik or the airport).
Day 2
Parque Nacional Thingvellir – Gullfoss – Géiseres
Begin your tour with a visit to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004, renowned for its geological and historical significance. Next, explore the famous Gullfoss waterfall, the Great Geysir, and its active counterpart, Strokkur. To end the day, we recommend a lobster dinner in the old fishing village of Eyrarbakki (optional, not included). Two nights' accommodation in a boutique hotel on the south coast.
Parque Nacional Thingvellir – Gullfoss – Géiseres
Day 2
Begin your tour with a visit to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004, renowned for its geological and historical significance. Next, explore the famous Gullfoss waterfall, the Great Geysir, and its active counterpart, Strokkur. To end the day, we recommend a lobster dinner in the old fishing village of Eyrarbakki (optional, not included). Two nights' accommodation in a boutique hotel on the south coast.
Day 3
Super Jeep Highlands Experience
Today, an expert guide will take you to the uninhabited highlands in their specially adapted off-road vehicle. You can choose from several options (depending on the weather and road conditions): the Thorsmörk Valley, at the foot of the Eyjafjallajökull glacial volcano, impressive for its numerous river crossings and hanging glaciers; or travel through the Thjorsardalur Valley, passing the Viking farm of Stöng and the Haifoss and Hjalparfoss waterfalls, before reaching the Landmannalaugar region. The colorful rhyolite mountains also offer the opportunity to bathe in hot springs.
Super Jeep Highlands Experience
Day 3
Today, an expert guide will take you to the uninhabited highlands in their specially adapted off-road vehicle. You can choose from several options (depending on the weather and road conditions): the Thorsmörk Valley, at the foot of the Eyjafjallajökull glacial volcano, impressive for its numerous river crossings and hanging glaciers; or travel through the Thjorsardalur Valley, passing the Viking farm of Stöng and the Haifoss and Hjalparfoss waterfalls, before reaching the Landmannalaugar region. The colorful rhyolite mountains also offer the opportunity to bathe in hot springs.
Day 4
Vik – Skaftafell National Park
On your way to Vík, Iceland's southernmost city, drive along the coast and stop at the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. Discover fascinating facts about Icelandic life at the Skógafoss Museum. Just off the Ring Road lies Skaftafell National Park, with its Svartifoss waterfall framed by basalt columns. Enjoy the magnificent glacial scenery. 2 nights in a boutique hotel or a 4-star hotel.
Vik – Skaftafell National Park
Day 4
On your way to Vík, Iceland's southernmost city, drive along the coast and stop at the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. Discover fascinating facts about Icelandic life at the Skógafoss Museum. Just off the Ring Road lies Skaftafell National Park, with its Svartifoss waterfall framed by basalt columns. Enjoy the magnificent glacial scenery. 2 nights in a boutique hotel or a 4-star hotel.
Day 5
Glacial lagoon or Laki crater line
Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe, and the stunning Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon are the day's main attractions. The Zodiac boat trip among the floating icebergs lasts approximately one hour. Thermal overalls are provided (price per person: approx. €103).
Glacial lagoon or Laki crater line
Day 5
Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe, and the stunning Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon are the day's main attractions. The Zodiac boat trip among the floating icebergs lasts approximately one hour. Thermal overalls are provided (price per person: approx. €103).
Day 6
East Fjords – Egilsstadir
From the fishing village of Höfn, you'll travel along the coast to Iceland's oldest geological region: the East Fjords. You'll visit the fishing villages of Djupivogur, Breiddalsvik, and Faskrudsfjördur, as well as the extraordinary rock formations of Petra Maria Ljosbjörg. Your destination is the Egilsstaðir region. Enjoy two nights at an eco-friendly boutique hotel on the lakefront, complete with a spa, wellness facilities, and a culinary concept featuring locally sourced ingredients.
East Fjords – Egilsstadir
Day 6
From the fishing village of Höfn, you'll travel along the coast to Iceland's oldest geological region: the East Fjords. You'll visit the fishing villages of Djupivogur, Breiddalsvik, and Faskrudsfjördur, as well as the extraordinary rock formations of Petra Maria Ljosbjörg. Your destination is the Egilsstaðir region. Enjoy two nights at an eco-friendly boutique hotel on the lakefront, complete with a spa, wellness facilities, and a culinary concept featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Day 7
Highlights of the East
Explore Lake Lögurinn and hike to Hengifoss waterfall. Further inland, you'll reach the Wildlife Centre, a farm on the edge of the highlands that showcases how Icelanders lived in bygone eras. A young family living there will show you faithful replicas of a restaurant and a bridge. In this meticulously recreated museum (admission included), you'll be transported back in time!
Highlights of the East
Day 7
Explore Lake Lögurinn and hike to Hengifoss waterfall. Further inland, you'll reach the Wildlife Centre, a farm on the edge of the highlands that showcases how Icelanders lived in bygone eras. A young family living there will show you faithful replicas of a restaurant and a bridge. In this meticulously recreated museum (admission included), you'll be transported back in time!
Day 8
Egilsstadir – Lake Myvatn
From Egilsstaðir, your journey will take you through the uninhabited and desert-like region of Mödrudalsöraefi to the solfatara fields of Namaskard. Explore the Mývatn area (meaning "Mosquito Lake"), an active volcanic zone with pseudocraters, strange lava formations, and fertile plains with lush vegetation and diverse birdlife. Our tip: A hot soak in the Mývatn Nature Baths, the Blue Lagoon of the North, is incredibly relaxing, and after 6:00 PM (open until 9:00 PM) there are usually very few visitors. 2 nights in a 4-star hotel by the lake.
Egilsstadir – Lake Myvatn
Day 8
From Egilsstaðir, your journey will take you through the uninhabited and desert-like region of Mödrudalsöraefi to the solfatara fields of Namaskard. Explore the Mývatn area (meaning "Mosquito Lake"), an active volcanic zone with pseudocraters, strange lava formations, and fertile plains with lush vegetation and diverse birdlife. Our tip: A hot soak in the Mývatn Nature Baths, the Blue Lagoon of the North, is incredibly relaxing, and after 6:00 PM (open until 9:00 PM) there are usually very few visitors. 2 nights in a 4-star hotel by the lake.
Day 9
Dettifoss Waterfall – Husavik – Asbyrgi
Perhaps you'll decide to take a trip to the awe-inspiring Dettifoss waterfall, the most powerful in Europe, walk through the horseshoe-shaped Asbyrgi canyon under the protection of the Norse gods, or set off from the fishing village of Husavik for a whale-watching excursion in Skjalfandi Bay.
Dettifoss Waterfall – Husavik – Asbyrgi
Day 9
Perhaps you'll decide to take a trip to the awe-inspiring Dettifoss waterfall, the most powerful in Europe, walk through the horseshoe-shaped Asbyrgi canyon under the protection of the Norse gods, or set off from the fishing village of Husavik for a whale-watching excursion in Skjalfandi Bay.
Day 10
Akureyri – Siglufjördur
On your way to Akureyri, the largest city in the north, you'll be impressed by Goðafoss, the "Waterfall of the Gods." A stroll through Akureyri is worthwhile before continuing your journey to Dalvik. Have you ever bathed in beer? This and much more is possible at the Bjorbödin spa! Crossing the uninhabited Hedinsfjord, you'll reach the fishing village of Siglufjördur, famous for its herring fishing tradition. Overnight at the 4-star Hotel Siglo.
Akureyri – Siglufjördur
Day 10
On your way to Akureyri, the largest city in the north, you'll be impressed by Goðafoss, the "Waterfall of the Gods." A stroll through Akureyri is worthwhile before continuing your journey to Dalvik. Have you ever bathed in beer? This and much more is possible at the Bjorbödin spa! Crossing the uninhabited Hedinsfjord, you'll reach the fishing village of Siglufjördur, famous for its herring fishing tradition. Overnight at the 4-star Hotel Siglo.
Day 11
Skagafjord – Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Skagafjörður is the center of Icelandic horse breeding. Visit the Glaumbær Open Air Museum to delve into life in bygone days, or the museum about the history of the Westfarers in the village of Hofsós. The journey continues west to the popular Snæfellsnes Peninsula. In the fishing village of Stykkishólmur, we recommend a boat trip around the Breiðafjörður archipelago. Two nights at the Boutique Hotel Egilsen or the 4-star Hotel Budir.
Skagafjord – Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Day 11
Skagafjörður is the center of Icelandic horse breeding. Visit the Glaumbær Open Air Museum to delve into life in bygone days, or the museum about the history of the Westfarers in the village of Hofsós. The journey continues west to the popular Snæfellsnes Peninsula. In the fishing village of Stykkishólmur, we recommend a boat trip around the Breiðafjörður archipelago. Two nights at the Boutique Hotel Egilsen or the 4-star Hotel Budir.
Day 12
Snaefellsnes Peninsula
The main attraction of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is the Snaefellsjökull glacial volcano. From the Eysteinsdalur valley, interesting hiking trails lead to the Hreggnasi (469 m) and Badarkista (668 m) mountains. Intriguing lava formations, yellow and black sand beaches, and small fjords combine all the facets of the country on this peninsula.
Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Day 12
The main attraction of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is the Snaefellsjökull glacial volcano. From the Eysteinsdalur valley, interesting hiking trails lead to the Hreggnasi (469 m) and Badarkista (668 m) mountains. Intriguing lava formations, yellow and black sand beaches, and small fjords combine all the facets of the country on this peninsula.
Day 13
Borgarfjord – Langjökull glacier adventure
Leaving the peninsula, you'll arrive in the Borgarfjörður district. There you'll find the lava waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Deildartunguhver (the world's largest hot spring). In Husafell National Park, you can take a ride in a huge monster truck to the Langjökull glacier, which awaits exploration from within (price per person: approx. €200; duration: approx. 3-4 hours). You'll spend the night at the 4-star Hotel Husafell.
Borgarfjord – Langjökull glacier adventure
Day 13
Leaving the peninsula, you'll arrive in the Borgarfjörður district. There you'll find the lava waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Deildartunguhver (the world's largest hot spring). In Husafell National Park, you can take a ride in a huge monster truck to the Langjökull glacier, which awaits exploration from within (price per person: approx. €200; duration: approx. 3-4 hours). You'll spend the night at the 4-star Hotel Husafell.
Day 14
Borgarfjordur – Reykjavik
In the morning, you'll take a trip to a natural pool (entrance included). In Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord), you can hike to Glymur, Iceland's second-highest waterfall. The tour ends back in the Icelandic capital, Reykjavík, or, if you prefer, near the airport.
Borgarfjordur – Reykjavik
Day 14
In the morning, you'll take a trip to a natural pool (entrance included). In Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord), you can hike to Glymur, Iceland's second-highest waterfall. The tour ends back in the Icelandic capital, Reykjavík, or, if you prefer, near the airport.
Day 15
Reykjavik – Departure
Depending on your flight schedule, you'll have the day free. Return your rental car at Keflavik Airport and fly back.
Reykjavik – Departure
Day 15
Depending on your flight schedule, you'll have the day free. Return your rental car at Keflavik Airport and fly back.
Price from
€5,160.00
Services
What's included
Non-stop flight with Icelandair from several German airports to Keflavik.
Car rental for 14 days in the corresponding category, with unlimited mileage and CDW insurance included.
14 nights in a double room with shower/WC in 4-star hotels (Deluxe Room) or in boutique hotels (Superior/Deluxe Room).
14 x breakfast
1 piece of hand luggage and 1 piece of checked baggage per person.
Entrance to the Museum of Nature
Entrance to Canyon Bath is similar.
Information about the route and atlas or audio guide of Iceland
Street map
What's not included
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
personal equipment
Visa and vaccinations, if required
Advice
Additional car insurance to waive the deductible.
Excursions/tickets (if applicable)
Additional flight surcharges may apply.
Meals not included in the services
Possibly the last breakfast if there's an early return flight.
Possible fees for using public restrooms
personal expenses
Driving and parking fees, gasoline
Prices for 3 or 4 people and other vehicle categories available upon request.
Character of the trip
Fitness
Easy
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Nature-led
This road trip is completely self-guided: you drive, set your own pace, and choose where to stop. No special fitness level is required; you can easily incorporate short walks to waterfalls, beaches, and viewpoints whenever you like. In winter, snow, ice, storms, and short days demand careful driving, experience driving in winter conditions, and some flexibility. Check the weather forecast and road conditions daily. Pack warm clothing, non-slip winter boots (preferably with studs), and protection from wind and rain. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed.
Dates and prices
Individual dates
Notes on the trip
Notes
Subject to change. This trip is also available as a relaxing 15-day winter tour with standard accommodation. For 3 people, accommodation is in a double room with an extra bed (which may be a bit cramped). Please also see our general information about our road tours. Reservations available from October 1, 2026 to December 15, 2026 and from January 10 to April 30, 2027, excluding Christmas, New Year's and Easter (special rates available upon request). Single room supplement available upon request.
Route
aprox. 2.400 km


