
Iceland
Iceland - Winter Road Trip Through Southeast Iceland
Iceland - Winter Road Trip Through Southeast Iceland
Duration
8 days
Start/End
Keflavík
Tour type
Individual
Level
Easy
Accommodation
Hotel / Guesthouse
Overview
You travel independently by rental car and explore Iceland in autumn or winter on your own. Besides Reykjavík, the geysers and the waterfalls of the south, the highlight is the southeast coast: vast lava fields, Skaftafell National Park and the Vatnajökull with the Jökulsárlón and Fjallsárlón glacier lagoons.
You'll travel independently in a rental car and explore Iceland on your own during the autumn or winter. You'll not only experience Iceland's vibrant capital, Reykjavik, but also its most iconic landmarks, such as the geyser fields and waterfalls of the south, must-sees on any trip to Iceland. However, the highlight of this journey is the extraordinary southeast coast, characterized by vast lava fields, Skaftafell National Park, and the Vatnajökull glacier, which forms lagoons like Jökulsárlón and Fjallsárlón, creating breathtaking ice caves in winter.
Tour Code
Tour language
GermanItinerary
Day 1
Arrival
Flight to Keflavik, pick up your rental car and transfer to Reykjavik. Free day to explore the city. Overnight in Reykjavik.
Arrival
Day 1
Flight to Keflavik, pick up your rental car and transfer to Reykjavik. Free day to explore the city. Overnight in Reykjavik.
Day 2
Golden Circle – South Iceland
It's no wonder the Golden Circle's attractions are so popular. Don't miss Thingvellir National Park, where the first Icelandic parliament was established, the Geyser Zone with the active Strokkur geyser, and the golden waterfall Gullfoss. Iceland's natural beauty is captivating. You will spend two nights in southern Iceland.
Golden Circle – South Iceland
Day 2
It's no wonder the Golden Circle's attractions are so popular. Don't miss Thingvellir National Park, where the first Icelandic parliament was established, the Geyser Zone with the active Strokkur geyser, and the golden waterfall Gullfoss. Iceland's natural beauty is captivating. You will spend two nights in southern Iceland.
Day 3
South Iceland: relaxing or active.
Take advantage of the day to explore on your own. Weather permitting, you can hike in the Reykjadalur area near the village of Hveragerdi, where even in winter a soak in a hot spring river awaits; try the warm pools of the Secret Lagoon near Reykholt; sample lobster in the fishing village of Eyrabakki; visit the Fridheimar tomato farm and try the delicious Icelandic soups; or drive to the Kerid crater. There is so much to see in South Iceland, and the weather will dictate the pace of your day.
South Iceland: relaxing or active.
Day 3
Take advantage of the day to explore on your own. Weather permitting, you can hike in the Reykjadalur area near the village of Hveragerdi, where even in winter a soak in a hot spring river awaits; try the warm pools of the Secret Lagoon near Reykholt; sample lobster in the fishing village of Eyrabakki; visit the Fridheimar tomato farm and try the delicious Icelandic soups; or drive to the Kerid crater. There is so much to see in South Iceland, and the weather will dictate the pace of your day.
Day 4
Costa Sur – Skaftafell
Let's head southeast. Along Ring Road 1, you'll enjoy constantly changing scenery as you travel along the coast and through ancient lava fields. Upon reaching Skaftafell National Park, you can take short hikes, for example, to the basalt waterfall Svartifoss, or an optional excursion to a glacier. Your destination for the day is the area between Skaftafell and the village of Höfn in southeastern Iceland, where you'll spend the next two nights.
Costa Sur – Skaftafell
Day 4
Let's head southeast. Along Ring Road 1, you'll enjoy constantly changing scenery as you travel along the coast and through ancient lava fields. Upon reaching Skaftafell National Park, you can take short hikes, for example, to the basalt waterfall Svartifoss, or an optional excursion to a glacier. Your destination for the day is the area between Skaftafell and the village of Höfn in southeastern Iceland, where you'll spend the next two nights.
Day 5
Vatnajökull – Glacial Lagoons
The highlight of any visit to southeast Iceland is undoubtedly the glacial lagoons. At the famous Jökulsárlón lagoon, you can admire icebergs up to 15 meters high bathed in the winter light, calved from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier tongue and now floating in the sea. Somewhat more remote, the much less visited Fjällsárlón is no less captivating. In winter, you can explore the ice caves of Vatnajökull on a guided tour. (approx. €165 per person, available between October and March). A popular spot for photography is the famous Vestrahorn mountain, near the village of Höfn.
Vatnajökull – Glacial Lagoons
Day 5
The highlight of any visit to southeast Iceland is undoubtedly the glacial lagoons. At the famous Jökulsárlón lagoon, you can admire icebergs up to 15 meters high bathed in the winter light, calved from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier tongue and now floating in the sea. Somewhat more remote, the much less visited Fjällsárlón is no less captivating. In winter, you can explore the ice caves of Vatnajökull on a guided tour. (approx. €165 per person, available between October and March). A popular spot for photography is the famous Vestrahorn mountain, near the village of Höfn.
Day 6
Black sand beaches near Vik – Southern Waterfalls
Now we return to southern Iceland. Weather permitting, it's worth stopping at the beautiful Fjadrargljufur canyon, near the village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur. Further south, you can enjoy the secluded black lava beaches of the small village of Vik, overlooking Cape Dyrholaey. You should also plan stops at Seljalandsfoss waterfall, after which you can go hiking, and at Skógafoss, where trolls are said to live. You'll spend the night near Vik.
Black sand beaches near Vik – Southern Waterfalls
Day 6
Now we return to southern Iceland. Weather permitting, it's worth stopping at the beautiful Fjadrargljufur canyon, near the village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur. Further south, you can enjoy the secluded black lava beaches of the small village of Vik, overlooking Cape Dyrholaey. You should also plan stops at Seljalandsfoss waterfall, after which you can go hiking, and at Skógafoss, where trolls are said to live. You'll spend the night near Vik.
Day 7
Reykjanes – Laguna Azul – Keflavik
The journey continues to the beautiful and less crowded Reykjanes Peninsula, with Lake Kleifarvatn, rugged coastlines, and the steaming mud pools of Krysuvik. Reykjanes is also home to the famous Blue Lagoon. Enjoy a soak in its milky blue waters—a truly relaxing experience (from approximately €115, not including entrance fee; advance booking recommended). A final night near the airport.
Reykjanes – Laguna Azul – Keflavik
Day 7
The journey continues to the beautiful and less crowded Reykjanes Peninsula, with Lake Kleifarvatn, rugged coastlines, and the steaming mud pools of Krysuvik. Reykjanes is also home to the famous Blue Lagoon. Enjoy a soak in its milky blue waters—a truly relaxing experience (from approximately €115, not including entrance fee; advance booking recommended). A final night near the airport.
Day 8
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Short car transfer to Keflavik airport, return of rental car and return flight to the starting point. Advice: Luxury accommodation The decision is yours: STANDARD accommodation: you will stay in typical and welcoming rural guesthouses and hotels, a good starting point for your day trips. Luxury accommodations: The highest category rural hotels and a 4-star hotel in Reykjavik offer special comfort; supplement per person in a double room: from €430.
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Day 8
Short car transfer to Keflavik airport, return of rental car and return flight to the starting point. Advice: Luxury accommodation The decision is yours: STANDARD accommodation: you will stay in typical and welcoming rural guesthouses and hotels, a good starting point for your day trips. Luxury accommodations: The highest category rural hotels and a 4-star hotel in Reykjavik offer special comfort; supplement per person in a double room: from €430.
Price from
€1,765.00
Services
What's included
Non-stop flight with Icelandair from several German airports to Keflavik.
Car rental for 7 days of the corresponding category with unlimited mileage and CDW insurance.
7 nights, double room with shower/WC in typical local accommodation.
7 x breakfast
1 piece of hand luggage and 1 piece of checked baggage per person.
Route information and travel guide or audio guide.
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.
Optional excursions/tickets
Additional flight surcharges may apply.
Mileage tax for rental cars of approximately €0.06 per kilometer traveled.
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. The price for 3 people is based on accommodation in a double room with an extra bed (which may be a bit cramped). Single room supplement available upon request. You will find important information about our winter trips in the following document.
