Iceland West Coast Self-Drive Tour

Discover the Land of Fire & Ice on this 6-day self-drive tour. Spend 1 night in Reyjavik, 2 in Húsafell, and 2 on the South Shore, visiting thermal baths, the Víðgelmir Lava Tube, the Golden Circle, Solheimajokull Glacier, and much more!

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

Welcome to Iceland

After arriving at Keflavik International Airport, pick up your included rental car. Drive approximately 45 minutes to Reykjavik and check into your 3-star hotel in the city center, where you will stay tonight. In the afternoon or evening, visit the Sky Lagoon. Immerse yourself in warmth at this oceanside geothermal lagoon. The dramatic North Atlantic Ocean stretches out before you. The traditions of bathing culture are integral to the Icelandic way of life, and they’re at the core of the Sky Lagoon experience.

Day 2:

Krauma Nature Baths and Húsafell

After breakfast, check out of your hotel in Reykjavik and head out for the day. On your way to Húsafell, visit the Kraume Nature Baths. The hot water originates in Europe’s most powerful hot spring, Deildartunguhver, at a temperature of 100°C (212°F). To achieve the perfect bathing temperature the hot water is mixed with cold water from Rauðsgil, which originates in the glacier Ok, the smallest glacier in Iceland. Krauma offers five relaxing natural geothermal baths, a cold tub to get your blood circulation going, two calming saunas, and a relaxation room where you can rest by the fireplace while listening to soothing music. Afterwards, complete your drive to Húsafell and check into your hotel for a 2-night stay.

Day 3:

Húsafell, the Víðgelmir Lava Tube, and the Giljaböð Thermal Baths

Enjoy your free morning in the Húsafell area. In the near vicinity, you will find the natural attractions of Barnafoss and Hraunfossar waterfalls, as well as the underground caves of Víðgelmir og Surtshellir. There are also many exciting hiking trails to be experienced in the area. Later in the day, head out for a guided tour of the mighty Víðgelmir lava tube. Leading from one great hall to the next, the path is lit slightly and flows through this magical underworld. This evening, enjoy a stunning hike through remote Icelandic wilderness, ending with a soak in the Giljaböð Thermal Baths, nestled in a magnificent highland canyon. These baths provide a wonderfully solitary and remote setting to enjoy the splendor of the highlands.

Day 4:

The Golden Circle

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and explore the Golden Circle. The Golden Circle is the name commonly given to a combination of three sites of special significance in the west of Iceland. These sites are, Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. In the late afternoon, visit the Secret Lagoon - natural hot springs located in the small village called Fludir. The oldest swimming pool in Iceland, its natural surroundings and steam rising into the air gives it a magical feeling. There is also a little geyser that erupts every 5 minutes. Afterwards, check into your hotel in the center of Selfoss for your 2-night stay.

Day 5:

The South Shore and Solheimajokull Glacier

Enjoy your free morning and explore the South Shore. Many consider the South shore to be the most beautiful part of the country and there are many sights worth seeing, including the gorgeous 60m-high Seljalandsfoss waterfall, the stunning Mýrdalsjökull glacier, and the black sand coastline and impressive
Reynisdrangar rock formations near Vik. In the afternoon, set out on a guided walk at Solheimajokull Glacier- one of the most magnificent features of the South of Iceland. This expedition is the perfect opportunity for those who want to combine stunning natural landscapes with adventurous hiking on glacial ice mixed with volcanic ash. You will feel like you have landed on the moon!

Day 6:

Until Next Time

After breakfast, use the drive to the airport to explore the magnificent Reykjanes peninsula, including Kleifarvatn lake, the Seltun geothermal area in Krisuvik, the magnificent Krisuvikurberg Cliffs, Brimketill lava pool rock, and the bridge between two continents where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are continuously drifting apart. Arrive in time for your early-evening flight home. Safe travels!

Testimonials

This trip was so much fun. I told my travel advisor that I wanted to visit as many hot springs as possible and she created an itinerary that included a visit every day! Quest Travel Adventures carefully planned the trip so we were driving on safe roads that didn't have any issues with closures due to bad weather. The accommodations were perfect - simple and clean. Reykjavik was an amazing city to explore on foot and we spent a day on the hop on/off bus so we could learn and see as much as possible. Each activity planned was so much fun, my favorite being the hike on the glacier. This trip was really well organized and I all definitely travel with Quest again in the future.

Traveler G, Iceland - 2021

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