Whittling down where to visit on a self-drive tour of Iceland is no easy task. There’s just so much to choose from. Fortunately, help is at hand with our picks for the top ten places to visit on your Iceland self-drive tour.

Reykjavik and places within a short drive of the capital

1. Reykjavik

You might not need a car to see Reykjavik’s downtown sights but it will certainly come in handy if you’re short on time. Drive along the waterfront to admire the gleaming Sun Voyager statue and beautiful Harpa Concert Hall. If you’re in the Icelandic capital during Northern Lights season, make the short drive out to Grótta Lighthouse. It’s a little darker over there, making it the best place near Reykjavik to see the aurora.

iceland capital reykjavik

2. The Blue Lagoon

Make a dip in the Blue Lagoon the first or last thing you do during your trip to Iceland. This upscale spa is the epitome of luxury yet it repurposes wastewater from the nearby geothermal power plant. Luxuriate in the warm water as you ponder your next move.

blue lagoon hot spring Iceland

3. The Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is an absolute must for any visitor to Iceland. As it starts barely an hour outside Reykjavik it’s often the first stop people make, but no matter where you go afterwards, it will still be a trip highlight. Marvel at the cleft in the landscape caused by the tectonic plates parting at Thingvellir National Park, stand in front of jaw-dropping Geysir and be wowed by the sheer volume of water that forms Gullfoss waterfall.

golden circle geysir Iceland

South Iceland

4. The Westman Islands

Located off the south coast of Iceland, the Westman Islands are a magnet for bird watchers. They come to watch the puffins from a cliff top hide close to Heimaey, or head out to the outer islands by boat. On land, check out the Eldfell lava flows; in summer they’re colonised by purple lupins.

westman island puffin Iceland

5. Vík í Mýrdal

The road into Vík í Mýrdal drops sharply as you cross the mountain pass and descend to sea level. This place is best known for its beaches, including the notorious Reynisfjara. There, sneaker waves rush up the beach, batter the cliff and crash into its lofty basalt cave. On a calm day in summer, you might spot puffins nesting in grassy hollows.

Iceland south vik

6. Jökulsárlón

Few places in Iceland are as dreamy as Jökulsárlón under the pink sky of sunrise. This majestic lagoon sits in front of Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. As this tongue of ice calves into the water, the resulting icebergs float gently towards the ocean. There, waves wash them onto Diamond Beach, where they glisten in the sunlight until they slowly melt into the black sand.

Jokulsarlon iceland

East Iceland

7. Seydisfjördur

The rainbow path that leads to the little church in Seydisfjördur has become an iconic image. This charming village would be a sleepy place were it not for the ferry that arrives from distant Denmark. Grab a seat beside the fjord’s edge and watch the comings and goings over a coffee.

Seydisfjördur blue church Iceland

8. Studlagil Canyon

In East Iceland, there’s a fabulous canyon that for many years was hidden from sight. But then, a dam upstream caused the water levels to fall, revealing a breathtaking turquoise river flanked by basalt columns. Though word is out, it’s a stunning place to visit and one of Iceland’s best hikes.

Stuðlagil canyon, iceland

North Iceland

9. Húsavík

There are fishing ports and harbours all over Iceland but few are as photogenic as that of Húsavík. Iceland’s whale watching capital is one of the country’s prettiest towns. Oak-hulled boats leave regularly to spot the cetaceans that glide through Skjálfandi Bay. Back on land, visit the delightful Swiss-chalet style church.

West Iceland

10. Kirkjufell

The image of two waterfalls in front of an imposing mountain peak is well known in Iceland and beyond. Kirkjufell, also known as Church Mountain, is one of Iceland’s most recognisable sights and worth the detour onto the Snaefellsnes peninsula if you want to take a look for yourself.

Kirkjufell iceland

Ready for your Iceland self-drive road trip? Book your cheap car in Iceland today before it’s too late!

Recommended cars in Iceland

PAJERO

Mitsubishi Pajero or similar | Automatic| 4×4 (FFAR) | 2022-2024 New Model

Group: I Reservations are made by car category only. We cannot guarantee a specific car model. or similar

  • 5 Passengers
  • 5 Large
  • 5 Doors
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning

Suitable for the highland F-roads. Please read Terms & Conditions.
You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • 213 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
SORENTO

Kia Sorento or similar | Automatic | 4×4 (SFAN) | 2022-2024 New Model

Group: O2 Reservations are made by car category only. We cannot guarantee a specific car model.

  • 5 Passengers
  • 4 Large
  • 5 Doors
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning

Suitable for the highland F-roads. Please read Terms & Conditions.
You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • 164 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
VITARA

Suzuki Vitara or similar|Manual| 4×4 (IFMN) | 2022-2024 New Model

Group F Reservations are made by car category only. We cannot guarantee a specific car model. or similar

  • 5 Passengers
  • 3 Large
  • 5 Doors
  • Manual
  • Airconditioning

Suitable for the highland F-roads. Please read Terms & Conditions.
You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
VW-GOLF-WAGON

VW Golf Wagon or similar | Automatic (CWAN) | 2022-2024 New Model

Group: T2 Reservations are made by car category only. We cannot guarantee a specific car model.

  • 5 Passengers
  • 4 Large
  • 5 Doors
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning

This vehicle is NOT allowed in the highland F-roads.

You must be 20 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • Front Wheel Drive
  • 130 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
VW-GOLF

VW Golf or similar | Automatic (CDAN) – 2022-2024 New Model

Group: B2 Reservations are made by car category only. We cannot guarantee a specific car model.

  • 5 Passengers
  • 2 Large Bags
  • 5 Doors
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning

This vehicle is NOT allowed in the highland F-roads.

You must be 20 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 1 Small Bag
  • 2 Large, 1 Small
  • 138 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
  • Fog Lamps
DUSTER

Dacia Duster or similar |Manual| 4×4 (CFMN) -2022-2024 New Model

Group E2 Reservations are made by car category only. We cannot guarantee a specific car model.

  • 5 Passengers
  • 3 Large
  • 5 Doors
  • Manual
  • Airconditioning

Suitable for the highland F-roads. Please read Terms & Conditions.
You must be 20 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • 116 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags