12-Day Iceland Self-Drive: The Complete Itinerary

A journey through Iceland is an encounter with the raw power and serene beauty of nature. While shorter trips offer a glimpse of its wonders, a 12-day Iceland itinerary provides the ideal timeframe to experience the country’s diverse landscapes without feeling rushed. This duration allows for a complete circuit of the iconic Ring Road, with enough flexibility to venture into more remote regions and discover hidden gems along the way.

A self-drive tour is the definitive way to explore Iceland, offering the freedom to set your own pace and create a truly personal adventure. This guide presents a comprehensive 12-day Iceland self-drive route, combining famous landmarks with optional detours. We’ll cover daily plans, driving times, vehicle recommendations, and practical advice to help you plan the best road trip in Iceland. With a reliable vehicle from Höldur, you can confidently navigate from glacial lagoons to volcanic fields on your own terms.

Choosing Your Vehicle: 2WD vs. 4x4

 

The right vehicle is crucial for a successful Icelandic road trip. Your choice depends on the season and your planned route.

• 2WD Vehicles: A 2WD car is perfectly suitable for traveling the entire Ring Road (Route 1) during the summer months (May-September). The main highway is paved and well-maintained. This is an economical choice for travelers sticking to the primary sights.
• 4x4 Vehicles: A 4x4 is essential for any trip involving F-roads (mountain roads), such as those in the Highlands. It is also strongly recommended for all travel from October to April, as winter weather can bring snow and ice to any part of the country, including the Ring Road. A 4x4 provides superior safety, stability, and peace of mind.

The Ultimate 12-Day Iceland Itinerary

This itinerary is designed as a clockwise loop from Reykjavik, but it can be easily reversed. Driving times are estimates and do not include stops.

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Day 1: Arrival and Reykjavik Exploration

• Route: Keflavik Airport (KEF) to Reykjavik
• Driving Time: 45 minutes

Collect your rental car from Höldur’s Keflavik Airport location and drive to your accommodation in Reykjavik. Spend the day exploring the capital. Visit Hallgrímskirkja for panoramic city views, admire the Harpa Concert Hall, and walk along the waterfront to see the Sun Voyager sculpture.

Day 2: The Golden Circle

• Route: Reykjavik to Hella area
• Driving Time: 3-4 hours

Today you will explore Iceland's most famous trio of sights, the Golden Circle. First, visit Þingvellir National Park, where you can walk between two tectonic plates. Next, see the geyser Strokkur erupt at the Geysir geothermal area. End the circuit at Gullfoss, the "Golden Waterfall." Optional stops include Kerið crater and the Secret Lagoon. Spend the night near Hella or Hvolsvöllur.

Day 3: Waterfalls and Black Sand Beaches

• Route: Hella area to Vík
• Driving Time: 2-3 hours

Drive along the stunning South Coast. Your first major stop is Seljalandsfoss, the waterfall you can walk behind. A short walk away is the hidden Gljúfrabúi waterfall. Continue to Skógafoss, another massive cascade. End your day at the world-famous Reynisfjara black sand beach near the charming village of Vík.

Day 4: Glaciers and Diamond Beach

• Route: Vík to Höfn
• Driving Time: 3.5-4 hours

Travel east through vast lava fields and glacial sand plains. The main highlight today is Jökulsárlón, a stunning glacial lagoon filled with icebergs. Across the road, visit Diamond Beach, where ice chunks wash ashore on black sand. Continue to the fishing town of Höfn, known for its lobster.

Day 5: The Eastfjords

• Route: Höfn to Egilsstaðir
• Driving Time: 4-5 hours

The drive through the Eastfjords is one of the most scenic parts of the Ring Road. The road winds along steep mountainsides and deep fjords. Stop in picturesque fishing villages like Djúpivogur and Fáskrúðsfjörður. The drive is slower here, so take your time and enjoy the dramatic coastal views before arriving in Egilsstaðir, the region's largest town.

Day 6: Dettifoss and Lake Mývatn

• Route: Egilsstaðir to Mývatn
• Driving Time: 3 hours

Head north into a more desolate, moon-like landscape. Take the detour to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall by volume. Continue to the Lake Mývatn area, a hotbed of geothermal and volcanic activity. Explore the Hverir mud pots, climb the Hverfjall crater, and walk through the Dimmuborgir lava formations. Relax in the evening at the Mývatn Nature Baths.

Day 7: Akureyri, Capital of the North

• Route: Mývatn to Akureyri
• Driving Time: 1.5 hours

On your way to Akureyri, stop at Goðafoss, the "Waterfall of the Gods." Once in Akureyri, explore Iceland's second-largest city. Stroll through the botanical gardens, visit the impressive Akureyrarkirkja church, and enjoy the city's cafes and shops. This is a great base for whale watching tours.

Day 8: Journey to the Westfjords

• Route: Akureyri to Hólmavík
• Driving Time: 4-5 hours

Begin your journey to the remote and rugged Westfjords. The drive takes you through rolling hills and along the coastline. Hólmavík, your destination, is a small town known for the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery & Witchcraft. This day is about transitioning into one of Iceland's wildest regions.

Day 9: The Heart of the Westfjords

• Route: Hólmavík to Ísafjörður
• Driving Time: 3-4 hours

Prepare for breathtaking scenery as you drive deeper into the Westfjords. The road clings to the edges of enormous fjords, offering spectacular views at every turn. Your destination is Ísafjörður, the largest town in the peninsula and a hub for culture and outdoor activities.

Day 10: Dynjandi and the Southern Fjords

• Route: Ísafjörður to Látrabjarg area
• Driving Time: 3-4 hours

Drive south to witness Dynjandi, the "Jewel of the Westfjords." This magnificent waterfall is a series of seven cascades that tumble down a mountainside. Continue towards the Látrabjarg area. In summer, the Látrabjarg cliffs are home to millions of seabirds, including puffins (typically May to early August).

Day 11: Ferry to Snæfellsnes and Return South

• Route: Brjánslækur to Stykkishólmur (Ferry) to Borgarnes
• Driving Time: 3 hours (plus 2.5-hour ferry)

Drive to Brjánslækur to catch the Baldur ferry across Breiðafjörður bay to Stykkishólmur on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This scenic crossing saves significant driving time. From Stykkishólmur, drive across the peninsula towards Borgarnes for your overnight stay.

Day 12: Borgarfjörður and Departure

• Route: Borgarnes to Keflavik Airport
• Driving Time: 2 hours

Depending on your flight schedule, explore the Borgarfjörður area. Visit the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls or Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring. Drive back to Keflavik Airport to return your vehicle, concluding your incredible 12-day Iceland self-drive adventure.

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Optional Add-On Trips

• Snæfellsnes Peninsula (1-2 extra days): Known as "Iceland in Miniature," you can spend more time here exploring Kirkjufell mountain, Arnarstapi’s coastal cliffs, and the Snæfellsjökull National Park.
• Borgarfjörður Eystri (1 extra day): From Egilsstaðir, take a detour to this remote village in the Eastfjords. It's renowned for its stunning hiking trails and being one of the most reliable places to see puffins up close in summer.
• The Highlands (1-2 extra days, 4x4 required): If you have a 4x4 in summer, consider a day trip into the highlands. From the south, you can visit Landmannalaugar’s colorful rhyolite mountains, or from the north, you can explore the Askja caldera.

Plan Your Journey with Höldur

 

A 12-day Iceland self-drive route offers the perfect balance of adventure and exploration, allowing you to witness the full spectrum of the nation’s natural wonders. The key to a successful trip lies in careful planning and a reliable vehicle.

At Höldur Car Rental, we provide a diverse and modern fleet to meet the demands of any Icelandic road trip. Whether you need an economical 2WD for a summer Ring Road tour or a robust 4x4 for a Westfjords or highlands expedition, we have the right vehicle for your journey. With convenient pick-up locations at Keflavik International Airport and across Iceland, including Akureyri, starting your adventure has never been easier.

Plan your journey with confidence. Explore our fleet and book your car today to begin crafting your ultimate Iceland road trip.

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