Iceland’s Best Scenic Routes for Autumn Foliage: A Self-Drive Guide

When September arrives in Iceland, the landscapes take on a whole new personality. Summer’s green moss gives way to fiery reds, golden yellows, and deep rusts, painting valleys and mountainsides in rich autumnal tones. For self-drive travellers, autumn is one of the most rewarding times to hit the road: the air is crisp, the crowds have thinned, and Iceland’s rugged scenery feels even more magical under its seasonal cloak of colour.

In this guide, we’ll highlight the best scenic routes for autumn foliage in Iceland, with tips for safe driving, planning your journey, and making the most of your road trip. Whether you’re starting your adventure from Reykjavík or collecting your vehicle directly at Keflavík International Airport, Höldur has the right car to take you where autumn shines brightest.

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Why Travel in Iceland During Autumn?

Autumn in Iceland (September to mid-October) offers a unique blend of beauty and practicality for road-trippers:

• Stunning colours: Birch forests, lava fields, and mossy plains turn shades of gold, orange, and crimson.

• Milder weather: Average temperatures range between 0°C and 10°C, making driving manageable with the right preparation.

• Fewer crowds: Major attractions like waterfalls and national parks are quieter compared to peak summer.

• Northern lights: Longer nights mean more chances to witness the aurora borealis.

• Better value: Flights and accommodation are often more affordable outside summer.

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Best Scenic Routes for Autumn Colours

1. Þingvellir National Park & The Golden Circle

Just 45 minutes from Reykjavík, Þingvellir National Park is a highlight of autumn. Birch forests surrounding the rift valley explode in shades of orange and yellow, set against the dramatic geology of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Combined with Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir hot spring area, this classic Golden Circle route is unforgettable in autumn light.

• Drive time: ~230 km loop from Reykjavík.

• Tip: Allow a full day to enjoy each stop, and pack layers for changing weather.

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2. Hvalfjörður Fjord (Whale Fjord)

Once bypassed by the Hvalfjörður tunnel, this fjord is a hidden gem for autumn travellers. Winding roads take you past forests, waterfalls, and mountainsides cloaked in red and gold foliage. Fewer cars on the road make it a tranquil escape.

• Drive time: ~1 hour from Reykjavík (fjord loop ~62 km).

• Tip: Stop at Glymur waterfall, Iceland’s second-highest, for an autumn hike through birch and mossy canyons.

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3. Borgarfjörður & Húsafell (West Iceland)

West Iceland is especially vibrant in autumn, with pockets of woodland around Húsafell, riverside birch groves, and lava fields covered in fiery moss. The drive along Borgarfjörður leads to stunning waterfalls such as Hraunfossar, where glacial water cascades through lava formations surrounded by golden leaves.

• Drive time: ~2 hours from Reykjavík.

• Tip: Combine the trip with a soak at the Krauma geothermal baths for a cosy end to your autumn day.

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4. The Eastfjords

For those with more time, the Eastfjords are a hidden treasure in autumn. The valleys here are filled with birch woods, and the fjord-side villages glow beneath mountains splashed with orange and red. Fewer tourists make it one of the most peaceful autumn drives.

• Drive time: Part of the Ring Road, accessible from Egilsstaðir.

• Tip: Fly into Egilsstaðir and hire a car locally, or embark on a longer Ring Road self-drive starting at Keflavík Airport.

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5. The South Coast (Reykjavík to Vík)

While the South Coast is dramatic year-round, autumn adds extra magic to sights like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, framed by golden vegetation. The black sands of Reynisfjara beach contrast beautifully with autumn colours along the journey.

• Drive time: ~350 km round trip from Reykjavík.

• Tip: Drive slowly near waterfalls — autumn rains can make the roads slick.

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6. Akureyri & Eyjafjörður (North Iceland)

Nicknamed the “Capital of the North”, Akureyri and the surrounding Eyjafjörður fjord are prime spots for autumn colours. The town itself has tree-lined streets that blaze with yellow and red, while the surrounding mountains create postcard-worthy contrasts.

• Drive time: ~5 hours from Reykjavík, or fly into Akureyri and hire a car there.

• Tip: Combine your trip with whale watching — autumn is still prime season for spotting these giants in the north.

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7. Þórsmörk Valley (Highland Access)

For the adventurous, Þórsmörk is a birch-filled valley nestled between glaciers. In autumn, the birch trees turn a dazzling gold, creating one of Iceland’s most colourful landscapes. Note: Access is limited and requires a 4x4, as river crossings are involved.

• Drive time: ~3–4 hours from Reykjavík with a 4x4.
• Tip: Book a suitable 4x4 hire in Reykjavík for this journey, and always check road conditions.

 

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Tips for Driving in Iceland During Autumn

1. Choose the right vehicle

• Roads are generally clear, but weather can be unpredictable. A 4x4 rental from Höldur provides extra security for rural or highland routes.
• Collect your car at Keflavík International Airport for immediate flexibility.

2. Pack for all seasons

• Autumn weather can change quickly. Bring waterproof layers, warm clothing, gloves, and good walking boots.

3. Check conditions daily

• Use umferdin.is for live road conditions and vedur.is for weather updates.

4. Plan with daylight

• By late September, Iceland has around 11–12 hours of daylight, decreasing rapidly into October. Organise routes accordingly.

5. Respect nature

• Stay on marked paths, especially when hiking in areas with fragile moss or foliage.

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Why Hire a Car in Iceland for Autumn Travel?

Autumn is the perfect season for self-drive holidays in Iceland. With public transport limited outside Reykjavík, having your own car allows you to:

• Stop at quiet roadside viewpoints filled with autumn colour.

• Travel off the beaten path to fjords, valleys, and waterfalls.

• Combine seasonal highlights like northern lights and geothermal bathing.

With Höldur, you’ll enjoy:

• Trusted service since 1966 – deep local expertise.

• Europcar global quality standards – professional, reliable vehicles.

• Eco-conscious fleet – including options to offset your carbon footprint.

• Convenient locations – pick up your rental in Reykjavík or at Keflavík Airport.

• Winter-ready vehicles – equipped with studded tyres when conditions require.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When is the best time to see autumn foliage in Iceland?

The peak season is mid-September to early October, though colours may vary by region and weather.

Do I need a 4x4 to see autumn colours?

Not always. For main routes like the Golden Circle or South Coast, a standard car is fine. For Þórsmörk or highland areas, a 4x4 is essential.

Can I hire a car at Keflavík International Airport in autumn?

Yes. Höldur offers car hire at Keflavík Airport, allowing you to start your autumn journey as soon as you land.

Is it safe to drive in Iceland in autumn?

Yes, but weather can change quickly. Always check road conditions and drive cautiously.

How many daylight hours are there in autumn?

In September, 11–14 hours; by mid-October, around 9 hours.

Can I see the northern lights in autumn?

Yes. From late August, the nights are dark enough for aurora sightings, especially outside urban areas.

 

Final Thoughts

Iceland in autumn is a feast for the senses: valleys glowing with gold, mossy lava fields lit with crimson, and waterfalls framed by fiery birch leaves. With fewer crowds and the northern lights dancing in longer nights, it’s one of the most rewarding seasons for a self-drive road trip.

By hiring a car with Höldur — whether in Reykjavík city centre or directly at Keflavík International Airport — you’ll have the freedom and confidence to explore Iceland’s best scenic routes for autumn foliage, at your own pace.

Your autumn adventure awaits — let Höldur be your trusted travel companion every mile of the way.

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