There’s one thing particular about seeing Iceland from behind the wheel. The open street stretches endlessly by way of lava fields, coastal cliffs, and mountains that shift with the climate. Each flip appears like a brand new journey ready to occur. Once I determined to discover Iceland by automotive, I knew it might be one of the best ways to actually expertise the nation’s uncooked magnificence. Right here’s how my seven-day street journey unfolded, and how one can plan your personal unforgettable journey by way of the land of fireplace and ice.
Getting ready for the Journey
Earlier than setting off, I picked up my car from Iceland Automotive Rental proper in Reykjavik. Their staff was pleasant, useful, and supplied nice recommendation on driving circumstances. I went for a 4×4 SUV because it was late spring, and the climate in Iceland could be unpredictable even then. Studded winter tires aren’t all the time mandatory at the moment of yr, however I preferred the reassurance of getting a sturdy automotive that might deal with gravel roads and occasional patches of snow.
Packing mild however good is essential. I introduced heat layers, a rain jacket, mountaineering sneakers, and a reusable water bottle (the faucet water in Iceland is a number of the cleanest on this planet). I additionally downloaded offline maps and checked the climate each day on vedur.is, simply in case the street circumstances modified.
Day 1: Reykjavik to the Golden Circle
The primary day was about easing into the journey. Leaving Reykjavik early, I drove towards the Golden Circle, considered one of Iceland’s most well-known routes. My first cease was Þingvellir Nationwide Park, the place you possibly can actually stroll between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The subsequent cease, Geysir, lived as much as its title with boiling water taking pictures excessive into the sky each jiffy. Lastly, Gullfoss waterfall roared with unimaginable energy, mist rising into the chilly air because the solar peeked by way of the clouds.
After a full day, I stayed in a single day in a comfy guesthouse close by and had my first style of conventional Icelandic lamb soup. It was easy, hearty, and precisely what I wanted after an extended drive.
Day 2: South Coast Adventures
The second day took me alongside Iceland’s lovely South Coast. This stretch is full of waterfalls and black sand seashores that appear to be one thing from one other planet. I finished at Seljalandsfoss, the place you possibly can stroll behind the waterfall itself, after which Skógafoss, which is much more highly effective up shut. Each are unimaginable and solely a brief drive aside.
Later, I visited Reynisfjara Seaside close to the city of Vík, well-known for its dramatic basalt columns and crashing waves. The wind was fierce however standing there, surrounded by the sound of the ocean, was unforgettable. That night time I stayed in Vík and watched the solar slowly dip under the horizon, turning the sky into mushy shades of pink and gold.
(Photograph: Reynisfjara Black Sand Seaside)
Day 3: Glaciers and Ice Lagoons
Heading additional east, the panorama shifted once more. I made my technique to Skaftafell Nationwide Park, a part of the huge Vatnajökull Glacier space. Mountaineering trails listed here are wonderful, providing close-up views of blue-tinted ice and volcanic rock. I continued to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, the place icebergs drift peacefully within the water earlier than washing up on the close by Diamond Seaside. The distinction of white ice towards black sand is breathtaking.
This was one of many highlights of the journey, and I took my time exploring the world. It’s value spending a couple of hours right here to completely admire how otherworldly it feels. I stayed in a single day in Höfn, a small fishing city identified for its scrumptious langoustine dishes.
(Photograph: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon)
Day 4: The East Fjords
The drive alongside Iceland’s East Fjords was quieter and slower, however each curve of the street revealed new surroundings. Slim fjords, tiny fishing villages, and the occasional herd of reindeer made it a photographer’s dream. This a part of the nation feels extra distant, and that’s what makes it particular.
I finished in Djúpivogur for espresso and wandered the harbor earlier than heading additional north.
The street winds by way of mountains and alongside the ocean, so take your time and benefit from the experience. I spent the night time close to Egilsstaðir, the place I discovered a hidden scorching spring referred to as Vök Baths. Soaking within the heat water whereas surrounded by cool air was the proper technique to chill out after an extended drive.
Day 5: The North and Lake Mývatn
By day 5, I reached northern Iceland, house to a number of the nation’s most unusual landscapes. The realm round Lake Mývatn is stuffed with geothermal exercise, effervescent mud swimming pools, and volcanic craters. I hiked round Hverfjall crater and visited the lava formations at Dimmuborgir, which locals say are the houses of elves.
The close by Mývatn Nature Baths are an ideal different to the Blue Lagoon for those who desire fewer crowds. Watching the sundown from the nice and cozy, mineral-rich water was magical. The next morning, I set off early towards Akureyri, the charming northern capital.
Day 6: Akureyri to the West
Akureyri has a laid-back, pleasant vibe. I spent a while exploring native cafés and the botanical gardens earlier than starting the drive westward. The route towards the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is lengthy however lovely, passing by way of valleys and farmland dotted with Icelandic horses.
On the way in which, I finished at a couple of viewpoints and small villages earlier than settling right into a guesthouse on the peninsula. The Snæfellsnes space is usually referred to as “Iceland in Miniature” as a result of it has every part: glaciers, cliffs, seashores, and even lava fields.
(Photograph: Akureyrarkirkja (church of Akureyri))
Day 7: Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Return to Reykjavik
My closing day was spent exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Highlights included Kirkjufell Mountain, Arnarstapi’s sea cliffs, and Djúpalónssandur Seaside. The surroundings was so dramatic that I discovered myself stopping each few kilometers simply to take one other picture.
After every week on the street, I made my approach again to Reykjavik feeling each drained and utterly in awe of Iceland. Driving myself allowed me to set my very own tempo, cease once I needed, and actually admire the nation’s huge and ever-changing magnificence.
Reflections and Suggestions for Future Vacationers
A self-drive journey round Iceland is an unimaginable technique to join with the panorama and tradition. Whereas it’s straightforward to navigate, it’s necessary to remain versatile and regulate climate circumstances. All the time test for updates on street.is, particularly in winter months.
Selecting a dependable car makes all of the distinction.
Studying automotive rental critiques in Iceland earlier than reserving helped me really feel assured about my alternative, and I couldn’t have requested for a smoother expertise.
Iceland’s magnificence lies in its unpredictability, and having your personal automotive provides you the liberty to embrace it totally. Whether or not it’s chasing waterfalls, mountaineering to a glacier, or soaking in a pure scorching spring, a street journey right here appears like entering into one other world.