4 Day Self Drive

South Coast and the Golden Circle

OVERVIEW

  • Day 1  Exciting drive to scenic waterfalls and geothermal areas
  • Day 2  The Magic of Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss – The Golden Circle
  • Day 3  The Blue Lagoon and Reykjanes Nature Preserve
  • Day 4  Enjoy Reykjavik on you way back home

THE BEAUTY OF THE SOUTH

Want to experience many of Iceland’s most famous natural attractions in a span of four magical days? See Golden waterfalls, water-spouting Geysers, take the dip in relaxing geothermal nature baths, swimming pools, and hot tubs, take a stroll in a rift that separates tectonic plates and enjoy locally grown vegetable delicacies made in geothermally powered greenhouses? Go right ahead.

During the booking process, see what else Iceland has in store as this 4-day tour offers a lot of unique activities and experiences. At Thingvellir the national park, diving enthusiasts might want to go snorkeling in Silfra. Silfra has a deep fissure filled with water so pristine clear that even seasoned divers get a bout of vertigo once they’re in; the water is virtually invisible so you can actually see the bottom of the fissure way down below as if you were floating in the clear air. If you visit the water-filled crater Kerid, you might just second-guess yourself that you are actually still on planet Earth.

When you have experienced Iceland for four days of fun-filled encounters of nature’s pure, clean and renewable energy, why not put the ultimate cherry on top and finish off a tour of the geothermal wonder that is Iceland by unwinding in the country’s most famous geothermal location of them all – The Blue Lagoon.

OPPORTUNITY

Book this tour for four unforgettable days in a land of spectacular natural beauty, complete with hot springs and Northern lights, waterfalls and various outdoor activities. Seize the day and use this opportunity to create the perfect 4-day stay in Iceland. You can see the booking availability in the calendar to the left.

PLEASE NOTE

You can rearrange days, activities and routes as you like from scheduled itinerary.

DAY 1

EXCITING DRIVE TO SCENIC WATERFALLS AND GEOTHERMAL AREAS

Approx. km driven:

Half an hour drive from Reykjavík delivers you to Hellisheiðarvirkjun Geothermal Power Station, where you can visit the Geothermal Energy Exhibition, presented via interactive multimedia installations, wall displays, and presentations. It will explain the powers at work under the ground beneath your feet.

Make your way to National Route 1, The Ring Road, and then head east for a 1-hour drive towards Seljalandsfoss, a picturesque tall waterfall which presents its visitors with the rare possibility to actually go behind it! Another 25-minute drive further east will reward you with a close encounter with the awesome Skógafoss waterfall, a thunderous cascade dropping 60 meters (200 ft) that can be appreciated from its misty base as well as from its top, thanks to a convenient stairway built into the adjacent hillside.

On the way back, stop by Selfoss, a cozy town featuring a lovely swimming pool complete with water slides and jacuzzis. In the outskirts of town, craft beer aficionados may want to take a break at the Ölvisholt brewery, one of Iceland’s first ever craft breweries, for a guided tour and beer tasting. That excludes the driver, sadly enough.

Drop by in Hveragerði, a small town more or less built on geothermal power, featuring several hot springs and even a geothermal park. Stock up on locally grown flowers and vegetables. To wash off that road dust and renew the spirit, we recommend a stop in Laugaskarð swimming pool, near Hveragerði. If you feel like swimming a couple of laps, the pool is 50 meters long and 12 meters wide, making it perfect for some serious swimming. Worth noting is that the pool is a so-called flow-through pool, heated with geothermal steam which ensures natural acid levels and purity of the water are at optimal levels. The pool has a hot and shallow sitting pool, as well as a, hot-tub with an electronic massage. Don’t forget the natural sauna for some sensational soothing. The Laugaskarð swimming pool has a beautiful environment that also provides naturally good shelter. Lifeguards are on duty at all times as in all municipal pools in Iceland.

Head back on route 1 to your hotel in Reykjavik.

Attractions on the way: Geothermal Energy Exhibition, Hveragerði, Selfoss, Seljalandsfoss, Ölvisholt, Laugaskarð, Skógafoss

DAY 2

THE MAGIC OF THINGVELLIR, GEYSIR, AND GULLFOSS – THE GOLDEN CIRCLE

Approx. km driven:

Today we will start off by taking a 1-hour drive along National Route 1, the Ring Road, towards Thingvellir National Park. A UNESCO world heritage site since 2004, the “Parliament Fields” hold a sacred place in the hearts of Icelanders as it was the site of the establishment of the world’s first democratic parliament on 930. Historical significance aside, the site is a geological wonder in its own right. It lies in a rift valley that marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Onwards to Laugarvatn, a lovely little town that has made geothermal power central to its very existence. Enjoy a dip in the Fontana Spa & Wellness center, built on natural hot springs. Here you can enjoy steam baths, geothermal baths and experience firsthand just how soothing geothermal waters can be. Don’t forget to sample some delicious local cuisine in the in-house restaurant. Light pollution is insignificant in this area so watch the skies as the evening falls.

Do you know why geysers are actually called geysers? It’s because the original Geysir hot spring in Iceland lent its name to pretty much all hot springs around the globe. True story. Cue your next stop – Geysir and surrounding geothermal area. Old Geysir is mostly dormant nowadays but his feisty neighbor Strokkur is still full of gumption and spouts a powerful jet of water every 5-10 minutes. Just make sure to take the wind into account as you otherwise risk to be doused with the water as it showers back down!

A 10-minute drive takes you to the breathtaking Gullfoss – The Golden Waterfall – easily Iceland’s most famous waterfall. At 32 meters, it’s nowhere nearly the tallest, or the most powerful, but it’s river, Hvítá, plunges in two distinct stages to give it a truly unique appearance. Should the sunshine during your visit, you may certainly expect to see rainbows glow in the rising mist from the cascade.

In the Biskupstungur area, various vegetables are grown in greenhouses completely heated with clean, sustainable geothermal energy. Dip into the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir and afterward enjoy the walking path built for guests so they can have a closer look at the boiling, spouting hot springs surrounding the lagoon. For a super-healthy bite and to grab a little something for the road, stop at Friðheimar Greenhouse and café, all powered – yep, you guessed it – with 100% clean and renewable geothermal energy.

Find your way back to Reykjavik via National Route 1.

Attractions on the way: Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, Strokkur, Northern Lights, Silfra, Flúðir, Friðheimar, Biskupstungur, Fontana Spa, Hvítá

DAY 3

THE BLUE LAGOON AND REYKJANES NATURE PRESERVE

Approx. km driven:

Today it’s time to head South. Set sails for Keflavík but fear not, you’re going home just yet. Instead, you take Route 42 to the south and find yourself at Reykjanesfólkvangur, or Reykjanes Nature Preserve. This is a hidden gem, complete with lava formations, crater lakes, bird cliffs & bubbling geothermal fields. Among specific attractions are Lake Kleifarvatn and Seltún geothermal area, next to Krísuvík.

Head south again, and this time you’ll enter a scenic country road called Suðurstrandarvegur. The road runs along the south shore of Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula, whose dark sandy beaches have been the location of some Hollywood film productions, Clint Eastwood’s The Flags of Our Fathers among them. Driving to the west you will ultimately finish off an unforgettable day by dipping into the world famous Blue Lagoon.

Soak in the silica-rich waters and enjoy a soothing, otherworldly experience you won’t forget anytime soon. For an added touch of luxury and comfort, book a visit to the Lagoon’s Exclusive Lounge. You may even book an in-water massage, enjoyed while floating in the warmth of the water. Remember that it is essential to make a reservation in advance for access to the Lagoon and also if you want to treat yourself with the lounge access or a massage!

Attractions on the way:  Blue Lagoon, Reykjanesfólkvangur, Kleifarvatn, Seltún, Krísuvík, Suðurstrandarvegur

TOUR INCLUDES

  • Standard Entrance Ticket to the Blue Lagoon
  • Detailed Travel Plan with a map of the area and information package
  • Access to Go Personal Travel Assistant, GPTA –  Go Icelandic Travel Service

Accommodation and Breakfast Buffet

Car rental – Car of Choice (4X4 in winter)

  • Fuel Discount Card
  • Studded Winter Tires
  • Unlimited Mileage
  • SCDW insurance – Additional Insurance available upon request
  • Optional to add a hotspot WIFI to your vehicle GPS Navigation System

TOUR INFORMATION

  • Available: April – September
  • Total Duration of the Tour: 4 days

DIFFICULTY LEVEL

  • Easy and Relaxed

PLACES YOU WILL SEE

  • Geothermal Energy Exhibition
  • Seljalandsfoss
  • Skógafoss
  • Blue Lagoon
  • Thingvellir
  • Geysir
  • Gullfoss
  • Strokkur
  • Silfra
  • Flúðir
  • Friðheimar
  • Biskupstungur
  • Fontana Spa
  • Hvítá

CAR PICKUP INFORMATION

  • Keflavík Airport 24/7 service – Very important to choose a correct pick-up time and flight number
  • Car rental shuttle bus outside the arrival terminal will shuttle you to the car rental company, it’s only 2-3 min away
  • Pick up options at Keflavik Airport, address in Keflavík and greater Reykjavik area
  • Pick up and drop off fee may apply for delivery in Reykjavik
  • Starting time is Flexible

CAR RENTAL RETURN

  • Keflavik Airport – 24/7 service
  • Reykjavik by request – Drop off fee may apply

WHAT TO BRING AND DON’T FORGET

  • Warm Clothes and walking boots for all weathers – Wool and Cotton is essential and dress in layers – even in summertime
  • Mobile Phone, Camera, and Batteries
  • Valid Driver’s license with photo ID and Passport
  • Swimsuit and towels

GOOD FOR YOU TO KNOW

  • Monitor weather forecasts well before the trip starts – even in summertime
  • Check road conditions on www.road.is in advance
  • Give someone (hotel staff) your travel plans (look for info about SAR app in you Travel Package)
  • Download many great mobile Apps to use throughout your journey – Information Included in Travel Package

EMERGENCY NUMBERS FOR ACCIDENTS

  • The official number for emergencies: 112

IMPORTANT: ICELANDIC WEATHER – ROADS – SPEED LIMITS

Weather in Iceland is notoriously unpredictable, hence the local saying: if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes! This holds true for all seasons so regardless of the time of your visit, prepare well before start driving and make sure you are able to find your way back home safely. Never hesitate to ask the locals for advice when needed. They know how to deal with difficult situations and are a friendly bunch to boot.

It is of imperative importance to keep in mind that Icelandic roads are quite narrow. You are not driving on anything like US freeways or European autobahns. Due to constantly changing weather conditions, roads can be slippery in summers and icy in the winter or just might be loose gravel alongside the asphalt and single-lane bridges can be particularly treacherous. You might find the tarmac cut off, continuing with a gravel road which commands special precaution. Drivers need to be alert at all times, adhere to speed limits and take care whenever traveling on Icelandic roads. There is also good reason to warn drivers about the animals. Icelandic sheep can roam the open countryside and on the roads during the summer season. They can be quite unpredictable, and drivers are advised to keep a watchful eye on them along with other animals as well.

Remember to take your own, sweet time; if you don’t, you’re bound to pass something and miss out. Now that you’re finally in Iceland, you wouldn’t want that, would you?

GO ICELANDIC – ACCOMMODATION

See our sample of our accommodation options below. Single person bookings will be in a single room and bookings of 2 or more people will be booked in twin/double room(s) (or triple rooms). Please let us know if you have special requests and we do our utmost to make your stay enjoyable.  Please note, any changes to the original plan may incur additional costs to the booking.

ACCOMMODATION CATEGORIES

Comfort Rooms

All rooms are with a private bathroom at three-star hotels or similar at quality guesthouses. Located in the city center or in close vicinity. Breakfast is included.

Luxury Rooms

This category features rooms at a design hotel in the city center with a private bathroom at the absolute best locations downtown or seaside locations such as the Fosshótel Reykjavík. Breakfast is included.

Luxury Extra

For those who are in for the very best and prefer to stay at high-end luxury accommodation, please email us to info@goicelandic.com directly after booking. We will suggest a specially customized upgrade for your stay. Please note that special requests are subject to additional cost.

GO ICELANDIC EXCLUSIVE –  VEHICLES

Go Icelandic offer just the right selection of vehicles to suit your wishes. Just book the one that fits your needs and travel plans. Our rental partners offer only highest quality vehicles and service to our guests and customers with care.

Our self-drive packages include only newest models of cars in each category or maximum two years old. Most of the fleet is equipped with a GPS for your safety and comfort. Please see the categories of available vehicles and select the car you need for a magical vacation in Iceland. Based on weather conditions we do recommend a comfortable 4X4 as a minimal standard for winter traveling due to a high probability of snow, and subsequently the possibility of icy and challenging road conditions.

Budget Option – 5 Persons Max

The great 2WD vehicle for your comfort. Great for regular road conditions and traveling enjoyment. We offer a selection of cars like KIA, VW, and Toyota or similar in all our tours. Note that 2WD vehicles are not suitable for F-roads.

Comfort 4X4 Option – 5 Persons Max

A medium sized SUV with 4 Wheel Drive (4×4), fit for most travel, and capable of snow and off-asphalt travel, such as Toyota, KIA or similar. This vehicle has basic highland capabilities.

Luxury 4×4 Option – 5 Persons Max

A large sized SUV with 4 Wheel Drive (4×4) such as Toyota Land Cruiser 150 or similar, capable of nearly all traveling routes. This vehicle has full highland capabilities to drive on accessible mountain roads.

Loading...