Amazing 2-Week Summer Self-Drive Tour with Hot Springs & the Golden Circle

On the second day of your two-week summer vacation in Iceland, you'll explore the sights of the Golden Circle sightseeing route. 

The route consists of Thingvellir National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Geysir geothermal area, and the beautiful 'Golden Waterfall,' Gullfoss waterfall.

The first stop here is Thingvellir National Park. Thingvellir National Park is a geological and historical treasure in Iceland, covering around 149 square miles (270 square kilometers). 

It holds immense significance as the site of Iceland's ancient parliament, Althing, established in 930 AD, making it one of the world's oldest functioning parliaments. 

The park is in a rift valley formed by the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates slowly drifting apart, resulting in dramatic fissures and cliffs. 

Next, you'll visit Geysir geothermal area. Geysir is the most famous geyser here, where all geysers get their name. This one is no longer active, but you'll be able to see the Strokkur geyser erupt around every 10 minutes.

The last stop on the Golden Circle sightseeing route is the Gullfoss waterfall. Fed by the Hvita River, it cascades in two tiers, dropping 105 feet (32 meters) into a rugged canyon. 

The waterfall's name comes from the golden hues that often adorn its spray on sunny days. 

Kerid crater lake is also a popular stop along the route. Approximately 3,000 years old, the lake's striking turquoise waters contrast beautifully with the red volcanic rock surrounding it. 

Additionally, you can add some optional tours to your itinerary today. 

You can go snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of Silfra Ravine at Thingvellir National Park (participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim). Alternatively, you can ride across Iceland's second-largest glacier, Langjokull, on a snowmobile, or you can relax in the warm waters of the Secret Lagoon geothermal spa or the Fontana Spa.

After a full day of sightseeing and excitement, head to your accommodation in the Golden Circle area.

On the third day of your self-drive vacation in Iceland, you'll visit the beautiful South Coast and see some of its most popular attractions, including waterfalls, black sand beaches, and rock formations.

Iceland's South Coast is renowned for its beauty and plentiful attractions. You can start the day by exploring some stunning waterfalls. 

Seljalandsfoss waterfall is renowned for its unique feature of allowing visitors to walk behind the cascading water curtain. Fed by the Seljalands river originating from the nearby Eyjafjallajokull glacier, the waterfall drops about 200 feet (60 meters) from a former sea cliff. 

Its ethereal beauty attracts photographers and nature enthusiasts alike, especially during the midnight sun or northern lights. Visitors can take a scenic path to experience the breathtaking views from different angles. 

Other waterfalls you can visit today include Gljufrabui waterfall and Skogafoss waterfall.

Continue driving east, and you'll get to Dyrholaey cliff, offering panoramic views of black sand beaches, the Atlantic Ocean, and nearby rock formations. A haven for birdwatchers, it is a nesting site for various seabirds, including puffins. The iconic arch adds to its dramatic beauty.

Next is Reynisfjara black sand beach, where the iconic Reynisdrangar rocks rise from the ocean.

Towering over you on your journey today are the glaciers Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull. 

If you wish to explore glaciers today, you can opt for a glacier hike or an ice climb on Solheimajokull, an outlet glacier of Myrdalsjokull glacier, or explore the black ice cave on top of the volcanic Katla mountain. 

Your hot spring choice for this day is the Seljavallalaug pool, a concrete pool built on the mountainside with natural warm water trickling into it from one side. 

Note that this is not a staffed pool, so the changing facilities are very rustic, and there are no showers or bathrooms on the site.

After an eventful day filled with incredible sights, spend tonight in one of the South Coast accommodations.

On the fourth day of your two-week self-drive tour of some of Iceland's best sights, you'll discover the Skaftafell Nature Reserve and the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, one of the most beautiful places in the country.

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation in the morning before heading out for the day in Southeast Iceland.

Before leaving Kirkjubaejarklaustur or Vik, check out Fjadrargljufur canyon, just a short drive away. Then, head east towards Skaftafell Nature Reserve, within the enormous Vatnajokull National Park. 

At Skaftafell Nature Reserve, you can opt for glacier hiking or ice climbing tours on one of Vatnajokull's outlet glaciers. 

You could also go for a short hike and follow one of the many hiking trails Skaftafell Nature Reserve is known for. A highly recommended path leads to the beautiful Svartifoss waterfall, which inspired the design of Reykjavik's iconic Hallgrimskirkja church.

Get back in your car to drive further east to the crown jewel of Iceland, Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, and the nearby Diamond Beach. 

Visitors can spend hours gazing at the enormous ice blocks floating on the serene water. If you're lucky, you may see some seals lounging on top of them. 

If you want to see the ice up close, you can choose between two boat tours that take you around the floating ice. One is a slower boat, an amphibious boat, and the other is a zodiac speedboat for a more thrilling ride.

At the end of the day, you can relax in the hot tubs at Hoffell. You can pay a small fee for the hot tubs, which you deposit in an honesty box on the site. 

These natural geothermal pools offer a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, surrounded by stunning views of the Vatnajokull glacier.

You'll spend tonight in comfortable accommodation in Southeast Iceland.

On the sixth day of your self-drive summer vacation in Iceland, you will head towards the beautiful area around Lake Myvatn, where you will spend the next two nights. This region is famous for its diverse landscapes, from wetlands to geothermal fields.

You will have exciting options for spending time here as many stunning attractions and activities exist.

If you are okay going for a long drive on unpaved roads, you could also head inland towards the Askja calderas, where you'll find the crater Viti crater filled with warm water and can take a dip. 

Remember that the temperature varies in some places, and the nearby ground can be hot. The drive will add several hours to your journey, and you will need a 4x4 vehicle for this rugged terrain.

By Lake Myvatn, explore the geothermal area of Namaskard. The Namaskard geothermal area is also known as Hverir. This otherworldly landscape is characterized by bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and vibrant mineral deposits, creating an alien-like atmosphere. 

The striking colors, ranging from vivid reds to sulfuric yellows, create a surreal and mesmerizing scene. The intense geothermal activity results from the proximity to the Krafla volcanic system. 

Visitors can explore the geothermal wonders on well-maintained boardwalks, allowing for a safe and immersive experience. 

Go for a hike around Dimmuborgir field, with its black lava rock formations rising from green birch woods, or up to the dark, sandy crater of Hverfell.

You can also splurge on an additional spa experience at the renowned Myvatn Nature Baths, North Iceland's answer to the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. 

These milky blue waters are at a comfortable 100°F (38°C) temperature, and you'll also have access to steam baths and excellent changing and shower facilities. 

Spend tonight in a comfortable countryside accommodation in Northeast Iceland.

On the seventh day of your 15-day road trip in Iceland, you will visit the Dettifoss waterfall and take a whale-watching trip.

Just outside of Lake Myvatn, incredible sights await you. Today starts with a visit to Dettifoss waterfall, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. 

With a height of approximately 144 feet (45 meters) and a width of around 330 feet (100 meters), the Dettifoss waterfall produces a thunderous roar as it plunges into the Jokulsargljufur canyon below. 

The force of the cascading water creates a dense mist that fills the air, adding to the dramatic atmosphere. The rugged, untouched surroundings further enhance the scenery here.

Continue south to visit another magnificent waterfall, Selfoss. Selfoss waterfall is approximately 36 feet (11 meters) high. While it may not be as tall as some other waterfalls in the region, its charm lies in the graceful way the water flows over the rocks, creating a mesmerizing scene for visitors to enjoy.

Just a short drive away, you'll find many other delightful destinations, including Hljodaklettar cliffs, Asbyrgi canyon, and the charming town of Husavik.

From Husavik, you can choose to go on an optional whale-watching tour. Husavik is the unofficial whale-watching capital of Iceland, with whale sightings almost guaranteed on every trip.

In Husavik, you can also bathe in a free hot tub called Ostakarid. Ostakarid is an artificial hot tub made from iron that fits around 20 people at a time. There are changing facilities beside it, but no bathrooms or showers, so it is a rustic experience. 

There is another bathing option just outside Husavik's town center. You can find a large thermal lake that's naturally warm just southwest of the town. 

The temperature is only around 68°F (20°C), so it is only suitable on warm days. You might also encounter some goldfish in the lake. Note that there are no changing facilities, bathrooms, or showers by this lake.

Once you've finished bathing, return to your accommodations in Northeast Iceland, where you will spend another night.

On this day of your two-week self-drive tour of Iceland, you will make your way to the Snaefellsnes peninsula, the next stop on your itinerary. 

You will cross the Breidafjordur fjord on a ferry to reach the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. You have an optional stop at Flatey Island along the way, but you must catch the earlier ferry in the day and take the evening ferry over to Stykkisholmur. 

Flatey Island is very tranquil, with only two farmers spending the whole year there. It's the perfect location to do nothing and enjoy looking at puffins by the coast or a little stroll around the island.

This small island is known for its well-preserved old houses and tranquil atmosphere, providing a glimpse into Iceland's rich cultural heritage. 

Visitors can explore the narrow streets, admire the colorful buildings, and immerse themselves in the island's peaceful ambiance. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the island's diverse birdlife and stunning coastal landscapes. 

Otherwise, you can spend your day in the Westfjords and catch the evening ferry from Flokalundur to Stykkisholmur, skipping Flatey Island.

One option is to explore Raudasandur beach. This expansive beach stretches for about six miles (10 kilometers) along the coastline, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs and rugged landscapes. 

The red sand gets its vibrant color from pulverized scallop shells, giving the beach a distinct appearance. The remote location of Raudasandur beach adds to its charm, providing a sense of untouched beauty and tranquility. 

Another option is to discover Latrabjarg cliffs, a breathtaking natural wonder and a haven for bird enthusiasts. Rising to heights of over 1,447 feet (441 meters) and stretching for about 8.7 miles (14 kilometers), these dramatic cliffs are home to one of the largest bird colonies in the world. 

Millions of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, nest and soar along the sheer cliff faces, creating a spectacular display of wildlife. 

Visitors can marvel at the stunning views, observe the complex behaviors of the birds, and capture incredible photographs against the backdrop of the North Atlantic Ocean.

If you want to bathe today, head to the Birkimelur swimming pool or the hot spring Hellulaug by Hotel Flokalundur.

You'll spend the night in one of the cozy accommodations of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

On the 14th day of your two-week road trip to Iceland, you'll enjoy exploring the Snaefellsnes peninsula before returning to Reykjavik, where the tour will end.

Before you travel south, you have time to explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. That includes seeing the cone-shaped Kirkjufell mountain.

This iconic landmark captivates visitors with its unique shape and stunning surroundings. Rising around 1,519 feet (463 meters) above sea level, Kirkjufell translates to "Church Mountain" because it resembles a church. 

The mountain is often called one of the most photogenic spots in Iceland. It has a cascading waterfall, Kirkjufellsfoss, with a tranquil reflecting pool. 

The mountain's striking form, surrounding landscapes, and changing light throughout the day make it a popular destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts. 

You could also visit Djupalonssandur's black sand beach in the Snaefellsjokull National Park. Its black volcanic sand and dramatic rock formations create a hauntingly beautiful landscape. 

The beach is known for its scattered shipwreck remnants, adding to its mysterious allure. Visitors can test their strength by lifting the legendary "lifting stones," once used to assess the physical prowess of fishermen. 

Exploring the beach reveals hidden caves, towering cliffs, and crashing waves, offering a sense of wildness and untouched beauty.

You could also take an optional tour down to Vatnshellir cave. Other picturesque locations include the tiny hamlets of Hellnar and Arnarstapi, with their peculiar rock formations.

On Iceland's west coast, you can also relax in the Krauma Spa, found not far from the historical site of Reykholt, the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls, and the powerful Deildartunguhver hot spring.

If you still have some energy at the end of the day, you could hike for two to three hours to Iceland's second-tallest waterfall, Glymur, found at the bottom of Hvalfjordur fjord. It is just a short drive from Reykjavik. 

You can also visit the ice cave tunnels, a series of intricate tunnels carved inside the Langjokull glacier.

Once you arrive in Reykjavik, you'll check into your accommodation for the night.