Iceland Self-Drive Adventure

Blue Lagoon

Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s a must-do when you’re in Iceland. Experience soaking in the mineral-rich blue geothermal waters amid stunning volcanic landscape. Expect it to be windy in this area. It’s close to the airport, so plan on visiting on your way into or out of Reykjavik.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula / Kirkjufell Mountain

Drive along the peninsula to enjoy stunning views. Make a few stops along the way to view the Gerduberg Basalt Cliffs, Ytri Tunga Beach (seals are often spotted in June /July), the Londrangar Cliffs, Gatklettur (Hole Rock), the Svortuloft Cliffs with the orange Skalasnagaviti Lighthouse, Yellow Beach and the famous Kirkjufell Mountain.

Icelandic Horse Riding Tour - Íshestar Horse Riding Center

The special horses are known for their smooth and unique gaits, sturdy steps and friendly nature. You’ll fall in love with these purebred creatures as you ride through spectacular scenery.

Haukadalur Geothermal Valley

Experience the earth’s powerful geological forces through bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles and erupting geysers.

Gullfoss Waterfall

A beautiful, yet powerful waterfall where the Hvítá river cascades in two tiers between a canyon. It's easy to access, and offers plenty of viewing platforms along the falls.

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

A spectacular waterfall plunging over a cliff. You have the unique opportunity to walk behind the falls if you don’t mind getting sprayed with the mist. Easy to access from the parking lot.

Skógafoss Waterfall

A gorgeous waterfall that plunges down a mountain side. It's very accessible at the bottom. If you want to climb the 500+ steps on the right side, you can also view the waterfall from a higher observation platform.

Reyniskirkja Church & Vik

Vik is a charming seafront village. You can walk up to the church to get a panoramic view of the village and learn about the history of the church. A wonderful spot for beautiful photos of the village and Reynisfjara, a black sand beach as the background.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Breiðamerkursandur “Diamond Beach”

Witness the stunning juxtaposition of icy blue glaciers calving into a tranquil lagoon. Boat tours are available. Or, just walk around on your own and experience the surreal landscape. Walk under the bridge to see Diamond Beach, where sparkling icebergs are scattered across the black sand beach.

Katla Ice Cave (Under the Volcano) Tour

If you’re looking for an adventure to break up driving, check out this tour. You’ll ride in a Super Jeep, walk across glaciers and explore the ice cave of the Kötlujökull glacier. Stunning natural beauty.

Reykjavik

Matur Og Drykkur

Offering harbor views, and landed a spot in the 2023 Michelin Guide, this place serves up traditional Icelandic cuisine (lamb, seafood, fish) with a modern flare. It's a unique experience with a seasonal six-course menu, with vegetarian options available.

The Laundromat Cafe

This is a great place for breakfast (served until 4pm). Try the basic brunch or the avocado toast. If you’d rather have lunch, burgers, sandwiches and salads are offered.

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

Try the famous Icelandic hot dogs. If you’re unfamiliar, the mixed meat (lamb, beef, & pork) dogs are long and come with onions (raw & fried), ketchup, sweet mustard & remoulade if you order with “everything” toppings. It’s definitely an experience, and probably the most affordable meal you’ll find in Iceland.

Gulfoss Falls Area (20-minute drive)

Drumboddstadir (Drumbo)

Located on the Hvita river base, you can devour some Icelandic favorites. Lamb BBQ or vegetarian Wellington are all great choices.

Blaskogabyggo

Efstidalur

Indulge in organic, home-made ice cream. You can also dine on Icelandic cuisine at the Hloduloftid, which is a farm-to-table restaurant - absolutely delicious. Everything is super fresh, as most of the ingredients come right from the on-site farm.

Flúðir

Farmer’s Bistro

A mushroom farm that grows its own vegetables. The main courses are carefully planned around the available vegetables. Most dishes contain mushrooms, such as the mushroom soup and portobello burger. The most interesting thing on the menu…. Mushroom ice cream. If farm-to-table and healthy entrées are your style, this is the place for you.

Selfoss

Kaffi Krus

A bistro where you can enjoy salads, burgers and pizzas. If you want to try something new, order the duck pizza with duck confit and onion chutney or the say-cheese pizza with deep-fried brie and red currant jam.

Vik

Halldórskaffi

Dine inside a historical home while enjoying Icelandic favorites such as lamb soup or arctic char. Their lamb is the best I’ve had in Iceland. They also offer burgers, pizza and vegetarian items for something more mainstream.

Black Crust Pizzeria

This is a low-key pizzeria that serves thin-crust pizza with a twist. They use a charcoal-infused dough that makes the crust black. There are definitely some interesting ingredient options, as well as sourdough and gluten-free crusts available.

Höfn (near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon)

Gerdi Guesthouse

Icelandic favorites (lamb, arctic char). A simple guesthouse with no frills.

Nailed It Fish & Chips

A food truck with simple fish and chips. There are limited food options around this area. It's a good place to stop if you’re already in the Jökulsárlón area, and will have a drive before your next stop.