Reykjavik Car Tours: Top 5 Picks for Exploring Iceland

Thinking about Iceland? That’s super! One great way to experience all the wonderful sights is by grabbing a car and hitting the road. So, really, having your own ride gives you the freedom to explore at your own speed, stop at those cool spots most tour buses simply drive past, and truly connect with the environment. From thrilling drives around the Golden Circle to wild trips up the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a self-drive tour from Reykjavik opens doors to sights you’ll always think back to.

1. Golden Circle Classic: A Reykjavik Starting Point

Okay, so if you’re starting out, the Golden Circle is almost a must-do. It packs some of Iceland’s biggest hits into just one easily managed route. You know, you’ll see the powerful Gullfoss waterfall—a super amazing sight as tons of water tumble down—plus the geysers at Haukadalur where Strokkur shoots hot water sky-high every few minutes. It’s like something you have to see to believe. Don’t forget Þingvellir National Park either; that, basically, is both stunning visually and historically important since it’s where the Icelandic parliament began way back when.

And you get to experience being right between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates! Doing this drive yourself lets you beat the crowds, you can spend as long as you fancy at each place. In fact, many tours offer options that tack on extra cool stuff like snorkeling in Silfra fissure (if you’re brave enough for that freezing water!), or chilling out at the Secret Lagoon near Fludir.

2. South Coast Adventure: Waterfalls and Black Sands

The South Coast, that, in particular, is another top contender if you want spectacular sights without too much driving. We’re talking seriously breathtaking waterfalls, like Seljalandsfoss (you actually walk behind this one – how cool is that?) and Skógafoss. I mean, picture perfect. Keep driving, and you get to black sand beaches like Reynisfjara near Vík; a very dramatic spot that’s full of basalt columns and crazy looking sea stacks. That’s an Instagram goldmine if ever there was one!

This route can lead you way, very far east all the way to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon—a stunning lake filled with icebergs floating towards the sea—and the adjacent Diamond Beach, where those icebergs wash up on the shore. Some driving tours add ice cave visits in winter, and glacier hikes, too. Be careful on these: you want proper gear and local guides. So, honestly, a bit of planning turns this drive from beautiful into epic.

3. Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Iceland in Miniature

Fancy going somewhere a bit different? The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is really something. That, clearly, is called “Iceland in Miniature” because it has volcanoes (including the Snæfellsjökull glacier-topped one, that’s supposed to have crazy energy!), lava fields, bird cliffs, black beaches… It’s got everything! It’s sort of like Iceland packed into one peninsula. You can hike around Arnarstapi, check out the black church at Búðir, and explore caves. Actually, driving the whole loop takes a day or two, but it lets you miss most big tourist crowds.

Many packages you find include accommodation right on the peninsula, this, very much lets you make the most of that unreal light—great for landscape photography or just drinking in those incredible views. Also, you might spot some seals hanging out on the rocks!

4. Reykjavik to the Highlands: A Trip to Landmannalaugar

So, want something really different? Getting to the Highlands really shows off Iceland’s wild side. I mean, places like Landmannalaugar, almost, have rainbow-colored mountains and natural hot springs. Okay, this type of trip needs prep, though; we are talking serious off-road driving, with river crossings too. Typically, you’ll need a proper 4×4 vehicle and some experience because some routes aren’t for the faint-hearted! However, seeing the interior? It’s seriously worth it!

Tour companies usually bundle this kind of trip, too, it includes the 4×4 rental, camping gear (often in specialized mountain huts), and backup plans just to make sure things go well. This could be one wild story to tell!

5. The Westfjords Escape: Remote Beauty

The Westfjords! Right then, this one takes commitment—we’re dealing with zigzag roads and far flung peninsulas that are seriously amazing. You get super impressive fjords, bird cliffs at Látrabjarg (that’s one of Europe’s biggest!), and that wonderfully red beach at Rauðasandur. As a matter of fact, it is an experience that’s far from common! It will give you amazing bragging rights as very few visit this part of Iceland.

If you love hiking, kayaking, and experiencing true isolation, this area should be tops on your radar. Some trips incorporate ferries to hop between fjords. Also, accommodation here might be, you know, simpler, so booking in advance is wise. This way you can make sure you’ve a cosy place from which to see the Northern Lights at the edge of the planet since there’s virtually no light pollution!