A self-drive tour is one of the best ways to experience Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes, including the country’s glaciers, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and geothermal wonders.
Doing a self-drive road trip will give you that great feeling of traveling in your rented car, stopping wherever and how often you feel like, and taking in the views. This guide provides an in-depth look at how to make a trip to Iceland eventful in a 6-day detailed itinerary for summer and winter.
Iceland is a land of fire and ice, offering travelers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the volcanic landscape, massive glaciers, breathtaking waterfalls, and much more.
In this itinerary, we try to focus on the best—from endless daylight in summer to the frosty magic of winter, so you can make your trip absolutely unforgettable. Let’s get started!
Why Rent a Car for Your 6-Day Iceland Adventure?
Car rentals in Iceland give you complete freedom to enjoy the unique attractions of this country at a time that suits you best. The rental cars enable you to visit off-track destinations that might be inaccessible during guided tours, change the daily agenda according to your desire, and put up with the uncertain Icelandic weather. Be it the busy city of Reykjavik or remote fjords, a car rental lets you see it all without having to rush.
Hertz Iceland has a wide array of cars for all your traveling needs. During the summer season, which spans from May to September, smaller cars are ideal for driving on asphalt and visiting major attractions. During winter, which is from October to April, you need to use much larger vehicles, such as SUVs or those with high ground clearance, due to the extreme ice and snowfall.
For summer, you can choose one of these options:
- 2WD economy cars: affordable options that are appropriate for driving the Iceland Ring Road and to major attractions.
- Compact cars: suitable for most summer roads.
As for winter vehicles, some options include:
- 4WD vehicles: a necessity on icy roads, particularly in rural areas.
- SUVs and full-size cars: ideal for more challenging conditions.
Book your rental car in advance, especially during peak seasons. Pick up your car at Keflavik International Airport for convenience, and always opt for rental insurance to ensure a stress-free journey. Make sure to read the rental agreement carefully to understand any additional fees or requirements.
6 Days in Iceland Itinerary – Summer edition
Iceland is a year-long tourist attraction. There’s something truly special about traveling to this beautiful location in the summer.
Route map of this 6 days summer road trip
This is also the best time to view puffins in Iceland as these birds are most active between May and August. Here is a possible plan for your 6 days summer Iceland trip:
Day 1: Arrival and The Blue Lagoon
Upon arrival at Keflavik Airport, pick up your car rental and drive to the Blue Lagoon. Spend some time in the geothermal water, famous for its healing properties, in the breathtaking surroundings of the lava fields. Afterward, drive to Reykjavik and take an evening stroll around the colorfully painted streets of this small town. Have dinner in one of its restaurants and taste some traditional Icelandic dishes like lamb stew or fresh fish.
Just do not forget to book the Blue Lagoon in advance; that place is just a bit too popular, especially during summer.
Day 2: Golden Circle
Start the Golden Circle by visiting Þingvellir National Park, where two continents meet. Every visitor who is interested in history or geology should definitely include this UNESCO World Heritage Site in their bucket list. Continue to the geothermal area of Geysir and then the magical Gullfoss waterfall, one of the most visited waterfalls in Iceland.
End your exciting sightseeing day with a rejuvenating dip in a nearby natural hot spring, like the Secret Lagoon. While both attractions are not right next to each other, they are relatively close, making the drive scenic and quite straightforward, so it’s easy for tourists to visit both in the same day.
Day 3: South Coast and Black Sand Beaches
Take a drive down Iceland’s South Coast, where the black beaches of Reynisfjara have basalt columns and powerful waves. Two of the most stunning waterfalls in Iceland are Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss. Visitors should try to get some time for a hike on the paths around these natural wonders and take the opportunity to breathe in the fresh sea air. Then head onward to Diamond Beach and the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon for unforgettable glacier views.
This day will be a dream come true for photographers—with some extra time between all those wonders to take the view in. Of course, you are going to be passing through small towns where you can stop to eat and see very friendly locals.
Day 4: East Fjords Day
The East Fjords are home to the photogenic mountain Vestrahorn, the quaint town Höfn, dramatic landscapes, towering cliffs, and peaceful fishing villages. Take a moment to appreciate the quiet towns and dramatic landscapes. People looking for tranquility and exceptional photo opportunities will find this part of Iceland significantly less crowded with tourists. Don’t miss Höfn itself, which is also called “Lobster Town” and is one of the best places to try the country’s famous langoustines.
Day 5: Drive Back to Reykjavik
On the way back to Reykjavik, don’t skip visiting Djúpivogur, a village with original sculptures and a relaxed atmosphere. Make a point to stop wherever you see any interesting views or sites while driving to Reykjavik by the Ring Road. Enjoy the nightlife in Reykjavik or try some Icelandic delicacies such as lamb stew or even Arctic char. Reykjavik offers excellent opportunities for shopping, where you can hunt for some unique souvenirs and handmade woolen goods.
Day 6: Departure
Return your car to Hertz Iceland at Keflavik International Airport in time to catch your flight home. Consider one last soak in the Blue Lagoon or, for something a little different, Reykjavik’s Sky Lagoon. Be sure to allow enough time to make it to the airport and to return your rental car.
6 Days in Iceland Itinerary — Winter edition
Winter in Iceland can be something special, especially if you wish to go on a tour to see the Northern Lights. Still, it’s important to keep in mind that weather in Iceland can be quite unpredictable at this time of the year, so you should plan your tour accordingly.
Winter 6 days route map
Day 1: Arrival and Reykjavik Exploration
Upon arrival, pick up the car rental and head towards Reykjavik. Start with some of the city’s many indoor attractions, like museums, galleries, or the Harpa Concert Hall.
Reykjavik is so cozy on winter days; full of warm cafes that serve traditional Icelandic treats. In the evening, you might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. To view it best, follow local aurora forecasts, heading out to a dark area outside of the city.
It will be very cold, no doubt, so bundle up, bringing a thermos of hot chocolate to warm you while you wait for the lights.
Day 2: Golden Circle with Winter Adjustments
While the Golden Circle is accessible in winter, the days are much shorter, and the roads can be slippery. Your rental car needs to have winter tires, and your group needs to pack a lot of warm layers.
The best course of action is to anticipate that every stop will require more time than usual, possibly due to the harsh winter conditions. If the weather is perfect, you might witness partially frozen geysers and waterfalls. Indeed, this is the time when Iceland’s beauty is at its most magical, so plan to make lots of stops!
Day 3: South Coast and Frozen Waterfalls
Drive to Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss—both even more magical in their frozen state. Watch out for icy areas, and if possible, wear sturdy shoes or boots with lots of traction.
Later in the day, head to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, where the icebergs create a unique winter landscape. You’ll want to stay overnight in the vicinity of Vatnajökull National Park.
The most convenient option is to stay in Höfn, but there are also accommodation options nearby to the lagoon. This area is also unique for star-sightings because of the clear nights.
Day 4: Ice Caves and Glacier Hiking
Take an ice-caving tour or a guided snowmobiling trip on Vatnajökull Glacier. This day will be dedicated to exclusive winter activities and lifetime experiences.
Don’t forget to put on warm clothes and listen carefully to the instructions from your guide. Retire for the night again around Höfn in preparation for your journey back. Ice caves are the highlight of any winter trip, with views that you rarely see anywhere else.
Day 5: Return to Reykjavik
Start off very early in the morning so you can drive when there is daylight. Driving in complete darkness can be dangerous, especially in snowy conditions.
On the way, have a quick stop whenever you feel like it and get out to stretch your body, taking in the scenery. Once you finally get to Reykjavik, enjoy a well-deserved warm meal and reflection of the ride. Visit one of Reykjavik’s thermal pools to unwind from the long drive.
Day 6: Departure
Spend a leisurely morning in Reykjavik in preparation to return your car to Hertz Iceland at the airport. Depending on the weather, visit Sky Lagoon or take in some of Reykjavik’s many museums and galleries.
Make sure to leave enough time to get to the airport because of winter conditions, which can be fully unpredictable. This last day is a very good opportunity to reflect on this vacation and plan your next one in Iceland. If you’re considering spending more time in Iceland, maybe book a 10-day Iceland trip next?
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Self-Drive Trip
While Iceland is a popular tourist spot, its unpredictable weather and raw nature can make it dangerous. This is why it’s essential to plan ahead and to take some precautionary measures. Here are some tips that will make your self-drive trip safe and enjoyable:
Driving in Winter vs Driving in Summer
You need to have a different approach when it comes to driving in winter and summer. Longer days and clear roads characterize summers, while winters can be more challenging due to icy roads and poor visibility.
Consult Icelandic weather (vedur.is) and road condition websites (road.is) before embarking on any journey, especially if you’re not headed straight to a specified location but rather are planning to just see where the road might take you.
Safety Tips
Ensure that the rental car has appropriate tires, and bring a first-aid kit (which should already be in the car). It’s better to stay safe than sorry. Refrain from speeding, and make sure to stay aware of any weather alerts.
Keep your gasoline tanks full throughout, especially when visiting areas that are far away from the capital. In case you’re going on a winter drive, bring along a shovel and traction mats for times when you encounter snow.
Packing for the Trip
When traveling to Iceland, it’s important to always have essentials with you. Heavy snow and wind can trap you for hours, so it’s crucial to be prepared.
Pack waterproof and windproof clothing year-round. In winter, bring extra layers, gloves, and hats. For summer, sunscreen and sturdy walking shoes are a must. Snacks are also a good idea, especially when traveling through remote areas.
Stay Flexible
Schedule extra time for delays, particularly in the winter, and make alternative plans in case weather conditions force the cancellation of some events. Flexibility is an ingredient much needed to make your trip enjoyable despite such eventualities.
Book Your 6 Days in Iceland Today
Whether you’re hoping to see the Northern Lights or enjoy the island’s natural wonders, spending 6 days in Iceland can be an unforgettable experience. Booking a car rental with Hertz Iceland will ensure comfort and flexibility for the journey, according to the season. Book your car in advance, choose the right one to suit your traveling needs, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Iceland.
