Top 13 Things to Do in Iceland on a Self-Drive Trip

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland and wondering what to prioritise, you’re in the right place. As local travel experts, we’ve pulled together the best experiences across the country to help you build a self-drive itinerary that actually works.

From glaciers and volcanoes to remote fjords and geothermal pools, Iceland is a place best explored at your own pace. With your own rental car, you’re free to go beyond the bus routes, stop where you like, and experience the country properly.

Here are 13 of the best things to do in Iceland—and exactly how they fit into a self-driving adventure.

Hike a glacier in Iceland 

How often do you get the chance to walk across a glacier while on holiday? Not often. In Iceland, though, it’s one of the most rewarding experiences you can add to your itinerary. Standing on centuries-old ice, surrounded by deep crevasses and sweeping views, gives you a completely different perspective on the country’s landscape.

There are three main regions where you can go glacier hiking in Iceland: Skaftafell Nature Reserve, Sólheimajökull and Breiðamerkurjökull.

Skaftafell, part of the larger Vatnajökull National Park, is widely considered one of the best hiking areas in the country. It offers a variety of guided glacier tours, ranging from shorter three-hour walks to longer five-hour adventures, with some tours even including ice climbing. The surrounding scenery—black sand plains, jagged peaks and vast ice caps—makes it easy to see why this area is often called a hiking paradise.

Sólheimajökull, on the South Coast, is one of the most accessible glaciers from Reykjavík, making it a perfect addition to a self-drive itinerary. It’s only around a two-hour drive, and you’ll find several guided tours here, including glacier hikes and ice climbing experiences.

If you’re heading further east, Breiðamerkurjökull is located near the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Combining a visit to the lagoon with a glacier hike is a great way to make the most of the journey.

All glacier hikes require a certified guide, as the terrain can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous. The good news is that this activity is available year-round and suitable for most fitness levels.

Go ice-caving in Iceland

_{Photo by Kari Bjorn Photography}

Ice caving in Iceland is a must-do.

But why stop at walking on a glacier when you can step inside one? Ice caving is one of the most visually striking experiences in Iceland, with shimmering blue walls, natural tunnels and constantly changing formations shaped by the seasons.

There are three main locations for ice caving: Vatnajökull in the southeast, Katla in the south, and Langjökull in the west.

Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, is home to naturally formed ice caves that are only accessible during the winter months. Each year, new caves form and old ones disappear, meaning no two visits are ever the same. Tours here often combine ice caving with glacier hiking, giving you a more complete experience.

Katla offers something a bit different. Located beneath a volcano, its ice caves are known for their striking black ice and dramatic surroundings. Unlike most natural caves, Katla’s are accessible year-round and are typically reached via guided super jeep tours.

Langjökull, Iceland’s second-largest glacier, features the world’s largest man-made ice tunnel. Opened in 2015, it allows visitors to explore deep inside the glacier in a safe and controlled environment. Tours depart from Húsafell and are available throughout the year.

As with glacier hiking, ice caving always requires a guided tour for safety reasons.

Chase the northern lights in Iceland

If you’re visiting Iceland in winter, seeing the northern lights is likely high on your list—and for good reason. Watching the sky shift into shades of green and purple is something that stays with you long after your trip.

The best time to see the northern lights is between mid-September and mid-April, when the nights are long and dark enough. One of the biggest advantages of a self-drive trip is the flexibility it gives you. Instead of relying on a fixed tour, you can head out whenever conditions are right, driving away from light pollution and towards clearer skies.

Patience is key, but when everything aligns, it’s one of the most rewarding experiences Iceland has to offer.

Take a dip in the hot springs in Iceland

Hot springs are an essential part of Icelandic culture, and no trip feels complete without at least one soak. While the Blue Lagoon and the Sky Lagoon are the most famous option, it’s far from the only one.

Across the country, you’ll find everything from luxury geothermal spas to simple, natural pools tucked away in the landscape. Some are well-developed with changing facilities and cafés, while others are completely wild and free to access.

Having your own car makes it easy to explore beyond the most crowded spots, allowing you to discover quieter, more local experiences along the way.

To pick the best hot spring to visit during your trip, check out our full hot springs guide.

Watch for whales in North Iceland

Iceland’s coastal waters are rich with marine life, making whale watching a popular activity throughout much of the year. The experience varies depending on where you go, but each location offers something unique.

Húsavík, in North Iceland, is widely regarded as the whale-watching capital of the country. Tours here have a high success rate and offer the chance to see species like humpback whales and even blue whales in the summer months. Nearby Akureyri also offers excellent tours and fits naturally into a North Iceland road trip.

If you’re travelling in the west, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is a great place to spot orcas, particularly in winter. And if you’re staying closer to the capital, you can join a tour from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour.

Whale watching is possible year-round, but the species you see will depend on the season.

Go horseback riding in Iceland

Horseback riding is a fantastic way to experience Iceland’s landscapes at a slower pace. Icelandic horses are a unique breed—smaller than typical horses, known for their friendly temperament and their distinctive gait, the tölt.

Riding tours are available all over the country, from short scenic rides near Reykjavík to longer countryside excursions. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced rider, there are options to suit every level.

Snorkel between the tectonic plates in Silfra, Iceland

Snorkelling might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Iceland, but Silfra offers one of the most unique underwater experiences in the world.

Located in Þingvellir National Park, this fissure sits directly between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The water here is incredibly clear—visibility can exceed 100 metres—thanks to filtered glacial meltwater.

Despite the cold temperatures, dry suits keep you warm, and the experience is surprisingly comfortable. It’s also easy to include as part of a Golden Circle route, making it one of the most accessible adventure activities in the country.

You can book a Silfra snorkelling excursion any time of the year. 

Visit the remote Westfjords in Iceland 

If you’re looking to escape the crowds, the Westfjords are one of Iceland’s best-kept secrets. This remote region offers dramatic landscapes, winding coastal roads and a real sense of isolation.

Highlights include the powerful Dynjandi waterfall, the bird cliffs of Látrabjarg—home to thousands of puffins—and the untouched wilderness of the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve.

Getting here takes time, and the roads can be rough in places, but that’s part of the appeal. A 4x4 is recommended, even in summer, and the region is generally only accessible during the warmer months.

Hike in the Highlands in Iceland

The Icelandic Highlands offer some of the most remote and dramatic landscapes in the country. Vast lava fields, colourful mountains and glacial rivers create an environment that feels completely untouched—and very different from the rest of Iceland.

This region is only accessible during the summer months, as roads close in winter due to weather conditions. If you’re visiting at the right time of year, though, it’s well worth including in your self-drive itinerary.

One of the most popular areas to explore is Landmannalaugar, known for its striking rhyolite mountains, geothermal hot springs and well-marked hiking trails. It’s a favourite starting point for the Laugavegur Trail and offers a range of shorter hikes if you’re not planning a multi-day trek. Soaking in the natural hot pool after a hike is a simple but memorable experience.

For those looking to go further, the Laugavegur Trail remains one of the most famous hikes in Europe, taking you through some of Iceland’s most varied landscapes. It requires more time and planning, but the scenery along the route is exceptional.

Þórsmörk (the Valley of Thor) is another spectacular Highland destination, but it’s not easily accessible by standard driving. The route involves multiple river crossings, which most rental vehicles are not permitted to attempt. For that reason, most travellers reach Þórsmörk via guided super jeep tours or specially adapted highland buses that are designed to handle these conditions safely.

Driving in the Highlands requires a 4x4 vehicle, as all F-roads are unpaved and often rough. With the right preparation—and the right vehicle—exploring this region becomes one of the most rewarding parts of a self-drive trip.

Explore Iceland’s volcanoes

Iceland’s volcanic landscape is one of its most defining features, and there are several ways to experience it up close during your trip.

One of the most unique experiences is visiting Þríhnúkagígur, a dormant volcano located just outside Reykjavík. Here, you can descend into a vast magma chamber—something you can’t do anywhere else in the world. The tour is available from mid-May to October and requires booking in advance.

On the Reykjanes Peninsula, Fagradalsfjall has been the site of recent volcanic activity and is one of the most accessible places to see fresh lava fields. A relatively short hike from the car park brings you to the area, making it an easy stop to include at the beginning or end of your trip, especially if you’re driving to or from Keflavík Airport.

Eyjafjallajökull, one of Iceland’s most well-known volcanoes, gained global attention during its 2010 eruption. Today, the area can be explored through guided experiences such as snowmobile tours, glacier hikes and super jeep excursions, offering a closer look at the surrounding landscapes.

With a rental car, you can easily connect these volcanic sites as part of a wider road trip, adding a completely different dimension to your Iceland itinerary.

Witness a geyser erupting in Iceland

Along the Golden Circle, the Geysir geothermal area is one of Iceland’s most visited stops. While the original Geysir is mostly inactive, its neighbour Strokkur erupts reliably every five to ten minutes, sending boiling water high into the air.

The area is easy to access and requires little planning—just park, walk and wait for the next eruption. Nearby, you’ll also find geothermal pools and bubbling hot springs, adding to the experience.

Enjoy the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Iceland 

Jökulsárlón is one of Iceland’s most iconic natural sights. Large icebergs break away from the Vatnajökull glacier and drift slowly across the lagoon before heading out to sea.

Just across the road, Diamond Beach offers a striking contrast, where chunks of ice wash up on black sand, glistening like crystals. It’s an easy stop along the South Coast, though the five-hour drive from Reykjavík means it’s best included in a longer itinerary.

In winter, you may even spot seals swimming between the icebergs.

Visit Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall

Dettifoss is known for its sheer power. Located in Vatnajökull National Park in the north, it’s a dramatic and unforgettable stop, especially if you’re exploring the Diamond Circle.

The waterfall sits near both Akureyri and Húsavík, making it easy to include in a North Iceland road trip. Its raw force and scale set it apart from Iceland’s many other waterfalls, offering a very different kind of experience.

Road Trip Itineraries That Will Show You the Best of Iceland

To connect these experiences, consider these self-drive routes:

The Ring Road

The Ring Road is likely Iceland’s most popular self-driving route, and it takes you around the entire island. The Ring Road is best seen during the summer months, when the long sunlight hours allow you to spend more time seeing the sights, as well as driving from spot to spot along your journey.

The Diamond Circle

The Diamond Circle is less visited than the Ring Road but well worth the detour. The entire circle only takes about four hours to traverse, but, including stopping times and sightseeing, you can do it in a day or two. Popular spots along the circle include Dettifoss Waterfall and Lake Mývatn. 

The Golden Circle

The Golden Circle rivals the Ring Road for the most popular self-driving route in Iceland. The Golden Circle is arguably the easiest self-driving route in the country and the most convenient for those travelling to Iceland in the winter months, as well as those who want to keep their explorations closer to Reykjavík. 

The Arctic Coast Way 

One of Iceland’s newer self-driving routes, the Arctic Coast Way takes you to the far reaches of northern Iceland, within the Arctic Circle. This route is only really worthwhile during the summer months when the whole of the area is accessible (winter visits can cut your travel short, as parts of this route are inaccessible following winter weather events). 

Iceland’s Filming Locations 

Did you know that Iceland is home to a wide array of filming locations? With a self-driving route to some of Iceland’s most popular shooting locales, you can see famous scenery from shows like Game of Thrones and movies like Star Wars.

What to Keep in Mind When Planning an Iceland Road Trip

Avoid trying to see everything

Iceland may look small on the map, but distances add up quickly. Trying to squeeze too much into one trip will leave you rushing from place to place. Focus on a realistic route and enjoy each stop properly. We also have recommendations for feasible itineraries depending on whether you’re visiting for five, seven, eight or ten days.

Some experiences are seasonal

Not everything is available year-round. The northern lights are best seen from September to April, the Highlands are only accessible in summer, and puffins are typically spotted in late spring and summer. Plan your itinerary around what matters most to you.

Some areas require a 4x4

If you’re heading into the Highlands or driving F-roads, a 4x4 is essential (and legally required). Even in summer, roads can be rough and unpaved.

Some activities require a guide

Glacier hiking, ice caving, and certain volcano tours must be done with certified guides. It’s best to book these in advance, especially in peak season.

The Only Thing Left? The Right Car

Once you’ve mapped out your itinerary, the easiest way to bring it all together is with your own rental car.

With Lava Car Rental, you can explore Iceland on your own terms—no fixed schedules, no rushing, just the freedom to stop wherever the landscape pulls you in.

You’ll also benefit from self-service pick-up and drop-off, essential insurance included as standard, no young driver fees, and the flexibility to book with a debit card. It’s a simple, hassle-free way to start your trip.

Ready to hit the road? Choose your vehicle and start planning your Iceland adventure.