SELF-DRIVE IS THE WAY TO GO
Hiring a car and driving around the country is a popular way for visitors to explore. Here are the main routes you can take.
• Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is the most famous route in Iceland, looping from Reykjavik to three major sights in the south: Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the geothermal area known as Haukadalur. Other stops include the Kerid volcanic crater, Skalholt cathedral and the town of Hveragerdi.
• Diamond Circle
This 250km route takes in several key sights around Iceland’s pretty northeast region, including the mesmerising Godafoss and Dettifoss waterfalls, the surreal landscapes around Lake Myvatn, the crescent-shaped Asbyrgi canyon, and Husavik – the whale-watching capital of Iceland. There’s plenty more en route too, including the beautiful Tjornes peninsula.
• Westfjords Way
This 950km round-trip covers some of the breathtaking Westfjords region. Winding your way around the scenic fjords, you’ll find waterfalls and wetlands, mountains and beaches (including Raudasandur), as well as saga hotspots like Dalir, the striking Breidafjordur bay, the Latrabjarg bird cliffs, and Isafjordur, the regional capital.
• Arctic Coast Way
This 900km coastal route traverses the entire northern coastline, from Hvammstangi in the west to Bakkafjorour in the east. Officially opened in 2019, it offers mesmerising and varied scenery that ranges from volcanic landscapes and glistening ocean vistas to glacial river deltas and high mountains. There are also several islands, a string of fishing villages and geothermal pools, plus endless opportunities for watching whales, birds, seals and other wildlife.
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More information: A number of tour operators offer bespoke self-drive tours of Iceland, including flights, car hire and accommodation. These include Audley Travel (13-day Around Iceland’s ring road from £4,215; audleytravel.com); Regent Travel (five-day Iceland fly-drive from £695pp; regent-holidays. co.uk); and Discover the
World (three-night Reykjanes Explorer and Blue Lagoon Break from £276pp; discover-theworld.com).