Around Iceland: Drive & Hike

The terrain in Iceland is incredibly varied, offering everything from well-marked gravel paths and soft mossy ground to rocky lava fields, loose scree slopes, and occasional river crossings. You might come across geothermal areas with bubbling mud pools, patches of snow even in summer, and stretches of black sand or volcanic ash. Some trails lead across high plateaus or along steep ridges, requiring steady footing, while others wind gently through green valleys or along dramatic coastal cliffs.

Paths can often be slippery or uneven underfoot, so sturdy walking boots are a must. On some routes, especially the less-traveled ones, the path may be faint, overgrown, or even blocked by rockfalls or high tides. In these areas, it's especially important to check local advice before setting out.

River Crossings: Use caution, especially with glacial rivers, which are safest to cross early in the morning. Avoid crossings after rainfall or warm days, and follow river safety procedures.

Glacier Safety: Do not walk on glaciers without a qualified guide and proper equipment (crampons, ropes, ice axe).There are trained guides available at Skaftafell National Park to take hikers onto the glacier - excursions may be pre-arranged.

Emergency Huts: Orange huts along the coast are for shipwrecked sailors only. Those along mountain roads are for stranded motorists in winter, hikers may use them to call for help in emergencies.

This tour is graded easy to moderate. Since all of the walks are optional, you can choose routes that suit your pace each day, and within the overall grade, individual days and options vary in difficulty, with some a bit tougher or easier than others.

Accommodation on this route includes a stay in a charming hotel in Reykjavik, along with countryside hotels and guesthouses elsewhere on the route. Each countryside stay has been chosen to give you a genuine taste of Iceland, combining warm hospitality, comfortable rooms and excellent food, often in beautiful surroundings. If your usual accommodation isn't available, we'll arrange a hotel or guesthouse of a comparable standard.

Yes, solo travelers are very welcome. There will be a supplement because some costs, like transfers, aren't shared. Or if you'd like to book a single room, just ask. These are available for a supplement.

Breakfast is included daily. For lunch, you'll find cafés and shops along the way to pick something up. In the evenings, countryside hotels typically have their own on-site restaurant, since nearby dining options can be limited in rural areas. Expect excellent, hearty Icelandic cooking, including local specialties like Hangikjöt (smoked lamb), Saltfiskur (salted fish) and Arctic char, and if you're feeling adventurous, Hákarl, a traditional cured shark dish often paired with schnapps.

You can start this tour any day of the week between May and September. June through August is the most popular time to travel, with long daylight hours, the driest and warmest weather, and the best wildflowers. The main tourist sights get busier during this period, though you won't notice it much out on the walks or while driving. If you prefer a quieter tour, May or September are good alternatives, though the weather is a little less reliable and prices are lower.

Temperatures from May to September typically range from about 5 to 15°C (40 to 60°F). May brings the first blooms of summer, while June and July bring near-24-hour daylight under the Midnight Sun, ideal for long days of exploring, and this is also the best window for spotting puffins along the coast. By September, you'll find crisp mornings and striking autumn color. Weather can shift quickly at any time, bringing both sun and showers.

Iceland is also a geologically active place, with more than 30 active volcanic systems. Eruptions are rare, but it's worth staying informed, and your Tour Info will include more detail on this ahead of your tour.

Since this is a self-drive tour, you'll keep your luggage with you in the car rather than having it transferred between accommodations each day. Secure luggage storage is included for one bag of up to 23kg/51lbs per person, for use as needed during your tour.

Some trails in Iceland are well-marked, while others have little or no signage.

Navigation is straightforward using our app which has maps, tracks and daily route info. Simply download the information and tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone. Once on the trail you do not need signal for the app to work and follow your progress.

Getting to the start
Fly into Keflavik International Airport, which is well-connected to the UK, Europe, the US and other international destinations. From the UK, the flight takes around 3 hours, while travelers from Boston can reach Iceland in around 5 hours. Icelandair operates numerous direct flights from various US cities.

A transfer service is included with your tour: on arrival at Keflavik Airport, you'll be taken to your hotel in Reykjavik, and at the end of your tour, the same transfer will take you back to Keflavik Airport.

You'll need good hiking shoes or boots, comfortable hiking clothes, waterproofs, a daypack, and we recommend hiking poles. A portable charger for your cell phone is essential. On booking, our Tour Info will give you a complete packing list.

Since this is a self-drive tour with your own rental car, nearly all of the suggested walks are optional alongside the driving route, so you can simply choose not to do a particular walk and continue driving to your next stop, without needing to arrange alternative transport.

Driving in Iceland is a real pleasure for most visitors, with open, largely traffic-free roads and dramatic scenery throughout. At times, gravel roads, high winds, dust and rain can make conditions more challenging than you might be used to at home, so it's worth reviewing the driving advice we provide in your Tour Info before you set off. Rental cars are left-hand drive, and driving in Iceland is on the right-hand side of the road.

From 2026, a road tax applies to all vehicles on Icelandic roads, including rental cars. It's calculated based on the distance you drive during your rental period and is charged separately by the car hire company at the end of your rental.

Standard car hire on this route is a compact automatic suitable for two to three people with luggage, with larger vehicles automatically included for bigger groups. Upgrades to 4WD and larger SUV-style vehicles are available and better suited to rough or mountain roads. Car hire includes unlimited mileage, VAT, collision damage waiver insurance, an additional driver and pick-up/drop-off fees in Reykjavik, though fuel, oil and any additional excess-reducing insurance are not included.

We highly recommend that you have travel insurance when you book with Macs Adventure. Your policy should cover medical treatment (including repatriation and emergency evacuation by air ambulance or helicopter), injury, death, third-party liability, and trip cancellation