Winter Self Drive in North Iceland

An exciting destination to explore, the North of Iceland including Lake Mývatn and Akureyri.
Visit the new "it" destination in Iceland. Defined by its rugged landscape, geological marvels, and welcoming people, the more rural North Iceland is almost an entirely different world. Now accessible via direct flights to Akureyri Airport from London Gatwick or Manchester (November - March) with easyJet or through a stop over flight in Keflavík/Reykjavík via Icelandair from most U.K. destinations.

Highlights

• Self Drive Offer, Including flights
• Experience North Iceland with a car and enjoy the fantastic landscapes of the Dimond Circle
• Hunt for the Magical Northern Lights - Mystery, Magic and Frozen Nights
• Staying 2 nights in Lake Mývatn and 2 nights in the Capital of the North Akureyri

Itinerary Suggestion

Day 1 - Arrival
Pick up your rental car from the Akureyri Airport. Drive to Lake Mývatn, duration about one hour 30 minutes.
Mývatn deserves its reputation as one of Iceland’s most fascinating areas of natural beauty. Its abundant bird life, incredible variety of volcanic and geothermal features and wealth of walking trails, make it a particularly rewarding place for visitors. Lake Mývatn is Iceland’s fourth biggest and with a unique biosphere.
Check in at your hotel. You might want to relax in the late afternoon/evening at the Jarðböðin Mývatn Nature Baths, (sometimes called "the Blue Lagoon of the North"). You need to pre-book your visit.

Overnight stay at Fosshótel Mývatn or Berjaya Mývatn Hotel or similar.

Day 2 - The Diamond Circle

Explore the Diamond Circle of the North. The Diamond Circle can be described as a magnificent circuit of about 260km in the Northeast of Iceland, which includes some of the most stunning sights and of the most scenic landscapes in the whole country.
Highlights: Lake Mývatn, Goðafoss Waterfall, Dettifoss Waterfall, Húsavík and Ásbyrgi National Park.

Overnight stay again in Mývatn.

Optional day tours: Whale Watching in Húsavík (period March - November). Or you might want to try Dog sledding! Many more optional tours and activities available, we will send you all the details.

Experience and get close to the incredible humpback whales of the magnificent Skjálfanda Bay, a place of serene beauty. This area is remarkably rich when it comes to wildlife. Exploring the Bay on a traditional wooden oak boat surrounded by whales. Unspoiled nature is an incredible experience. You have a chance to encounter up to eleven different cetaceans species on these tours.

Day 3 - Akureyri and Surrounding

Enjoy more of the Diamond Circle area, before you drive back to Akureyri, the Capital of the North.
Check in at hotel Enjoy your time in Akureyri, we will send you plenty of suggestions for activities, restaurants and the "must sees" in the Akureyri. You might want to relax after the journey and visit the Skógarböðin Forest Lagoon, only a 5 minutes drive from Akureyri, you need to pre-book your visit.

Stay three nights at 2 star hotel in Akureyri.

Akureyri is Iceland's second largest town and is the capital of the North. Enjoy the charming town centre which has good selections of restaurants and bars. Akureyri also has the best skiing area in the country, you can visit the botanic garden Lystigarðurinn, and lovely public swimming pool. We will send you plenty of suggestions of what to do with your free day including the “must sees” in Akureyri.

Overnight stay again in Akureyri.

Day 4 - Departure

If you want to explore more you might want to take a detour to Tröllaskagi Peninsula, visit town Siglufjörður town that is in the setting of the crime drama "Trapped". You can explore the area to Siglufjörður you can also visit towns like Dalvík, then Ólafsfjörður town. Or you might want to try something very different the Beer Spa! - Bjórböðin. You also might want to stop at a great local coffee place in Dalvík – Gísli Eiríkur Helgi.

Optional day tour: Akureyri Classic Whale Watching.

Day 5 - Departure

Departure from Akureyri in the morning, you need to be at the airport about 2 hours before your departure.

NOTE: This is an itinerary suggestion, sometimes it may be necessary to alter the route to fit in with hotel availability. All Iceland reserves the right to confirm a reversed itinerary and the right to change accommodation at short notice, depending on availability as per our terms and conditions.

Prices

Price in £ per person, 2 persons sharing a room and rental car:

We have a wider range of vehicles available on request, if you have any vehicle in mind please let us know. Requested examples include the 9 Seater Caravelle or Hybrid vehicles. See more information on our Car Hire Page.

Package details

Departure Dates: Daily departures from all year round

The price is from £1,095* per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room and rental car (see options above)

*Prices are subject to availability

This holiday includes:

• Return flights from the London Gatwick or Manchester including hand luggage, taxes and fees
• Hertz rental car, 4 full days, Suzuki Swift or similar 4wd, picked up and dropped off at Akureyri International Airport. Car rental includes: GPS navigation, free additional driver, unlimited mileage, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Theft Protection Waiver, tax and drop off fees
• 2 nights accommodation in Akureyri including breakfast and with private facilities
• 2 nights accommodation in Lake Mývatn including breakfast and with private facilities
• All Iceland information pack including maps, leaflets and more
• Detailed day by day driving itinerary personalised for you
• Dedicated All Iceland Travel Specialist to help with any questions you may have leading up to or during your holiday
• 24/7 emergency assistance
• Our unique Icelandic expertise in planning trips in Iceland for our customers
• Service fee and taxes
• Financial Protection (ATOL)

Not included:

• Optional Excursions
• Travel Insurance
• Anything else not specifically listed under "this includes"

Add on and upgrades:

• Upgrade to superior/deluxe rooms or apartment accommodation
• Various day tours such as lagoon experiences, Whale Watching, Snowmobiling, Dog sledding and many more!

Life's a journey!

All Iceland collaborates with Hertz, the world's leading vehicle renting organisation.

Iceland offers the traveller an adventure in a beautiful and rugged landscape. However, experience shows that the forces of Icelandic nature can be harsh and inhospitable, and travellers are well-advised to exercise caution and respect for the country's natural environment. Please note, driving age limit in Iceland is 20 years old for passenger car (23 years for 4wd and minibusses), you must have a valid drivers licence and credit card for authorisation in order to book this holiday. More information and full details.

Tailor made self drive packages: Should you be looking for something a little more special? We can provide a tailor made itinerary, with small boutique hotels and local Icelandic hosted country accommodation. These inviting and friendly off the beaten track places to stay can offer intimate local knowledge of the surrounding area. Take advantage of the friendly natives, who take great pleasure in sharing with you their passion for the Icelandic landscape. Truly the Icelandic touch!