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Top 5 Destinations to Explore in Iceland by Car

One of the most beautiful and wild countries on earth, Iceland is located very close to the Arctic Circle just bat toss away from the North Pole.

Iceland amazed me with its untamed nature, a large variety of natural phenomenon and beautiful landscape. Although it is a very large country, the most important attractions are located pretty far from each other.

Renting a car in Iceland is the best thing you could do to have a total experience and to enjoy the country. Iceland does not have a public railway system and the public transport outside the main towns are not very developed. If you want to visit the whole country you have no choice but to rent a car in Iceland.

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Now that you have the car, let me tell you the 5 best places to visit in Iceland by car. It is a pity to waste your time with peanuts when there are so many interesting things to do!

East Fjords Ships Port Iceland

East Fjords Ships Port Iceland

1. Golden Circle

In my opinion, Golden Circle gives a very good flavour of what Iceland is about. Round trip from Reykjavik to Golden Circle has about 220 kilometres and is one of the most interesting day trips from Reykjavik.

Lava fields, waterfalls, geysers and geothermal areas are just some of the most interesting things to visit during your trip to Iceland. Stokkur Geyser, the Great Geyser, Gullfoss waterfall are just some of the most important things to see when you travel along the Golden Circle.

Thingvellir National Park places to visit in Iceland by car

Thingvellir National Park Northern Lights

Another stop to include on your list is Thingvellir National Park, a historical site and a national park. Here, on this park, two tectonic plates meet the American and Eurasian one. It is the only place on Earth where you can touch both plates at the same time with your hands.

You can plan a day trip from Reykjavik or you can find accommodation along the Golden Circle and have more time to enjoy the beauty of the place.

We chose to stay in Reykjavik and do daily trips in the nearby areas, including Golden Circle.

Book your overnight stay to experience Reykjavik life

2. East Fjords one of the best places to visit in Iceland by car

One of the wildest and most beautiful places in Iceland is the east part simply known as East Fjords. The area is very remote and is accessible only by car. The landscape is amazing with narrow fjords and steep cliffs. There is no big town in the area, just small fishing villages where you can get in touch with the local culture.

East Fjords Iceland

East Fjords Iceland

In my opinion, East Fjords is the best place to see gathered in one place what Iceland has to offer: beautiful landscapes, wild nature, traditional farms, small and cosy villages and crystal clear lakes.

Spending a few nights in the area is the best thing you can do! You have enough time to explore the area and enjoy its beautiful landscapes. We chose to spend a few nights close to Hof, at , a very clean and nice hotel. From there we made daily trips to East Fjords and east coast.

3. Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Snaefellsnes Peninsula is located in the west part of Iceland and has one of the most beautiful views of the whole country. It is located 200 kilometres away from Reykjavik so it is not quite the best destination for a day trip. It would be too tiring but you can very easily sleep in the area for a night.Hotel Budir is a good choice. It is clean, very well maintained and is its location is absolutely perfect!

Kirkjufell snaefellsnes Peninsula Iceland

Kirkjufell snaefellsnes Peninsula Iceland

This beautiful peninsula is the best place to spot the puffins during spring and summer. What great creatures!

Besides the puffins, there are plenty of things to do in the area. You can visit museums (Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum), churches (Búðakirkja), lava fields, wonderful waterfalls, Snæfellsjökull a very beautiful glacier and many other natural wonders. All these beautiful things give you a good flavour of what Iceland is about.

4. Lake Myvatn

One of the best places to visit in Iceland by car, and I must admit, one of my favourite places from Iceland, Myvatn lake is located on the north side of Iceland. This is a volcanic lake nested in the middle of a breath-taking landscape many hours away from Reykjavik.
A night on a farm in the nearby area is a must.
We chose Vogafjos Farm Resort Myvatn because it is close to Myvatn Natural Pools and other attractions from the area. The rooms are cosy and clean and the food is delicious!

It is one of the most expensive places in Iceland but worth every penny. In the area is the second most famous natural pool from Iceland, Myvatn Natural Pools. The pools are great and the experience of bathing in a natural pool is a must-do thing when in Iceland. It is by far the most authentic experience I had during my stay in Iceland.

So, when you visit Iceland include on your to-do list a few hours at a natural pool. It is something incredible!

5. Black sand beach to Jokulsarlon

Glaciers, ice lagoon and sand beach are just some of the things you will when you visit the south part of Iceland. The landscape is unique and completely different than the rest of the country, making from this part one of the best places to visit in Iceland by car.

The area is famous for its beautiful landscape and unique relief. The black lava beach with crystal clear waters and beautiful icebergs on the beach is something extraordinary to see. It was for the first time in my life when I saw an iceberg and an ice lagoon. During my visit there, a big iceberg was spoon off the glacier and started its journey to see. It was such an incredible moment! I have never dreamed to see something like that!

Iceland is an amazing country and its beautiful landscape did not stop to amaze me. I could visit this country over and over again and for sure, each time I would find something new and different.

Husavik Port Iceland

Husavik Port Iceland

Book at least 2 nights in and explore the area! There are many interesting things to do and see there! From the ice lagoon to the glaciers, there are many interesting places to visit! You should try a trip up to the glacier! It is one of a kind adventure!

Worldwide travel tip: take a 10 days tour of the island and drive along the Iceland Ring Road. This is the best way to see Iceland scenery and its incredible nature!

The easiest way to do the Ring Road by car is to rent a car in Iceland

Iceland is a place which fascinates and amaze me! I would definitely go back there if I have the opportunity!