MyRoute-app
Library Generator Subscriptions Information Routeplanner Navigation About us
Register Log in
Day 01 of 12 Day Roadtrip Iceland Reykjavik Vik
This route was brought to you by:
RouteXpert René Plücken (MRA Master)
Last edit: 22-10-2025
Route Summary
This is day 1 of a 12 day Road Trip in Iceland.

Driving in Iceland is a great experience, whether you travel by car or, as described in this review, by motorcycle.

These itineraries are based on information about Iceland found online, particularly from the Guide to Iceland, where you'll find a wealth of information to help you prepare for your trip. The material on this site has been compiled with great care; the link can be found in the review of this route.

You will drive through landscapes that are varied and beautiful, you will see glacier tongues, volcanic mountains, geothermal areas with active geysers, lava fields, craters, forests, waterfalls and incredibly rugged stretches of coastline.
The routes in the north are part of the Arctic Coast Way

The main roads are of good quality, but you'll also be traveling on gravel roads, making them unsuitable for road motorcycles. Some of these roads are sometimes closed due to weather. It's therefore important to check the weather forecast and road conditions every day before you leave. This information can be found on the website of the Icelandic Meteorological Office and, for road conditions, on the website of the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration. The links are in the review.

Due to the Icelandic climate, this trip can only be done in summer.

I rate this tour 4****Stars because of the beautiful sights and Icelandic nature.

Share this route
Animation
View animation
Verdict
Duration
9h 16m
Mode of travel
Car or motorcycle
Distance
349.97 km
Countries
Iceland
RouteXpert Review
Reykjavik is a beautiful city with plenty to do, and you can use the day before your trip to relax and enjoy the city. There are many hotels to choose from. There are several rental companies in Reykjavik for motorcycles (adventure bikes) and cars (4x4), some of which are marked with a point of interest (POI).

Prices for a two-week motorcycle rental range from ISK 350,000 (EUR 2,500). This includes unlimited mileage, a top case, insurance for both rider and passenger, and a deposit of ISK 155,000 (EUR 1,140) for a Suzuki V-Strom or Kawasaki Versys, to approximately ISK 540,000 or EUR 4,000 (EUR 2,000 deposit) for a heavy-duty BMW 1200GS.
Please note: you are not allowed to drive on the F-roads without a guide. These are very rough, unpaved roads that can be very rocky, steep, and/or muddy. There are also rivers to cross, so off-road experience is required. If you want to reach Iceland's most beautiful places via these roads, consider booking a guided tour.

If you choose a rental car, you may only drive a 4x4 off-road vehicle on F-roads, and some off-road experience is required. Renting a 4x4 for two weeks costs between ISK 200,000 (EUR 1,500) for a small 4-seater to ISK 475,000 (EUR 3,500) for a large 5- to 7-seater. Adding additional insurance will add another ISK 83,300 (EUR 612).

Day 1 – From Reykjavik via the Golden Circle to Vík í Mýrdal
Today we combine two iconic routes: the Golden Circle and a section of the South Coast. It will be a long but unforgettable day full of natural wonders and spectacular views.

Þingvellir National Park
Our first stop is Þingvellir, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Iceland's most unique places. Here, you can literally walk between two continents: the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The park is characterized by impressive fissures, including Almannagjá, and Iceland's largest lake, Þingvallavatn. For adventurers, snorkeling or diving in the crystal-clear Silfra fissure is a unique experience.

Haukadalur – Geysir and Strokkur
Afterwards, we drive to the Haukadalur geothermal area, famous for its geysers. The original Geysir is largely inactive, but Strokkur erupts every 5–10 minutes, reaching heights of up to 20–30 meters. The surrounding area is a fascinating landscape of steaming springs, bubbling mud pools, and colorful minerals.

Gullfoss – The Golden Waterfall
Just a 10-minute drive away is Gullfoss, one of Iceland's most iconic waterfalls. This "Golden Waterfall" plunges in two stages (11 m and 21 m) into a deep gorge. From the visitor center, you can also book a snowmobile tour to the Langjökull glacier – an unforgettable experience for those seeking extra adventure.

Kerið Crater Lake
We continue our route to Kerið, a volcanic crater lake with bright blue water, surrounded by red lava rock. A short walk along the crater rim offers beautiful photo opportunities.

Lunch stop in Selfoss
On the way to the south coast we pass Selfoss, a pleasant town with several restaurants and cafes – ideal for a lunch break.

Along the South Coast: Lava Centre & Waterfalls
After Selfoss, you can visit the Lava Centre in Hvolsvöllur, an interactive museum about volcanism and earthquakes. Then, we continue to two of Iceland's most famous waterfalls:

Seljalandsfoss – approx. 60 m high, unique because you can walk behind it (in summer).
Skógafoss – also 60 m high and 25 m wide, one of the most photogenic waterfalls in the country.


Dyrhólaey & Black Beaches
Before reaching Vík, we stop at Dyrhólaey, a peninsula with a lighthouse, spectacular views, and a natural rock arch. In summer, you can spot puffins here. Not far from here is the famous black sand beach of Reynisfjara, with its impressive basalt columns.

End point: Vík í Mýrdal
We'll end the day in Vík í Mýrdal, a small village (population approx. 300) known for its black beaches and as a popular stopover for travelers. Here you'll find several hotels and B&Bs for a comfortable overnight stay.

Tip: This day combines many highlights. Expect a long day (8–10 hours) and plan plenty of time for stops and photos.
Thingvellir National Park
Geyser Strokkur
Links
Icelandic Meteorological Office
The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration
Reykjavik Motor Center
Guide to Iceland
Route Day 2
Usage
Want to download this route?
You can download the route for free without MyRoute-app account. To do so, open the route and click 'save as'.
Want to edit this route?
No problem, start by opening the route. Follow the tutorial and create your personal MyRoute-app account. After registration, your trial starts automatically.
Disclaimer
Use of this GPS route is at your own expense and risk. The route has been carefully composed and checked by a MyRoute-app accredited RouteXpert for use on TomTom, Garmin and MyRoute-app Navigation.

Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.

Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
Nearby routes
MyRouteApp B.V. 2026 (C) all rights reserved.
Bredewater 16, 2715 CA Zoetermeer
The Netherlands
+31 79 3636040
Support
Community Forum Contact FAQ Redeem Code
MyRoute-app
About us Legal RouteXperts Pricing Press & Business
Keep up to date with the latest news
Invalid email