Iceland is one of the best countries in the world to explore by car, which is why having a clear Iceland attractions map is essential when planning a self-drive trip. From waterfalls and glaciers to volcanic landscapes and coastal villages, many of Iceland’s top sights are spread across the country rather than concentrated in one area.
This guide is built specifically for travelers using an Iceland map with attractions to plan a realistic road trip. It breaks down Iceland’s main regions, explains where the country is located, and shows how attractions are grouped geographically so you can plan efficient driving days. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning to explore beyond the main routes, this map-focused guide helps you get the most out of driving Iceland yourself.
At Hertz Iceland, we have been helping travelers explore Iceland by car for decades. Our maps and driving advice are built from real, on-the-ground experience. Each recommendation in this guide is designed for self-drive travelers and reflects Iceland’s unique geography, road network, and weather patterns. If you are planning to drive Iceland yourself, this guide is written for you.
Table of Contents
- Iceland Attractions Map Overview
- Top Iceland Attractions Map for Self-Drive Travellers
- How to Choose the Best Rental Car for Your Self-Drive Iceland Trip
- Packing the Right Gear for Your Trip
- Safety Tips While Driving in Iceland
Iceland Attractions Map Overview
Before diving into specific routes and landmarks, it helps to understand how an Iceland attractions map is structured and why regional planning matters for a self-drive trip. Iceland’s major sights are spread across the country, so using maps that focus on individual regions makes it much easier to build a realistic itinerary and avoid unnecessary backtracking.
This guide uses regional Iceland maps with attractions highlighted, allowing you to plan your route based on the experiences you want most. Knowing how Iceland is divided geographically also gives important context for driving distances, Iceland road conditions, and seasonal accessibility.
Iceland is commonly divided into seven distinct regions, each offering a different landscape and travel experience. The Southwest and Reykjavík combine urban culture with easy access to nearby natural attractions. South Iceland is known for powerful waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glacier tongues that sit close to the Ring Road.
North Iceland features fishing towns, rugged coastlines, geothermal areas, and some of the country’s best whale-watching locations. East Iceland is quieter and more remote, making it ideal for hiking and slow travel through unspoiled wilderness. West Iceland is home to waterfalls, lava fields, and glacier-covered volcanoes, while the Westfjords offer dramatic fjords, steep cliffs, and hidden gems far from the main tourist routes.
Finally, Iceland’s Interior, also known as the Highlands, is a vast, largely uninhabited region dominated by volcanic landscapes, glaciers, and desert-like terrain. Access here is limited to summer months and requires suitable vehicles and careful planning.
Top Iceland Attractions Map for Self-Drive Travellers
This section zooms in on Iceland’s top attractions by region, using an Iceland attractions map approach that helps self-drive travelers see what is realistically reachable together.
Reykjavik Attractions Map – The Capital of Iceland
Reykjavík is the most common starting point for a self-drive trip and the cultural heart of Iceland. A Reykjavík attractions map helps you navigate the city’s compact layout while pinpointing the main landmarks worth visiting before heading out on the road.
Top sights include Hallgrímskirkja, which offers panoramic views from its tower, Harpa Concert Hall with its striking glass design, the Sun Voyager sculpture along the waterfront, and Perlan, home to exhibitions and an observation deck. Laugavegur, the city’s main shopping street, is lined with cafés, boutiques, and restaurants, making it an easy area to explore on foot.
The Golden Circle Attractions Map
The Golden Circle is one of Iceland’s most popular self-drive routes and is often included early in a road trip. At roughly 230 kilometres in total, the route can be completed in a single day.
A Golden Circle attractions map highlights Þingvellir National Park, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet, the Geysir geothermal area with its erupting hot springs, and Gullfoss waterfall. Many travelers also include stops at Kerið volcanic crater and the Blue Lagoon, depending on their route and timing.
South Coast Attractions Map
The South Coast of Iceland is one of the most popular spots to visit in Iceland, thanks to its year-round accessibility and number of attractions. The attractions map for the South Coast will guide you to some of the remarkable sites, including many Iceland waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the falls and the powerful Skógafoss waterfall.
You’ll also find dramatic volcanic black sand beaches, including the most popular, Reynisfjara, with its basalt column formations and towering sea stacks. Nearby is Diamond Beach, which glitters with pieces of icebergs that have washed ashore, and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where you can take a boat tour among floating icebergs.
Skaftafell Nature Reserve Attractions Map
Skaftafell Nature Reserve, part of Vatnajökull National Park, is a highlight for hikers and glacier enthusiasts. A Skaftafell attractions map points you to Svartifoss waterfall, famous for its hexagonal basalt columns, and views of Vatnajökull glacier, the largest glacier in Europe. The area offers marked hiking trails, guided glacier hikes, ice cave tours in winter, and access routes toward Iceland’s highest peak.
North Iceland Attractions Map
North Iceland was home to the first Norse settlements in Iceland and is one of the country’s historical and cultural hubs. The attractions map for North Iceland will guide you to remarkable sites such as Lake Mývatn, a shallow lake spreading out over 36.5 square kilometres in a volcanic area known for geothermal activity.
You can explore the otherworldly landscapes of Dimmuborgir, visit the bubbling mud pots of Námaskarð, and relax in the geothermal baths of Mývatn Nature Baths. Don’t miss the charming town of Akureyri, Iceland’s “Capital of the North,” with its vibrant cultural scene, botanical gardens, and panoramic views from the hilltop church. For nature enthusiasts, Husavik is a must-visit destination, offering unforgettable Iceland whale-watching tours where you can spot various species of whales and dolphins.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula Attractions Map
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often referred to as “Iceland in Miniature,” is a compact region that features many of the diverse landscapes and attractions of the country in one condensed area. The attractions map for Snæfellsnes Peninsula will help you navigate the route to Snæfellsjökull National Park and the Snæfellsjökull volcano and glacier, believed to be one of Earth’s spiritual centres.
You’ll also find Kirkjufell, a cone-shaped mountain that has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Iceland. Explore the charming coastal village of Arnarstapi, known for its dramatic cliffs and rock formations, and embark on coastal hikes along the Atlantic Ocean.
The Westfjords Attractions Map
The Westfjords are one of Iceland’s most remote regions and best suited for travelers looking to venture off the main tourist routes.
A Westfjords attractions map highlights Látrabjarg cliffs, the westernmost point of Europe and a major birdwatching area, as well as Dynjandi waterfall, a series of cascading falls that is often considered the region’s crown jewel. The Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, accessible only by boat, offers untouched wilderness for experienced hikers. Due to rough roads and seasonal closures, a 4×4 vehicle is strongly recommended when exploring this region.
How to Choose the Best Rental Car for Your Self-Drive Iceland Trip
Choosing the right rental car is crucial for a successful self-drive adventure in Iceland. You’ll need to consider a variety of factors when narrowing down the perfect option for your group, including your group size, budget and the amount of luggage you plan to bring. We recommend first planning out your Iceland itinerary.
While one of the biggest perks of renting a car in Iceland is that you have the freedom to adapt your itinerary as you see fit, it’s good to have a general idea of what you want to see in Iceland. This will allow you to plan out your route and choose an appropriate rental car based on the roads and their conditions.
If you intend to visit the Westfjords, Highlands or drive on any Iceland F-roads you will require a 4X4 rental car. However, if you plan to stick to well-maintained routes, such as the Route 1 Ring Road, then an economy, compact or mid-size rental car should do the trick.
Additionally, it’s important to consider what season you will be visiting Iceland. Iceland’s weather conditions can vary significantly depending on the season. If you’re visiting during the winter months or planning to venture off the main roads, it’s advisable to opt for a 4×4 vehicle.
These vehicles provide better traction and stability on icy and snowy roads. In the summer months, you may want to rent a camper or motorhome and combine your accommodation and transportation in one.
Check out these Iceland car rental tips for more information on choosing the best rental car for your self-drive Iceland trip.
Packing the Right Gear for Your Trip
Packing the right gear is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable trip in Iceland. While your Iceland packing list will vary based on the season you’re visiting Iceland and personal preference, there are some essential items that everyone should bring with them. Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, so regardless of when you’re visiting Iceland, here are some of the top things to pack:
- Warm and waterproof outer layers
- Thermal baselayers
- Warm sweater
- Comfortable, waterproof hiking boots
- Comfortable, water-resistant pants
- Hats, gloves and scarves
- Swimwear
- Waterproof backpack
There will also be activity and weather-specific items you might want to bring with you, such as wool socks and winter boots for the winter months and lightweight clothing and sun protection for summer. And don’t forget your travel adapters and chargers (Type C and F outlets) and any personal care items you require.
Safety Tips While Driving in Iceland
Driving in Iceland is one of the best ways to experience the country, but changing weather, varied road surfaces, and long distances mean safety should always come first. Keep the following Iceland safety tips in mind when planning a self-drive trip.
- Know the local road rules. In Iceland, vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left. Speed limits are strictly enforced and vary by road type, so always adjust your speed to current conditions.
- Check road and weather conditions daily. Road.is provides up-to-date information on road closures and surface conditions, while Vedur.is offers reliable weather forecasts and alerts. This is especially important during winter or periods of strong wind, rain, or snow.
- Adjust your driving for road conditions. Gravel roads are common outside major routes and can be slippery in wet or icy weather. Reduce speed, stay alert on narrow or winding roads, and use designated pull-outs to allow faster vehicles to pass safely.
- Be prepared for river crossings on F-roads. River crossings can be unpredictable due to changing water levels and strong currents. Only attempt them in a suitable 4×4 vehicle and only if you are confident in assessing depth and flow. When in doubt, it is safest to turn back.
- Avoid driver fatigue. Long daylight hours during the Icelandic summer can make it easy to overestimate how much you can drive in a day. Take regular breaks, stay hydrated, and plan realistic driving distances.
- Respect wildlife and nature. Sheep, birds, reindeer, and other animals often roam near roads, particularly in rural areas. Slow down when visibility is limited and never disturb or approach wildlife.
Iceland Attractions Map FAQs
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- What is the number one attraction in Iceland?
While there isn’t one specific attraction that has been deemed number one, travelers often name Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon as one of the top, thanks to its floating icebergs and nearby Diamond Beach.
- What is the number one attraction in Iceland?
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- What are the must-see things in Iceland?
Must-see highlights include waterfalls, glaciers, geothermal areas, black sand beaches, and volcanic landscapes spread across the Ring Road and Golden Circle.
- What are the must-see things in Iceland?
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- What I wish I knew before going to Iceland?
Distances look short on maps, but driving times can be longer due to weather, road conditions, and frequent photo stops.
- What I wish I knew before going to Iceland?
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- Where should first-time visitors go in Iceland?
First-time visitors often focus on Reykjavík, the Golden Circle, and the South Coast, which are accessible year-round and easy to drive.
- Where should first-time visitors go in Iceland?
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- What is the best month to go to Iceland?
June through August offers long daylight hours and easier driving, while September to March is best for Northern Lights.
- What is the best month to go to Iceland?
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- How many days in Iceland is enough?
Seven to ten days is ideal for seeing major regions without rushing.
- How many days in Iceland is enough?
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- When should you not visit Iceland?
If you are uncomfortable driving in winter conditions, avoid December through February unless you rent a suitable 4×4.
- When should you not visit Iceland?
Follow Our Iceland Attractions Map on Your Self-Drive Trip
Using a well-planned Iceland attractions map makes self-drive travel in Iceland easier, more efficient, and far more enjoyable. Knowing which attractions are grouped within the same region helps you build a realistic itinerary, manage driving distances, and spend more time exploring rather than rushing between stops.
With the right vehicle and a clear route, you can experience Iceland at your own pace and reach places that are difficult to access without a car. Booking your rental car in advance ensures you have the best option for your itinerary, while following local driving guidelines helps keep your trip safe and stress-free.
Plan ahead, drive smart, and let Iceland’s landscapes set the pace for your journey.
