South Coast and North Iceland landscape on a six day private tour from Reykjavik to Akureyri
Golden Circle, South Coast, East Fjords & North Iceland

6 Day Private Tour Iceland from Reykjavik to Akureyri via the South Coast

Cross Iceland from south to north in six private days, travelling from Reykjavík through the Golden Circle, South Coast waterfalls, Vík, Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón, Höfn and the East Fjords before reaching Dettifoss, Lake Mývatn, Húsavík, Goðafoss and Akureyri. The journey finishes with a domestic flight back to Reykjavík.

6 DaysPrivate one-way Iceland journey
RKV / KEF → AEYStart Reykjavík or Keflavík, finish Akureyri
1,260–1,890 kmApproximate route by private vehicle
Flight ReturnAkureyri to Reykjavík at the end
A One-Way Journey Across Four Regions of Iceland

Why Choose This 6 Day Private Tour from Reykjavik to Akureyri in Iceland?

This six-day itinerary creates a compact Ring Road-style journey without completing the full circle by road. Instead, the route keeps moving east and north from Reykjavík through the Golden Circle, South Coast, Southeast Iceland and East Fjords before finishing in North Iceland.

The extra day compared with the five-day South Coast version makes the route more comfortable. The Golden Circle receives a dedicated opening day, while Jökulsárlón, the East Fjords and the North Iceland section retain their own distinct travel rhythm.

The journey connects directly with the Golden Circle Private Tour, the South Coast Iceland Private Tour and the broader Iceland Ring Road Private Tour.

Golden Circle in IcelandÞingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss and optional Kerið.
South Coast in IcelandWaterfalls, Reynisfjara, Vík, Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón.
East Fjords in IcelandQuiet coastal roads, fishing villages, sea views and local food stops.
North IcelandDettifoss, Lake Mývatn, Húsavík, Goðafoss and Akureyri.
Glacier and South Iceland scenery on a private six day tour
Day by Day

Your 6 Day Private Tour Itinerary Across Iceland

The itinerary below follows the full route supplied for this journey, preserving the overnight areas, kilometre ranges, optional experiences and final domestic flight.

Golden Circle landscapes on Day 1 in Iceland Day 1
Reykjavík / Keflavík → Golden Circle → South Iceland

Day 1: Reykjavik, Golden Circle and South Iceland

Your private journey begins with pickup from your Reykjavík hotel or directly from Keflavík Airport, depending on arrival time. The first day can include the Golden Circle before continuing toward the South Iceland countryside.

Visit Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss. Depending on the schedule, Kerið crater or a geothermal bathing experience can also be incorporated.

Rather than returning to Reykjavík, the route continues south, placing the first overnight around Selfoss, Hella, Hvolsvöllur or the wider South Coast countryside.

Reykjavík / KeflavíkÞingvellirGeysir GullfossKerið optionSouth Iceland
Overnight in IcelandSelfoss, Hella, Hvolsvöllur or South Coast countryside.
Km approximately in Iceland250–330 km.
South Coast waterfalls and Reynisfjara on Day 2 in Iceland Day 2
Waterfalls → Dyrhólaey → Reynisfjara → Vík

Day 2: South Coast Waterfalls, Vík and Black Sand Beach in Iceland

Day 2 explores the classic South Coast. The route can include Seljalandsfoss, nearby Gljúfrabúi, Skógafoss and the coastal viewpoint at Dyrhólaey.

Continue to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and the Vík area, where basalt columns, sea stacks, black volcanic sand and the Atlantic coastline form one of the most dramatic sections of the route.

The day is intentionally focused on the waterfalls and coast, with the overnight positioned around Vík or farther east for a more comfortable start toward Skaftafell on Day 3.

SeljalandsfossGljúfrabúiSkógafoss DyrhólaeyReynisfjaraVík
Overnight in IcelandVík, Kirkjubæjarklaustur or South Coast area.
Km approximately in Iceland180–260 km.
Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon on Day 3 in Iceland Day 3
Skaftafell → Jökulsárlón → Diamond Beach → Höfn

Day 3: Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach in Iceland

Continue east through lava fields, moss-covered landscapes and glacier scenery toward Skaftafell in the Vatnajökull region.

The day can include glacier viewpoints and optional guided glacier activities before continuing to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and nearby Diamond Beach.

A seasonal glacier-lagoon boat tour can be added in summer. In winter, the itinerary can instead be adapted around an ice-cave experience when safety conditions and availability permit.

SkaftafellVatnajökullGlacier activity option JökulsárlónDiamond BeachBoat / Ice Cave
Overnight in IcelandHöfn, Glacier Lagoon area or Southeast Iceland.
Km approximately in Iceland250–360 km.
East Fjords coastal landscapes on Day 4 in Iceland Day 4
Höfn → East Fjords → Egilsstaðir

Day 4: Höfn, East Fjords and Egilsstaðir in Iceland

Leave the glacier region behind and enter the East Fjords, one of Iceland's quietest and most scenic coastal regions.

Depending on the final route and season, the day can include Djúpivogur, Breiðdalsvík, Fáskrúðsfjörður or Seyðisfjörður. Fjords, mountains, fishing villages, sea views and peaceful roads define the experience.

This is an especially good day for private photography stops, coastal viewpoints and local food experiences before reaching Egilsstaðir or another East Iceland overnight.

HöfnDjúpivogurBreiðdalsvík FáskrúðsfjörðurSeyðisfjörður optionEgilsstaðir
Overnight in IcelandEgilsstaðir, Seyðisfjörður or East Iceland area.
Km approximately in Iceland250–370 km.
Dettifoss and Lake Mývatn landscapes on Day 5 in Iceland Day 5
Egilsstaðir → Dettifoss → Lake Mývatn → Húsavík

Day 5: Dettifoss, Lake Mývatn and Húsavík in Iceland

Cross from East Iceland into the north. Depending on road conditions and season, the route can include Dettifoss before continuing into the volcanic and geothermal landscapes around Lake Mývatn.

Stops can include Hverir, Dimmuborgir, Skútustaðagígar and the volcanic landscapes around Krafla.

When the final program continues to Húsavík, whale watching is planned as the principal Húsavík experience, subject to season, sea conditions and operator availability. GeoSea can complement the visit when timing allows. If the overnight remains around Mývatn instead, the Húsavík experience can be scheduled around the following morning only when compatible with the flight plan.

DettifossLake MývatnHverir DimmuborgirKraflaHúsavíkWhale Watching
Overnight in IcelandLake Mývatn, Húsavík or North Iceland countryside.
Km approximately in Iceland250–380 km.
Goðafoss and Akureyri landscapes on Day 6 in Iceland Day 6
Goðafoss → Akureyri → Domestic Flight

Day 6: Goðafoss, Akureyri and Flight to Reykjavik in Iceland

The final day includes the last North Iceland highlights before the domestic flight back to Reykjavík. Visit Goðafoss before continuing toward Akureyri beside Eyjafjörður.

Depending on the flight time, there can be time for Akureyri's town centre, church, harbour, botanical garden, local cafés or Forest Lagoon.

The private driving tour ends at Akureyri Airport, followed by a domestic flight to Reykjavík Domestic Airport. Flight schedules and baggage conditions should always be checked before the final program is confirmed.

GoðafossAkureyriEyjafjörður Forest Lagoon optionAkureyri AirportDomestic flight
End of Services in IcelandAkureyri Airport / Reykjavík Domestic Airport.
Km approximately in Iceland80–190 km + domestic flight.
Route at a Glance

6 Day South-to-North Iceland Private Tour Distance

The complete journey covers approximately 1,260–1,890 km by private vehicle, depending on accommodation, selected stops, road conditions, optional activities and personalized route adjustments.

6 DaysPrivate one-way Iceland route
1,260–1,890 kmApproximate private road distance
4 RegionsSouth, Southeast, East Fjords and North
Flight FinishAkureyri to Reykjavík
Recommended route in Iceland: Reykjavík → Golden Circle → South Coast → Vík → Skaftafell → Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon → Diamond Beach → Höfn → East Fjords → Egilsstaðir → Dettifoss → Lake Mývatn → Húsavík → Goðafoss → Akureyri Airport → Reykjavík Domestic Airport.
Customize the Six-Day Journey

Optional Experiences for This 6 Day Private Tour in Iceland

The source itinerary can be customized with glacier, geothermal, wildlife, photography, food and premium accommodation experiences.

Glacier activities in Southeast Iceland

Glacier Experiences in Southeast Iceland

Add a glacier hike, winter ice cave or summer Jökulsárlón boat tour with specialist local operators, subject to conditions and availability.

Geothermal bathing around Lake Mývatn in Iceland

Mývatn Geothermal Bathing in North Iceland

A geothermal bathing experience can be included around Lake Mývatn according to timing, route and current operating conditions.

Whale watching from Húsavík in North Iceland

Whale Watching from Húsavík in Iceland

When Húsavík is included in the route, whale watching is planned as the main Húsavík experience, subject to season, sea conditions and operator availability.

GeoSea and Forest Lagoon geothermal experiences in Iceland

GeoSea and Forest Lagoon in Iceland

GeoSea can complement the Húsavík section, while Forest Lagoon can be considered on the final day near Akureyri when the domestic flight time allows.

Northern Lights on a winter private tour in Iceland

Northern Lights Search in Winter Iceland

Winter travel can include aurora searches when darkness and conditions are suitable, while the route remains flexible around weather and road changes.

Private photography and local food in the East Fjords of Iceland

Photography, Local Food and Premium Hotels in Iceland

The East Fjords and countryside sections work especially well for photography stops, local food experiences and premium overnight upgrades.

A Route Best Suited to Longer Daylight

Best Season for This 6 Day Private Tour in Iceland

The itinerary is especially recommended from late spring to early autumn, when daylight is longer and roads are generally more suitable for linking the South Coast, East Fjords and North Iceland in six days.

Late Spring Private Tours Across Iceland

Longer daylight improves the pace of the one-way route while remote roads and changing weather should still be checked around the travel dates.

Summer Private Tours Across Iceland

Long days provide the greatest flexibility for Jökulsárlón boat tours, East Fjords viewpoints, Húsavík whale watching and scenic stops.

Early Autumn Private Tours Across Iceland

Early autumn can offer quieter roads and changing light while retaining many summer-style route possibilities before winter conditions become more limiting.

Winter Private Tours Across Iceland

Glacier scenery, ice caves and possible Northern Lights can be exceptional, but shorter daylight and changing roads require careful adaptation.

Road Flexibility Across East and North Iceland

The long transfers between Southeast Iceland, the East Fjords and North Iceland may need changes according to current weather and road conditions.

Domestic Flight Planning in Iceland

Akureyri–Reykjavík flight schedules and baggage conditions should be coordinated before fixing the last day's sightseeing and airport transfer.

Compare Private Iceland Tours by Season
The Main Pages Connected to This Journey

Plan This 6 Day Private Tour Within Your Iceland Journey

This itinerary belongs under the duration collection and connects directly with the Golden Circle, South Coast, Ring Road and the main private-tour planning pages.

Compare This 6 Day Route with Other Private Tours in Iceland

The 5 Day Private Tour from Reykjavik to Akureyri via the South Coast follows the same general direction in a tighter schedule. The 6 Day Private Tour from Reykjavik to Akureyri via North Iceland is the alternative west-and-north route, while the 7 Day Private Tour Iceland and 10 Day Private Tour Iceland allow more time for a broader journey.

Private South-to-North Iceland Travel Questions

6 Day Private Tour Iceland from Reykjavik to Akureyri FAQs

Practical answers about the route, regions, road distance, Húsavík whale watching, domestic flight and best season.

The private road journey starts in Reykjavík or, depending on arrival time, Keflavík Airport. It finishes at Akureyri Airport, followed by a domestic flight to Reykjavík Domestic Airport.

The itinerary connects the Golden Circle, South Coast, Southeast Iceland, East Fjords and North Iceland, including Jökulsárlón, Egilsstaðir, Dettifoss, Lake Mývatn, Húsavík, Goðafoss and Akureyri.

The complete route covers approximately 1,260–1,890 km by private vehicle, depending on accommodation, selected stops, road conditions, optional activities and personalized route adjustments.

When the itinerary reaches Húsavík, whale watching is planned as the principal Húsavík experience, subject to season, sea conditions, operator availability and the overall route timing.

Yes. The private driving tour ends at Akureyri Airport and the itinerary finishes with a domestic flight to Reykjavík Domestic Airport. Flight schedules and baggage conditions should be checked before final confirmation.

The itinerary is especially recommended from late spring to early autumn, when daylight is longer and road conditions are generally more suitable for connecting the South Coast, East Fjords and North Iceland in six days. Winter requires careful adaptation.

Request Your 6 Day Private Tour from Reykjavik to Akureyri in Iceland

Tell us your dates, group size, arrival point, hotel style and preferred experiences. We will adapt the Golden Circle, South Coast, East Fjords and North Iceland route around your pace and coordinate the final Akureyri–Reykjavík domestic flight.

Reykjavík or Keflavík pickup
Golden Circle, South Coast, East Fjords and North Iceland
Domestic flight finish from Akureyri