Discover Iceland by Car with Blue Car Rental
Iceland is one of those places you simply have to experience at least once in your lifetime. With its dramatic landscapes, untouched nature, and unique way of traveling, it stands out from many other European destinations. While public transport options exist and guided bus tours can take you to some popular sights they often limit how much of the country you can explore. If you're looking for the freedom to discover Iceland on your own terms, renting a car is the way to go. You’ll be able to find hidden gems, chase waterfalls, and visit places most tours skip.
Travel Around Iceland, Not Just Through It
Fun fact: when you travel in Iceland, you actually travel around it. The Ring Road (Route 1) circles the entire country, connecting many of its most breathtaking sights. Driving the Ring Road gives you the chance to see everything from black sand beaches and towering waterfalls to glacial lagoons and steaming volcanoes all at your own pace. We recommend setting aside at least a week for the trip so you can enjoy each stop without rushing. Some of the most memorable places are just slightly off the main road, and having time for detours makes all the difference.
Why We Recommend Blue Car Rental
When it comes to choosing a rental car in Iceland, we’ve had a great experience with Blue Car Rental and truly recommend them. They’re a trusted local company known for making the whole process easy and stress-free. Whether you’re looking for a small car to zip around Reykjavík or a sturdy 4x4 to take on Iceland’s more remote roads, they’ve got you covered. We found the pickup process super smooth less than 10 minutes and everything was clearly explained. Even returning the car was effortless. We dropped it off after hours and simply left the keys in a drop box. That’s it. Having our own car meant total freedom to explore at our own rhythm. We stopped often sometimes just to soak in a mountain view or admire a waterfall and every stop made the journey even more special. It wasn’t just about getting from A to B, it was about enjoying the road itself. Blue Car Rental played a big part in making the trip feel relaxed and memorable.
To book a car with Blue Car Rental, click here.
Our Road Trip Experience
We rented a Nissan Qashqai from Blue Car Rental, and it turned out to be the perfect companion for the road. Comfortable, reliable, and easy to drive, it handled all types of weather sunshine, rain, even a little snow without a hitch. Being able to go off the beaten path meant we weren’t tied to a fixed schedule or just the main tourist attractions. If we saw something interesting, we could pull over and check it out whether it was a quiet coastal view or a powerful waterfall. The drive itself became one of the highlights of the whole adventure. From start to finish, Blue Car Rental delivered excellent service, fair prices, and a high-quality vehicle. If you're thinking about driving around Iceland, we can confidently say they’re a fantastic choice.
Road Trip Highlights
Iceland feels like it was made for road trips. Around every bend, there’s something amazing lava fields, waterfalls, beaches, cliffs, and so much more. Here are a few unforgettable stops we made on our way to Akureyri, in North Iceland: Hraunfossar & Barnafoss Our first stop was these two very different, but equally stunning waterfalls. Hraunfossar is wide and calm, with water gently flowing out from under lava rock a peaceful and scenic spot, especially in sunlight. Just a short walk away, Barnafoss is wild and forceful, rushing through a narrow canyon. Seeing both together was a fantastic contrast.
Kolugljúfur Canyon Next up was Kolugljúfur Canyon, a true hidden gem. The road was narrow but manageable, and the view? Absolutely worth it. The landscape here feels untouched and dramatic perfect for a quiet moment in nature.
Akureyri & Goðafoss Akureyri, often called the capital of the north, welcomed us with cozy cafés, colorful streets, and lovely views. Just 30 minutes away is Goðafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods,” and one of the most beautiful waterfalls we’ve ever seen. Whether you catch it surrounded by snow or bathed in summer light, it’s unforgettable.
Other Spots We Recommend
The Golden Circle is a great place to start. Þingvellir National Park: Walk between two continents and learn about Iceland’s first parliament.
Gullfoss Waterfall: Powerful, two-tiered, and often graced with rainbows.
Strokkur Geyser: Erupts every few minutes fun and impressive to watch.
The South Coast is full of iconic sights. Seljalandsfoss: A waterfall you can walk behind yes, really!
Skógafoss: Known for its misty rainbows.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: Floating icebergs create a surreal, dreamlike scene.
Diamond Beach: Nearby, where icebergs wash up on black sand and sparkle like jewels.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula packs a bit of everything into one area. Kirkjufell Mountain: You’ve probably seen it in photos and it’s just as stunning in person. This region is often called “Iceland in Miniature,” and for good reason.
Final Thoughts
A road trip in Iceland is one of the best ways to experience the country’s incredible nature and peaceful pace. With Blue Car Rental, we had the freedom and flexibility to explore without stress, and that made all the difference. If you’re thinking about hitting the road in Iceland, we genuinely recommend giving Blue Car Rental a try. Trust us it’s the start of something unforgettable.