Selfoss in 5 Days for Friends - Private farming lands & rural parliament roads
In Collaboration with Buggy Iceland ehf.. Updated on February 16, 2026.
5-day off-road buggy expedition through Iceland’s central highlands: private farmland tracks, glacier views, waterfalls, black sand beaches and remote highland passes. Led by local guides with nightly 4-star accommodation (double room).
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Buggy Iceland ehf., inspired by the tour Around Central Highland in 5 Days. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Private farming lands & rural parliament roads
- Geysir geothermal area & Gullfoss waterfall
- Kerlingarfjöll highland glaciers
- Skagafjörður farms and coastal tracks
- Mývatn geothermal region and Aldeyjarfoss
Itinerary
Day 1
Yellow track — Reykjavík base to Kerlingarfjöll. Majority gravel tracks with Golden Circle highlights en route: Þingvellir (old parliament), Geysir, Gullfoss, and glacier viewpoints. Overnight near Kerlingarfjöll.
Meet at Buggy Iceland base & depart for Kerlingarfjöll (via Geysir & Gullfoss)
Pre-departure safety briefing, kit up (insulated overall, helmet, gloves, balaclava) at the base; scenic drive across gravel tracks and Golden Circle highlights en route to Kerlingarfjöll. Expect gravel, river crossings and short photo stops.
Tips from local experts:
- Meet at Lambhagavegur 13, Reykjavík well before departure; bring your driver’s license and a small daypack for camera and water.
- Dress in layers and waterproof outerwear — highland weather is changeable even in summer; gloves and shoes that can get muddy are recommended.
- Gasoline is excluded from the tour; the buggy operator will brief on refuelling logistics — carry a refillable water bottle and snacks for the long driving stretches.
Day 2
Red track — Northbound into Skagafjörður country. Farm visits guided by local farmers, beach driving toward the abandoned farm Kólkuós, bakery lunch in Sauðárkrókur, then onward through Tröllaskagi alternatives to Dalvík for the night.
Drive across Skagafjörður farmlands, farm visits and Sauðárkrókur lunch
Full-day exploration of Skagafjörður plains: guided farm entry (with farmers), local bakery lunch in Sauðárkrókur, coastal and beach tracks en route to the evening destination at Dalvík.
Tips from local experts:
- Follow the guide’s instructions when entering private farms; stay on designated tracks and keep noise to a minimum around livestock.
- Bring sun protection and a hat — open plains can get strong sun in summer; also carry insect repellent for coastal stops.
- Pack a small waterproof bag for electronics while driving on beach tracks; Sauðárkrókur offers bakeries and basic provisions during the midday break.
Day 3
Green track — Eyjafjörður region with whale lookouts, stop in Akureyri (3 hours) for rest and provisioning, then east over Vaðlaheiði into Fnjóskadalur and onward to Mývatn via Bárðardalur and Svartárkot.
Morning: Eyjafjörður whale lookout and drive to Akureyri
Drive along Eyjafjörður with opportunities to scan for whales from shore vantage points. Short gravel sections leading into Akureyri for the scheduled stop.
Tips from local experts:
- Binoculars and camera with zoom are useful for whale spotting; keep them accessible in a small daypack.
- Expect coastal wind; secure loose hats and gear in the buggy before coastal lookout points.
- The guide will advise where to safely stop for shoreline viewing — do not exit vehicles on unstable cliffs or private property without permission.
Midday: Akureyri break (3 hours) — food, rest and re-provision
Three-hour scheduled stop in Akureyri for lunch, coffee, bathroom break and short free time. Good place for groups to stretch legs and for any vehicle checks.
Tips from local experts:
- Akureyri has multiple cafés and restaurants; choose a spot near the town center for quick access to services and restrooms.
- Keep valuables locked in the guide vehicle while you explore the town; group members should reconvene at the agreed meeting point on time.
- If you need specific food options (allergies, vegetarian), order early — mid-day service can be busy during peak season.
Afternoon: Akureyri to Mývatn via Vaðlaheiði and Fnjóskadalur
Post-break drive over gravel mountain passes and through forested Fnjóskadalur. Short farmer-stop at Sörlastaðir if available, then continuing through Bárðardalur to arrive at Mývatn region for the overnight.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect variable mountain road surfaces — closed-toe shoes and warm layers remain recommended for the daylight stops.
- Follow the lead vehicle at the given pace; some sections may have narrow single-lane mountain roads where passing is not possible.
- If you plan a quick detour at Sörlastaðir, inform the guide; local farmer visits depend on availability and weather.
Day 4
Blue track — Return route toward Bárðardalur then south onto Sprengisandur with highland climbs. Highlights include Aldeyjarfoss (stuðlaberg basalt columns), Nýjidalur hut area north-west of Vatnajökull, and approach to Hotel Hrauneyjar. Optional short detour to Landmannalaugar for the natural pool if time permits.
Mývatn to Aldeyjarfoss and Nýjidalur — highland ascent (Sprengisandur region)
Climb toward the central highlands visiting Aldeyjarfoss and continuing through highland plateaus toward Nýjidalur and mountain lakes. Expect long gravel sections and dispersed photo stops.
Tips from local experts:
- Aldeyjarfoss viewpoints can be uneven — wear sturdy footwear and keep to marked paths for safety.
- The highland section has limited services; ensure personal medications and essentials are with you before departure.
- If you want a brief walk near Nýjidalur, bring small daypack and comfortable walking shoes — the guide will advise on safe walk options.
Late afternoon: Approach to Hotel Hrauneyjar (option to visit Landmannalaugar if time)
Continue the highland route toward the southern highland access and arrive at hotel Hrauneyjar for the night. If schedule allows, short detour to Landmannalaugar natural hot pool is possible.
Tips from local experts:
- Evening arrival at Hrauneyjar is the best time to change out of dusty gear — rooms are 4-star double occupancy as included.
- If you plan the optional Landmannalaugar stop, prepare a light towel and swimsuit; confirm with the guide early in the day.
- Notify the guide of any dietary needs before the evening so the hotel can accommodate group meal planning.
Day 5
Black track — Final highland leg via Sigölduvegur Gamli and Dómadalur toward Hrafntinnusker, experience geothermal colours and steam, see Rauðaskál, Háifoss and Gullfoss before returning to Reykjavík base.
Highland return via Sigölduvegur Gamli & Hrafntinnusker to classic falls
Final long driving day featuring steep highland climbs, colourful geothermal areas, secret waterfall viewpoints, and iconic stops at Háifoss and Gullfoss before completing the loop back to Reykjavík.
Tips from local experts:
- Final day is long — charge phones/cameras overnight and bring extra snacks; the guide schedules regular short breaks.
- Háifoss viewpoint involves short uneven walks; use handrails where available and wear solid footwear.
- Confirm personal return transport plans in Reykjavík with the guide prior to arrival; regroup at the Buggy Iceland base address on return.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 5 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 8 |
| Total Places | 8 |
| Activities Types | Outdoor, Break, Hotel |