Self Drive Tours & Trips in Nordic / Scandinavia
Ready to embark on a self-drive tour through the Nordics where you'll enjoy total freedom exploring at your own pace? Marvel at Norway's majestic fjords, visit Sweden's historic cities, capture Denmark's coastline beauty, and chase Finland's Northern Lights. Self-driving lets you linger wherever captures your heart, with no schedule except the one you make yourself.
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Sean • traveled in August
Iceland is truly an amazing place.
17 Days Self-drive | Complete Iceland Tour - E
Ellen • traveled in September
We were so pleased with the itinerary for our 7 day self-drive tour. It allowed enough flexibility for us to detour at will and still visit key sites. The nightly accommodations were clean and comfortable (if you don't mind single beds) and breakfast was plentiful at each hotel (although the coffee should come with a warning - not so good at the hotels - except Fosshotel Baron in Reykjavik was pretty good by comparison). While weather interrupted one day's plan, our agent suggested alternatives and we were able to enjoy the day. It was an exceptional trip for a reasonable price. Of course, we have to go back because 7 days isn't enough to truly see Iceland. Will use TourRadar again!!!
7 Days Self-drive | Golden Circle, South Coast, Snæfellsnes and Reykjavik (Winter) - M
Merel • traveled in September
Tour was great and representatives were quick to answer questions. The only issue was the last two night stay in Reykjavic at Room-with-a-view; there was no provided parking causing a lot of extra time and work and the room was over a bar with a live band that played very loud and very late.
11 Days Self-drive | Ultimate Iceland Ring Road Tour
10 best Self Drive Nordic / Scandinavia tour packages
Compiled by

SteffNordic / Scandinavia travel expert at TourRadar
- Ultimate Iceland Road Trip - 10-Day Self-Drive
- Complete Iceland Circle - 8-Day Self-Drive
- Self-drive Tour Helsinki - Kuhmo With Happy Holidays Memories
- Iceland Self Drive Express - 6 days
- Self-drive Tour To The Pure Nature In North Karelia
- 5 Day - Fire & Ice
- 17 Days Self-drive | Complete Iceland Tour
- Complete Iceland Circle with Snæfellsnes - 9-Day Self-Drive
- Geysers, Glaciers and Waterfalls - 6-Day Self-Drive
- 7 Days Self-drive | Golden Circle, South Coast, Snæfellsnes and Reykjavik (Winter)
Duration 10 days Destinations Keflavik, Reykjavik, Vik, Vatnajokull National Park, Skaftafell, Svartifoss, Jokulsarlon, Hofn, Djupivogur, FaskrudsfjordurSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish Operator Snaeland Travel From
- US$1,851
Take on Iceland's full Ring Road circuit in your rental car, covering around 1,720 km through volcanic landscapes and coastal fjords. You'll walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall, see Europe's most powerful waterfall at Dettifoss, and float past icebergs at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon beneath Vatnajökull.
Duration 8 days Destinations Keflavik, Reykjavik, Skogar, Reynisfjara, Vik, Vatnajokull National Park, Skaftafell, Svartifoss, Jokulsarlon, HofnSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish Operator Snaeland Travel From
- US$1,439
Your Finnish journey starts in Helsinki and winds through the eastern wilderness. The route includes UkkoKoli's famous viewpoints, stays at unique properties like Tuhannen Tarinan Talo with its farm animals, and Kuhmo's cultural sites including Juminkeko centre.
Duration 7 days Destinations Helsinki, Savonlinna, Linnansaari, Joensuu, Kolin Kansallispuisto, Nurmes, Bomba, Kuhmo, Kuopio, Kajaani Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Aksyt Ammat Ltd From
- US$1,961
This 6-day self-drive covers around 1,040km along Iceland's South Coast with stays in 3-4 star hotels in Selfoss, Kirkjubaejarklaustur, and Reykjavik. You'll see Skogafoss waterfall, walk through Vatnajokull National Park, and check out the Lava Show in Reykjavik where real flowing lava pours right in front of you.
Duration 6 days Destinations Reykjavik, Keflavik, Blue Lagoon, Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, Selfoss, Secret Lagoon, Skogafoss, Skogar, ReynisfjaraSee all destinations Age Range Ages 25+ Operator On The Go Tours From $2,585
15% Off- US$2,197You save $388
The trail leads through North Karelia's wilderness from Pihlaja to Koli National Park's renowned paths. Head to Uuronlampi lodges for independent wildlife viewing, watching bears and wolves. Cruise Lake Pielinen's shoreline and stop at the traditional Karelian village near Nurmes at your own pace.
Duration 5 days Destinations Helsinki, Kolin Kansallispuisto, Nurmes Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Aksyt Ammat Ltd From
15% Off- US$1,153
The road from Thingvellir to Blue Lagoon beckons with your own wheels. Take your time at Gullfoss waterfall, Reynisdrangar black beach, and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Rental car with insurance, planned routes, and cozy lodging included.
Duration 5 days Destinations Thingvellir National Park, Laugarvatn, Geysir, Gullfoss, Eyjafjallajokull, Skogafoss, Solheimajokull, Reynisdrangar Cliffs, Vik, SvartifossSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Arctic Adventures From
15% Off- US$1,328
17 Days Self-drive | Complete Iceland Tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Every day was filled with the beauty and wonders of the island nation. The daily notes, maps and suggestions provided the background we needed to enjoy our trip to the fullest.”
Don, traveled in July
Your chosen vehicle, from compact cars to 9-seater vans, awaits Nordic adventures. Marvel at Snæfellsnes Peninsula's Kirkjufell Mountain, feel Dettifoss waterfall's power, and find hidden hot springs in the Westfjords. Rest at carefully selected properties like Fosshotel Nupar.
Duration 17 days Destinations Keflavik, Reykholt, Borgarnes, Snæfellsnes, Arnarstapi, Hellnar, Stykkisholmur, Westfjords, Hellulaug, PatreksfjordurSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Marina Travel From $6,639
5% Off- US$6,307You save $332
What our customers ask about Self Drive Tours & Trips in Nordic / Scandinavia
What are the must-see highlights on a Nordic/Scandinavia Self Drive tour?
The essential route through Nordic countries includes Iceland's Golden Circle where travelers discover Thingvellir National Park Geysir and Gullfoss. The Ring Road offers convenient access to natural wonders while Norway's fjords and Sweden's coastal routes provide memorable driving experiences. Accommodations like Fosshotel Nupar position visitors near Vatnajökull National Park's glacier lagoons and black sand beaches. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula called "Iceland in miniature" by visitors showcases a range of landscapes from volcanic formations to traditional fishing communities. Popular stops include the Blue Lagoon and Lake Myvatn Nature Baths.
What type of vehicle is recommended for a Nordic Self Drive tour?
4x4 vehicles prove essential for Nordic terrain especially when navigating Norway's Fjord region or Iceland's Ring Road. Common options include the Skoda Octavia Combi 4x4 which suits groups of 1-3 people or the Toyota Landcruiser 4x4 ideal for 4-5 travelers. Each vehicle comes with features suited to Nordic conditions: all-wheel drive winter tires during cold seasons and GPS navigation. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "Having a 4x4 vehicle was essential for exploring the mountainous terrain around Geirangerfjord especially when we encountered sudden weather changes."
When is the best time for a Self Drive tour in Nordic/Scandinavia?
June through September marks the optimal period for Nordic Self Drive tours. This timeframe offers extended daylight hours and stable weather conditions. Summer temperatures in Norway's Fjord region particularly around Bergen and Hardangerfjord typically range from 15-20°C (59-68°F). A TourRadar traveler noted "The summer weather was perfect for driving through the fjords and the midnight sun meant we could explore for longer hours." Winter brings unique experiences like Northern Lights viewing though some mountain routes close between November and March.
How many days should I plan for a comprehensive Nordic Self Drive tour?
A complete Nordic exploration requires 10-15 days to experience the region properly. The "Panoramic roads of Fjord Norway" route takes 13 days covering key destinations from Bergen through Haugesund Stavanger and the Hardangerfjord region. Those with limited time can explore specific areas like the Norwegian fjords or Iceland's Ring Road in 8-10 days. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Our 13-day self-drive through Norway gave us enough time to explore at our own pace and really soak in the scenery particularly around the Lofoten Islands."
What kind of accommodations can I expect on a Nordic/Scandinavia Self Drive tour?
Nordic accommodations blend comfort with local character ranging from mid-range hotels to distinctive guesthouses and mountain lodges. Norway's Arctic Panorama Lodge on Uloya island represents the unique options available while Iceland features farm stays and city-based options like Fosshotel Baron in Reykjavik. Properties are selected for their proximity to attractions and blend modern comforts with Nordic design. A TourRadar traveler commented: "The mix of accommodations was perfect - from the cozy Wilderness Inari in Finland to comfortable hotels in Bergen each offering a different perspective of Nordic hospitality."
How challenging is driving in Nordic/Scandinavia for international visitors?
The Nordic road system welcomes international drivers with well-maintained routes and multilingual signage. Popular routes such as Iceland's Ring Road and Norway's Atlantic Road offer straightforward navigation. Weather presents the main challenge particularly in Iceland's highlands and mountain passes like Trollstigen. One TourRadar traveler noted "The roads were excellent and GPS navigation made it easy to find our way though we learned to check weather forecasts regularly and adjust our plans accordingly."
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