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The Ring Road – Route Number One

• Distance:         1322 km (820 miles)
• Travel Days:         At least 7 days

list of scenic routes

• Best travel time: Year-round.
• 4X4 required?     No.

What is the Ring Road?

The famous ‘Ring Road’ is a 1322 km (820 miles) loop connecting most towns and villages; a road trip renowned for its variety of scenery, passing many of Iceland’s most iconic sites.

Best way of getting around

Renting a car is the best way to explore the Ring Road. Public transport runs year-round but the schedule is sporadic outside of summer. Joining an organized tour is another option, usually taking no less than seven days.  

Officially marked as Route 1 on maps, drivers need to stay up to date on road conditions outside the summer months. The website Safe Travel has a current travel conditions map for road closures, snow and wind conditions, and weather alerts. More about driving in Iceland.

Mt. Herðubreið viewed from the Ring Road

Clockwise, or counterclockwise? 

Travelers hitting the Ring Road can exit Reykjavík to the east or north.

The southern drive from Reykjavík to Egilsstaðir is the more scenic half, with waterfalls and glacial lagoons visible from the road. That is not to say this part of the country merits more of your time—only that there are more things to see and do along the Ring Road. Other regions reward a good detour, for instance along the Eastfjords or Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Travelers spending more than a week on the road should consider the scenic Arctic Coast Way and the Westfjords Way (Vestfjarðaleiðin) .

When Icelanders hit the Ring Road for a vacation, they typically first check the weather forecast and then drive straight to the sunniest corner on the island! That’s one way to travel, and for those sleeping in tents and campervans, good weather sure makes the journey more extraordinary.

What to expect - by the region

The southern part of Iceland is the flattest part of the country: the road hugs the coastline, with few reasons to turn. The area is best known for waterfalls and glacial scenery. Valley glaciers extend from Iceland’s ice cap and can be visited up close in the region of Skaftafell. During the summer season, it is often hard to find available accommodation between Selfoss and Höfn, so we recommend booking well in advance.

The town of Akureyri is the largest along the Ring Road.

The drive from Höfn to Egilsstaðir is a zig-zag of fjords. During summer, it is possible to travel over the Öxi mountain pass on Route 939. This scenic gravel road shortens the way between Djúpivogur and Egilsstaðir by 68 km but requires extra precaution. On the other hand, many travelers mistake following only the main road through the East, bypassing the atmospheric Eastfjords with its wonderful slices of small-town Iceland.

The northern drive has muddy hot springs in Mývatn, the cosmopolitan vibes of Akureyri, and coastal detours, sustaining a multi-day road trip in itself. Here, travelers will be well rewarded by exploring the Arctic Coast Way and the Diamond Circle. If driving the Ring Road from September to May, stay up-to-date on road conditions on Holtavörðuheiði, Öxnadalsheiði and Möðrudalsöræfum -- these high mountain passes frequently close during storms or high winds.

The Hraunfossar waterfalls cascade is 40 km (25 miles) from the Ring Road.

The Ring Road cuts off much of the western part of Iceland due to an inland route via Borgarfjörður, bypassing the wonders of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the alpine Westfjords. But make no mistake: there is more to this region than its gas stations serving coffee and hot dogs. The roadside towns of Borgarnes, Hvammstangi, and Blönduós each have museums, pools, and restaurants well worth the stop. Traffic can get heavy on the Reykjavík to Akureyri route, especially during July when many Icelanders are on summer vacation.

Safe travels!

You might also be interested in these scenic routes and travel destinations:

Getting Around Iceland: Transport for Independent Travelers

North Iceland

Arctic Coast Way

East Iceland - Austurland

The Diamond Circle

The Westfjords Way

The Golden Circle

Geothermal pools

The South Coast

Complete Iceland Ring Road Itinerary (+Map & Tips for Your Trip)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: April 22, 2024

Are you planning a road trip in Iceland and looking for the best itinerary that covers the entire Ring Road? This guide is for you! This ultimate Iceland Ring Road itinerary brings you to all the must-see places in 10 days. Find out!

There are so many amazing places to see in Iceland and so many different ways to plan your Iceland itinerary ! But if you are planning your first trip to Iceland and want to see all the ‘musts’, there is really no better way to do it than driving the entire Ring Road of Iceland. Iceland’s main road #1 (Þjóðvegur 1, aka Route 1) goes all around the island, and driving it is the best way to explore the main landmarks and tourist sights in Iceland.

In this article, we share the best itinerary for the complete Ring Road of Iceland in 10 days . Why 10? Because – in our opinion – this is really the shortest amount of time you need in order to enjoy all the main sights and not just tick the boxes and say that you’ve done it.

Even with 10 days for the entire Ring Road, your itinerary will be quite packed, but in a nice way, without being too stressful. If you have less time, we recommend this 7-day Iceland itinerary instead.

To help you plan your trip, we also created a map of the complete Ring Road itinerary indicating all the places mentioned in this article. You can see a photo of the map below. At the bottom of this article, you can also find an interactive version of this map that you can save to your phone and use during your trip.

Top experiences not to miss in this itinerary:

• Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon (do one at the beginning and the other one at the end of your trip).
• Silfra Snorkeling .
• Katla Ice Cave .
• GeoSea or Myvatn Nature Baths .
• Whale Watching in Husavik .

Good to know: The Ring Road trip itinerary described below can best be done between May and September – the beginning of October. While – weather permitting – you can drive the Ring Road of Iceland in any season, we don’t recommend a self-drive road trip in winter because Icelandic weather is really unpredictable. Driving in Iceland in winter is often not for the faint-hearted.

If you are visiting Iceland between mid-October and mid-April, please take a look at our recommended Iceland winter itinerary . Be sure to also check our winter travel tips for Iceland .

We recommend renting your car via the RentalCars by Booking.com (nowadays also available directly via Booking.com’s car rental page ). Not only can you compare different providers and find the best car hire deals in Iceland, but you also have a much better cancelation policy and an amazing service in case of any trouble. We have used them for all our car hire all over the world for many years now and only had positive experiences.

TIP: Using the detailed Ring Road itinerary, our suggestions, and tips below, you will be easily able to plan your own perfect self-drive road trip in Iceland . However, if you find it overwhelming, you can also book a guided multi-day tour that covers the entire Ring Road.

If you are visiting in winter and/or rather go with an organized tour , this 8-day tour is one of the best options for the entire Ring Road. Plus, you have to add a day in Reykjavik at the beginning and also at the end of the trip, so it’s also 10 days in total.

This is our recommended 10-day itinerary for Iceland’s Ring Road:

Day 1: Arrival, Blue Lagoon & Reykjavik

Driving distance/ time: 70 km (45 miles), 1 hour .

Upon arrival at Keflavik airport, pick up your rental car (compare prices and find the best deals here ). You don’t need a 4×4 for this Ring Road trip, but a 4WD is always a good idea in Iceland, especially if you are visiting outside of the warmest months between June and August.

Many people like to start their Iceland trip with a soak in the warm geothermal waters of the famous Blue Lagoon . Located just 20 minutes drive from the airport, this is indeed a nice stop, especially if you are coming on a red-eye flight from the U.S. Just be sure to book your (timed) Blue Lagoon tickets in advance or you risk not being able to visit!

Alternative: The recently-opened Sky Lagoon is a very popular alternative to the famous Blue Lagoon (and the majority of our readers who visited both lagoons, prefer Sky by far). It’s located closer to Reykjavik center and is easier to visit. Also here, you really have to book tickets in advance .

Then head to Reykjavik , about 40 minutes drive from the Blue Lagoon.

The rest of your day will depend a bit on how much time you have. The city center is not big and quite walkable, so you could leave your car in the hotel and go explore some of the highlights of Reykjavik on foot.

TIP: If you are too early and can’t check in at your hotel yet, you could first go to Perlan, the Wonders of Iceland . It’s one of the best museums in Reykjavik, with a real ice tunnel, a fantastic aurora show, and great views of the city and surroundings. Because this museum is located a bit outside the center, it’s easier to go there by car anyway.

In Reykjavik city center, go for a walk along the waterfront where you’ll find the Sun Voyager statue and the impressive Harpa concert hall building. A bit further along the shore, you’ll find two other great attractions – Whales of Iceland and FlyOver Iceland . These are both AMAZING attractions that are well worth your time. It’s also something nice to do on a rainy day and definitely if traveling with a family.

Then check out the Althingi Parliament House and Tjornin Lake . Walk on the main shopping streets Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur, and be sure to go up the Hallgrimskirkja church tower for the best views of the city.

You’ll also find plenty of cafes, bars, and nice restaurants in Reykjavik’s city center. Or you can opt for this popular Icelandic food tour instead – there are various departure times throughout the day and it’s a nice way to familiarize yourself with the local dishes at the start of your trip.

Where to stay: There are many nice accommodations and hotels in Reykjavik city center. Since you’ll have a car, we recommend Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel as one of the best choices – it has a great location and free parking. Here you can find our complete guide to the best places to stay in Reykjavik .

Day 2: Golden Circle

Driving distance/ time: 225 km (140 miles), 3 hours . This is purely driving time, not counting any stops.

Today, you visit one of the most popular areas in Iceland, known as the Golden Circle . There are three main places that you have to see here: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall.

Your first stop today is Thingvellir National Park , about 45 minutes drive from Reykjavik. This is where you can see the mid-Atlantic Ridge , where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. The best views can be found at the visitor center, and you can take a short walk here. Be sure not to miss the Öxarárfoss Waterfall , the Nikulasargja Gorge, and Thingvellir church.

TIP: Lake Thingvallavatn is home to the impressive Silfra Gorge where you can go snorkeling between the two continents . Snorkeling in the crystal-clear glacial waters here is one of the most unique things you can do in Iceland!

If you book the first snorkeling tour available in the morning (usually around 9-10 AM), you’ll still have plenty of time left for the other Golden Circle attractions. You can find all the practical information and book the best-rated Silfra snorkeling tours here .

Your next stop is Geysir Geothermal Area , about 50 minutes drive from Thingvellir.

Here, you’ll find Geysir, the original geyser that gave name to all the others, but it’s been dormant for years. The good news is that the Strokkur geyser just next to it is still very active. It erupts every 5-7 minutes, spouting water up to 30 meters (100 ft) into the air – always an amazing sight!

Don’t forget to explore the nearby Geysir Center where you’ll find interesting displays about geothermal activity and earthquakes that keep on shaping Iceland. You can even try their earthquake simulator…

The next must-see place along the Golden Circle is the Golden Waterfall – Gullfoss , about 10 minutes drive from Geysir.

Gullfoss is fed by Iceland’s second biggest glacier, Langjökull, and is a very powerful waterfall. It’s usually quite windy and cold here, but if the sun is shining, you are likely to see some spectacular rainbows over the falls.

There are several walking paths here allowing you to see the waterfall from various angles. In the summer, you can walk really close to the waterfall – see the picture below.

TIP: Langjokull Glacier is a very popular place for snowmobile tours in Iceland (and they are available the whole year). If this is something you are interested in, here you can find more information and book the best glacier snowmobile tour (or this tour that also includes a visit to an ice cave).

Usually, these tours run at around noon, so it’s quite easy to fit a tour like this in your itinerary. Just keep in mind that you won’t be able to do much afterwards anymore (which may not be a big deal since you cover all the musts before you come here).

If you start your day early and don’t do any special tours, you’ll likely be done with all the sightseeing at the Golden Circle in the early afternoon. In that case, head to the nearby Fridheimar Tomato Farm and Restaurant for lunch.

This is the most popular restaurant in the area. It’s located inside a greenhouse where they also grow tomatoes, and their menu includes all kinds of tomato dishes. Tomato soup is delicious, but we weren’t particularly fond of tomato ice cream. In high season, you really should reserve a table here in advance.

Another nice stop in this area is Kerid Crater , where you can walk around the dormant volcano crater or even take the stairs down to see the bottom of the crater. Count at least half an hour for a visit. This is also one of the few nature destinations in Iceland where there’s a small entrance fee.

There are several geothermal pools in this area as well, so if you still have some time and energy, you may want to go for a warm soak there. In that case, we recommend going to Secret Lagoon before you go to Kerid Crater.

Alternatively, head to your accommodation. Depending on where you’re staying, you could go for a swim in one of the local pools or relax in a hot tub at your hotel.

Where to stay: Stay in Hella or in Hvolsvöllur – this area fits this itinerary best and there’s a nice public pool in Hella. The best luxury hotel in this area is Hotel Ranga . On a mid-range budget, check out Stracta Hotel Hella – both these hotels have hot tubs. Hotel Kanslarinn Hella is a good no-thrills option on a somewhat lower budget. If you are looking for hostel-style accommodation, then Midgard Base Camp is the place to be.

Day 3: South Coast

Driving distance/ time: 290 km (180 miles), 3.5 hours .

Today, you drive Iceland’s Ring Road in the easterly direction and visit the beautiful South Coast of Iceland. After the Blue Lagoon and the Golden Circle, this is another one of the most visited places in the country.

There are many great things to do on the South Coast of Iceland , and you could spend several days just exploring this area. However, if you are driving the entire Ring Road in 10 days, you’ll have just one day for this area and will have to be more selective.

The main places that you have to see along the South Coast are Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls and the black sand beach in Vik . Another popular stop is Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon .

TIP: If you want to visit a natural ice cave or go hiking on a glacier in Iceland , the South Coast is the best place for that.

With just one day on the South Coast, we recommend that you do the following.

Start your day early and drive to Seljalandsfoss waterfall (about half an hour drive from Hella). This is one of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland, famous for the fact that you can walk behind it. Prepare to get wet! Just a short walk to the left of the falls, there’s another waterfall hidden inside a gorge – Gljúfrabúi waterfall . Be sure to check it out too!

Afterwards, continue further east to Skogafoss , another must-see waterfall along the South Coast. Here, you can take a staircase to the top of the falls, and also visit the nearby Skógar Museum . This is a great place if you want to see some turf houses in Iceland.

Another half an hour’s drive further, you’ll find the small town of Vik. It’s best known for the black sand beach Reynisfjara and it’s really a must-see.

Another nice place to check out in Vik is the Dyrhólaey Lighthouse and rock formations . In summer, this might be a good place to see puffins, but not ideal during the day because they are usually ‘gone fishing’ then. Also, there’s a better place for that on the next day of this itinerary – more info further below.

TIP: If you want to visit a natural ice cave in Iceland , this is the only place where you can do that at any time of the year. In that case, be sure to prebook this ice cave tour . It starts in Vik, takes about 3 hours, and has several departure times during the day, including one at around noon, which would fit this itinerary best.

Please note that most glacier tours in Iceland don’t allow kids under 8, but there’s also another tour to this same ice cave and they say they allow children from 6 years old. A nice alternative family-friendly activity in Vik is the Icelandic Lava Show .

After that, continue to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon , stopping at the Eldhraun lava field along the way. The Hofskirkja turf church is another nice short stop further down the Ring Road.

If you don’t do the ice cave tour, or if you are visiting in summer when the days are very long, be sure to also stop at Skaftafell Nature Reserve . There are several really nice hikes here, and they have a visitor center where you can get all the info. If you do just one short hike, the best option is Svartifoss (aka the Black Waterfall), about 3 km (2 miles) in total, and will likely take you at least 1.5 hours.

The Skaftafell area is also one of the best places to go glacier hiking and this is one of the best tours , with several departure times during the day. But since you only have time for one tour, my personal recommendation would be the earlier-mentioned ice cave tour from Vik.

Where to stay: The nicest and best-located hotels in this area are Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon (higher budget) and Hali Country Hotel (mid-range). Here you can find more suggestions on where to stay near Jokulsarlon .

TIP: If you still have some energy, you may want to check out Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach in the evening. It’s nice to be here without the crowds of day-trippers, and this place is truly beautiful at sunset.

Day 4: Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Stokksnes & East Fjords (+Puffins)

Driving distance/ time: 270 km (170 miles), 3.5 hours. This doesn’t include sightseeing or detours.

Today, you’ll be visiting one of the most popular landmarks of Iceland – the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon . This glacial lake is filled with big chunks of ice that come from a nearby glacier, and the scenery changes all the time. So even if you visited last night, it will likely be totally different in the morning.

You can simply walk along the lagoon and one of the beaches across the road , popularly known as the Diamond Beach. Depending on the season and the weather, you’ll often find icebergs washed ashore here. It’s especially impressive in winter, but always worth checking out since you really can’t predict what you’ll find here.

If you want to get very close to the icebergs (and seals), you can also opt for a boat tour on the lagoon. This is one of the most popular tours on the South Coast and you have an option between amphibian boats or zodiac boats.

The amphibian boat tours are cheaper and take just half an hour, whereas zodiac boat tours take about 1 hour and are usually able to get a bit closer to the ice. Both are really nice experiences, and you’ll get to see amazing scenery either way. If you are planning on taking a boat here, opt for the earliest tour available (it’s best for this itinerary)!

Next, stop at Stokksnes . This is a beautiful coastal area with black sand and an impressive Vestrahorn mountain backdrop that makes for some spectacular pictures. Since it’s located on private land, there’s a small fee to enter.

Afterwards, continue your journey to the Eastfjords . This is one of the least developed regions along Iceland’s Ring Road, and a good place to see wildlife, especially reindeer.

There are several places where you can stop when touring the Eastfjords. Petra’s Stone Collection is one of the quirkiest places and also Lagarfljót Lake is worth a quick photo stop, and potentially also Hallormsstaðaskógur, the biggest forest in Iceland, or the picturesque village Eskifjörður , but it’s a bit out of your way.

Another popular place is Seydisfjordur . This is a small town best known for its rainbow path leading towards the local church, but one of the nicest things to do is simply the drive to get there.

Where to stay: Stay in Egilsstaðir , the biggest town in this area. Lake Hotel is the nicest hotel in town, but Icelandair Hotel Herad also offers great value for a much better price and is perfect for a one-night stay. On a budget, check out Lyngas Guesthouse .

TIP: About a 1-hour drive northeast of Egillstadir, there’s a tiny village Borgarfjörður Eystri . If you drive all the way to the end of the road here, you’ll find a place called Borgarfjarðarhöfn . This is one of the best places to see puffins when driving the Ring Road of Iceland. And yes, it’s a detour from the Ring Road, but since you are staying in Egillstadir for the night, it’s perfectly doable.

The best time to see puffins is from mid-May to mid-August, and going there in the evening is always better since the birds return from the sea for the night. The days are endless at this time of the year, so there’s no need to worry about having to drive back in the dark.

TIP: Just north of Egillstadir, you can find one of the newest geothermal baths in Iceland, Vök Baths . They are usually open until 10 PM and can be a nice place to end your day of sightseeing. It’s actually probably worth your time more than many of the stops along the Eastfjords (not to mention that it’s more relaxing).

Day 5: Myvatn Area

Driving distance/ time: 300 km (185 miles), 3.5 hours. This includes detours as described below, but not the time for sightseeing.

There are several ways how you could fill this day. Doing the trip as we recommend below means that you can spend the night in Husavik, which tends to be somewhat cheaper and less popular with groups than the hotels around Myvatn. But you could perfectly stay in Myvatn as well and go to Husavik the next morning.

Your first stop today is Dettifoss , about 2 hours drive from Egilsstadir. This is Europe’s most powerful waterfall and a must-see in North Iceland! This waterfall can be visited from two sides – via road 864 on the east, or via road 862 on the west.

Both sides are very impressive, but the western side is easier to get to and the road is paved all the way to the parking lot. From there, it’s about 15-20 minutes walk to the viewing platforms at Dettifoss, and you can also see another nice waterfall – Sellfoss. If you have a 4WD car, you can also visit the eastern side, but doing both would mean that you’ll lose about half a day for this waterfall alone.

Next, head in the direction of Lake Myvatn, where you’ll find quite a few interesting places. First, take a small road to the right off the Ring Road in the direction of the Krafla Power Plant. At the end of the road, you’ll find the Viti volcano crater (aka Krafla Volcano) with a green lake inside it.

It’s just a short walk from the car to the crater (or you can go all the way around it), and it’s well worth seeing. You can also stop for a short walk in the Leirhnjukur area.

The next stop is the Námaskarð geothermal area , aka Hverir , just next to the Ring Road. The colorful landscape with mud cauldrons, steaming vents, and fumaroles, makes this one of the most unique places to see along the Ring Road in Northern Iceland. Just be prepared for the strong smell of sulfur and stay on the marked paths!

After this, you can take a small detour to Grjótagjá , an underground lava cave with water inside. It only takes a few minutes to see the cave, so it might be worth a small detour (swimming is not allowed here).

Then, head to Myvatn Lake and drive all around it.

One of the must-see stops here is the Dimmuborgir lava field. There are several short hiking trails here (partially paved and easily accessible). If you feel like stretching your legs, go for a walk on the Kirkjuhringur trail. It’s a loop of about 2.2 km (1.4 miles) and shouldn’t take you more than 30-45 minutes, or you can just do a small part on the paved track. There is also a nice cafe here where you could get lunch.

Along the southern side of the lake, be sure to also stop at Skútustaðir . This is the best area to see the pseudocraters of Lake Myvatn.

But be prepared for bugs! Myvatn literally means ‘the mosquito lake’ and it’s usually full of little flies here in summer. They don’t bite but crawl inside your ears, your nose, and your mouth if you are not careful… We recommend packing a small head net – it doesn’t cost much and fits in your pocket and you’ll be glad to have it here.

By now, you’ll have covered most of the Myvatn attractions (or at least the main ones that you can see in a day), and you could drive on to Husavik where we recommend spending the night. The drive from Myvatn to Husavik is about 45 minutes.

TIP: There is a nice geothermal pool in Husavik called Geosea , and it’s a great place to end your day. Alternatively, head to the famous Myvatn Nature Baths before you drive to Husavik.

It’s really hard to compare these pools since they are so different. The one in Husavik is more expensive and has a smaller limit on the number of people allowed at the same time. It’s more exclusive, plus it boasts amazing ocean views. Whereas Myvatn Nature Baths are much better known and quite busy (more comparable to the Blue Lagoon).

Where to stay: We recommend staying in Husavik. As already said before, Myvatn accommodation tends to be (even more) expensive, and staying in Husavik will make it easier to plan your next day too. The nicest hotel here is Fosshotel Husavik . A better value hotel is Post-Plaza Guesthouse , one of the top picks in Husavik. Accommodations in this part of Iceland are quite expensive and often fully booked long in advance. So you really should reserve as soon as you know your travel dates.

Day 6: Whales, Godafoss & Akureyri

Driving distance/ time: 115 km (70 miles), 1.5 hours. This includes all detours described below.

Husavik is the whale-watching capital of Iceland . So if you want to see whales in Iceland (and summer is a great season for that), this is the best place to do that. There are many whale watching tours and their itineraries and prices are quite similar (and they’ll likely all go to the same place when the whales are located).

Be sure to book in advance and take the earliest tour you can (usually around 9.30-10 AM). These tours take about 3 hours, so it will be past noon by the time you are back and you could have lunch in Husavik. This is fine because the drive to Akureyri isn’t that long and you can choose to visit a few places along the way if you want to and make this day as full or as relaxing as you feel like.

Also, there’s a nice museum – The Husavik Whale Museum – that you could visit before or after your boat tour.

Good to know: If you absolutely want to, you could also take a detour from Husavik to the nearby Asbyrgi Canyon . But it’s about 60km (40 mi) out of the way, so you’d need at least 2 hours extra for this. While a nice place to see, if you have to choose between Asbyrgi or whale watching in Husavik, I’d go for the latter. You can also do both, of course – that would mean less time in Akureyri and surroundings, so see what interests you more. You can read about Asbyrgi Canyon in our guide to the Myvatn area .

Another must-see place today is Godafoss Waterfall . It’s located right next to Ring Road, about 35 minutes drive from Husavik. There are two parking areas on different sides of the river, and they are also connected by a small bridge. So you can leave your car on one side and go explore the waterfall on foot. You can spend just 15-20 minutes here or more than an hour – the choice is yours.

It’s just a short 30 min drive from Godafoss to Akureyri following the Ring Road westwards, via the toll tunnel. This is the only toll road on this trip and you can pay the toll 24 hours before or after you drive via the tunnel via this website . But there’s a much nicer alternative – taking the old mountain road #84, which is not just free of charge, but also more scenic. It’s a good road and – in summer – adds just 10-15 minutes to your journey, and you don’t have to worry about the toll.

Also, if you take the scenic route, you’ll drive past a small village Svalbarðseyri . There’s a quirky art gallery just next to the road that you may want to check out, and there’s also a very picturesque orange lighthouse in the village itself.

For the lighthouse, you’ll have to take a small detour off the main road, but it’s literally just a minute or two down the road. It’s such a nice place for a photo stop and no tourists in sight.

On your way to Akureyri, you could also take a small detour via roads 829 and 821 to one of the quirkiest attractions nearby – Jólahúsið (Christmas House) . It’s Christmas the whole year round in this shop!

We also enjoyed a short stop at the nearby Kaffi Ku , which is a working farm with a restaurant above the cowshed. They are open for lunch (noon to 5 PM) and serve some delicious Icelandic waffles. Coming from Godafoss, you’ll pass the cow café first, before you get to Christmas House.

In Akureyri, you can also stop at the Botanical Gardens , on the outskirts of town. The entrance is free of charge and it’s a really nice place for a short walk. Afterwards, head to your hotel, leave the car, and go explore Iceland’s second-largest ‘city’. Akureyri is so small that you can see the city center in an hour or so. You’ll find lots of nice cafes and restaurants here for dinner and there’s also a nice public pool in town that’s usually open late in the evening.

TIP: If you didn’t do the whale-watching trip in Husavik, you could also opt for a whale tour from Akureyri . There are quite a few tour options , including a midnight-sun/whale-watching combination trip on summer evenings. Also, there is a new geothermal pool opening in Akureyri – Forest Lagoon . It could be another nice addition to this itinerary if you have an hour or two to spare.

Where to stay: There are lots of accommodation options in Akureyri , and since there’s not that much choice further westwards, it’s probably better to just take it easy and stay here for the night. Hotel Kea by Keahotels is one of the nicest hotels in town. On a mid-range budget, check the Centrum Hotel . On a lower budget, Hrafninn Guesthouse .

However, keep in mind that parking can be a bit problematic if you stay in the center on weekdays. It’s usually not a big issue to find a spot not too far from the hotel, but sometimes you also have to pay, so keep an eye on that. We recommend Icelandair Hotel Akureyri ; it’s just a bit outside of the busiest area (still very close to everything) and parking is much easier here.

Day 7: Tröllaskagi Peninsula

Driving distance/ time: 265 km (165 miles), 3.5 hours. This includes driving past all the stops mentioned below, but not the sightseeing time.

Today, we recommend that you visit one of the nicest areas of Northern Iceland, the Trollaskagi Peninsula . This is a place that you’ll hardly ever see in any Iceland Ring Road itineraries, but we find that it’s worth your time more than some places that others visit in western Iceland just because they are closer to the main road…

The first stop is Siglufjörður , about 1-1.5 hours drive from Akureyri. This is a nice little town with an extremely picturesque harbor area.

There are some nice things to do in Siglufjordur , but if you visit just one place, don’t miss the Herring Era Museum . Please note that the museum is open daily from 10 AM in June, July, and August, but only opens in the afternoon during the shoulder season (more info on their website ).

Continue your trip further along the coast and soon you’ll see Trollaskagi Lighthouse at the northernmost tip of the peninsula. The road to get to it is quite steep and gravel, but you can just see it from the road. The scenery here is beautiful!

From then on, the views just keep getting better and better, and if you are driving here on a sunny day, you’ll have to agree with me that the scenery along Road #76 is one of the most scenic places in Iceland!

The next stop is a small village called Hofsós. The main reason to come here is the local Hofsos swimming pool which has some of the best pool views in Iceland!

Following this itinerary, you’ll likely be here in the middle of the day, but I really recommend stopping here. It’s such a nice place! If the weather would be really bad, then skip it, but if it’s not raining, definitely go for a swim or a soak in the hot tub. This pool is normally open daily, from 9 AM to 9 PM. We spent about an hour here.

Just outside the village, you can find one of the oldest turf churches in Iceland, Grafarkirkja . It’s extremely picturesque and the surroundings make it look even more special. Don’t miss it! Here you can read our detailed guide for all the places mentioned above: Road 76, Hofos, Grafarkirkja, and more .

There is one more nice place to check out before you get back to the Ring Road, Glaumbær Farm & Museum . This is a reconstructed farm where you can see how people used to live in Iceland about 150-250 years ago. It’s really worth a visit, which shouldn’t take more than 30-45 minutes. In the summer season, it’s open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM. More info on their website .

Once you reach the Ring Road, we recommend taking a small detour south on Road #752 to a beautiful waterfall called Reykjafoss .

It’s a bit of a hidden gem and there is a natural hot tub in that same area. It was well indicated when we visited and there were quite some people here, so it seems that it’s not that unknown anymore. Also, you have to walk for about 10-15 minutes to reach the falls, and a few minutes extra to find the hot tub next to the river. I’d say it’s not a must, but if you have some time left, it can be a nice stop.

Good to know: The natural hot tub can be found on the other side of the wooden bridge and over the hill to the right. If you plan to go swimming here, you should know that there are no facilities whatsoever. And the hot tub was also crowded when we were there. Let’s just say that we prefer the Hofsos swimming pool by far, and there’s also a nice swimming pool in Blönduós where we recommend spending the night. So plenty of places to go for a swim in the warm geothermal waters today!

The last photo stop today is Víðimýrarkirkja. It’s another really nice turf church, but because it’s located just next to the Ring Road, it can get quite busy here. It doesn’t take more than 5-10 minutes to visit, so be sure to check it out!

End your day in Blönduós, one of the bigger towns in this area. You’ll find all kinds of facilities here and also some accommodations. As already mentioned, there is a nice public swimming pool in this town as well, and it’s usually open quite late.

Where to stay: We recommend Brimslóð Atelier Guesthouse , or on a somewhat lower budget – Hotel Blanda . Both are really nice places and the hotel also has a good restaurant. There are several other options on a lower budget here as well, but accommodation choice is quite limited.

Day 8: North Coast to Snaefellsnes

Driving distance/ time: 260 km (160 miles), 4 hours. This includes all the detours mentioned below.

Today, you could just take the Ring Road and head straight to western Iceland, but you can also opt for a few short detours along the way. There are several places that we recommend checking out and I think they’re worth it more than some of the places in the west (in particular, Hraunfossar and Barnafossar waterfalls that are quite often included in the Ring Road itinerary).

Just as you leave Blonduos, you could take a detour on Road #721 to see Þingeyraklausturskirkja church , one of the oldest stone buildings in Iceland.

One of the best stops we recommend today is Hvitserkur , a rhino-shaped rock just next to the beautiful black sand beach on Vatnsnes Peninsula. On the way there, you could also stop at Borgarvirki , a medieval fortification that dates from the 9th-11th centuries. There are also several places where you can see seals in this area.

In addition, close to Ring Road 1 in this area, there’s also a nice canyon with a waterfall, Kolugljúfur Canyon . You can find more information about all these places in our guide to visiting Hvitserkur .

Continuing your way to Snaefellsnes Peninsula, you can also stop at Eiriksstadir – Viking Longhouse . It’s a replica of a Viking-era farm with turf buildings, guides dressed in period clothing, etc. It’s a great place to learn more about Iceland’s history, so it’s better to ask for a guided tour, or you won’t appreciate it the same way. This open-air museum is open daily from June to September, from 10 AM to 4 PM. More info on their website .

Next is the famous Snaefellsnes Peninsula , home to one of Iceland’s most photographed mountains and waterfalls – Kirkjufellsfoss . You’ll have an entire day here the next day as well, but there’s so much to see and do in Snaefellsnes that it’s better to visit a few places today already.

Be sure to visit Stykkishólmur , a picturesque fishing village and the main town in this area. You can leave your car by the harbor and take a short walk to Súgandisey Island Lighthouse . Stykkisholmur is also one of the best places to stay in Snaefellsnes Peninsula , and there are some nice hotels and restaurants here. But ideally, for this itinerary, you drive just a bit further west today.

On the way, check out the Berserkjahraun lava field and potentially also the Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum (it’s usually open until 5 PM in summer).

TIP: We recommend staying in Grundarfjörður town, which is just near Kirkjufell mountain and waterfall . This would give you a unique opportunity to visit this popular place without the crowds and maybe even see a really nice sunset here.

Where to stay: Accommodation options in Grundarfjörður are quite limited, but if you book in advance, it’s usually possible to find something suitable. The nicest place to stay is Dis Cottages , and the most popular highly-rated option is Kirkjufell Guesthouse and Apartments .

We stayed at Grundarfjordur Bed and Breakfast , which was the only accommodation available here that could accommodate a big family like ours. It’s a good no thrills choice in Grundafjordur, and they also have a nice local restaurant where you can have dinner (also if you are not staying here).

Day 9: Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Driving distance/ time: 265 km (165 miles), 3.5 hours. This is the distance counting from Grundarfjörður, visiting all the Snaefelsness Peninsula attractions as described below and ending in Reykjavik. Driving time doesn’t include sightseeing.

Today, spend as much time as you can exploring Snaefellsnes Peninsula, before driving to Reykjavik. We have a very complete guide to the area where you can find all the practical information for your visit to Snaefellsnes Peninsula, so please see that article for more details. It even has a suggested 1-day itinerary.

Below is just an overview of the best places not to miss, listed in the right order, how you’ll be driving. Start with Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss . Even if you already saw this place last night, you may want to stop here for a quick picture in a different light once again. Then continue to Skarðsvík Beach where you can also visit the Öndverðarnes and Svörtuloft Lighthouses .

Other nice places along the way are Svödufoss (waterfall) and Ingjaldshólskirkja (church), but with so many other amazing places, don’t feel bad if you skip these two.

Don’t miss the Saxholar Volcano Crater – you can take stairs and see it from the top. And also Djúpalónssandur Beach is a beautiful place where you can take a walk between some cool rock formations and on a nice black sand beach.

If you do just one tour on the peninsula, make it the 8000-year-old Vatnshellir lava cave . It’s best to book your time slot in advance (try by phone +354 787 0001 since their website isn’t really working as it should) or you risk that it’s sold out as it was when we visited.

This tour takes about 1 hour and is one of the most unique places you can see here! I’d book it for either 1 PM or 2 PM. There are many other places nearby, so you can quite easily adjust your visit to the other areas based on the tour time you booked here.

Driving further around the peninsula, check out Malariff Lighthouse and Londrangar View Point .

Next, head to Arnarstapi where you’ll find the most spectacular coastline and interesting rock formations. There’s a nice hike that you can do here, between Hellnar and Arnarstapi, but with just a day in Snaefellsnes, it’s going to be difficult to squeeze it all in. That’s why we recommend going straight to Arnarstapi and making a short walk along the coast there. This is a must-see, so don’t miss it!

Other nice stops include Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge , Búðakirkja , and Bjarnarfoss . You could also stop at Ytri Tunga beach , where you can sometimes see seals. As you drive in the direction of Reykjavik, you can also stop for a photo at Gerðuberg Cliffs . You can find more information about all these places in our guide to the best things to do in Snaefellsnes Peninsula .

Where to stay: With 10 days in Iceland, we recommend that you drive to Reykjavik in the evening on day 9, after visiting Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Here you can find our detailed guide on where to stay in Reykjavik .

In case your flight departs very early the next day, it’s best to sleep closer to the airport. B&B Hotel Keflavik Airport is a good choice with easy parking, a restaurant next door, and a free airport shuttle if you need it.

Day 10: Reykjavik, Reykjanes Peninsula & Departure

Driving distance/ time from Reykjavik to the airport: 50 km (30 miles), 45 min.

Depending on your flight time, you may want to explore more of Reykjavik. See our suggestions on day 1 of this itinerary or check out this guide to the best things to do in Reykjavik .

Alternatively, go bathing in the Blue Lagoon if you didn’t do it at the beginning of your trip, or visit some of the attractions of Reykjanes Peninsula on your way to the airport.

Another nice geothermal pool to check out is the Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik. This warm pool boasts amazing ocean views and is a great alternative to the Blue Lagoon (and a wonderful way to end your trip).

READ ALSO: One Day in Reykjavik: Detailed Itinerary

If you have more time…

One area where you could easily add a day or two extra is Iceland’s South Coast , from where you can also take a day tour to Landmannalaugar in the Icelandic Highlands. I really recommend adding a day between day 3 and day 4 in this itinerary and doing the South Coast over two days if you can squeeze it in. You’ll have more time to explore all the places mentioned in this guide, instead of just passing by. In that case, stay in Vik on day 3.

You could also spend more time in the north or northwest , visit the Westfjords , etc.

Many standard Ring Road itineraries also include a day in West Iceland , an area a bit in between Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Reykjavik. With just 10 days in Iceland and doing the entire Ring Road, we recommend Trollaskagi Peninsula (see day 7) instead of this area, but if you have a day extra, you could definitely add it here.

In that case, stay in Borgarnes town or e.g. Icelandair Hotel Hamar on day 9 of this trip. Then on day 10, visit Deildartunguhver , the largest hot spring in Europe (not for swimming), Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls , and – if you are into history and Icelandic sagas, you may want to check out the Snorrastofa museum , the medieval research institute in Reykholt.

In this area, you can also take a tour of a man-made ice cave at Langjökull glacier , and the largest lava cave in Iceland, Víðgelmir . You can visit the Vidgelmir lava cave or the Langjokull glacier separately.

TIP: Don’t miss the recently opened Krauma Geothermal Baths in Reykholt.

As you can see, there are so many nice places that you could add to your Ring Road itinerary if you have more time! But if you are visiting Iceland for the first time, have about 10 days, and want to see the musts along Iceland’s Ring Road, then this itinerary is truly one of the best ways to do that.

Iceland Ring Road Itinerary on the Map

TIP: To make your trip planning easier, I also created this map , indicating all the places mentioned in our detailed 10-day Iceland Ring Road self-drive trip itinerary.

As you can see, we gave each day a different color so that you have a better idea of where everything is located and how it all fits in this itinerary.

Further below – under the FAQ section – you can also see a map indicating the total distance and driving time for Iceland’s Ring Road.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

So, this is my suggested 10-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary. As you can see, it’s quite packed and includes not just the very best places, but also some hidden gems that will make your trip even more special.

Please note that driving the entire Ring Road in 10 days will be rushed, even in summer when the days are long and the roads are good. So if you can, plan a few days extra. But if you want to make the most of your time, this is the best way to see all the best places in Iceland that you can indeed see in about 10 days.

Below, you can find some of the frequently asked questions that we get from our readers. Check it out and – if you don’t find an answer here or in our article – feel free to leave a reply below and I’ll try to help. Alternatively, please join our Facebook group for Iceland & Scandinavia Travel – it’s a great place to meet other travelers, ask questions, and share travel experiences.

Iceland Ring Road FAQ

Iceland’s Ring Road no. 1 encircles the entire island and is about 1,320 km (820 miles) long. Driving the entire Ring Road without any stops or delays would take about 16 hours (see the map above). However, this isn’t a very realistic estimate because driving in Iceland is much slower than what Google Maps indicates, and there’s so much to see and do along the Ring Rod that you wouldn’t want to just drive by anyway.

While you can drive the entire Ring Road of Iceland in just a day or two, you need at least 7 days if you want to see just the main landmarks. Ideally, plan 10-12 days for Iceland’s Ring Road. This will allow you to see all the best places along Route 1, get a bit off the beaten path, take a tour or two, and explore some areas a bit deeper.

Yes, it is possible to see the main highlights along Iceland’s Ring Road in 7 days. It will be rushed and you won’t have time to explore deeper, but you will be able to see some of the best places and get a taste of what Iceland is about. If you only have 7 days and absolutely want to do the entire circle, we recommend this itinerary: Day 1: Arrival, Blue Lagoon, Reykjavik Day 2: South Coast to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Day 3: Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and the Eastfjords Day 4: Lake Myvatn area Day 5: The North Coast of Iceland Day 6: Snaefellsnes Peninsula Day 7: Reykjavik and departure

While it is usually possible to drive around the entire Ring Road in Iceland in winter, we do not recommend a self-drive trip around the entire island in the darkest and coldest months. There are just a few hours of daylight at that time of the year, the weather is very unpredictable, and snowstorms are common. Furthermore, the roads in the Eastfjords and in North Iceland often get closed in winter, disrupting your travel plans. If you want to do the Ring Road in winter, we recommend going with a local driver/ organized tour. If you are doing a self-drive trip, it’s best to stick to the South Coast. Also, be sure that you know what to expect when driving in Iceland in winter and keep your travel plans very flexible.

All these suggestions are based on our multiple trips to Iceland. And while this trip covers all the main sights along the Ring Road, you won’t find the exact same self-drive itinerary anywhere else. I hope that these additional details and our recommendations will help you plan a more memorable trip to Iceland than just using a standard copy-paste Ring Road itinerary used by most agencies and tour operators.

Have a wonderful time in Iceland!

TIP: If you are looking for more information for your trip to Iceland, practical travel tips, clothing & packing advice, etc. please check our complete travel guide to Iceland . It contains an overview of all our articles about Iceland.

READ ALSO: How Expensive is Iceland (+ How To Save Money)

More tips for your trip to Iceland:

• When to travel: Best time to visit Iceland: summer vs winter
• What to see: Best places to see in Iceland
• Airport transfers: How to get to Reykjavik city from Keflavik airport
• Packing: What to wear in Iceland in summer
• Tours: Best tours in Iceland
• Itinerary Suggestions: Iceland Itinerary Suggestions for 1 to 14 Days
• South Coast: 4 days in Iceland – best short itinerary for your first trip
• South & West itinerary: 7 days in Iceland

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Wednesday 14th of February 2024

Jurga, I found that your article is very helpful, It quite hard for me to plan my trip on Myvatn area, I can spend at least 4 nights here and I really like to stay at Husavik and take a slow time at these lovely village and also I like to take a day tour to Askja Caldera, it so much things to do, ha ha. Could you help me plan on this area? Please🙏 Thank you so much, NANTY

Sunday 18th of February 2024

Hi Nanty, please take a look at our guide to the best things to do in Myvatn for suggestions on what to see and do there. As for help with the planning, unfortunately, we really have no time to help our readers with individual itinerary advice. As much as I would like to help everyone, it's just not feasible. There are also too many options and everyone has different interests, budgets, etc. But 4 nights in that area should be enough for all the highlights, just be sure to book all tours/excursions in advance.

Wednesday 17th of January 2024

Great article. The information and effort is very much appreciated!

I'm planning a trip to Iceland, (first time) but I'm only in the researching stage. My main interest is landscape/nature photography. I have little interest in some of the more commercial tourist locations. The wilder, the quieter and the less traveled the better. I've lived in Alaska and the western US, so I'm used to the back country. It also means I've seen the northern lights countless times although it never gets old! Still... while I'd love to finally photograph them, they're not my number one priority. Finally my question(s). :-) What would you consider the best time of the year and the ideal length of time, (within reason of course) for a trip? That should at least be enough to get me started but if you know of any general areas to avoid or that are "must sees" please let me know.

Thank you again for sharing your knowledge and experience, Rick

Thursday 18th of January 2024

Hi Rick, that's really hard to answer since everyone travels with different expectations. For the best season. If you don't absolutely need to see auroras, ice caves, and wintery landscapes, then the summer months are by far the best time to visit, with endless daylight and easy travel conditions. For more in-depth info and what to expect in summer vs winter, please see this guide: Best time to visit Iceland. As for non-touristy locations, this depends. Even the busiest places can be very quiet if you are there at a less popular time. If you absolutely want to avoid the most popular spots, then skip the Golden Circle and the waterfalls of the South Coast. But remember that they are popular for a good reason. So my advice would be to visit those early in the morning or late in the evening. If traveling in the summer, the days are so long that you can easily do this. If you want to get completely off the beaten path, go deep into the highlands, but remember that traveling there comes with many challenges, such as dangerous river crossings which also require a certain type of car and experience. Easier to visit are the Eastern fjords which are also generally very quiet. The Westfjords also have some amazing places where you hardly meet anyone even in the summer. Here are a few articles you may want to check out: - Icelandic highlands with a private driver - 10-days North and West Iceland itinerary As for the ideal duration, it really depends on what you decide to do and in which season you travel. You can visit for a week or for a month - there's plenty to see and do. Whatever you decide, remember that Iceland has limited options when it comes to accommodations outside the main tourist hot spots, so booking long ahead is a must, definitely in the summer. If you plan to rent a car, also do it as soon as you know your travel dates. Good luck!

Sunday 14th of January 2024

On day 9 of your Ring Rd itinerary, you mention staying at B & B Hotel Keflavik Airport if flight leaves early next day. I clicked on your link and it took me to Booking.com. Does hotel have its own website so I can book with them directly? Or is it only available via third party? Thanks for all the info you have provided! It helps us to make better decisions.

Tuesday 16th of January 2024

Hi Val, most hotels have their own websites if you prefer to book directly and I'm sure you can find them online. We personally book all our accommodations via Booking.com and that's also what we recommend to our readers. I could write the whole article about what and why, but it's really up to you. Hope this helps. Have a great trip!

Friday 29th of December 2023

Hello Jurga,

For someone visiting Iceland for the first and last time, do you recommend the 10 days in Iceland Itinerary for the West, North & the Highlands OR the Complete Iceland Ring Road itinerary (Also, 10 days long)?

Thanking you in advance.

Best, Parag

Saturday 30th of December 2023

Hi Parag, it really depends on your interests and the time of the year when you travel. The Ring Road itinerary covers all the 'must sees' and is therefore a better option for first timers who want to see all the top spots. The other itinerary - as explained in that article - takes you a bit off the beaten path and is more suitable for someone who has been to Iceland before and is looking for something different for a repeat trip. You can also make a combination of the two... But if you only have ten days and you want to see all the places that made Iceland famous, then this Ring Road itinerary is the way to go. Just book well in advance, especially if traveling in the summer!

Monday 6th of November 2023

Hello. We can spend 12 days in Iceland. I really want to see the aurora. Would it be ok if we are there 28Sept-9Oct 2024? (I dont think we are fit to travel during peak winter Nov-Feb/Mar).

& can we do the Ring Road trip?

Thank you in advance

Hi Shahidah, yes, the end of September - beginning of October is a good time to see the Northern Lights. It's also not wintery yet (normally), so driving the entire Ring Road should be perfectly doable. Just keep in mind that the days are shorter and it gets darker earlier, so start your days early and you should be able to cover most sights on this itinerary.

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Guided Tours In Iceland

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Your flights are booked, you’ve researched the best restaurants and you’ve packed your thermal underwear. Now it’s time to find your guided Iceland tour!

Check out our best Iceland guided tours for 2023 and envision your perfect adventure today!

6 Days Around Iceland Adventure

"Into the Glacier" Ice Cave Tour

Snorkeling In Silfra Fissure

3 Day South Coast & Golden Circle Tour

Skaftafell Blue Ice Cave & Glacier Hike Tour

2-Day Tour to Snæfellsnes Peninsula & Borgarfjörður Fjord

2 Day South Coast, Ice Cave, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Tour

Glacier Explorer - Moderate Glacier Hike in Skaftafell

What is a guided iceland tour.

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Why Book a Guided Tour of Iceland?

Booking a guided tour of Iceland is one the easiest and most efficient ways to see the land of fire and ice. Moreover, these types of trips provide the best value possible.  

Iceland is an expansive country with  spectacular natural attractions  around every corner, so many visitors struggle to fit everything in. Guided tours allow travelers with limited time to pack in as much as possible and ensure they have the greatest travel experiences.

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There are many benefits to booking a guided tour of Iceland, but one of the biggest advantages is that it allows visitors to enjoy a stress-free holiday, taking the hassle out of renting a car, planning an itinerary and even finding accommodation.

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For solo travelers or small groups touring around Iceland, guided tours are a great option for those who want to combine sightseeing with meeting new people.

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What Are the Best Guided Tours in Iceland?

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Lucky for you, Arctic Adventures has a huge variety of guided tours on offer. We cater for thrill-seekers, nature enthusiasts, climbers and everyone in between.

Find a snapshot of our Iceland guided tour packages below.

Iceland’s Golden Circle Guided Tours

The Golden Circle is a driving route that totals more than 300 km (186 mi) and is home to some of the country’s most well-known tourist attractions, including   Thingvellir National Park  and   Gullfoss Waterfall , as well as   The Great Geysir .

Arctic Adventures offers a range of  tours to the Golden Circle  with different packages to suit every traveler’s needs. On the tour, customers will be picked up in Reykjavik before starting the awe-inspiring journey along the Golden Circle. Bring your best camera!

Iceland’s Ring Road Guided Tours

If you want to see all that Iceland has to offer, embark on an epic road trip around this northern island. The famous Ring Road route packs in tons of natural wonders including glaciers, hot springs, waterfalls, volcanoes, geysers and black sand beaches.

Check out our award-winning  6 Days Around Iceland Adventure  and get ready for your next trip! If you want to extend your stay, see our exciting  7 Day Complete Iceland Adventure  or the unforgettable  8 Day Ring Road Tour .

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Hikers can easily combine their love for the outdoors with an exciting   guided tour of Landmannalaugar  and its surrounding landscapes. On the tour, you’ll enjoy stunning walks along remote country trails, spectacular views of lush green terrain and multi-colored mountain ranges.

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Our   Northern Lights Tours  are the perfect option for anyone who’s on a short trip or traveling without a car. Our   most popular Northern Lights Explorer Tour leaves Reykjavík at 21:30 before driving off the beaten track to the most exclusive aurora viewing spots in Iceland.  

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We’ve answered some of the most popular questions about Iceland guided tours. Here you’ll find everything you need — from the best tours to join to the best time to go.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best tours in iceland.

It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want to see the best of Iceland in just one day, go for a tour of the Golden Circle. We offer   Golden Circle tours   that include various activities such as snowmobiling, snorkeling or hunting the Northern Lights.

However, if you have more time and want to see all that this little island in the North Atlantic has to offer, go for guided tours around Iceland. Check out our best-rated   6 Days Around Iceland Adventure   and book the trip of a lifetime!

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While exploring Iceland on your own is a great experience, booking a guided tour is a safer option. Iceland’s weather is highly unpredictable and might drastically change driving conditions. Strong winds and icy roads are not uncommon, even in summer.

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If you’re into slow travel and don’t want to rush throughout your trip, go for a 6, 7 or 8-day journey. To find out more, browse all our   multi-day tours .

Can you do Iceland in 5 days?

Absolutely you can see the major highlights of Iceland in 5 days. Check out our selection of  5 Day tours in Iceland  to find your dream trip!

Can you drive around Iceland in 5 days?

Yes, it’s possible to drive around Iceland and do the whole Ring Road in 5 days. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s recommended. The total length of the Ring Road is 1,332 km (828 mi). This means that if you want to do the Ring Road in 5 days, you’ll spend most of your time on the road and miss out on many natural wonders.

Is Iceland expensive to visit?

Although Iceland is more affordable than Norway or Switzerland, it’s still an expensive country. However, this doesn’t mean that a trip to Iceland has to burn a hole in your pocket. You’ll certainly be able to find budget eateries and accommodation.

If you seek the best value for money, guided tours are your best bet.

What’s the best season to visit Iceland?

Iceland is a fantastic destination year-round. The best time to visit the country really depends on what you’re looking for.

In summer, Iceland becomes the land of the Midnight Sun. This means that you can expect long days that give you plenty of time to explore.

If you want to save money and escape the biggest tourist crowds, travel during shoulder seasons (September to November and April to Mid-June). However, this comes at the price of shorter days and colder weather.

Winter is the best time for activities like glacier hiking, ice caving and hunting the Northern Lights. The aurora season runs from September to April.

How long does it take to drive around Iceland?

It takes about 6 days to drive around Iceland and complete the famous Ring Road. In other words, 6 days allow you to see all the major highlights without rushing your travels.

Where is the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon   is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland, close to Keflavik International Airport. This means you can visit the famous Blue Lagoon directly before or after catching your flight.

If you have an early flight to Iceland, stop at the Blue Lagoon on your way to Reykjavik. And if you have a late flight, book a ticket to the spa on your way to the airport.

We offer   Airport to Blue Lagoon Transfer   as well as   Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon Transfer .

How much does the Blue Lagoon cost in USD?

You can choose between different packages, but prices start at 56 USD.

If you want to combine a visit to the Blue Lagoon with other activities like lava caving or hunting the Northern Lights, check out our   Blue Lagoon Tours .

Do you need to pre-book the Blue Lagoon?

Yes, booking ahead is highly recommended as the Blue Lagoon is extremely popular and slots tend to sell out days in advance.

Can you use euros in Iceland?

The official currency of Iceland is Icelandic króna. However, you can pay for almost all services by card. This means that you can usually get by without cash. Most places that deal with tourists won’t make a fuss if you try to pay with euros or dollars.

Still unsure about booking a guided tour?   Check out our   Self Guided Iceland Tours   to experience the best of both worlds!

Want to create your own custom trip?   Discover our   private guided tours   of Iceland, custom designed just for you.

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• Currency: USD

Guided Iceland Circle 2024 - 2025

• Longer Tour Package

San Francisco Sky Line

See the best of Iceland in the shortest possible time on this guided circle tour around the island. Fortnightly departures on Fridays, all year-round! Travel on Iceland’s ring road and discover stunning scenery and dramatic landscapes: volcanoes, lava fields, hot springs, mountains, fjords, glaciers, glacier lagoon and waterfalls. Enjoy a leisurely group tour on Iceland’s ring road, combining nature, soft adventure, and cultural experiences. During the tour, two evenings include Northern Lights Academy (from September to mid-April). Join this amazing and complete circle tour of Iceland, a bestseller all year round! Hunt the Midnight Sun in the Summer and the Northern Lights in the Winter. Highlights and Experiences: • Escorted coach tour around Iceland's Ring Road • Visit two national parks • The Golden Circle including Þingvellir,Geysir & Gullfoss • Mývatn Nature Baths, including towel • Included are visits to small local museums, cultural experiences and soft adventures • Visit to Icelandic horse stables & geothermal greenhouse • 2x evenings with Northern Lights Program (from mid-September to mid-April). • Boat trip on Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon from May through September only • Optional whale watching in Akureyri in the morning of day 3, April through October • Experience flowing lava at the Icelandic Lava Show

AVAILABLE: All year

Duration: 8 days, 7 nights, tour id: gg04, bestseller  , not included, day 1. arrival.

Individual transfer by Flybus shuttle bus from Keflavik airport to your accommodation in Reykjavik. Dinner is on your own. (50 km/31 mls)

Day 2. Volcano Crater, Fjords and Mountains

At 09:00 meet our tour guide and depart from Reykjavík Natura Berjaya Iceland Hotels. Travel west along the scenic Hvalfjörður fjord and the town of Borgarnes. Easy hike on Grábrók volcano crater in the middle of a greenish lava field. Further north visit Glaumbær, one of Iceland’s most beautiful turf house farms and folk museums. Continue along scenic fjord landscape and over several mountain passes until we reach Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland. The overnight location at allows you to walk around the beautiful town of Akureyri. Breakfast included. Lunch & dinner is on your own. (415 km/258 mls)

Day 3. The Capital of North Iceland, Lake Mývatn and Geothermal Baths

In the morning explore the town of Akureyri, also called the capital of North Iceland, and admire the panoramic view over the Eyjafjörður fjord. From April-October 2021 there are optional whale watching tours available from 09:00-12:00 am; see https://www.whalewatchingakureyri.is In the afternoon travel to Goðafoss – the waterfalls of the Gods. Then explore Lake Mývatn, known as a geological wonderland and for its abundant birdlife. See the strange lava formations at Kálfaströnd, the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir and the tephra cone Hverfjall. End the afternoon relaxing in the geothermal Mývatn Nature Baths with a fantastic view over the whole area. There is a possibility of seeing the Northern Lights during the evening from mid-September to mid-April. Breakfast included. Lunch & dinner is on your own. (120 km/75 mls)

Day 4. Lava Labyrinth, Hot Springs and Travel East

In the morning walk in the lava labyrinth at Dimmuborgir “the dark castles”, hoping to get a glimpse of the trolls who are said to live there. In the afternoon, visit the hot spring area of Námaskarð with bubbling mud pools and steaming solfataras. Head through the uninhabited highlands and moon-like surrounding to East Iceland. From June to August the tour includes a detour to the powerful waterfall Dettifoss. Breakfast included. Lunch & dinner is on your own. (250 km/155 mls)

Day 5. East Fjords, Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach

It’s a day to admire the dramatic fjord landscape and its tiny fishing villages at the end of twisty roads in the East Fjords and, on the route, visit an attractive stone and mineral collection. Then, in the afternoon, see Vatnajökull – Europe’s biggest glacier visible all over Southeast Iceland. We end the day with a stop at Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon filled with floating icebergs, exploring the extraordinary site and might see seals swimming in the arctic waters. A boat tour between floating icebergs is included in the program from May through September. You can walk on the black sandy beach (The Diamond Beach) where large icebergs get stranded. There is a possibility of seeing the Northern Lights during the evening from mid-September to mid-April. Please note that itinerary on this specific day can change due to seasonal factors, such as daylight. Breakfast included. Lunch & dinner is on your own. (260 km/161 mls)

Day 6. Vatnajökull National Park & South Coast

Travel along the southern part of the glacier Vatnajökull and get a glimpse at Europe’s second-largest national park, which has Iceland’s highest mountains, an alpine environment, and Europe’s largest glacier. In the afternoon, a beautiful drive with many natural wonders awaits us as we head across the Eldhraun lava field, cross the sandy desert of the south coast, overlooked by mountainous cliffs, glaciers and waterfalls. Experience the unique Icelandic Lava Show where you get to witness and feel the heat from molten lava! Stroll along the black lava beach of Reynisfjara near Vík. In the small village of Skógar, there is Skógafoss waterfall which is 60 meters high and is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country. Continue to the high but narrow Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which plunges over the mountain. An exciting trail goes behind the fall – if you are prepared to get wet! There is a possibility of seeing the Northern Lights during the evening from mid-September to mid-April. Please note that itinerary on this specific day can change due to seasonal factors, such as daylight. Breakfast included. Lunch & dinner is on your own. (380 km/235 mls)

Day 7. Icelandic Horses and Golden Circle

Explore classics today as we travel the route of the Golden Circle sights. Start the day at Friðheimar, where you learn about the Icelandic horse, its special qualities and history and visit a geothermal greenhouse. Later on, see steam from the Geysir geothermal fields as we arrive. There is a variety of hot springs and bubbling pools. The original geyser is now dormant but has been replaced by Strokkur “the Churn” which erupts at 5-10 minute intervals. Continue to Gullfoss, “the golden falls“, which is a double waterfall that tumbles 32 meters into the Hvítá river and attracts travellers in summer and winter. Travel inland to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. As we return to Reykjavík, we take you for a short city tour to show highlights of the world’s northernmost capital. Northern Lights: From mid-September to mid-April optional Northern Lights evening tours can be booked at the lobby of your hotel, should weather conditions be favourable. Breakfast included. Lunch & dinner is on your own. (160 km/99 mls)

Day 8. Departure

Individual transfer by Flybus shuttle from your accommodation in Reykjavik to Keflavik airport. Breakfast included. (50 km/31 mls)

Price Information

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4-Day Guided Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland with Jokulsarlon & Myvatn

Description

Travel across Iceland along the famous Route 1 to discover the beauty and diverse landscapes of the country. This 4-day guided tour will take you to all the best-known wonders and some hidden places that you can call your own.

As its name suggests, the Ring Road is Iceland’s only road that runs around the country and connects cities, towns and inhabits with each other. The fully paved 1332 km road is open all year round and the best thing about it is that it runs also through the majority of Iceland’s most influential backdrops and tourist attractions! Grandiose waterfalls, moonlike landscapes and imposing glaciers become not only reality but at your fingertips reach.

This small-group guided tour, with a maximum of 19 passengers per bus, is ideal for solo travellers and for those wanting to meet fellow visitors. The smaller group size also makes this incredible experience more personal. All buses are equipped with free Wi-Fi and USB chargers. 

You can bring one piece of luggage on board with you.

Your accommodation is taken care of so all you have to do is relax and enjoy the journey. There’s plenty of opportunities to add additional experiences to this trip during the booking process. You could go on a glacier tour, go whale watching, visit an ice cave, take a boat tour of a glacier lagoon and even visit incredible spas with geothermal water.

Don’t miss the chance to explore the top sites of Iceland in this 4-day adventure. Pick a date to check availability.

Attractions

Daily itinerary

Day 1 - South Coast of Iceland

Kicking off from Reykjavík you will turn East to explore the most visited region of Iceland – South Coast. Its relative proximity to the capital and abundant picture-perfect, diverse scenery make it a top favourite. The region is dotted world-renowned waterfalls, stretches of unique black beach coastlines and enigmatic moonlike plains.

First on the itinerary are stunning waterfalls. Seljaladnsfoss is a 60 m high single drop that amazes many travellers and locals alike. Seljaladnsfoss is mostly known for the path hidden in the cave that allows you to fully encircle the fall. Just a stone’s throw from Seljalandsfoss is Gljubrabui, often called “The Hidden Waterfall”. This off the beaten path, the smaller 40-meter waterfall is concealed behind a cliff. The third waterfall visited on this day is Skogafoss. This is an impressive 60-meter tall, 15-meter wide waterfall that takes its waters from both Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. Next on the agenda is Sólheimajökull glacier. There you can take part in a very unique activity, a Glacier Hike (bookable as an extra). Under the care of your experienced glacier guide, you can put your feet down on the ice and enjoy amazing views. Just before lunch, you will stop at the world-famous Reynisfjara Black Beach. One obvious particularity of this beach is its black-coloured sand, formed from eroded volcanic rocks and, more precisely, lava that hardens when cooled and shatters into billions of tiny particles. For lunch, you will stop in Vík, a charming village located opposite Reynisfjara.

Day 2 - East Iceland

The eastern part of the country has a calmer and quieter vibe about it. This region of the country is characterized by smaller picture-perfect, pocket-sized towns and villages, each having their own particular charm.

This day starts at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, the deepest lake in Iceland powered by the outlets from Vatnajokull Glacier. The calm, crystal-clear surface is full of icebergs floating towards the Atlantic Ocean. Some of them are washed ashore and dazzle like diamonds on the black satin beach which is affectionately the Diamond Beach.

You can also add an amphibious boat tour of the lagoon. This 45-minute long tour will leave you with unforgettable memories. You will get close to the icebergs and remember to keep your head up for seals swimming around.

On this day you will also stop at Vestrahorn Mountain. This is one of the most picturesque mountains in Iceland, proudly rising above the mighty ocean.

You will see Djupivogur town located in a deep fjord with trading history dating back to the 16th century and the Lagarfljot area, filled with magnificent natural backdrops and rich folklore.

This day ends in Egillstadir, the capital of Eastern territories. There you can rest in the hotel, or add something unique to that day. You could visit the Vök geothermal pools set on the beautiful Lake Urriðavatn. Hot springs scattered deep underneath the lake heat these exquisitely designed man-made formations allowing its guests to take full advantage of the geothermal waters and their natural healing properties from deep within Iceland’s grounds.

Day 3 - The Northern Territories and Lake Mývatn

Setting off from Egillstadir the direction turns North where you will spend two days. Iceland’s Northern territories are characterized by cosmic landscapes, world-renowned natural backdrops merged with rich geology and Norse history.

The day starts with visit by Studlagil Canyon – one of Iceland’s newest findings and best-kept secrets. Turquoise waters of the Jokulsa river run through the canyon, considered by geologists as the biggest collection of basalt columns in the country.

The highlight of the day is a visit at Dettifoss, considered as Europe’s most powerful waterfall with 500 cubic meters of water flowing over its 45-metre drop.

On day 3 you will travel around Lake Myvatn, one of the wonders of Iceland. Myvatn is nestled in a quiet area of the country’s Northern territory with rich and colourful fauna and flora and yet again, unbeatable natural sceneries.

You will be amazed by the power of Mother Nature while visiting the Hverir Geothermal Fields scattered with mud lakes, steaming holes and colourful grounds. Then you will visit the Grjotagja Geothermal Cave, Dimmuborgir, Hverfjall Volcano and Krafla just to name a few.

Between lake Mývatn and Akureyri lies the ‘Waterfall of the Gods’, or, in Icelandic, Goðafoss. Its crystal-clear waters flow from the Skjálfandafljót River, high up in the Highlands through Bardadalur valley to reach its grounds and cascades down a 12-metre drop creating swirling green-coloured forms in the waters below.

If you wish to relax in truly Icelandic way then add a visit in Mývatn Natural Geothermal SPA. This man-made pool offers not only relaxing soak in silky geothermal waters but also amazing views over Lake Myvatn itself.

This day ends in Akureyri – the capital of Northern Iceland.

Day 4 - Whale watching and scenic North Coast

Your final day starts in the city of Akureyri, the country’s northern gateway, which is home to a little over 20.000 inhabitants, making it the second-largest city in Iceland after Reykjavik. Akureyri is considered as its own distinctive mini version of Reykjavik, being the central business, cultural and service hub for the northern territories. As an add-on, you can take a boat tour searching for the whales breeding in ice-cold waters of Eyjafjordur Fjord.

Then it is time to turn towards Reykjavik. On the way, you can enjoy unique landscapes and the scenic drive along the North Coast with stops at Hvitserkur Rock and Kolugljufur Canyon with a spectacular waterfall

The estimated arrival time in Reykjavik is at 9 PM (21:00).

What to bring

Good to know.

Pickup takes place between 08:30 – 09:00 – so please be ready from 8:30 at your pick up location.

This tour typically returns to Reykjavik on Day 4 around 10:00pm

If you are a single traveler then a Single Room Supplement is mandatory. All travelers can bring one suitcase or backpack.

IMPORTANT: It can happen that the optional activities can be cancelled because of weather and/or safety reasons. Then we will find other activities when possible and refund the amount paid for the cancelled activities or the price difference between new activity and cancelled one

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Top things to do in Iceland

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Explore an Ice Cave

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Find the Northern Lights

Visit the Blue Lagoon

Go on a Road Trip

Do the Golden Circle

See the Glacier Lagoon

South Coast Tours

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8 Days Guided Iceland Circle

• In-depth Cultural
• Partially Guided
• Coach / Bus

Places You’ll See

• Visit Iceland's best preserved traditional turf church
• Witness the cascading aqua waters of Goðafoss falls
• Bathe in soothing geothermal baths and mud pools
• Explore the labyrinthine lava fields of Dimmuborgir
• Spot seals swimming in the icy glacial lagoon
• Learn all about the hardy Icelandic horses
• Introduction
• Day 1 Welcome to Iceland (50 km/31 mls)
• Day 2 Volcano Crater, Fjords & Mountains (415 km/258 mls)
• Day 3 The capital of North Iceland, Lake Myvatn & Geothermal baths (120 km/75 mls)
• Day 4 Lava Labyrinth, Hot springs & Travel East (250 km/155 mls)
• Day 5 Fjords, Glacier & Ice (470 km/292 mls)
• Day 6 South Coast (240 km/149 mls)
• Day 7 Icelandic Horses & Golden Circle (160 km/99 mls)
• Day 8 Departure Home (50 km/31 mls)

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What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Customer Photos

Operated by GJ Travel

For more than 90 years, our company has hosted travellers from all corners of the world. Through Guðmundur Jónasson Travel, many have returned time and time again together with their families and friends, to experience Iceland's unique, beautiful nature and historical traditions. Our dedicated Team never lose sight of the 'personal touch,' and work hard to ensure that the varied and interesting itineraries offered by Guðmundur Jónasson Travel provide fully for the needs of today's travelers.

Sustainability Initiatives

Supporting Destinations

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation policy.

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 4.4
• Itinerary Excellent 4.6
• Guide Excellent 4.3
• Transport Excellent 4.4
• Accommodation Excellent 4.3
• Food Good 3.8
• Tour Operator GJ Travel 4.5
• Most Recent
• Most Popular
• Highest First
• Lowest First

• KG Kevin · April 26th, 2023 Awesome and complete experience. Would definitely do it again. Very well planned (our tour guide name was Peter I believe 10/10) Trip date: April 2023
• DN Daryl · April 23rd, 2023 It was an excellent trip for the value. Our guide was a wealth of information and friendly. our driver was very smooth and amazing on her ability to know exactly where the buses body was in some tight parking lots as well as handling everyone's bags and... Show more Trip date: April 2023

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024
• January 2025
• February 2025
• Friday 10 May, 2024 Friday 17 May, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types $2,576 Confirm Dates
• Thursday 16 May, 2024 Thursday 23 May, 2024 German Sold Out $2,576 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Friday 24 May, 2024 Friday 31 May, 2024 English Multiple Room Types $2,576 Confirm Dates
• Friday 7 Jun, 2024 Friday 14 Jun, 2024 English Almost Sold Out Multiple Room Types $3,256 Confirm Dates
• Thursday 20 Jun, 2024 Thursday 27 Jun, 2024 German Sold Out $3,256 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Friday 21 Jun, 2024 Friday 28 Jun, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types $3,256 Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Friday 5 Jul, 2024 Friday 12 Jul, 2024 English Multiple Room Types $3,256 Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Thursday 18 Jul, 2024 Thursday 25 Jul, 2024 German Sold Out $3,256 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Friday 19 Jul, 2024 Friday 26 Jul, 2024 English Multiple Room Types $3,256 Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Get Instant Confirmation Friday 2 Aug, 2024 Friday 9 Aug, 2024 English Multiple Room Types $3,256 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h

Frequently Asked Questions

The maximum passenger capacity for all Guided Iceland Circle departures is 30 persons.

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Good to Know

• Currency kr Iceland Krona Iceland

As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.

• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before July 2nd, 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after July 2nd, 2024, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with GJ Travel. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 65 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and GJ Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "GJ Travel" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
• TourRadar is an authorised Agent of GJ Travel. Please familiarise yourself with the GJ Travel payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Perfect Iceland Ring Road 10-day Itinerary: Ultimate Road Trip + Map

December 15, 2023

Paula Martinelli

Iceland is considered a Dream Destination , and the Ring Road is one of the best road trips in the world. Offering the opportunity to explore the vast variety of breathtaking nature and landscapes will make this trip an adventure of a lifetime. You are about to see the best Iceland Ring Road 10-day itinerary in Iceland, with all you need to plan for your perfect Iceland Road Trip!

With this Iceland Itinerary, you will find some of the best landmarks in Iceland – from the capital Reykjavik, driving through some highlights on the south coast, to the north and east of the island where you will find some of the best-hidden gems in Iceland . Besides the Ring Road, you will also enjoy the Golden Circle, and be able to explore one of the best Glaciers in Iceland .

To start your 10-day Iceland itinerary, the first step is to decide where to start your trip, and by calculating the distance and total driving hours. This guide provides all the logistic information and a very helpful map you need to make the most of your trip.

You will also enjoy:

• How to Plan your Trip to Iceland ,
• Iceland Trip Costs and Prices Comparison
• Best Glacier Tours in Iceland.

Best Accommodations in Reykjavik:

Iceland Ring Road 10-day Itinerary Overview

The Ring Road is the main road that makes a loop around Iceland, and it has 828 miles (1,332 km) long and can be driven in either direction a 10-day Iceland itinerary is enough to uncover the best of Iceland at a relaxed pace. Here is a quick overview of the Iceland Ring Road itinerary you will see in detail in this guide:

10-day Iceland Ring Road Itinerary Map

To help you plan your Iceland Ring Road Itinerary, we created a map indicating all the main places that we recommend visiting in Iceland. This map is just an overview and doesn’t contain all the details, but it gives you a better idea of where everything is and how you could adjust this itinerary if you have less or more time.

You can click on the picture below and see this map on Google Maps.

How to rent a car at the Keflavik International Airport

You will need to decide on the itinerary and what time of the year, before you make a decision if renting a car in Iceland, and if a 4WD is necessary. If you are driving this Iceland Ring Road 10-Day Itinerary you can hire a 2WD.

If you choose any of the car rentals below, you can pick up your car at the Keflavik International Airport.

You can save on your rental car when you book through this site . I use and recommend Discover Cars because it is the most reliable rental car source, and it allows you to compare the prices of different plac es.

Starting your Ring Road Itinerary in Iceland: Arrival in Reykjavik

International flights to Iceland arrive at Keflavik International Airport , which is located on the Reykjanes peninsula, and you can pick up your rental car at the airport.

If you arrive in Reykjavik in the morning, it’s possible to start driving that day. If your flight arrives late afternoon or evening, I recommend spending the first night in Reykjavik before you start your Iceland itinerary.

You will find that 1-day itinerary in Reykjavik on the last day of my Iceland itinerary. If you have more time to explore, there are amazing day trips from Reykjavik either by driving or joining a tour.

Before you start your 10 days road trip in Iceland, make sure you stock up on snacks, gas, and water before you leave the town – you may drive for hours without seeing anything.

There is a Costco on the way from the airport. If you are a member, consider stopping to buy snacks and food before you continue your adventure. You can also find the local Iceland grocery stores Netto and Bonus for your grocery needs throughout Iceland. In smaller towns, you can only find local stores with limited items to sell and also convenience stores.

• BUDGET | 201 Hotel is well located, with jogging and walking paths around, breakfast is available, and a fitness center. Free Wi-Fi
• MID-RANGE | Reykjavik Residence Apartment – Located in the heart of Reykjavik, it combines hotel services with self-catering apartments. Only 50-min from the airport.
• BEST RATED | Freyja Guesthouse & Suites -They offer free bikes and free Wi-Fi, situated close to the Hallgrimskirkja church, Continental breakfast is available.

DAY BY DAY: Iceland Ring Road 10-Day Itinerary

Day 1: visit the glabrok crater & the turf farm.

• DRIVING: From Reykjavik to Hofsos
• DISTANCE: 350 km / 5 hours – Via Route 1
• STAY: Hofsos
• OVERVIEW: The first day of this Iceland Ring Road 10-day itinerary sounds like a long 5 hours, but there are great sites to visit along the way, which makes the driving distance between sites a short drive 45-60 minutes drive.

1. Stop at the Borganers Village

Making the short 47-mile (76 km) trip from Iceland’s capital city of Reykjavik to the western waterside village of Borgarnes is easiest by self-driving. This is a quick stop, and you get to enjoy the picturesque village on a rocky peninsula, offering great views in all directions. The visit is short, around 1 hour and you can see the whole town, take some pictures, have a coffee, and stretch your legs before your next stop.

2. Visi the Grabrok Crate

Your next stop is at the Grabrok Crater. It looks resembles a moon-like landscape of extinct crater domes, including one volcano in which you can walk around on very nicely maintained wooden walkways. Keep in mind that it is very windy, and I recommend wearing a windbreaker jacket .

3. Stop at the Turf Farm in Glambaer

This was my favorite place to visit on my first day, as it really looks like something from a fairy tale. The oldest parts of the turf house date back to the mid-18th century. It is free to walk around the grounds and take pictures, and you can also pay $14 to visit the museum inside the houses, and see how they used to live on farms in the 18-centuries.

4. Visit Hofsos and stay overnight

Hofsos town is the last stop of your Iceland Ring Road 10-day itinerary. Located on the banks of Skagafjörður fjord in north Iceland, Hofsos was one of the oldest trading centers in Iceland. In the old village surrounding the harbor, you will see that many houses have been renovated recently, giving the town a unique colorful look.

Walk around and take some great shots. If you have more time, you can go to the Hofsós swimming pool.

Best Accommodations in Hofsos :

• BUDGET | Sunnuberg Guesthouse – The rooms have a view of the fjord and it is very close to the Hofos pool and the ocean.
• MID-RANGE | Fraendgardur –  accommodation with free WiFi and river views. The property features sea and city views
• BEST RATED | Guesthouse Gimbur -Rated as excellent, this guesthouse has a hot tub and offers horse riding and rooms with an ocean view.

DAY 2: Drive north of Iceland and start exploring the Myvatn area

• DRIVING: From Hofsos to Akureyri
• DISTANCE: 132 km / 2 hours – Via Route 76
• STAY: Akureyri

1. Visit the Town of Siglufjordur

Your first stop on day 2 of the Ring Road Iceland itinerary is the town of Siglufjordur.  If you like photography, you will be stopping along the way for some photos because the landscape is just stunning. Siglufjordur is a geographically isolated place, with colorful houses by the harbor and it is a pleasant place to walk and explore. Grab some lunch before you continue your journey.

PRO-TIP: I opted to take the alternative scenic Trollaskagi Peninsula via Route 76, just North of Hofsos. I strongly recommend this route, since it runs along the fjords on the North coast of Iceland. It is one of Iceland’shidden gems , a bit separated from the rest of the country because of the high and dense mountains bordering the ocean. If you are short in time, you can continue on Route 1 – it will take about 30 minutes less (than taking Route 76 without stops for pictures or having lunch) but the driving is less scenic.

2. Stop at the Godafoss Waterfall

Your next stop is at the Godafoss, also known as the “Waterfall of the Gods”, which is one of the most famous Icelandic waterfalls because of its neat history. You can park your car and walk 10 minutes to the waterfall. If you wish and have time, you also have the option to hike around the fall making it approximately 1 hour for the whole loop.

3. Explore the Dimmuborgir Lava Formation

Dimmuborgir Lava Formation is only a 45 minutes drive from Godafoss, is the incredible formation of these lava cliffs and pillars stems from 2,300 years ago, consisting of huge lava rock formations which make you feel like you stepped into another world. Wander the maze and wonder at the incredible formations, taking amazing pictures. HINT: try to find the hidden-people cave !

4. Marvel at the Myvatn Geothermal Area

The last place to explore on day 3 of the Iceland Ring Road itinerary is the amazing Myvatn Lake and Pseudocraters. From the parking lot, you can walk to the volcanic lake Myvatn, and enjoy stunning views with a mix of color and formation.

Walk around many of the pseudocraters on the shore of Myvatn Lake and loop around the small lake Stakholstjorn. I can ensure you love the outstanding views!

PRO-TIP: Driving from Akureyri to Myvatn, besides taking 45 minutes, adds more expenses as you will have to pay US$15 each way for the toll to cross the tunnel (plus gas). BE AWARE You will have to pay online within 3-hour read more about Iceland traffic tickets.

5. Drive to Akureyri Town and stay overnight

At the end of this long and amazing Iceland Ring Road Itinerary day, you will drive back to Akureyri, Iceland’s second-largest city. With only 20,000 people who live here, Akureyri is often called the ‘Capital of the North.

If you still have time (and energy) to explore Akureyri, you can visit the Akureyri Church , the symbol of the city. It depends on what time you arrive, you can also go on a 3-hour whale-watching tour . Or you can opt to relax at the Akureyri Swimming Pool, a geothermal swimming pool right behind the church, and treat yourself with a relaxing hot tub soak or steam room cleanse.

And depending on the time of the year, you can go on a tour to see the northern lights – one of the best things to do in Iceland! You’ve got to be starving, so grab the best fish & chips in town Akureyri-Fish , and have a local beer on tap.

Best Accommodations in Akureyri:

• BUDGET | Centrum Guesthouse – Great value for the money. Very well situated in central Akureyri and has free Wi-Fi
• MID-RANGE | Saeluhus Apartment – these self-catering apartments feature free WiFi and a kitchenette. Great location, Akureyri town center is 2,650 feet away.
• BEST RATED | Islandsbaerinn Old Farm – Rated as Exceptional, the villa offers a hot tub, and barbecue facilities and the rooms are extra comfortable.

DAY 3: Go whale watching at Husavik and explore the Myvatn Lake

• DRIVING: From Akurery to Husavik – Husavik to Myvatn Lake
• DISTANCE: 76 km / 1 hour – 57 km / 50 min
• STAY: Myvatn

1. Drive to Husavik to do Whale Watching

This is the first activity on day 3 of this Iceland Ring Toad 10-day itinerary. Husavik is considered the whale-watching capital of Iceland. I recommend booking your tour in advance, especially during the high season – I went with this tour as they are very professional, they provide proper warm clothes and a rubber layer so your clothes don’t get wet. 

The whole tour duration is  3 hours and I did see a couple of humpback whales.  If you do the tour in the morning, you will be done by lunchtime. Have lunch at Husavik before you head to your next stop.

2. Drive to the Myvatn Geothermal Area

Heading East along the Ring Road, the first detour is the Hverarond geothermal area. HINT: don’t worry, you won’t miss it as you can see all the steam from the road . Here you can walk around various bubbling mud pits and steam vents.

There is a lot to see and explore in the Myvatn area, from lava fields, and geothermal sites, to nature baths. Really, it was one of my favorite areas to explore in Iceland and I highly recommend planning ample time to explore the Myvatn area. Depending on availability and if you have less time, you may want to shorten it to 1 day and 1 night here.

3. Stop on the way at the shower head for some (funny) pictures

Since you are in this area, and especially if you have a sense of humor, visit a random Shower Head and wonder: “How in the world did someone builds something like this?” The shower is actually functioning and warm from the steam water that comes out.

4. Relax at the Myvatn Nature Bath

The last activity of the day and the highlight is the Myvatn Nature Bath . The temperature of the water is perfect around 40C and the view of the Myvatn valley is outstanding.

You can consider it a bargain at US$40 per person, compared to the Blue Lagoon in Reykjavik since it is overcrowded and overpriced (US$100 per person).

Best Accommodations in Myvatn:

• BUDGET | Vogafjos Farm Resort – Located in a unique natural environment on the eastern shore of Lake Myvatn, they offer amazing daily breakfast and dinner. 
• MID-RANGE | Hotel Laxa – This hotel is quietly situated 1.2 miles from Lake Mývatn and 30 minutes drive from the Godafoss Waterfall and Krafla Crater. 
• BEST RATED | Ondolfsstaoir Farm B&B – Very modern and comfortable rooms and the homemade breakfast is amazing.

DAY 4 ICELAND ITINERARY: BREATHTAKING SCENIC DRIVE & WATERFALLS

• DRIVING: From Myvart to Seydisfjordur
• DISTANCE: 200 km / 2:40 hours – Via Route 1
• STAY: Seyðisfjörður,
• OVERVIEW: On day 4 of your 10-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary, prepare your camera for this scenic drive. You will drive through peaceful fjords, small fishing villages and trails tucked away in the hollow of towering mountains. You will also drive uphill and start to see amazing mountains covered in ice and blue lakes formed by the melted ice (if you are driving during spring/summer). The high mountain pass leading to Sejdisfjordur is unforgettable.

1. Visit the Dettifoss Waterfall

Your first visit of the day starts at one of the best landmarks in Iceland , the Dettifoss Waterfall. With the greatest volume of any other waterfall in Europe, 500 cubic meters of water per second plunges over the edge, 45 meters high and 100 wide. You can take a nice hiking trail, 34 km goes along the canyon from Dettifoss to Asbyrgi.

2. Stop at the at the town of Egilsstadir

Egilsstaðir is the largest town in East Iceland, with a population of 2464 people as of 2018. It is located on the banks of the river Lagarfljót in the wide valley of the fertile Fljótsdalshérað district. Egilsstaðir is the main center for service, transportation, and administration in East Iceland.

It is, therefore, an ideal place for those who are traveling around the Ring Road of the country, and it makes a good stop for gas and some grocery shopping before heading to the next destination.

If you are on this route, make a quick stop at the Gufufoss Waterfall, you will see it on the right side of the road if you are on this route.

3. Visit the Seydisfjordur Town and stay overnight

The tranquil town of Seydisfjordur has a relaxed atmosphere and offers a range of cultural and outdoor activities with unique dining experiences. Lonely Planet calls it, “the most historically and architecturally interesting town in East Iceland.” Less than 700 people live in Seydisfjordur. 

The town stretches along the south side of the fjord, but along the shoreline, you can find access to the sea, rocky beaches, and ruins of former activity. It makes a perfect stop to relax and enjoy the gorgeous views of this amazing Iceland Itinerary.

The pretty Blue Church (also known as Seyðisfjarðarkirkja) is an iconic sight in Iceland , and whenever you see any photos of Seydisfjordur, chances are you will see the church. Another landmark here is Rainbow Road, which leads straight to the church through town

Here you can find good options for restaurants and bars and breweries including the Kaffi Lara El Grillo Bar which offers a great menu and locally brewed beer.

Best Accommodations in Seydisfjordur Town:

• BUDGET | Post-Hostel – Excellent location, with fjords, views with either shared or private bathrooms. Communal fully equipped kitchen and comfortable beds.
• WHERE I STAYED | Hotel Aldan – The Bank – Set in 2 historic buildings in Seydisfjördur village, this accommodation offers free Wi-Fi. Icelandic à la carte dishes are served at the in-house restaurant with the catch of the day (yummy!)
• BEST RATED | Við Lónið Guesthouse – Rated as Exceptional, rooms feature a Scandinavian minimalist design with the views of fjords.

DAY 5: Exciting Day of your Iceland Ring Road Itinerary by visiting the lagoons and the Diamond Beach

• DRIVING: From Deydisfjordu to Hofn
• DISTANCE: 281 km / 4 hours – Via Route 1
• OVERVIEW: Start day 5 of your Iceland Ring Road itinerary with spectacular views. Keep an eye on the side of the road as you can see groups of reindeer along the way.

1. Visit the Jokusalon Glacier

This is the first stop of the day at the Vatnajokull National Park . With blue water dotted with icebergs from the surrounding glacier, it is a fantastic spectacle. If you are lucky, you can see the seals swimming freely among the icebergs in this area – safe from the killer whales hunting offshore.

You have the option to go on a tour of the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and explore the lagoon while getting close to the icebergs and exploring the dramatic landscape of the south of Iceland.

You can hike around the lake or pay for a kayak tour or inflatable boat tour among the glacier and icebergs. 

2. Walk to the Diamond Beach

Just a short distance walk from the Glacier Lagoon is the amazing Diamond Beach. The glacier lagoon flows through a short waterway into the Atlantic Ocean, leaving chunks of icebergs on a black sand beach, making it really look like giant diamonds. It is a dynamic, ever-changing scene shaped daily/hourly by the forces of nature.

BE AWARE: Be careful with your electronic equipment. I learned in a bad way and my Canon stopped working exactly at this beach. The weather in Iceland can be very harsh on electronics – mist, sand, strong winds, rain, steam…they are not electronic friendly. I recommend packing a Camera Cover Bag to protect your camera.

3. Visit the Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Another stunning site to visit at a very close distance driving is Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon .  It is smaller than the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, but also very beautiful and less crowded. It is a great opportunity to hike around the lagoon and take great pictures.

4. Make your way to Hofn and stay overnight

Head to the town of Höfn, an Icelandic fishing town of just over two thousand people in southeast Iceland. Höfn also has some interesting places to visit. You can visit the Hofn harbo r with the colorful boats, it makes a great place for pictures.

The Gamlabúð   ‘Old Shop’ is a Folk Museum situated in one of the oldest houses in Höfn. This popular museum focuses on the history of one of the most isolated parts of Iceland. Also visit the Hornafjörður Art Museum , a small gallery that hosts exhibitions of the Municipal Art Collection and contemporary local artists. Another place to visit is the Huldusteinn stone museum , with a private collection of Iceland’s diversity of rocks and stones exhibited at Höfn’s old swimming pool.

A great place to eat at Hofn is the Jón Ríki , a farmhouse restaurant at Hólmur, next to the ring road, 32 km from Höfn. It is well known for its small in-house brewery, and beautifully presented, high-quality dishes, made from local products.

Another recommendation is the Nýhöfn  New Harbor’, located by the harbor! The building was the first family house to be built in Höfn in 1897.  A small and intimate restaurant with a classic Scandinavian interior. They offer local seafood, langoustine, lamb, and vegetarian options. The food here is just amazing!

Best Accommodations in Hofn:

• BUDGET | Guesthouse Nypugardar – Located 25 min from Hofn, this is a sheep farm with simple and fresh rooms, and a home-cooked breakfast and dinner buffet.
• WHERE I STAYED | Guesthouse Holmur – This amazing old farmhouse offers traditional Icelandic food made from fresh, local produce. The property offers views of 3 glaciers, including Vatnajökull. and free wifi.
• BEST RATED | Miðsker 1 – Rated as Superb, with lake views, barbecue, and free WiFi. The apartment includes 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and a full kitchen.

DAY 6: Southwest of Iceland & Adventure day hiking glaciers and ice climbing in Iceland

• DRIVING: From Hofn to Skaftafell
• DISTANCE: 337 km / 1:50 hours – Via Route 1
• OVERVIEW: I have added a first and second option for today, as glacier hiking and climbing is not everyone’s taste. But even if you plan not to adventure on the ice walls, I still recommend to visit the glaciers from close by. I just think it is an amazing opportunity to be close to nature and take advantage to immerse yourself while in Iceland. There are plenty of tours you can join. The difficulty level of each tour is adapted to the abilities of the participants.

1. First Option: Glacier hike and ice climbing in Skaftafell

Today was the highlight of my 10 days in Iceland itinerary, and you can read all the details on this guide on how to go ice climb and hike the glacier .

I booked my tour in advance and I recommend you to do the same, use this link to check options or you can check my review on the 12-Best Glacier Tours in Iceland . I chose the combo hike on the glacier + ice climb for a total of 4 hours of activity this was my first-time ice climbing, and I felt safe with the knowledge and fun instructors.

PRO-TIP: Do not venture onto the glacier without the right equipment (crampons and ice picks) and an experienced guide. The ice is incredibly slippery and you will not make it far. BE AWARE that there are a lot of risks, including avalanches and it is advised not to go off the trail while hiking in popular destinations. You don’t want to cut your trip short slipping on the ice or falling into a crevasse. Please, hire a professional guide to go on the ice climbing .

2. Second Option: Hike Vatnajokull National Park

If activities on the ice are still not your thing, another option I would recommend is to explore the Vatnajokull National Park as it offers great options for hiking.

You can also visit the Svartifoss waterfall, which tumbles over black basalt columns. There is a visitor center in Skaftafell that has all the information on how to get to the waterfall since it requires a hike to get there. I spent a second night at Guesthouse Holmur again, as it is close driving distance. 

DAY 7: Driving from the Southeast to the South Coast of Iceland Ring Road

• DRIVING: From Skaftafell to Vik
• DISTANCE: 140 km / 1:40 hours – Via Route 1

1. Explore the Green Lava Walk

Begin your morning of day 7 of your Iceland Ring Road 10-day Itinerary at the scenic and enjoy this lava field covered with delicate green moss. It feels like you’ve just stepped into another world. 

Park your car in one of the designed areas and walk on the wood platforms to admire this unique natural formation of moss. Be careful to not step on the moss, it takes 200 years to grow!

2. Visit the Black Sand Beach

Continue your Iceland Itinerary at Vik visiting some of the best Landmarks in Iceland – The famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is the most famous beach on the South Coast of Iceland , which has outstanding views from the columns leaving the water.

This beautiful beach has black sand, powerful waves, and the nearby stacks make Reynisfjara a truly unique place to visit and a popular filming location (Game of Thrones, Star Wars, and more). This is a must-visit place in any Iceland itinerary because it is so wild and has a dramatic beauty where the roaring waves of the Atlantic Ocean power ashore with tremendous force.

PRO-TIP: Be aware of the sneaker waves and very dangerous sea currents on this beach. If you are traveling with kids, hold their hands tight. If you like selfies, never turn your back to the sea. Many tourists lost their lives at this location.

3. Go to the Skogafoss Waterfall

Head to the Skogafoss Waterfall and walk to the top for incredible views of one of Icelandic’s most famous waterfalls. The top of the waterfall has a hiking trail that leads into the Vatnajökull National Park and is one of the most scenic and popular walking routes in Iceland guiding you between 2 glaciers.

4. Drive to the town of Vik and stay overnight

This is the last stop of your Iceland Ring Road 10-day itinerary. Vik is one of my favorite towns in Iceland because of its location in the southernmost seafront village in Iceland, making it a place with outstanding views and many sites to visit from here.

Visit the famous Vík ï Mýrdar Church on top of the hill and the local cemetery, they have awesome views from there and make stunning pictures. Another interesting thing to see while visiting Vik is the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, just north of Vík, which stands at 1,493 m (4,898 ft) in height and covers the upper part of Katla, an active volcano that has a history of erupting every 40 – 80 years. There is also an interesting (small, but free) museum at the tourist information center in downtown Vík.

A great option to eat while in Vík is the Halldórkaffi , offering some traditional Iceland dishes, such as cured lamb fillet, pan-fried arctic char (my favorite!), and also pizza baked in a wood-fired oven.

Best Accommodations in Vik:

• BUDGET | Guest House Carina – Cozy, bright, and with great views of bedrooms, with free WiFi and breakfast served daily. 
• MID-RANGE | Sólheimahjáleiga Guesthouse – This farm property offers a communal kitchen, lounge, and terrace. Public area Wi-Fi. Vík town center is within 20 minutes drive, while Skógarfoss Waterfall is even closer. Breakfast is served daily.
• BEST RATED | Black Beach Suites – With an ocean view, all units offer a dining area and terrace. Fantastic rooms and well equipped. 

DAY 8: Start off your Iceland Golden Circle Itinerary

• DRIVING: From Vik to Selfoss
• DISTANCE: 129 km / 1.5 hours – Via Route 1
• STAY: Selfoss
• OVERVIEW: The whole Iceland Golden Circle route can easily be done in one day , as the classic journey covers around 230 kilometers (140 miles ). Therefore, day 8 of this Iceland itinerary didn’t start as I planned as it was a stormy day, with hurricane-force gusts. Around 5 PM the rain stopped and I was able to take full advantage until 9 PM since spring days are long and the sun doesn’t go down until late.

1. Visit the Gulfoss Waterfall

This is your first stop on day 8 of your Iceland 10-day itinerary. Gullfoss translates to “Golden Falls” and it is easy to get to and easy to view. There are multiple angles that you can view the falls from and each offers a stunning perspective of the powerful waterfall crashing into the river below.

PRO-TIP: In Iceland, you have to be prepared for different weather conditions and be flexible with your itinerary. I tried to visit some sights and after getting out of the car for a few minutes, I was soaked in the rain. The beauty of a day like this is that it will force you to find alternatives, and sometimes you can find some hidden gems . I stopped for lunch at the Fludasveppir Farmers Bistro and this is the only farm that grows mushrooms in Iceland.

2. Explore the Geyser Geothermal Area

Geyser Geothermal is a geothermal field that has a total surface area of approximately 3 km². The incredible geyser is known to shoot boiling water up to 70 meters into the air, and it erupts approximately every 10 minutes.

Just 20 meters into the geyser’s feeder channel, you can find water reaching a temperature of nearly 125 ºC! Aside from the geyser, you can also see bubbling pools and smoking craters. There is a parking area close by!

3. Hike around the Kerið Crate Lake

Kerið Crate Lake is only a 20 minutes drive and one of the most amazing landmarks to visit in Iceland . It is possible to take a path right to the crater’s edge, to fully encircle it, and descend down to the pristine waters of the crater lake.

This site was created by volcanic activity about 3,000 years ago   and is what caused the iron deposits that form the red hue .  You can explore all over the Kerið Crater, walking around its entire diameter and descending a gradual path to the lake at the bottom.  The best time to visit the crater is first thing in the morning or early evening in order to avoid large tour groups. 

4. Drive to the Þingvellir National Park and stand between two continents

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Þingvellir National Park is where you can walk between the two continents – American and European – and it is also, among my favorite places in Iceland.

The drive is absolutely incredible, going up and down the hills and observing geothermal landscapes along the way. As you enter the National Park, you descend a steep cliff into a valley. Looking upon the face of this cliff is to literally look at the edge of North America. If you drive through the park, you will ascend to the other side adjacent to another wall; this is Eurasia. The valley in between, in which Þingvellir is contained, is the rift valley.

The tectonic plates move apart at approximately 2.5 centimeters a year and have done for millenniums. The lava fields fill the valley, from magma that welled up as the continents spread, and the whole area is littered with ravines, ripped open by centuries of earthquakes. Pretty amazing, right!?

Also, while you are in this area, visit the amazing waterfall of Oxararfoss.

5. Go Silfra Fissure snorkeling

Another amazing activity while visiting the Þingvellir National Park is to schedule a tour to go do snorkeling or scuba dive at the Silfra Fissure.

Take part in a once-in-a-lifetime experience and snorkel at a site National Geographic called one of the top dive sites in the world. Located inside the Þingvellir National Park, the Silfra Fissure lies in a valley where the tectonic plates of North America and Europe drift further apart every year.

I recommend booking the tour in advance to guarantee your spot, as this activity is very popular and they have only a limited number of people who go per day. You can either go on Snorkeling Tour with Underwater photos or you can choose to go Diving in the Silfra .

6. Drive to Selfoss and stay overnight

Selfoss is the place I choose to spend 2-nights while I was exploring the Golden Circle Route – because of its convenient location.

Located 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Reykjavík, Selfoss is the largest town outside of the capital area in the southwest. It sits on the Ring Road that encircles the country and is one of the last stops en route to the South Coast.

I spent 2-nights at the Lambastadir Guesthouse – They are an excellent option for accommodation. Comfortable bedrooms and bathroom, great location if you are exploring the Golden Circle, and I could enjoy the outdoor sauna and hot tub, just a perfect end for a busy day in Iceland.

Best Accommodations in Selfoss:

• BUDGET | Country Dream – Langholt 2 – Excellent location close to the Golden Circle. With free WiFi, hot bub, and sauna.
• MID-RANGE | Lambastadir Guesthouse – This guest house is set on a family-owned, working farm with animals. Central Selfoss in southern Iceland is 4.3 miles away. WiFi, sauna, and outdoor hot tub access are free.
• BEST RATED | 360 Hote l & Thermal Baths -Rated as Superb, the rooms offer great views, buffet breakfast, and an on-site restaurant, including vegetarian options.

DAY 9: Explore the South Coast of Iceland

• DRIVING: From Selfoss to Dyrholaey
• DISTANCE: 122 km / 1:40 hours – Via Route 1
• STAY: SELFOSS
• OVERVIEW: I decided to reserve 2 days to do the Golden Circle, just to take my time and to explore this region at my own pace. Keep in mind, based on the proximity to Reykjavik, these are the most visited sights in Iceland . Most visitors to Iceland stay within the Reykjavik to Vik (south coast) loop. Because I had planned 2 days in this area, I took the opportunity to backtrack to some of the sites along Route 1 on the South Coast that I missed due to the harsh weather conditions.

1. Explore teh Seljalandsfoss & Gljufrabui Waterfalls

Start Day 9 of your 10-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary visiting  Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. This waterfall originates from the volcano glacier Eyjafjallajokull and falls 200 feet. Besides being gorgeous, it allows you to walk behind the waterfall to feel the power of nature. It was one of my favorite things to do while I visited Iceland.

Gljufrabui Waterfall  is just a short distance walk from Seljalandsfoss a hidden gem , located inside a canyon. It was my favorite waterfall in Iceland, and it offers a spectacular view of the waterfall inside a cave. You will have to wade an ankle-deep stream to enter the cave (stepping from stone to stone). Either wear high waterproof boots or go barefoot. It is worth it!

2. Drive to Dyrhólaey

A short 40-minute drive from there, your next stop is Dyrhólaey literally means “the hill island with the door hole”.  It’s 120 m high and you are able to walk the arch or the bridge if you are not afraid of heights.

Up there you can also find a spectacular and big “castle-shaped” lighthouse . Once you are on top in the higher area of  Dyrhólaey you will have a breathtaking view in all directions – to the north you see the Mýrdalsjökull glacier .

To the east, you will see the beautiful black lava sea stacks Reynisdrangar and to the west, you can view the endless black coastline, and then in front of the peninsula, there is a huge black arch of lava reaching out into the sea which the peninsula takes its name from.

3. Explore the Sólheimajokull Glacier Lake.

Your last stop at the Iceland Itinerary is at the Sólheimajokull Glacier Lake. This lake is much smaller than Jokulsarlón or Fjallsárlón Glacier Lakes, and less crowded. You are able to walk right up to the base of the glacier and take some wonderful pictures.

I spent a second night at the Lambastadir Guesthouse as the location is very convenient to explore this area of Iceland.

DAY 10: Spend the day exploring Reykjavik

For the final day of this amazing Iceland Ring Road 10-day itinerary, head to Reykjavik. I had only 6 hours before I head to the airport, and it was enough time to explore the main sites of Iceland’s capital and largest city. With a population of 122,900, it is still small and very walkable.

You also had the option to take the hop-on-hop-off tour bus and visit the main site in Reykjavik.

Explore the harbor and visit the Sun Voyager Sculpture, Halgríms church, and the Art Museum that is spread across town and housed in the Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, and Ásmundarsafn buildings, and the shopping area around Laugavegur is attractive. Don’t forget to stop for a coffee at the famous Reykjavik Roaster – I literally had the best coffee of my life!

Another option is to soak for a few hours in the Blue Lagoon , as it is very convenient since it is located near the airport and can easily be included in your 10-day Iceland itinerary.

• MID-RANGE | Reykjavik Residence Apartmen t – Located in the heart of Reykjavik, it combines hotel services with self-catering apartments. Only 50-min from the airport.

Iceland Ring Road 10-Day Itinerary in 3-minute

Trip Resources for an Iceland Ring Road 10-Day itinerary

Planning a trip to iceland.

During my planning for this Iceland Ring Road 10-day self-drive itinerary, I researched the internet and also bought some books and maps to help me with my itinerary in advance.

Some of the excellent guidebooks that helped me to prepare in advance are Rick Steves Iceland and Lonely Planet Iceland .  If you are planning to drive to Iceland, I recommend buying an Iceland Map . 

Keep in mind that pre-planning, researching, and understanding what you are looking for will help make your travels far more successful and safe. Make sure you check the following too:

• A Perfect 5-day Iceland Itinerary
• How much is a trip to Iceland + Tips to travel on a budget!
• 12 Best Glacier tours in Iceland
• Glacier Hike in Iceland, everything you need to know + FAQ
• Trip Planning Iceland for the first time visit
• 25 Famous Iceland Landmarks
• 10 Iceland Hidden Gems revealed by a local

Flights to Iceland

If you live in the US, take advantage of the proximity and the prices for flights. I flew from Florida and took a direct flight of only 7 hours.

There are many options for direct flights from the US to Iceland and some very cheap options, for example, leaving from NYC for approximately $600.

• Choose to fly during the low season (Iceland wintertime)
• Compare prices leaving from different airports, instead of only considering a direct flight from your town. Sometimes a domestic connection is a good option and will save you some money.

There are several airlines for you to choose from, depending on your departure location. Your destination in Iceland will be Keflavik International Airport (KEF).

Price for Iceland Ring Road 10-day itinerary for 2-people

That was the first question I had since we all know that Iceland is expensive to visit. Prices can vary a lot depending on your travel style and budget, check for pricing comparison to help you to visit Iceland, without breaking your bank account.

PRO-TIP:  Book accommodations at Guest Houses instead of a hotel, cook your meals, and reduce restaurant to once a day, I bought my wine at the free shop at the airport, rent a 2WD car instead of a 4WD or a van and book your tours in advance. I wrote a very detailed guide on how to plan your budget in Iceland that I recommend you read.

Where to stay in Iceland Ring Road itinerary

In my detailed Iceland Ring Road 10-day itinerary, I have provided the best options for accommodations for each place I visited. Great accommodation options and budget-friendly guest houses, and you can easily find and book them through Booking.com 

The guest houses are pretty much everywhere around the country and very affordable (an average of $100 per day for 2 people). They are normally farmers who build guest houses on their properties, therefore you will be staying on farms and most of them have horses, sheep, cows, chickens, and dogs that give you a feel for how the locals live. Some of them serve a delicious breakfast and have a kitchen where you can cook your own meals.

I always do a lot of research for quality and budget-friendly accommodations, and here are my top picks that I recommend for this 10-day itinerary:

• 1 Night in Hofsos – Fraendgardur
• 1 Night in Akureyri – Saeluhus Apartment
• 1 Night Myvatn – Hotel Laxá
• 1 Night in Seydisfjordur –  Hotel Aldan – The Bank
• 2 Nights in Hofn – Guest House Holmur
• 1 Night in Vik – Sólheimahjáleiga Guesthouse 
• 2 Nights in Selfoss – Lambastadir Guesthouse
• 1 Night in Reykjavik – Reykjavik Residence Apartment

Renting a car in Iceland at Keflavik Airport

You will need to decide on the itinerary and what time of the year, before you make a decision if renting a car in Iceland, and if a 4WD is necessary. If you are driving this Iceland Ring Road 10-Day Itinerary you can hire a 2WD. If you choose any of the car rentals below, you can pick up your car at the Keflavik International Airport.

Driving in Iceland

The Ring Road has this name for a reason it is shaped like a ring around Iceland.

To start your travel plan, the first step is to decide how many days you have and plan your trip by calculating the distance and total driving hours. The Ring Road is the main road that makes a loop around Iceland, and it has 828 miles (1,332 km) long and can be driven in either direction. To start your travel plan, the first step is to decide how many days you have and plan your trip by calculating the distance and total driving hours. The Ring Road is the main road that makes a loop around Iceland, and it has 828 miles (1,332 km) long and can be driven in either direction.

Self-drive the Iceland Ring Road you will be on Highway 1 as it goes around the whole country in the shape of a ring. You will follow this 882 miles (1,323-km) long route to be able to see a lot of the country. You also can get the venture off on other roads so you can explore areas like the Westfjords, Snaefelisnes peninsula, and Reykjanes.

Due to inclement weather, roads can be closed with little warning. One of the great resources is  http://road.is . This site will let you know what is open or closed. If you get wireless or wi-fi service, check this site daily. I tried going to a waterfall in the Myvatn region only to find that the road was closed. This detour cost me about 1 hour.

• Distance: 1332 kilometers (828 miles)
• Speed Limit: 90 km/h (55 mph). 50 km/h (31 mph) in populated areas.
• Condition: 98% paved.
• Lanes: Two lanes in general, but there are some single-lane bridges.
• Maintenance: Maintained year-round, but occasional road closures can occur.
• Winter: 4X4 vehicles and experience driving in winter conditions required.
• Minimum Time to Complete: At least 6 days in summer or 12 days in winter.
• Ideal Time to Complete: 10-14 days in summer or 20-25 days in winter.

Best time for driving in Iceland

Maybe you have heard or seen somewhere that the best time to visit Iceland is during summer. But actually, any time is a good time to visit Iceland, it will only depend on your expectations.

BEST TIME FOR SIGHTSEEING : Iceland is renowned for its numerous spectacular waterfalls, geysers, and volcanoes. In order to see as much as you can, you’ll want to have longer days, fewer crowds to interrupt the view, and weather that doesn’t make roads impassable. That means going in the weeks that frame either the end of the high season, around the last week of  May through mid-June , or anytime in  September .

BEST TIME TO AVOID CROWDS : If you’re hoping for a more relaxed experience without the crowds, avoid going to Iceland in the high season,  from mid-June through   August . By visiting in  April or May ,  September or October , you’ll encounter fewer tourists, yet the days will be long enough to enjoy sightseeing and possibly decent weather (5 AM sunrise; 9:30 PM sunset). The fewest visitors come between November and March, but this is also when inclement weather and short, dark days can affect your plans.

BEST TIME FOR GOO WEATHER : The best time for optimal weather in Iceland is during the high season, particularly in July and August when  average highs are around 13°C, though temps can reach as high as 15°C or even 20°C. If you’re hoping to avoid the rain, the lowest amount of rainfall occurs in  May and June , and temperatures are often a pleasant 11°C.

What to Pack for a trip to Iceland

When planning an Iceland Trip remember the packing rules number one: LAYERS, LAYERS, and more LAYERS!!! It seems that in every country I write about, I say the same thing: “bring layers” .

But especially in Iceland, you can have pretty much all the seasons on the same day…oh well, not necessarily summer, but I am talking about a big variation of a sunny day, rain, snow, and heavy winds, and then it will be sunny again.

The first thing is to check the weather of the season you are going to Iceland and pack accordingly. Here is a list of some essentials to pack:

• Rainproof/windproof jacket
• Lightweight wool sweater
• Warm pants (leggings or hiking pants that you can layer)
• Fleece jacket and pants (for layers)
• Merino pants and long sleeve (for layers)
• The combo: Gloves, Scarves & Hat
• Waterproof hiking boots
• Swimsuit and quick-dry towel (for visiting pools and hot springs – towels and swimsuits are available for rent at swimming facilities)
• Sunblock (yes, I got a sunburn in Iceland)
• Chargers – computer, camera, cell phone…
• Invest in a DC 12V to AC 110V car power inverter . They are not expensive and make a world of difference when driving. Charge your phone, camera, drone, laptop, tablet, etc. while on the road.

If you are doing activities such as horse riding or ice climbing, they provide all the gear so, no need to pack it with you.

Iceland Ring Road 10-day Itinerary Conclusion

This is my very detailed Iceland Ring Road 10-day itinerary, and I hope this can help you to plan your trip to Iceland and explore the best of the Ring Road. Iceland is a very safe country to visit and to go on a self-drive road trip, you just need to make sure you have a good itinerary and some planning prior to your trip.

Here is some further information I think you might need in order to plan your trip to Iceland:

• Travel Planning – How to Plan your Trip in 10 Easy Steps
• Iceland Trip Planner – Everything You Need to Know to Plan your trip to Iceland
• 25 Top Landmarks in Iceland
• Top 10 Hidden Gems in Iceland
• Iceland Costs + Save Money in Iceland. 
• Glacier hike in Iceland
• Top 12 Glacier Tours in Iceland

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Plan your Trip

You can plan your trip with  this easy guide  and have access to the best services I recommend and you can get discounted prices.

Tips For Travel To Iceland: How to Plan a Perfect Trip to Iceland

How Much is a Trip to Iceland + Tips to Create your Budget for Iceland!

Discover the Perfect Iceland 5-day Itinerary

49 thoughts on “perfect iceland ring road 10-day itinerary: ultimate road trip + map”.

I heard lots of time about this place, but I got to know very closely through your beautiful article, Picture are awesome and I enjoyed reading your blog from staying to eating and enjoying to smiling your blog is Rocking 😉

Thank you so much! Iceland is an amazing country, and you will love it!

Iceland is an amazing country, and you will love it! Thanks for sharing.

I am shocked! You did manage to do Iceland on a budget! I loved it, but we spent the same amount of money in half the time! I did not make it to Godafoss, nor did we do the ice climbing, but I am happy to see that we saw also a lot! Loved the itinerary, thank you for sharing!!

This is really a great informative post. I love that you shared so much details…will make planning really simple. The photos are just too gorgeous for words!

Such an incredibly detailed and informative post! I’m def saving this for later! Thank you!

Your budget tips are so useful, it makes it so much easier to plan an Iceland trip. Congrats on such a detailed post. 🙂

Oh Iceland! I visited back in October 2018 and it was such an experience. I want to go back and hit up all the places that you recommend in your post!

We did a self-drive of Iceland last year, and now I wish we had more time. Great, detailed post!

I love your detailed guide for 10 days around the ring road in Iceland. I’ve been wanting to make a trip there every year but I keep pushing it back in favour of more reasonably priced trips (all my friends keep scaring me with how expensive it is there!). But your guide gave me a good idea of a good itinerary and how much I should ultimately budget, thanks!

I can’t wait to be able to do this. Thanks for such an informative guide!

Such an itinerary in Iceland is a dream! I wish I could plan for one in the future and get to see so many amazingly beautiful places in a short period. Will keep this for inspiration!

Hi Ingrid, I hope you can plan your trip to Iceland too. It is an amazing place to visit, the nature is just breathtaking.

Hello Mona- I am happy you found this guide informative. My goal is to share as much detail as I can, and make it easier for anyone who wants to visit the amazing Iceland.

Hi Meghan, and I am so happy to hear that this guide helps, especially to show that it is possible to travel to Iceland without break your bank account. It can be very expensive, but you can make it more affordable if you make the right decisions to budget your trip. Let me know if you have any further question and I will be more than happy to help with ideas on how to budget your trip to Iceland.

Thanks Agnes. Iceland is amazing, isn’t it? I also want to go back and be able to spend more time.

Hi Alexandra – I agree with you, Iceland is an experience. What a gorgeous place with so much to see and explore. Take me with you when you go back 🙂

Thanks Portia, I am so glad to hear that you found this guide useful and hopefully you can visit Iceland soon.

Hi Christine, I am so glad you enjoyed my super detailed guide. Hopefully you will visit Iceland soon, and I have no doubt you will love it too.

Thank you so much Cherene – I am so happy to see that you found this post informative and thank you for the compliments on my photos. Actually it is almost impossible to take a bad picture of Iceland, that place is just epic!

Hi Jenn – Yeah, I was so worried about the budget since we always see how expensive it is to travel to Iceland. But I did a lot of research, and I compared prices before my trip. Also, while I was there, I learned many other tricks to keep Iceland on a budget, and it was very possible.

Seu blog foi muito útil, maravilhoso e completo. Informações precisas, concisas e de muito interesse. As fotos foram decisivas na escolha do local e a diversidade desta terra é fantástica. Obrigada por compartilhar.

Obrigada Patricia, fico muito feliz que você encontrou boas informações nesse incrível roteiro para a Islandia. Realmente, é uma viagem que vale muito a pena fazer.

Hello Meghan – I think it took so long for me to go to Iceland for the same reason, I only heard how expensive it was. But actually, I spent less than what I thought I could and I am so glad you found my itinerary helpful. Hopefully you can book that trip to Iceland soon, you will love it!

Que lugar incrível …quero muito um dia poder conhecer esta diversidade retratada nestas fotos maravilhosas!!! Parabéns

Fantastic article! It will be so useful for planning a trip to Iceland! Looks so inspiring!

What an amazing guide! So much detail about an incredible country. Your pictures are beautiful!

Wow! This is seriously one of the most comprehensive and detailed Iceland itineraries I’ve ever seen! Your photos are beautiful and I think the money you spent is totally ok for Iceland 🙂

This looks like so much fun. We only were able to visit the Golden Circle on our last trip to Iceland but will definitely be going back. I’m bookmarking this page so that I can use these ideas when planning our Ring Road itinerary for our next trip. Thanks for the inspiration.

What an amazing article. I am planning to do this next spring (assuming COVID settles down) and this is one of the best articles about it I’ve found. Knowing how much driving time each day REALLY helps in the planning. THANK YOU!

Such a great and detailed itinerary! I saved it for when I will be able to go to Iceland, hope soon!

So glad you included a section on costs! I really want to visit Iceland but have always been a bit terrified of it’s expensive reputation! It definitely sounds like you experienced a lot for your money!

This is truly a great itinerary. I feel like you covered places that I have never seen before. Plus, I love all the details. I have been to Iceland but my time there was too short. I hope to visit again. The landscape there is something I have never seen before.

Iceland is the dream and this is such an epic itinerary. You’ve given me a lot to think about for when I actually book my trip, and some really helpful tips in here too.

Your post brought back memories, we drove the ring road back in 2006 and loved it.

Oh those memories Cosette – I always remember my Ring Road trip and it brings me amazing memories, what a beautiful place.

Hey Emma, I am so glad you found this guide helpful. Thanks for checking my blog.

I agree with you Ruth, Iceland is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited and I would love to go back and continue to explore.

Hey Danielle, what great feedback. Thanks! I have an article that covers only the Iceland costs and how to travel on a budget, it is really helpful and there are several ways you can travel to Iceland without breaking your bank account.

Hey Alessia, I hope you get to go to Iceland soon too.

I am so glad for your feedback Julia, thank you! You will absolutely fall in love with Iceland, and driving is the best part since you will see some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Planet!

I am so glad you feel inspired now Tiffany. Golden Circle is amazing, but the Ring Road is magic!

I am so glad to hear you enjoyed this itinerary Lina – yes, it is long, but I hope it helps anyone who is seriously planning a trip to the Ring Road.

Thank you so much Katy, so glad o hear you enjoyed it.

Thanks Beth for stopping by, and I am so happy to hear you feel inspired.

Espero que você possa ir conhecer um dia, você vai se encantar com a beleza desse lugar fantastico!

Hi Paula! Wow-I am so glad that I somehow ‘stumbled’ upon your page. Your itinerary is exactly what I am looking for. We will have 3 additional days in Iceland. Any insight as to where you perhaps would have liked to have spent more time? We are traveling with our son’s family and their almost two year old, so basically-we are sight seeing-and hiking. Thank You-Thank You for sharing all of these important details! Melida

Hello Melida, You made my day and I am so glad to hear this is exactly what you were looking for. The good news is that you cannot go wrong doing a road trip in Iceland. Anywhere you go, anything you will see will be just amazing. I love the itinerary I did and I wouldn’t change anything. If I had 3 more days, I would probably add an additional day in Reykjavík. Also, I would recommend you to go over this article and find any activity you may think is better for your and your family to visit: https://www.paulapinstheplanet.com/iceland-hidden-gems-off-the-beaten-path/

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• All Iceland Tours
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GUIDED ICELAND CIRCLE

Day 1: welcome to iceland 50 km / 31 mi.

Private bus transfer with a guide from Keflavik international airport to the accommodation in Reykjavik.

Day 2: VOLCANO CRATER, SEALS, FJORDS & MOUNTAINS 415 km / 258 mi

Travel west, passing the town of Borgarnes and climbing the Grábrók volcano crater. In the afternoon, visit a natural history & seal museum in a small fishing village in Northwest Iceland and stroll around the local harbour. Further north, we stop at the turf church of Víðimýri, which has been extensively restored to its original form and is widely considered one of the purest and most beautiful examples of traditional Icelandic architecture. We continue along the scenic fjord landscape and over several mountain passes until we reach Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland.

Day 3: THE CAPITAL OF NORTH ICELAND, LAKE MÝVATN & GEOTHERMAL BATHS 120 km / 75 mi

In the morning, explore the town of Akureyri, also called the capital of North Iceland, and admire the panoramic view over the Eyjafjörður fjord. From April-October, there are optional whale watching tours available from 09:00-12:00 am. In the afternoon, travel to Goðafoss, the waterfalls of the Gods. Then explore Lake Mývatn, known as a geological wonderland and for its abundant birdlife. See the strange lava formations at Kálfaströnd, the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir and the tephra cone Hverfjall. Finally, end the afternoon relaxing in the geothermal Mývatn Nature Baths with a fantastic view over the whole area.

Day 4: LAVA LABYRINTH, HOT SPRINGS & TRAVEL EAST 250 km / 155 mi

In the morning, we hike in a lava labyrinth at Dimmuborgir, “the dark castles”, hoping to get a glimpse of the trolls who are said to live there. After an optional lunch, we visit the hot spring area of Námaskarð with bubbling mud pools and steaming solfataras. Next, we head through the uninhabited highlands and moonlike surroundings to East Iceland. With some luck, we might spot an Arctic fox or see reindeer. The tour includes a detour to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall in the northern part of Vatnajökull National Park, from June to August.

Day 5: FJORDS, GLACIER LAGOON & DIAMOND BEACH 260 km / 161 mi

It’s a day to admire the dramatic fjord landscape and its tiny fishing villages at the end of twisty roads in the East Fjords and, on the route, visit an attractive stone and mineral collection. Then, in the afternoon, see Vatnajökull – Europe’s biggest glacier visible all over Southeast Iceland. We end the day with a stop at Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon filled with floating icebergs, exploring the extraordinary site and might see seals swimming in the arctic waters. A boat tour between floating icebergs is included in the program from May through September. You can walk on the black sandy beach (The Diamond Beach) where large icebergs get stranded.

There is a possibility of seeing the Northern Lights during the evening from September to mid-April.

Please note that the itinerary on this specific day can change due to seasonal factors, such as daylight.

Day 6: VATNAJÖKULL NATIONAL PARK & SOUTH COAST 380 km / 235 mi

Travel along the southern part of the glacier Vatnajökull and get a glimpse at Europe’s second-largest national park, which has Iceland’s highest mountains, an alpine environment, and Europe’s largest glacier.

In the afternoon, a beautiful drive with many natural wonders awaits us as we head across the Eldhraun lava field, cross the sandy desert of the south coast, overlooked by mountainous cliffs, glaciers and waterfalls. Experience the unique Icelandic Lava Show where you get to witness and feel the heat from molten lava! Stroll along the black lava beach of Reynisfjara near Vík. In the small village of Skógar, there is Skógafoss waterfall which is 60 meters high and is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country. Continue to the high but narrow Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which plunges over the mountain. An exciting trail goes behind the fall – if you are prepared to get wet!

Day 7: ICELANDIC HORSES & GOLDEN CIRCLE 160 km / 99 mi

We explore classics today as we travel the route of the Golden Circle sights. We start the day at Friðheimar, where you learn about the Icelandic horse, its unique qualities and history and visit a geothermal greenhouse. Later on, we see steam from the Geysir geothermal fields as we arrive. There is a variety of hot springs and bubbling pools. The original geyser is now dormant but has been replaced by Strokkur “the Churn”, which erupts at 5-7 minute intervals. Nearby, we continue to Gullfoss, “the golden falls”, a double waterfall that tumbles 32 meters into the Hvítá river and attracts travellers in summer and winter. Next, we travel inland to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Finally, as we return to Reykjavík, we will take you for a short city tour to show highlights of the world’s northernmost capital.

Day 8: DEPARTURE HOME 50 km / 31 mi

Private transfer from your accommodation in Reykjavik to Keflavik airport.

• Private airport transfers
• Private tour with an English speaking, professional guide or driver-guide for tour program as per itinerary
• 3-star or 4-star hotel
• Daily breakfast buffet
• Selection of activities as per tour itinerary, including a visit to Glaumbær turf farm, entrance & towel at Mývatn nature baths, entrance to stone & mineral museum in East Iceland, visit to Lava Show in Vík and visit to Friðheimar Icelandic horse stables & geothermal greenhouse
• Parking and entrance fees as per itinerary
• Room & board for driver & guide outside Reykjavik

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Voyages with Val

Ring Road Itinerary- Iceland in 7 Days

Visiting Iceland is the trip of a lifetime, and the best way to see the country’s natural beauty is a road trip around the Ring Road! This route takes you around the entire country, showing the most stunning scenery Iceland has to offer. A 7-Day Ring Road trip is the perfect way to see Iceland’s most famous attractions while being short on time. Below is a detailed 7-Day Ring Road Itinerary and map, highlighting the best places to visit, where to camp, what to pack, and tips to have the best road trip ever.

How do I know this route will work? Because it is almost the exact same route I took when visiting Iceland during the summer Midnight Sun. Some modifications may be needed if visiting Iceland during winter.

Iceland Ring Road Itinerary Map

This 7-day trip will take 2224 kilometers or 1382 miles and 31 hours of driving , with an average of 4 hours and 45 minutes of driving a day.

What is Iceland’s Ring Road?

Iceland’s Ring Road is also known as Iceland’s Route 1. This is the 828-mile-long highway that runs around the entire country. By traveling around the Ring Road with some detours, you can see most of Iceland’s most popular attractions and landmarks including the Golden Circle, Diamond Beach , and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. On this drive, you will see glaciers, waterfalls, and hot springs unlike anywhere else in the world.

It is easiest to travel the Ring Road in summer, but it is usually open year-round . It does sometimes become impassible in winter due to snow and harsh conditions. Driving the Ring Road is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and the best way to see Iceland!

Is 7 Days Enough to Drive the Ring Road?

7 Days is just enough time to road trip around the entirety of the Ring Road of Iceland. If you are short on time, this is a great option to see the highlights with a packed schedule. However, it does not leave a lot of extra room if there is an area of the island you want to spend more time in, or if you want to travel slower, so most people would prefer a 10 or more – day trip to Iceland.

Do You Need 4WD for the Ring Road?

No, you do not need 4WD to drive the main part of the ring road in Iceland. We did not rent a 4WD van to keep help keep costs down and allow us to travel through Iceland on a budget. All of the attractions and landmarks listed below can be accessed without 4WD.

That being said, it is a lot easier to get around Iceland with 4×4 and you can access more remote places. We encountered several gravel and dirt roads, and while we could drive down them with just 2WD it would have been a lot more comfortable with 4WD. In particular, the section of road on 939 is a lot of uphill and gravel, but we were able to manage with 2WD.

Tips for Driving in Iceland

While driving in Iceland is not too different from the United States or most of Europe, there are some things to be aware of before hitting the roads.

• Go slow and watch out for sheep and wildlife on the roads. Sheep in particular are everywhere in Iceland and often near the roads. They are accustomed to cars, so may not run away when you drive by. Go slow and keep an eye on nearby sheep.
• Always check the road conditions and local weather . In particular, make sure to check the wind forecast along the route you will be driving for the day. The average wind speed in Iceland is over 11 mph and can reach up to 40 mph. A great website is vedur.is for wind, temperature, and precipitation forecast
• Expect each day of driving to take a little bit longer than planned. Iceland has plenty of beautiful sites right from the roadways, so you may want to stop at various pull-offs for photos.
• Iceland drives on the right side of the road . This is the same as most of Europe and North America where many visitors come from.

How to Camp in Iceland

If you are visiting from the United States, you will find camping in Iceland to be a very different experience. Below are a few key things to know about camping in Iceland

Campgrounds in Iceland do not have specific sites but are large grassy or sometimes gravel areas. This means that you do not reserve a site ahead of time, but instead find an empty area to park or set up your tent. There is also no electricity, picnic tables, or campfire rings near where you will camp. Instead, most campgrounds have a communal kitchen area with water, electricity, and usually a small stove or hot plate.

When arriving at a campground, usually you will go to the front office to pay the fee (averaging around $10-$20 per person ) or someone will come around to collect payment.

It used to be fairly common to camp almost anywhere in Iceland, which has led to more restrictions and now it is highly encouraged to only camp in campgrounds, and illegal to camp in most other places.

Tent vs Campervan Camping in Iceland

You can either tent camp or camp in a campervan in Iceland campgrounds. While tent camping is cheaper, especially if you can bring your own tent, there are some distinct advantages to renting a campervan in Iceland.

Iceland is known for its strong winds and often has cold temperatures and rain even in summer, so a van gives you hard walls to protect against the elements. We also used the heater in our campervan frequently, even when camping in late June. Some campgrounds also have primarily gravel spots, which would be more uncomfortable in a tent.

7-Day Iceland Ring Road Itinerary

Above is a quick summary of 7 Day Iceland Ring Road Itinerary . Day 1 will have you travel from Reykjavik to Vik , hitting stops such as the Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle, and waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Day 2 continues up the Southern Coast of Iceland to famous canyons and glaciers before stopping in Höfn . On Day 3 you will travel through the Eastern Fjords to the picturesque fishing village of Seydisfjordur . Day 4 routes across the Northern part of Iceland, visiting vibrant turquoise waters. Day 5 will lead you from Húsavík over to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula , with many stops at waterfalls and hot springs. Day 6 tours the Snæfellsnes Peninsula – including the famous Kirkjufell mountain. Finally, Day 7 will be leaving Iceland with a few final stops and exploring the capital of Reykjavik.

Day 1- Reykjavik to Vik

• Reykjavik to Vik Distance: 345 km (Starting at Blue Lagoon) (214 miles)
• Driving Time : 4 hours 50 minutes

Day 1 of your Iceland road trip is a busy day driving along the Southern Coast ! Be ready to start early or hit the ground running as soon as your plane gets in. You will see some of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland as well as tour the Golden Circle.

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular and iconic hot springs in Iceland. The Blue Lagoon is only 23 minutes from Keflavík International Airport and 43 minutes from Reykjavik. This makes it the perfect first stop after arriving in Iceland for your Ring Road Trip! This is a popular spot in Iceland so to avoid peak crowds plan on arriving early in the morning or later in the day. You can book your spot ahead of time online to ensure you can enter the lagoon.

The Blue Lagoon varies in price depending on the time of day and package you select but will usually run around $60 to $100 for the basic package which includes a drink and mud mask. The water is extremely salty so make sure to put your hair up, and the lagoon suggests putting a lot of conditioner in your hair before getting in.

The Golden Circle

After the Blue Lagoon, head off to part of the “Golden Circle” of Iceland. The Golden Circle consists of three main attractions Geysir, Gullfoss, and Thingvellir National Park . You can visit all three of these in one day, although we opted to visit Geysir and Gullfoss on our first day and hit Thingvellir on the last day of the road trip.

Kerid Crater

Kerid Crater is a side stop on the Golden Circle. This crater is the remnants of an ancient collapsed volcano. In the center of the crater, a small lake sits with brilliant blue water. Unlike most of the rest of the Golden Circle, you do have to pay 500 isk per person (approximately $3.50 USD ) to visit the crater.

It is about three-quarters of a mile to walk along the rim of the crater, and a quarter of a mile to walk down to the water in the center of the crater. It will take most people half an hour to an hour to visit Kerid Crater.

The Geysir Geothermal Area was my favorite stop on the Golden Circle! There are many small geysers and hot springs, with Strokkur being the star. Strokkur geyser is a large 65-foot geyser that erupts every five to ten minutes . Come prepared with a fast shutter to capture the height of this geyser! The largest geyser here is called simply Geysir but it erupts very infrequently and is currently inactive.

Next to the geothermal area is a large parking area and center with a restaurant and gift shop. This makes a great spot for lunch or a quick break.

Just 10 minutes up the road from Geysir is Gullfoss, a spectacular 100-foot-tall waterfall ! Gullfoss translates to Golden Falls due to the way the light can catch the falls to appear “golden”. You may also see a rainbow above the falls depending on the lighting. There is an upper viewpoint as well as a lower viewpoint down at the base of the first waterfall drop.

Seljalandsfoss

After Gullfoss, head away from the Golden Circle and down to the South Coast of Iceland. You will be able to see Seljalandsfoss from the road and can park not far from the waterfall. Seljalandsfoss was my favorite waterfall in Iceland, since it is one of the few you can walk behind, and is a spectacular 200-foot drop.

Arrive at sunset for the best photo opportunities looking behind the waterfall. Expect crowds here since this is one of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland and respect others that may be passing on the trail behind the falls. Wear a raincoat or protect your electronics since you will get wet walking up to the waterfall.

From the same parking lot, you can access a hidden waterfall- Gljúfrabúi (sometimes called Gljufrafoss). There is a trail that runs to the left of the parking lot and it is a half a mile walk to the entrance of a small gorge. Peek in the gorge and you will see Gljúfrabúi pouring down. You have to walk through the water a little bit, but you can then walk to the base of this raging waterfall.

Wear some waterproof shoes and a raincoat because you will get soaked!

Skógafoss is another one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland, only a 30-minute drive from Seljalandsfoss. From the parking lot, you can walk right to the base of the falls or climb up the 500 steps to view the waterfall from the top.

There is a campground here if this is where you end your day. Just down the road is the Skógar Museum which has lots of information on the culture and architectural history of Iceland.

Just behind the museum is parking for Kvernufoss. This hike is an easy mile walk back into a gorge to the 100-foot tall , hidden waterfall. This hike has spectacular views and is well worth the added stop if you have time on your Ring Road Trip.

Where to Stay Near Vik

End your day in or near the small town of Vik.

Hotels Near Vik

• Hotel Vík í Mýrdali – A hotel in Vik near the campground and Skool Beans
• Hotel Kria – A hotel located close to the beach with a restaurant in Vik.

Campgrounds Near Vik

• Skógar Campsite – A campsite right near the base of Skógafoss. Camp here and you can wake up to epic views steps from your tent or van.
• Vik Campground – This campsite is in the center of town and right next to Skool Beans for breakfast in the morning.
• Þakgil Campsite- This campsite is a 45-minute drive from Vik. It is worth the drive to stay at this campsite in a canyon. There are also cottages here available for rent.

Airbnbs Near Vik

• Cottage in Vik – Cute cottages located in the center of Vik
• Cabins by Reynisfjara – These cottages are near Reynisfjara with porches overlooking the black sand beach.

Day 2: Vik to Höfn

• Vik to Höfn Distance: 333 km (207 miles)

Day 2 of your Iceland Ring Road trip features some of the best black sand beaches and canyons in Iceland!

In Vik visit Vík í Mýrdal Church . This cute church on a hill has a bright red roof and is hard to miss when in the town of Vik. In the summer, purple lupines surround the church, making a picturesque scene. For the best photo spot, climb the small hill behind the church.

Before leaving the town of Vik, stop by Skool Beans for morning coffee. Skool Beans is a cafe operated out of an old school bus and it is so cozy, and has the absolute best mocha ever!

The first stop of the day is Dyrhólaey . Dyrhólaey is a peninsula famous for being a common spot to spot puffins! You will have to backtrack a bit from Vik, as it is about 20 km (12 miles) to the East of Vik, so if you have time, you can also add this to Day 1 before arriving in Vik.

Dyrhólaey is up on a hill and sometimes engulfed in clouds. When we visited, unfortunately, the peninsula was entirely fogged out and we couldn’t see any of the puffins. If there are no puffins, the lighthouse here is still worth a visit, and when the day is clear, there is an outstanding view of Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach.

Reynisfjara Beach

Reynisfjara is only minutes from Vik and one of the most scenic spots on the South Iceland Coast. When you think of “Iceland”, black sand beaches come to mind and this is the most famous black sand beach in Iceland and possibly the world.

It is only a short walk from the parking lot to the beach. Stunning black basalt columns jut out from the sand and you can climb or sit on them for a great photo opportunity. Just to the West of Reynisfjara Parking is a shallow basalt cave, Hálsanefshellir Cave , that you can walk back into. If you look out to the West, Reynisdrangar, a jagged rock formation sticks out of the sea.

Enjoy your time at the beach but watch out for sneaker waves ! These can overwhelm the unprepared and have been known to kill people. Do your research and know how to avoid them .

At the parking area, there is also the Black Beach Restaurant where you can grab some lunch or coffee or use the restroom for a fee.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is a must-see on your Iceland Road Trip. This was one of my most anticipated spots in Iceland and it did not let me down! You will have to turn off the Ring Road and travel for a couple of miles down a road that will turn to gravel to get to the parking. This road is fairly well maintained and should be drivable for most cars.

From the parking area, walk up the path and there are several viewing areas along the canyon. The whole trail is about 1 mile each way, and you should plan about 45 minutes to an hour depending on how long you want to stop and take photos. Of the viewing platforms, the third was my favorite. You can look directly into the canyon and view the waterfall Mögáfoss across the canyon.

Svínafellsjökull Glacier

There is a little over an hour’s drive to the next stop on your 1 week Iceland Itinerary- Svínafellsjökull Glacier. Take the Ring Road West to F Road Svínafellsjökull Glacier as it is labeled on Google. Unlike most F Roads in Iceland, this one is not overly rough and we were able to travel down it with a 2WD van.

From the parking lot, it is about a 1.5-mile round trip hike to view the glacier. I wasn’t sure what to expect here, but was blown away by the sheer size of this glacier!

If you want to see a glacier even closer, book a glacier hiking tour!

Múlagljúfur Canyon

If you want to add some hiking to your vacation, make sure to check out the trail to Múlagljúfur Canyon and Hangandifoss. This is one of the best hikes in Iceland ! Where else can you see mountains, the ocean, a glacier, and a waterfall all from one location?

AllTrails has this listed as a  3.6-mile hike round trip , but I thought the best views were around 1.4 miles in, making it 2.8 miles. After that, the trail gets significantly steeper without much of a change in view and you can no longer see into the canyon.

This trail is moderate but well worth the effort! The road to the trailhead is an unmarked, nondescript gravel road so make sure to have your map downloaded and keep a lookout for it!

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

The Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon was my absolute favorite spot in Iceland. There are several spots where you can park and walk up to the lagoon so it is easy to spread out and be alone. We visited during the twilight hours of the Midnight sun so the whole sky was lit up in orange and the blue glaciers drifted serenely by.

You can venture out into the lagoon on a   zodiac or boat tour   and in the winter this is also a spot for ice cave tours!

Diamond Beach

Finish off Day 2 of your Iceland Road Trip at Diamond Beach ! This black sand beach is right next to the Jökulsárlón Lagoon, so you could visit here first if you wish. Ice from the lagoon drifts down the channel and out to sea before washing back up on the shore at Diamond Beach. The sea smooths the ice giving it a glass-like “diamond” appearance.

Don’t be too disappointed if there are not many ice pieces on the beach when you visit. I have heard of people visiting and the beach being almost empty and others saw “diamonds” large enough to sit on! There were a fair number of smaller ice pieces when we visited, so I would recommend visiting no matter what and seeing the beach for yourself!

Where to Stay Near Höfn

After Diamond Beach and the Glacier Lagoon, travel up to the town of Höfn to stay for the night.

Hotels Near Höfn

• Hotel Höfn – Hotel Höfn is a casual hotel in the middle of Höfn
• Höfn Hostel – While not an actual hotel, this hostel is a great option for budget travelers.

Campgrounds Near Höfn

• Camping Höfn – This campground is conveniently located inside the town of Höfn and right next to a bay that overlooks the surrounding area.
• Vestrahorn Camping – This campground is small, but we camped here for the convenience of being near the Vestrahorn- the first stop of Iceland Day 3.

Airbnbs Near Höfn

• Guesthouse Near Höfn – This is a guesthouse with several rooms outside of Höfn but with amazing mountain views.
• Small Cabin – These small cabins are also a little outside the town.

Day 3: Höfn to Seydisfjordur

• Höfn to Seydisfjordur Distance 259 km (161 miles)
• Driving Time : 3 hours 45 minutes

Iceland Day 3 is driving through the Eastern Fjords and up to the cutest Iceland town- Seydisfjordur. There are some long stretches of isolated roads on this drive, so make sure to fill up on gas and snacks before leaving Höfn.

Vestrahorn is a dramatic mountain just 20 minutes from Höfn. The best view of Vestrahorn is down a private road on a peninsula with a small fee to access it. If you stay at the campground this fee is included in your stay. The café near here is also a great place to stop and warm up on your trip.

The peninsula itself is often windy and the mountain may be covered in clouds, so check conditions and if the mountain is clouded it may be best to visit another day. Conditions can change very quickly though, so if the weather looks good, go right away! When we arrived at the Vestrahorn Campground the mountain was mostly visible but within minutes had become covered in clouds.

Eastern Fjords

A lot of Day 3 is spent road-tripping through the Eastern Fjords . To get to the next stop- Hengifoss, you go over a mountain pass on either Road 939 or 95. Both of these roads are gravel roads but still should be drivable in 2WD cars, it may just be a slower drive.

Look out for reindeer on this drive! We saw some right before going over the mountains! If you want another stop on the drive Djúpavogskörin hot springs is a natural bath you can find about 101 km (63 miles) from Höfn.

Hengifoss is one of the most unique waterfalls you will find in Iceland. It is well known for its bright red strips of clay in the basalt behind the waterfall.

It is a moderate hike up to the waterfall with 830 feet of elevation gain over 1.5 miles each way. Halfway up the trail is a smaller waterfall- Litlanesfoss that is worth a stop at. Several benches are placed along the trail if you need a rest.

Seydisfjordur

The road to Seydisfjordur , known as the Fjarðarheiði Pass , is one of the most scenic drives in Iceland. Take a leisurely drive and stop at the various viewpoints to take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and fjords.

What To Do in Seydisfjordur

Depending on when you left Höfn and how long you spend driving, you will likely have a bit of extra time in Seydisfjordur. Below are a few of the best things to do in Seydisfjordur .

• Go Hiking – There are a few hiking trails near Seydisfjordur. You can take a short walk to Vestdalsfossar waterfall. Or hike the longer 8-mile hike up to Vestdalsvatn Lake .
• Visit the Blue Church- Seyðisfjarðarkirkja is located in the center of Seydisfjordur. It is iconic for the beautiful blue color, and the rainbow-painted road leading up to the church steps. The church is open to visitors from June through August.
• Enjoy some Icelandic Food – If staying overnight in Seydisfjordur, it is an excellent place for dinner. Skaftfell Bistro is highly rated, or if you want something fast, the Fancy Sheep food truck has delicious fish and chips and lamb burgers!
• Explore the Fjords – The fjords surrounding Seydisfjordur are some of the most beautiful in Iceland. Continue driving on the roads past the town into the fjords and enjoy the sites. We continued some ways on the Southern road, stopping to admire the fields of lupines on the way. It is worth noting, however, that this road does turn to gravel.

Where to Stay Near Seydisfjordur

Hotels near seydisfjordur.

• Hotel Aldan – This is a cozy hotel in the center of town, right next to the water.
• Hafaldan Hostel – To save some money, you can also book a hostel in Seydisfjordur.

Campgrounds Near Seydisfjordur

• Seydisfjordur Campground – There is only one campground in Seydisfjordur, but it is conveniently located close to the center of town, making it a great place to park and walk.

Airbnbs Near Seydisfjordur

• Cottage with Mountain View – A cute cabin with a hot tub and views of the fjord.
• Studio by the Sea -A studio near Seydisfjordur overlooking the sea.

Day 4: Seydisfjordur to Húsavík

• Seydisfjordur to Húsavík Distance: 376 km (234 miles)
• Driving Time : 5 hours 10 minutes

Day 4 of your Iceland Ring Road Trip travels along the North side of Iceland to the famous Stuðlagil Canyon, through some of the most remote areas of Iceland, and to the most powerful waterfall in Europe!

If you did not get to fully explore Seydisfjordur the day before, spend some time there in the morning, grabbing breakfast before heading onwards.

Stuðlagil Canyon

Stuðlagil Canyon is one of the most famous and iconic spots in Iceland. The vibrant blue water flows through a black basalt canyon, making for a striking photography spot. There are two ways to see the canyon- on the West side and the East side .

East Side of Stuðlagil Canyon

The East side of the canyon is a longer hike but has a better view and is the only way to get down into the canyon. If you do not have 4WD, you will need to park in a lot (labeled Stuðlagil (East side parking) in Google) and hike quite a bit down to the viewpoint ( 3 miles one way ). If you do have 4WD you can continue over the bridge and down a rough road to a parking lot only 1.5 miles from the canyon viewpoint. You will pass Stuðlafoss waterfall , and reach a good spot to photograph and view the canyon. You can descend into the canyon, but it is steep and we opted not to do it in the rain.

West Side of Stuðlagil Canyon

If you are short on time or do not want to hike, you can also view the canyon from the West side and it is a much shorter walk. Keep driving on the West side of the canyon, past the bridge, and to a turn-off that leads to a parking lot and campground. From here you can walk down a set of metal stairs and view the canyon. This view is not quite as good in my opinion, but worth it if you are short on time! There are also some conveniently located restrooms near the parking lot.

Viti Crater

The next stop on Day 4 of your Iceland Road Trip is Viti Crater . It is an almost 2-hour drive from Stuðlagil, but one of the most scenic drives in Iceland! Don’t be afraid to pull over and photograph some of the volcanoes and mountains you will drive by. This is also one of the most deserted areas, and we experienced the strongest winds of our trip here.

Viti Crater is down a side road off the Ring Road. You will pass by an interesting geothermal power plant on the drive, and will likely be able to see the steam from the Ring Road.

Make sure you navigate to Viti Crater, or Viti Crater Parking , as there is also a Lake Viti in Iceland that is harder to get to. Viti Crater, sometimes called Krafla Viti Crater, is a vibrant blue crater lake formed by the volcanic caldera. You can view it a few steps from the parking lot or walk to the top of the crater for a better view with a 0.25-mile hike.

We found this to be a very muddy and windy spot when we visited in June so dress appropriately!

Dettifoss is the most powerful waterfall in Europe and truly a site to see (and feel)! When you get closer to the waterfall you can feel the ground shake beneath your feet!

Dettifoss has both an   East and a West Side.    The East side is described as having a better view and better for photography, but it requires a long drive down a rough road that closes seasonally with a small parking lot. We opted to instead visit the West side.

The road leading to the West viewpoint is paved, and from the parking lot, it is a short walk to view the falls from an upper or lower viewpoint. It is possible to visit both but keep in mind it is over an hour to drive between the two viewpoints.

You can add to your hike to visit Selfoss for a  2.2-mile hike . Hafragilsfoss is also visible on the trail 1.4 miles North of Dettifoss.

Where to Stay Near Húsavík

Continue to Húsavík to grab some dinner and as a starting point for your fifth day in Iceland

Hotels Near Húsavík

• Fosshotel Húsavík – A 3-star hotel with a restaurant in Húsavík
• Húsavík Green Hostel – This hostel in Húsavík is a great budget option in the middle of town.

Campgrounds Near Húsavík

• Camping 66.12 North – This campground is about 15 miles outside of Húsavík, but worth the drive for the stunning views of the coastline.
• Húsavík Campground – This campground is closer to Húsavík and conveniently located

Airbnbs Near Húsavík

• Cottage Near Húsavík – This adorable cottage has magnificent views and is surrounded by wildflowers in the summer.
• Villa Near Húsavík – If traveling with a larger group, this is a great rental option near Húsavík.

Day 5: Húsavík to Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Húsavík to Snæfellsnes Peninsula Distance: 513 km (319 miles) Driving Time : 6 hours 50 minutes

The town of Húsavík is so quaint. It makes a great place to grab breakfast in the morning and dinner the night before. Take a walk along the docks before leaving and don’t forget to try some fresh fish!

Day 5 of this Iceland itinerary is the longest driving day, but incredibly beautiful. While some key stops are highlighted below, you may want to add additional stops to break up the drive.

Geosea is not as famous as the Southern hot spring- Blue Lagoon, but it is just as relaxing! It costs about $44 , not including a towel or robe. You can also purchase drinks at the swim-up bar. Geosea is smaller and less crowded compared to the Blue Lagoon and with a better view . It also does not have the iconic blue water of the Blue Lagoon but is still a fun and relaxing stop in North Iceland.

Goðafoss is a horseshoe-shaped waterfall that spans 100 feet and translates to “Waterfall of the Gods”. It is a short walk from the parking lot, and well worth the stop! You can view the waterfall from the East or West side, and there is a bridge, making it easy to visit both sides.

Fosslaug Hot Spring & Reykjafoss Waterfall

The route from Goðafoss to the West side of Iceland is another stretch of beautiful scenery through the mountains. You will pass through a tunnel after the town of Akureyri that has a toll associated with it.

There are several attractions you can detour to while driving toward the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. One stop is Reykjafoss Waterfall and Fosslaug Hot Spring . It is only about a 0.4-mile walk each way from the parking lot to the Reykjafoss waterfall. If you walk a little bit further and cross the small river, you will reach the Fosslaug Hot Spring, a perfect place for a dip.

Guðrúnarlaug Hot Spring

Another attraction near the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is Guðrúnarlaug Hot Spring . This hot spring has been made fairly famous due to Instagram. It is a picturesque hot pool with a rustic changing room, kept warm from the ground.

Spend the night nearby the hot spring, or continue onto the Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Where to Stay Near Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Hotels near snæfellsnes peninsula.

• Hotel Langaholt – A 3-star hotel on the Southern coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
• Fosshotel Hellnar- A modern hotel near the Icelandic coastal town of Arnarstapi
• Grundarfordur Hostel – A budget hostel near the Kirkjufell mountain

Campgrounds Near Snæfellsnes Peninsula

• Búðardalur Campground – This campground is a little bit further from the Peninsula but closer to the Guðrúnarlaug Hot Spring, if you don’t want to drive as far.
• Campground Grundarfjörður – The campsite is right next to the main town of Grundarfjörður on the Peninsula.
• Campsite Ólafsvík- A campground near Ólafsvík with amazing views!

Airbnbs Near Snæfellsnes Peninsula

• Guesthouse Hof – Several cabins on the Southern coast of the peninsula with grass roofs.
• Cabin Near Kirkjufell – This cabin has a hot tub with a magnificent view of Kirkjufell!
• Green Cabin Near Grundarfjörður – An adorable green cottage on the Northern coast of the peninsula.

Day 6: Snæfellsnes Peninsula

• Snæfellsnes Peninsula Distance: 105 km (65 miles)
• Driving Time : 1 hour 32 minutes

The second to last day in Iceland will be spent touring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula . There is so much to see and do on this drive, and you can add in even more stops if you have time. The destinations below are listed starting on the Southern edge of the Peninsula and working North, but you can also do this road trip in reverse.

Búðakirkja is one of the famous black churches in Iceland. It is still used by locals, although it is more often visited by tourists. This is a quick stop on your tour, but a great photo opportunity to see the striking black church against Iceland’s green landscape.

Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge

Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge was one of my favorite stops on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Look out for the gravel drive off Highway 1 that leads to the trailhead. This is a quick 0.6-mile hike up a hill and into the gorge. Like Gljúfrabúi on Day 1, expect to get your feet wet (or wear waterproof boots) as you hike up the stream to see the small waterfall inside the canyon.

Dritvik Djúpalónssandur Black Sand Beach

Hopefully, you are not yet too tired of Iceland’s striking shorelines (and how could you be?), to make a stop at Dritvik Djúpalónssandur , a beautiful black lava sand beach. This beach is at the far West end of the peninsula. It is unique for its dark black sand and rocky lava cliffs that encircle the beach.

Scattered across the beach are shipwreck pieces from the British boat, The Epine GY7 . The remains are neat to look at but don’t touch, as they were left in memory of the fisherman who died on the boat.

Svörtuloft Lighthouse

Another example of striking Icelandic architecture is Svörtuloft Lighthouse, found on the Northwest end of the Peninsula. The paved road leading here ends at Skarðsvík Beach, and after that, the road is gravel and bumpy for about 2.5 miles. The stunning orange lighthouse is hard to miss, with a short trail leading up to it.

Kirkjufell & Kirkjufellsfoss

Kirkjufell – which translates to “Church Mountain” is the most photographed mountain in Iceland and is often considered the most beautiful. Kirkjufellsfoss is the name of the waterfall that is often photographed in the foreground of the mountain.

You can see Kirkjufell from almost anywhere in Grundarfjörður , but there is a dedicated parking lot to park and walk to the waterfall and the angle Kirkjufell is most often photographed. It is worth noting that the mountain only has the unique “pointy cone” shape from this particular angle, and is wide and flat if viewed from other angles (but still a site to see!)

There is a small fee at the parking lot, and a trail leading to the waterfall and several viewpoints. This is an extremely popular photography spot , so if visiting during sunrise or sunset, expect other photographers with tripods to be present. Do not leave the trail or bypass the ropes that have been put up, as this ruins the area and future visitors’ experience.

Other Things To Do on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula

If you have more time, here are a few other things to do on the Snaefellssnes Peninsula :

• Ingjaldshóll Church – This is a beautiful red-roofed Icelandic church that is a great photo spot, due to being surrounded by purple lupine flowers in the summer.
• Arnarstapi Cliffs – The Arnarstapi coastline has a   2-mile hike  along the cliffs which includes seeing the stone arch of Gatklettur .
• Saxholl Crater – Saxholl is an ancient crater that you can climb with a 0.4-mile walk.
• Vatnishellar Cave – If you are looking for something truly unique to add to your Iceland trip you can take a guided tour of the Vatnishellar Cave – an 8,000-year-old lava cave. Make sure to book ahead of time.
• Lóndrangar Cliffs- For a stunning viewpoint, park and take a look at the Lóndrangar Cliffs on the South West side of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
•  Bjarnafoss – This is a 262-foot-tall waterfall near the town of Búðir. You can view it from a distance, or park and hike closer.

Day 7: Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Reykjavik

• Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Reykjavik Distance: 293 km (182 miles)
• Driving Time : 4 hours 10 minutes

The last day of your Ring Road Trip will take you from the Snæfellsnes Peninsula back to Reykjavik and the airport with a couple of last-minute stops.

Þórufoss is a great pit stop on the way to Thingvellir. You can either admire the waterfall from the viewpoint above or hike a quarter of a mile down to the falls.

Thingvellir

Thingvellir National Park is a must-see on your Iceland road trip. This is part of the “Golden Circle” that includes Gullfoss and Geysir and can certainly be added to Day 1 of your itinerary instead. However, since it is a little out of the way of those attractions we instead decided to fit it in on our last day.

Thingvellir is one of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Iceland,  Surtsey Island, and Vatnajökull National Park  being the other two, and is of great historical and ecological importance to Iceland

Things to Do in Thingvellier National Park

• Visit the Visitor Center- The Visitor Center has interactive information about the history and nature of the park and has an amazing overlook.
• Snorkeling the Silfra Fissure- The Silfra Fissure is where the European and North American tectonic plates have been slowly moving apart. While it is neat to see from land, it is infinitely cooler to experience underwater.
• Öxarárfoss Waterfall – Hike 2.6 miles to the manmade Öxarárfoss Waterfall.
• Hike the Tectonic Plate Boundary – This is a 1-mile hike starting at the visitor center, that allows you to pass through the tectonic plate boundary.

If you have a bit of extra time and you did not yet explore Reykjavik, take some time to experience the city before leaving Iceland.

• Hallgrímskirkja – This is the tallest church in Iceland, dominating the center of Reykjavik. It has a very distinct look and also makes a great area to park near to explore the rest of town.
• The Rainbow Street – Also known as Skólavörðustígur Street, a portion of this street was painted in a vibrant rainbow, and makes for a great photo opportunity in Reykjavik!
• Sky Lagoon – Another alternative (or in addition to) the Blue Lagoon is the Sky Lagoon. Their packages range from $52 to $102 per person , and they offer a seven-step “Ritual” that includes a hot spring, cold dip, sauna, and steam.
•  Brauð & Co – A delicious bakery to stop at for breakfast or a snack.
• The Handknitting Association of Iceland – Iceland is famous for its wool. This shop is the perfect place to pick up a handknitted sweater, hat, or other souvenir
• Grótta Island Lighthouse – On the far North of the peninsula is the Grótta Island Lighthouse. It is accessible during low tide and a great place to view the Northern lights or coastline.

Leaving Iceland

After having your fill of Reykjavik, it is time to head back to the airport. either book a van or car near the airport or see if your rental has a shuttle. If neither option is available, you can also book the  Flybus   to transport from Reykjavik to the Keflavík airport .

When to Visit Iceland

There really is no wrong time to visit Iceland and when you go will depend on your goals for the trip!

If you want to visit during the Midnight Sun , summer is the time to visit! The Midnight Sun is when Iceland experiences periods of 24-hour light when the sun never sets, the longest days being near the summer solstice on June 21. This is the best time for photography because you can take photos in hours of perpetual sunrise/sunset. Iceland’s warmest months with the longest days are June, July, and August.

Iceland in winter i s equally as magical and the best time to see the Northern Lights ! It is harder to tour the entire Ring Road in the winter, but there is still plenty to see! The Northern Lights in Iceland have the best chance of being visible from September to April . It also surprises many people to know that the low temperatures in Iceland are fairly mild, with an average low of only 28 deg F in January.

How Much Did We Spend in Iceland?

You have likely heard that Iceland is very expensive, and while it is certainly not cheap if you are willing to make some sacrifices, it is possible to road trip Iceland on a budget.

For 2 people to spend 7 days and 6 nights in Iceland (in June of 2022) we paid around $2800, not including plane tickets. This was with cooking most meals and camping almost every night. Below is a breakdown of each spending category (not including souvenirs).

• Attractions- $353 – We visited the Blue Lagoon and Geosea with the cheaper packages and had one drink in each spring. This also includes various parking fees for hikes.
• Van Rental & Gas- $1618- This was the biggest expense since our van rental was also our lodging for most nights.
• Restaurants & Cafes- $270 – We ate out at 2 sit-down restaurants and one food truck and visited several cafes for coffee and small breakfast items.
• 1 Cabin Stay- $95- We spent one night in a cabin to break up the van days.
• 5 Campground Stays- $140 – We spent almost every night in a campground where we could also get water.
• Groceries- $204 – We prioritized cheap groceries and ate a lot of protein bars and ramen or other “add water” meals.
• Misc- $133- Things like showers, a broken stove, etc.

How to Save Money in Iceland

Below are a few tips we used to save money in Iceland and how you too can budget for your Iceland vacation.

• Camp instead of staying at Airbnbs and hotels- This was our biggest money saver in Iceland. Most hotels and rentals average $100-$300 a night, but our campgrounds averaged around $28 a night.
• Bring your own food – Food was probably the one area we could have saved more on. Groceries are cheaper in America than in Iceland, so one way to save money is to pack camping meals in a suitcase rather than buying food upon arrival.
• Don’t buy bottled water- The water in Iceland is very clean and you do not need to buy bottled water. Bring over a water bottle and fill up almost anywhere.
• Minimize tours- Iceland has a lot to see without needing a guided tour. Most hikes are easy to navigate in the summer without a guide, but if I were to go back, I would love to splurge on a glacier walk or ice cave tour.

Iceland Packing List

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Iceland Hiking Clothes to Pack

Below are clothes you will want to consider packing if you plan on doing a lot of hiking in Iceland, like the itinerary above calls for.

• Raincoat-  You don’t want to visit Iceland without a rain jacket! This also works as a windbreaker-  My Favorite Rain Jacket
• Fleece-  A fleece or mid-layer is great to have when hiking so you can easily take it off to cool down-  Soft REI Fleece
• Heavy Jacket – A  puffy coat  is necessary no matter the time of year. Layers are absolutely necessary in Iceland. I would often wear every layer when hiking in June-  My absolute favorite puffy coat
• Day Pack – If you plan on doing a decent amount of hiking a day pack is always great to bring-  Recommended Osprey Day Pack
• Beanie or Hat-  You never know when the wind may pick up, so it is a good idea to always hike with a hat-  Warm Beanie
• Waterproof Boots – We encountered a lot of mud in Iceland. Make sure to bring waterproof boots that have good traction-  My Favorite Hiking Boots
• Thick Socks –  If you wear boots, make sure to bring  good socks  to not get blisters. Do not wear hiking boots without proper socks-  The best hiking socks
• Moisture-Wicking Shirts-  Any shirt will do, but the best  hiking shirts  are made of natural or synthetic moisture-wicking material that is breathable and dries quickly. I own a lot of  these shirts   and love them for hiking.
• Moisture-Wicking Pants – While they do not need to be waterproof, you will likely want either moisture-wicking or quick-drying pants if the forecast calls for rain-  Comfortable Women’s Hiking Pants
• Sandals – Bring some form of sandal for visiting the hot springs-  Teva Sandals
• Water Bottle – Bring a water bottle that you can fill up anywhere-  Water Bottle
• Sunscreen – While it may not feel hot in Iceland, on sunny days you should still make sure to wear sunscreen-  SPF 50 Sunscreen
• Camp Shoes – You won’t want to wear hiking boots the entire trip, so bring along a more comfortable pair of shoes to change into- My Favorite Camp Shoes
• Camera-  Bring a camera to capture your memories!-   Beginner Travel Camera
• Toiletry Bag – Don’t forget all the essentials when traveling-  Roll Up Toiletry Bag
• Gloves-  I was surprised how often I wore my Gloves  in Iceland’s summer
• First Aid Kit – A first aid kit is a must in any hiking daypack no matter the trail length!-  Day Hike First Aid Kit
• Swimsuit – If you plan on dipping in hot springs, don’t forget a swimsuit!

Iceland Campervan Packing List

Depending on what your campervan provides you may want some or all of the items below. Check with your rental agency to see what they provide vs what you are responsible for bringing.

• Reusable Camp Dishes – Instead of using paper plates, consider reusable bowls to save money and space, as well as reduce trash-   Camp Plate and Bowl Set
• Utensils – You really only need a spork for utensils while camping-   Spork
• Camp Stove – Plan on cooking with a stove at your campsite. Many National Parks do not allow fires in the summer. You will likely need to buy fuel after arriving in Iceland-  Affordable Camp Stove
• Pot – For your stove, you will also need a pot-  Camp Pot
• Mugs – Bring a mug for morning coffee!-  My Favorite Camping Mug
• Towel – We had planned on buying towels once in Iceland to save packing space but were unable to find any at the stores. Don’t make the same mistake!-  Multi Towel
• Sleeping Bags – Kelty makes a great budget but warm sleeping bag for   Women  and  Men . Our campervan did come with a blanket but we were glad to have the extra warmth.
• Headlamp – Depending on when you visit you may want a   Headlamp and batteries. If visiting during the Midnight Sun this may not be necessary.

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Roadstotravel

Find the best roads, ring road (route 1), the road trip to do in iceland.

Route 1 or Ring Road (Hringvegur in English) is the main road in Iceland, with a length of 1330 kilometers (827 miles).

It roughly follows the coastline as it round the country. The route runs through practically all of Iceland’s major cities, including Reykjavik, Borgarnes, Akureyri, Egilsstadir, as well as some major tourist sites such as Godafoss, Mývatn, Jökulsárlón, Skógafoss or Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

The circular route allows travelers not to miss anything of this sublime country. Route 1 will give you access to the most beautiful sites in Iceland.

Indeed, as you travel around Iceland’s Route 1, you will get the opportunity to see the incredibly gorgeous and natural wonders of the country. You’ll see bubbling geothermal springs, shimmering rainbows, magnificent horses, dramatic waterfalls, and rugged mountains while driving Iceland’s Ring Road.

What is the best Ring Road itinerary ?

Officially, the kilometer zero of the Ring Road is located at Skeydaraursandur, at the border of the two localities, Hordnafjordur (Eystiland region) and Skaptaurhreppur (Südürland region).

But traditionally, locals and tourists take the point on the outskirts of Reykjavík where Vesturlandsvegur (Western Hrigvegur) and Sudurlandsvegur (Southern Hrigvegur) meet as kilometer zero, so the list shows both counts through the slash – from Reykjavík and from the official kilometer zero.

You can see the itinerary of the Ring Road on this map:

Facts about the Ring Road

How long is the ring road.

The total length of the road is 1330 kilometers (827 miles). Hringvegür is entirely paved and is almost always two-lane, i.e., it has one lane in each direction. When the road passes through Reykjavik and the capital region, the number of lanes can increase to three or four. In the northern part of the Hvalfjarđargöjng tunnel, which is under the seabed, an additional lane is also added for the tunnel ascent.

At the same time, more than thirty small wooden or metal bridges on the ring road are single-lane (some of them have niches for overtaking oncoming or passing vehicles).

The speed limit on most of the road is 90 kilometers (55 miles) per hour, dropping to 70 kilometers (45 miles) per hour in the tunnels. And 60-30 kilometers (35-18 miles) per hour in populated areas.

The Hrinvegur passes through four tunnels along its route:

• Almannaskarðsgöyng: 1,300 meters (4,265 ft) long, built in 2005 in the Eistyurland region, under the Almannaskard Pass.
• Vaðlaheiðargöng: 7,400 meters (2,4278 ft) long, built in 2018 in the Nordyurland-Eistra region, under the Vadlaheidi mountain range.
• Fáskrúðfjarðarðargöng: 5,900 meters (19,356 ft) long, built in 2005 in the Eisturland region under the Breidalsheidi mountain plateau.
• Hvalfjarðargöng; 5,770 meters (18,930 ft) long, built in 1998 in the Hvydborgsvaid and Vestyurland area under the Hvalfjord bottom.

History of the Ring Road:

The first sections of the road were built from Reykjavík, on the one hand northwards to Akureyri, and on the other hand, southeastwards to Selfoss on the Hellisheiði plateau following the routes of the traditional paths. These were still quite difficult to walk on in the 1930s. Some old tracks are still visible in some places near the road.

The road was finished in 1974, on the 1100th year of Iceland’s colonization, when the country’s longest bridge, crossing the Skeiará river in the southeast, was inaugurated.

The road was damaged by the overflow of the Skeidará river in 1996. It was repaired immediately afterward.

The last part of the road between Egilsstadir and Breiddalsvík remains to be improved. On the other hand, some parts of the road were gradually improved. Such as the construction of a tunnel under the Hvalfjördur near Akranes.

What to see on the Ring Road in Iceland ?

The skogafoss waterfalls: .

The Skogafoss waterfalls, which flow from the Skógá river in southern Iceland, are the river’s highest point, plunging more than 60 meters (197 ft). Visitors crossing the circular road will be delighted by this massive wall of water. Its water curtain may be seen from the settlement of Skógar. It is recommended that you pack waterproof clothing if you want to go as near to the waterfalls as possible. Take the Skógar village exit off Route 1 to get there. The distance from the road is approximately one kilometer.

Myvatn, a volcanic lake:

Lake Myvatn is one of Iceland’s largest water sources, located in the north of the country. Despite its mineral-rich water, the lake is frozen for six months of the year. Lake Myvatn is home to over fifteen kinds of ducks and a variety of bird species thanks to its natural surroundings and fresh water. Volcanic craters and fractures surround the springs, enclosing this natural gem.

The beach of Vik:

The small town of Vik is home to probably the most beautiful beaches in Iceland. Located in the south of the country along Route 1, its beaches are characterized by black sand and are located at the foot of the cliffs of Mount Reynisfjall. In the heart of the sea, columns of lava carved by it can be seen. According to the legend, these Reynisdrangar would be ancient trolls surprised by the twilight, out of their caves.

Godafoss waterfall:

Godafoss Waterfall, located less than 5 minutes from Route 1, stands out among the rest. Despite not being the biggest or the largest, it is referred to as “the gods’ waterfall.” Its pure water flows sweetly at a height of 12 meters (40 ft) in the shape of a circle. You will have the opportunity to view this waterfall from the level of water or at the top of it during your trip around the circular road.

The Jokulsarlon lagoon:

The Jokusarlon lagoon is without a doubt one of Iceland’s most magnificent natural wonders. The global warming helping, it is possible to view the massive icebergs floating in the water. The region’s magic is this spectacle, which is both magnificent and horrifying. It is best to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds, as it is located along the south coast of the circular road. Choose a day when the sun is shining and the icebergs in the Jokusarlon lagoon are mirrored.

A preview of the Ring Road:

If you are planning to drive Road 1, or just want to discover this beautiful road, you can obviously watch this YouTube video:

Is the Ring Road open?

The Ring Road is open in the winter, however, travel might be hazardous due to snow and ice. Due to snowfall, some areas may be closed (or because of volcanic activity). Most parts are open during the peak season. If you want to see all of Iceland, go between May and August. Especially because the daylight hours are shorter in the winter. Unless you come to see the Northern Lights, of course.

Some sections of the road are potentially dangerous because of blind curves and climbs, single-track bridges and mountain passes. In winter, many sections have icy pavement, and some sections of the Hringvegur may be closed due to snowdrifts or high winds.

The Ring Road is Iceland’s most important transportation artery. Indeed, it connects all parts of the country except the western fjords and the lifeless lands of the central part of the island.

The road is very popular with tourists, as there are many sites nearby such as waterfalls and glacial lagoons, glaciers and volcanoes, black sand beaches, seal colonies, and bird colonies. So don’t miss it!

If you want to take up the challenge of covering the Ring Road in one go, count on a minimum of 16 hours of driving. But not taking advantage of the natural sites along this road would be insane! To take full advantage of the landscapes and attractions, count on one to two weeks.

Pictures sources: By rheins, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=59472764 / By Alpár Bakó – Imported from 500px (archived version) by the Archive Team. (detail page), CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=73617850 /By Jonathan Bean jonathanbean – https://unsplash.com/photos/GfKB3h8484gImageGallery, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61823135

Discover other roads around the world: click here or see our road map!

Related posts:

Iceland Ring Road Guided Tour – Small Group Adventure

Mind-blowing nature is waiting for you on this guided tour

On this 10-day small group trip around Iceland, you’ll see tons of the country’s top sights and make new friends! Join up to 16 travelers on a minibus and let your driver-guide take you around Iceland’s famous Ring Road.

This trip packs so much in, including the famous Golden Circle with its hot springs and waterfalls, along with plenty of glaciers and back sand beaches. 

Your itinerary will take you eastwards along the south coast, winding through the picturesque Eastfjords. And you’ll head north to the Lake Mývatn area, with its unusual geology and wildlife.

Then you’ll loop back round to Reykjavík, stopping at jaw-dropping natural sites en route. You’ll leave Iceland with a reel full of photos, unforgettable memories, and maybe even travel buddies you’ll stay in touch with for years to come!

This tour is operated by a partner of Iceland Tours.

See the big group version of this guided tour.

On this tour you will...

See  powerful geysers  and  plunging waterfalls on the Golden Circle

Visit  Þingvellir National Park , a UNESCO World Heritage site

Stroll along volcanic  black sand beaches

Glimpse icebergs bobbing on  Jökulárslón glacial lagoon

Marvel at rugged landscapes on the  Snæfellsnes peninsula

Learn about  Icelandic culture from your  expert tour guide

Top attractions

Downtown Reykjavík

Þingvellir National Park

Geysir and Strokkur

Seljalandsfoss

Vík í Mýrdal

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Skaftafell Nature Reserve

Vatnajökull Glacier & National Park

Höfn í Hornafirði

Reyðarfjörður

Egilsstaðir

Lake Mývatn

Dimmuborgir

Hraunfossar and Barnafoss

Deildartunguhver

Snæfellsjökull Glacier & National Park

Djúpalónssandur

Why book a guided group trip with Iceland Tours?

Pick from wide range of departure dates

Expert local guidance in English

Small and big group options available

24/7 emergency helpline in Iceland

Secure your booking with just a 5% deposit

Handpicked local accommodation options

Your 10-day guided group itinerary

Day 1 – welcome to iceland.

Transfer from Keflavík International Airport to Reykjavík (included).

If you’re arriving earlier in the day, you might consider adding a day tour. We’d be happy to make suggestions based on your interests.

One of our favorite activities after a long flight is to visit one of the neighborhood geothermal pools. It is so refreshing to relax in the warm water, breathing in the fresh Icelandic air. It’s a great way to get to see Icelandic daily life and maybe meet a few locals. It’s also nice to take a stroll in the old city center, perhaps visiting one of the museums or relaxing with a cup of coffee in a cozy café.

Tonight, there will be an information meeting at your hotel. You’ll meet your guide and travel companions and learn more about the tour.

Dinner this evening is at your leisure. Reykjavík offers a multitude of restaurants and/or coffee-houses, making dinner a great way to get better acquainted with Iceland’s capital.

Please note: If you’ve added extra nights in Reykjavík before your tour, your guide will meet your group on the evening of Day 1 as per the standard itinerary for this tour.

If you cannot make the information meeting on Day 1, you’ll meet your guide in the morning of Day 2 in the lobby of your hotel. Please check the “Services” section in your travel documents to see how to meet your guide at the start of the tour.

Extra activities

FlyOver Iceland

Day 2 – Þingvellir National Park & Golden Circle route

Your guide will meet you at your hotel at around 08:45.

After a quick introduction to our home city of Reykjavík, head to Lake Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest lake and Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park. This UNESCO heritage site is where the world’s oldest continuing parliamentary government was founded in the 10th century. It is also the place where the North American and European tectonic plates meet. You will have the unusual experience of walking between two continents!

Next on your journey is Gullfoss, the “Golden Waterfall”, where various walking paths give you photo-worthy views of the beautiful double-ledged cascade. You’ll also visit the nearby Geysir hot spring area to see the famous Geysir and Strokkur, as well as numerous other hot springs and boiling mud pools.

During the day you’ll get a glimpse into Icelandic local life. Visit an Icelandic family farm where tomatoes are grown using organic geothermal energy. Tour the greenhouse and sample some of the farm’s sweet Icelandic tomatoes.

The day ends in Hveragerði, a pretty town located in an active geothermal area. The locals have made clever use of underground hot springs to provide heat for homes, as well as greenhouses that grow flowers, fruits and vegetables.

Day 3 – Þjórsárdalur valley & south coast

Explore the enchanting Þjórsárdalur valley and its ever-changing landscapes of birch woods, sandy lava fields, rivers, and waterfalls. If the skies are clear, you’ll also see the impressive and beautiful Mt. Hekla volcano towering over the region. Visit Stöng, where you can view a replica of a Viking-age longhouse that was buried by a volcanic eruption of Hekla. The area was a filming location for Game of Thrones Season 4.

Drive along the scenic farmlands of Iceland’s South Shore. Stop to admire the scenic waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Each waterfall has its own charm. Continue to Dyrhólaey* and the thundering waves of the Reynisfjara black sand beaches. End the day in Vík, Iceland’s southernmost town.

*Please note that Dyrhólaey is closed for the bird nesting season between mid-May and 25 June.

Day 4 – Vatnajökull glacier & Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon

Today you’ll be in a world of glaciers! You’ll be visiting the southern area of Vatnajökull National Park, named after Europe’s largest glacier. The total park area covers almost 14% of Iceland, making it the largest national park in Western Europe. Drive through vast sand plains created by glacial outwash as you head east.

Visit the national park’s famous Skaftafell area, a site of outstanding natural beauty. Enjoy the views of rich green landscapes and black sands dominated by several magnificent glaciers. You’ll also see Svínafellsjökull, one of the most beautiful glacial “tongues” that are slowly creeping down from Vatnajökull.

Visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon where you’ll enjoy the breathtaking sight of icebergs floating in the fantastic 180-meter (591-foot) deep glacial lagoon. Make sure that camera is charged and ready! Nearby is the dramatic beauty of Breiðamerkursandur (the Diamond Beach), named for the shrinking icebergs that settle on the black sands before drifting out to sea.

Your overnight stay is in Höfn, a fishing port in the shadow of Vatnajökull glacier. Höfn has a nice selection of restaurants and cafés. The local specialty is langoustines (Norway lobsters), and you might enjoy the opportunity to try some for yourself!

Day 5 – Enchanting Eastfjords

Drive from Höfn through Almannaskarð pass, stopping to admire the majestic coastline. Continue to the towering mountains plunging vertically into the sea that form the magnificent Eastfjords. We’re sure you’ll love the amazing views, so keep your camera ready. You’ll also pass villages, each with its own special history and charm.

One of these is the tiny village of Breiðdalsvík. Your group will visit the Beljandi Microbrewery and sample some of the wonderful beer. The local community came together in 2017 to transform a rustic warehouse into a charmingly quirky brewery. You’ll meet one of the townsfolk and get a feel for life in a small town, as well as see how great beer is made.

The road brings you to Egilsstaðir town, located near Iceland’s largest forest and a lake said to be home to a legendary (friendly) monster. The area also has an excellent reputation for locally sourced cuisine, and you’ll enjoy some of it at dinner.

Day 6 – Dettifoss waterfall & Lake Mývatn hot springs

Explore the empty vastness of the highland desert plateau Möðrudalsöræfi, desolate and yet hauntingly beautiful, as you head towards the Lake Mývatn area. On the way, stop at Dettifoss, Europe’s largest and most powerful waterfall.

Continue onwards to the Námaskarð pass with its boiling mud pools and vibrant colors. We often feel like we are visiting another planet when we come here, and you may feel the same way. It’s such a surreal experience!

Explore the natural beauty of the Lake Mývatn area, including the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir and the Laxá salmon river. You will probably see why this area has become so popular for film producers.

Day 7 – Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland & Tröllanes peninsula

Start your day’s adventure with a visit to magnificent Goðafoss waterfall, one of North Iceland’s most important symbols. Afterwards, you’ll head to Akureyri, the colorful northern “capital“ of Iceland. The town has charming buildings and a beautiful view of the Eyjafjörður fjord. Though small in size, Akureyri has a lively cultural scene.

The rest of the day is open for you to explore Akureyri. If you’re interested in culture, check out the trendy Listagil area, the “Art Canyon.” You can stroll the street here, browsing art galleries and stopping in at one of the friendly cafes or pubs for delicious, locally sourced food. Several museums are worth a visit. The botanical garden is open year-round; many visitors find it interesting that a garden so close to the Arctic Circle has such a large variety of plants. Akureyri also has a nice variety of restaurants, so you’ll enjoy the chance to dine out tonight.

Day 8 – Skagafjörður & Borgarnes

Icelanders consider the Skagafjörður area to be one of the country’s finest places for horse breeding. Enjoy an introduction to the unique Icelandic horse breed with its special fifth gait – the tolt. This horse breed has remained unchanged since Viking times.

Cross the Holtavörðuheiði plateau taking you into West Iceland. Drive through Borgarfjörður, a region that has been getting international recognition for its lovely volcanic and wooded scenery and for its Viking history. Walk up to the top of Grábrók crater for an amazing view. Listen to the powerful rushing waters of Deildartunguhver, Europe’s mightiest hot spring area. Stop to admire the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls, where brightly blue water rushes through black lava formations. Nearby is Barnafoss, a waterfall with even more brilliantly blue colors. There is an interesting and poignant legend associated with this waterfall.

Day 9 – Borgarfjörður & Snæfellsjökull National Park

Today you will explore the amazing variety of natural landscapes in Snæfellsjökull National Park. The park’s crown jewel is Snæfellsjökull glacier itself, which covers a dormant volcano that last erupted in 250 AD. In addition, you’ll also see Kirkjufell, one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland. Walk along the uniquely pebbled seascape of Djúpalónssandur beach. At the picturesque harbor village of Arnarstapi, you can observe magnificent basalt rocks in stacked formations.

One Icelandic Saga mentions that Snæfellsnes and its people are protected by a benevolent half troll who lives high on the glacier. You might even find a sense of magic and healing energy in this beautiful peninsula.

At the end of the afternoon, head to Reykjavík for a last night in the colorful capital city, where your guide bids you farewell.

Day 10 – Farewell to the Land of Fire and Ice

Shared airport transfer to Keflavík Airport for your return flight (included).

Breakfast at your hotel. Please note that this might be a light breakfast if you are taking an early morning flight.

We recommend you depart your hotel no later than three hours before your departure flight. We wish you a pleasant trip back to your homeland and hope to see you in Iceland again!

What’s included?

Quality accommodation every night

Continental breakfast every day

5 two course or buffet dinners in the countryside (exl. day 4 and 7)

Airport transfer

Local transport with guidance in English

Free on-board wi-fi

Microbrewery tour including beer tasting

Admission to Friðheimar greenhouse

Admission to Stöng Viking longhouse

Introduction to Icelandic horses

Admission to Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum

24/7 emergency helpline when you’re in Iceland

VAT, taxes & service fees

Flights to Iceland

Food & drink, unless otherwise stated

Attraction entrance fees, unless otherwise stated

Personal travel insurance

Your accommodation

Stay in well-located hotels and guesthouses that are highly rated by visitors and handpicked by experts.

On this trip, you’ll stay at the following hotels or similar :

• Day 1 – Fosshótel Reykjavík 
• Day 2 – Hótel Örk 
• Day 3 – Hótel Vík or Katla Hótel KEA
• Day 4 – Hótel Höfn 
• Day 5 – Hótel Hallormsstaður or Valaskjálf Hótel 
• Day 6 – Laxá Hótel or Berjaya Hótel Mývatn or Sel Hótel Mývatn 
• Day 7 – Berjaya Iceland Hotel Akureyri 
• Day 8 – Hótel Hamar 
• Day 9 – Fosshótel Reykjavík 

FAQs about our guided group trips

How does a guided group tour work.

On this type of tour, you’ll travel around Iceland by bus with the same driver-guide for the length of your trip. Guided group tours are a great way to make like-minded friends, as you’ll spend time with the same travelers for your whole vacation.

You’ll get to stay in accommodation around the country, and some tours include a few evening meals too. After a day’s exploring, you’ll go back to your private room and meet your guide and group the next morning to continue your trip.

All of our guided group tours start and finish in Reykjavík.

How big will the group be on the tour?

There are 2 group sizes available:

• Small group: Up to 16 people
• Big group: Up to 36 people

Small groups offer a more intimate travel experience, whereas big groups are more wallet-friendly.

What will the other people in my group be like?

You’ll likely be with people from a whole mix of backgrounds, from different countries and of different ages. Your guide will entertain you with fun facts and jokes as you journey around Iceland. It’s almost guaranteed you’ll be laughing along with your group!

There will most probably be a mix of solo travelers, couples, and small groups of friends and family.

Is there a luggage size restriction on the bus?

The luggage restrictions on guided group tours 3 days and longer are as follows:

• 1 suitcase or large bag per person for clothes and overnight items
• 1 day bag for essential items, like a camera, extra clothes, and valuables

The luggage restrictions on guided group tours up to 3 days are as follows:

• 1 small carry-on luggage, bag size: 50 x 30 x 60 cm (19.9 x 11.8 x 23.6 inches)
• If you have large luggage with you, please check with your accommodation if they offer luggage storage while on this tour. If that is not a possibility, you can pay an extra fee per luggage (2000 ISK) with 72 hours notice.

Each day your luggage will be loaded onto the bus. In the evening, you’ll take all your bags with you to your room.

Can I customize a guided group tour?

Our guided group tours have fixed start dates and itineraries. While it’s not possible to customize the actual tour, you can tailor your trip with extra days and activities before or afterwards.

For example, you could add a couple more days in Reykjavík at the end of your trip. Fill these with day tours or exciting activities like ice caving and snowmobiling.

Don’t take our word for it

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Iceland is known as the land of fire and ice for a reason!

From geysers to lava fields, natural hot springs to volcanos, the contrast of its natural landscape is what makes this country so breathtakingly beautiful.

Tracing its roots back to the Vikings, explore the capital of Reykjavik with its cultural offerings, multiple cafes, and a close-by jaunt to the Blue Lagoon. For dramatic nature, explore the Westfjords, Northern fishing villages, and Southern black sand beaches. For such a small country, Iceland offers a big punch! Curious? Follow me on Instagram and YouTube for more adventures!

To sum it up, visiting Iceland is an adventurer’s dream. Now you may be wondering, how can one see it all in one trip? The best way is to rent a car and go on a road trip. Route 1, nicknamed the Ring Road, is a paved two-lane road that connects the whole country together.

Know before you go

While this itinerary covers the full length of the Ring Road (that’s 1332 km or 828 miles!), you can choose to extend or shorten the trip in any way you like - as well as going either clockwise or counterclockwise. Be that just doing the famous Golden Circle or driving the full length of the Ring Road, driving out East or West first, each corner of this Nordic island nation has a unique stop to experience.

Rent a car : This is essential for any Iceland trip - rent your car from Reykjavík airport or the city centre. You'll need the total freedom to explore Iceland. Curious about what car to rent or where to start? You can get more information here .

Driving Clockwise: If you start the Ring Road trip clockwise (starting from Reykjavik heading towards Snæfellsnes Peninsula), there will be fewer crowds than counterclockwise. However, the sights (as spectacular as each one in Iceland is) are less flashy than that of the spots that come near the later half of the itinerary. Depending on how much energy you have near the end of completing the Ring Road, the more action-packed part of the itinerary is definitely in the later-half. 

Driving Counterclockwise: If you start the Ring Road trip counterclockwise (starting from Reykjavik then going South-west) you will see the most iconic spots of Iceland first, like destinations in the Golden Circle. The few stops and days are packed with things to do! However, a downside to this is that it’s also the most popular route for day-trippers, and for most people in general. Prepare for much bigger crowds to start the trip with if you’re driving the Ring Road clockwise. 

Best time to visit Iceland / Weather in Iceland: The best time to visit Iceland on this itinerary's road trip is in springtime, summer, and autumn, as the roads might be less accessible in wintertime due to deep snow. If you travel in April or September, you even have a good chance of seeing the northern lights. For any season, it's always a good idea to pack warm clothes (sweaters, knits) as well as a rain jacket as Iceland's weather can change at a sudden notice.

Stop 1: Reykjavík

The glorious capital of Iceland has it all - Reykjavík is filled with architectural treasures, restaurants where you can try Icelandic cuisine, and multiple fun bars where you can drink like a Viking. Especially on Laugavegur , one of the oldest streets of the city, you’ll find it all. We’re talking about restaurants, boutiques, and the heartbeat of the city’s nightlife. It’s fun to just walk down this main street and see what the pulse of Reykjavik is like. 

The best way to experience the city? Why not go on a walking tour that you can book here , where a local guide will take you around on foot around the capital.

Then within walking distance is Hallgrímskirkja , a Lutheran parish church that is designed with inspiration from Thor’s hammer! If you look at the building you’ll be able to see how the hammer’s handle is standing up, connecting the architecture to Iceland’s Norse mythology. Another landmark connecting Icelandic history is the Sun Voyager , located on Reykjavík’s waterfront. As an art piece, it’s also connects Icelandic culture from the past to the future, as it faces out into the water and mountains in the distance. As you walk down the waterfront, the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre is a glass honeycomb building that has become a poetic setting for Reykjavík’s cultural scene. Architecture lovers like us would find the building mesmerizing throughout the day, as the honeycomb design reflects different shimmers of light depending on the sun’s ray. 

As Iceland’s biggest city, you’ll come to realize really quickly just how safe it is as well. You can walk around easily without worry, and everything feels within reach without having to take any sort of transit (if you want to see the various corners of the city that is). Whichever path you go from here, you can't go wrong with starting your adventures!

The best experiences in Iceland for your trip

8-Day Self Drive Ring Road Tour

Full-day South Coast Adventure and Glacier Hike on Solheimajokull, from Reykjavik

4-Days Self Drive Van Tour

Where to stay in reykjavik:.

Budget - Central Guesthouse Reykjavík

Check the latest rates and the reviews on Booking.com

Mid-range - Reykjavik Downtown Hotel

Luxury - AVA Apartments

Stop 2: Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Today begins your Ring Road journey! As you drive out of Reykjavík, you may already spot your first Icelandic horses in the rolling countryside. Keep an eye out for them, as there are plenty of spots throughout the country where you can pull your car over and go up close to pet them! The Icelandic horses are their own special breeds, resembling the sizes of ponies. 

You can also experience this corner of Iceland on a full day bookable tour too - that way you won't miss out on anything!

As you embark on this country-wide road trip, one of the main places you’ll first encounter is Snæfellsjökull National Park . Consider it a detour as it’s off the Ring Road, though it’s worth the visit for its cliff-sides at Hellnar View Point , and glacier-topped volcano. It’s also one of the three National Parks in Iceland! In the peninsula, there’s the lone black church, Budirkirkja , that stands amongst a wide field with mountains looming in the background. It may feel eerie but definitely leaves you contemplating how massive Iceland is to explore, even though it looks small on a map. These places make up the whole Snæfellsnes Peninsula - which is like already like a bite-size taste of Iceland and what’s to come on your Ring Road trip. 

Continuing back on route 1, you’ll reach Kirkjufellsfoss , your first of many noteworthy Icelandic waterfalls! Kirkjufellsfoss’ distinctly shaped peak mountain with panoramic views of waterfalls makes it another serene spot to take in the country’s beauty. It really does feel like the waterfall combines the best of both worlds: the crescendo of water with a backdrop of a rugged green mountain to sum up what this country’s nature is all about. 

Total Distance: 230 kilometers / about 3h40 minutes

Where to Stay in and around Snæfellsnes Peninsula:

Budget - The Freezer Hostel & Culture Center

Mid-range - Kirkjufell Guesthouse and Apartments

Luxury - The Bookstore Family Apartment

Stop 3: Northern Iceland

This is the start of Northern Iceland, a vast area with tons of Icelandic natural beauty to take in.  First, you’ll see Hvitserkur , which is this 15-meter tall basalt rock formation standing firmly from the water. Does it resemble a dragon? Or more of a rhino? You be the judge! Down the route is Glaumbær Farm & Museum . It’s an open museum that is a heritage site made of 13 turf farmhouses, allowing you to peek into how life was back in 18th-19th century Iceland. This is a spectacular way to imagine how the people of this land lived amongst all the harsh weather conditions, how they cultivated life here to make this island theirs. 

Towards the end the day, you’ll base yourself in Akureyri, the largest town in northern Iceland. It may feel like this has been the closest thing you’ve been to civilization the whole day, as Northern Iceland has been long continuous stretch of driving. But this is only one of the main towns up here! This is a great place to rest and explore gems like the Akureyri Church and Lystigarður Akureyrar .  

Akureyri Church has prominent pillars that make it distinctive and look like it pierces through the skyline. Designed by local state architect Guðjón Samúelsson and built-in 1940, the Lutheran church contains a huge 3,200-pipe organ which adds to its marvel. 

Lystigarður Akureyrar is a botanical garden that is only 50km south of the Arctic Circle - so expect some plant species that you won’t find anywhere else! With over 7000 species of plants, the entrance is also free to wander in and explore them.

You can also explore Northern Iceland as part of a tour that you can check out here .

Total Distance: 205.4 kilometers  /  about 2h45 minutes

Where to Stay in Akureyri:

Budget - Hafnarstræti Hostel

Mid-range - K16Apartments

Luxury - Hotel Kea by Keahotels

Stop 4: North Iceland

Are you ready for another action-packed day? Continuing in the north of Iceland, this region is filled with out of this world nature and today will be back to back with them! It's possible to book this day as a separate tour on its own, to experience North Iceland here .

Arriving at Goðafoss , you’ll see that it’s a huge stretch of a waterfall at 12 meters high and 30 meters wide! Just hearing the rumbling of the falls makes you think of crashing thunder, that’s how loud it is! Don’t forget to check out ​​Geitafoss , which is another hugely stunning waterfall just within a few steps of the Goðafoss . If you get a bit of water splashed on yourself from the running falls, that’s Iceland’s way of freshening you up.

Following the Ring Road, you’ll reach the shimmering milky blue waters of Mývatn , a large volcanic lake. The landscape looks alien, if only it was possible to find water on Mars then this land is what it could look like. Though here in Iceland, life surrounds it with plenty of birds flocking all around the lake. Nearby is Mývatn Nature Baths , where you can have a pitstop to soak in the hot springs from the lake. If you need a spa day, this would be the perfect place to feel the warm mineral-rich waters. And when we say warm, we mean that the water’s temperature is actually 36 – 40°C! 

In the area is also Hverir , which adds to the otherworldly feeling of Iceland. It’s a geothermal spot that stands out for earthy pigments with glooming mudpools and thick steam. Walking around Hverir , you’ll see bubbling fumaroles (which are like vent holes from the depth of Earth) and geothermal springs. That smell that you just got a whiff of? It’s not actually rotten eggs but sulfuric gas. The whole sight is astounding and a place that makes you feel as connected to the planet as it’ll feel far off from it. 

In the same region is Grjótagjá , now iconic for where they shot the hit HBO series Game of Thrones, but has long been a cave filled with naturally heated water. Fans of the series would recognize that this is where Jon Snow and Ygritte were! You can take a peek inside, but no swimming is allowed due to it being private property. 

After we’ll drive off route 1 for a bit to see Dettifoss and Selfoss Waterfall - two plunging waterfalls that run from the glacial river of Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. While Iceland may be filled with waterfalls, it doesn’t feel as repetitive probably due to the various characteristics of each one. There’s just something about the vertical drop of gushing water set in such a diverse natural landscape that makes you feel in awe each time.

Total Distance: 134 kilometers /  about 2h15 minutes

Where to Stay in Mývatn:

Budget - Skútustadir Guesthouse

Mid-range - Dimmuborgir Guesthouse

Luxury - Hlíd Cottages

Stop 5: Eastern Iceland

Eastern Iceland has the oldest fjords in the country. Fjords are formed long ago by a glacier to create these long almost snake-like inlets with tall cliffs on each side. Coursing through the inlets is a river - making fjords a sight to admire. 

Eastern Iceland is definitely quieter than other parts of the country. With a few fishing villages along the way and valleys that stretch beyond the horizon, it really shows a slow down way of life here. If you find Eastern Island too remote to explore on your own, then check out this tour that takes care of all of its logistics.

A stunning sight is Stuðlagil Canyon with its basalt columns jut out of a winding river like long horizontal rock slices. It almost resembles long plaques of dragon scales, dark and stacked on top of another. To reach the canyon, you’ll have to drive off route 1 for a bit until you reach the small town of ​​Egilsstaðir. Then continue your drive down road 923. 

After exploring the canyon’s beauty, head back onto the Ring Road to Rjúkandafoss . While it’s not as huge as the other waterfalls you’ve seen so far on the trip, it’s still worth the quick walk to stretch out your car legs. 

Then make your way to Borgarfjörður eystri and find yourself in awe of the vastness of this village in the middle of the fjord. If you’re here during the summer, it’s considered to be the best place to see Puffins. There’s beautiful wooden houses people still live in all over this small town, and one can’t help but to wonder what it would be like to grow up in a place so remote yet connective to the country’s natural beauty. 

To end the day, drive to Seydisfjordur , a quaint village known for its rainbow brick road leading up to a known for its petit pastel church. It’s a much better version of the yellow-brick road if we’ve ever seen on. The town of Seydisfjordur is also known for its art scene - having attracted many creatives over the years. There are murals on buildings, plenty of cafes to chat up with locals, and a cultural centre that has a rotation of contemporary art exhibits.  

Total Distance: 204  kilometers  /  about 3h5 minutes 

Where to Stay in Seydisfjordur:

Budget - Seydisfjördur Guesthouse

Mid-range - Hotel Aldan - The Bank

Luxury - Hotel Aldan - The Old School

Stop 6: South Eastern Iceland

If you ever wondered what translucent blue icebergs look like - and even get a chance to touch them yourself, Jökulsárlón Iceberg Lagoon is where you’ll get to experience such wonder. The lagoon is made up of shifting icebergs, and you may even see some seals! This is where you also have the opportunity to do a glacier-walking tour, where you strap on some mighty boots and step your way through the massive blocks of ice. 

Across the road is Diamond Beach , a black sand beach where the icebergs from the lagoon drift out in chunky fragments. You can sit on them, go up close to them, and just stare in awe of these iceberg pieces that had drifted ashore. You’ll also notice a shift in the itinerary now, the more south we start to head the more people and tourists you will start seeing again. Jökulsárlón Iceberg Lagoon and Diamond Beach are both definitely where we started to feel how popular of a destination Iceland is (well deservingly so!). You can book a whole planned excursion to the Jökulsárlón Iceberg Lagoon here .

Down the road is Fjallsárlón , a lake of floating ice and tranquility. These large pieces of ice come floating down into this lake from Vatnajokull, which is Europe’s largest glacier. There's a whole world within the glacier that you can explore, with Vatnajokull ice cave tours that takes you into the frozen natural wonder . Then, as you drive further on the Ring Road, Svartifoss will greet you with a 20-meter waterfall surrounded by slender hexagonal basalt columns. The next spot will be great for getting out to take a stroll on the black sands of Reynisfjara Beach. This beach comes with a sublime view of jagged rocks coming forth from the sea. Becare of the winds! Since you’re on just an open beach, depending on the weather the gust can be quite strong and sweeping across the sand.

When you’re ready, trek to the plane wreck on Sólheimasandur . This is a remnant of a US Navy aircraft from 1973 that crashed onto the southern coast of Iceland. ​​All crew members survived and were rescued, and what’s left now is the wrecked plane for you to explore! While the plane wreckage is a sight to behold, the walk there and back is barren and can feel tedious - it’s 40 minutes to 1 hour of walking one way. It’s truly in the middle of nowhere so double-check if seeing the wreckage would actually interest you, and if you have enough time. To spruce things up, you can coupled this exploration with an ATV Expedition of the black lava beaches - which would definitely add a thrill to your adventure.

Wrap up the day with some of the most magnificent waterfalls in the country, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss . Skógafoss is dramatic as it is majestic, with water cascading down from the height of 60 meters! Then down the road is Seljalandsfoss , where you can walk up and around behind the falls - so get ready to get a bit of a splash on yourself.

Total Distance: 246 kilometers /  about 3h19 minutes 

Blue Ice Cave Adventure and Glacier Hike in Skaftafell

ATV Expedition of Black Lava Beaches and Historic Plane Wreck

Skaftafell Glacier Walk through Vatnajokull National Park

Where to stay in and around skógafoss:.

Budget - Hotel Kverna

Mid-range - Guesthouse Skógafoss

Luxury - Hótel Skógafoss

Stop 7: The Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon

Ah, Iceland’s famous Golden Circle . The Golden Circle is like your favourite band's best hits album - the classic songs that get replayed often, the ones that are what the band is known for. Known for being close to Reykjavík , a lot of people do day trips from the city to these stops that make up the Golden Circle . You can break this trip up and explore the Golden Circle as a day trip on an all must-see tour or continue with it as part of your Ring Road trip.

The first stop is the Kerid Crater , which is reachable by walking down a plight of stairs to its turquoise water. The crater is over 3000 years old and now over time has filled up with water, becoming a scenic lake. Then there’s Gullfoss Falls as the next stop, a beloved waterfall located in a canyon. This marks the final waterfall of the trip! Or if you do the Golden Circle first, then this would be the first waterfall of the trip. Either way, it’s a momentous mark to these steep rushes of water. 

Of course, being the Golden Circle , the impressive sights don’t stop there - as nearby Geysir Hot Springs is a reckoning to explore. The geothermal field has geysers that actually erupt every 10 minutes, shooting water as high as 30 meters in the air. Yep, it’s as impressive as it sounds! It’s like watching mother nature having a real-life talent show on rotation. 

To round off the Golden Circle , head to Thingvellir National Park . A historical site as well as a national park, it’s where the world’s oldest existing parliament was since 930AD. Between the natural lake to the rift valley that was torn by shifting tectonic plates between North America and Eurasia - you can spend your time in Thingvellir National Park hiking and even scuba diving! If you don’t feel comfortable scuba diving, you can actually see the same sights with snorkeling. Yep, it is just as cool as it sounds - and easy to join a snorkeling tour that takes you quite literally, between continents in the Silfra Fissure . You’ll have to don a dry suit with very thick gloves. It’s still freezing for your hands and especially your lips (the only thing that's not covered) - but that’s an adventure in itself! 

As a bonus, to end your Iceland Ring Road trip, submerge yourself into the legendary thermal waters of the Blue Lagoon . It’s an outdoor spa hosted in the natural lava-shaped landscape that will soothe every muscle as it is a beautiful location itself. While we were a tad worried that this would be too commercialized, it was a real treat. Especially the in-water mask bar where you’d swim up to get a mixture of silica and algae clay for a face mask. After a huge Icelandic road trip, this was hats off a great way to kick back and relax. Get your tickets to the Blue Lagoon (including free drink and towel) here .

A free alternative to the Blue Lagoon is Reykjadalur Valley . It’s a bit of a hike out along a gravel trail, to then reach a waterfall that accumulates into a river. Across the river are lush areas of green grass with hot springs and mud pools all throughout the valley. While these hot springs are too boiling to dip in - but cool to see, the hot river has the right temperature to lounge in! The walk to the Reykjadalur Valley takes about 45-60 minutes.

Then end your trip in Reykjavík, back to where it all started.

Total Distance: 327 kilometers /  about 4h32 minutes 

Where to Stay in and around the Golden Circle:

Budget - Guesthouse Vatnsholt

Mid-range - 1A Guesthouse

Luxury - Stracta Hotel Hella

Golden Circle and Sky Lagoon Day Trip

Snorkel between Continents in the Silfra Fissure

Full-day Tour of the Golden Circle and Local Farm from Reykjavik

Notable detours

What's a road trip without veering off the main map and uncovering the gems off the beaten path?  

While the Ring Road and its many epic sights won’t require you to stray too far off route 1, if you have more time or want to mix your itinerary up, these are some notable worthy detours to check out:

South Iceland

• Laugavegur - One of the most beautiful hikes in the world that goes from the Landmannalaugar geothermal springs to the Þórsmörk nature reserve. Imagine yourself up-close to white glaciers and rolling red and gold hills. The trail is 55 kilometers, so those who go often embark on making it a 4 hiking day trip.
• Pakgil - A log cabin campsite that’s actually along the Ring Road. If you need a rest, this is a stunning site to kick back within a hidden canyon. From this campsite you can do a 1-day hike as well, walking up the canyon to a waterfall and the frosted whites of a glacier - which is a vast contrast in climate from the campsite. 
• Keldur Turf House - time warp back into Viking times and explore well-preserved homes of Iceland’s past. 
• Vestmannaeyjar - an archipelago and town off the coast of Iceland that’s reachable by ferry for a 1-day excursion. It’s a unique experience to see an island that was fully covered in lava from a volcanic eruption that happened underwater. From here, you can see thousands of puffins! It’s really a traditional small town with the Eldheimar museum that details the volcano. 

North Iceland

• Húsavík -  a small town famous for its whale watching tours. Catch a boat out into the water for a sight-seeing adventure! Also check out the beautiful wooden church in the centre of town. Bonus if you’ve watch Netflix’s Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga movie starring Rachel McAdams and Will Farrell. It’s partially set in Húsavík with a catchy song dedicated after the town too! 

Map of Iceland and the Ring Road

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Perfect 7 Day Iceland Itinerary

Home » Blog » Europe » Iceland » Perfect 7 Day Iceland Itinerary

Whether you have a layover, or Iceland is your final destination, we’ve got the perfect trip planned for you! This detailed Iceland itinerary for 7 days is complete with day-by-day instructions, photos and tips that will bring you to the southern coast and through the iconic Golden Circle. Follow this one week itinerary for an epic Icelandic road trip you’ll remember for a lifetime!

Before our first trip to Iceland, we began searching where to go and we were immediately overwhelmed by the sheer number of things to see and do in this country.

We realized that although this volcanic island is small, there is so much natural beauty packed in that you could spend a lifetime exploring its nooks and crevices without seeing it all. 

All the waterfalls, hot springs, glaciers and beaches looked incredible and we wanted to see as much as possible in just one week. But we were having a hard time figuring out how to connect the dots on a map in one epic road trip.

Since that first trip, we’ve had the opportunity to return to Iceland and explore more of what this incredible country has to offer. In total we’ve spent a lot more than 7 days in Iceland, but we’ve put all that experience to good use just for YOU. 

We spent hours compiling all the information from both our trips on which we experienced many different places and all the best things to do in Iceland . We finally came up with what we think is the very best Iceland itinerary for 7 days! 

This article will help you plan your one-week road trip to this stunning country in the north Atlantic.

Article contents

Best time to visit iceland.

• 7 day Iceland itinerary map
• Renting a vehicle
• Iceland Itinerary

More or less time? What to add or cut

• Road trip tips
• What to pack

Want to save time and energy on planning?

If you want to save yourself the hours of research and planning, we’ve got you covered with our ultimate done-for-you Iceland South Coast Itinerary . This itinerary includes a lot of what you’ll find in this article, plus so much more!

It covers ALL the bases, from driving directions and timing of activities, to necessary reservations and recommended places to stay.

The itinerary is customizable for 7 days, with 8- or 9-day options , hitting all of the highlights of the Southern Coast of Iceland.

This is sort of a loaded question as the answer will depend entirely on your personal travel style and reasons for visiting Iceland. 

If hiking, warmer temperatures, whale watching or birding are on your to-do list, you’ll want to visit Iceland during the spring and summer months. If you are hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, want to experience sunrise at a reasonable hour, or just want to avoid the crowds, you’ll want to visit during the fall or winter months. 

We put together an entire article that goes over what to expect in each season and how to decide which is best for you. Find out the best time to visit Iceland for your personal travel needs. 

Iceland 7-Day Itinerary Map

Here is a map of the general route for 7 days in Iceland (starting and ending in Reykjavík):

A note about this itinerary: This Iceland itinerary is based on a 7 day/6 night trip. The itinerary covers many highlights of the southern part of Iceland’s Ring Road and is intended to be followed using a rental vehicle. We think the best (and cheapest!) way to follow this plan is to camp along the way, whether with a tent or a campervan. Be sure to check out our guide to Ring Road for everything you need to know about this iconic route and how to drive the full circle around Iceland if you have more time.

Renting a vehicle in Iceland

Renting a car in Iceland is different from many other countries, and even if you’re a pro at car rentals you might be surprised by a few things. We put together a huge guide to Iceland car rentals to share all of our insider information with you. 

Be sure to book your rental gear and a rental car before your trip begins. And don’t forget travel insurance ! Picking a policy that covers your rental car is often cheaper than buying a separate policy through the rental company.

Psst! We’ve got you covered with all the info you need to plan your Iceland road trip!

Also, one of the best ways to travel around Iceland is in a campervan. Out of all the camper van companies out there, we like Happy Campers the best. They are a family run company providing excellent vehicles with all the gear you need for an epic road trip in Iceland. 

And the best news… We’ve partnered with them to give our readers a 5% off their campervan rental when you use our coupon code: TWS5. Just enter the coupon code TWS5 at checkout on Happy Campers website . 

We also put together a HUGE Iceland campervan rental guide with tons of insider tips and advice for choosing the best campervan rental for you. Make sure to give it a read before booking your trip!

Iceland Campervan Rental Guide (+ Discount!)

Iceland Camping Guide: Essential Tips + Best Campsites in Iceland

Renting a Car in Iceland: 14 Essential Tips

Iceland 7 Day Itinerary Overview

Day 1: gear up and drive to snaefellsnes peninsula, day 2: waterfalls, hot springs and hiking (oh, my), day 3: the golden circle, day 4: more waterfalls, an abandoned plane, and spectacular views, day 5: fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, “black waterfall” and sights along the southeastern ring road.

• Day 6: Hiking glaciers, canyons and and Ice Beach

Day 7: Drive back to Reykjavík

• Day at a glance: Get your rental car (or campervan ) and camping gear and head north of Reykjavík for some stunning views and set up camp on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
• Approximate Driving Time: 2.5 – 3 hours
• Approximate Distance Covered: 200 km

Everyone flies into Keflavik International Airport (REK) so this is where your journey will begin. You will have to pick up your rental vehicle from here because the bus to Reykjavík is just crazy expensive. 

Note: If you only have a short layover, there are plenty of things to do near the Keflavik Airport . 

If you’re not renting a campervan, be sure to check RentalCars.com for the best deals on getting a car. They sometimes have special deals and show all the rental car company’s prices at once. And be sure to read through our ultimate Iceland rental car guide that answers all your questions about driving around the country in a rental.  

A 45-minute drive north on Highway 41 will take you to Reykjavík, where you can stock up on groceries and pick up your camping equipment .

You can do a little exploring of all the things to do in Reykjavík now if you arrive in the morning. Try taking a Reykjavík Food Walk (use code TWS10 for 10% off your tour when you book online). But remember you have almost a 3 hour drive ahead of you so you might want to get on the road. You’ll have time to see Reykjavík on your last day.

Note: Iceland’s natural landscape is beyond beautiful and you’ll want to stop for pictures around every curve. Our rule of thumb was for every hour of driving (according to the time Google maps gives you), add at least 10 more minutes for photo ops. Check out our collection of Iceland photos here .

Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Make your way northwest of Reykjavík to Snaefellsnes Peninsula for some pretty incredible views of giant mountains and remote lakes. If you have time, you can drive Highway 54 around the whole peninsula. Get out at Hellnar and walk along the seaside cliff for some spectacular views (pictured above).

But if you’re like us and you didn’t get out of Reykjavík until 4:30 p.m. on our first try, you can cut through the peninsula on Highway 56 and still see some incredible views overlooking hilltop lakes. 

If there is still daylight, head to Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall for sunset, or just wait for the morning to visit. To find out how to get there, check out our round up of Iceland’s best waterfalls .

Where to stay: We camped our first night in the town of Grundarfjörður at the local campground . It was nothing too fancy; just a flat grassy area with a toilet and sink for dishes.

Tip: There is a tunnel that cuts under Hvalfjörður and continues on Highway 1 (Ring Road), so be sure to take this short cut if you are short on time. Highway 47 loops around the fjord and is a much prettier drive than a dark tunnel if you have time. Also, if you have extra time, head for Glymur Waterfall at the far east side of the fjord. It’s a challenging, but very rewarding hike!

• This Day in a Glimpse: Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall, Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River hike and the colorful Kerið Crater at sunset
• Approximate Driving Time: 4.5 hours
• Day at a glance:Covered: 300 km

Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall

Situated very close to your campground on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, is the famously beautiful Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall. This series of waterfalls has a great view of the triangle-shaped peak, Kirkjufell, resting in the background.

It’s an amazing sight, but can quickly be ruined by groups of people so get there early. To beat the crowds, you should wake up early (around 7 a.m.), leave your tent at the campground, and drive a few minutes to Kirkjufellsfoss. 

Once you’ve had your fill of pictures, have breakfast back at the campground, pack up and drive off. 

Today is a long day of driving with many incredible viewpoints along the way, so you’ll have to manage your time at the stops wisely.

Optional detour: We drove east on Highway 54 on the north side of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and accidentally missed a turn (we may have been a little too focused on jamming out to our music) and ended up in the harbor town of Stykkishólmur. It’s popular for people to take ferries from Stykkishólmur to the tiny island of Flatey and then continue on to the West Fjords, but only having 7 days in Iceland we didn’t have time for that. Since it was a nice little surprise, we climbed to the overlook by the harbor, took a few photos and drove back south to find the right road.

Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River

Head south towards Ring Road (Highway 1) and continue on towards Reykjavík for just under two hours.

Optional detour: If you didn’t get a chance the previous day, instead of driving through the tunnel, take Highway 47 and drive around Hvalfjörður stopping to take photos along the way. 

Once you’re back on Highway 1, or if you’ve taken the tunnel to save time, continue on Ring Road for another hour or so until you reach the turn off for the tiny town of Hveragerði.

The hike to the Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River is a 5-mile out and back hike with moderate elevation gain. It takes about 1 hour each way, so you’ll want to plan about 3 hours for the entire experience.

This was one of our favorite hot spring experiences in Iceland and totally worth the trek in our opinion.

Read more about the hike and what to expect at Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River in our round up of the best Iceland hot springs .

The hike begins at a paid parking lot in the town of Hveragerði. You can find it on Google maps just past this cafe which also makes a good bathroom stop before the journey. 

Tip: After your hike, stop at Fjöruborðið for dinner. This seaside restaurant is known for langoustines, and it was one of our most memorable meals in Iceland ! Definitely put this on your itinerary if you love seafood like we do!

Kerið Crater for Sunset

Depending on your timing and the time the sun is setting during your visit to Iceland, you’ll want to plan this stop either before or after you stop for dinner (and remember to account for extra driving time if you decide to detour to Fjöruborðið). 

Take Highway 35 north from Ring Road for about 13 km (or about 8 miles) to reach the parking lot for Kerið Crater. Note that while parking is free, there is a small entrance fee of 400 ISK (~$3 USD) per visitor that goes towards preserving and protecting the crater. 

Picture an aquamarine lake sparkling inside a volcanic caldera flanked by red volcanic rock and bursts of lime green mossy accents. This shocking display of Mother Nature’s artistry is one of the most colorful stops on our Iceland itinerary. 

Take a very short hike up to the rim of the perfectly circular crater and walk the gravel trail that circles the rim. The walk is about 1 mile that shouldnt take you much more than half an hour in total, including stops for photos. 

Where to stay: Thingvellir National Park campsites offer well-kept facilities with no reservations needed. Or you can book a nearby guesthouse such as the top-rated Héradsskólinn Historic Guesthouse .

Psst! Looking for some more ideas of romantic things to do? We’ve got you covered with our Iceland Honeymoon guide !

• Day at a glance: Your choice of some combination of Thingvellir National Park, Brúarfoss falls, Lauvgarvatn Fontana Rye Bread Tasting, Geysir, Gullfoss waterfall, Faxi waterfall, Hrunalaug Hot Spring or Secret Lagoon, Gluggafoss Falls, and Seljalandsfoss waterfall at sunset
• Approximate Driving Time: 4 hours
• Approximate Distance Covered: 250 km

Almost everyone who has a few days in Iceland incorporates the Golden Circle in their itinerary, and for good reason. It’s a condensed area that has many points of interest that attract thousands of people every year. You can get a more detailed look at all the things listed below in our Golden Circle Travel Guide . 

You’ll want to get an early start today because there are lots—and I mean lots —of activities to pack into your day. You may have to pick and choose a bit based on your timing and energy levels throughout the day. 

Thingvellir National Park: The Continental Divide

Thingvellir is Iceland’s first National Park and the location where two continents meet. The park is full of easy walks, gorgeous waterfalls, unique geological formations, and rich Iceland history. 

Your first stop of the day will be Þingvellir (Thingvellir) Visitor’s Center. It’s here that two tectonic plates, the North American and the Eurasian plates, are slowly drifting apart at a place known as the Silfra Fissure. Walk to the observation deck and look out over Þingvallavatn, the biggest lake in Iceland.

You might even get a glimpse at the people preparing to scuba dive between the two continental plates. Follow the path down the canyon that is formed due to the continental divide with North America on your left and Europe on your right. You can walk in the canyon for about 2 km and reach Öxarárfoss waterfall.

Brúarfoss 

Known as the bluest waterfall in Iceland, this was an off-the-beaten-path spot on the Golden Circle we really enjoyed and highly recommend. 

That being said, it’s a 2+ hour round trip hike covering 7 km (but with relatively little elevation gain) to get to the falls. If you’re pressed for time or just don’t feel like walking too far from the comforts of your vehicle, you can go ahead and skip this stop.

Important note: There used to be a much shorter path to Brúarfoss, but it was on private property and has been closed due to tourists being disrespectful. Be sure to park in the proper lot ( here’s the location on Google Maps ) and follow the path so you don’t trespass.

You can read more about what to expect at Brúarfoss and all the falls listed in this itinerary in our guide to the best waterfalls in Iceland .

Laugarvatn Fontana Rye Bread Tasting

You may recognize this place from Zac Efron and Netflix’s original series, Down to Earth . The Lauvgarvatn Fontana is best known for its lakefront thermal baths, but we opted to experience the geothermal energy in a different way on our trip: by tasting rye bread that has been baked underground with geothermal heat. 

The Rye Bread Tour is just 30 minutes long and you’ll learn about geothermal cooking while helping bury the bread that’ll be tasted by visitors on the following day. During the tour you’ll also unearth 2 large pots of rye that have been baking underground since the previous day. 

The tour finishes up inside where you’ll have ample opportunity to taste the Icelandic rye bread, which is one of our top foods you should try in Iceland .

Tip: Be sure to make a stop at nearby Efstidalur II Creamery for ice cream. Try the black licorice flavor ice cream, you’ll thank us later! 

Another popular stop on the Golden Circle is Geysir, a natural geothermal area. While there were plenty of sulfur-scented steam clouds coming from boiling pools, the main attraction here is the Great Geysir.

People will wait around this giant hole in the ground guessing when the next explosion of water will occur shooting 50 meters in the air. (Hint: it happens about every 5-10 minutes.) The water is not too hot by the time it comes back down, just try not to get too soaked (Like we did! See picture above!). 

Gullfoss Waterfall

Continue driving up the road to the enormous Gullfoss Waterfall, Iceland’s largest waterfall by volume. Walk to the top and middle sections of this two tiered waterfall with more water passing through it annually than Niagara Falls. You’ll get wet because the mist over takes the paths so make sure to bring your rain jacket.

Don’t hangout too long at Gullfoss, because you still have plenty more of the Golden Circle to see before your last stop. And trust me, you do not want to miss the sunset at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall.

Tip: Make a stop at Friðheimar Tomato Farm for a late lunch of bottomless tomato soup and gourmet bread served to you inside a greenhouse. This place is no secret so it’s best you make a reservation ahead of time if you don’t want to wait over an hour to get a table. 

Faxi Waterfall

This lesser known waterfall on the Golden Circle may not be very tall, but it stretches all the way across the Tungufljót River in a powerful cascade. With far fewer visitors than it’s more famous neighbor, Gullfoss, Faxi Falls makes a great quick stop for a peaceful moment and a photo opportunity without strangers getting in the way. 

Hrunalaug Hot Spring or Secret Lagoon (choose one!)

Hrunalaug Hot Spring looks like a scene straight out of the movie Lord of the Rings. With lush rolling hills and a quaint little changing room, you’ll feel like you’re actually in the Shire. 

The hot spring is just a short walk from the parking lot and while it is open to the public, there is a small honesty box where the landowner requests 1,000 ISK ($8) per visitor to help maintain the area. 

We stopped here after a long day of exploring the Golden Circle and really enjoyed a nice peaceful soak. 

Contrary to the name, the Secret Lagoon is no secret. In fact, it’s recommended that you make a reservation ahead of time to be sure you can get in. However, this natural pool will still be a lot less crowded than the more famous Blue Lagoon. 

Said to be the oldest natural swimming pool in Iceland, entrance tickets cost 3,000 ISK ($23) per adult. Another good thing to note: While this place has no private shower stalls, it is expected that you shower naked (not in a swimsuit) prior to entering the pool and it is considered rude not to do this. Just wanted to warn ya!

Our recommendation: Though they are both very different experiences, unless you have lots of extra time (aka 2 full days for the Golden Circle), we’d recommend choosing either the Secret Lagoon or Hrunalaug Hot Spring. 

Gluggafoss 

While this little-known waterfall is not on the Golden Circle, per se, it makes for a convenient stop on your way to the last waterfall of the day and your sunset destination.

Gluggafoss, which is sometimes called Merkjárfoss, is a very short walk from the small car park, and if you’re lucky like we were, you may even have it completely to yourself.

There are two tiers at this waterfall. Walk up the short set of stairs to get a better view of the falls, or hike up to the top of the lower tier for a better view of the upper tier. And you can take pleasure in the fact that you’re seeing a place that most tourists never see.

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall at Sunset

Head back to Highway 1 Ring Road and continue east toward Vík for about 55 km until you find an incredible waterfall tumbling over the huge rock wall. Sunset at Seljalandsfoss is the best time to be there because the water shines like liquid gold.

What makes it unique is you can walk all the way behind the falls, right up against the green moss and the tan rock face for some incredible pictures. Stay until the sun has fully disappeared behind the horizon and then the gold turns sadly back into clear water.

Note: Like we said, sunset (on a clear evening) is the absolute best time to be at this waterfall. We were there in the morning and again in the afternoon, and neither were nearly as impressive. Plan ahead and look up what time the sun sets on the day you plan to be there. 

Where to stay: Hamragarðar Campsite is just 500 meters down from Seljalandsfoss waterfall and a convenient place to stay for the night. It’s fully equipped with bathrooms, showers and even has a gift shop. There’s plenty of space here so you don’t have to worry about being close to your neighbors.

We pitched our tent so the opening faced the waterfall and fell asleep to the splashing water. It was pretty incredible to wake up to the sight of the waterfall and grazing sheep right outside our tent! If you are not planning on camping during your Iceland trip, you can stay at a nearby guesthouse like Sólheimahjáleiga Guesthouse , or Hótel Skógafoss , both of which are within 30 minutes from Seljalandsfoss, further down Highway 1.

• Day at a glance: A local swimming pool, Skógafoss Waterfall, Sólheimasandur plane crash, a black sand beach with puffins and a lava show in Vík.
• Approximate Driving Time: 1.5 hours
• Approximate Distance Covered: 100 km

If you thought yesterday was packed full of sites, wait until you see what’s in store for today. It may not seem like a lot of driving, but there are some pretty epic things packed into today and it will definitely take you all day. Plan to leave your campsite at the latest by 8:30 – 9 a.m. 

Gljufrabui Waterfall 

First things first, a visit to Gljufrabui Waterfall in the morning is a must if you’ve spent the night at  Hamragarðar Campsite. Nestled inside a hidden canyon, steps from the campsite, this is another waterfall many visitors miss, even when they are right there visiting Seljalandsfoss next door. 

You’ll have to walk over some boulder and possibly through some water to get into the crowded canyon, so you’ll want to be sure to wear sturdy hiking books. But the walk is short and the reward is a beautiful falls seemling coming out of nowhere which makes for a great photo op. 

We recommend heading out first thing in the morning and leaving your tent or campervan at the campsite, then going back for breakfast before hitting the road before 9:00 a.m. 

Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool

Only 2.5 km from Ring Road and a 20-minute walk from the parking lot, the Seljavallalaug swimming pool is a hidden local spot we’d recommend visiting if you’re up for a bit of an adventure, or if you’re looking for an alternative to visiting the more expensive Blue Lagoon.

This free open-air swimming pool was built in 1923 to teach local fishermen how to swim. A natural hot spring trickles off the hill straight into the 25-meter long pool.

Today it has a couple simple changing rooms and we read it’s serviced once a summer to have the algae removed. The pool’s temperature was warm with hotter water poured into the deep end.

I think the only downside is the water is not crystal clear. It’s more like murky lake water and we joked it should be named the “Green Lagoon”. I had some algae stuck to my suit when I got out, but I was able to scrub it off when my suit dried. However, you could not ask for a better atmosphere.

The pool is located in a beautiful green valley with numerous streams rolling down the surrounding hills. And with only 5 other couples in the pool, there’s plenty of space for everyone to relax.  

How to get there: From Hamragarðar Campsite to Seljavallalaug swimming pool, you’ll drive 22 km east on Ring Road to Highway 242 and turn left (this highway is a semi-circle, so you have to take the first left turn for Highway 242, but if you miss it, you can double back at the second left turn).

Drive for about 1 km north on Highway 242 and when the road turns right, you should continue going straight following the dirt road. Be careful because there are many potholes on this gravel road, but continue for about 1.5 km until you can’t go any farther.

There should be a parking lot here. There will be a flat path heading north into the valley which you will walk for about 20 minutes until you reach the swimming pool.

We have a complete guide to visiting Seljavallalaug swimming pool with all the other information you should know.

Skógafoss Waterfall

The second waterfall stop of the day is at Skógafoss Waterfall. Be sure to walk right up the bottom of this astounding 200-foot waterfall. There is a short staircase trek up to the top of the falls where you can typically see rainbows because of all the mist. 

This is also the start of Iceland’s famed Fimmvörðuháls hike . It’s a single-day hike that takes you past 26 waterfalls, over snowfields, lava fields and glaciers and is quite possibly one of the best day hikes we’ve done in the world! 

If you have an extra day, we’d highly recommend planning this hike into your itinerary. If you’re pressed for time and want to stick to our 7 day Iceland itinerary, you can see tons of waterfalls at the very start of the hike. Just follow the trail along the Skoga River for as long as you’d like and then double back to the base of Skógafoss when you’re ready to be on your way.   

Kvernufoss Waterfall

Not too far down the road from Skógafoss, many visitors miss this hidden waterfall because they simply don’t know of its existence. This was what happened to us on our first trip to Iceland, but lucky for you, we found this gem the second time around. 

To find the falls you can park in the lot at the Skogar Museum. There are signs toward the back of the parking lot for this trail, and a place to pay for parking. Stay on the trail for a quick 15-minute walk and you’ll be rewarded with views of this stunning waterfall from a small canyon. 

Sólheimasandur Plane Crash

The next stop is quite unusual but surprisingly popular among tourists. In 1973 a U.S. Navy airplane crash landed on the beach of Iceland’s southern coast. Instead of removing the plane’s shell, it was just abandoned.

Today you can still visit it, but you’ll have to be ready for a hike because there are no roads to the crash site. There is a parking area right off of Highway 1, and from there it’s a deceivingly long 40-minute flat walk through the sand to the plane. 

Once you’re there, it’s pretty cool and kind of eerie. 

You should plan about 2.5 hours into your schedule to visit this plane crash. 

How to get there: Drive east on Ring Road from the Skogar Museum and keep an eye out for a bridge with yellow blinking lights that has a dirt road after it heading toward Sólheimajökull Glacier. Continue driving east on Ring Road for another 2 km after the bridge.

There will be a dirt road turn off to your right with a fence blocking the road. Park your car here and start the 40-minute walk toward the beach.

After about 35 minutes, the road will slightly turn left and you should follow it. The plane is hidden behind a sand dune so you won’t be able to see it right away.

Dyrhólaey rock formation & puffin nesting ground

Continue on Highway 1 (Ring Road) heading east to Dyrhólaey. There are two different viewpoints for Dyrhólaey rock formation: one that overlooks the black sand beach, and one that’s higher up which overlooks the iconic rock with the hole. 

The second overlook was a little bit tricky to drive up, but we made it in our little Hyundai i10 so I think anyone can do it. The lighthouse on top of the overlook is stunning and the arched rock wall jutting out into the ocean makes the steep drive worth it. 

If you’re visiting Iceland during the summertime, you will have the opportunity to see the puffin nesting area here. These cute little birds burrow into the grass near the cliff’s edge. The nesting area is fenced off to keep visitors at a safe distance and allow the birds some peace, however, you can still observe them from a few meters away. 

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Known as one of the most famous black sand beaches in the world, Reynisfjara is absolutely stunning and unlike anything you’ve ever seen. With otherworldly rock formations both on shore and off, plus the unique volcanic black sand, this beach is well worth a visit on your Iceland itinerary.

Find out more about what to expect when visiting Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach , plus insider tips and the best photo spots.

The summer months in Iceland are prime puffin spotting season and Reynisfjara houses thousands of these little cuties. In the morning and evening are the peak times to see these miniature birds dive off the cliffs and flap their wings like drunken penguins out to sea to catch their food.

When we arrived it was a fury of puffins heading in and out of the ocean for their catch of the day. And plenty of seagulls trying to snatch what the puffins had worked so hard for.

Lava Show in Vík

Your next stop of the day is the seafront village of Vík. It’s the largest town in this part of south Iceland and a good place to “return to civilization” (so to speak) on your road trip. However, the real draw here is the Lava Show. 

Known as “the only place in the world where you can safely experience hot molten lava in close proximity,” the Lava Show is quite the unique experience.  

Take a front row seat for the hour-long show where you’ll get to watch molten lava (1,100°C / 2,000°F) flowing right in front of you. 

Tip: Be sure to try the Lava soup during the show, it’s super tasty!

The creator of this experience, Júlíus, is extremely passionate about all things volcanoes and lava, and makes it an entertaining and educational show for both adults and children.

Note: Show times are at 1:30 p.m and 5 p.m. daily and you’ll want to book your tickets online ahead of time as they do sell out. Plan your day accordingly so you don’t miss this unique experience. 

Other things to do in Vík:

• Skool Bean coffee (open until 5pm)
• visit the beach in town
• climb up to the church viewpoint

Note: If you didn’t have time to fit in everything above before the lava show, you can skip Dyrhólaey (puffins) or Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and go back after the show if there is still daylight. You can also visit them in the morning on Day 5 or on your last day as you drive past back to Reykjavík.

Where to stay: We stayed at Vík tjaldsvæði Campground while in town on night 4. This is one of the better campgrounds with plenty of tent space, indoor cooking area, bathrooms, showers and even a playground.

If you are not planning on camping, you can stay at a nearby guesthouse like Vík Cottages , or Guesthouse Carina , both of which are in the town of Vík.

• Day at a glance: Big driving day with a few hikes sprinkled in between; Gígjagjá Yoda Cave, moss-covered lava fields, Green Canyon Fjaðrárgljúfur hike, a couple of waterfalls and a glacier. 
• Approximate Driving Time: 3 hours
• Approximate Distance Covered: 175 km

Grab a cup of coffee at Skool Bean (opens at 9 a.m.) in the town of Vík if you didn’t visit there yesterday. You may also want to visit the black sand beach in town with cool rock stacks out in the water or climb to the church viewpoint if you didn’t get to any of these activities the day before. 

When you’re ready, head East out of Vík. 

Hjörleifshöfði Cape & Gígjagjá (aka Yoda Cave)

Whether you’re a Star Wars fan or not, the Hjörleifshöfði Cape, where you’ll find a cave dubbed “Yoda Cave” for it’s uncanny resemblance to the fictional character, is worth a short visit. 

From Ring Road take a right at Hjörleifshöfði Road. There are signs saying not to drive on the sand so you’ll have to park at the end of the road and walk the 200 or so meters to the cave. May the force be with you. 

Laufskálavarða 

Laufskálavarða is a quick stop at a lava ridge, surrounded by stone carines (stacked stone towers). There is not much to do here except read a lovely tale about leaving cairns for future travelers. However, we’d recommend not setting up your own cairn because there are far too many there already!

You can walk to a viewing platform to see Mýrdalsjökull where the famous Kalata volcano is located. 

Scenic Green Lava Walk

As you continue on Ring Road past Vík, you will soon become aware that the grassy fields on either side of the road have now turned into miles of moss covered rocks. These rocky fields were once lava and now the moss has taken over and makes a pretty cool photo op. 

Make your way to the parking area for the Scenic Green Lava walk or the Mossy Lava Fields stop just off Ring Road. Get out and stretch your legs a bit as you meander through the other-worldly landscape. Just be mindful of where you walk because this ecosystem is pretty fragile.  

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon Hike

This is a little embarrassing to admit, but we watched Justin Bieber’s music video for a song called “I’ll Show You” where he gallivants around Iceland (only for the scenery, says Ben). But after we were done watching, we Googled “Iceland valley in Justin Bieber’s video”.

Watch the video and you’ll know what we’re talking about! The beautiful lush valley carved into the Icelandic countryside that Bieber hops, jumps and runs around is called Fjaðrárgljúfur, and you too can explore it even if you’re not a pop singer.

Fjaðrárgljúfur is a luscious green serpentine canyon that continues on for 2 km with a picturesque waterfall at the end. You can hike up the side of the canyon and the views get better along the way. Just please don’t hop around like Bieber, because it’s a long way down.

How to get there: Continuing east on Ring Road towards Skaftafell, take a left at Road No. 206, Holtsvegur. It is about 3 km on the gravel road to reach the parking lot . The unpaved road can be accessed by any type of car in the summer months, but it is recommended to have a 4×4 car if attempting this in wintertime. 

There is a marked trail from the parking lot that continues along the rim of the canyon for about 2 miles, out and back. The hike is easy with little elevation gain and many different viewpoints along the way. Allow about 1.5 hours to do this hike and stop for plenty of photo ops!

Note: Due to the popularity of this canyon, there are now measures to restrict access to the trail during certain times of the year due to weather conditions. It is important you respect the occasional closures so as to protect the delicate vegetation. You can check the current trail conditions on the SafeTravel.is website.  

Tip: If you have the time, make a quick stop at Foss á Síðu for a glimpse of yet another breathtakingly gorgeous Iceland waterfall! This location makes for a sweet drone shot of the falls if you have good weather. 

Hike to Svartifoss the “Black Waterfall”

Continue driving east on Ring Road until you get to Svartifoss (a.k.a. Black Waterfall) – This hidden falls is one of the best waterfalls in Iceland . It’s not just on the side of the road like so many others, and the short hike to get there makes you feel a bit more accomplished than simply stepping outside your car.

Another plus is you won’t find the hordes of people from the tourist buses. Oh, and did we mention the waterfall itself is stunning?!

How to get there: When heading east, take a left toward Skaftafell (there is no sign for the waterfall). Take the road until you see a small parking lot on your right. If the road gets pretty rough, you’ve gone too far. From the parking lot, it is a 2.5 mile loop trail hike to get to the waterfall.

The hike is moderately easy – a bit uphill, but nothing too challenging. After about 10 minutes, you’ll see a waterfall that could trick you into thinking it’s the black waterfall, but keep going! You’ve still got about two-thirds of the way to go. 

But it’s worth it – the waterfall at the end of the trail is far more impressive than the first one you see. You should allow around 1-1.5 hours to hike these falls. 

Svínafellsjökull view point

Just a few minutes drive east of Svartifoss is a sign that says Svinafellsjökull – yeah, that one’s a mouthful! We almost passed it by (actually we did, but then we turned around, and we were glad we didn’t miss it!). Take a left at this sign and in 2 km you’ll be at the foot of a massive glacier.

Note: The 2 km road there is gravel and has many potholes, so drive slowly and with caution. This road may be closed depending on the conditions. 

Hike up the rock on the side of the glacier for the best view.

Where to Stay: Spend the night at Svinafell Campground , a bare bones campground (no electricity hookups for RVs here) with a shared kitchen and bathroom/shower facilities. The campsite does offer indoor sleeping bag accommodations in dorm-style rooms. However, if you are looking for something a bit more luxurious, the Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon is a 4 star hotel in the area. 

Wherever you choose to make your accommodation for the night, you can leave your things here, or be sure to book 2 nights because you’ll be returning on the following evening.

Day 6: Hiking Glaciers, Canyons and Ice Beach

• Day at a glance: Guided glacier hike tour, Múlagljúfur Canyon, Glacier Lagoon and Ice Beach

Glacier Hike

Being that the glaciers in Iceland are melting at unprecedented rates, taking the opportunity to do a glacier hike was one of the top things we were looking forward to on our second trip. 

Hiking on a glacier in Iceland is an activity you must do with a guide, and there are quite a few tour companies to choose from. A guided tour includes all the equipment you’ll need, like a harness, an ice axe, crampons and a helmet, as well as a guide who is experienced with the area and glacier safety. 

After doing a bit of research, we decided to go for the 5 hour glacier hike instead of the 3 hour tour because there is so much we’d miss with the shorter option. We went with the Skaftafell 5-Hour Adventure Glacier Hike by Troll Expeditions. 

The experience was a bit of a splurge at 15,500 ISK (~$120 USD) per person, but totally worth it in our opinions. We traversed a pretty large section of the glacier and saw some pretty incredible things. We even got (safely) lowered into a small ice cave, which feels like an entirely different world.

Are you visiting Iceland in the winter? You may want to also look into visiting an ice cave with a tour guide. This looks like a pretty incredible experience, but with the exception of a couple, most ice caves can only be visited during the late fall and winter months.

To save yourself time, consider doing the Skaftafell Blue Ice Cave Tour & Glacier Hike combination tour in lieu of the glacier hike we mentioned above. 

After your morning glacier hike, you’ll get back on Ring Road heading east towards Hof. Your first stop is Hofskirkja, an old grass-covered church. 

What’s so exciting about a grass-covered church you ask?

Well Hofskirkja just so happens to be the last turf church ever built in Iceland. The construction of turf buildings is a trend from Scandinavia that took hold in Iceland in the 1800s. With the scarcity of lumber to be used as a building material, Icelanders resorted to the creative use of sod. 

Make a quick pit-stop on your road trip to visit this historic property and snap a few photos while you’re there. 

Múlagljúfur Canyon Hike

Sometimes compared to the better-known Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon that you hiked yesterday, Múlagljúfur is equally as stunning and lush, but with less visitors. As a relatively hidden gem in southern Iceland, this 3.6 mile round trip trek is one of Iceland’s best day hikes . 

How to get there: Follow Ring Road east and take the turn off just 5 minutes before you reach Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Turn off onto the gravel road that’ll lead you to this parking area . There is not a lot of signage here, so it’s best to mark the location on Google Maps before you go. 

Park here and climb the small hill to your right to find the start of the trail. The hike includes about 1,200 ft of elevation gain and takes about 2 hours to complete. During your hike you’ll see trail markers in different colors, all leading to Hangandifoss waterfall at the end of Múlagljúfur Canyon. 

Tip: Bring a drone if you have one. This place looks even better from the sky! 

Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach

After your hike, make your way just 5 more minutes down Ring Road to the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. This ice beach and lagoon is one of the most unique places we’ve ever been. There are three stops here, and we recommend doing all three to get different views.

The first stop is right before the bridge on the left, and is less crowded. Be sure to walk down next to the lagoon to get up close to the ice chunks as they float by.

Across the street is a stop for the beach where the ice chunks wash up. It’s pretty fun watching the waves have their way with the ice. Walk down the beach to the right to find the bigger pieces of ice.

And the final stop, across the bridge at the lagoon, is the busiest and is where the tour buses park. From here, you can walk up a little hill for a nice view overlooking the lagoon. If you’re lucky, you can see families of seals swimming around the drifting ice.

If you have more time in Iceland, be sure to check out Fjallsarlon, Iceland’s other glacier lagoon .

Unfortunately, with only 7 days in Iceland, this is as far on Ring Road as you’ll have the time to venture (without being rushed). 

Tip: Park before the bridge on the southwest side. If you have clear weather and you have the time, try to also make a stop at the second glacier lagoon, Fjallsárlón. But skip this one if you don’t have time. 

Where to stay: After this you’re going to make your way back towards where you came from on Ring Road and stay at the same accommodation as the night before.

• Day at a glance: Make your way back to Reykjavík, choose between the Blue Lagoon or exploring more of Reykjavík
• Approximate Distance Covered: 325 km

Today is the day you’ll be heading back to Reykjavík to catch your flight out. The drive will take about 4.5 hours without traffic or stopping so you should plan for about a 5 hour travel day. 

Take this opportunity to make any stops along the way that you may have missed before because of the weather or timing. This could be another change to see the puffins if you didn’t get lucky the first go around. 

If you head out early enough and have the time before an evening or late-night flight, you’ll have two options to spend your afternoon: exploring the city or relaxing in the Blue Lagoon

Option 1: Blue Lagoon

If you want to chill after a long week of travel, head straight to the Blue Lagoon (it’s pretty close to the airport anyway if you want to squeeze in a dip before your flight out).  

Undoubtedly the most famous hot spring in the entire country, the Blue Lagoon is best known for its milky blue waters. Surrounded by lava stones, this popular hot spring makes an excellent last stop before getting on a long flight. Plus, with a complimentary beverage (prosecco, please!) and silica face mask, you’ll feel totally pampered soaking here.

Reykjanes Peninsula: Seltún Geothermal Area and Kleifarvatn Lake

If you have more time, we highly recommend checking out the Seltún Geothermal Area and Kleifarvatn Lake. 

Right off Highway 42 on Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland, Seltún Geothermal Area. It’s another place that’s similar to Geysir, but with a much stronger smell of sulfur. There are many hot pools of bubbling water and mud on either side of a wooden walkway.

It’s a small area but worth a stop for 10 minutes. As you drive north on Highway 42, you’ll pass by the stunning Kleifarvatn Lake with its multicolored rocky banks. Then head straight to the airport or back to Reykjavík if you have one more night in town. 

Option 2: Explore more of Reykjavík

If you’re not done exploring, or want to extend your trip by a few days, there are plenty of things to do in the capital city of Reykjavík . Here are just a few ideas:

• Have dinner in the new harbor 
• Take in the view at the top of the bell tower of the church
• Join a free walking tour
• Go to a public hot pool and mingle with locals
• Indulge on a food tour

Where to stay: In the northeastern part of the city is Reykjavík Campsite located on the street called Sundlaugavegur. This is the best campsite we stayed at in all of Iceland, but it’s also the most expensive.

It was 2100 Icelandic Krona ($18.20 USD) per person per night. But it did include free WiFi, bathrooms, hot showers, dishwashing stations, an indoor kitchen, a game room, grills and laundry machines (for an extra charge).

If you’re looking for more options, check out the “ Where to Stay ” section of our Reykjavík guide for hotels, Airbnbs and hostel recommendations.

Truthfully, we think this is the perfect 7-day Iceland itinerary for your first trip and we wouldn’t change a thing! You’ll see so much in less than a week, but also have time to relax and soak up the beauty without being rushed.

If you are lucky and have some extra time, or if your trip is shorter, we have some suggestions for things you could add or cut from your Iceland itinerary:

If you have more than 7 days:  

• You may have time to do the entire Ring Road circuit. There are lots of places in the north of the country that we are excited to show you!
• We’ve also heard great things about the Highlands (though you’ll need a 4X4 to get there) as well as the Western Fjords. 

If you have less than 7 days: 

• We would suggest cutting Day 1 from this Iceland itinerary and start your trip heading south from Reykjavík (Day #2 on this itinerary). 
• You can also cut out whatever sights don’t appeal to you as much on this itinerary to fit your time restraints!

Road trip tips for Iceland

Driving in Iceland may be a bit different than what you’re used to so we’re going over our top tips for making your Iceland road trip as smooth and care-free as possible. 

• Gas in Iceland is expensive. Use an app like Bensin to locate nearby gas stations and compare current gas prices. Check if your car or campervan rental company offers special discounts at specific gas stations. 
• Don’t let your tank get emptied. This should go without saying, but the last thing you want to do on your Iceland road trip is run out of gas in the middle of nowhere. There are long stretches of road in Iceland without anything around, so be sure you’re keeping an eye on your gas gauge and filling up often. 
• Watch your speed. Of course this is for your personal safety and the safety of other drivers on the road. But there are also speed traps set up around the country (mostly around Reykjavík) to catch drivers over the speed limit and slap them with a hefty fine.
• Be prepared for sudden changes in the weather. The weather in Iceland is notoriously fickle and can turn on a dime from sunshine and blue skies to wind, rain or even snow. Be prepared for strong winds on the open roads and exercise caution particularly when opening your car doors in the wind. 
• Know what to do at a single-lane bridge crossing. Ring Road has quite a few single-lane bridges, and there’s a good chance you might wind up at one at the same time as another car. The rule of thumb is the car that’s closest to the bridge will have the right of way while the other waits for them to cross.
• Watch out for sheep! Self-explanatory…
• Know the limits of your vehicle. If you’re renting a regular 2-wheel-drive vehicle, there are some roads you cannot drive on. And I’m not just saying you shouldn’t drive on them. You literally CAN’T because a) it’s illegal, and b) your car will not make it. This rule applies to all “F-roads” – similar to fire roads in the US.
• Don’t ever drive off the road. It is illegal to go “off roading” in Iceland. Be a responsible traveler , and stick to the roads!
• Understand roundabouts in Iceland. There are tons of roundabouts in Iceland, especially around Reykjavík, and they can be confusing to navigate. Just remember, when you’re driving a 2-lane roundabout, the inner lane has the right of way. 
• Drive with your headlights on at all times. This is the law in Iceland and it’s meant to keep you safe in the occurrence of heavy fog. 

For more tips and plenty of insider information, check out our guide to renting a car in Iceland . 

What to pack for your 7-day Iceland itinerary

Here are some items we’d recommend packing specifically for traveling in Iceland. 

• Lots of layers
• Quick-dry sports clothing
• Rain gear such as waterproof hiking pants and a heavy-duty rain jacket
• Decent hiking boots
• Swimsuit (for hot springs!)
• Packable down jacket
• Winter hat and gloves (even if you are visiting in the summer months!)

Organization: 

• Packing cubes : an essential for keeping your stuff organized
• Hanging toiletry organizer : makes it easy to hang in public restrooms at campgrounds and keeps your toiletries organized
• Dry bag : essential for keeping valuables dry in Iceland’s wet climate
• Reusable grocery bag: for grocery shopping and organization 
• Reusable baggies : come in super handy for snacks and storing small items
• Quick-dry towel
• Hand sanitizer ( this one is our favorite! )
• Snacks: dried fruit, nuts, protein bars (it’s hard to find these kinds of things in Iceland grocery stores )
• Eye mask: especially helpful during the summer months where the sun sets very late
• Travel pillow: good to have just in case you don’t love the ones provided (or so you can have more pillows for sitting up in the bed)
• Headlamp : nice for midnight runs to the toilet if you’re camping
• Portable charger : good for charging your devices on the road
• Car Inverter : Your campervan will likely have USB outlets for charging devices like your phone. But if you need to charge larger devices like a laptop or drone, this car inverter will come in clutch. And yes, you can fly with it!
• Portable jumper cables (optional): This tiny little device has a power pack that effectively jumps your vehicle (without another car). Our campervan battery died in the middle of nowhere during a torrential rainstorm, and it took us hitchhiking to a nearby farm to find jumper cables. We wished we would have had one of these (in fact, we bought one as soon as we got home!).

Be sure to download our  complete packing list for Iceland !  It’s packed with good suggestions and  insider tips  to help plan your Italy trip. And it’s completely  FREE , so why not!?

FAQs about planning your Iceland itinerary

We’ve got answers to some of your most common questions about planning your Iceland itinerary.

How many days in Iceland is enough?

In order to get a good taste of all that Iceland has to offer, we’d suggest spending a  minimum of one week in Iceland.  If you happen to have more time than that, great! 

There is  so much to see and do in this country  you could spend months here and not get bored.  

We think  7-9 days is the perfect amount of time  to soak up plenty of the highlights and get to know the country a bit better. 

Can you do Iceland in 1 week?

If you are really pressed on time, yes, you can see Iceland in just one week . We’d recommend sticking to just Reykjavik, the Golden Circle and the southern coast to Vik so you don’t over extend yourself.

Is 3 days enough in Reykjavik?

You could spend as little as 1 day in Reykjavik and see a majority of the main sites and landmarks around downtown. In fact, many people visit Reykjavik during a stopover so you won’t be disappointed even if you’re working on a time crunch. 

Two to three days will give you more time to explore outside of downtown and many of the fun things to do in Reykjavik .

More than three days will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the city, join a guided tour, and even make a day trip to the South Coast.

Do I need a car in Iceland?

There  aren’t many options for public transportation in Iceland, outside of the capital city of Reykjavik. For this reason, we’d highly recommend renting your own vehicle to explore more of the country at your own pace. 

We’ve traveled Iceland in both a rental car and in a campervan and highly recommend both, depending on your preferred travel style.

• Read about our experience and tips for renting a car in Iceland
• Find out the best campervan rentals in Iceland (including a discount code for you!)
• Plan your Iceland road trip with our insider tips and advice

Is it better to drive or take tours in Iceland?

In our opinion, self-driving is without a doubt the best way to go. Driving yourself will allow you to go at your own place and stop at places along the way if you want. It also lets you customize your route to be exactly what  you  want to see. 

However, if the thought of self-driving is too overwhelming to you, know that there are many companies that offer organized tours around Iceland.

Are you planning a trip to Iceland?

We have TONS of resources on travel in Iceland and how to make the most out of your trip. Check out our  Ultimate Iceland Travel Guide  for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below.

• Best Time to Visit Iceland: When to Go & When to Avoid
• Iceland Trip Costs + Surprising Budget Tips
• Iceland Campervan Rental Guide (+ Exclusive Discount)
• Absolute Best Things to Do in Iceland

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We want to hear from you!

What do you think of this 7 day Iceland itinerary? What would you add or skip? We’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below!

Comments (63) on “ Perfect 7 Day Iceland Itinerary ”

I seen you rented the camper van but you mentioned “pitching a tent” Did you have a tent with the camper van or was this an extension added on to the camper van? I would love to do the Happy Camper but there are 3 of us.

I was interested in if we have an extra day what you would think to add? We also can’t do the glacier hike because we will have a baby with us, do you have any other ideas for that time frame? Also do you guys by chance have this itinerary in a PDF form so I could print it out? Thanks and the information was great we cant wait to get there in two weeks!

We are hoping – covid permitting! – to visit Iceland in May 2023 and I’ve really been inspired by reading your comprehensive blog! We are going to hire a campervan so will definitely give Happy Campers a go. Thank you for this great guide.

Great blog, great photos. Thank you for sharing. We did 13 days in Iceland in the beginning of June (it never got dark)… it was phenomenal, Can’t wait to go back. There is just so much to see and do. We drove the ring road and saw most of your highlights and much more (Volcano). We missed Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and glacier beach due to rain. For those who enjoy nature, hot springs, waterfalls, and more waterfalls. Iceland is the place to go. …..and you can drink out of the stream. Tanks for sharing!!!!

I am trying to decide when to book our Iceland honeymoon! I was thinking December (for cheaper prices and chances to see northern lights) or September (for increased chances to see northern lights and have not as cold of weather). Honestly, I don’t mind cold weather. I just want to experience the most of Iceland I can (I def plan on doing another trip during Iceland summertime in the future). We are renting a camper van. Would you recommend Sept or Dec of this year to go? What month did you guys go? Thanks!

I am planning a 10 day trip to Iceland in January 2022. So we are prepared for cold weather. That is something we are excited to have. What we are curious about is should we do day out tours from Reykjavik where we leave and return to Reykjavik every day or should we go out for 2-3 day tours, meaning stay out and don’t go back to Reykjavik each night and stay. We know we have limited day time hours and want to make the most of our trip. And can we visit the North at all during Jan time frame? Thanks.

I wanted to go to Iceland this year to gather travel information and pictures for my website about waterfalls

I have listed 200 waterfalls in Iceland on my website and there are so many outstanding waterfalls that it is difficult to choose which one to visit and where other hotspots are. Then the information, like on your website, is very helpful (for next year)…

Nice article:)

Thanks for sharing this nice post. Iceland is throughout the entire year prime travel goal for tourists. Summer is the most specific time, however, different seasons are extraordinary as well on the off chance that you need to see Northern Lights, fall foliage and exploit lower costs and fewer groups. One of my friends had visited there with the help of Discover Iceland who helped them t the time of trip.

Thanks for sharing such an informative blog. The tips shared is really helpful to get to know about various things about iceland trip.

HI! Great info! I was wondering what month you traveled to Iceland? We are debating on going in Summer or in November…really want to explore an Ice Cave with our child…

I have done camping twice this year. It was really amazing experience. Everyone should try at least once in a lifetime.

This is great!! Amazing itinerary. Love the local hot spring idea! We did the camper van experience and loved it! Thank you for the ideas for our next Iceland adventure.

Amazing itinerary! My sister and I are planning on going to Iceland for 10 days and aren’t sure we can handle camping out every night. Do you happen to know if it is easy to find hotels or Airbnb’s in all of these areas?

Thank you for sharing! We are going in May 2020 and this looks so amazing ;o)

This road trip looks amazing! When I was there, the weather sadly was not good. I hope to have a do over in Iceland one day. I really would love to see a puffin colony!

Great itinerary. We had 18 days in Iceland and just can’t believe how stunning the country is.

OMG, my husband is Filipino and I would love to bring him to this kind of country. Iceland looks beautiful, these views are amazing! Ice beach is stunning, it is definitely on my bucket list.

thanks for the informative posts. the photos are so beautiful, what camera gear did you use for the trip? i don’t have a DSLR 🙁

Hello Katie and Ben. Thank you for this wonderful blog on Iceland. We have purchased tickets to Iceland in June 2019 (9-19th) and your itin has definitely helped in permeating our travel route as well. We will have 8 full days (plus 2 arrival and departure days), hence will include a few more stops. Reading ur blog, we are excited to do camping too! Will it be ok, I mean weather wise, to camp in June? Will it be very cold? I understand that it will be the midnight sun season, so I think its less cold, right? We appreciate any travel tips. Thank you.

Hey Rohizani, Iceland in June is supposed to be really nice. It’s one of the least rainy months of the year but it will be an average temp of 45-50 degrees. It can spike up to 50-60 degrees though, it all depends.

What an amazing and fascinating place to visit. I really didn’t know much about this but after reading this post I will surely visit one day. Thanks for sharing such an amazing post. John

Hey Katie and Ben,

Thank you so much. I am going to Iceland in August (three weeks from now) and your itinerary has saved my life! I was feeling so overwhelmed with how to plan a trip due to confusing names. I do have a few questions.

I am taking a camper van, do I need permits for parking? I have 8 days in Iceland. I have never driven in another country before, do you have any tips to be safe?

Again, Thank you so much for this blog, saved me allot of trouble. -Meagan

Hi Meagan, Sounds like you have a great trip planned. You do not need a permit to park in Iceland, however if you do stay at any campsites you will have to pay for those when you arrive. Driving in Iceland is fairly easy since most of the time you will be on open road. Familiarize yourself with the types of street sign you’ll see and have a plan of where you will be traveling so you won’t get lost (though it’s pretty hard to in Iceland, everything is pretty well marked).

Hi guys, Thanks for your detailed 6 day itinerary! This is very helpful. We are thinking of going to Iceland late August in to September for five days. We are not sure whether to get a Happy Camper or just rent a car and camp like you guys did. I’m assuming campervan’s are allowed at the campsites, correct? Also, which would you recommend, Campervan or camping? Any suggestions for places we can rent a car?

Hey Kaupy, first off, yes campervans are allowed at campsites, and campsites are mostly filled with them. To answer which one is better, it really depends on what type of experience you would like to have while in Iceland. Honestly we had a great time camping. But it may not be for you. We had to set up our tent every night and take it down every morning. We cooked in the ground and slept on the ground. After having a campervan around the Western US last summer, we really loved the van life too! However, I might be a tad bit more expensive than camping, but it is a one-stop shop with Happy Camper.

When we rented a car, we went with SadCars, but it doesn’t hurt to check RentalCars.com ( https://bit.ly/2mAQhlA )

Hi guys, just found your blog and so happy I did! We are going in Iceland late October, do you think there are still campsites open? Also, did you travel with any money at all or just credit cards? Thank you

Hey Melodie, so happy you found us too!

You’re going to have an amazing time in Iceland (we’re itching to get back soon!). I have heard that campsites start closing down in September. There might still be some open, or perhaps there will be some public areas you can camp as well, but a better option might be to rent a campervan since October can be verrrry cold. And if it’s a self-contained campervan you can park anywhere you’d like. Most of the ones in Iceland are winterized, so you should be fine in October.

We’d recommend Happy Campers because we’ve heard amazing things about their vehicles and customer service.

We wrote an entire article about campervan rentals in Iceland and even include a Happy Campers discount code here: https://www.twowanderingsoles.com/blog/iceland-campervan-rental

If you have any other questions about Iceland, don’t hesitate to ask 🙂

Thank you for putting this guide together and sharing it. Just got back from Iceland and followed Day 2-6 of your guide. It was perfect. One update to make … Svinafellsjökull Glacier … if you don’t have a 4X2 and 4X4 … SUV type vehicle don’t try it. I had a KIA hatchback and made it out barely alive and fingers crossed my car rental was not damaged.

Hey Singh! Thanks for following our Iceland Itinerary! Glad you liked it! And thanks for the update. Gravel roads are tricky to drive on and they constantly change. We made the drive in our small sedan when we visited, but the road conditions may have changed. Thanks!

Katie, I just traveled to Iceland last week, and followed your itinerary almost exclusively fro the 6 days I was there. You did a fantastic job creating this plan, as a solo traveler I felt safe and well informed based on all of the information you provided here as well as the other page about traveling to Iceland on a budget. Thank you for all of the work you put into this and for making it available for other tourists! I am going to recommend this itinerary to all of my friends visiting Iceland in the future.

One update I have is that they have put a fresh layer of gravel on the road to the Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool. The last 1/8 mile and the parking lot are still pretty rough but other than that it was good as new. The prices for some of the campgrounds have also slightly increased.

Thanks for making my trip planning a breeze and for all of the helpful tips and directions you included. I plan on continuing to follow your blog and use some of your other itineraries as well!

Peace from the Northwoods, Hannah

Hey Hannah, thanks so much for taking the time to write this comment. It is messages like yours that keep us doing what we do! (And you really just made our day!)

We are so happy you enjoyed Iceland and that our tips were helpful! And thank you for the updates. It’s always a bit tricky to keep up with changes like that, so that will help us keep this article as up to date as possible!

Thanks again for the kind words. We appreciate it more than you know! Keep in touch, we’d love to hear about your future travels!!

xx Katie and Ben

We just took a week and followed this entire itinerary, minus the last day. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Every recommendation was spot on and your directions and details were incredibly helpful. Couldn’t recommend this route more, it was a fantastic trip!!

Aww Teejay thank you so much for you kind words! This message just made our day! Glad you liked the Iceland Itinerary.

Thank you for this great resource. Don’t know if I missed it but can you give a breakdown of the drive times for each day and total for the 6 days? How many hours did you spend driving?

Hey Olivia, not sure the exact drive times, I think Google Maps could give you a good idea of how long it takes each day. But I remember our longest day, we were in the car for about 5 hours, just driving, not including stops. Hope that helps, check out the map in the article for reference.

Katie, Is there any way you can add a map to show us your route? You week’s plans are incredible – and while I am trying to wrap my head around it and manipulate it for my own family – I’d love to see where you went and how easy it would be to add additional days using your trip….

Many thanks! Julia Michel

Hi Julia, this is a great idea. I’ve just updated the article with a map of where we traveled in Iceland. If you have any specific questions, just ask below and we can get back to you.

A map of your route would have been terrific addition to the write-up!

Hi Miroo. Article Updated: The map is in the article now. When are you planning on going to Iceland?

Hi! I really loved reading you article. Always good to see someone loving Iceland as much as we do. Do you have any plans of going back there anytime soon? We wrote a post with 13 tricks for a visit. Would love to hear if you find them useful?

We would love to go back, but as of now we don’t have any plans to travel to Iceland any time soon. Thanks for your tips.

Hello! I’m planning on a trip to December and your itinerary is so detailed and I’m inlove with it but the thing with my upcoming trip is – limited day light. Do you think we can still go from one place to the other with the limited daylight that we will be experiencing? I was also planning on staying at Vik and Reykjavik.

Hi Rochelle, That’s a great question. We didn’t run into any daylight trouble because we were there in August. But I would imagine you could see all the things ini this itinerary even in December. Day 1 might be a little tight depending on when you land and the long car travel day. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Hello! Such a useful blog! Thank you! I’m travelling over to Iceland in October to celebrate my birthday 🙂 and have spent many hours researching suggested itineraries, rentals, accommodation etc. I’m assuming I won’t be able to camp (apparently most camp sites will be closed in Oct) so it will be hostels/guest houses for us. Anyway – my question to you – did you manage to access the sites of interest (waterfalls etc) for free or do they charge entrance fee’s? Just working out my budget! Hope you are having fun wherever you are now!! Michelle

Thanks for reaching out to us. An Iceland birthday trip sounds amazing! You’ll love it. All of the natural sites in Iceland (waterfalls, glacier lagoon, geothermal sites, black sand beaches, etc.) are all free and open to everyone, which is super nice because most everything else in Iceland has a high price tag. If you are looking for ways to make your trip more budget friendly, we would recommend skipping the touristy Blue Lagoon. We ended up not going because it was too expensive and we thought we would be going just to say we had been there. As an alternative, there is a free hot spring near the Skógafoss Falls. It used to be a local swimming pool to teach sailors how to swim (which apparently not many back in the day knew how to keep afloat). We describe how to get to the swimming pool hot spring in this post.

I am so happy I stumbled across your blog, I am so keen to visit Iceland, and especially to camp there! How much did you budget/spend all in to visit |celand? I am trying to get a sense of how much we should save.

Hey Megan, So glad you found us 🙂 Great question! We actually broke down all the costs from accommodation to food to entertainment in another article, so you can get a really good idea of how much it will cost.

You could definitely spend more, or you could probably do it a little cheaper, but this should give you a good starting point. Hope this helps!

Your post just saved my brain! I’m so happy I found this. Did you use 4×4 or ever feel like you should have rented a 4×4?

Hey Ashley, so glad you found us! We just had a little front wheel drive and it did really well. I will say that if you are going to the northern part of the country or in some of the highlands, a 4×4 would be the way to go. But if you do a similar itinerary to us, a little car is just fine! Happy planning! (And let us know if you have any other questions!)

Hey! My husband and I are planning a car camping trip to Iceland in late August- we’re trying to figure out if campsites need reservations or if it is a first come first serve situation. Would you guys know? Your trip looked amazing by the way-thanks for the great info! Linda

Hi Linda, that’ll be such a great trip! We didn’t reserve any campsites at all, and there were always spots. We were there in mid to late August, for reference. I didn’t run into anyone who did actually make reservations, so you should be fine without them. Just an FYI: the campsites are much different than in the US – they are mostly just grassy areas where everyone camps, and then depending on the campground there might be places to cook your food, bathrooms, etc. (But not individual sites, per se). Have lots of fun!

Do you guys have a map of your itinerary to help display the geography of your route?

Hi Jennifer, we actually don’t have a map, but that is something I am looking into adding now. Thanks for the idea.

We typically use Google Maps when in a different country to figure out where we are going. If you input all the cities/landmarks into Google Maps , you’ll be able to plot the itinerary easily. Hope this helps!

i could almost do the trip, but im afraid you have a bit too much driving for my taste, we will be with a child. if you had to cut either Snaefellsnes Peninsulaia in the beginning or black water fall and glacier (to avoid the back peddling), which would you cut?

Hey Chris, I think you’re completely right – it’s a good idea to limit the amount of driving since you’re traveling with a child. And we’re always under the belief that slow travel is better than trying to fit too much in.

To answer your question: We’d recommend cutting the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and simply head east. The glacier lagoon/ice beach is just something you have to see (if you have the time, of course!). I hope this suggestion helps. Best of luck!

Hi! Thank you so much for sharing your travels & this great information 🙂 how much were the campsites? Did you need to book the sites ahead of time?

Hey great question, the price actually varies quite a bit – some are free and the most expensive one we stayed at was $21 a piece just outside of Rekjavik. We didn’t book any in advance – just saw how far we were able to get each day, and it really didn’t seem like you’d need to book in advance. The only one that was pretty full and might have the possibility of filling up during busy times was in Rekjavik, but if it had been full there would have been plenty of other campgrounds not too far away. I’m glad the information has been helpful! Have a great time in Iceland, and don’t hesitate to ask if you have any more questions.

You’ll love it there! Have lots of fun 🙂

thanks for the great itinerary! I’m looking forward to my trip the end of April!

We’re jealous you’re going to Iceland so soon! Have an amazing time!

Thanks! This looks awesome. My husband and I are going for a week for our 20th anniversary in June. My question: did you guys get the camping card? Was it worth it for just a week? Thanks!

Hi Juliet, congratulations on 20 years! That is certainly something to celebrate and Iceland will be a perfect anniversary for you two!

That is a great question. We didn’t get the camping card. I think it can be a real money-saver, but with a week in Iceland, I don’t think it would be worth it. It’s not necessarily a bad idea, I just don’t think it would save you enough money to be worthwhile, and it would limit where you can stay.

There are plenty of privately-owned or city-owned campgrounds all around the place that are not included on the card. Some are more expensive and some are very cheap – they range in price quite a bit, especially with what type of facilities they have. If you have the card though, you’d be more limited with where you can stay. You’ll have to be sure you plan out exactly where you’re going to camp instead of seeing how far you get and finding a campground nearby. For example, we’ve heard that between Vik and Egilstadir (which are 6 hours apart!) there’s no campsite that’s valid with the camping card.

With a week in Iceland, I don’t think the camping card would actually save you all that much money, so I would opt against it. That way, you will have more flexibility, and if a campground doesn’t look all that nice you can just move onto the next one without being locked in. If someone was going for an extended amount of time, it might make a bigger difference savings-wise. I hope this helps. Happy planning and happy early 20th anniversary! I hope to one day be taking a similar trip for our twentieth 🙂

Awesome itinerary guys! Your pictures are absolutely stunning. We visited in late October and the skies weren’t nearly as clear. Next time we’ll be sure to visit in August.

Thanks Katherine. We did have great weather in August, but I want to go back sometime in the fall. I’ve seen pictures of the leaves turning colors and it looks amazing!

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Accommodation

Iceland Ring Road: 9 Day Tour

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Home / Multi-Day Tours / Around Iceland / Iceland Ring Road: 9 Day Tour

In this 9-day self-drive holiday, where you will be driving clockwise around the country, you will witness pearls like Lake Mývatn, Þingvellir national park, Gullfoss waterfall, Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, Geyser spouting spring and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, to name a few. This tour also takes you around the Reykjanes peninsula on your last day on the road. There you will find the world famous Blue Lagoon where you can soak up and relax after a week-long adventure around Iceland.

If you are interested in receiving more information about this tour, please click on the “Request a quote” widget on the left side of the page. A quick form will open up where you will provide us with more information about your travel expectations. You will then be connected with your specialized travel agent who will assist you throughout the planning a provide a fully detailed quote.

Please note that this itinerary can be adjusted and customized to meet your travel needs and preferences. The package can also be offered as a privately guided tour if a self-drive option is not what you had in mind for your Iceland experience.

9 days / 8 nights

• Accessibility
• 8 nights accommodation (budget/comfort/quality) with breakfast
• Rental car of your choice for 7 days with unlimited mileage, CDW & VAT
• 1 extra driver for each rental car
• WiFi hotspot in your rental car for easy internet access
• Transfer from Keflavík Airport to your accommodation in Reykjavik (private or by bus)
• Private information meeting with our travel consultant in Reykjavik before your tour starts
• Big, handwritten, detailed map with route, recommendations and accommodations highlighted
• Transfer with pickup at your accommodation in Reykjavik upon departure (private or by bus)
• 24-hour emergency service
• Taxes and service fee

Not Included

• Flights to/from Iceland
• Meals and drinks at restaurants and entrance fees (unless otherwise agreed upon)
• Personal travel insurance
• Optional Activities

Welcome to Iceland! Once you have arrived and made it through customs at Keflavik International airport, you will be transferred to your accommodation in the heart of Reykjavik.

If you arrive in the early morning or around noon, you are very welcome to visit our office for any last-minute questions regarding your tour or Iceland in general. If you arrive in the afternoon but would still like to stop by and briefly go over your itinerary and documents, you can come over tomorrow morning, after having received your rental car, just before you leave town.

For your first day in Iceland, we recommend exploring some of the major landmarks of Reykjavík, such as the Hallgrímskirkja church tower, the viewing deck of Perlan, Harpa – music and conference center and the famous sculpture Sólfarið by the sea, located close to Harpa. In the evening, you can dine at one of several gourmet restaurants to be found in Reykjavík’s city center and afterward, you will find that most cafes and bars are open till 01:00. For your first night in Iceland, you will be staying at a hotel/guesthouse in downtown Reykjavik, within walking distance from most major attractions and restaurants within the city limits.

Highlights:

Reykjavík city, perlan dome, harpa – music hall, hallgrímskirkja church, sun voyager - the solfar sculpture.

Today you will be receiving your rental car and starting your journey around Iceland. In the morning, an employee of our cooperating car rental company will be picking you up at your accommodation. He/she will drive you to their headquarters, where you will sign your rental agreement and receive your car. Now you are ready to leave town! After passing the town of Borgarnes, you have a choice between getting a glimpse of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, visiting sites such as Kirkjufell mountain, the shark museum in Bjarnarhöfn and the town of Stykkishólmur, or joining a  guided glacier tour from Húsafell , visiting the man-made ice tunnel of Langjökull glacier and seeing Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls.

Even though your next accommodation is only approx. 190 km from Reykjavík, unfortunately, you would not have time to do both. The glacier tour needs to be booked in advance, so this is a decision that needs to be made beforehand. Either way, for your next night, you will be staying in the Laugarbakki/Hvammstangi area. If you still have some free time in the afternoon, you might want to visit Kolugljúfur canyon, located just a short drive from your accommodation. Other famous attractions to be found on your way are Deildartunguhver hot springs and Hraunfossar, a series of beautiful waterfalls.

Day starts in

Hvammstangi

Driving distance

~263 km / 164 miles

Hraunfossar Waterfalls

Deildartunguhver hot spring, kirkjufell mountain, bjarnarhöfn shark museum, stykkishólmur.

Today you will be driving through northern Iceland, all the way to the beautiful Lake Mývatn. Along your way, there are various sights to be seen. Make sure to get an early start though, as today’s drive is pretty long. If you are up for a little detour right away, you should drive north, 40 km up road 711 to Hvítserkur, which is a large basalt stack, along with the eastern shore of Vatnsnes peninsula. This is a popular attraction and photo stop, but the roads are a bit rough, so you probably won’t bump into any large tour buses on your way.

Continue to Varmahlíð where you will find the old turf church of Víðimýri. Further ahead you will reach the charming town of Akureyri, Iceland’s second largest urban area. Here you will find the northernmost botanical garden in the world, the Christmas Garden and a very nice geothermal swimming pool with hot tubs and waterslides for the kids. Finally, it’s time to drive to the Mývatn area where several tourist attractions await, such as the lava fields of Dimmuborgir, Námafjall geothermal area, Krafla powerplant and the pseudo craters of Skútustaðir. In the evening, we recommend visiting the Mývatn Nature Baths and relax under the stars or midnight sun. Stay the night in a hotel/guesthouse nearby.

Day ends in

Lake Mývatn area

~299 km / 186 miles

Hvítserkur Basalt Stack

Akureyri botanical garden, lake mývatn, dimmuborgir.

If you have yet to visit any of the sights in the Mývatn area, you can start your day by doing so. Then, it is time to travel to the tranquil and beautiful East Fjords of Iceland. But first, a detour to witness the most powerful waterfall in Europe; the mesmerizing Dettifoss, with its nearly 45m fall, causing a massive sound and crashing spray all around.

The road to Egilsstaðir, capital of the East, is a straight drive past the black sand desert. However, those who are feeling adventurous will find plenty of other detours to enjoy. On the coastline, there are many small, coastal villages that are worthy of a visit. Enjoy off-the-beaten-path villages such as Vopnafjörður, where you can visit Bustarfell, a folk museum in a well-preserved turf building originally from 1770. You can also make your way to the town of Seyðisfjörður, considered to be one of Iceland’s most picturesque towns – because of its historic wooden buildings and natural scenery. You will also find plenty of hiking trails in this area for you to enjoy at your own leisure. In Egilsstaðir, you can visit Lagarfljót and try to spot Iceland’s version of the Loch Ness monster; Lagarfljótsormurinn. Stay the night in or around Egilsstaðir.

Egilsstaðir

~213 km / 132 miles

Dettifoss Waterfall

Seyðisfjörður, hengifoss waterfall, lagarfljót river.

Drive south from Egilstaðir through the rugged East Fjords of Iceland. On your way to Höfn, you will be visiting a handful of small coastal villages. One of them is Fáskrúðsfjörður, which once served as the main station for French fishermen off East Iceland. To this day you can still spot the French heritage by e.g. road signs and their well-manicured French Quarter.

The town of Stöðvarfjörður is famous for its scenery and spectacular mountain peaks. This is also where you’ll find Petra’s Stone Collection – a lifetime collection/display of rocks and minerals, which has become internationally known over time. In this territory, between Egilstaðir and Höfn, there are often reindeer herders in the area. So, if you’re lucky, you might spot a few along your way.

In the charming town of Höfn in Hornafjörður, you will find great lobster restaurants, and because of the reputation and quality of lobster and other seafood around these corners, Höfn is often called the “Lobster capital of Iceland”. In or around Höfn, you will find your accommodation for this evening.

~275 km /171 miles

Fáskrúðsfjörður

Petra’s stone collection, búlandstindur mountain, the eggs of merry bay.

Let´s hope you’re up for an early start because today will be filled with many of Iceland’s biggest highlights. After breakfast, start driving west to your first stop of the day – Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. During summer, you can take a  guided amphibian boat ride  between the beautiful icebergs rising from the cold waters. For a little more action, you might choose the  zodiac boat tour  instead. They travel faster and get you a little closer to the icebergs.

Next up, 60 km further west, is Skaftafell National Park. This green oasis, located next to the black Skeiðarársandur desert, and below the white glacier make the contrasts of this area simply breathtaking. We recommend hiking up to Svartifoss, a beautiful waterfall surrounded by dark lava columns. The path there is quite steep, but well worth it, and takes around 40 minutes each way. Now, let’s hope you’re not exhausted already because it’s time to make your way to Kirkjubæjarklaustur village for some more sightseeing.

Just a few minutes west of the village you will find  Fjaðrárgljúfur , a massive canyon, 100 meters deep and nearly two km long. There are new walking paths beside the canyon and a couple of excellent viewpoints for taking the perfect photo. Next up is the last stretch of the day, the drive to the beautiful Vík area. Take an evening walk on the black volcanic beach of Reynisfjara and from there, witness the mighty Reynisdrangar ocean cliffs. Stay the night in/around Vík.

~243 km / 151 miles

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Svartifoss waterfall, kirkjubæjarklaustur, reynisfjara black sand beach, fjaðárgljúfur canyon.

Today you will feast your eyes on three of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls and drive around the classic Golden Circle area. If you still have spots to see around Vík, start the day by doing so, and then keep travelling west.

First up is Skógafoss, a picture-perfect waterfall with a 60-meter vertical drop, and next to it, the Skógar folk museum which displays interesting artefacts and turf houses from olden times. A half an hour further, the next waterfall awaits. This one is named Seljalandsfoss, surrounded by cliffs and green slopes, and even has a footpath behind the waterfall for a nice 360° view. You can expect to get a little wet when walking around/behind it.

The Famous Golden Circle – an area not to be missed on your Iceland Ring Road Trip

Now, drive up to the town of Selfoss for a nice lunch before starting the Golden Circle route. The first stop of the circle is Kerið, a volcanic crater partially filled with water. Some choose to take a little detour to the village of Flúðir, where you will find the  Secret Lagoon , Iceland’s oldest thermal swimming pool. Next up is the Gullfoss waterfall, which is, in fact, two separate waterfalls, with a combined drop of 32 meters. Close by is the Geysir area, a geothermal field with hot springs and bubbling mud pools. Watch a “performance” by Strokkur geyser, as it spouts water and steams up to 30 meters into the air.

The last official stop of the day will be Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, since 2004. Several crucial events in Icelandic history took place at Þingvellir and its geology is just remarkable. Stay the night in the area.

Golden Circle area

Driving Distance

~300 km / 186 miles

Seljalandsfoss

Þingvellir national park, secret lagoon.

It’s time for the last leg of your Iceland round tour. Drive south from Selfoss in the direction Eyrarbakki and Stokkseyri, two charming little villages worth visiting. In Stokkseyri you’ll find an excellent seafood restaurant. So, if you’re hungry and craving an early lunch, this is the spot.

Drive along the coast and visit the geothermal areas of Seltún and Krýsuvík and the beautiful lake Kleifarvatn. In this are you will also find Gunnuhver mud pools and steam vents right next to the first lighthouse built in Iceland. If museums are your thing, there are plenty to be found in the area. To name a few, there is the Saltfish museum in Grindavík, the Reykjanes Maritime Center and Icelandic Museum of Rock ’n’ Roll, both located in Reykjanesbær.

In the afternoon, drive towards the Blue Lagoon and have a dip in its milky blue waters. After a week on the road, you deserve a relaxing soak and perhaps a nice cool beverage while you’re at it. Finally, head back to Reykjavík, return your rental car and check into your hotel in downtown Reykjavík. Go out with a bang, and dine at one of Reykjavík’s finest restaurants.

Golden Circle Area

~ 176 km / 109 miles

Geothermal area in Seltún

The blue lagoon, reykjanes peninsula.

Your day of departure has arrived. If you have an afternoon flight, you still have some time for last minute shopping in town, or perhaps a nice lunch somewhere close to your hotel. You will be transferred to Keflavík International Airport in good time for your scheduled flight. We thank you for traveling with Iceland Unlimited and wish you a safe and enjoyable flight back home.

Budget accommodations include shared facilities in guest houses, country hotels, farmhouses, etc. In some cases, the rooms might be equipped with a TV and a washbasin. The in-room amenities are limited and basic but they all adhere to a high standard of cleanliness. Breakfast is included.

Comfort accommodations offer access to private facilities (shower and toilet). This type of lodges belongs to the 3-star hotel category. Most of these properties have an in-house restaurant. This section offers an upgrade in comfort and service compared to the budget category. Breakfast is included.

Quality accommodations offer private rooms with en-suite shower/bath and toilet. These rooms are the best available accommodations in 4-star hotels or the highest quality lodges in each region. Luxury accommodations - the highest class of lodges, suites, and penthouses - are available upon request. Breakfast is included.

Luxury accommodations include Suites and high-end rooms in Quality Accommodations. These types of lodges and resorts provide an upscale look and personalized services. Classy, elegant, and comfortable, luxury accommodations strive to offer a first-class experience and top-quality services to ensure a truly extraordinary and memorable stay.

Volkswagen Golf

Type: Compact Passenger: 5 Luggage: 2 Doors: 5 Transmission: Automatic (Manual option available)

Kia Ceed Wagon

Type: Intermediate Wagon Passenger: 5 Luggage: 4 Doors: 5 Transmission: Automatic (Manual option available)

4×4 Hyundai Kona

Type: SUV Economy Passenger: 5 Luggage: 3 Doors: 5 Transmission: Automatic (Manual option available)

4×4 Kia Sportage

Type: SUV Full Size Intermediate Passenger: 5 Luggage: 4 Doors: 5 Transmission: Automatic (Manual option available)

4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser

Type: SUV Full Size Passenger: 5 Luggage: 4 Doors: 5 Transmission: Automatic (Manual option available)

Type: VAN Passenger: 8 Luggage: 5 Doors: 5 Transmission: Automatic (Manual option available)

Reykjavík is the capital and biggest city of Iceland with a population of approximately 124,000. It is the northernmost capital in the world. Despite its small size, you can find many attractions and museums, making Reykjavik a popular destination.

Perlan Dome is a landmark of Reykjavik, offering magnificent views to the city as it is located on a hill. From 2017, it features an exhibition with a man-made ice cave 100 meters long.

Harpa is the famous concert hall and conference center located in Reykjavik. The building features a distinctive and original colored glass facade inspired by the basalt landscape of Iceland.  Its unique architecture makes it one of Reykjavik most loved landmarks.

Hallgrímskirkja Church is most certainly Reykjavík´s best-known landmark. The white concrete Church whose image is printed in many postcards, dominates the city. As a matter of fact its tower can be seen from almost every corner of Reykjavík. Its distinctive and futuristic exterior made the Church one of the most visited spots in Reykjavík.

Solfar Sculpture, also known as the Sun Voyager, is the famous steel sculpture created by artist Jón Gunnar Árnason. The art piece is located next to the Sæbraut road in downtown Reykjavík. Its shape reminds of a ship floating on air, facing the ocean.

Hraunfossar is a series of waterfalls coming from underneath Hallmundarhraun, a lava field formed by an eruption of the volcano situated under the glacier Langjökull. The waterfalls pour into the Hvítá river. Hraunfossar is located near Húsafell and Reykholt.

Deildartunguhver Hot Spring is the largest hot spring in Europe. It provides all hot water for the neighbouring villages.

Kirkjufell is a stunning 463 m high mountain on the north coast of Snæfellsnes peninsula in Iceland. It is located near Grundarfjörður village.

Bjarnarhöfn is the region leading producer of hákarl (fermented shark meat), a traditional Icelandic dish. The Shark Museum at Bjarnarhöfn farm, on the northern side of Snæfellsnes peninsula, is where visitors can get a down-home taste of it.

Stykkishólmur is the largest town in Snæfellsnes Peninsula and also the gateway to the Westfjords via the ferry Baldur. It is a center of services and commerce for this region and it is based on tourism and on the fishing industry.

Hvítserkur is a 15 m high basalt stack on the eastern shore of the Vatnsnes peninsula, in northwest Iceland. The rock has two holes at the base, which give it the appearance of an animal of some sort who is drinking from the ocean.

Akureyri is the main town of northern Iceland. It is located at the base of Eyjafjörður Fjord and is the second largest urban area of Iceland. Akureyri is well known to be an important port and fishing center.

Akureyri botanical garden is located in the southern part of the city, in North Iceland. The garden is exceptional for its extreme northern location. This is also known as a site of scientific research where it has been proven that shrubs, trees and other plants can survive on the edge of the Arctic.

Mývatn is a volcanic lake in northern Iceland. It is located in a geothermal area not far from Krafla volcano. The lake was formed by a volcanic eruption therefore the surrounding area is characterized by lava pillars and craters. The lake is also well known because of the rich waterbirds fauna that populates it.

Dimmuborgir is a field of unusually shaped lava formations located east of Mývatn in Iceland. The area consists of caves and rock formations resembling an ancient collapsed fortress. The lava tubes were formed by a lava lake flowing in from a large eruption in the Þrengslaborgir and Lúdentsborgir crater row to the East. The legend wants Dimmuborgir to be connecting earth with the infernal regions.

Dettifoss is a waterfall in Vatnajökull National Park in Northeast Iceland. It is part of the Diamond Circle and it is the considered the most powerful waterfall in Europe. The water of the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river descends from the nearby Vatnajökull glacier and falls for more than 44 metres, causing a massive, crashing spray. This the largest waterfall in Iceland in terms of volume discharge.

Seyðisfjörður is a fjord located in East Iceland. It is believed to be one of the most beautiful fjords of Iceland, surrounded by steep mountains with small rivers running down the sides. The town Seyðisfjörður is named after the fjord.

Hengifoss Waterfall, located in East Iceland, is the third highest waterfall in Iceland. The waterfall is 128 meters high and it is surrounded by basaltic rocks featuring red layers of clay between the lava strata.

This quiet little town in the area of Hérað is the capital of the east and sits on the banks of the Lagarfljót river with a population of 2300 inhabitants. This is one of the youngest towns in Iceland as urbanization began in the 1940s. Renowned for its warm weather in the summer and gorgeous northern lights in the winter.

Egilsstaðir has grown to become the largest town of East Iceland and its main service, transportation, and administration centre. It has an airport, college, and a hospital.

The Lagarfljót river is a 140 km long glacial river. The river forms a large lake next to the town of Egilsstaðir. The 112-meter lake is home of a local legend of a Wyrm that is said to reside in the deeps of the lake. This serpent is a source of many mythical stories and accounts dating back to the 13th century.

Fáskrúðsfjörður is a fjord located between Vattarnes and Hafnarnes peninsulas on the East of Iceland. The town at the bottom of the fjord is named after it and it has french heritage.

Petra's Stone Collection is a rock museum/ collection in Stöðvarfjörður, East Iceland. Petra was a local lady who collected various natural stones throughout her life, the stones that now make up her stone collection.

Búlandstindur is a mountain in Easter Iceland of 1069 meters above sea level. It is a pyramid-shaped stack of basaltic strata.

Höfn is an Icelandic fishing town located in the southeastern part of the Country. The town, the second largest in the southeastern part of Iceland, offers scenic views of Vatnajökull (the largest ice cap in Europe by volume). The main economic activities in Höfn are fishing and tourism. The location is also well known for its culinary tradition with lobster being the most acclaimed specialty of the area.

Djúpivogur is home to one of the most notable works of art found on the ring road around Iceland. „The Eggs of Merry Bay“ are located on the old harbor and were unveiled in 2009, the artist Sigurður Guðmundsson created 34 eggs out of granite that is identically shaped to the eggs of birds that nest in the area. Another feature of this small fishing town is the majestic mountain Búlandstindur that towers over at 1069 meters and is has been dated to be over 8 million years old.

Jökulsárlón is a large glacial lake located in the Southeast of Iceland on the edge of the Vatnajökull National Park. The Lagoon developed into a lake after the glacier started receding from the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The lake can be seen from Route 1 between Höfn and Skaftafell. The lagoon offers outstanding views of the ice cap and it is one of the most spectacular and loved, natural destinations in all Iceland.

Svartifoss, or the Black Fall, is a beautiful waterfall in Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park. It falls off dark lava columns. The hike to the waterfall takes approximately 45 minutes.

Kirkjubæjarklaustur is home to Iceland’s first monastery, built in 1186. In the area of the village there are many of the South Coast's interesting attractions such as the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon and Kirkjugolf- the church floor.

Reynisfjara is a famous black sand beach in the South of Iceland, just next to the village of Vik. Black sand, lava formations, and basalt columns make it a popular stop for all visitors.

Reynisdrangar cliffs are towering basalt-type rock formations situated near the shore of Reynisfjara black sand beach, on the South Coast of Iceland. The folk legend wants them to be the rocky representation of two trolls turned into stone after being caught by the sunlight after dawn.

Fjaðárgljúfur Canyon is a massive canyon located in South East Iceland and is about 100 meters deep and 2 km long. It is thought to be about two million years old and is crossed by Fjaðrá river, making it a perfect stop for great photos.

Skógafoss is a waterfall located on the Skógá river on the South Coast of Iceland. This picture-perfect waterfall descends 60 meters from the cliffs. Before pouring down the cliffs becoming the famous waterfall, the river flows through the Skógárgil gorge.

Seljalandsfoss is one of the most famous and visited waterfalls in Iceland. It located along the South Coast of the Country right by the road n. 1. The waterfall is part of the Seljalands river that originated from the famous volcano glacier Eyjafjallajökull. The waterfall is approximately 60-meter high and it is famous for its path that leads visitor behind its powerful water flow.

Geysir is the famous hot spring area located in the Haukadalur valley. The main attraction is known as Strokkur, which erupts energetically at regular intervals of 10 minutes or so its boiling waterjets can reach as high as 30 meters.

Þingvellir National Park is the most important historic and geological sites in Iceland. The area is part of a fissure zone running through Iceland, being situated on the tectonic plate boundaries of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Major events in the history of Iceland have taken place at Þingvellir and today the entire area is a protected national treasure.

The Secret Lagoon was created in 1891. This geothermal pool is the oldest one in Iceland! It opened to the public in 2005 and it offers showers, a bar & an eating area. It is conveniently located in the Golden Circle area.

Seltún is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, a highly active geothermal area. Seltún consists of boiling mud pools and colourful mountains.

The Blue Lagoon is a famous geothermal spa located in Reykjanes peninsula nearby the International Airport of Iceland. It was formed during an operation at the nearby geothermal power plant. Reservations in advance are necessary for those who are planning a visit.

The Reykjanes peninsula is located on a drift zone, between two continents, the North American and Eurasian plate. It is a unique area where you can see different elements of the drift zone; very active geothermal energy, lava fields and other natural phenomenon. The Blue Lagoon and Keflavik international airport are also located in the area.

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Related multi-day tours, express iceland road trip: 8 days, iceland round trip: 10 days round tour, iceland south coast sensation: 7 days self-drive tour, guided round tour for 8 days.

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Self Drive Tours

10 Day Self Drive Tour | The Ultimate Ring Road

The world's greatest road trip experience everything iceland has to offer & see for yourself.

Drive to see the best of Iceland on Ring Road in 10 days!

• Self Drive Experience
• The Golden Circle (Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss)
• The Ring Road
• South Coast (Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, Dyrholaey, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach)
• Glacier Hiking on Sólheimajökull (optional extra)
• Vatnajokull National Park
• Svartifoss waterfall

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

• The Diamond Beach
• Hallormsstadaskogur
• Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss

Dettifoss waterfall

Hverarond and Namafjall

Godafoss waterfall

• Akureyri, the Capital of The North
• Dalvik Whale Watching (included)
• Kolugljufur Canyon
• Snaefellsnes Peninsula
• Mt. Kirkjufell
• Stykkishólmur
• Arnarstapi & Hellnar villages
• Lóndrangar Sea Stacks
• Djúpalónssandur Pebble Beach
• Deildartunguhver the most powerful hot spring in Europe
• Gerðuberg Basalt Columns
• Hraunfossar and Barnafoss
• Akranes Lighthouse

Reykjanes Peninsula

• And many more you can visit using our detailed guide!
• Accommodation for 9 nights w. breakfast
• Rental car for 10 days (with all basic insurances: Collision Damage Waiver, Personal Accident Insurance and Theft protection)
• Whale watching tour in Dalvik
• Detailed itinerary and information package

What to bring

• Warm clothes
• Hiking shoes
• A driver's license
• Bathing suits and towels

Tour Snapshot

• Best Price Guarantee

Travel at your own pace and explore Iceland with freedom. The majestic nature in Iceland presents a dramatic show to visitors with its national parks, stunning waterfalls, astonishing glaciers, magnificent volcanoes, and steamy geothermal areas. This 10-day Ring Road self-drive package will take you on a phenomenal road trip to see unique scenery and striking landscapes.

You’ll get to extensively explore the capital city, Reykjavik, and visit the wonders of the Golden Circle. You’ll also pass through the Diamond Circle in the north before taking a detour from the Ring Road to visit the brilliant Snaefellsnes National Park.

We have two exciting activities planned for you: glacier hiking in the south (an optional extra) and whale watching in the north (included). Many other fascinating   meet-on-location adventures   are also available along the Ring Road to add some extra spice to your road trip.

Key Facts About the Ring Road

• The Ring Road is also called Highway 1 or Route 1.
• It is 828 miles (1332 kilometers) long, connecting most of Iceland’s major towns.
• The speed limit on most parts of the Ring Road is 55 mph (90 km/h).
• Most of the Ring Road is paved. Only minor stretches are gravel but are signed to warn you beforehand.
• The majority of the route has two lanes but there are single-lane bridges in some locations.
• Gas stations   are plentiful along the Ring Road.
• Watch this fun and informative video from the Icelandic Transport Authority about driving in Iceland.
• Read our guide to driving in Iceland   to make sure your self-drive trip is safe and that you are fully prepared.

Day 1 - The Golden Circle

After arriving in Iceland, your 10-day Ring Road self-drive adventure will begin immediately when you pick up your rental car at Keflavik International Airport. Then, you’ll head straight to the most popular touring route in Iceland,   the epic Golden Circle.

Thingvellir National Park

You’ll travel through absolutely alien scenery as you drive towards the Icelandic capital. The road leads by moss-covered lava fields along the dramatic ocean coastlines. You’ll drive through Reykjavík and then head inland to Iceland’s oldest national park, Thingvellir.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Thingvellir represents great historical and geological values. This is the very location where the world’s first democratic parliament was founded in the year 930. Also, Thingvellir is the site where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are slowly edging apart, creating a stunning rift valley that runs right through the park.

Follow the path and walk along this rugged valley between the dramatic cliffs of the continents’ boundaries. Visit the site where the law speaker – the supreme Icelandic chieftain – would stand to proclaim the law. There was no parliament building here. Today, a simple flag marks the law rock (lögberg) where the greatest decisions in the history of Iceland were declared under the open sky.

Geysir Geothermal Area

Next on the agenda is the world-famous Geysir Geothermal Area. It’s located only an hour’s drive from Thingvellir. This is the site where the Great Geysir – which all other geysers were named after – is located. The area is filled with thick steam, bubbling hot springs, and boiling mud pots, along with many other exciting geothermal phenomena.

Even though the Great Geysir is inactive nowadays, you’ll get to see its little brother, Strokkur, which erupts huge volumes of superheated water high into the air every 5 to 10 minutes. These boiling water spouts often reach a height of 65-131 ft. (20-40 m)! Watching a geyser erupt will surely give you that tingly feeling in your stomach!

Gullfoss Waterfall

Only a 10-minute drive from here, your next stop is one of Iceland’s most well-known and most powerful waterfalls, the majestic Gullfoss. The water flowing through Gullfoss originates in Iceland’s second-largest glacier, Langjökull. In good weather, you’ll be able to see the giant ice cap shining in the distance!

In the summertime, the path that leads very close to the waterfall is open. Walking all the way to the water will give you the opportunity to feel the spray in the air as the thundering torrent is forced through the canyon. The water drops 105 ft. (32 m) in two stages, down into a scenic canyon.

In the wintertime, you can still walk pretty close to the waterfall. You’ll have plenty of great photo opportunities from one of the scenic viewing points over the cascade. In sunny weather, you’ll see a pretty rainbow and plenty of golden-hued spray around Gullfoss, which are also known as the Golden Falls!

Faxafoss/Faxi Waterfall

On your way back to the capital, you can visit another scenic waterfall called Faxafoss or Faxi. This one is not as big and powerful as Gullfoss but it’s very pretty and definitely worth a visit.

After the rich and adventurous day, you’ll spend the night in the Reykjavik area in a pre-booked room with a private bathroom and breakfast included.

Day 2 - The South Coast

After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, you’ll drive through the southern lowlands on the   Ring Road . The contrasting topography on the southern rim was created by the constant volcanic activity that has been occurring since the creation of Iceland. On the north side of the Ring Road, you’ll see many mountains dramatically rising up 3280-4921 ft. (1000-1500 m) into the sky.

Seljalandsfoss waterfall

The first stop will be the Seljalandsfoss waterfall. This cascade plummets from a height of 206 ft. (63 m) straight into a pond. The splashing water creates a glistering mist against the sun when you walk in the cave behind the waterfall.

Gljufrabui waterfall

Keep walking north and you’ll see a few streams running down from the same enormous cliff. Walk for 10 minutes and you’ll arrive at the entrance to Gljufrabui waterfall, whose name means “Canyon dweller”. You can even see part of the cascade before you walk inside the small canyon. To visit this cascade, it’s best to have the waterproof gear and rain boots with you.

Skogafoss waterfall

After no more than a 30-minute drive, you’ll reach Skogafoss waterfall. One of the largest waterfalls in Iceland, its cascade is 49 ft. (15 m) in width and 100 ft. (62 m) in height. This spectacular sight is even more amazing in the right weather conditions when a rainbow is formed in front of the cascade. Upon leaving, the nearby Skogar Museum is also a good place to visit.

Solheimajokull glacier

The morning hours of Day 2 are filled with the sounds and movements that compose a natural symphony that echoes through the valley. In the afternoon, you’ll have the chance to join a glacier hike on Solheimajokull glacier. (Please note that this is an optional extra. Instructions for booking this tour will be presented in the itinerary after purchase.) Hiking on the ice while listening to the unusual sounds and taking in the sublime view is an unforgettable experience!

Dyrholaey Cliffs

The next stop is Dyrholaey, a promontory towering 393 ft. (120 m) over the ocean. This is a summer breeding paradise for birdlife including the famous puffins. On the top is a white lighthouse. From there, you’ll have an unbroken view of glaciers, black sand beaches, the silver tides coming and going, and an enormous lava arch rising alone in the ocean.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

On the east side is the famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. The black sand was formed by eroded volcanic rocks. Over countless years, the bigger rocks were fragmentized into tiny ones, eventually becoming grains. Columns of basalt stand dramatically on the beach forming a wall, like a gigantic surreal sculpture.

Vík Village

Later, you can visit Vik. It’s a small fishing village in front of the ocean with remarkable views. You can visit the landmark red-roofed church that sits on the hill overlooking this area.

After that, you’ll drive to your accommodation for the night in either Vik or the Kirkjubaejarklaustur area.

Day 3 - Skaftafell & Jökulsárlón

On Day 3, you’ll continue to drive through the southern lowlands where the epic scenery and adventurous activities continue.

Fjadrargljufur canyon

As you follow the Ring Road east, you’ll enjoy some extraordinary landscapes. You can make an optional detour to visit the picturesque Fjadrargljufur canyon, which is not far from the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. (Please note that visiting this canyon requires a four-wheel-drive car in the wintertime) The 1.24-mi. (2-km) canyon is about 328 ft. (100 m) deep and looks like it has come straight out of a fairytale, offering epic photo opportunities.

As you continue your journey eastwards, you’ll have plenty of detour options to see some stunning sites like basalt formations and oddly-shaped mountains.

Skaftafell National Park

The next big stop is the beautiful Skaftafell National Park. Now a part of Vatnajokull National Park, this place was once a manor farming area. Skaftafell is also a popular starting point for many exciting activities. If you drive here between November and March, you might want to visit the naturally formed   crystal ice cave , which can be a stunning visual diversion. This will allow you to see firsthand what is inside the magnificent glacier!

Svartifoss Waterfall

With just a short hike in the national park, you can visit the black waterfall, Svartifoss. This unearthly waterfall is the best representation of the Icelandic geographical feature that was formed from intense volcanic activities. The waterfall drops from 65 ft. (20 m) over the basalt columns as a solemn act in the tacit wilderness. It takes a 40-minute walk each way to see the wondrous beauty.

Moving on, the magnificent Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon will be your next stop. This will be the crown jewel of the day. The lagoon was created by Breidamerkurjokull glacier as it retreated over the last century. Today, the depression the glacier left behind has filled up with glacier meltwater, creating the deepest lake in all of Iceland.

With huge icebergs floating on the surface and smaller ice blocks left stranded on the black sand on their way out to the ocean, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon illuminates the unimaginable shades of blue, thereby constructing an awesome vista.

Many seabirds and seals choose to stay here over summer, regardless of the cold glacier water. There are   boat tours   that can take you to see the giant icebergs up close.

Diamond Beach

When the sunlight comes through the ice blocks, you can see their iridescence glowing like diamonds. This is why many visitors call this place “Diamond Beach”.

Finally, you’ll drive to Hofn to rest after a day of excitement. It takes about 65 minutes to drive there from Jokulsarlon. The town has become a booming harbor over the years and there are many recreational sites, nice restaurants, shops, and swimming pools. It also hosts a lobster festival every summer.

Your accommodation for the night will be in either the Skaftafell area or near the village of Höfn.

Day 4 - Eastfjords

On Day 4, your road trip will switch into fjord mode. You are going to start driving on the mountain roads in the fjord landscapes.

Djupivogur Village

After 59 mi. (95 km) spent driving along the part of the Ring Road where scenic mountains and mossy lava fields extend endlessly, you’ll arrive in Djupivogur. This is a friendly little town where you can stop and have some coffee or a bowl of good Icelandic soup at a local restaurant. You may even spot a colony of seals in the harbor.

Havarí Farm

Not far from Djupivogur is an organic farm, café, hostel, and concert venue in a farm called Havarí. The musician couple Svavar and Berglind (a.k.a. Prins Póló and Skakkamage) are the hosts at the farm, along with their children. The Havarí café offers fresh, homemade food and cakes. Much of it is vegetarian but there is also traditional Icelandic fare. Noteworthy mentions include their currywurst plate made with Bulsur, their homemade vegan sausages, and their homegrown organic potatoes. The coffee is always made from organically grown coffee beans!

Petra’s Stone Mineral Collection

As you follow the curving roads of the Eastfjords, you’ll have the opportunity to make some extra stops in the tiny villages that you pass along the way. We recommend visiting Petra’s Stone Mineral Collection in Stöðvarfjörður. The collector of these beautiful stones was well-known all over Iceland. Petra never gave up on her precious hobby of collecting stones, shells, and minerals until the day of her passing at age 90. Her collection is truly impressive! (Please note that the entrance fee is not included in this tour).

Lagarfljot lake

After seeing a diverse collection of Icelandic stones, you’ll continue your drive through Iceland’s mystical Eastfjords and head towards the legendary Lagarfljot lake. According to legend, a giant serpent lives in this lake. Some have even caught it on video – you can look it up on   YouTube !

Borgarfjörður Eystri

Following the road that runs along the lake towards the ocean, you’ll drive through very remote areas and totally unique landscapes. After a scenic drive, your final stop of the day will be at Borgarfjörður Eystri, a fjord-side village known as a natural paradise in the East.

The town has a population of only about 100 inhabitants. Located in a long and fertile valley surrounded by incredibly sharp and dramatic mountains, Borgarfjörður Eystri is often referred to as one of the most beautiful locations in Iceland.

Your accommodation for the night will be in the Borgarfjörður Eystri area.

Day 5 - Continuing on the Eastfjords

On your 5th day, you’ll wake up in the most idyllic Icelandic countryside village.

Hafnarhólmi Cape

You can start the day by visiting the adorable puffin colony at the edge of town. By the harbor is a tiny island that you can reach via a small bridge. Puffins are abundant here and can be observed from very close up. These silly looking birds are not afraid of humans at all!

Dyrfjöll mountains

If the weather is nice, you’ll have the opportunity to take a nice hike through the Dyrfjöll mountains. The natural scenery around Borgarfjordur Eystri is matchless. It is no wonder this place is a favored holiday destination for Icelanders. Dyrfjöll mountain is one of the most impressive mountains in all of Iceland as it is famously wild and beautiful from four directions.

The hike to the most illustrious spot in the area takes you to Stórurð (the “giant boulders”). This consists of gigantic tuff boulders, charming meadows, and attractive turquoise-colored ponds. The hike starts higher from the road on the mountain pass over the village. There are plenty of other scenic hiking options to choose from. No matter where you go, you are very likely to encounter some reindeer on your hike!

After the fantastic day spent in the mountains, your accommodation for the night will be in the Borgarfjörður Eystri area.

Day 6 - Dettifoss, Myvatn Area and the Diamond Circle

Waking up in East Iceland on Day 6, you’ll   head north .

Rjúkandi Waterfall

On your way from Egilsstadir to Akureyri, many roadside waterfalls run down the slopes. Rjúkandi is one of the most beautiful of all, so make sure to plan a short stop there.

The magnificent Dettifoss waterfall will be the next stop. The most voluminous waterfall in Europe has a cascade that extends over 328 ft. (100 m), plunging down 147 ft. (45 m) into the canyon. The flow generates considerable mist that shrouds the valley in mystery as it moves up from the dry cliff. The sheer force of these falls dwarfs many of the other waterfalls in the world.

The Diamond Circle

Moving from Dettifoss, you’ll head to the most stunning part of Iceland. People often refer to this as the Diamond Circle. This area has impeccable landscapes with remarkable volcanic and geothermal features.

Hverarond and Namafjall will be the first sites to visit. Surrounded by immensely infertile land, this area resembles the surface of Mars. The mind-blowingly hot ground emits strong sulfur smells from the boiling mud pots and steaming cracks.

Myvatn Nature Baths

You’ll pass the Myvatn Nature Baths, also known as the “northern Blue Lagoon,” on your way to visit the Lake Myvatn area. You can choose to take a dip for total relaxation in the middle of the natural quintessence.

Lake Myvatn Area

Looking over to the horizon, Lake Myvatn is surrounded by a small group of craters. The beautiful lake was created by the repeated intense volcanic activities of 2300 years ago.

After a thorough visit around the lake, you can visit the Dimmuborgir rocks. This is a place filled with peculiar-shaped rocks in the middle of the subarctic fauna. In the area, you can visit a spectacular lava-sculpture garden called Dimmuborgir (the “dark fortress”) and a cave that hides a hot spring named Grotagja!

Godafoss waterfall will be a perfect finale for a day full of intense visual treats. This elegant waterfall with an astonishingly symmetrical cascade proves the formidable power of almighty nature. Although it is only 39 ft. (12 m) high and 98 ft. (30 m) wide, it’s considered the dreamiest waterfall in Iceland.

Akureyri City

Later, you’ll drive to Akureyri. This city has a great nightlife vibe and there are various attractions and activities for you to explore. Your accommodation for the night will be in either Akureyri or the Eyjafjordur area.

Day 7 - Akureyri And Whale Watching

Embrace your morning on Day 7 in the   capital of the north , as you’ll be smacking your lips when you see the vibrant life and lively people hugging the near-arctic weather with passion and love.

You can fully understand the tough Icelandic personality after spending some time in this town of 18,000 souls. There is plenty to see on the streets and in the alleyways. The Akureyrarkirkja church has a completely different style compared to Hallgrimskirkja in Reykjavik, even though they are the children of the same father: the architect Gudjon Samuelsson. The northernmost botanical garden, Lystigardurinn, is the perfect site for a pleasant walk to take in the floral delights on a good sunny day.

Whale Watching in Dalvík Village

You’ll be driving to Dalvik for your pre-booked whale watching tour which boards at 1 p.m. Heading offshore with an exciting group, you’ll get to see these giant mammals thrashing in the blue ocean against the backdrop of the white mountains and the azure sky. The harbor view is also splendid with many colorful houses and boats in the frame.

Skagafjordur Fjord

Driving along the Skagafjordur, you can see a 700,000-year-old volcano remnant standing alone in the ocean. Drangey island has impressively steep cliffs that host rich birdlife.

Hvitserkur Sea Stack

After many turns and curves through the farmlands of North Iceland, you’ll finally arrive at Hvitserkur, a 49-foot (15-meter) dragon-shaped basalt stack standing on the eastern shore of Vatnsnes. (Please note that the road leading to Hvítserkur has no winter service and can sometimes be closed for short periods of time in the deep winter months from November to February).

Vatnsnes Peninsula

Later in the evening, you’ll stay in the Vatnsnes area in a comfortable room we have pre-booked for you. Vatnsnes is a beautiful town that is also home to many wild creatures like seals and seabirds. It’s worth taking a wonderful night walk under the glow of the midnight sun or the Northern Lights.

Day 8 - Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Leaving North Iceland on Day 8, you’ll head to the   Snaefellsnes Peninsula .

Kolugljufur canyon

Passing by the rolling mountains and stony shores, the first stop you’ll see is a secretive canyon named Kolugljufur. The Kolufossar waterfall flows over the rugged hill where the streams are diverted into small creeks and continue to flow forcefully in the gorge.

Grabrok crater

Next, you can visit Grabrok crater. It sits near the neck of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, right on the Ring Road. Standing on the rim of the crater, the view from the height of 557 ft. (170 m) is marvelous. The flourishing vicinity beautifully embellishes the sterile volcanic crater with Icelandic fauna in unsaturated colors.

Stykkisholmur Town

On your way to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, you’ll encounter bridges and rivers interweaving on the wide plains. The first site we recommend visiting is Stykkisholmur, a town on the north side of the peninsula with diverse birdlife. There are a lot of   terrific things to experience   when you are there.

Kirkjufell Mountain and the Kirfjufellsfossar Waterfalls

The next sight on this refreshing route is Kirkjufell, one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland. The landmark is famous for its singular posture, standing 1519 ft. (463 m) above the sea. This isolation is compensated by the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall. The composition of the two makes an epic scene, especially in winter the Northern Lights dance over the mountain top. When this happens, the entire area will be brightened and colored under the greenish bliss.

Snaefellsjokull National Park

The climax of the day will be touring Snaefellsjokull National Park. Among all of the outstanding scenery, Snaefellsjokull glacier stands 4744 ft. (1446 m) high, like the most precious stone in a crown. The nearby Djupalonssandur and Dritvik cove give a mysterious feeling at the glacier’s foot.

Londrangar Sea Stacks

In the south, a pair of rock pinnacles called Londrangar overlook the North Atlantic as the waves crash back and forth on the beach. Moving east, Hellnar and Arnarstapi are two charming towns that offer countless sights to see.

You’ll stay in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula for the night in a cozy accommodation we have chosen just for you.

Day 9 - Through West Iceland To Reykjavik

Ytri Tunga Seal Colony

Getting back on the Ring Road on Day 9, your journey will take to Ytri Tunga, a beautiful beach where colonies of seals choose to reside. Following this route, you’ll drive to explore the west part of Iceland.

Gerduberg Cliffs

Next, you can stop to visit the Gerduberg Cliffs. This huge wall of geometric patterns was formed by basalt columns standing straight 46 ft. (14 m) out of the earth. The size and style create a solemn ceremonial tone that proves the mighty power of nature.

Deildartunguhver Hot Spring

After observing the sheer beauty of these volcanic creations, you’ll be heading to Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe. Once at the site, you’ll see a lot of mist floating out of the ground. Underneath it lies the scalding hot spring that can produce 50 gallons (180 liters) of water per second at a piping hot 97°C (200°F). All of the hot water supply for households within a 40-mile (65-km) radius comes from this source.

Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfalls

Moving a little bit toward the east, you’ll see Hraunfossar (the “lava waterfall”) and Barnafoss (the “children’s falls”) near each other. On the observation deck near the parking place, you can see the myriad streams of Hraunfossar flow out of the ground before finding their way to the river in the middle of the luxurious lava field.

Especially true when you visit in autumn, the plant coloration reflected in the blue water is extraordinary. Barnafoss is very closeby and its name is derived from folklore. The scenery there is very different as the water flows rapidly through the middle of a small rocky valley with captivating views of its surroundings.

Akranes City

Driving in the direction of Reykjavik, you’ll pass Akranes. We recommend stopping here to see one of the oldest lighthouses. It stands at the tip of the harbor, telling stories about the old marine life. The Ring Road stretches on the east part of the town. If you drive east, you’ll have a good view of Hvalfjordur.

Once you drive through the Hvalfjordur Tunnel, you’ll sense Reykjavik beckoning you with its buzzy urban life. You’ll stay in the Capital Region for the night.

Day 10 - Through Reykjanes Peninsula to Keflavik

It’s departure day, so you’ll be heading to   Keflavik International Airport .

But before you say “so long” to Iceland, you’ll drive through the Reykjanes Peninsula where endless lava fields stretch near and far with the mountain ranges visible in the distance. There is plenty to see in the exotic Reykjanes Peninsula.

The Blue Lagoon

The amazing Blue Lagoon will welcome you with a milky blue hot bath on your way to the airport. This acclaimed 8th Wonder of the World is something you must experience and is just perfect to rinse off the fatigue of driving. You can relish the past 10 amazing days in Iceland while surrounded by its tranquil warmth in a natural setting. Please keep in mind that the entry fee is not included in the self-drive package and we recommend booking your visit in advance at   bluelagoon.is .

Hopsnesviti and Reykjanesviti lighthouses

The port town of Grindavik is located nearby on a spit that was formed 2800 years ago. You can drive to Hopsnesviti and Reykjanesviti to see the lighthouses and cliffs where seabirds will hover above you.

The Bridge Between Continents

You can also drive to the Bridge Between Continents where you’ll find yourself between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. These sites will make a small loop of a short day tour on the Reykjanes Peninsula before you drop your rental car off at the airport.

Keflavík International Airport

When your flight departs, we are sure that you’ll miss the land of fire and ice. Iceland will no longer sound like that distant island near the Arctic Circle. Instead, it will be the land where you will have established an emotional bond in a period of just 10 days. You will have been to the mountains and the sea. You will have seen the volcanos and the beaches. You will have even stepped on a glacier and said “hi” to the whales. When you look through the window of the airplane, you’ll think of Iceland from a new perspective.

This   10-day self-drive tour   will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will allow you to see the best of Iceland. With the Golden Circle and Snaefellsnes Peninsula included, this 10-day Ring Road self-drive package gives you abundant time to explore Iceland extensively. It’s designed for those who want a lingering taste of this Nordic metropolis and adventures in the Icelandic wilderness. The dramatic landscapes, incredible waterfalls, and vivid wildlife will set the stage for your personal tale of adventure near the Arctic Circle.

Pick-up Information

Choose between pickup at Keflavik international airport (KEF) or  BSI bus terminal in downtown Reykjavik , at flexible times.

For the best experience, we recommend that you pick the car up early on arriving day, and return it in the afternoon or evening on the departure day.

Drop-off information

By default your drop-off location is always set to Keflavik international airport (KEF), no matter which pickup location you select.

You can however drop-off the car at  BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik , on the last day. If you prefer this drop-off location, you can change the drop-off location afterwards (details can be found in the confirmation email).

Accommodation

Comfort accommodation is included in the package. Good locations, breakfast included and you get a private bathroom.

Note: If you book for 2 or 4 persons you get twin / double rooms. If you book for 3 or 5 persons you get a combination of double/twin rooms and a single room.

What is a self-drive tour?

It is a package tour that includes accommodation, car rental, and suggested itinerary. We provide you with all information to make sure you know where to go and what to see in Iceland along with general practical information about Iceland, as this is a self-guided tour. Included with our tours are accommodation and car rental, as described for each tour, itinerary with suggested points of interest along the way, GPS points for each stop (accommodation, activities, points of interest), and a detailed self-drive handbook with lots of practical information.

Which hotels will be provided and what category are they?

We use a very varied mix of local accommodations.

Comfort rooms are private rooms with private bathroom in guesthouses, hotels, motels, lodges, etc. Approximately 3-star rating.

Budget rooms are private rooms with a shared bathroom at guesthouses, hostels, hotels, etc. Approximately 2-star rating.

What type of vehicle is recommended?

During winter months (October-April) we recommend 4WD vehicles but it doesn’t necessarily have to be a jeep, it is safest to drive a vehicle that you are comfortable with so if you’re not used to driving large cars then a smaller, but 4WD might be a better option. In summertime any vehicle is good, depending on how many are traveling together, how much luggage you carry along and how much you’re willing to pay.

How much time is spend in the car each day?

That depends mostly on the itinerary, some are faster paced while others are more relaxed. Days can range from 200-400 km, though very few days exceed 350 km. You are of course your own driver and guide while on a self-drive tour so you are free to make detours as you wish.

What kind of travel insurance are recommended?

You never know what might happen while in a foreign country so we highly recommend you to have good travel insurance. Sure it costs a bit extra, but it can take a load off the mind and end up being a totally worth it in case something sudden could happen. Take a look at what type of insurance is provided with your credit card, alternatively buy special travel insurance from an insurance provider.

As for the car rental, you can opt to buy extra insurance at the time of collecting the car. It may be wise to buy extra insurance such as windshield protection, as a cracked windshield from a stone being thrown off another car is among the most common incidents on Icelandic roads.

Other extra car insurances would be for example sand and ash protection, or additional insurance to lower the self-risk in case of an incident.

Can I change the itinerary?

Our self-drive adventures have been optimized for the best value experience, which includes doing some thrilling activities in the amazing Icelandic nature. As the packages are offered at the best possible price no partial refunds or modifications to the itinerary can be permitted. That includes opting out of an included activity and getting a refund for that activity. You can, of course, choose not to do the activity but as mentioned there would be no partial refunds of the package price.

What should I do if a problem may occur while traveling?

You should contact the service provider in question: If there is a problem with the car, contact the car rental. If you have troubles finding the hotel (which shouldn’t happen as you will be provided with the address and GPS coordinates), you should call the hotel.

If you have questions about an activity, contact the activity provider. You will receive all the necessary contact information from us.

What is best to wear on our Iceland glacier trips?

Iceland is known for unforeseeable weather. It is likely that you can see all 4 seasons in one day. Dressing for that kind of weather can always be demanding, so we suggest dressing in layers. 3 or 4 upper layers are highly recommended, for example, a light t-shirt (preferably wool) next to the skin, then a fleece or heavy wool garment topped off with a waterproof windbreaker. Jeans are not recommended for our trips as they are not suitable for the weather conditions, they become very heavy, cold and uncomfortable to wear when they get wet. Lightweight hiking pants, track pants or long cotton pants are convenient and wear wind/waterproof pants over them. There is high UV and sunlight reflecting off on the glacier so we highly recommend using sunglasses and sunscreen even if it is cloudy. You will need sturdy hiking boots that fit crampons for the glacier hiking tours. If you do not own a pair then we rent out suitable hiking boots as well as a waterproof raincoat and trousers.

Is a backpack necessary on a glacier trip in Iceland?

It is good to bring your own backpack on our full-day or half- day tours. It’s the best carry-on for a small lunch, extra clothes, and other necessary items.

Is a camera allowed on a glacier trip?

The scenery on the tour is full of stunning, breathtaking views that you’ll almost definitely want to capture forever, so you should definitely bring your camera along. Your tour guide will also be happy to take your photo.

Are you allowed to join a glacier hike if you are pregnant?

This is surely a personal choice, we do not deny pregnant women on our glacier trips but we highly recommend you to take a closer look at our trip description and difficulty ratings, they will hopefully give you a better idea. We also recommend you to contact your physician, as pregnant women’s health can be quite different. If you have any further questions or concerns then feel free to contact us.

Is lunch provided on the glacier tours?

Lunch is not provided on any of our trips, therefore we recommend you bring your own lunch , snacks, and a bottle of water (you can refill it on the trip). It is especially important to make sure you bring lunch on our longer trips.

What are crampons?

Crampons enable you to walk on the glacier ice without slipping. They are metal spikes that we attach to the soles of your hiking shoes.

Does Adventures.com have a guide on all of their tours?

Yes, we have specially trained and certified glacier guides on every glacier tour that we offer. And for our 3rd party tours we only partner with operators that meet our quality and safety standards.

Do you provide equipment when taking part in your glacier tours?

Yes, we provide you with all the necessary glacier gear for our glacier hiking tours. Ice axes, crampons, harnesses, and helmets are provided. This will help you to complete the tour safely. The minimum shoe size to attach crampons is EU 35.

Why do we have glaciers in Iceland?

Iceland is known to have a lot of snow and when the snow stays long enough in one place than it turns to ice. Over long periods of time, the ice layers up becoming huge blocks called glaciers. It forms to create ginormous glaciers that sweep across huge masses of land. Iceland is home of the largest glacier in Europe that is called Vatnajökull. The Glacier Guides can tell you more about and everything you need to know about the Glaciers.

What happens if it is raining?

Rain is common in Iceland but we never let the rain be in our way to go forward with our tours. That’s why we highly recommend appropriate clothing so you can stay warm and dry. Nature is out of our control and therefore we need to adapt to the weather. Your safety is our priority so if your safety is compromised by going on the tour then we will cancel it and you will get full reimbursement.

Can I find more information about how to prepare for my Glacier Hiking tour?

The guide on your g lacier h iking tour will provide you with all the information you might need when preparing for a glacier hike.

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Zest In A Tote

For the discerning family traveler, the ultimate iceland ring road itinerary: 12 days road trip.

• by Shweta Singhal
• Posted on July 9, 2023 April 16, 2024

Iceland. Better Than Space.

While I was researching for my Iceland ring road itinerary, I came upon this campaign line. Now we are all familiar with marketing campaigns that are mostly hyperbole. But after walking on dried magma, seeing volcanic black sand plains, hiking over glaciers and entering sub-glacial ice caves, dipping into geothermal water, I have bought into Iceland ‘s tourism campaign. And if you are the adventurous sort who wants to experience most of the rugged, wild beauty in this country, no better than this Iceland road trip Itinerary in 12 days.

Ring Road or Route 1 is Iceland’s main road that goes all around the country. So an Iceland road trip itinerary traverses mainly along the ring road. It is quite easy to rent a car and self-drive in springtime and summer (mid-April to September end). It covers all the must-do in the more touristy parts of south coast, and also to the lesser visited (but not less stunning) east, north and west regions. This route can be travelled clock-wise (which is what we did) or counter-clockwise.

This 12-days Iceland ring road itinerary is best suited for the active lot who pack in sightseeing and experiences each day. It is meant for first time visitors to Iceland and leaves out Westfjords completely. We did manage a day off the ring road into the remote Highland region in Central Iceland though. It can be easily curtailed to a 10-Days Iceland road trip itinerary or expanded to a 14 Days road trip.

Disclaimer:  This helpful post contains some affiliate links. This means that if you click on any of the links in this post (AND make a purchase) I may receive a  small commission  at  absolutely no cost to you . As such I thank you in advance should you decide to click & buy .

Page Contents

Iceland 12 Days Ring Road Itinerary Overview

Grindavik (1 night) – Hellnar in Snaefellsnes Peninsula (1 night) – Akureyri (1 night) – Myvatn (2 nights) – Hofn (1 night) – Vik (3 nights) – Nesjavellir (Landmannalaugar tour and to explore the Golden Circle, 2 nights) – Reykjavik (1 night)

As you can note, there is a lot of moving about in an Iceland road trip itinerary. Thankfully, the driving distances are not too long and the 24 hour daylight helps! But there are a lot of experiences and must-dos to cover in this amazing land. And do factor in weather. We experienced stormy, windy, rainy conditions for 3 days out of our 12 days in Iceland. You can’t travel light. Icelandic weather is temperamental and can change to rainy with strong winds from sunny blue sky days in a jiffy!

“If you don’t like the weather in Iceland, wait 10 minutes”. You will hear this a lot 🙂

Iceland Ring Road Itinerary for 10 days or 14 days

You could go around the island in 7 to 8 days if you are not into hiking or many adventures. But do note that would be quite exhausting. I would recommend a minimum of 10 days for the Iceland ring road itinerary.

If you are keen on a 10 day Iceland itinerary, cut a day in Snaefellsnes peninsula / Glymur hiking and another to Landmannalaugar. You can choose to spend the second night in Hellnar or Akureyri. Combine the stay between Nesjavellir and Rejkavik (for 2 nights), they are close enough. And voila, you don’t miss out on any of the must-dos on your 10 day Iceland itinerary.

So a 10 day road trip across Iceland would follow this:

Grindavik (1 night) – Hellnar in Snaefellsnes Peninsula or Akureyri (1 night) – Myvatn (2 nights) – Hofn (1 night) – Vik (3 nights) – Reykjavik (2 nights, explore Golden Circle from Reykjavik)

Extending this to a 14 day epic road trip in Iceland is also easy. You can add 2 nights to explore West Fjords region. So a 14 day road trip across Iceland would follow this:

Grindavik (1 night) – Hellnar in Snaefellsnes Peninsula (1 night) – Patreksfjörður (2 nights) Akureyri (1 night) – Myvatn (2 nights) – Hofn (1 night) – Vik (3 nights) – Nesjavellir (Landmannalaugar tour and to explore the Golden Circle, 2 nights) – Reykjavik (1 night)

Travel Resources for Iceland

Use Skyscanner for booking flights.

Rent a car to drive around in Iceland. Get the best car deals on RentalCars and Discover Cars here! Take a look at local car rental companies that have very good customers reviews and awards like Lava car rental .

Use Kiwitaxi for airport transfer if you are not renting a car immediately.

We used Booking.com for all our hotel bookings in Iceland

Get an eSim for your trip for effortless data connection from Airalo .

Day 1: Rejuvenating Blue Lagoon

On landing at the Keflavik airport, the first port of call was to rent a car. Rather pick up the rented car we had already pre-booked, a crucial step to start our Iceland road trip for 12 days. Unlike most international airports, rental cars are not at the airport. We took a shuttle arranged by the rental company to their office located nearby and picked up the 4-wheel drive.

We then drove to our hotel very close to Blue Lagoon. Blue Lagoon is close to Reykjavik and you can choose to do this from the city. But since the capital city was part of our last day, we chose to stay in Grindavik at Northern Lights Inn . It allowed us to go to Blue Lagoon during late evening hours. Being a very popular geothermal experience and one of the best day tours from Reykjavik , it gets very crowded during the day. But less so in the early morning or late evening.

Do note that Blue Lagoon is not a natural geothermal water body, but water brought over by a power plant. In my opinion, it doesn’t take away from the experience. Perfect antidote to fatigue and jet lag on Day 1 of our 12-days Iceland road trip.

You can pre-book Blue Lagoon entry ticket with transfers from Reykjavik City Centre (option of booking a Comfort or Premium Package). There is a luxurious Retreat Hotel at Blue Lagoon that you can consider to stay on-site. If you are visiting Iceland in winter , you should totally put Blue Lagoon on your itinerary.

[UPDATE: Blue Lagoon is currently open. An eruption at Sundhnúkagígar is ongoing but at a safe distance from Blue Lagoon. Please keep yourself updated before your visit.]

If you choose to do Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik, then consider these popular tour options:

Day 2 and 3 of the Iceland road trip itinerary: Driving across the beautiful Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Our first full day in Iceland started with a bang! A moderate level hike, challenging in parts for anyone who has fear of heights, to visit Glymur waterfall . Definitely one of the best things to do in Iceland in summer .

In a country featuring 10,000 waterfalls, Glymur holds a special place. It is the second highest waterfall in Iceland, but the tallest that is accessible by foot.

A hidden gem that can only be seen via a 1.5 to 2 hour hike to reach the top. And another couple of hours to come down after a river crossing through freezing water. Or you could hike the same way back.

The hike took most of the day and left us high on adrenaline but also on fatigue. If you are not into hiking, it is easy to explore all the West Iceland attractions over 2 days.

Post a late lunch, I didn’t enjoy my visit to the Ytri Tunga seals beach in windy conditions. And afterwards, we decided to give Budir with its famous black church a miss. En route to Fosshotel in the small village of Hellnar, we did explore the rugged beauty of Arnastapi coastline. Black basalt rocks plunge into the deep blue sea, what’s not to like!

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Day 3 of our 12 days in Iceland ring road itinerary started with a tour booked at Vatnashellir lava cave (via Arctic Adventures ). We then climbed to the top of Saxholl volcano crater. Scenic vistas all around!

Snaefellsnes peninsula has scenic coastal drives that during a summer day with the blue sky overhead, just lifts your heart! And while driving around the western peninsula, you cannot missed Kirkjufell , the “ most photographed mountain in Iceland “. A short walk from the car parking lot takes you to the beautiful waterfalls, from where you can gaze upon this arrowhead shaped mountain. If you have more time at Mt. Kirkjufell, you could consider a 2-hour guided kayaking tour to view this mountain from different angles.

And then we were on our way to the Capital of the North, a long drive to Akureyri . We reached the town late in the evening and didn’t have much time exploring it. We spent the night at the spacious one-bedrooom apartment at K16 in the heart of the city. If you are not into hiking, you can easily spend Day 2 exploring Snaefellsness peninsula and Day 3 in Akureyri.

If you choose to explore Snaefellsnes Peninsula as a day trip from Reykjaviik, consider these tours:

Day 4 and 5 of Iceland road trip itinerary: Exploring the Diamond Circle in North Iceland

We wanted to explore all the 4 main sites that constitute the Diamond Circle in North Iceland. This includes the area around Lake Myvatn , the charming Husavik , the mighty waterfall – Dettifoss , and finally, the crescent shaped Asbyrgi canyon .

We did it all! Starting Day 4 of the Iceland itinerary with the whale watching tour with North Sailing in Husavik. We lucked out with a sunny day with calm waters. Some 5 or 6 whales put up a show that kept us enthralled for 3 straight hours!

If you have a day extra, I suggest to add this to Akureyri. Or if you are willing to retrace your steps, drive back to Akureyri after the whale watching tour.

We stopped at Godafoss waterfall en route to our farm stay in Myvatn area. This waterfall is compact and can be seen from both east and west sides. And finally a quick stop at Namafjall or Hverir geothermal area to see the boiling mudpools! The smell of sulphur is quite strong in this area. And the buzzing insects killed any enthusiasm I had to take the hiking path to Namafjall mountain.

Day 5 of our 12 days in Iceland started with the mighty Dettifoss , the largest waterfall in Europe. Again, this can be viewed from the west side (with steps and railings, where we went) and the east side. And then a drive to hike an easy 8-km route over the rim of Asbyrgi canyon in North Iceland . The information centre at Asbyrgi canyon has knowledge staff and can recommend shorter and much longer hike options as well.

We then needed some relaxation post the hike and called it a day. Except that Icelandic summer means 24 hour daylight! Rested and fed post dinner, we had energy to drive close by to explore Grjotagja cave and climbed the Hverjfall volcano crater .

We gave Myvatn nature bath a miss, though I have heard only good things about this natural geothermal spring. You can easily fit this natural geothermal spring if you do not do any long hikes at Asbyrgi canyon. We chose to spend the 2 nights at Vogafjos Farm Resort near Lake Myvatn.

If you base yourself in Akureyri to explore North Iceland, consider these tours:

Day 6: Drive via the charming fjord town of Seydisfjordur

This was almost the mid-point of our Iceland ring road itinerary in 12 days. We started towards Eastern region of Iceland, first with a quick detour to Studlagil canyon . There is a 10 km hiking loop from the car park 1 to get to the bottom of the canyon, but we had a long day ahead. So we went to the viewing platform that is a short distance from the parking lot 4 km ahead. Stunning basalt rock columns and mesmerising blue water awaits! We drove through the town of Egilstaddir, the largest town in East Iceland, only stopped for re-fueling.

Seydisfjordur. This unpronounceable name is for the town that was the highlight of our drive in East Iceland.

And then a mountain pass was crossed to go to the charming fjord town of Seydisfjordur . The adorable church and the rainbow street are a definite attraction!

We drove to this town mainly because my husband wanted to visit the Sound Domes . This is a site specific installation by Lukas Kahne . It is not for everyone (our friends didn’t enjoy it as much).

It started pouring crazily when we headed to Hofn , the city in South east Iceland. The original plan of driving first to the photogenic Vestrahorn or ‘ Batman mountains’ had to be cancelled, and we reached Milk Factory at Hofn, just in time for dinner. If I had to re-do this Iceland road trip itinerary, I might add a night to Hofn and take away a night from Vik. Simply to be closer to glacier and ice lagoon area.

Day 7 of Iceland road trip itinerary: Too much adventure at Vatnajokull glacier

Crazy is the only way to describe Day 7 of our Iceland ring road itinerary. Weather gods that had been kind for the past few days had turned demonic. The rain that started on our drive to Hofn continued while we rushed to the meeting point for glacier hike at Vatnajokull . The meeting point of all tours to Vatnajokull are usually at Skaftafell Visitor Centre. These tours get sold out so you need to pre-book your glacier hike for sure.

We put on all our rain gear and took off, first for a short bus ride at the bottom of the glacier. We then hiked across gravel land to reach the ice. Learning how to walk with crampons was not tough. But the weather conditions steadily worsened as we moved up the glacier. The rain poured so much so that the gravel we walked on at the start of our hike disappeared beneath fast flowing water. We had several guides across tour companies work together to get us to cross back to safety. Phew! What an adventure to remember. This glacier hike was the highlight of all our South Iceland attractions .

We had booked a combo tour and the second part – Zodiac boat ride on the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon – was cancelled by the company. It was pointless to visit the Diamond beach in the stormy weather, so that was a regrettable miss.

We then drove to Vik in South Iceland to reach Hotel Kria . Another popular glacier hike starts at Solheimajokull Glacier , which lies closer to Vik. But if you have a day more to add, I would suggest Hofn to explore the ice lagoon. Do note that if your tour company cancels a trip due to bad weather conditions, you are unlikely to get it rescheduled the next day. These tours are mostly sold out in peak summers.

Browse through tour options in Vatnajokull:

Day 8: Why everyone visits the South coast as part of Iceland ring road itinerary

The South Coast offers geothermal areas, black sand beaches, beautiful waterfalls, pleasing green vistas, glaciers, and ice caves. If you are in Iceland for 7 days or less, I would suggest to only focus on the South Coast, stretching from Reykjavik all the way to the south-east end of Vatnajokull glacier.

Day 8 was meant to explore a remote rugged part of Iceland: Landmannalaugar . Self drive here means taking a 4-wheel drive on unpaved F-roads, away from the smooth ring road. With the weather being what it was, the hotel staff suggested we don’t take a chance driving to the region. We had booked a hike in this region that we tried to cancel altogether.

Did I mention that the one constant in Iceland is NOT the weather?

It stopped raining on Day 8 morning, and we wanted to make it a relaxed day after the bone-drenching glacier hike. We drove to see 2 of the most popular waterfalls near Vik. Seljalandsfoss is one the few waterfalls where you can go behind. It is a lot of fun, but do prepare to get wet so carry a good rain jacket.

Skogafoss is impressive and beautiful, no matter how many waterfalls you have seen. You can climb over 500 steps to a viewing platform above the falls. I found the close view at the bottom of the falls much better than the top view. We had originally planned a short hike that starts on the very top, namely The Waterfall Way , but we gave that a miss.

Day 9: Non-stop adventures to be had!

If we thought the glacier hike was adventurous, we were in for an awakening the next day. Day 9 of our 12 days in Iceland started with stormy weather and a ‘yellow’ wind warning. We had booked a 2-hour ATV tour on the black sand beach. So we head to the ATV tour office in rainy conditions, put on the gear, learn the basics of the machine and take off for yet another adventure.

It is easy to ride an ATV. Though the rain and wind (speed of more than 25 knots / 50 km per hour) made it difficult to focus on the path despite the helmet and face shield. We reached the famous Solheimasandur plane wreck site, a crashed DC-3 plane wreck and got off the machine for a short break. It was crazy to walk in that wind on an open beach. The river crossing on the ATV was my favourite part of the tour!

Did I mention that Iceland is for the active and brave-hearted soul? Visiting a natural ice cave is one of the top things to do in Iceland in winter . But we got to do this in summer! Our second tour of the day got us to the region of the mighty Katla volcano that last erupted in 1918 and is due anytime! Katla ice cave sits beneath the Katla glacier, or Kotlujokull and the Katla volcano.

This is the only natural ice cave that is open all year around. I can’t recommend this Katla ice cave tour with Southwest Adventures enough. You need to pre-book this natural ice cave tour .

Day 10 of Iceland ring road itinerary: More of the scenic South shore

The rainy, stormy weather completely cleared up just when we leaving Vik on Day 10 of our Iceland road trip. We couldn’t leave the area without a visit to Reynisfjara, the famous black sand beach. More basalt columns and rock formations. And then we went up on winding roads to Dyrholaey peninsula. On a clear day like what we had, you get panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and black sand beaches on both sides of the cliff.

And then we drove further on, happy with the blue sky and topography only Iceland can provide. Remember the cancelled plan to drive and hike in Landmannalaugar in central Iceland? Well, it was proving difficult to get a refund on the hike tour plus we really wanted to experience this surreal landscape. Just our luck, we managed to reschedule it for Day 11 of our Iceland ring road itinerary. This required redoing our original plan to visit the popular Golden Circle on Day 11 of our Iceland road trip itinerary.

This decided, we went for a quick visit to Geysir geothermal area (one part of the popular Golden Circle) before we checked into the fancy ION Adventure hotel in Nesjavellir. We gave Kerid crater and Gullfoss waterfall a complete miss due to paucity of time.

Browse through some of these tours in South Iceland:

Day 11 of Iceland ring road itinerary: The ethereal Icelandic Highlands

We chose Landmannalaugar, or Rainbow mountains over the Golden Circle? Yes!

Day 11, towards the end of the Iceland ring road itinerary in 12 days, as expected was long and wondrous and adventurous. Lava fields, geothermal activity, rainbow coloured mountains and epic hikes make Landmannalaugar unique in Iceland. To get to Landmannalaugar, you get off the ring road and get on F-roads, which are essentially unpaved gravel tracks.

We had traded self drive to central region of Iceland with a hike tour that included pick up from Selfoss town. If you prefer to reach Landmannalaugar on your own, you can pre-book just the hiking experience.

Within an hour of leaving Selfoss, the bus moved onto F-roads. The drive on F-roads and the river crossings, before we reached the enormous caldera area lined with sleeping tents, was exciting enough.

And then there were the rainbow mountains all around caldera. Shades of brown, red, yellow and green make for a spectacular palette. We did a moderate level hike for about 2.5 hours. After that, some folks on the tour went for a soak in the natural geothermal spring nearby, while others lounged around soaking in the views, until it was time to get back on earth!

Here are some amazing tours to consider for this area:

Day 12: Start with Thingvellir and end up in Reyjavik

We had planned to give Thingvellir national park (another part of the Golden Circle trilogy) a miss. We did find time the next day to give it a quick visit. So Day 12 of our epic Icelandic adventure started with a stroll through Thingvellir.

Where else can you walk, snorkel or dive in the rift between the Eurasian and American tectonic plates?

2 attractions out of 3 of the popular Golden Circle route off the list, not bad!

This was the our last day in Iceland and we were to spend it in the capital city. We drive to Fosshotel Baron in the heart of the city near the main promenade, they had free car parking which was most helpful.

Reykjavik is compact enough to see most of the attractions on a self-guided walking tour. Reykjavik sightseeing for us included Harpa concert hall, Sun Voyager statue, Hallgrimskirkja church, all interesting.

We then went to Perlan museum in the city, which was an enjoyable experience. There were informative videos on the aurora, volcanoes and glaciers that make for a unique geological land, and ofcourse, a freezing ice tunnel. Our epic Iceland trip ended with pub hopping on Laugavegur Street late in the night.

Morning flight back home was on Day 13 of Iceland road trip itinerary, but who’s counting. The Land of Ice and Fire gave us memories for a lifetime!

If you decide to base yourself in Reykjavik and give Nesjavellir a miss, do consider these tours to the Golden Circle from Reykjavik:

Planning an Icelandic road trip

Iceland tourism has been booming in the past decade.Do your research and lock in the places to visit and things to do in Iceland. And trust me, there is a LOT to do in a country this size! Iceland is an expensive destination. So it is best to figure an estimate for your trip cost. Here is my step-by-step guide on estimating cost for a trip to Iceland .

You must book your flight, accommodation and car rental 6 months or more in advance. And book the popular tours, especially on the south coast at least 2 months in advance for summer months.

You must pack suitably for Iceland. Weather even in summer months changes a lot, we experienced 2 days of heavy rainfall in Vik during our trip to Iceland in June . You would end up using a rain jacket, fleece, long sleeved T-shirts, water-proof pants and even a light down jacket from spring to autumn. Winter is a different story altogether. And do pack sturdy water-proof shoes, even if you are not hiking. Here is a complete packing list for Iceland .

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Author: Shweta Singhal

Hi! I am Shweta, the zest behind this blog . I play several roles – parent to a 6-year old, adventure enthusiast, travel blogger, generally open to trying out new things in life. Besides travel, I love books and theatre and art. I would love to hear from you; do drop a comment. Join me on Instagram / Twitter @zestinatote. View all posts by Shweta Singhal

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