Approximate Distance:
205 km / 127 miles
Famous national park – Lively geysers – Golden waterfall
Today you’ll be exploring Iceland’s famous Golden Circle region. Start with a drive to Lake Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest lake and Þingvellir 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 might enjoy a glimpse into Icelandic local life. We recommend that you Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Steam Baths and indulge in the natural and healing steam rooms and a variety of relaxing mineral pools. Fontana has been a local favourite since the early 20th century, and you’ll see why.
Another recommendation is the Efstidalur dairy farm, known for its delicious ice cream, skyr and cheese. We love the farm’s wonderful home-made ice cream, and we are sure you will also enjoy trying it. You might even get a glimpse of the “girls,” the farm’s beloved dairy cows.
Your day ends again in Hveragerði where you can relax in this friendly geothermal town.
Overnight in the Hveragerði area.

• Breakfast
• Overnight in the Hveragerði area
• 127 miles

Approximate Distance:
Approximate Driving Distance: 295 km / 183 miles
Volcanic valley – Waterfall duo – Black sand beaches
Explore Þjórsárdalur valley and its ever-changing landscapes of birch woods, sandy lava fields, rivers, and waterfalls. View the charming Gjáin valley with its miniature waterfalls and volcanic formations. If the skies are clear, you’ll also see the impressive and beautiful Mt. Hekla volcano towering over the region. Þjórsárdalur 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. Continue to Vík, Iceland’s southernmost town.
Overnight in the Vík area.
*Please note that Dyrhólaey is closed for the bird nesting season between mid-May and the 25th of June.

• Breakfast
• Overnight in the Vík area
• 183 miles

Approximate Distance:
285 km / 177 miles
Lava fields – Iceberg lagoon – Europe’s largest glacier
Today you will 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 outwashes 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 can also see Svínafellsjökull, one of the most beautiful glacial “tongues” that are slowly creeping down from Vatnajökull.
Visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon where you’ll experience the breath-taking sight of icebergs floating in the fantastic 180m (591 ft.) deep glacial lagoon. You also have the option of enjoying a boat tour amid the ice bergs (we recommend booking this in advance and are glad to help with this!). Nearby is the dramatic beauty of the Diamond Beach, named for the shrinking icebergs that settle on the black sands before drifting out to sea.
Your overnight is in Höfn, a fishing port in the shadow of Vatnajökull glacier. Höfn has a nice selection of restaurants and cafes. The local specialty is langoustines (Norway lobsters), and you might enjoy the opportunity to try some for yourself!
Overnight in Höfn.

• Breakfast
• Overnight in Höfn
• 177 miles

Approximate Distance:
260 km / 162 miles
Narrow fjords – Steep mountains – Picturesque coastline
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. Your route passes by villages, each with its own special history and charm. You might enjoy visiting the town of Djúpivogur, the gateway to the Eastfjords. It is nice to walk along the harbour and view the interesting art installation sculpture depicting seabird eggs. If you’re feeling thirsty for a local brew, we recommend a stop at the Beljandi microbrewery in Breiðdalsvík. The brewery was a community project, so you’ll definitely get a feel for local life in the Eastfjords.
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.
Overnight in the Eastfjords area.

• Breakfast
• Overnight in the Eastfjords area
• 162 miles

Approximate Distance:
300 km / 186 miles
Highland desert – Bizarre lava formations – Volcanic wonderland
Explore the highland desert plateau Möðrudalsöræfi, desolate and yet hauntingly beautiful, as you head towards the Lake Mývatn area. Your route takes you by historical Möðrudalsöræfi farm located at the highest altitude of any working farm in Iceland.
Visit fantastical Stuðlagil, a canyon made of basalt columns that seem to resemble organ pipes. A viewing platform near the canyon lets you enjoy the canyon easily and safely. Stuðlagil is one of Iceland’s largest basalt formations. When you visit here, you can see how basalt columns influenced the design of Reykjavík’s Hallgrímskirkja.
Stop at Dettifoss, Europe’s largest and most powerful waterfall. Continue onwards to the Námaskarð pass with its boiling mud pools and vibrant colours. We often feel like we are visiting another planet when we come here, and you may the same way.
Walk along the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir. Explore the peculiar lava formations at Dimmuborgir. They look as if fantasy creatures built them. Legend has it that elves live here, so be respectful during your visit. You’ll definitely see why the surreal Mývatn area has become so popular as a movie location.
Overnight in the Mývatn area.
Important: Roads 864 and 862 are gravel roads, and you must heed warning signs in the area if road conditions are not good for driving.

• Breakfast
• Overnight in the Mývatn area
• 186 miles

Approximate Distance:
85 km / 53 miles
“Waterfall of the gods” – Iceland’s colourful northern “capital”
Breakfast at your hotel. Start your day’s adventure with visiting sites in the Mývatn area. Next, head to magnificent Goðafoss waterfall, one of North Iceland’s most important symbols. You will also learn how the waterfall got its interesting name.
Afterwards, you’ll head to Akureyri, the colourful 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 of Akureyri. If you’re interested in culture, check out the trendy Listagil area, the “Art Canyon.” You can stroll the street, browsing art galleries and stopping in at one of the friendly cafes or pubs for delicious, locally sourced food. Several museums are also 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.
Overnight in Akureyri.
Please Note: The Ring Road route today contains a toll tunnel. More information on the tunnel and fees is here.

• Breakfast
• Overnight in Akureyri.
• 53 miles

Approximate Distance:
415 km / 258 miles
Scenic valleys – Europe’s largest hot spring – Picturesque waterfalls
Breakfast at your hotel. Drive through scenic valleys framed by dramatic mountains as you head into the Skagafjörður region. Icelanders consider the Skagafjörður area to be one of the country’s finest places for horse breeding. Maybe you‘ll get acquainted with the friendly Icelandic horse breed on a guided horseback riding tour in the area.
Cross the Holtavörðuheiði plateau that takes 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 Grábrok 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, were brightly blue water rushes through black lava formations. Nearby is Barnafoss, a waterfall with even more brilliantly blue colours. There is an interesting and poignant legend associated with this waterfall.
Overnight in the Borgarfjörður area.

• Breakfast
• Overnight in the Borgarfjörður area
• 258 miles

Approximate Distance:
405 km / 252 miles
Snæfellsjökull Glacier – Pebble Beaches – Sea Cliffs with Birdlife – Quaint Fishing Villages
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 harbour 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, your journey to Reykjavík, Iceland’s amazing capital city.
Overnight stay in Reykjavík.

• Breakfast
• Overnight stay in Reykjavík
• 252 miles

Approximate Distance:
50 km / 30 miles
Return to Keflavík International Airport
Drive back to Keflavík International Airport. We recommend departing from your hotel in Reykjavík no later than at least 3 hours before your flight departure. It takes approximately 1 hour to drive to the airport, and check-in will start 2 hours before your departure.
If you did not visit the Blue Lagoon earlier but have some free time today, you might want to use the opportunity en route to the airport. For this detour, please be sure to allow for at least 2-2,5 hours extra so you’ll have ample time at the lagoon. Your rental car should be returned to the airport service area, which is located only 2 minutes from the airport building. A shuttle will then transport you to the departure hall.

• Breakfast
• 30 miles