Approximate Distance:
165 km / 103 miles
Famous national park – Lively geysers – Golden waterfall
Today, you’ll visit the Golden Circle natural wonders. Start with the beautiful Þingvellir National Park, site of the ancient Icelandic Viking parliament and a jewel of nature. Here you can see the meeting point between the North American and Europe continents. Several walking trails take visitors to historical points of interest. If you enjoy adventure, you might try snorkelling in clear waters between two continents. Þingvellir sits near Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest lake. Another exciting activity is whitewater rafting in a glacial river.
Explore Gullfoss, the “Golden Waterfall”, and the nearby Geysir hot spring area to see the famous Geysir and Strokkur, as well as numerous other hot springs and boiling mud pools. While in the area, take advantage of relaxing in one of the hot spring-fed pools that make Iceland so famous. The Secret Lagoon is a historical swimming pool with an all-natural feel and its own little geyser. The Laugarvatn Fontana steam baths are a local favourite; natural steam soothes away aches and pains, followed by relaxation in a series of hot spring pools.
Overnight in the Golden Circle area.

• Breakfast
• Overnight in the Golden Circle area
• 103 miles

Approximate Distance:
245 km / 152 miles
Thundering waterfalls – Seabird colony – Black sand beaches
Drive along the spectacular south coast and view highlights along the way such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls and Mýrdalsjökull glacier. If the skies are clear, you might even have a glimpse of beautiful Mt. Hekla, Iceland’s most frequently erupting volcano. Mýrdalsjökull glacier offers great opportunities for guided snowmobile or ice hiking tours.
Head to Vík, Iceland’s southernmost village. In the area you can view the seabird cliff of Dyrhólaey* and the black sand beach of Reynisfjara. Many seabirds nest here, including puffins. (Puffins are generally in Iceland between early May and mid-August.)
Continue over Eldhraun, Iceland’s largest single lava flow, towards Kirkjubæjarklaustur, a picturesque village that is the former site of a 12th-century Catholic convent. The town is known for its excellent farm-raised arctic char trout, a specialty offered at several restaurants in the area.
Overnight in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.
*Please note that Dyrhólaey is closed during nesting season in spring, from around mid-May until June 23rd.

• Breakfast
• Overnight in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
• 152 miles

Approximate Distance:
230 km /143 miles
Glacier-rimmed oasis – Iceberg lagoon – Europe’s largest glacier
Today you will be in the southern area of Vatnajökull National Park, named after Europe‘s largest glacier. You’ll certainly have this magnificent glacier in view as you follow the route.
Visit the park’s amazing Skaftafell area, a green oasis nestled between glaciers that offers many hiking possibilities.
Continue to the shimmering icebergs of Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, where you should take time to admire the views of the icebergs floating in the cool waters. You might even glimpse a few seals. Nearby is the Diamond Beach, an area of glittering bits of glass-like ice scattered across black sands.
Continue, perhaps taking a detour to the beautiful and much photographed mountain of Vestrahorn. Head on to harbour town of Höfn, also known as the langoustine capital of northern Europe.
Overnight in the Höfn area.

• Breakfast
• Overnight in the Höfn area
• 143 miles

Approximate Distance:
295 km / 183 miles
Narrow fjords – Steep mountains – Picturesque coastline
Drive through the spectacular Eastfjords region with towering mountains and charming fishing villages to the fertile Egilsstaðir area. On the way, you might opt to visit the quirky egg sculptures in the harbour of charming Djúpivogur village or visit Petra’s famous local stone and mineral collection at Stöðvarfjörður.
You can either drive straight through Fagridalur valley to Egilsstaðir or head along the ancient Eastfjords, shaped by glaciers during the Ice Age. Although many are uninhabited, each fjord has its own grandeur. The natural harbours in the fjords cradle fishing villages that have still hung on to a degree of old-world charm. Some of the unique villages include Fáskrúðsfjörður and its interesting French connection, Reyðarfjörður and its World War II heritage, and Eskifjörður with its fishing traditions.
If you drive straight through Fagridalur valley, an area you might enjoy discovering is the award-winning Wilderness Center (Óbyggðasetur) located at the edge of the hauntingly beautiful eastern highlands. Here you can discover Iceland’s pioneer history and highland nature in a clever interactive way. Take a guided horseback tour to an abandoned farm or relax in the Wilderness Spa. Or enjoy a chat with the centre’s hosts as they prepare you a meal made from wilderness sourced ingredients.
In the Egilsstaðir area, you can visit the beautiful Hallormsstaður forest, and a river reputed to be the home of a friendly sea monster. Perhaps you’ll end the day at Lake Urriðavatn’s Vök Baths, where you can unwind in untouched nature in distinctive floating geothermal pools.
Overnight in the Eastfjords area.

• Breakfast
• Overnight in the Eastfjords area
• 183 miles

Approximate Distance:
280 km / 174 miles
Europe’s most powerful waterfall – Glacier-carved gorge – Whale watching
Today you will be in the northern area of Vatnajökull National Park. This region of the park has its own distinctive character. Less visited than the southern area, this area shows Iceland’s wild side to its fullest.
Travel across the vast Möðrudalsöræfi highlands and into the wilderness. The route takes you to the mighty Dettifoss waterfall. A few moments here listening to the heavy thundering water against a surreal landscape is one of Iceland’s most amazing experiences.
Head through the park and its amazing canyon areas carved by the Jökulsár river. Explore the impressive horse-shoe-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon, said to be formed by the god Óðinn’s stallion. Several walking trails lead to beautiful viewing areas.
Drive around the fossil rich Tjörnes Peninsula to the Húsavík area, famous for its appearance in the 2020 Netflix movie Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. This town is known for whale watching, and you might enjoy a later afternoon or evening whale watching boat tour. A great way to end this exciting day is with a relaxing swim in the warm sea waters of Húsavík’s GeoSea Baths.
Important: Please note Roads 864, 862 are usually closed during the fall, winter, and spring until the end of May (Road opening dates are dependent on the weather conditions). Until these roads are open, please take the scenic Ring Road 1 to Road 87 and on to Húsavík.
Please also note that Roads 864 and 862 are gravel roads, and you must heed warning signs in the area if road conditions are not good for driving.
Overnight in Húsavík area or Lake Mývatn area.

• Breakfast
• Overnight in Húsavík area or Lake Mývatn area
• 174 miles

Approximate Distance:
240 km / 150 miles
Bizarre lava formations – Waterfall of the gods – Gorgeous fjord views
Spend the day exploring the natural wonders of Lake Mývatn and the surrounding area. Visit highlights such as the lava citadels at Dimmuborgir, the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir, the colourful sulphurous slopes of Námaskarð, and the Krafla volcano area.
Depart Mývatn and drive westward, visiting beautiful Goðafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods. Take some time to visit Akureyri, Iceland’s colourful northern “capital.”
Drive to Siglufjörður along one of Iceland’s most dramatic coastlines, enjoying a unique view towards the North Atlantic. This is the region of the Troll Peninsula, where the steep Icelandic mountains look towards the sea. The town of Siglufjörður itself has many beautifully restored, colourful buildings and excellent options for outdoor recreation, from golf to hiking to whale watching. This town was the filming location for both seasons of the popular Icelandic suspense series Trapped.
Please Note: The Ring Road route today contains a toll tunnel. More information on the tunnel and fees is here.
Overnight in Northwestern Iceland.

• Breakfast
• Overnight in Northwestern Iceland
• 150 miles

Approximate Distance:
310 km / 193 miles
Viking history – Historical fjord – Icelandic horse heritage
Thread your way around the peninsula, heading into Skagafjörður Fjord. Explore the fascinating area of Skagafjörður, renowned for horse breeding and medieval history.
The town of Hofsós has a unique swimming pool that seems to float into infinity. The pool looks towards Drangey, known from the famous Viking-age Saga of Grettir the Strong. If you are a history buff, we suggest a stop at Hólar. This cultural centre has buildings from nine centuries of Icelandic history. The 1238: Battle of Iceland virtual reality experience in Sauðárkrókur town puts you back into the 12th century to learn about one of Iceland’s most pivotal battles, which occurred in the area.
The manor farm of Glaumbær is a turf home that dates back to the 18th century. Visiting here gives a sense of life in Iceland in the old days. Glaumbær was an inspiration for Hannah Kent’s famous novel Burial Rites
Skagafjörður’s Icelandic horse heritage makes it an ideal place to try out riding one of these friendly Viking horses. Several farms in the area offer guided riding tours. If you prefer a paddle to a saddle, you might enjoy whitewater rafting in a dramatic canyon. Tours are available for different skill levels.
Another interesting place to visit today is Borgarvirki, a natural rock formation that has been used as a citadel since Viking times. Head along beautiful coastline where the sea seems to meet the sky as you drive to your evening accommodation.
Overnight stay in the Laugarbakki area.

• Breakfast
• Overnight stay in the Laugarbakki area
• 193 miles

Approximate Distance:
365 km / 227 miles
Scenic coastline – Striking fjords – Seal and birdlife
Today you’ll enter into a part of Iceland most visitors never experience: the hauntingly beautiful, remote Westfjords.
Head across Steingrímsfjarðarheiði Moor and into the spectacular region of the Westfjords, the oldest part of Iceland.
Visit Hólmavík, a village renowned for its museum of witchcraft. Ancient Icelandic tales depicted the Westfjords as an area full of sorcery, magical spells, and witchcraft. The Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft gives an insight into this eerie aspect of Iceland’s history.
Take your time with the drive and enjoy the amazing views. It’s an amazing experience to pause during the day and just take in the sounds of the birds and wind and the smells of the sea. The place has a real timeless feel to it. You’ll be in an area rich in wildlife, so keep an eye out for seals and seabirds along the coast.
Thread around the numerous uninhabited fjords of Ísafjardardjup, a beautiful coastline alive with seals and birds. Continue to Ísafjörður, the largest town in the area.
Overnight in the Ísafjörður area.

• Breakfast
• Overnight in the Ísafjörður area
• 227 miles

Approximate Distance:
variable
Steep mountains – Local museums – Island boat tours
Spend time in Ísafjörður and the surrounding area, including the neighbouring towns of Bolungarvik and Suðureyri. In Suðureyri you might opt to take a pleasant walking tour around the town, getting acquainted with the town’s unique sustainable fishing industry. Try samples of gourmet and traditional seafood products along the way. Bolungarvík has a renovated fishing camp from the 19th century that shows you how people made their living, fishing from wooden row boats.
The once-inhabited Hornstrandir is now a remote nature reserve where you can take a tour that includes a boat trip and guided hiking or Arctic fox viewing. Or take a day tour to Vigur Island and its tiny community where you’ll learn about how the inhabitants sustainably collect eider down.
Ísafjörður also offers several interesting guided walking tours that take you through historical back streets and up into the hills overlooking the town.
A pleasant activity to try in the area is sea kayaking in the calm, peaceful fjord waters. This is a good opportunity for watching seabirds.
Overnight in the Ísafjörður area.

• Breakfast
• Overnight in the Ísafjörður area

Approximate Distance:
350 km / 218 miles
Striking waterfall – Red sand beaches – Sea Cliffs with birdlife
Drive from Ísafjörður through the beautiful northern Westfjords. This is an area whose population has been declining, but the people who live here love this area and its peaceful way of life. The town of Þingeyri is a nice place to stop, especially its Simbahöllin Café. The owners restored a beautiful old house for the café, sparking a community-wide renovation. The village is charming, and the café has legendary Belgian waffles.
The town of Bíldudalur has a curious and entertaining Sea Monster Museum where you can discover local legends of mysterious ocean creatures.
View the stunning multi-tiered Dynjandi waterfall, one of the symbols of the region. As you walk to Dynjandi from the parking lot, you’ll actually pass by a series of six smaller waterfalls.
Visit Látrabjarg cliffs, the westernmost point in Europe. In the summer, these high sea cliffs are teeming with millions of puffins, gannets, guillemots, and razorbills. This is one of Iceland’s best areas for bird watching, as well as an amazing area to capture views of the sea cliffs. Remember to be careful while you are here since the cliff is very high. Do not approach the end of the cliff unless you are on all fours or sitting.
Head onwards to the southern coast of the Westfjords. Rauðisandur is a gorgeous stretch of beach where you can see different colours of sand ranging from white to yellow to red to black. Definitely take your time here and enjoy the different moods of the sea and sands.
Depending on your schedule, maybe you’ll stop to take a dip in the Hellulaug natural geothermal pool in Vatnsfjörður fjord. This is a simple little natural pool with a lovely view over the ocean. There are no changing facilities. There is no admission fee, but we encourage you to leave some money in the donation box since this is how the locals ensure the pool is regularly cleaned and safe to use.
This part of the Westfjords was home to one of Iceland’s first settlers, a Viking named Raven-Flóki. He is the one who first called the island “Iceland.”
Overnight in the Flókalundur area.

• Breakfast
• Overnight in the Flókalundur area
• 218 miles

Approximate Distance:
variable
Picturesque islands with birdlife – Coastal scenic views – Charming village
Today you have two options: you can either drive the coastal road to Stykkishólmur town or take the ferry across Breiðafjörður to the town.
Driving: Drive along the coast of Barðarströnd and into West Iceland. You can explore Dalir, the region of Eríkur the Red and birthplace of his son, the great explorer Leifur Eiríksson at a living replica museum before driving to Snæfellsnes peninsula. Approximate distance: 280 km / 175 miles
Ferry option: Head to Brjánslækur ferry dock. Sail with the ferry Baldur across Breiðafjörður bay with its countless islands and rich birdlife. (Please note ferry trip is not included in the price, but we can book it for you). You will pass by the island of Flatey, a beloved summer holiday area for Icelanders. Enjoy the ride and the views of islands and birds. Approximate distance: 64 km / 40 miles (the ferry ride is about 2,5 hours)
Please note: After Sep.1st, the ferry Baldur departs once per day and does not sail on Saturdays. Please see ferry schedule.
The final destination today is the charming village of Stykkishólmur. This eco-friendly town has beautiful wooden buildings originally brought over from Norway in the 1800s. Stykkishólmur is a lovely place to take an evening walk, and you will surely enjoy the nice selection of cafes and restaurants available.
Overnight on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

• Breakfast
• Overnight on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Approximate Distance:
420 km / 261 miles
Quaint fishing villages – Picturesque waterfalls – Powerful hot spring
Today you will explore the ever-changing beauty of Snæfellsnes peninsula and the Snæfellsjökull National Park.
Continue around the Snæfellsnes peninsula, passing the small fishing villages of Grundarfjörður and Hellissandur. Keep an eye out for Kirkjufell, Iceland’s most photographed mountain. Make a stop at the rocky beach of Djúpalónssandur as well as the magnificent columnar basalt rock formations at Arnarstapi.
The crown jewel of the region is Snæfellsjökull, a glacier-topped volcano that is said to be the home of a benevolent troll spirit.
You can enjoy guided activities in the region such as visiting Vatnshellir lava cave, whale watching near Ólafsvík, and sea kayaking in the vicinity of Kirkjufell.
Explore the gem of Borgarfjörður, a charming area of volcanic landscapes and Viking history. This is one of our favourite areas to find beautiful handicrafts and taste local farm products. Visit the brilliantly blue waters of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss falls, and the hot spring Deildartunguhver. Near the hot springs is Krauma, the relaxing “fire and ice” geothermal spa that uses a soothing blend of hot springs and glacier water. Continue via Hvalfjörður fjord to Reykjavík.
Overnight in Reykjavík.

• Breakfast
• Overnight in Reykjavík
• 261 miles

Approximate Distance:
50 km / 30 miles
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 on your first day 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