Ring Road Highlights

Today, explore some of Iceland’s most iconic natural and historical landmarks. Begin at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of great geological and historical importance, where you can walk between tectonic plates and learn about the birthplace of Iceland’s parliament.

Continue to the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall and the fascinating Geysir geothermal area, home to bubbling springs and Strokkur, Iceland’s famous erupting geyser.

Then drive along Iceland’s scenic South Coast, stopping at the impressive Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. Continue to the village of Vík, known for its dramatic black-sand beaches and striking coastal scenery, with views of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier along the way.

Please note that Dyrholaey is closed during nesting season, from about the middle of May until late June.

• Breakfast
• Vik Area

Continue east along Iceland’s spectacular South Coast, passing through the historic village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, named after a medieval convent that once stood here.

Explore Skaftafell, a lush green oasis surrounded by dramatic mountains and nestled beneath Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull. The area is part of Vatnajökull National Park, the largest national park in Western Europe.

Continue across vast black-sand plains shaped by centuries of glacial activity before reaching the breathtaking Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Watch icebergs drift across the lagoon toward the ocean—a spectacular landscape that has provided a backdrop for several Hollywood films.

Your day ends in the charming harbor town of Höfn, known as Iceland’s “lobster capital,” where you can enjoy fresh local seafood and the peaceful atmosphere of this picturesque coastal town.

• Breakfast
• Hofn

Today, continue your journey through Iceland’s spectacular East Fjords, one of the country’s most scenic and less-visited regions. The road winds along a dramatic coastline, passing towering mountains, deep fjords, cascading waterfalls, and charming fishing villages that seem to cling to the narrow strips of land between the mountains and the sea.

Take time to enjoy the ever-changing scenery and the peaceful atmosphere of this remote part of Iceland. Along the way, stop in the small village of Stöðvarfjörður to visit Petra’s famous Stone and Mineral Collection. This remarkable collection was created by local woman Petra Sveinsdóttir, who spent decades gathering beautiful rocks, crystals, and minerals from the surrounding mountains and beaches. Her home and garden have become one of the region’s most unusual and beloved attractions, offering a fascinating glimpse into Iceland’s unique geological heritage.

Continue along the fjords toward your overnight destination, enjoying the spectacular combination of rugged mountains, tranquil waters, and traditional coastal villages that make the East Fjords so distinctive.

• Breakfast
• Egilsstadir

Today, leave the East Fjords behind and travel across the remote Möðrudalsöræfi highlands, a vast wilderness renowned for its stark, untouched beauty. The route takes you through dramatic volcanic landscapes, rugged mountains, expansive lava fields, and open valleys, offering a wonderful sense of solitude and a glimpse into Iceland’s wild interior.

Continue to Dettifoss, one of Iceland’s most spectacular natural wonders and one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls. Fed by the waters of the mighty Vatnajökull glacier, the falls thunder into the rugged Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, creating an unforgettable display of nature’s raw power.

From Dettifoss, continue toward the fascinating Lake Mývatn region, one of northern Iceland’s most geologically diverse areas. Formed by volcanic activity thousands of years ago, the lake is surrounded by unusual lava formations, volcanic craters, pseudocraters, and bubbling geothermal areas. Explore the striking landscapes around Dimmuborgir, known as the “Dark Fortress,” where dramatic lava pillars and rock formations create an almost otherworldly setting. You can also visit the colorful geothermal area of Námaskarð, with its steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and vivid mineral deposits.

• Breakfast
• Myvatn

Today, continue your self-drive journey from the Lake Mývatn area toward the spectacular north coast of Iceland. Leave the volcanic landscapes of Mývatn behind and drive west through the scenic countryside toward the Tröllaskagi Peninsula, one of the most mountainous and dramatic regions in northern Iceland.

Follow the coastline and enjoy sweeping views of deep fjords, rugged mountains, green valleys, and the Arctic Ocean. Your route takes you to the charming fishing town of Siglufjörður, beautifully situated in a narrow fjord and surrounded by steep mountains. Once known as the center of Iceland’s herring industry, Siglufjörður still retains much of its historic character, with colorful wooden houses, a picturesque harbor, and a fascinating maritime heritage. Take time to stroll through the town and visit the award-winning Herring Era Museum, which brings the region’s bustling fishing history to life.

Continue south along the spectacular coastline of the Tröllaskagi Peninsula. The drive itself is a highlight, with winding roads, dramatic fjord scenery, waterfalls, and small villages along the way. Depending on the season and road conditions, there are opportunities for short walks and scenic stops to enjoy the surrounding mountains and coastline.

Continue toward the head of Eyjafjörður, one of Iceland’s longest and most beautiful fjords, before arriving in Akureyri, known as the “Capital of North Iceland.” Set against a backdrop of mountains and overlooking the fjord, Akureyri is a lively and attractive town with colorful historic buildings, cafés, restaurants, galleries, and the famous Akureyri Botanical Garden. Spend the evening exploring the town at your own pace and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of northern Iceland.

• Breakfast
• Akureyri

Leave Akureyri behind and continue west through the scenic landscapes of northern Iceland toward the historic Skagafjörður region. The drive takes you through rolling countryside, fertile valleys, and along the shores of beautiful fjords, with dramatic mountains providing a spectacular backdrop.

Skagafjörður is one of Iceland’s most important agricultural regions and is especially famous for its strong connection to Icelandic horses. Along the way, you may see these distinctive horses grazing in the fields and have the opportunity to visit a local farm or horse center. The region is also rich in Viking-age history and is home to several important historic sites.

Continue to the small village of Varmahlíð and, if time permits, visit the remarkable Víðimýrarkirkja, one of Iceland’s best-preserved traditional turf churches. Built in the 19th century, its grass-covered roof and turf walls provide a wonderful glimpse into Iceland’s traditional architecture.

Continue west toward Reykholt, passing through the peaceful countryside and crossing the scenic landscapes of Borgarfjörður. Reykholt is one of Iceland’s most historically significant places and was the home of Snorri Sturluson, the famous medieval historian, poet, and author of the Icelandic sagas. Take time to explore the historic site and learn about Snorri’s life and his role in preserving Iceland’s medieval literature.

Reykholt is also known for its geothermal heritage, including Snorralaug, a natural hot spring believed to have been used by Snorri himself. Surrounded by beautiful countryside and mountains, Reykholt makes a fascinating and peaceful stop on your journey through western Iceland.

• Breakfast
• Reykholt

Today, continue your self-drive journey through the beautiful landscapes of West Iceland, traveling from Reykholt toward Reykjavík. Begin with a scenic drive through the Borgarfjörður region, an area of fertile farmland, rugged mountains, glacial rivers, and fascinating geological features.

Continue to Borgarnes, a charming coastal town situated on a small peninsula overlooking Borgarfjörður. Take some time to explore the waterfront and learn about the region’s Viking history, particularly the story of Egill Skallagrímsson, one of Iceland’s most famous saga heroes. The town also offers beautiful views across the fjord and surrounding mountains.

From Borgarnes, take the scenic route around Hvalfjörður, the “Whale Fjord,” a spectacular area of steep mountains, waterfalls, quiet valleys, and dramatic coastline. The fjord was once an important strategic and maritime center, but today it is a peaceful and relatively uncrowded part of Iceland. Along the way, consider stopping at Glymur, one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls, for a hike if time and weather conditions allow.

Continue along the fjord and back toward Reykjavík, enjoying the changing scenery as the landscape gradually transitions from rural countryside to the capital region. Arrive in Reykjavík in the afternoon or evening, return to the city, and enjoy your final evening exploring Iceland’s vibrant capital, with its colorful architecture, lively cafés, excellent restaurants, and waterfront views.

• Breakfast
• Reykjavik

Enjoy your final morning in Reykjavík, taking time to explore Iceland’s vibrant capital at your own pace. Stroll through the colorful city center, visit the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church, admire the striking Harpa Concert Hall and waterfront, or browse the local shops and cafés.

In the afternoon, drive to Keflavík International Airport, return your rental car, and check in for your departure flight, bringing your Iceland adventure to an end.

• Breakfast