Highlights of Iceland’s Ring Road

Day 1 Welcome to Iceland!

Upon arrival in Reykjavik, pick up your rental car and start your Iceland experience! From Keflavik International Airport we recommend driving the southern coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula towards your first overnight stay.

Reykjanes is a great introduction to Iceland’s unique geology and volcanoes. You’ll see unusual and stunning features around the peninsula, including craters, lava cliffs, fissures, and the Mid-Atlantic ridge itself. You can even walk on a bridge that divides Europe and North America. We also recommend a stroll in the surreal Gunnuhver area where you can view quirky colorful mud pools and steam vents bubbling away. Reykjanes is home to the renowned Blue Lagoon, and you might enjoy the chance to relax in the soothing azure waters. (Important: admission to the Blue Lagoon needs is not included in this package, and needs to be booked separately, in advance).

If traveling in March, April or October: Drive to your hotel in Reykjavik, the colorful capital of Iceland. Overnight in Reykjavik.

(Approximate distance: 30 miles; if stopping in the Reykjanes Peninsula, 55 miles)

If traveling May through September: Drive along the southern coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula to the charming village of Hveragerdi for your overnight. This village is one of the few sites in the world located directly on top of a geothermal area and, because of its many greenhouses heated by hot water from nearby springs, it is often called the “flower village.” There are plenty of outdoor and wellness activities to enjoy here, and several restaurants with a unique local focus. Overnight in Hveragerdi. (Approximate distance: 62 miles, if stopping in the Reykjanes Peninsula, 81 miles)

Please note: check-in for most hotels begins between 2:00pm-4:00pm

Day 2 Thingvellir - Gullfoss - Geysir - the South Coast

Today’s highlights include visits to the natural wonders of the Golden Circle region: Thingvellir National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site and place of great geological and historical interest); as well as the spectacular Gullfoss Waterfall and Geysir Hot Spring area.

Drive along the South Shore, viewing such highlights as the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss Waterfalls, the black sand beaches around Vik, and Myrdalsjokull Glacier.

Approximate driving distance: 245 miles

Day 3 Kirkjubaejarklaustur - Skaftafell - Jokulsarlon - Hofn

Start the day with a drive through Eldruan, the strange-looking lava field by one of Iceland's most devastating volcanic eruptions. 

Drive through the village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur (site of a medieval convent), and explore Skaftafell National Park, a green oasis nestled below the great Vatnajokull Glacier. Skaftafell is part of Vatnajokull National Park, the largest of its type in Western Europe.

Continue across black sand plains created by glacial activity. Stop at the amazing Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, a filming location for several Hollywood blockbuster movies. Then head onwards to the charming harbor town Hofn, also known as the lobster capital of northern Europe. Overnight in the Hofn area.

Day 4 Hofn - Djupivogur - Reydarfjordur - Egilsstadir

After breakfast, we suggest you drive along the rugged coastline of the East Fjords with their towering mountains and charming fishing villages. Along the way, you may choose to visit Djupivogur village harbor and its unique egg sculptures, or Petra’s famous stone collection at Stodvarfjrdur. You can then either drive straight through Fagridalur to Egilsstadir or head along the coastal Eastfjords, one of the oldest regions in Iceland, shaped by glaciers during the Ice Age. Although many fjords are uninhabited, each fjord has its own grandeur. The natural harbors in the fjords led to the development of fishing villages that still hang on to a degree of Old-World charm. Overnight in the Eastern Fjords. 

Approximate driving distance: 165 miles

Day 5 Egilsstadir - Dettifoss - Husavik - Myvatn

Travel across the Modrudalsoraefi Highlands, renowned for their stark, untouched beauty, towards Dettifoss, Europe's mightiest waterfall. Then travel through the otherworldly canyon escapes of Northern Vatnajokull National Park. Visit the magnificent horseshoe-shaped canyon, Asbyrgi.

Drive onwards to Tjornes Peninsula and the friendly Husavik fishing port. Overnight in Northeast Iceland.

Approximate driving distance: 171 miles

Day 6 Myvatn - Akureyri/Skagafjordur

Explore and enjoy highlights of the Lake Myvatn area, including the mystical volcanic formations at Dimmuborgir, the pseudo craters at Skutustadir, the colorful sulfurous slopes of Namaskard, and the Hverfjall volcanic area. From there, drive to the Godafoss Waterfall en route to Akureyri, the charming “capital” of North Iceland. Overnight in the Akureyri or Northwest Iceland area.

Approximate driving distance: 100 miles

Day 7 Akureyri - Reykholt - Borgarnes - Hvalfjordur - Reykjavik

Drive through the historical region of Skagafjordur, renowned for horse breeding. You have an option to visit the old farmstead at Glaumbaer, a great example of historical Icelandic turf house architecture. Head across the Holtavorduheidi plateau, entering the Borgarfjordur area. Here you have the option to visit the beautiful Hraunfossar lava falls and Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot springs. Near Deildartunguhver is Krauma, the intriguing “fire and ice” geothermal spa that uses water from the springs. Return to Reykjavik in the evening.

Approximate driving distance: 305 miles

Day 8 Depart Iceland

Your Ring Road adventure comes to an end today. At the appropriate time, return to Keflavik International Airport to return your rental car*; or, if you’ve already returned your car, return to the airport by shuttle transfer. 

*Please note that this car rental is based on seven 24-hour rental days, starting at the time of rental. If your flight arrives early on day 1 and departs late on day 7, an additional supplement will be necessary unless you choose to return the car in Reykjavik when the 6 day rental is up, and use a departure shuttle transfer instead.