6 days
Journey to the Ring Road and Golden Circle: 8 Days Self Drive Itinerary
- 8 days
- Self-drive
- Summer
Embark on an 8-day self-drive journey through Iceland, where you'll immerse yourself in the country's breathtaking natural wonders, rich cultural heritage, and varied landscapes. Begin with the renowned Golden Circle, exploring historical landmarks and geothermal phenomena. Travel at your own pace along the South Coast, discovering stunning waterfalls, glaciers, and the distinctive black sand beaches. Experience the awe-inspiring Skaftafell National Park and the enchanting Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The Eastfjords and Troll Peninsula offer spectacular vistas and cultural experiences, while the Borgarfjörður region highlights Iceland's diverse beauty.
Trip highlights
- Discover Geysir's geothermal wonders, Gullfoss waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park.
- Explore the striking coastline with black sand beaches, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, and Vík village.
- Hike in the lush Skaftafell region and witness Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon's floating icebergs.
- Experience tranquility in the rugged beauty of the Eastfjords.
- Stroll through Akureyri's cultural streets.
About this trip
Embark on an exhilarating eight-day self-drive journey along Iceland's iconic Ring Road. Discover the wonders of Iceland's Golden Circle, traverse the picturesque South Iceland with its captivating waterfalls and glaciers, and take on an epic glacier hike on Sólheimajökull Glacier.
Venture through the breathtaking landscapes of East Iceland and make your way to the enchanting Lake Myvatn in North Iceland. Explore the Diamond Circle, follow the northern fjords, and uncover the beauty of gorges and lava fields.
Conclude your adventure in Reykjavik, where you can cherish the lasting memories and experiences from this comprehensive 8-day self-drive package, ensuring you'll see all of Iceland's major attractions. It's time to hit the road and embrace the Icelandic adventure of a lifetime!
Day-by-day itinerary
A starting point, not a fixed route — request the full itinerary and we adjust it to your dates and pace.
Day 1: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE
Landscape in the Thingvellir National Park in Iceland
Your Icelandic self-drive adventure begins upon arrival. Collect your vehicle at Keflavik International Airport or Reykjavik, with the option to spend a night in Reykjavik before heading to the Golden Circle Route. Keep your Golden Circle map handy, as it will guide you to the route’s key attractions.
As you embark on your Golden Circle self-drive, the Reykjanes Peninsula welcomes you with its moss-covered lava fields and distant mountain vistas. Explore the Halldor Laxness Museum for insights into the Nobel Prize-winning writer's life, and then venture to Thingvellir National Park, where the world's oldest parliament once convened.
Here, tranquility reigns, especially as Thingvallavatn Lake mirrors the Arctic landscape at twilight. Dive into Silfra fissure, snorkel, or ride horses before witnessing the explosive geysers at Geysir and Strokkur and the iconic Gullfoss waterfall.
Choose from various activities like glacier snowmobiling, ice cave exploration, or rafting. Continue to Selfoss for the night, stopping at Faxi waterfall and culturally rich Skalholt along the way, and unwind at the Selfoss public swimming pool.
Day 2: SOUTH COAST
Drone view at Gljufrabui waterfall on Iceland
Embark on a scenic drive along Iceland's Ring Road, surrounded by endless mossy green landscapes, gradually revealing hills and mountains. As you explore the South Coast, you'll encounter a diverse terrain, from towering mountains in the inland region to the expansive flatlands of the southern lowlands.
Begin your adventure at Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where misty cascades plunge into a pond, immersing you in the sights and scents of nature. A short walk leads to Gljufrabui waterfall, hidden within a canyon, and waterproof gear is advisable.
Skogafoss, one of Iceland's largest waterfalls, awaits with its majestic display, often adorned with rainbows. Explore the Skogar museum to delve into Icelandic culture before embarking on an exhilarating glacier hike on Sólheimajökull Glacier.
Don't miss Dyrhólaey's promontory, home to breeding seabirds, including puffins, and Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach with its unique basalt columns. Conclude your day in the village of Vik, known for its charming church and stunning surroundings.
On the second day, continue your coastal journey, captivated by Iceland's natural beauty, and you'll be approximately 180 kilometers southeast of Reykjavík. Choose to stay in Vik or the Klaustur area, where tranquility and captivating landscapes await.
Day 3: SKAFTAFELL AND JÖKULSÁRLÓN
Skaftafell glacier, Vatnajokull National Park in Iceland.
On the third day of your Ring Road journey, you'll wake up in the southern tip of Iceland and continue exploring the stunning southern lowlands. Passing by Mt. Kalfafell, you'll reach Skaftafell National Park, now a part of Vatnajokull National Park. This area boasts the impressive Morsardalur glacial valley, the ice-free expanse of Mt. Kristinartindar, and the popular Skaftafellsjokull glacier, making it a gateway to the wonders of Vatnajokull.
You can also opt for glacier adventures starting at the Glacier Guide Booking Center and visiting the renowned Svartifoss (Black Waterfall) and its surroundings. A 40-minute hike will take you close to this captivating waterfall framed by columnar-jointed basalt cliffs.
As you continue your journey, you'll encounter the remarkable Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, formed due to glacier retreat. It's a haven for wildlife and offers the mesmerizing Diamond Beach.
The day concludes in Hofn, a vibrant harbor town known for its recreational amenities and culinary delights, including a summer "lobster festival."
Day 4: EASTFJORDS
Stöðvarfjörður Harbour, Iceland
On the fourth day of your Ring Road journey, you'll start with a visit to the remarkable Vestrahorn, known for its stunning landscape, especially during winter nights when it offers a backdrop for starry skies and the mesmerizing northern lights. From here, you'll enter the world of Icelandic fjords, where your car windows become canvases displaying ever-changing vistas.
After covering 95 kilometers, you'll reach Djupivogur, a town perfect for birdwatching, with opportunities to spot puffins and seals in good weather conditions.
Your overnight stop will be near Egilsstaðir, a 256-kilometer drive along the eastern fjords, providing a comprehensive experience of Iceland's natural beauty and culture. Along the way, you can explore Stöðvarfjörður, visit Hallormsstaðaskógur, the largest forest in Iceland, and witness the geological wonders of Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss waterfalls.
As you approach Egilsstadir, you'll pass by Lagarfljót Lake, known for boat tours, and finally arrive in the town, offering various recreational activities, cultural centers, dining options, and a glimpse into East Iceland's heritage.
Day 5: AKUREYRI
Dettifoss waterfall, Iceland.
Your next destination on day 5 is the awe-inspiring Dettifoss waterfall. This journey takes you through the vast mountainous upper eastern region of Iceland, where wildlife such as reindeer, arctic foxes, and Icelandic horses roam freely. Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe, cascades over 100 meters and drops 45 meters over basalt cliffs, creating a mystifying mist in the valley below. It's a natural wonder that dwarfs many waterfalls around the world.
Afterward, you'll embark on the Diamond Circle route, characterized by diverse and stunning landscapes. As you travel via Highway 1, you'll encounter the desolate Hverarond and Namafjall area, resembling the surface of Mars with its barren, reddish hot ground, sulfuric mud pits, and steamy springs.
Lake Myvatn, a 2300-year-old lake with rich birdlife and various fish species, welcomes you with its volcanic features. You can explore the Hverfjall Crater, visit the Viti Crater, and admire the dark gothic beauty of Dimmuborgir rocks. Relax at the Myvatn Nature Bath before heading to Akureyri, the capital of northern Iceland, where you can enjoy attractions and nightlife just 98 kilometers from the Arctic Circle.
Day 6: TROLL PENINSULA
View over Eyjafjordur fjord in north Iceland towards town of Dalvik
Continuing your journey, the northwest route through the Troll Peninsula leads you to Hvitserkur, a striking dragon-shaped basalt stack on the eastern shore of Vatnsnes peninsula. Along the way, don't miss the opportunity to visit Kolugljúfur, an unusual canyon with the Kolufossar waterfall cascading over a stony slope, creating a spectacular sight from the bridge.
Your day ends in the Vatnsnes area, known for its abundant wildlife and historical architecture. It offers a perfect opportunity for seal-watching and memorable strolls under the midnight sun or northern lights.
Day 7: BORGARFJÖRÐUR AND REYKJAVÍK
Deildartunguhver, a geothermal hotspring in Reykholtsdalur, Iceland.
On the 7th day of your ring road journey, you'll venture back to the heart of Iceland, ready to explore West Iceland and its diverse landscapes and engaging activities. Starting from Vatnsnes, you'll traverse the Arctic terrain, experiencing rugged shores, coastal plains, rolling hills, and tundra expanses before returning to urban life.
Notable stops include Grabrok crater, the powerful Deildartunguhver thermal spring, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, the charming town of Akranes, and the picturesque Borgarfjörður region before arriving back in Reykjavik. This self-drive Iceland ring road adventure showcases Iceland's resilience and stunning landscapes, providing an immersive travel experience.
In the final leg of your 8-day journey, you'll appreciate how Iceland thrives amidst challenging climates and geographical diversity, fostering unique landscapes and a versatile way of life. The freedom to explore up close is a hallmark of the self-drive ring road package, offering an unforgettable Icelandic adventure.
Day 8: DEPARTURE
Woman enjoy of spa in hot spring Blue Lagoon in Iceland
For travelers with afternoon flights, the option to embark on a morning journey from Reykjavik to Keflavik International Airport via the picturesque Reykjanes Peninsula is available. This route offers stunning views of expansive moss-covered landscapes and includes visiting the world-famous Blue Lagoon, celebrated as a geothermal wonder.
Planning your Blue Lagoon visit according to your flight schedule is essential. Additionally, you can explore Grindavik, a coastal town formed over 2800 years ago, and visit lighthouses, cliffs teeming with seabirds, and the unique Bridge Between Continents, where you can walk between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, creating a circular tour of the Reykjanes Peninsula before heading to the airport.
After 8 days of navigating Iceland's captivating landscapes and waterfalls, this self-drive package ensures you've explored all the must-see sights and scenes, providing a rewarding and unforgettable journey. Whether concluding your trip with this day or beginning your adventure, the stunning Reykjanes Peninsula offers a fitting farewell or an exciting introduction to Iceland's natural wonders.
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