Link up the highlights of the infamous Ring Road and add more than a few secret spots in the process.
Explore at your own pace the very best of what the Iceland ring road has to offer!
Choose your accommodation, simple campsites, luxury hotels or rustic cabins? We know the places, we know the people, we can find what you need.
Of course, our team of travel specialist will doctor this itinerary to suit your style and desires. But, as food for thought, here is a little overview of what a day-by-day itinerary might look like.
DAY 1 – Keflavík International Airport- Reykjavik
Pick up a rental car at the airport and start exploring the moonlike landscapes of the Reykjanes peninsula… But wait a minute, you see steam everywhere! Yes this is the most active volcanic zone. 9 eruptions in between 2021 and 2024. Earth in the making.
Overnight at your accommodation in the northernmost capital of the world.
50km/30 miles
Let´s journey Northwards. Our first fjord is majestic, weather allowing, we can choose to meander around it on a calm winding road or shorten our car journey via a tunnel under the ocean.
Inland towards the mighty hot spring of Deildartunguhver we will discover the cascading falls of Barnafoss and Hraunfossar and learn about the history of Iceland in the valley of Reykholt.
Overnight in west Iceland
220km/130 miles
DAY 2 – Borgarfjörður and the fjord of the Whale
Icelanders call the peninsula Iceland in a nutshell. But it has its own character! Wild coastline, scenic mountains, breathtaking mountain passes but also excellent food, historical sites, vibrant wildlife. The peninsula as it all!
Let us help you make the right stopping choices among the numerous treasures of the Snowy Mountain peninsula.
Overnight in West Iceland
300km/180 miles
DAY 3 – The Snæfellsness Peninsula
DAY 4 – We are going to the Northwest!
Road or sea? We can decide to take the gentle ferry to move to the fjords or go around by the untrodden roads.
Untouched, unspoiled and raw, the Westfjords are incomprehensively left out by many. Hard to fathom as you start travelling through them, the sinuous roads make you want to stop at every turn.
Stunning views galore all the way to our stop for the night. Maybe you can catch the dying light on the idyllic Rauðisandur beach, in good weather you can see the outline of the Snæfellsnes peninsula and start to reminisce about these first few days.
Overnight in the southern shore of the Fjords
250km/150 miles
Today, you see the might of the fjords. Starting with the cliffs of Látrar some of Europe´s highest hosting denizens of birds including the iconic puffin in the summer months.
Then, you ride northwards to the awe inspiring Dynjandi waterfall. Reigning over one of the most beautiful fjord of the country, according to Jón Sigurðsson leader of the Icelandic Independence movement) and according to one of our travel expert as well.
Sunset on top of the Bolafjall mountain? Some say you can see Greenland from there. At least you have the guarantee of a breath-taking view.
Overnight around Isafjörður
230km/120 miles
DAY 5 – Látrarbjarg and Dynjandi
DAY 6 -The Isafjarðardjúp between coast and mountains.
The road gently takes you from fjord to fjord. Observe the seal colonies, wander at the steep mountain walls on your side and take your time. Slowly make your way to the east of the fjords.
The little town of Holmavik will welcome you. Visit the Witchcraft center where you will hear gruesome stories about the area´s past.
Overnight in Holmavík
250km/150 miles
DAY 7 – The North Via the Vatnses peninsula
It would be a shame to do what many do and rush through these parts, The Vatnsnes peninsula for example boasts stunning coastal scenery, seals and bird colonies easily approachable and unique geological formations.
Further east, the Hunaflói and the Skagaförður are not only areas of incredible beauty but also areas of historical importance for Iceland. War and rebellion took place in these calm northern fjords.
In the capital of the North, Akureyri- 20 000 inhabitants, maybe you can relax at the Forest Baths or take part in a late afternoon whale watching cruise.
Overnight in the capital of the North
300km/190 miles
Enjoy the morning in the city, see the very quaint old town before you push further east towards the Myvatn lake.
On your way you cannot miss the iconic Goðafoss. Roll down towards the lake and its many wonders.
Why not finishing the day in another relaxing bath? Geosea in Húsavík with its stunning fjord views or maybe the turquoise blue waters of the Myvatn Nature Baths?
Overnight by the lake
90km/50 miles
DAY 8 – Akureyri to Mývatn
DAY 9 – Mývatn-Ásbyrgi-Dettifoss- East Iceland
You move up to the otherworldly sights of the Jökulsárgjúlfur, a mouthfull of a canyon. The power of the elements is obvious in this mighty canyon. You start in the dramatic horseshoe valley of Asbyrgi and then drive upriver to the estranged rock formations of Hljóðaklettar before reaching Dettifoss the most powerful waterfall in Europe.
Your journey takes you through the inhospitable and yet hypnotising deserts of the high plateaux. We come down towards the settlement of Egilsstaðir for the night, de facto reaching the East.
Overnight around Egilsstaðir.
The Eastfjords might remind us of the Westfords and yet they are so different. Once again, the views alone would suffice to make this journey inimitable. Yet, these hold many a surprise. Less peaceful, more alpine the mountains and the ocean seem to have a more chaotic relationship here. Rugged and sharp.
But stop in the settlements, maybe visit one of the rock collections hoarded by one of the local and try some of the product of the sea.
Overnight in Höfn
260km/160 miles
DAY 10 – Eastfjords
DAY 11 – Eastfjords- Jökulsárlón-Skaftafell
After a short drive, the first massive but distant glacier outlets appear. You reach the ice giant which is the Vatnajökull glacier. Covering 8% of Iceland, it seems unattainable but at the glacier lagoon of Jökulsárlón and its adjoining Fellsfjara aka Diamond Beach. You can stroll or sail among iceberg in this majestic landscape.
Overnight in the area or around Höfn
120km/70 miles
DAY 12 – Skaftafell-Vík
Hiking paradise is awaiting! Under the highest summit of Iceland, Hvannadalshnukur, the oldest National Park of the country figures many hiking paths or trails interpreting the surrounding landscape. There you can get to understand the interaction of ice and fire which created Planet Iceland.
Why not taking the time to walk on a glacier with the locals. This experience is a must do here where the glacier outlets are so accessible.
You drive through the sand plains and the widespread lava fields of the Laki eruptions to reach the charming town of Vík
Overnight around Vík
140km/90 miles
Under the mountains we go as the locals say! First you can stroll on the black sand beach of Vík overlooked by the cliffs of Reynisfjall. At the other side of the mountain lies the infamous black sand beach of Reynisfjara and its basalt columns featured in Game of Thrones.
The promontory of Dýrhólaey is also here, the very south of the island facing the Atlantic ocean.
Onwards for a waterfall galore, Kvernufoss, Skogafoss and its many followers, Seljalandsfoss just to name a few.
Overnight around Hella
90km/50 miles
DAY 13 – The South Coast
DAY 14 – The Golden Circle- Reykjavik
On your way back to the capital, you complete the Golden Circle, a famous itinerary which will take you to the celebrated Gullfoss waterfall, Icelandic Niagara Falls, the infamous Geysir hot spring and the rift valley highlights Þinvellir.
You then drive back onto the North American plate to finally reach Reykjavik.
190km/120 miles
DAY 15 – Reykjavik- Keflavik international airport
This is departure day… Depending on the time of your return flight, you might be able to enjoy more of the city´s attractions. Wandering through the colourful streets, visiting its unique museums or enjoying the restful Nordic vibes of its cosy cafes and restaurants.
50km/30 miles