Highlights of Iceland Ring Road

Day 1 and 2

Arrival - and Western area

Pick up your rental car at Keflavík International Airport and drive past Reykjavík to the Borgarfjordur region. Often referred to as “the Saga Valley of western Iceland,” this area served as the stage for many significant events in the literary masterpieces that Iceland is known for. It is home to Hraunfossar, a remarkable series of waterfalls formed by water emerging from a porous lava field, and Barnafossar, a cluster of robust rapids with a tragic story behind their name. Spend 2 nights in the Borgarfjörður region.

Explore the area. Visit the Snaefellsnes peninsula, with its impressive glacier and the famous Kirkjufell Mountain.

An idea is to visit the Ice cave in Langjokull.

Day 3 and 4

Akureyri, the “Capital of the North” and the North East

Drive through the Skagafjordur region famous for the Icelandic Horse to Akureyri. This small, yet bustling city is nestled in Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord. Because it serves as the hub for trade, education, and culture in the region, Akureyri is often referred to as “the capital of the north.” And although it is situated less than 40 miles south of the Arctic Circle, the climate here is surprisingly mild. Spend some time wandering through the northernmost botanical garden, and then take a dip in one of Iceland’s most popular swimming pools. Spend 2 nights in Akureyri or neighborhood.

Explore the Husavik area with it´s famous whale watching and North Pole tours. Explore the Myvatn area and visit Dettifoss the biggest waterfall in Europe.

MÝVATN is the fourth largest lake in Iceland. Frequent lava flows have left its shoreline very irregular in shape, and few areas offer such a wide spectrum of geological formations. The lake lies on an active volcanic belt where eruptions are frequent and intense geothermal activity results in bubbling mud pools, steaming solfataras, and brightly-colored mineral deposits. Relax in the sublime Nature Baths at Myvatn, a bathing lagoon filled with mineral-rich, geothermally-heated water.  Marvel at the magical waterfall, Godafoss, the volcanic area around Krafla, the spectacular Sulphur fields at Namaskarð, the dramatic lava formations at Dimmuborgir, and the pseudo craters at Skutustadir. 

Day 5

Along the East Fjords

Travel south along the beautiful, rugged coastline of the East Fjords which are punctuated with towering mountains like Dyrfjoll and charming small villages such as Egilsstaðir, Seydisfjordur and more.  Spend one the night in the South East Fjords

DAY 6 and 7

South Coast and Skaftafell

Continue your journey south of Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier.  Spend some time at JOKULSARLON, a stunning glacial lagoon filled with icebergs that have calved off the glacier Breiðamerkurjökull and are heading out to sea where the massive icebergs make their way along the Diamond Beach. It is abundant with fish that have drifted in from the ocean, and you may catch a glimpse of seals swimming around the lagoon looking to reap the bounty.

Next, explore SKAFTAFELL NATIONAL PARK.  Part of the larger Vatnajokull National Park, Skaftafell is a masterpiece of seemingly impossible contrasts of nature. The landscape in the park has considerable variety and has been formed over thousands of years by the influences of ice, fire, and water. The waterfall Svartifoss is one of Skaftafell’s best known attractions, mainly for the towering black basalt columns that flank it.  Continue along the coast to South of Iceland, visit VIK and the BLACK BEACH.

An interesting variation is to spend a night or a day in the Volcano island of Vestmannaeyjar. This island erupted in 1973 and all inhabitants had to leave their homes in the middle of the night. Now there is a fascinating museum, Eldheimar in Vestmannaeyjar that tells the story. Vestmannaeyjar is also a home to a large colony of puffins.

Many of Iceland natural wonders can be found in South of Iceland. SKOGAR is a tiny village that is home to not only a fantastic folk museum - which contains an outstanding collection of artifacts and impressive turf houses - but it is also home to SKOGAFOSS, one of Iceland’s largest waterfalls with a width of 82 feet and a drop of 200 feet.  SELJALANDSFOSS is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in all of Iceland. Here, the river Seljalandsá drops 200 feet over the cliffs of what used to be the island‘s coastline. If favorable conditions allow (and if you don‘t mind getting a bit wet), it is possible to walk behind the waterfall. 

Stay 2 nights in the South of Iceland.

Day 8

The Golden Circle of Iceland

Golden Circle day. Now you will be traveling to Reykjavik along the Golden Circle area. ThINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Iceland’s most fascinating places due to both its impressive geological formations and for the significant role it plays in the country’s history as the original meeting site of the Icelandic parliament, the oldest existing parliament in the world. GULLFOSS is a majestic double waterfall that tumbles 105 feet into the canyon of Hvítá, one of the longest rivers in Iceland.  And located in the Haukadalur geothermal area, GEYSIR is the geyser from which the English word is derived. Geysir itself is now dormant, but an adjacent geyser, Strokkur, erupts every few minutes.  Spend the night in Reykjavík.

Day 9

Reykjavík - Departure

Departure from Iceland

REYKJAVIK is the northern most capital city in the world. Lined with colorful, corrugated steel buildings, the streets in the downtown area are very pedestrian-friendly and full of fascinating museums, quaint shops, and cozy cafes. You need to be at the airport at least two hours before departure. If your departure is during the morning drive directly to the airport and return the car.

If your flight is in the afternoon you could stop by the Blue lagoon or the new amazing Sky lagoon. You can choose to keep the car for an extra day or there are shuttle buses and private transfers available.