Iceland Ring Road Self-Drive Adventure

Welcome to Iceland! Upon arrival, pick up your vehicle to kick off your adventure. Settle into your accommodation in Reykjavik or Keflavik (depending on your flight arrival time) and take the rest of the day to relax or explore independently. Stroll through Reykjavik’s lively streets, grab a bite at a local café, or relax and prepare for the journey ahead.

Please note that this trip is a highly customizable self-drive trip. Optional tours can be added daily depending on how much independence or structure you would like to have in your itinerary. Optional day tours may require pre-registration to guarantee availability and will be an additional cost. For more details, please discuss with your trip planners.

Optional Tour Additions in Reykjavik could include: A soak at either the Blue Lagoon or the Sky Lagoon to relax after your travels or a whale-watching adventure leaving from Reykjavik. 

Set off toward the Snaefellsnes Peninsula with unforgettable stops along Iceland’s iconic Golden Circle. Witness the raw power of Gullfoss Waterfall, feel the earth tremble at the Geysir geothermal area, and explore the historic beauty of Þingvellir National Park. Most visitors dedicate a full day to exploring the Golden Circle which, with sightseeing stops included, usually takes between 6 and 8 hours to complete the full circuit. Continuing on the way to Snaefellsnes, detour to the steamy Deildartunguhver hot springs and admire the flowing beauty of Barnafoss and Hraunfossar waterfalls. End the day with accommodation on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, ready for tomorrow’s adventures.

Drive Time to Snaefellsnes via Golden Circle: 4.5 hours
Distance: 315km / 195 miles

Discover the diverse beauty of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, often called “Little Iceland” for its stunning variety of landscapes. From black sand beaches to dramatic cliffs and lava fields, this region captures the essence of the entire island. Visit the iconic Snæfellsjökull volcano, made legendary by Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth. Spend the day exploring this magical region before settling in for another night on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.


 

Hit the road and head toward Akureyri, known as the “Capital of the North.” Explore this charming city’s vibrant streets, cozy cafés, and scenic harbor views. Visit the iconic Akureyri Church, stroll through the Botanical Gardens, or soak in the relaxed northern vibe. Settle in for the night with accommodation in Akureyri.

 

Start your day with a visit to the majestic Goðafoss Waterfall, known as the “Waterfall of the Gods.” Continue to the Lake Mývatn area, famous for its volcanic landscapes, geothermal activity, and rich birdlife. Wrap up the day with a stop at Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, where the sheer force of nature is unforgettable. Return to Akureyri for your overnight stay.

Optional Tour Additions in Akureyri could include: A whale watching excursion (in Akureyri, Husavik or Hauganes), time spent relaxing and soaking at the Myvatn Nature baths or the GeoSea geothermal sea baths in Husavik.
 

Depart from Akureyri and set your course for Egilsstaðir, passing through vast desert landscapes and rugged terrain. As you venture into the East Fjords, enjoy dramatic coastal views, winding roads, and charming fishing villages between towering mountains. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including reindeer roaming the hills. End the day with accommodation in the Breiðdalsvík area.

Optional Tour Additions today could include: A visit to the Vök Baths, a geothermal paradise located just outside of Egilsstaðir on the banks of Lake Urriðavatn. Here you will find hot pools, a sauna, a cold water spray tunnel, and a traditional Icelandic bistro to enjoy.

Travel toward the mighty Vatnajökull Glacier, the third-largest glacier on Earth. Along the way, explore the trails of Skaftafell National Park, known for its stunning glaciers, waterfalls, and black sand plains. Continue to the breathtaking glacial lagoons of Jökulsárlón and Fjallsárlón, where floating icebergs create unforgettable scenery.

Option Excursions to Add today: Visit the breathtaking glacial lagoons of Jökulsárlón or Fjallsárlón in even greater depth, where floating icebergs create unforgettable scenery. Opt for a zodiac excursion in Fjallsárlón Glacial Lagoon or Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon. Discuss either option's timing and cost with your trip planner. 

Today, choose your own adventure along the stunning south coast as you make your way towards Hella. Stop in at the black sand beaches the South Coast is renowned for, Reynisfjara being the most famous, where volcanic landscapes and basalt rock formations meet the roaring Atlantic. Sólheimasandur is another popular beach stop known for the abandoned aircraft wreckage still in place from a crash in the 90s. Dyrholaey is another option for adventurous travelers who want to see the famous black sands but also catch views of seabirds, arch-shaped cliff structures, and panoramic scenery.

Option Excursions to Add today: For the active adventurers, gear up for an unforgettable adventure as you journey toward Hella. Strap on crampons and trek across volcanic ash and coal-black sands, making your way to the icy tongue of the Sólheimajökull outlet glacier on a Glacier Tour. Feel the crunch of ice beneath your feet and take in the stark beauty of the surrounding landscapes. After this thrilling experience, settle into your accommodation in Hella.

This day is a free day along the South Coast to continue to explore independently!

Option Excursions to Add today: We recommend the option to join a unique and remarkable adventure to Landmannalaugar, one of Iceland's most stunning highland areas. Departing from Hella in the morning aboard the "Yeti Bus", traverse rugged landscapes to reach this volcanic wonderland. Hike through colorful mountains, shimmering lakes, and moss-covered lava fields, where shades of green and yellow contrast against ancient basalt, obsidian, and rhyolite formations. Experience the raw beauty of this geothermal paradise before returning to the Hella area for the night. This optional excursion is a full 8-9 hours.

Head back to Reykjavik for a relaxing final day. On the way, curious travelers could opt to stop into the Lava Center in Hvolsvöllur to learn all about the science of the volcanic activity Iceland is so famous for. If interested, let your trip planner know, since advanced reservations are recommended. Once in Reykjavik, explore the city at your own pace, wander through lively streets, visit museums, or shop for local crafts. For a truly unforgettable experience, consider a visit to the Sky Lagoon for a soothing soak in its geothermal waters (optional). Enjoy your last evening in Iceland with accommodation in Reykjavik.

 

Enjoy a final free day in Reykjavik to relax, pick up last-minute souvenirs, or take a stroll through the city. When it’s time, return your vehicle and head to the airport for your departure flight, bringing your unforgettable Icelandic adventure to a close.

**Please note this is a sample self-drive itinerary and can be planned in the reverse direction as well. Your trip planner will help you customize the perfect itinerary for you!**