Imagine a place where waterfalls cascade down volcanic cliffs, glaciers stretch to the horizon, and geothermal springs bubble up from the earth. Iceland’s Ring Road, or Route 1, offers an unparalleled road trip that circles this magical island, revealing its breath-taking natural wonders. The route promises an ever-changing landscape of rugged coastlines, picturesque villages, and the untamed beauty of the Arctic North. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights or soaking in a geothermal pool, the Ring Road of Iceland is the gateway to a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in the Land of Fire and Ice.
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Day 1 – Arrive Reykjavik & Explore the City On Your Own
Your Iceland Ring Road adventure begins upon arrival as you make your way to the capital city of Reykjavik. Most flights from the US arrive in the early morning hours. So, stow your luggage at the hotel, grab a Danish at one of the many wonderful bakeries, and start exploring!
There are tons of things to keep you occupied all day long in Reykjavik. Check out one of the many museums, take a food tour, see the Lava Show, or simply walk around the city and admire the interesting architecture and cool Icelandic vibe.
And yes, I did say to stay occupied ALL DAY LONG! It is very tempting to head to the hotel at check-in time and sleep the day away. But try to stay awake until evening so you sleep through the night and are ready for an early start the next day.
A more relaxing option is to go directly from the airport to the Blue Lagoon. There are great tours that will take there and then you can head to Reykjavik after a soothing soak in Iceland’s most famous geothermal waters.
Check out our post The Best Ways to Spend a Day in Reykjavik
Day 2 – Explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Today you officially begin your Iceland ring road journey. Not all itineraries include the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, but if you have the time, you should definitely check it out!
The Snaefellsnes Peninsula, often referred to as “Iceland in Miniature,” offers a wonderfully diverse array of everything Iceland is known for. Spend the day checking out the black beaches, mountains, glaciers, craters, caves, and waterfalls along the way. You will also find dramatic ocean cliffs, quaint fishing villages, and a legend or two as you drive along the peninsula.
There are many surprises along the way as you spend the day on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. You might also recognize a site or two, as several movies utilize the peninsula as a backdrop. Much of the beauty of the peninsula is easily accessible, but those who are up for a hike in the summer months might find some extra surprises awaiting them.
Check out our post Things to See Along the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Day 3 – Travel to North Iceland Along the Ring Road
As we travel north, the first stop of the day is Kolugljúfur canyon. The home of Kola, a big Troll in the canyon that steals Atlantic Salmon from the river. While photographing the canyon, make sure you don’t wake her up as it might be the last thing you do in Iceland!
Head onward toward the capital of the north Akureyri. Take some time to check out the city, shop, and grab a bite to eat before the next leg of your journey. Then drive through the new tunnel toward lake Mývatn and the diamond circle sights. This 155-mile scenic route will take you to some of Iceland’s most stunning sites, including Godafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods.” This majestic horseshoe-shaped cascade plunges gracefully into the Skjálfandafljót River. Renowned for its historical significance and ethereal beauty, Godafoss is a mesmerizing sight.
Check out Dimmuborgir, a surreal lava field renowned for its dark and fantastical rock formations. Translating to “Dark Cities,” these unique structures result from ancient volcanic activity. The eerie landscape features towering lava pillars, arches, and caves. Dimmuborgir’s mystique is further heightened by Icelandic folklore, with tales of trolls and supernatural beings.
Days 4 & 5 – North Iceland Waterfalls, Legends, Whales, & More!
Spend the next two days exploring north Iceland. There are so many fabulous sites to see you will be hard pressed to do them all. If you are interested in a Whale Watching Tour, the town of Husavik is considered the whale watching capital of Europe! Spend your morning on the look-out for these majestic creatures!
Enjoy exploring the Lake Mývatn area. This shallow volcanic lake dazzles visitors with its otherworldly landscape and vibrant wildlife. Towering lava formations surround the lake, while steaming geothermal vents dot the nearby fields. Its shimmering blue waters reflect the dramatic skies and distant mountains, creating a stunning backdrop for you to explore.
Don’t miss the Myvatn Nature Baths while in the area! This “Blue Lagoon of the North” will ease your sore muscles and tired body. So enjoy a good soak in these wonderful thermal waters.
North Iceland Places of Interest
There are numerous other spectacular sites to fill two (or more) days with adventure. Some of these include:
Hljóðaklettar – Don’t miss this geological wonder characterized by unique basalt column formations. Translating to “Echo Rocks,” these extraordinary hexagonal basalt columns create a labyrinth of stunning rock formations.
Ásbyrgi – Visit the “Shelter of the Gods.” Legend claims it was formed by the hoofprint of Odin’s eight-legged horse, Sleipnir. Encircled by towering cliffs, lush woodland, and unique rock formations, Ásbyrgi is a haven for hikers.
Námaskarð ( Hverir) – Check out Námaskarð, on the flanks of Mount Námafjall. This surreal landscape of hissing fumaroles, hot sulfuric springs and bubbling mud pools is a photographer’s dream. It’s whiffy, but the eggy stench won’t stop you from wandering around this unearthly place.
Grjótgjá – Game of Thrones fans, will recognize this hot-spring cave as the setting where Jon Snow and the wildling Ygritte became better acquainted. In case you’re wondering – no, you can’t take a dip here (the water temperature’s too volatile).
Víti crater – Hike through these still-warm lava fields to discover more hot water at Víti or ‘Hell’, a flooded 300m-wide crater at Krafla
Dettifoss – Discover Europe’s most powerful waterfall, standing 148 feet tall and 330 feet wide. The sheer scale and raw natural power will mesmerize you.
Selfoss – If you have the time and the energy to add to your hike, also check out Selfoss. While not terribly high, it showcases a graceful and elegant flow of water.
Head South-East on the Ring Road
Eventually, you will need to leave the north and travel toward the east fjords. Check out the Studlagil columnar basalt rock formations and the blue-green water that runs through. Then head to Egilsstadir for lunch. Egilstadir is the home of Lagarfljót a lake and the Lagarfljots Worm, a 40-foot-long creature of lore. Take a short hike nearby in the biggest forest in the country.
Next drive to the tiny town Borgarfjordur eystri to check out the puffins (in the summer season only). The cliffs of Borgarfjörður Eystri host one of the largest puffin colonies in Iceland. Take great photos of the puffins against the backdrop of the scenic cliffs. They are not afraid of people so this is the perfect spot to get up close for the perfect puffin picture
If you are really adventurous and in great shape, hike to Hengifoss, the third highest waterfall in Iceland. It is surrounded by basaltic strata with thin, red layers of clay between the basaltic layers. Further down is litlanesfoss waterfall, notable for the columnar jointed volcanics around it. Hengifoss is the most popular hiking site in East Iceland with path leading from the parking lot to the falls taking about 2 hours round trip. But be prepared, the path can be quite rigorous and steep!
Check out our post on 6 Spectacular Reasons to Visit Northern Iceland
Day 6 – Discover the Eastfjords
Begin the day with a drive to the town of Seyðisfjordur. This charming town is embraced by majestic mountains and a tranquil fjord. Famous for its iconic Blue Church and vibrant architecture, Seyðisfjörður offers a picturesque setting.
Embark on a scenic drive along the Eastfjords. Admire the stunning landscapes, waterfalls, fjords, and small fishing villages along the way. Maybe stop at Petra’s stone collection for a quirky break.
Watch for reindeer as you explore the fjords. This is the home to many wild reindeer and you can even embark on a reindeer safari.
The highlight of today is Vestrahorn mountain. Drive down to the coastline to view the mountain and the black sand coast for the perfect picture. If the weather is right, you can “walk” on water with the mountain in the background
End your day with dinner at Hornafjordur ( Hofn ) The Packhouse is the best seafood place in the country. They don’t take reservations so you better be there at 6pm
Check out our post on 5 Fantastic Reasons to Visit Eastern Iceland
Day 7 – Skaftafell’s Glaciers, Lagoons, and Diamonds
Begin your day with a drive to Skaftafell National Park, Iceland’s second largest national park. Here you see glacier outlets and black sand wherever you look. Skaftafell is filled with beauty but two of the most uniquely interesting things to see if the Jokulsarlón glacier lagoon and the Diamond Beach.
You should also drive through the Laki Lava fields. These were created by a volcanic eruption in 1784. Iceland lost 20% of its population and half of all livestock due to the hot lava.
If you feel like hiking, check out Svartifoss waterfall. The hike gives you views over the entire coastline. And, the black coloured basalt columns surrounding the waterfall at the end of the path is well worth the walk. If you are looking for something a little more challenging, take a guided Glacier hike at Fallsjokull, the tour is 3 hours and takes you high up on one of the outlets of the biggest glacier in Europe.
Check out our post 5 Great Reasons to Visit Skaftafell in Iceland
Day 8 – The Magical South Coast of Iceland
Head further South today. As you do, check out the dramatic landscape of the Eyiafoll Mountains. The infamous Eyjafjallajokull volcano erupted in 2010 stopping air traffic for days.
The South Coast is one of the most popular areas in Iceland. Tourists flock to see the beautiful waterfalls, black sand beaches, majestic glaciers, and fishing villages. If traveling in July or August watch for puffins flying around at Dyrholaey and Reynisfjara black sand beach.
Other highlights along the South Coast include:
Seljalandsfoss – Explore the path and walk behind the cascading waters of this waterfall.
Kvernufoss – Take a short hike through a scenic canyon to reach this waterfall. You will be rewarded with a serene cascade plunging into a picturesque pool.
Skogafoss – Check out one of Iceland’s most iconic and majestic waterfalls, situated along the Skógá River. With a height of 60 meters and a width of 25 meters, it boasts a powerful and thunderous flow of water.
Vík – Nestled between stunning black sand beaches, dramatic cliffs, and picturesque mountains, explore the town of Vik.
The South Coast is the perfect place to hang out if you want to explore an ice cave, go on a glacier hike, snowmobile, or ride Icelandic horses on black sand beaches.
Check out our post 7 Incredibly Interesting Things to See & Do in Vik
Day 9 – Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is a wonderful drive connecting Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and the Gullfoss Waterfall. You might also stop by the Kerid Volcanic Crater along the way.
The Friðheimar Tomato Farm is a nice diversion from seeing all the geological wanders. They offer a wonderful soup and bread buffet that will hit the spot for a mid-day meal.
In the afternoon, take time to explore one of the many lava caves in the area. There are lava caves for all ages and fitness levels so be sure to find the one that is right for you.
You might also opt to head back to Reykjavik for a free afternoon and evening or one last visit to one of the city’s fabulous geothermal pools like the Sky Lagoon.
Check out our post The Golden Circle of Iceland in One Epic Day
Day 10 – Depart for home
Most U.S. flights depart the country in the mornings. If that is the case, you might want to spend your last night at an airport hotel. But if you have a little longer to linger on departure day, then you definitely want to wake up in Reykjavik. Take whatever time you have to enjoy anything you missed on your free day in the city.
Getting Around for a Week in Iceland
The best way to travel for your Ring Road adventure in Iceland is a private or small-group tour. There are many great travel providers in the country who will be happy to serve you. If you have a few more days to spend, we are taking a small group to Iceland to do a 10-day Ring Road itinerary September 25 – October 4, 2025. Check out all our upcoming trips!
If you want to go independently and are confident in your driving skills, then you might consider renting a car to drive the Iceland Ring Road. But I recommend thinking twice if traveling in the winter, unless you are experienced at driving in icy conditions.
Are You Ready for the Ring Road of Iceland?
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