Ring Road Highlights

Famous national park – Lively geysers – Scenic waterfalls

Enjoy a day visiting the natural wonders of the Golden Circle region. Visit Þingvellir National Park, site of the ancient Icelandic Viking parliament and a jewel of nature. Here you can see the meeting point between the North American and Europe continents. Several walking trails and hiking trails take visitors to historical points of interest.

Gullfoss is considered by many visitors to be Iceland’s most beautiful waterfall. Geysir is an active geothermal field with many bubbling steam vents and spouting hot springs, including the famous Strokkur geyser.

Drive along the south shore, viewing Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, two amazing waterfalls that each have a special charm.

Next, visit the black sand beaches around Vík and the area’s Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Depending on your schedule, you might enjoy a snowmobiling or ATV tour. In the area is also Dyrhólaey*, a former island known for its excellent birdwatching, including puffins (puffins generally seen in Iceland between mid-May and early August).

*Please note that Dyrhólaey is closed during nesting season, from about the middle of May until late June.

Overnight in the Vík area.

Glacier national park – Iceberg lagoon – Europe’s largest glacier

Start the day with a drive through Eldhraun, the strange-looking lava field created by one of Iceland’s most devastating volcanic eruptions.

Drive through the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, site of a medieval convent. Continue across black sand plains created by glacial activity. Explore Skaftafell, a green oasis nestled below the great Vatnajökull glacier. Skaftafell is part of Vatnajökull National Park, the largest of its type in Western Europe. Stop at the incredible Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, a filming location for many Hollywood blockbusters. Also in the area is the Diamond Beach, a popular spot for photographers. Then head onwards to the charming harbour town of Höfn, also known as the lobster capital of northern Europe. Several restaurants feature these delicious langoustines in their menu.

Overnight in the Höfn area.

Narrow fjords – Steep mountains – Picturesque coastline

Drive along the rugged coastline of the ancient Eastfjords, shaped by glaciers during the Ice Age. Each fjord has its own grandeur. The natural harbours in the fjords hold fishing villages that have clung to their historical charm.

If you enjoy curious art installations, make a stop in Djúpivogur to view the intriguing seabird egg sculptures in the harbour. If you want to discover more about the area’s ancient geology and local life, we recommend a visit to Petra’s Stone Collection in Stöðvarfjörður (summer months). If you’re feeling thirsty for a local brew, we recommend a stop at the Beljandi microbrewery in Breiðdalsvík. The brewery was a community project, so you’ll get a feel for local life in the Eastfjords if you stop here.(Note: Beljandi Brewery is open June through August).

Depending on your schedule, you might enjoy the opportunity to relax in the floating pools of a genuine hot spring lake at the Vök geothermal area near Egilsstaðir town.

Overnight in the Eastfjords area.

Europe’s most powerful waterfall – Glacier-carved gorge – Whale watching

Today you will be in the northern area of Vatnajökull National Park. This region of the park has its own distinctive character. Less visited than the southern area, this area shows Iceland’s wild side to its fullest.

Travel across the vast Möðrudalsöræfi highlands and into the wilderness, passing the historical farm of the same name. The route takes you to the mighty Dettifoss* waterfall. A few moments here listening to the heavy thundering water against a surreal landscape is one of Iceland’s most amazing experiences.

Head through the park and its amazing canyon areas carved by the Jökulsár river. Explore the impressive horse-shoe-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon, said to be formed by the god Óðinn’s stallion. Several walking trails lead to beautiful viewing areas.

Drive around the fossil rich Tjörnes Peninsula to the Húsavík area. Húsavík is known as the whale watching capital of Iceland, and we recommend taking a whale watching tour if time permits.

A great way to end your exciting day is with a relaxing swim in the warm sea waters of Húsavík’s GeoSea Baths. After your Húsavík visit, head to the Lake Mývatn area.

* Visiting Dettifoss is not possible between October and mid-May

Important: Please note Roads 864, 862 are closed in the winter and usually open in late May. Until these roads are open, please take the scenic Ring Road 1 to Road 87 and on to Húsavík. Please also note that these are gravel roads, and you must heed warning signs in the area if road conditions are not good for driving.

Overnight in the Lake Mývatn area.

Bizarre lava formations – Volcanic wonderland – Waterfall of the gods

Explore the highlights of the Lake Mývatn area, including the mystical volcanic formations at Dimmuborgir, the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir, the colourful sulphurous slopes of Námaskarð, and the Hverfjall volcanic crater. Perhaps you might relax with a visit to the azure Mývatn Nature Baths, where you can enjoy the soothing waters and the natural steam baths and sauna.

Drive on to Goðafoss, a lovely half circle-shaped waterfall with a connection to Icelandic Vikings. Continue on to Akureyri, the charming “capital” of North Iceland.

You can add some more hot spring to your trip with an optional visit to the Skógarböð (Forest Baths) near Akureyri. This new hot spring pool is situated in a small forest with pretty views of flat-topped mountains and Eyjafjörður fjord.

Overnight in the Akureyri area or Northwest Iceland.

Please Note: The Ring Road route today contains a toll tunnel. More information on the tunnel and fees is here.

Scenic farmlands – Glacial rivers – Charming fjord

Drive through the historical region of Skagafjörður, renowned for horse breeding. You might visit the old farmstead at Glaumbær a great example of traditional Icelandic turf house architecture. A museum exhibit inside shows how Icelanders lived for centuries in houses like this.

Then head across Höltavörðuheiði plateau, entering the Borgarfjörður area. Visit the beautiful Hraunfossar lava falls and Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot springs. Near Deildartunguhver is Krauma, the intriguing “fire and ice” geothermal spa that uses water from the springs.

Drive to Reykjavík, heading through a scenic fjord known as Hvalfjörður (the Whale Fjord).

Overnight in Reykjavík.

Approximate driving distance: 490 km / 305 miles

Alternative Route for Today: If you are travelling between mid-June and early September and have a 4WD vehicle, you can travel across the barren wasteland on the Kjölur highland road to the geothermal wilderness oasis at Hveravellir before driving to Reykjavík. This historical route heads through a landscape of black sands, high mountains, and two magnificent glaciers. (If you take the Kjölur option, the alternative distance would be 410 km, or 255 miles, and about 6 hours.)

Important information about Kjölur – Please note that a 4WD vehicle is needed for this unpaved mountain track – Car Category F or higher. The Kjölur track is generally open mid-June through mid-September, openings subject to weather and road conditions.

Drive back to Keflavík International Airport. We recommend departing your hotel in Reykjavík no later than at least 3 hours before your flight departure. It takes approximately 1 hour to drive to the airport, and check-in will start 2 hours before your departure.

If you did not visit the Blue Lagoon earlier but have some free time today, you might want to use the opportunity en route to the airport. For this detour, please be sure to allow for at least 2-2,5 hours extra so you’ll have ample time at the lagoon. Your rental car should be returned to the airport service area, which is located only 2 minutes from the airport building. A shuttle will then transport you to the departure hall.