Waterfalls
Visit iconic sights, including some magnificent waterfalls. Take the chance to walk behind the roaring cascade at Seljalandsfoss waterfall and to feel the mist of the 60-metre (197-feet), free-falling Skógafoss waterfall.
Photography
Be sure to keep your camera fully charged. This tour is perfect for keen photographers.
Whale Watching
Join a whale watching tour at the village of Húsavík. This charming settlement is known as “the whale watching capital of Europe”.
UNESCO Site
Visit the fascinating Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can walk on a path in the rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Overview
Just as the name indicates, on this popular route you’ll navigate Iceland’s legendary and scenic “Ring Road,” and traverse the magical Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Along the way, visit some of the country’s most spectacular natural attractions, including Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss and Goðafoss waterfalls and the lunar landscapes of Lake Mývatn, complete with craters and unearthly rock formations.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 | Welcome to Reykjavík
On arrival to Keflavík Airport, you will be greeted by a driver who will take you to your accommodation in Reykjavík. After settling in, the rest of the day is free for you to explore the vibrant city centre with its abundance of museums, restaurants and bars to suit all tastes.
If you're interested in checking out Icelandic design or experiencing the city's thriving coffee culture, head to the main street, Laugavegur, and enjoy its various shops and cosy cafes.
Spend the night in Reykjavík.
Day 2 | The Golden Circle
Collect your rental car in the morning and begin your journey on the classic “Golden Circle” route, home to some of Iceland’s most popular attractions. Start with a visit to the fascinating Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can walk on a path in the rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Next on the route is the Haukadalur geothermal area, where you can see Geysir—the original “geyser”—and its more active neighbour, Strokkur, which spouts water every few minutes. End the circle with visits to the majestic Gullfoss waterfall and the old implosion crater of Kerið.
Spend the night in the Hvolsvöllur area.
Driving distance approx. 230 km / 143 mi.
Day 3 | Waterfalls & Volcanic Beaches
Start with visits to the fairytale-like Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can experience walking right behind the misty cascade, and the gorgeous 60-metre high Skógafoss waterfall just a short drive down the road. Further ahead at Vík, you can make a stop at the black volcanic beach south of the village, from where you can view the rock formations Dyrhólaey and Reynisdrangar. The last stop of the day is to the stunning Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon.
You also have a chance today to join an exciting guided excursion by foot or snowmobile on a glacier!
Spend the night in Kirkjubæjarklaustur/Skaftafell area.
Driving distance approx. 157 km / 97 mi.
Day 4 | Glaciers and Icebergs
Enjoy Skaftafell, part of the immense Vatnajökull National Park and a place of great natural beauty with many interesting hiking trails, including a short path to the beautiful Svartifoss waterfall. This area is also full of opportunities for more adventurous pursuits, such as guided glacier-walking or ice-climbing excursions. Then, head to the amazing Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where you can join a boat ride among the maze of floating icebergs (optional).
Spend the night in the Höfn or Djúpivogur area.
Driving distance approx. 208 km / 129 mi.
Day 5 | The Enchanting East Fjords
Ahead of you is a day full of driving past diverse sights. As you travel through East Iceland, you’ll pass by tranquil fishing villages, narrow fjords, and rugged tundra among many sweeping landscapes.
After reaching North Iceland, prepare to be amazed by the roaring Dettifoss, one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls. Simply follow the 1-kilometre (0.6-mile) gravel path from the car park. Soon, you’ll reach a viewpoint to watch the waters thundering down a steep cliff face.
Later, you’ll spend some time exploring the natural beauty of Lake Mývatn. You’ll witness the gaseous Námaskarð pass, lava formations at Dimmuborgir and Skútustaðagígar’s cavernous pseudocraters. It’s sure to be a day of wonder for geology enthusiasts!
Spend the night in the Lake Mývatn area.
Driving distance approx. 435 km / 270 mi.
Day 6 | Jökulsárgljúfur National Park
Use this day to explore more of Lake Mývatn and its unique surroundings. You might want to take a drive through the Jökulsárgljúfur part of Vatnajökull National Park to take in more of the sights. Don’t miss the imposing horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon formed by ancient glaciers. Or, join a whale watching tour at the nearby village of Húsavík. This charming settlement is known as “the whale watching capital of Europe”.
Spend another night in the Lake Mývatn area.
Driving distance approx. 250 km / 155 mi.
Day 7 | Akureyri and North Iceland
Start your day with a visit to Goðafoss, the spectacular “Waterfall of the Gods”. You’ll then make your way to the picturesque town of Akureyri. Arriving here, you’ll find quirky shops and museums and a well-kept botanical garden.
After enjoying some time in Akureyri, head to Tröllaskagi (the “Peninsula of the Trolls”). This region contains jaw-dropping scenery, with beautiful mountains, jagged cliffs and wide fjords abound.
Then, continue through Siglufjörður, which was once the centre of Iceland’s herring fleet. If you’ve got time, you could make a stop at Hofsós to relax in the thermal pool there.
Later, you’ll arrive in Skagafjörður, an area known for its abundance of purebred Icelandic horses. See if you can spot some of these famous animals on your approach.
Spend the night in the Skagafjörður area.
Driving distance approx. 255 km / 158 mi
Day 8 | Journey to Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Head to Snæfellsnes Peninsula today. On the way you’ll see the countless mounds of Vatnsdalshólar and the beautiful Þingeyrakirkja church. You may also wish to make stops to the living museum at Eiríksstaðir, home of famous Viking Erik the Red, and the hot geothermal pool of Guðrúnarlaug. Or pay a visit to Stykkishólmur, a picture-perfect fishing village overlooking Breiðafjörður Bay. Here, you can take a walk up to the small hill overlooking the harbour, Súgandisey, for a wonderful panoramic view over the town, sea and surrounding mountains.
Spend the night on Snæfellsnes Peninsula / Borgarfjörður area.
Driving distance approx. 335 km / 208 mi.
Day 9 | Snæfellsjökull National Park and Snæfellsjökull Glacier
Experience the unique Snæfellsjökull National Park, with amazing birdlife, lush valleys and lava fields. It is ideal to drive around the peninsula, exploring Dritvík Cove, Lóndrangar Cliffs as well as Hellnar and Arnarstapi Cliffs with its bursting bird-life and the small villages on the coast. You might also wish to test your strength at the stones of the black volcanic beach of Djúpalónssandur like the seamen in past times.
Spend the night in Reykjavík.
Driving distance approx. 219 km / 136 mi.
Day 10 | Departure
On your day of departure, a shuttle bus will collect you from your hotel in Reykjavík and deliver you back to Keflavík International Airport ahead of your scheduled flight. If your flight is in the afternoon, you could fit in a relaxing visit to the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa (optional).
Why we love it
City Break
Waterfalls
Stunning Scenery
Dramatic Beaches
Gallery
All images courtesy of © Nordic Visitor Iceland
