Relaxed Pace 10-Day Summer Self-Drive Ring Road Adventure in Iceland with Waterfalls

The first day of your adventure around Iceland's Ring Road begins when you land at the Keflavik International Airport. After you clear customs, you'll find your rental car waiting.

To reach Reykjavik from the airport, you'll drive across the haunting lava landscapes of the Reykjanes Peninsula, which provide a fascinating glimpse into the country's wilderness. If you arrive in good time, you can spend a few hours seeking out this region's dramatic attractions, including hot springs, volcanoes, and spectacular coastal formations.

Another way to spend the day is to visit the most famous site of the peninsula, the Blue Lagoon. This luxurious spa is renowned for the healing properties of its milky blue waters and its geothermally heated steam rooms and saunas. 

Situated amid a volcanic landscape, the Blue Lagoon's regenerative water features silica and sulfur, benefiting people with various skin ailments. With a temperature averaging 98 to 102 F (37 to 39 C), the Blue Lagoon offers a comfortable and relaxing feeling in both the swimming and bathing areas. There are also a wealth of restorative therapies available.

Note that the Blue Lagoon cannot be entered without an advance ticket, so be sure to add it while booking. If your flight arrival time doesn't allow us to arrange it on your arrival day, your travel agent will fit it on another day of your vacation.

You can also head straight to Reykjavik and relax on your first night. Since you'll spend the next eight days immersed in the wilderness, why not experience the quirky culture of the world's northernmost capital before retiring?

Start with the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center, the city's leading cultural hub. It has a beautiful facade with 714 glass panels with LED lights, illuminating the building at night. It's also the favorite venue for concerts, exhibitions, and festivals, so you may even catch one.

Next, about 2.4 miles (3.9 kilometers) from Harpa, is the Perlan museum. It features interactive displays and exhibits about the country's rich nature. Check out the museum's hemispherical rotating glass dome that doubles as a viewing deck for visitors to appreciate the cityscape.

Remember to visit the Hallgrimskirkja church, about 1.6 miles (2.5 kilometers) away. Standing 245 feet (74.5 meters) tall, the church is Iceland's tallest and one of Reykjavik's most iconic landmarks.

On the second day of your summer holiday, around the Ring Road of Iceland, you'll explore the wonders of West Iceland.

Today, you'll focus on a region so diverse and beautiful it's been nicknamed "Iceland in Miniature," the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Along its shores are countless attractions, promising something appealing to travelers from all walks of life.

Animal lovers will enjoy the seals at Ytri-Tunga and the bird colonies at the basalt fortress of Londrangar. Meanwhile, those interested in history can locate abandoned villages and hamlets, communities steeped in folklore, and the "lifting stones" at Djupalonssandur beach, a central part of the local fishing tradition for centuries.

If the volcanic forces that shaped Iceland's nature fascinate you, you'll find bizarrely formed hexagonal columns of lava at Gerduberg and a stunning nearby crater named Eldborg. 

Even if your main interest is watching television, you'll be impressed by the dramatic mountain of Kirkjufell, featured in Game of Thrones. The mountain is a standalone peak measuring 1,519 feet (463 meters) tall. 

It features a shape resembling a pyramid, a church, or an arrowhead. Photographers also love to use Kirkjufell as a subject due to its distinctive, dramatic appearance.

However, the most appealing part of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is on its very tip. The twin-peaked, subglacial volcano of Snaefellsjokull is a magnificent monument that towers over its surroundings. It stands 4,744 feet (1,446 meters) tall and offers majestic views of Reykjavik from across the bay.

It's so beautiful it has inspired countless works of art and literature. In addition, the Snaefellsjokull glacier is believed to be an ancient energy source. It's now protected in a National Park of its own name and is breathtaking.

Near the glacier is a hidden lava cave named Vatnshellir, an exploration of which can be organized while booking. Ice caving promises to provide you with a great sense of adventure while introducing you to a surprisingly vibrant subterranean world.

If you'd rather stay above ground, you can opt for the Viking Sushi tour, a boat excursion from the village of Stykkisholmur. The waters north of Snaefellsnes boast countless islands, an incredible perspective on the mountains of the Westfjords, and bountiful wildlife.

After a day marveling over the wonders of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, you'll retire in a hotel on the peninsula.

On day three of your Ring Road self-drive holiday around Iceland, you'll visit the country's north. If you wish to see more sites or revisit some places on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, you can do so in the morning.

En route to the "Capital of the North," Akureyri, it is recommended to take a slight detour to the Vatnsnes peninsula. This area has two major attractions, its seal colonies and the Hvitserkur monolith.

The former can be found in many places around the coast, and you can learn about them in detail at the Icelandic Seal Centre in the village of Hvammstangi. The latter, meanwhile, is striking for its unique formation, appearing to most as a stone elephant drinking from the ocean.

Hvitserkur stands 49 feet (15 meters) tall, protruding from Hunafloi bay. Folklore says the rock stack used to be a troll from the peninsula. It was so angry at Iceland's conversion to Christianity that it tried to rip down the bells of a convent. 

While consumed by anger, the troll didn't notice the rising sun, which petrified him and turned him into the "Troll of Northwest Iceland."

If you're interested in Iceland's history and fishing culture, you can find many fascinating settlements on other northern peninsulas: Siglufjordur, Olafsfjordur, and Dalvik. If you add it while booking, you can organize a trip to the Beer Baths in Dalvik, a unique spa experience where you can relax in a tub of young beer.

Akureyri has a wide-reaching appeal to all travelers and warrants at least a little exploration. Its architecture is beautiful. It has upmarket boutiques and restaurants. The museums and galleries are intriguing, and it boasts the world's northernmost botanical gardens.

Furthermore, its views over the ocean and surrounding mountains are breathtaking. From Akureyri, it is possible to organize an alternative tour in which you will set out from the harbor in search of the gentle giants of the deep. 

North Iceland is one of the world's most reliable whale-watching locations. Many humpbacks frequent the water in summer, and rare species such as Blue and Fin Whales are regularly spotted.

After a long but fruitful day of exploring, you'll retire for the night in North Iceland.

On day four of your Icelandic summer holiday, you can explore the incredible landscapes of North Iceland. Whether you seek dramatic wilderness, geothermal wonders, abundant wildlife, or serene relaxation, you'll find something for you in this incredible region.

One of the area's highlights is the fishing village of Husavik to the northeast of Akureyri, one of the country's oldest settlements. It has been colloquially dubbed the whale-watching capital of Europe due to the incredible wealth of life in its bountiful waters, and you are welcome to add a tour to experience this up close.

If you seek comfort and commodities on the whale watch, you can join a traditional tour in a larger boat. In contrast, you can be daring and get as close to these fantastic animals as possible by booking an RIB excursion instead.

If you'd rather spend time at Husavik unwinding, you can book a dip into the GeoSea baths. These pools are unique in Iceland because they are filled with saltwater. The water has therapeutic properties and is geothermally heated, and is just as rejuvenating to bathe in.

Despite Husavik's appeal, you should spend much of your day in North Iceland in the Lake Myvatn region. This spectacular area boasts vast bodies of serene water bursting with birdlife and surrounded by stunning flora. It also has some fascinating geological marvels, such as rows of strange pseudocraters and the lava fortress of Dimmuborgir.

Translated as "the Dark Fortress," Dimmuborgir is a lava field formed around 2,300 years ago following an eruption. Check out its caves, caverns, and large stacks of rocks.

Around Myvatn, you can also find some stark geothermal areas that contrast dramatically with the serenity of the lakes. Namaskard is most notable, with dozens of hissing steam vents billowing poisonous gasses across a barren mountain pass.

To enjoy the geothermal forces of North Iceland's nature more serenely, you can organize admission into the Myvatn Nature Baths when booking. This more traditional Icelandic spa has many amenities and spectacular surrounding landscapes.

After a tiring day of sightseeing, you'll retire for the night in North Iceland.

On day five of your summer vacation in Iceland, you'll set out from the north to reach the capital of the east, Egilsstadir. This route goes through the northern reaches of the vast Vatnajokull National Park, which boasts some of the country's most otherworldly landscapes and dramatic features.

Most notable amongst these is the most powerful waterfall in Europe, Dettifoss. It measures 328 feet (100 meters) wide and drops 141 feet (43 meters). It also has an average flow rate of 50985 gallons (193 cubic meters) per second.

It thunders incredibly into a barren canyon of black lava rock, providing an ominous yet unforgettable atmosphere. In turn, director Ridley Scott filmed the opening scene of the 2012 film "Prometheus" in Dettifoss.

Meanwhile, just up and downriver from Dettifoss are two equally impressive waterfalls, Selfoss and Hafragilsfoss. Though Selfoss stands only 36 feet (11 meters) tall, it has an impressive width of 330 feet (100 meters). Moreover, it's fed by Jokulsa a Fjollum, a glacier river connected to the Vatnajokull glacier.

Near these sites is another wonder of Northeast Iceland, Asbyrgi canyon. Shaped like an enormous horseshoe, the canyon was believed by early Icelanders to be divinely created. 

They said the canyon's shape came from a hoofprint of Odin's steed when the latter stomped the Earth. With sheer-sided cliffs and abundant forest within, hours can be spent hiking around this site.

Once you reach Egilsstadir, you'll be on the cusp of the Eastfjords. You're welcome to detour the coastline for incredible mountain and sea views, with the spectacular Borgarfjordur Eystri most highly recommended.

Of course, you can enjoy the town, the region's most important cultural and economic hub, and its surrounding sites, such as the mysterious lake Lagarfjlot and the vast forest of Hallormstadasskogar.

Lagarfjlot is known for its fishing opportunities, natural beauty, and folklore. Many Icelanders believe it to be the home of the Lagarfljot Wyrm, considered by many as the Loch Ness Monster's cousin.

If you're looking for a hot spring experience, you can find a luxurious option near Egilsstadir at the Vok Baths. Level with a beautiful lake, these pools are the epitome of serenity. Moreover, the site boasts saunas and a restaurant.

If you wish to immerse yourself in Iceland's Highlands, you can do so today. However, this will push all other destinations you plan to visit into the evening and night.

Instead of driving away from Myvatn first thing in the morning, you'll be picked up in a super jeep and whisked into the country's interior. The landscapes here appear to be from another planet, and you can explore them at length as you stop to hike.

This tour's highlights are the vast crater lakes you will witness: Askja and Viti. Interestingly, you can swim in Lake Viti, with its water temperature of 77 F (25 C).

After another adventure-filled day, you'll retire for the night in East Iceland.

Other than the Highlands and Westfjords, the Eastfjords of Iceland are its most remote and untouched region. On day six of your summer holiday, you can explore them in-depth.

Every site you visit today will be a hidden gem that very few visitors to Iceland ever get to see. Vast fjords, towering mountains, far-flung villages, blossoming nature reserves, and sites steeped with fascinating folklore can all be easily sought out.

Another great appeal of the Eastfjords is its abundant wildlife. Seals can be found playing in the waters and hauling out on the shores. Moreover, puffins and other seabirds nest in their thousands on the cliffs, while wild reindeer can be found roaming in their herds.

If you're seeking culture, many settlements exist almost as they have for centuries. Seydisfjordur and Breidalsvik are particularly notable for their charm and surroundings, whereas Djupivogur is renowned for its public artworks and 'Cittaslow' way of living.

Seydisfjordur sits at the base of a beautiful fjord with mountains and waterfalls surrounding it. As you explore the town, you'll see colorful houses and a beautiful blue church amid an adorable atmosphere. Take many pictures when visiting the church, especially along its rainbow pathway. 

Meanwhile, about 68 miles (109 kilometers) away is Breidalsvik. It's a small hamlet with only about 140 residents. The area is also a perfect destination if you wish to see wild reindeer.

Toward the end of your journey, you should visit two of the most unique and photogenic mountains in Iceland, Eystrahorn and Vestrahorn. The former is found in the southern reaches of the Eastfjords, whereas the latter crowns a peninsula jutting away from the town of Hofn.

Both mountains are made of gabbro, a dark and jagged lava rock rich in iron and magnesium. However, the two differ in size. Eystrahorn stands 2,480 feet (756 meters) tall and features steep gravel slopes, making climbing difficult.

On the other hand, Vestrahorn is 1,490 feet (454 meters) tall and stands separately from other mountains in nearby Vatnajokull National Park.

After a day of unveiling beautiful site after a beautiful site, you'll retire for the night in Southeast Iceland.

On the seventh day of your 10-day vacation to Iceland, you'll explore the unbelievable sites of Southeast Iceland, found in the southern reaches of Vatnajokull National Park. Though you'll spend less time on the road than you have on most previous days, you'll be grateful for the extra time you can spend at each site.

The first major attraction is the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. It's an enormous lake between a crumbling glacial outlet and the ocean. It's also filled throughout the year with countless icebergs, some larger than multi-story buildings.

Watching them float slowly across the lagoon is a mesmerizing and unforgettable experience, and you can maximize the opportunity by taking a boat trip. Tours on both an amphibious vessel and RIB are options you can choose depending on the desires of your group.

When the icebergs of Jokulsarlon finally reach the ocean, they wash up on the adjacent black sand coast. Nicknamed "Diamond Beach" for how they glisten as the icebergs melt, this area should be visited by those seeking to admire Iceland's beautiful contrasts.

While both sites are stunning in their own right, they are made even more spectacular by the hundreds of seals that frequent their waters.

After making the most of this area, you'll head to Skaftafell Nature Reserve. A paradise for those who enjoy hiking and photography, there are plentiful trails of different difficulties promising to expose you to diverse sites.

The most popular trek will take you to the bizarrely formed Svartifoss waterfall, which tumbles from a cliff of hexagonal basalt columns. Others will introduce you to dramatic lava landscapes, rushing rivers, glacier tongues, and more glacier lagoons.

At one of these tongues, you can join a glacier hiking tour to scale the outlet of Svinafellsjokull. This excursion will introduce you to spectacular ice formations, such as crevasses, ice walls, and caves. Moreover, it will expose you to some of the country's most beautiful views.

Unlike other days, you can book both tours rather than just one. The boat trip will be conducted in the morning and the glacier hike in the afternoon.

After making the most of these incredible sites of Southeast Iceland, you'll head to your South Iceland accommodation to retire. It's the perfect location in line with your South Coast adventure tomorrow.

On day eight of your summer holiday to Iceland, you'll head to the spectacular South Coast.

At Vik, you can immediately immerse yourself in some breathtaking landscapes. You can expect glacier views, deserts of volcanic ash, lava fields, and an excellent perspective over the ocean. 

You can also enjoy a unique ice-caving tour, which will take you into the glacier that conceals the volcano of Katla. Ice caving is an excursion you'll find in only a few other places on Earth, making this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you should take advantage of.

Besides being a charming settlement and a base for tours such as this, Vik is best known for being adjacent to the stunning black sand beach of Reynisfjara. This stretch has incredible coastal geology, most notably home to the giant sea stacks of Reynisdrangar, which are said to be trolls petrified by sunlight.

Close to Reynisfjara is another magnificent coastal attraction: the Dyrholaey rock arch. This phenomenon is so large that boats can comfortably sail through it, and daring pilots have even "threaded the needle" in small planes.

In summer, Dyrholaey is at its best, being one of the premier locations in Iceland to get close to thousands of nesting puffins.

Travel a little further along the South Coast, and you'll begin to get glimpses of the glacier of Myrdalsjokull. If you wish to hike onto one of the tongues of this outlet, you can organize an adventure up the gleaming slopes of Solheimajokull. This ice cap measures five miles (eight kilometers) long and over a mile (two kilometers) wide and offers breathtaking views.

If you've already been glacier hiking or it does not appeal, you can head to the volcanic desert of Solheimassandur. This will take you to the famous wreckage of a DC-3 plane, which lays alone in a waste of black sands. No one was injured in its crash, so your exploration of this metal skeleton will be fascinating rather than morbid.

The final three major attractions of the South Coast are all equally beautiful waterfalls. First is Skogafoss, a powerful waterfall steeped in folklore regarding a giant's buried treasure. 

Second is Seljalandsfoss, the only one you can fully encircle due to an unusual cavern behind it. Last is Gljufrabui, which is unique in that it is hidden just out of sight, pouring into a beautiful, fairytale-like grotto.

After enjoying the diverse and spectacular attractions of Iceland's South Coast, you'll retire in Southwest Iceland.

On the penultimate day of your Iceland summer vacation, you'll leave the Ring Road to explore the three magical sites of the Golden Circle. These attractions are Iceland's most famous, providing a fantastic way to say farewell to the country's nature.

The first stop is the Gullfoss waterfall. Fed by a milky-white glacier river pouring from the ice cap of Langjokull (which is in sight), this waterfall boasts both daunting power and serene beauty. A pathway lets you approach it close enough to feel the spray in summer.

Moreover, Gullfoss boasts two incredible cascades. The first is a shorter drop measuring 36 feet (11 meters) tall, while the second cascade is about 69 feet (21 meters) tall.

From the car park of Gullfoss, you can take an excursion up the slopes of Langjokull on a snowmobile. This thrilling adventure will provide you with unmatched views of the Highlands while getting your adrenaline pumping as you race across the snow.

The second site of the Golden Circle is the Geysir geothermal area. Home to the exploding hot spring of Strokkur, the place lets you marvel at the height and power of each eruption multiple times in one visit. The famous hot spring goes off every five to 10 minutes.

Surrounding Strokkur are many other beautiful hot springs, including the currently dormant Great Geysir itself.

The final major attraction you'll visit today is the Thingvellir National Park. Framed by the cliff edges of two tectonic plates, this incredible reserve boasts forests, waterways, lava fields, lake views, and many surrounding volcanoes. It also played a central role in modern democratic thought, which you can learn about on-site.

A snorkeling tour can be conducted in the park by donning a dry suit and plunging into the ravine and natural spring of Silfra. Participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim. The water here is so clean that you can drink it and so clear that the visibility often reaches 328 feet (100 meters).

With the sites of the Golden Circle explored, you can head straight to Reykjavik to make the most of the vibrant city before retiring. Alternatively, Southwest Iceland has plenty of overlooked cultural and natural sites of incredible beauty you can easily detour to.

On your 10th day in Iceland, you'll drive to the Keflavik International Airport in awe at what you have achieved on your summer holiday. You'll drop your car off in decent time for your flight. However, if you have a late departure, you can still fit plenty of stops into your final hours.

From the domestic airport in Reykjavik, for example, you can embark on a thrilling helicopter ride. It will provide a breathtaking view of the city's patchwork quilt of colorful tin roofs and dramatic landmarks. Moreover, it will escort you over the surrounding geothermal areas and even make a short landing on a far-flung mountaintop.

Alternatively, you can book an excursion only available in Iceland and only in one volcano: a descent into a magma chamber. After a short hike, you'll be lowered into an unbelievably vast and colorful underground cavern in a mining lift, where you can explore and marvel over Earth's volcanic forces.

If these tours do not appeal, you can spend the day admiring the capital's art, architecture, and culture. Alternatively, you can make the most of your remaining time with a car to explore the surrounding nature.

If you did not have time to visit the Blue Lagoon on your first day, you can rejuvenate in its healing waters before departing.

We hope you enjoyed your 10-day stay in Iceland. We wish you a safe flight home and hope to see you soon!