Complete 10-Day Ring Road Self-Drive Tour of Iceland

It's now time to leave the city! Head west and get ready to explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, nicknamed "Iceland in Miniature." You can expect to see Iceland's wide variety of landscapes on this small peninsula.

There are many iconic sites in West Iceland. Travelers driving the Ring Road in a clockwise direction tend to start their adventure on the south side of Snaefellsnes and then move up clockwise along the coast.

This means you're likely to pass Arnarstapi as your first stop. A small fishing village like this is the ideal place to stop for a quick coffee or bite to eat before entering the Snaefellsjokull National Park.

Next, you'll approach the Londrangar basalt cliffs. Aptly nicknamed "the Rocky Castle," these natural structures are truly unique. Indeed, West Iceland's coastline is full of hidden gems, with this being just one of them.

Here, you could opt to join a lava-caving tour of Vatnshellir cave. This 8,000-year-old lava cave gives a stunning example of the kind of lava formations that this island is famous for.

Snaefellsjokull National Park dominates the western tip of the peninsula, with the glacier Snaefellsjokull. This glacier rests atop a dormant volcano, catching the eye of all visitors and travelers.

Head upwards in a clockwise direction, and you will reach Olafsvik. A small fishing village with 1,000 inhabitants, Olafsvik is also home to one of Iceland's only golden sandy beaches.

Another popular attraction on the peninsula is Mount Kirkjufell and its neighboring waterfall, Kirkjufellsfoss. This mountain is famously featured in the Game of Thrones series.

Stykkisholmur sits nearby, a fishing town that stood in for a port in Greenland in the Ben Stiller film, "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty." This is also the departure point for a Viking sushi boat tour on Breidafjordur bay.

You will stay the night on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, so you have plenty of time to explore and enjoy all the area offers.

You'll wake up after your night on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and start with a nourishing breakfast. Then head towards Akureyri, the capital of the north.

On the way, stop at the much-loved Hvitserkur rock formation. This basalt stack sits just off the eastern shore of the Vatnsnes peninsula in Northwest Iceland. The unusual rock formation has two holes at its base, making it appear like a dragon drinking from the water.

After some exploring of your choice, drive further east to Akureyri, where many adventures await you.

You can explore the Trollaskagi or Troll Peninsula from Akureyri, which sits north of the town. This route has a fairytale-like quality to it and is full of charm. It's popular with hikers, skiers, horse riders, and mountaineers who want to enjoy the remote wonders of the area.

The route will take you through small fishing towns and villages, such as Dalvik, Olafsfjordur, and Siglufjordur. From Dalvik, you can take a ferry to Hrisey Island. The boat departs for this flat, green, uninhabited island several times throughout the day. 

Upon reaching Akureyri, many travelers quench their thirst for adventure by taking a whale-watching tour from the Oddeyrarbot floating pier in the town. Seeing the ocean's gentle giants make an almighty splash is an unbeatable experience.

You might prefer relaxing and unwinding in Iceland's first beer spa. Taste the local beers and relax in the warm, live beer yeast, which is believed to positively affect skin health and vitality.

Akureyri has several attractions, such as museums and a beautiful botanical garden with a cafe. The Kjarnaskogur park is a spectacular forest just south of the town, perfect for some time immersed in nature.

When you've had enough adventure for one day, return to your accommodation in North Iceland to relax for the night. There are plenty of restaurants serving delicious food spread throughout this region.

Today, you'll enjoy all that the North of Iceland offers. You have plenty of options for what to do during the day. Head east to the captivating Godafoss waterfall, boasting a 39-foot (12-meter) cascade with a grand width of 98 feet (30 meters).

From here, drive north towards Husavik, a town with just over two thousand inhabitants. This small town has gained a reputation as the whale-watching capital of Europe. From here, we recommend taking a whale-watching tour as it is the best place in Iceland to spot a sighting of one of these incredible creatures. You can choose between traditional and rib boat whale watching tours.

From Husavik, you can choose to visit Geosea Geothermal Baths. Marvel at the beauty of Skjalfandi bay from within the comfortable warmth of the geothermally heated water. With a restaurant on-site and a terrace that opens in the summer months, Geosea makes the perfect rest stop for busy travelers.

Return south to the Myvatn area. Lake Myvatn boasts stunning bright colors with blue and green hues. On its Southern side sits a row of bizarre and spectacular pseudocraters, collectively called Skutustadagigar. These were formed during gas explosions and are now a protected conservation area.

Lake Myvatn is part of the Diamond Circle route, along with Dettifoss waterfall, the town of Husavik, and Asbyrgi canyon.

There are lots of fascinating things to see around the Myvatn area.

The Viti crater in the Krafla fissure was formed during an explosion. This should not be confused with the Viti crater in the Askja area. The Game of Thrones series features the Dimmuborgir lava fortress and Grjotagja hot spring cave. They are both exciting destinations worth including.

Explore the nearby Namaskard pass, where barren lands are interrupted by vivid colors that streak through the earth and steam that sprouts from the ground. Namaskard's location, right by the Ring Road, makes it a natural stop on your trip up North.

Visit the Myvatn nature baths to enjoy a relaxing end to a busy day. Again, geothermally heated, these nature baths have a swim-up bar and a variety of pools with different temperatures to suit your comfort levels.

After a fantastic day exploring the North, you will spend the night in a cozy accommodation in the area.

On day six of your summer adventure, you'll explore the Eastfjords of Iceland. This remote region is the perfect place to enjoy peace and serenity far from the crowds. It's also the most likely area to spot wild reindeer, so keep your eyes peeled for excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities.

Starting in Egilsstadir, your route south takes you past the fjords and small towns the east is renowned for.

Take a slight detour from the Ring Road to visit the idyllic town of Seydisfjordur. Known for the blue church and rainbow road in the town center, this quaint settlement will make your heart sing. It could also be a nice place to have lunch and do some sightseeing.

Afterward, continue your journey down through the myriad of fishing towns. Notable among these is Faskrudsfjordur. Founded in 1880, this small town was home to a settlement of French fishermen during the summer months. Their legacy remains in the old French hospital, which has since been renovated as a hotel and museum.

The villages of Breiddalsvik and Djupivogur sit off the Ring Road in the Eastfjords. Both charming in their own right, these villages are often frequented by travelers to the area. At Djupivogur, you can see the Eggin i Gledivik, the 34 granite egg sculptures representing the area's different bird species.

While you drive South, there will be plenty of other detours to enjoy the area's beautiful landscapes. These will often take you to off-the-beaten-path attractions such as the waterfalls Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss.

In the Southeast sits the well-known Vestrahorn mountain, a spot particularly popular among travel photographers.

After another day packed with nature and adventure, relax in your accommodation in one of the towns in Southeast Iceland. Well known for its lobster and seafood, the region would make an ideal stop for dinner.

After a comfortable night's sleep, rise and set off early today. The day is waiting, and there's plenty to see, so you can head off straight after breakfast. 

Drive to the famous Jokularlon glacier lagoon, situated within Vatnajokull National Park. This will be the main attraction on your agenda today. Remember that it's easy to lose track of time here as you marvel at this breathtaking view.

You can take an optional amphibian or zodiac boat tour on the lagoon. Sail past large blocks of ice as they make their way down the lagoon, watch seals playing and resting on the ice, and get close to Vatnajokull glacier. It promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Next to Jokulsarlon rests Diamond Beach. This site gained its name from its appearance.

The pieces of ice that rest in the lagoon then find their way down to the nearby black sand beach, where they wash ashore. The glistening of the ice against the contrasting black sand gives the impression of diamonds. Hence, the name was born.

In the afternoon, visit Skaftafell Nature Reserve. Here, there is a hike that takes you directly to Svartifoss waterfall. This waterfall earned its name from the black basalt columns that surround it. Svartifoss translates directly from Icelandic to English as "black waterfall."

Here, you can take a glacier hike on Skaftafell glacier if you wish. Experience the adrenaline rush as you walk on this majestic glacier in South Iceland. Glacier hiking is suitable for anyone with a reasonable fitness level, and children as young as eight years old can join.

After the day's thrilling adventures, rest in your accommodation in South Iceland.

If you stay in Vik village, a much-loved stop for travelers, you'll see stunning vistas. It's renowned for the red church atop the hill with views of the Dyrholaey sea stacks and Reynisfjara black sand beach. There are also plenty of places to eat in the town, so you will be spoiled for choice.

Today is your opportunity to take in all the South Coast of Iceland offers. Head westwards from your accommodation to start your day's adventure.

Have you ever wanted to explore an ice cave? Now's your chance. While in Vik, take a tour from the town, allowing you to discover these icy formations' hidden wonders. Katla ice cave sits west of the settlement, but with the tour departing from Vik, you simply need to meet your guide at the agreed spot.

The Katla ice cave is unique because it's the only ice cave you can visit during summer. Ice-caving is usually a winter-only activity, so this tour allows summer travelers a fantastic opportunity to discover the brilliance of an icy underworld.

Visit Reynisfjara and Dryholaey and see the incredible black basalt columns, sea stacks, and black sand up close. The Reynisdrangar sea stacks, magnificent basalt formations standing proudly off the coast of Reynisfjara, will captivate you with their sheer size and unique shapes. They add an enchanting element to the already awe-inspiring scenery.

Next, you could visit the DC plane wreck at Solheimasandur beach. This has lain abandoned since the plane crashed in the 1970s, amazingly without causing any deaths. The contrast of the plane's remains against the desolate landscape offers a superb photo opportunity.

After exploring the eerie wonder of the DC plane wreck, continue to the Solheimajokull glacier. Here, you can take an optional glacier hike. The glacier hike is an excellent way to learn more about the glacier's formation and structure from your knowledgeable guide while taking in incredible views.

Set off again towards the famous waterfalls of the South. Start with Skogafoss, one of Iceland's biggest waterfalls boasting beauty and power.

Then, visit the Seljavallalaug swimming pool, a rejuvenating spot to break up your day. Your final stop will be Seljalandsfoss before you rest for the evening in your accommodation in Southwest Iceland.

Spend your day exploring the Golden Circle, Iceland's most famous driving route. The Golden Circle features three significant attractions, each stunningly beautiful in its unique way.

Gullfoss waterfall is one of Iceland's largest and most beautiful waterfalls. A well-maintained path allows you to enjoy its magnificence from different viewpoints, and it often boasts a rainbow in front on sunny days.

Geyser geothermal area, where the famous Strokkur erupts roughly every nine minutes, is like stepping into another world. You'll also marvel at this fascinating site's steaming fumaroles and bubbling mud pits.

Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its geological and historical significance. It was the meeting place for Iceland's first parliament and is the only place globally where you can walk between two tectonic plates.

You may wish to partake in activities at these locations, available as add-ons when you book this tour. At Thingvellir, you can snorkel between two tectonic plates and enjoy the crystal-clear water of the Silfra Fissure. Participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

Thrillseekers will love snowmobiling on Langjokull, Iceland's second-largest glacier. This tour starts from Gullfoss waterfall, a convenient starting point for your excursion.

Those who prefer gentler activities might want to go horse riding. You can book a horse riding tour in the Golden Circle area, a fantastic way to get to know these calm and friendly animals.

Three more attractions might appeal to you if you still have spare time.

The Kerid crater is usually considered part of the extended Golden Circle route. In summer, you can walk around the crater's lake, and the stunning colors are something you're only going to believe if you see them. In winter, the lake freezes over, and travelers can step upon it.

The Secret Lagoon is often a stop for travelers wanting to experience a more authentic version of the Blue Lagoon.

Finally, Reykjadalur, located close to Hveragerdi, is extremely popular among hikers. Here, you can walk to a beautiful, natural geothermal bathing area.

Return to Reykjavik when you've explored as much as you wish, and rest before your departure tomorrow.