Full 10-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour of the Ring Road of Iceland

You'll spend the second day of your tour marveling over the three wonders of the Golden Circle sightseeing route.

Check out from your hotel and drive out of Reykjavik toward the day's first attraction, Thingvellir National Park. This park is situated between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, which are drifting apart and creating cracks and fissures.

One of those fissures, Silfra, is filled with crystal-clear glacial water and is a popular snorkeling and diving site. If you add this tour during the booking process, you can enjoy the unparalleled visibility of Silfra's waters as you snorkel between the tectonic plates. Participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

Thingvellir National Park is also a site of historical and cultural importance in Iceland. It's where the first Icelandic parliament, the Althingi, was formed in 930.

You'll continue to the Haukadalur valley geothermal area, home to the world-famous Geysir. This geyser, which gave its name to all others worldwide, isn't very active today, but the nearby Strokkur geyser erupts every few minutes, shooting a column of water up to 66 feet (about 20 meters) into the air.

Just a short drive away is the stunning Gullfoss waterfall, one of the most famous falls in Iceland. You can watch the Hvita glacial river cascade into an ancient gorge in two tiers in an incredible display of power.

You can add an exciting snowmobiling tour for even more thrills today. Feel the cold wind on your face as you speed over the icy surface of the Langjokull glacier.

Other options for today include a horseback-riding tour through the landscapes of South Iceland or a thrilling monster truck ride atop the Langjokull glacier. Alternatively, you can relax and unwind in the Fontana spa, a geothermally heated pool between Thingvellir National Park and the Geysir geothermal area.

After an action-packed day, you'll go to your accommodation in Southeast Iceland for the night. Don't forget to stop off at the Kerid crater lake or the eco-village of Solheimar to stretch your legs.

Explore waterfalls, glaciers, and black-sand beaches on day three of your self-drive winter tour, which takes you along Iceland's South Coast.

As you set off on today's drive, you might see a notable feature if the skies are clear, as you'll pass the notorious Eyjafjallajokull volcano. This volcano famously erupted in 2010, producing an enormous ash cloud that interrupted European air travel for almost a week.

Your first stop of the day is the Seljalandsfoss waterfall. It's about 200 feet (roughly 60 meters) high and magnificent to behold, but the main appeal for most visitors is the cave behind the cascade, which offers a unique perspective. The path is closed in the height of winter, but you'll still be in awe of this picture-perfect setting.

Next, you'll travel to the nearby Skogafoss waterfall. It's about the same height as Seljalandsfoss but has a width of 82 feet (approximately 25 meters). It's also hugely powerful. Don't forget your camera!

From here, your route will continue to the Myrdalsjokull glacier. There are two optional excursions to enjoy here. Get ready for an hour of excitement with an exhilarating snowmobiling tour, or get up close and personal with the Solheimajokull outlet glacier with a glacial hike.

Hiking on a glacier is a fantastic way to understand the size and power of Iceland's glaciers. Your expert guide will provide you with all the necessary gear and take you on an unforgettable adventure on top of the ice.

If you'd prefer a calmer day, you can visit the fascinating Lava Center Exhibition to learn about Iceland's volcanic history or go to the Hella caves to discover a set of underground tunnels.

As you drive along the South Coast, you'll arrive at the Reynisfjara black-sand beach, a stunning stretch of coastline with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. Walk along the black sands and admire the contrasting colors with the snow surrounding you. Just beware of the water, as this beach is renowned for its dangerous sneaker waves.

A short drive away is the village of Vik, one of the southernmost points of mainland Iceland. Take photos of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks before enjoying a comfortable night in your South Iceland accommodation.

On day four, journey into the Vatnajokull National Park with a trip to the Skaftafell nature reserve and the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

On leaving your accommodation, you'll start your drive further east, stopping at some spectacular natural attractions. First, you'll stop at the Skaftafell nature reserve, a hiker's paradise. Choose a hiking trail to cater to your abilities and discover lava fields, forests, glacial tongues, and breathtaking waterfalls.

You can also add a glacier hike excursion today, an excellent option if you chose the snowmobiling tour yesterday.

Next, you'll continue eastward to the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. This glacial lake is one of Icleand's most famous and best-loved sites, and it's easy to see why. You can watch icebergs that have broken off from a glacial tongue drifting along the glacial lake as they head toward the ocean.

The glacial lake is also home to numerous seals. You might see them playing in the water or resting on the icebergs.

If conditions allow, you can enjoy a boat tour on the lagoon to get a closer look at the icebergs. Early birds should have time for a morning glacier hike and a Jokulsarlon boat tour.

The Diamond Beach is next to the Jokulsarlon lagoon, where icebergs wash up on the shore to create a beautiful, sparkling display. You can admire the view and walk along the jet-black sands of the beach.

You can also add an ice cave tour on the Vatnajokull glacier between November and March. This excursion is one of Iceland's most incredible winter activities, so ask your travel consultant to book this ahead of time.

Your expert guide will take you into an ice cave to witness the bright blues and whites of the glacier cave. The caves form as the glaciers melt and refreeze. Each cave is unique, and you'll have time to take gorgeous photos as you explore the icy wonderland.

The day's final optional activity is a 1-hour beach buggy ride. Zooming across the jet-back sands is an exhilarating way to immerse yourself in Icelandic nature.

When you've finished admiring the views and enjoying your optional excursions, continue to your comfortable accommodation in Southeast Iceland.

Spend day five of your winter self-drive tour exploring the majestic East Fjords region.

Icelanders love this remote region in East Iceland for its dramatic mountains, deserted inlets, and wealth of wildlife. Keep your eyes pointed at the beaches for seals, or turn inward to look for reindeer exploring the countryside.

Your travel consultant will have given you suggestions for places to visit and things to see here. Most adventurers in this part of the country choose to visit two sites near the town of Egilsstadir: the Hallormsstadaskogur forest and the Lagarfljot lake.

The Hallormsstadaskogur forest is Iceland's most extensive national forest. There are stunning hiking trails here, and it's a fantastic place to walk. Make sure you dress in warm, waterproof layers and sturdy hiking shoes.

The Lagarfljot lake is home to a mythical creature, the Lagarfljot wyrm, said to be the long-lost cousin of Scotland's Loch Ness Monster. You can walk around the lake and see if you spot any signs of this mysterious creature as you enjoy the views.

There are a couple of optional excursions available today. Animal lovers will enjoy the four-hour super jeep tour to seek wild reindeer. These gentle creatures only live in East and Northeast Iceland, so this tour might be your only chance to see them.

Alternatively, spend a few hours relaxing in the Vok Baths, a geothermal spa overlooking the Urridavatn lake. You're about halfway through your trip by now, so you might want to take some time to relax and recharge.

Make your way to Egilsstadir, East Iceland's largest settlement. If you have time, visit the East Iceland Heritage Museum to learn more about the region's cultural history. The town also has several restaurants and cafes to enjoy a traditional Icelandic meal. 

Tonight, you'll stay in comfortable accommodation in East Iceland.

The sixth day of your winter self-drive Ring Road tour will take you from the Eastfjords up to North Iceland, with an option to explore the area around Lake Myvatn.

Today, you'll drive approximately 110 miles (roughly 175 kilometers) around the Ring Road. You can leave Egilsstadir in the morning and head north toward Lake Myvatn, one of the sights on the Diamond Circle sightseeing route.

The drive passes through spectacular scenery as you wind between mountains and lava fields. Feel free to stop as you pass the Rjukandi waterfall and the suspension bridge over the Jokulsa a Fjollum river.

When you reach Lake Myvatn, you'll have plenty of time to explore its attractions. You have two days in the area, so you can take your time and enjoy a moment to unwind.

Visit the Myvatn Nature Baths to relax and recharge your batteries. These geothermal pools and hot springs are often called the northern equivalent of the Blue Lagoon spa in Southwest Iceland.

The pool's mineral-rich water is usually between 96 and 104 F (about 36 to 40 C). You'll also find steam baths, and the site has a restaurant where you can get some food.

The baths are just over 1 mile (about 2 kilometers) from the village of Reykjahlid, where you can visit a picturesque church and the Storagja cave.

You'll spend your night in a hotel or guesthouse in North Iceland. You can spend your evening relaxing in your room or exploring the nearby countryside to try and catch a glimpse of the northern lights.

North Iceland is a fantastic place to look for the aurora borealis. There's minimal light pollution here, and the gorgeous scenery means you'll have a beautiful view around you if the lights appear in the sky.

You might prefer to book a northern lights hunting tour this evening. An expert guide can take you to remote locations where the aurora forecast is good, increasing your chance of seeing this spectacular natural display.

After a relaxing day, you'll head to your North Iceland accommodation.

The penultimate day of your self-drive Ring Road tour will see you travel from Akureyri to Reykjavik.

The journey back to Iceland's capital is about 240 miles (approximately 390 kilometers). However, it shouldn't feel like too long a drive, as the whole route is dotted with incredible sights. Follow the Ring Road toward the southwest and stop at attractions that catch your eye.

There are beautiful waterfalls en route. The Barnafoss waterfall rushes down a narrow, twisting gorge, while its neighbor, Hraunfossar, is broader but shorter and more serene. It trickles out from the edge of a large lava field.

Nearby, you can also find one of Europe's highest-flowing hot springs, Deildartunguhver, which pumps out over 48 gallons (about 180 liters) of near-boiling water every second.

You'll also find a spa near Deildartunghver, renowned for its beautiful views and luxurious atmosphere. You can organize admission to the Krauma Spa when you book this self-drive tour.

Stop off at the historical town of Reykholt as you get closer to the Capital Region. Reykholt was the hometown of the legendary Medieval chieftain and writer Snorri Sturluson. There's a museum in Reykholt dedicated to him, the Snorrastofa museum.

While in the area, you can also take a short detour to the Vidgelmir lava tube. This large cave is over 5,250 feet (about 1,600 meters) long. It's one of the world's longest lava caves. Descend into its depths with an expert guide to discover the destructive power of lava.

Another optional tour for today is an exploration of the ice tunnels inside the Langjokull glacier. Enjoy the mesmerizing experience of wandering through these beautifully-lit artificial tunnels, which offer insights into the inner workings of the glacier.

You could also stop in Borgarnes, a scenic village on the edge of the Borgarfjordur fjord.

Depending on the number of stops you make during the drive, you should arrive in Reykjavik late in the afternoon or early in the evening. You'll spend your evening exploring the city and making the most of its fantastic nightlife before you retire to your city-center accommodation.