Unforgettable 11-Day Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland & the East Fjords

You'll spend the second day of your Ring Road self-drive tour exploring the famous Golden Circle sightseeing route to see some of the best-known natural phenomena in Iceland. 

The first stop today is the Thingvellir National Park. At the Thingvellir National Park, you can symbolically walk between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates at the rift valley made by their constant pulling. 

This area played a massive role in Iceland's heritage. It is Iceland's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it is the place where early settlers founded what would become the world's longest, ongoing representative parliament. 

You can take an optional snorkeling tour here, in the crystal clear Silfra ravine, which offers some of the best visibility in the world. Participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim. 

Next is the geothermal valley of Haukadalur, filled with hot springs, mud pools, and steam vents, where you can see the geysers Strokkur and Geysir. 

Geysir rarely erupts these days, but Strokkur geyser is active, erupting every five to 10 minutes to heights of over 66 feet (20 meters).

The mighty Gullfoss waterfall is the last stop on the Golden Circle sightseeing route. A pathway takes you right to the river's edge, where you can get a real sense of the enormous, natural power of the water. 

You can choose to go on an optional snowmobiling tour of Langjokull glacier from the Gullfoss waterfall. If you do not wish to snorkel or snowmobile, you could take a two-hour horse-riding tour instead.

Afterward, head to the South Coast and visit the majestic Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls. Both are visible from the main road, as are several glaciers along the way. 

Near Vik village, take a slight detour to admire the black volcanic beach and the dramatic Dyrholaey and Reynisdrangar rock formations.

You'll spend the night in comfortable accommodation in South Iceland. You will have an en-suite bathroom.

On the third day of your self-drive tour of Iceland's Ring Road and the East Fjords, you'll visit the Skaftafell Nature Reserve and the otherworldly Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon in the southeastern region.

After waking up in Vik or the nearby settlements, you can take an ice cave tour on the nearby Myrdalsjokull glacier. It is the country's fourth-largest glacier, covering an area of about 367 miles (590 square kilometers). 

Myrdalsjokull glacier sits atop Katla volcano, one of Iceland's most active and powerful volcanoes. The glacier's icy expanse is adorned with mesmerizing ice formations, deep crevasses, and sparkling blue ice caves that attract adventurous explorers.

If you'd like to skip the ice cave tour and continue your journey, continue driving the South Coast to the many sights of the beautiful Skaftafell Nature Reserve area of the Vatnajokull National Park. 

There is plenty to do for hiking enthusiasts, with tracks and trails suitable for all abilities, including one leading to the beautiful Svartifoss waterfall, whose name means "Black Falls."

The hexagonal basalt columns that surround these falls inspired the architecture of the famous Hallgrimskirkja church in Reykjavik. These columns create a striking contrast against the whites of the waters.

You may also take a glacier hike in this area to see its rugged and diverse wilderness.

Once you hit the road again, stop at one of Iceland's most famous attractions and top photo spots, the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, where beautiful icebergs break from a glacier and sail out to the ocean. You can enjoy an optional cruise on an amphibious boat or a zodiac, amongst them here. 

Take a short walk from the lagoon to Diamond Beach, where these icebergs wash up on the black sand shore like glittering jewels. These resemble diamonds and give the beach its name. 

You'll spend the night in comfortable accommodation with an en-suite bathroom in Southeast Iceland.

On the fourth day of your self-drive tour of Iceland's Ring Road, you'll see the beautiful landscapes and stop at some of the tiny villages of the East Fjords. Its distance from Reykjavik and remote location makes it less traveled by tourists.

After enjoying a filling breakfast, you'll continue your drive eastward and begin a breathtaking route along the East Fjords, passing by tranquil fishing villages and sweeping coastal landscapes all along the way. 

The roads here wind through the stunning scenery, so you'll enjoy the drive and the views.

You'll see rugged mountains and stunning bays in a rural, historical part of Iceland, full of unspoiled landscapes. Watch for puffins and seals along the coast and reindeer on land. Consider stopping at some of the delightful villages along the way.

One of these is Faskrudsfjordur. The town has a rich history, once serving as an important trading port for the fishing industry. Visitors can explore the Faskrudsfjordur Museum, which provides insight into the town's past and the stories of its inhabitants. 

The French Hospital, a historic building converted into a museum, pays homage to the French fishermen who sought refuge in the town during the 19th century. Because of this, many of the village's residents still speak French, and some of the road signs are in French.

You could also stop at Reydarfjordur. The town is known for its strategic importance during World War II when it hosted a British and later American military base. 

Today, remnants of that history can be explored at the Fjardarheidi Museum, showcasing artifacts and exhibits from the wartime era. Reydarfjordur is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, fishing, and birdwatching opportunities. 

Your main destination for the day is Egilsstadir, the unofficial capital of the region. Your accommodation will be here tonight or in one of the nearby towns in the Eastfjords.

On the sixth day of your self-drive tour of Iceland's Ring Road and Eastfjords, you'll go to Borgarfjordur Eystri, a village nestled between beautiful mountains. You'll spend the day exploring its surroundings.

There are plenty of exciting hiking trails, perhaps the most impressive of which leads to Storurd, whose name translates to 'the Giant Boulders. It is also sometimes called Hrafnabjargaurd.

Here, soft green moss and giant boulders rise from tranquil turquoise waters. Tall mountains surround meadows and lakes. It's a place of incredible, untouched beauty, like many places in the remote East Fjords of Iceland.

This hike is challenging through rugged terrain, so you'll need a good fitness level to complete it. It takes over two and a half hours each way. Fortunately, the stunning nature and views that await you on the trail are worth the challenge.

You can also take a delightful walk along the beach near Husey. There are two hikes here. One is around 3.7 miles (six kilometers) long, and the other is longer at about 8.7 miles (14 kilometers). 

There are some excellent wildlife-watching opportunities here. The coastline is known for its many seals, and there is a wealth of birdlife, including skuas and red-throated divers. 

If you don't want to go for an entire hike but would enjoy a stroll, you can have a short walk to the village's bird-watching site. The puffins here are unafraid of people and may even approach you, setting up beautiful photo opportunities. However, keeping a safe distance from them would be best not to interrupt their habitat.

Please note that access is limited in June and July, and the puffins leave mid-August.

As well as wildlife, the landscapes around here are naturally beautiful, with surrounding moors of black sand and dramatic mountains.

You will spend another night in a comfortable accommodation in the eastern region of Iceland. 

On the seventh day of your self-drive tour of Iceland's Ring Road, you will discover the Lake Myvatn area and its geothermal landscapes.

Your first stop should be the Namaskard Pass. This otherworldly landscape is characterized by boiling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and vibrant mineral deposits. 

The area's geothermal activity creates an eerie atmosphere filled with the smell of sulfur. The ground is covered in colorful minerals, ranging from reds and oranges to yellows and greens.

Be sure to see the Dimmuborgir lava formations. Also known as the "Dark Castles," it is a unique and otherworldly volcanic rock formation. 

The area features a labyrinth of towering lava pillars, arches, and caves formed when molten lava from a volcano eruption cooled and solidified. The result is a surreal and haunting landscape that has inspired legends and folklore. 

Visitors can explore various walking trails, marveling at the intricate rock formations and feeling immersed in a mythical realm. 

Next, head to Krafla Mountain, one of Iceland's most visited volcanoes. It is part of a volcanic system with a caldera and a geothermal area. 

The mountain is known for its dramatic landscapes, with rugged slopes and vast lava fields stretching around it. Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to Krafla for its challenging trails and panoramic views of the surrounding volcanic terrain. 

The Krafla Geothermal Power Station, situated at the foot of the mountain, harnesses the area's geothermal energy. 

Don't miss the hot spring lava tube cave of Grjotagja, where you can try a hand dip in an extraordinary and unique location. However, swimming is discouraged here due to the unstable temperatures of the water.

Fortunately, you can try the full geothermal bathing experience later in the nearby Myvatn Nature Baths, with their healing powers and silica minerals. It's the perfect way to relax after a full day of sightseeing. 

Soak in the warm waters while taking in the sweeping vistas of mountains, lava cliffs, and the lake beside the pool. 

Afterward, you'll stay in comfortable accommodation with an en-suite bathroom in Northeast Iceland.

You'll spend day ten of your 11-day self-drive tour of Iceland exploring West Iceland and its diverse attractions, including the Icelandic settlement exhibition in Borgarnes. You can also tour Langjokull glacier and visit some magnificent waterfalls.

Start your day at Borgarnes, where you can visit the Icelandic settlement exhibition. The Icelandic Settlement Exhibition is a captivating museum that provides a fascinating glimpse into Iceland's Viking history and the settlement era. 

The exhibition showcases the remains of a Viking longhouse discovered during archaeological excavations. Visitors can explore the reconstructed settlement with interactive displays, artifacts, and multimedia presentations that bring the past to life. 

The exhibition offers insights into the early settlers' daily lives, customs, and struggles, highlighting their resourcefulness and resilience. The Icelandic Settlement Exhibition is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking to delve into Iceland's rich cultural heritage.

Further along, be sure to visit the captivating Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls. History buffs may also enjoy visiting Snorrastofa, the medieval research institute in Reykholt, where the early settler Snorri Sturluson wrote Saga Heimskringla in the 13th century. 

He is also the one who documented the main manuscript of old Norse mythology, the Poetic Edda.

On the way back to Reykjavik, take a short break at Fossatun, a waterfall said to be guarded by a troll woman named Drifa. 

If you'd like to hike, take the scenic route around Hvalfjordur. You can spend a couple of hours hiking to Glymur, Iceland's tallest waterfall.

There are several incredible tours that you can end your day with here. The first is a traditional lava caving tour into Vidgelmir. The second allows you to explore the inside of Langjokull Glacier through recently opened artificial tunnels. 

The third is a once-in-a-lifetime descent into the magnificent magma chamber of a dormant volcano.

Spend your last night in the vibrant capital city of Reykjavik.