11 Day Budget Self Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland with the East Fjords & Myvatn

On your second day, your ring road adventure begins with Iceland's most popular sights, the Golden Circle. First up is Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nesting on the boundary of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where two continents meet.

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If you're up for getting wet, you can opt to swim between two worlds in the crystal clear waters of Silfra Fissure, one of the top diving sites in the world.

Next up is Haukadalur, a valley stock-full of hot springs, steam vents, mud pools, and last but not least, active geysers. Watch as Strokkur hot spring erupts, spouting boiling water 20 metres into the air every 5-10 minutes.

You'll finally reach the world-renowned Gullfoss Falls where you can marvel at the unharnessed power of this cascade. A river, originating in Langjökull glacier rushes southwards before plummeting down into a 32-metre gorge, creating this beautiful waterfall.

At Gullfoss, you can add a snowmobile excursion on top of that very Glacier where you will race across the pearly-white ice cap. You can also get to know the amazing Icelandic horse on a horse riding tour through the countryside.

As you continue along the south coast, make sure to stop and visit the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, both located just off the ring road. Your final destination of the day is the coastal village Vík, home to the black beach Reynisfjara and its eerie sea stacks Reynisdrangar.

You'll spend the night at an accommodation in Vík.

On your third day, allow the fresh icy air to fill your lungs. You will have the option of adding an adventure in Mýrdalsjökull glacier where you descend into a natural ice cave.

Then, you'll continue down the south coast to explore the many sights of Vatnajökull National Park. Hiking enthusiasts will find an array of trails and tracks at Skaftafell Nature Reserve. One such trail leads to the natural gem Svartifoss Waterfall and its hexagonal black basalt columns. You can opt for a glacier hike at Skaftafell where you'll trek across the ice cap of a glacier.

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Once you are back on the road, make sure to stop at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon to marvel at the icebergs that have broken off one of Vatnajökull's outlet glaciers. There, the bergs float and glisten on the lagoon in an ever-changing scenery of serene and natural beauty.

If you want to venture a bit closer, you can add on a boat tour of the lagoon. Remember also to check out the nearby Diamond Beach, where chunks of ice wash up on shore and sparkle like gemstones on a blanket of black sand.

Your final destination will be the fishing village Höfn, where you will spend the night.

Your fourth day will see you traversing the breathtaking route of the East Fjords; a rural and unspoilt part of Iceland dotted with rugged mountains, coastal landscapes, roaming reindeer and sleeping fishing villages.

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The road at hand is spectacular all the way through, and you can decide where to stop along the way. The village Fáskrúðsfjörður has a fascinating history of relating to France, while the town of Reyðarfjörður boasts of a World War II museum.

A seafaring museum can be found in an old 1816 trade house in Eskifjörður town, and two summer-music festivals are held annually in the village of Neskaupstaður.

Your final destination will be Egilsstaðir, the largest settlement of the Eastern region with just over 2,000 inhabitants. You'll spend the night at a local accommodation in the area.

Today you'll get to explore the Eastern Fjords further. A visit to Lake Lagarfljót is recommended where, according to legend, a giant worm-like creature is said to live.

You could also pack a picnic basket and head to Atlavík Cove, home to lush greenery and a beautiful country river. The Cove is located in Hallormsstaðaskógur, Iceland's first national forest.

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In the woods, you'll find numerous hiking trails. Two of them lead up to the stunning waterfalls Litlanesfoss and Hengifoss.

If you've upgraded your vehicle to a 4x4, you could drive further inland all the way to Mount Snæfell or the great dam at Kárahnjúkar. Nearby are the two spectacular canyons Dimmugljúfur and Hafrahvammagljúfur, the latter of which is 10 kilometres in length.

You could also drive to the town of Seyðisfjörður, see its charming old wooden houses and visit the Technical Museum of East Iceland and Seyðisfjörður local history heritage museum.

You'll spend another night in your Eastfjords-accommodation.

On your sixth day, you'll make your way to the village of Borgarfjörður Eystri and spend the day exploring its mountainous surroundings.

Here you'll have a myriad of hiking trails to choose from, each varying in length and will lead you to different attractions. One trail will take you along the coastline near Húsey farm, where seals are often spotted as they search for food in the waters.

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Another trail takes you to the giant boulders Stórurð. There, the stark contrast of the azure waters, the dark green moss and the rocky terrain will surely amaze you.

Depending on the season, you can also go bird-watching at the village's bird watching site. You could spot the adorable Atlantic puffin as they make the site their home in June and July.

After a full day of connecting with nature, you'll spend another night in Egilsstaðir or its surrounding areas.

On day seven, it is time to say farewell to the wonders of the East and head up North to your next destination; Lake Mývatn.

The whole area surrounding the lake was formed by a volcanic eruption some 2,500 years ago. Evidence of this explosion can be seen in the free standing lava pillars which dominate the lake’s landscape.

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The highlights of the Mývatn area include the geothermal area of Námaskarð Pass, the active volcano Krafla, and the haunting lava formations of Dimmuborgir field.

Visitors should also pay a visit to Grjótagjá, a lava tube cave with a hidden treasure inside: a volcanic hot spring.

Another highlight of the area is the Mývatn Nature Baths. There you can let the silica minerals in the water work their magic on your body and soul after a long day of sightseeing.

Afterwards, make your way to the town of Akureyri and get settled into your accommodation.

After waking up in Akureyri, you can start the day by exploring this charming town further. Visit its many cafés, restaurants and shops, and don't forget to take a trip to Brynjuís, the most famous ice-cream shop in Iceland.

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Then get ready to explore the North further. You could head back out to Lake Mývatn for a better look at the area's many sights, or you could drive through Jökulsárgljúfur Gorge and visit the forest-clad canyon Ásbyrgi and the powerful waterfall Dettifoss.

Today you also have the option of embarking on a whale watching tour from Húsavík by Skjálfandi bay. The town is known as the 'Whale Watching Capital of Iceland' as there are around 24 species of whales in the bay. If you opt for a RIB boat, you'll add puffin segment to that authentic wildlife experience.

If you feel like heading further, another option is to visit the picturesque island Hrísey located in Eyjafjörður Fjord.

You'll spend another night in Akureyri.

On day nine, you could start your day by going horseback riding in the incredible landscapes of the North. You can also go whale-watching if you missed it yesterday.

Then it is time to head for Skagafjörður, the valley of the roaming horses. After passing through the majestic mountains of Tröllaskagi, you'll reach the herring-fishing village Siglufjörður. We recommend a stop at the award-winning Herring Era Museum to quench your thirst for history and ancient Icelandic culture.

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Then you'll continue on to the tiny village Hofsós. It is the home of a unique geothermal 'infinity pool' where visitors are treated to an incredible ocean view that seems to join the waters of the pool seamlessly.

Close by lies the village Blönduós, where you will spend the night.

Day ten belongs to the West, an area especially rich in Icelandic settlement history. If that sparks your interest, be sure to visit the Settlement Centre in Borgarnes or the medieval research institute Snorrastofa in Reykholt.

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Snorrastofa is where some of the greatest Icelandic Sagas were born. Many of them were written by the institute's former resident Snorri Sturluson, probably the most important scholar of medieval Europe.

Close to Reykholt, you'll find the waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, both captivating in their own unique way. You can also visit the waterfall Fossatún, which is said to be guarded by the troll woman Drífa.

While travelling the West, you can opt for two exciting tours. The first one takes you to the colourful underworld of the lava cave Víðgelmir, and the second one leads you through the hallways of a man-made tunnel inside Langjökull glacier.

Then it is time to make your way back to Reykjavík City, but feel free to take a detour of Hvalfjörður and hike to Iceland's second tallest waterfall, Glymur. You can also opt for the fjord tunnel to cut down on your driving time if you are in a hurry to get back to the city.

Once back in Reykjavík you can spend the rest of the day exploring the city. However, if you are up for one last adventure, you can take a tour where you descent into the magma chamber of a dormant volcano.

A final option of excursion today is to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime hiking trip to Fagradalsfjall, the volcano currently erupting on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula. Conducted in the evening under the safe eye of an experienced guide, you will trek through strange, barren landscapes to the glowing lava field for an unparalleled view of the molten rivers, fiery craters and spectacular ravines. This adventure lasts for five hours, and each moment of it promises to stay with you for life.

You'll spend your last night in Reykjavík.

All adventures must end, so be sure to drop off your car at Keflavík International Airport in due time before your flight home.

For those who have a later flight and choose to visit the Blue Lagoon today, you will finish off your stay unwinding before you head to the airport. This is the perfect place to relax as you bathe in the warm, mineral-rich waters as you look back on the incredible adventure you have just taken in the land of fire and ice. If your flight is later there are plenty of things to do in Reykjavik. If you have an early flight back home, we wish you a pleasant journey.