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

Get ready for an exciting second day as your epic ring road adventure begins with a visit to the iconic Golden Circle, home to Iceland's most popular attractions. Brace yourself for awe-inspiring natural wonders and unforgettable experiences.

Your first stop is Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that sits on the meeting point of two continents, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Explore this unique location, where you can literally walk between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. 

For those with a sense of adventure, an exciting opportunity awaits at Silfra Fissure, one of the world's top snorkeling destinations. Take a plunge and swim between two worlds as you glide through the crystal-clear waters, with visibility extending for over 300 feet (100 meters). Participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

Continuing on, you'll encounter Haukadalur Valley, an area bursting with geothermal wonders. Marvel at the vibrant hot springs, hissing steam vents, and bubbling mud pools that paint a surreal landscape. 

The highlight of Haukadalur is the iconic Strokkur geyser, known for its thrilling eruptions that shoot scalding water 66 feet (20 meters) into the air every five to 10 minutes. Stand waiting to capture the perfect photo or simply stand in awe of nature's grand display.

Prepare to be enchanted as you arrive at the majestic Gullfoss waterfall. Witness the mighty river, originating from the Langjokull glacier, as it hurtles down a 105-foot (32-meter) gorge, creating a dramatic cascade. Feel the mist on your face and listen to the thunderous roar of this stunning waterfall.

At Gullfoss, take your adventure to new heights by adding a thrilling snowmobile excursion atop the same glacier that feeds the waterfall. Race across the gleaming white ice cap, feeling the exhilaration as you immerse yourself in the vast snowy landscape. 

Alternatively, connect with the unique spirit of Iceland by embarking on a horse riding tour through the scenic countryside, where you'll meet the charming Icelandic horses known for their strength and gentle nature.

As you continue your journey along the beautiful South Coast, make stops at the magnificent waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, both conveniently located just off the ring road. Seljalandsfoss waterfall has a cave behind it, allowing you to encircle the cascade, while Skogafoss waterfall is much more powerful.

You'll then reach the charming coastal village of Vik, nestled among striking landscapes. Here, you'll find the famed black sand beach Reynisfjara, with its dramatic sea stacks known as Reynisdrangar. 

Explore the unique beauty of this shoreline, where the contrasting colors of the black sand, crashing waves, and towering rock formations create an eerie and charming atmosphere.

After an exciting day of exploration, unwind and recharge at your comfortable accommodation in Vik, ensuring you're ready for the adventures that lie ahead. Get a good night's rest, as tomorrow holds even more treasures on your journey around Iceland's remarkable ring road.

Prepare for a thrilling third day in Iceland, continuing along the South Coast. 

Today, you can start with a thrilling adventure deep within Myrdalsjokull glacier, where you'll descend into a beautiful natural ice cave. Marvel at the stunning ice formations and immerse yourself in the ethereal beauty of this frozen wonderland.

Continuing your journey along the stunning South Coast, uncover the breathtaking sights that await you in Vatnajokull National Park. For hiking enthusiasts, Skaftafell Nature Reserve offers many trails and tracks to explore. 

One such trail leads you to the magnificent Svartifoss Waterfall, decorated with striking hexagonal black basalt columns. Witness the raw power of nature as water cascades down these unique formations, creating a scene that seems straight out of a fairytale.

If you're up for an extraordinary experience, consider adding a glacier hike at Skaftafell. Strap on your crampons and embark on an unforgettable trek across the vast icy expanse of a glacier. 

Feel the crunch of the pristine snow beneath your feet as you traverse the ever-changing landscape of this icy realm, guided by expert instructors who will unveil the secrets of this majestic natural wonder.

Back on the road, a must-visit awaits you at the renowned Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. The beauty of the icebergs that have broken off one of Vatnajokull's outlet glaciers will take your breath away, particularly considering their great size and vast numbers. 

These floating marvels shimmer and glisten on the serene lagoon, creating an ever-changing landscape.

Take your experience to the next level by opting for a boat tour of the lagoon, allowing you to approach the mesmerizing ice formations by water and truly immerse yourself in this peaceful setting.

Don't forget to explore the nearby Diamond Beach, a magical stretch of coastline where ice chunks wash ashore, lining the jet-black sand like glistening gemstones. Witness the contrasts of the elements as the ice sparkles under the sun's rays.

After enjoying these fantastic sites, your journey will take you into the Eastfjords. The coastal views here are unmatched worldwide, and you can visit countless historic villages known for their rich heritage and delectable seafood delicacies. 

You will stay in a beautiful East Iceland accommodation this evening. 

Relax and recharge, savoring the memories of the day's adventures as you prepare for the wonders that await you on the next leg of your Icelandic odyssey.

Prepare for a day of impressive natural beauty as you further explore the Eastfjords. You'll focus on the picturesque village and hidden gem of Borgarfjordur Eystri. 

Nestled among beautiful mountains, this charming village offers plenty of birdwatching opportunities. While plenty of species can be seen throughout the year, puffins arrive in their thousands throughout summer.

These charming seabirds make the area their home during June and July, providing a rare chance to observe their adorable presence up close. Capture photographs of these colorful creatures as they gracefully glide through the air or perch upon the cliffs.

Those who love wildlife also have a great chance to see seals at Borgarfjordur Eystri. These animals can be spotted lounging on the rocks and shores or bobbing in the beautiful seas.

Particularly lucky travelers might even see whales and dolphins in this stunning location.

Borgarfjordur Eystri is also very popular among hikers. With trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels, there is an option suitable for every adventurer. 

One of the trails will guide you along the scenic coastline near Husey Farm. 

Another trail leads you to remarkable giant boulders known as Storurd. Enjoy the striking contrast of the azure waters that lap against the rugged rocks covered with lush green moss. This alien landscape creates a beautiful display of colors.

Of course, this is a self-drive tour, so you can explore different parts of the Eastfjords today, as you'll head north tomorrow. You could even just spend today relaxing by visiting the nearby Vok Baths, the only geothermal spa in East Iceland.

After a day filled with exploration and connection with nature, you'll return to Egilsstadir or its surrounding areas, where you'll spend another night. 

Get a good night's rest, as you are only just past the halway point of your expedition through Iceland's remarkable landscapes.

Get ready to embark on a thrilling adventure as you bid farewell to the captivating wonders of the East and set your sights on the next destination, the mesmerizing Lake Myvatn. 

Located in the northern part of Iceland, this remarkable lake is surrounded by a landscape shaped by a volcanic eruption that occurred approximately 2,500 years ago. Prepare to be amazed as you witness the remnants of this ancient explosion manifested in the towering lava pillars that dominate the breathtaking scenery.

As you explore the Myvatn area, be prepared to encounter a lot of extraordinary attractions. 

The geothermal area of Namaskard Pass beckons with its otherworldly landscapes, featuring bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and vibrant mineral deposits that paint the terrain with a kaleidoscope of colors. Take in the surreal beauty and the unique geothermal activity that defines this captivating region.

Venture further and discover the mighty volcano Krafla, which stands as a testament to the raw power of nature. This active volcano invites you to witness its volcanic activity up close, immersing yourself in a realm of geological wonders.

One of the most hauntingly beautiful sights in the area is the Dimmuborgir field, where intricate lava formations create a mystical and eerie atmosphere. Lose yourself in the labyrinthine paths that wind through these fascinating lava rock formations, and let your imagination run wild as you wander on this captivating landscape.

A true hidden gem awaits those who visit Grjotagja, a lava tube cave that holds a secret treasure within its depths. Explore this natural marvel and discover a volcanic hot spring nestled within the cave, where one of the most iconic love scenes in HBO’s Game of Thrones was shot.

No visit to Lake Myvatn would be complete without indulging in the soothing waters of the Myvatn Nature Baths. 

Recharge your senses as you soak in the geothermal baths enriched with silica minerals that are believed to have a beneficial effect on one’s well-being. Allow the tranquil ambiance of the baths to wash away the weariness of your day's adventures, leaving you feeling refreshed and revitalized.

As the day draws to a close, make your way to Myvatn, a charming town that serves as the perfect base for your exploration of this extraordinary region. Settle into your comfortable accommodation, ready to embark on further adventures in the days to come. 

Get ready to embark on an exploration of the captivating West, a region steeped in Icelandic settlement history. 

If you have a keen interest in the island's past, be sure to visit the Settlement Center in Borgarnes, where you can delve into the fascinating stories and sagas that shaped the early days of Iceland's inhabitants. 

Alternatively, make your way to Reykholt and discover Snorrastofa, a medieval research institute known for its connection to the renowned scholar Snorri Sturluson, whose works have left an indelible mark on Icelandic literature and culture.

While in the vicinity of Reykholt, don't miss the opportunity to visit the enchanting waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. Each waterfall possesses its own distinct charm, with Hraunfossar's delicate streams cascading over a lava field and Barnafoss captivating viewers with its turbulent and mystical allure. Additionally, you can visit the waterfall Fossatun, which, according to folklore, is guarded by the troll woman Drifa.

As you continue your journey through the West, consider embarking on two thrilling tours. 

The first takes you deep into the colorful underworld of the lava cave Vidgelmir, where you can witness the mesmerizing geological formations that lie beneath the surface. The second adventure leads you through the icy corridors of an artificial tunnel inside Langjokull glacier, offering a truly immersive experience within the heart of this majestic natural wonder.

Before making your way back to Reykjavik City, take a detour through the scenic Hvalfjordur and treat yourself to a hike towards Glymur, Iceland's second-tallest waterfall. Allow the captivating beauty of this cascading wonder to captivate your senses as you revel in the tranquil surroundings. 

If you're in a hurry, you can opt to take the convenient fjord tunnel, reducing your driving time as you eagerly return to the city.

Upon your arrival in Reykjavik, the vibrant capital of Iceland, you have the option to spend the rest of the day exploring the city's unique charm. Roam through its colorful streets, visit renowned landmarks such as Hallgrimskirkja Church or Harpa Concert Hall, and indulge in the city's vibrant culinary scene. 

However, for those seeking one last adventure, seize the opportunity to descend into the magma chamber of a dormant volcano.

As the day draws to a close, savor your final night in Reykjavik, reflecting on the incredible journey you've undertaken through the diverse and breathtaking landscapes of Iceland.