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 sites, those on the Golden Circle. First up is Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nesting on the boundary of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where two continents meet.

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 66 ft (20 m) 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 the Langjokull glacier rushes southwards before plummeting into a 105 ft (32 m) gorge, creating this beautiful waterfall.

At Gullfoss, you can add a snowmobile excursion on top of that same glacier to race across the pearly-white ice cap. You can also get to know the fantastic 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 Skogafoss, both located just off the ring road. Your final destination of the day is the coastal village Vik, home to the black beach Reynisfjara and its eerie sea stacks Reynisdrangar.

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

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

Then, you'll continue down the south coast to explore the many sights of Vatnajokull 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.

Once you are back on the road, make sure to stop at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon to marvel at the icebergs that have broken off one of Vatnajokull's outlet glaciers. 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 a boat tour of the lagoon. Remember 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 Hofn, where you will spend the night.

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

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

You'll find a maritime museum in an old 1816 trade house in Eskifjordur town, and two summer-music festivals are held annually in the village of Neskaupstadur.

Your final destination will be Egilsstadir, the largest settlement in 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. Lake Lagarfljot is a great first stop, as according to legend, a giant worm-like creature lives here.

You could also pack a picnic basket and head to Atlavik Cove, home to lush greenery and a beautiful country river. You can find the cove in Hallormsstadaskogur, Iceland's first national forest.

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 to Mount Snaefell or the great dam at Karahnjukar. Nearby are the two spectacular canyons Dimmugljufur and Hafrahvammagljufur, the latter of which is 6.2 miles (10 kilometers) in length.

You could also drive to the town of Seyfisfjordur, see its charming old wooden houses and visit the Technical Museum of East Iceland and Seydisfjordur 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 Borgarfjordur 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 course will take you along the coastline near Husey farm, where seals are often spotted as they search for food in the waters.

Another trail takes you to the giant boulders Storurd. 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 the creatures make the area their home in June and July.

After a full day of connecting with nature, you'll spend another night in Egilsstadir 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 Myvatn. 

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.

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

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

Another highlight of the area is the Myvatn 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.

Afterward, make your way to Myvatn and get settled into your accommodation.

Get ready to explore the North further. You could head back out to Lake Myvatn for a better look at the area's many sights, or you could drive through Jokulsargljufur Gorge and visit the forest-clad canyon Asbyrgi and the mighty waterfall Dettifoss.

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

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

You'll spend the night in Akureyri. If you have more time, you can explore this charming town. 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.

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 Skagafjordur, the valley of the roaming horses. After passing through the majestic mountains of Trollaskagi, you'll reach the herring-fishing village Siglufjordur. We recommend stopping at the award-winning Herring Era Museum to quench your thirst for history and ancient Icelandic culture.

Then you'll continue to the tiny village Hofsos. It is the home of a unique geothermal infinity pool where visitors can witness an incredible ocean view that seemingly seamlessly joins the pool's waters.

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

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

Snorrastofa is where some of the greatest Icelandic Sagas were born. Many of them are works of the institute's former resident Snorri Sturluson, a critical scholar of medieval Europe.

Close to Reykholt, you'll find the waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, both captivating in a unique way. You can also visit the waterfall Fossatun, which, according to folklore, is guarded by the troll woman Drifa.

While traveling the West, you can opt for two exciting tours. The first one takes you to the colorful underworld of the lava cave Vidgelmir, and the second one leads you through the hallways of an artificial tunnel inside Langjokull glacier.

Then it is time to make your way back to Reykjavik City, but feel free to take a detour of Hvalfjordur 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 hurrying to get back to the city.

Once back in Reykjavik, 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 to descend into the magma chamber of a dormant volcano.

You'll spend your last night in Reykjavik.

All adventures must end, so be sure to drop off your car at Keflavik 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.