Extraordinary 12-Day Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland with National Parks

Welcome to day one of your summer self-drive tour in Iceland! Upon landing, your car will be ready for pickup at Keflavik International Airport. If you're on an early flight, you'll have time to drive around the Reykjanes Peninsula, visit the Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa, and explore Reykjavik. 

The lava-scarred beauty of the Reykjanes Peninsula is your introduction to Iceland’s breathtaking natural wonders. Here, you’ll find the steaming geothermal fields of Gunnuhver, the dramatic cliffs of Reykjanesta, the Bridge Between Continents, and the striking blue waters of the Blue Lagoon.

You could stop at the Blue Lagoon on your way to Iceland's capital, Reykjavik. This spa is world-famous for its healing waters, vivid azure colors, and luxurious treatments. It's in the middle of a moss-covered lava field, giving it a unique atmosphere.

The lagoon's temperature averages 98 F to 102 F (37 C to 39 C), offering a comfortable and relaxing feeling in the swimming and bathing areas.

If you add the Blue Lagoon, it will be arranged according to your flights. If there is no time to visit the lagoon today, your travel consultant will book this for another day. 

Those who don't book the Blue Lagoon can try the Sky Lagoon instead. The Sky Lagoon near Reykjavik is a serene geothermal spa offering stunning ocean views. Its seven-step Skjol bathing ritual provides a rejuvenating experience. Guests can choose between standard entry and a premium option with private changing rooms.

Once in Reykjavik, settle into your accommodation and explore the city on foot. Check out the city center's many boutiques, galleries, museums, restaurants, and bars.

If you have time, head to the Perlan Museum, about 2.3 miles (3.7 kilometers) from Harpa. Perlan is an interactive museum featuring exhibits and displays about Icelandic nature. It's also a hemispherical rotating glass dome that serves as a viewing deck, giving visitors a great look at the cityscape.

Don’t miss Harpa Concert Hall, one of the city’s top attractions. As Reykjavik's premiere cultural center, Harpa hosts exhibitions, concerts, and festivals all year round. It also boasts a facade that features 714 glass panels with LED lighting, making the building a sight to behold at night.

Today is also the perfect time to visit Hallgrimskirkja Church, Iceland's tallest church. Standing 245 feet (74.5 meters) tall, the church has become one of Reykjavik's most famous landmarks. You can walk up the church's tower for some magnificent city views.

Lastly, walk along the waterfront and photograph the Sun Voyager Sculpture with Mount Esja towering in the backdrop. 

End your day with a delicious meal at one of the many fantastic restaurants in Reykjavik before returning to your accommodation.

Day two of your 12-day Ring Road itinerary is dedicated to exploring the majestic trio of the Golden Circle route.

Today’s first main stop is Thingvellir National Park. This incredible location is in the rift valley between two continental plates, which lets you walk and cross between Europe and North America. 

The area is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its history. In 930 AD, early settlers founded what would become the world's longest-running representative parliament here. 

You can snorkel in the Silfra Fissure, a breathtaking spot where you’ll glide between two continents in some of the clearest waters on Earth. All you need are swimming skills and a sense of adventure!

Silfra’s water originates from the porous lava fields of Langjokull Glacier, which is about 37 miles (60 kilometers) north. Interestingly, the water can take a century before reaching the fissure, creating a natural filtration process that leads to the crystal-clear and drinkable water of the Silfra Fissure.

The next stop is the Geysir Geothermal Area, about 34 miles (55 kilometers) from Thingvellir National Park. The famous Geysir is not too active, but among the many hot pools and steaming vents, you'll see Strokkur blast water around 66 to 131 feet (20 to 40 meters) high every 5 to 10 minutes.

About 6 miles (9.7 kilometers) east is the mighty waterfall Gullfoss, Iceland's most famous attraction and the final stop on the Golden Circle. Translated as "Golden Falls" in English, the Gullfoss Waterfall has a height of 105 feet (32 meters) and sits below the Hvita River Canyon.

A pathway takes you right to the water's edge, where you can get a real sense of the enormous power of the falls. As you marvel at this impressive waterfall, check out the water cascading down two levels, creating a mighty spray below.

You can add an adrenaline-filled snowmobile trip to the Langjokull Glacier from the Gullfoss Waterfall. You can also book a two-hour-long horse ride in the Icelandic countryside for a more relaxing side quest.  

Before heading south from the Golden Circle, consider a relaxing dip at Laugarvatn’s Fontana Spa. For something unique, try tasting a geothermal rye bread. This bread is a traditional Icelandic treat, using geothermal heat, it is cooked buried in volcanic sand. 

Otherwise, head straight to the main road and stop at Kerid Crater. The volcanic rock here is painted in fiery orange and rust-red colors, while the lake within is an azure oasis. The contrast is a breathtaking sight.

As day two of your Iceland summer road trip wraps up, you can head south to your accommodation in Southwest Iceland.

On day three of your summer self-drive tour in Iceland, you begin your drive towards the South Coast. Your first stops are two magnificent waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss.

The Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is a top-rated stop among visitors because of its proximity to the Ring Road. It also boasts a remarkable structure, with its water falling from 197 feet (60 meters) over a rocky cove. Visiting in summer is a special treat, as you can walk behind its cascade and feel its might up close.

Around 18 miles (29.3 kilometers) away is the Skogafoss Waterfall. It’s one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland, plunging from 197 feet (60 meters) and 82 feet (25 meters) wide. As the water hits the flat ground, it creates a beautiful mist that’s a sight to behold. Some days, the sunlight reflects through the waterfall, creating a magical double rainbow.

Next along the way is the glacier Solheimajokull, around 7 miles (11 kilometers) from Skogafoss. It’s an outlet glacier of the Myrdalsjokull ice cap and measures about 8 miles (13 kilometers) long and about 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) wide.

Here, you can stop for a fascinating glacier hike or an exhilarating snowmobiling tour. On a glacier hike, a guide will provide a safety briefing and equip you with the proper hiking gear before you start. Once you reach the top of the glacier, you’ll be treated to uninterrupted views of the majestic landscape below.

From here, you can continue your drive east and detour to Dyrholaey. It’s a popular stop for those on a road trip on the South Coast because of its impressive coastal views. At the peak of summer, watch out for puffins and other seabirds, which nest in the area. 

Your next stop is Reynisfjara Beach, along the coast near Vik. Its long stretch of black and the Reynisdrangar Sea Stack make it worthy of a few hours of admiration. The waves can be unpredictable in Reynisfjara, so it’s best to admire its beauty from a safe distance. 

If hiking isn’t on your agenda today, hop on a super jeep in Vik for an exciting ride to Myrdalsjokull Glacier, home to the stunning Katla Ice Cave. One of the few ice caves accessible in summer, this breathtaking natural wonder is a must-see on your adventure.

After enjoying these awe-inspiring sights, you’ll spend the night in South Iceland.

Spend day four of your self-drive tour along the Ring Road in the beautiful Skaftafell Nature Reserve, part of Vatnajokull National Park, Iceland's largest national park.

The park is named after the Vatnajokull Glacier, its biggest attraction. The glacier is Europe's largest, boasting a surface area of around 3,127 square miles (8,100 square kilometers).

If you enjoy hiking, you'll find many trails at Vatnajokull National Park. The trails are tailored for different levels of experience and mobility, including one that leads to the beautiful Svartifoss Waterfall. 

Svartifoss is hidden in a canyon about 3.1 miles (5 kilometers) from the park. Once you reach the waterfall, you'll see its waters pouring through volcanic hexagonal basalt columns. 

Vatnajokull National Park is also home to Iceland’s tallest mountain, Hvannadalshnjukur, which rises to 6,922 feet (2,210 meters). It’s not just something to admire from a distance; you can join a guided hike to the summit and proudly say you’ve conquered Iceland’s highest peak! You can also experience the mountain’s beauty on a glacier hike or an ice-climbing tour.

After hours of exploring, you'll reach one of Iceland's most famous attractions, the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. As Iceland's deepest lagoon, it has a maximum depth of about 814 feet (248 meters). It’s also the country's largest lagoon, with a surface area of 11.2 square miles (18 square kilometers).

At Jokulsarlon, you can watch the mesmerizing icebergs break off from a glacier and sail to the ocean. You can take a boat tour into the lagoon for a closer look, either on a small zodiac or an amphibious vessel. Check out Diamond Beach afterward, where these icebergs wash up on the black sands like glittering diamond chunks.

As day 4 of your 12-day Iceland itinerary wraps up, you'll spend the night in Southeast Iceland.

Spend day five of your Iceland summer road trip on a zigzagging journey along the Eastfjords. You’ll pass by tranquil fishing villages and sweeping coastal landscapes.

The Eastfjords is a remote region rich in wildlife, so watch for puffins and seals as you drive. The area is also home to herds of wild reindeer, the only place you find them in Iceland. 

One of the first stops to consider is the Stokksnes Peninsula, the perfect place to stop and admire the famous Vestrahorn Mountain. This mountain stands 1,490 feet (454 meters) tall and sits close to the ocean.

Throughout summer, the mountain casts huge shadows and reflections in its foreground. When you see Vestrahorn, you'll notice it is dark and jagged. Its appearance is caused by the iron- and magnesium-rich gabbro rocks that make up the mountain.

About 61 miles (98 kilometers) from Vestrahorn is Djupivogur, a coastal fishing town worth the detour. Djupivogur sits beneath Bulandstindur, a large pyramid-shaped mountain. According to folklore, the mountain grants people's wishes if they visit during the summer solstice.

Another fishing village worth visiting is Faskrudsfjordur, about 66 miles (106 kilometers) from Djupivogur. Faskrudsfjordur was a fishing village where French seamen built a harbor and a hospital. Though most of its settlers left during World War I, traces of French influence remain in the village.

Don't be surprised to see signs written in both French and Icelandic. Moreover, the old hospital was turned into a hotel with a museum showing how the French settlers developed the town.

Continue driving north until you reach Egilsstadir, East Iceland’s capital. While in Egilsstadir, you can unwind in the nearby Lake Lagarfljot. Its milky waters are filled with folklore and mystery. The lake is believed to be the home of the Lagarfljot Wyrm, a cousin of the legendary Loch Ness Monster.

You can also visit Iceland's largest national forest, Hallormsstadaskogur. The largest forest in Iceland is located just south of Egilsstadir and is good for hiking and bird-watching. The trees in Hallormsstadaskogur cover an area of 286 square miles (740 square kilometers).

If you prefer to spend the day hiking, continue driving south to Snaefellsskalli Hut. Here, you’ll have to follow a trail going to Snaefell, Iceland's highest free-standing peak. It stands 6,014 feet (1,833 meters) tall and is at least a kilometer taller than its neighboring peaks and hills.

For a calmer end to your day, consider heading to Vok Baths. Relax in hot spring water and recharge while enjoying views of Lake Urridavatn.

After exploring various East Iceland attractions, you'll spend the night in Egilsstadir or another Eastfjords accommodation. 

The Lake Myvatn area is the star of day six of your 12-day Ring Road itinerary. Today, you will explore the impressive geothermal landscapes surrounding the area. 

Lake Myvatn is considered the fourth-largest lake in the country. Covering an area of 14 square miles (37 square km), Lake Myvatn is surrounded by many craters, lava formations, hot springs, and volcanic islands. Interestingly, Lake Myvatn means "Fly Lake," a nod to the tiny flies abundant in the area.

Visit the lake’s viewpoint before making your way to Skutustadagigar, a unique area of grassy meadows and rare artificial craters. These craters were formed by steam explosions when lava flowed over wetlands 2,300 years ago. 

Make sure to visit Dimmuborgir. It’s called "the Dark Fortress" because of its dramatic formations and resemblance to a medieval castle. Folklore says that trolls live in the Dimmuborgir rock structure and its surrounding lava caves.

The hot spring lava cave of Grjotagja, about 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) from Dimmuborgir, is also worth a visit. The cave became famous for its appearance in Game of Thrones. In 1984, water temperatures reached as high as 122°F (50°C), and although they've since dropped, the water remains very warm.

If you like the idea of a hot soak, look forward to the nearby Myvatn Nature Baths, about 2.2 miles (3.5 kilometers) from Grjotagja. The place features mild temperatures and silica-rich waters that will calm your muscles.

Continue your North Iceland exploration with a visit to the Namafjall Geothermal Area. It’s only 2.6 miles (4.3 kilometers) away from Myvatn Nature Baths. Here, you'll see fumaroles (openings near volcanoes), boiling mud pots, and sulfur crystals. Take a closer look at crystals in green, blue, yellow, and white. 

If you still have time and energy, visit Krafla and its striking blue crater lake, Viti. Its name, meaning 'hell,' tells of the lake’s explosive volcanic origins. Iceland is home to two famous crater lakes named Viti: this one and the other in Askja.

By nightfall, you'll arrive at a comfortable accommodation in Northeast Iceland.

Day seven of your summer self-drive tour in Iceland is your final chance to explore the Lake Myvatn Area before continuing your trip through North Iceland. If you haven’t yet, today’s the perfect time to relax and soak in the geothermal waters of the Myvatn Nature Baths. 

Venture deep into the Myvatn Area by driving north to the Jokulsargljufur part of Vatnajokull National Park. Here, you can visit Dettifoss Falls, the most powerful waterfall in Europe.

Another fascinating spot you can visit in the area is Hljodaklettar or Echo Rocks. The area's many scarred cliffs and rock structures create unusual echoes, giving the site its name.
After your Myvatn exploration, continue driving north until you reach Husavik. The village is known as the whale-watching capital of Europe. 

If you want to go for a whale-watching tour, you can choose from a traditional boat or ride in an RIB, which is smaller than a conventional boat. It lets you get close to the whales and some puffins without disturbing them. With several whale species in the area, most tour companies boast 100% success rates for seeing these gentle creatures in summer.

Husavik also offers a chance to indulge in Iceland’s geothermal warmth with the Husavik Geosea Baths. The heated seawater of the pools is rich in minerals and 100% chemical-free.

From Husavik, drive west to Akureyri. On your way, don’t miss the mighty Godafoss, or the “waterfall of the gods.” It’s about 40 feet (12 meters) high and 100 feet (30 meters) wide. Its horseshoe-shaped cascade tumbles over rugged cliffs into a turquoise pool below. 

Before reaching Akureyri, take a detour to Kjarnaskogur, a vast forest just outside the city. It’s an expansive forest with dozens of walking paths and hiking trails.

Once you reach Akureyri, you’ll be greeted by yet another charming Icelandic town full of beautiful sights. Make sure you visit the famous Akureyri Church and the town’s botanical garden.

After another eventful day, you’ll spend the night in a comfortable  North Iceland accommodation.

Your summer road trip in Iceland continues to the country’s northwest region, known for its mountains, fjords, and wildlife. 

If you missed whale watching yesterday, you can stay a little longer in North Iceland, particularly in Akureyri’s nearby towns, like Dalvik and Hauganes. From these destinations, you can join whale-watching tours in Eyjafjordur.

Continue your journey with a trip toward Siglufjordur, an old herring-fishing village. Siglufjordur has long been considered the North Atlantic’s fishing hub and remains an important contributor to the country’s economy.

In Siglufjordur, you can visit the Herring Era Museum, which showcases Iceland’s rich maritime history. You can also explore the old Grana factory, where herring was once processed into oil and meal, an excellent place to learn about Iceland's fishing industry.

Continuing your journey, you’ll pass by the stunning mountainous region of Trollaskagi (Troll Peninsula), located about 61 miles (99 kilometers) from Skagafjordur. This area is home to Iceland’s tallest mountains outside the Central Highlands, including Mount Kerling, which stands at 5,064 feet (1,538 meters).

Trollaskagi is also known for its dense population of Icelandic horses and numerous horse farms. Here, you can experience horseback riding, a popular activity in the area. These Icelandic horses are smaller than conventional breeds known for their unique tolt and gait. 

Continue driving west until you reach Hofsos, where you can relax in the town’s scenic thermal pool while soaking in breathtaking fjord views. 

From Hofsos, make your way to Skagafjordur, your last major stop for today. Along the way, stop at Holar in Hjaltadalur Valley, an ancient bishop’s seat and a site of great importance in Iceland’s Catholic history. Once in Skagafjordur, you can enjoy a horseback riding experience if you haven’t already. 

Near Skagafjordur, you’ll also find local Icelandic handicrafts in the Althydulist and Runalist galleries, showcasing beautiful handmade art and souvenirs.

After an adventurous day, you’ll spend the night in Northwest Iceland.

It’s the ninth day of your Iceland road trip, and today’s goal is to explore the charming Snaefellsnes Peninsula. This region is often called "Iceland in miniature" because it packs the country’s most impressive natural wonders into a compact area. 

There’s so much to see in the peninsula that it deserves two days of your 12-day Ring Road itinerary.

As you start your journey west, you’ll pass by Hvitserkur Sea Stack in the Vatnsnes Peninsula. Also known as the "Troll of Northwest Iceland," this basalt rock formation resembles a troll frozen in time.

Continuing along, you can take a rest stop at Borgarvirki Fortress. This unique natural rock formation in Northwest Iceland was historically used as a defensive stronghold.

The fortress is actually a volcanic plug, the hardened core of an ancient volcano that remained standing while the softer rock around it eroded over time. Here, you can climb to the top, explore the ruins, and enjoy breathtaking views of Iceland’s vast countryside.

After 113 miles (182 kilometers) from Borgarvirki, you’ll finally arrive at the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. The fishing town of Stykkisholmur welcomes you with its beautiful natural harbor and rich history.

Here, you can visit the Norwegian House, Snaefellsnes's regional museum and Iceland’s oldest two-story building. The museum gets its name from the special type of wood imported from Norway used in its construction.

Another interesting stop in Stykkisholmur is Iceland’s oldest weather station, built in 1845. The first person to operate it, Arni Thorlacius, was also the builder of the Norwegian House.

Next, you'll head 25 miles (41 kilometers) toward the iconic Kirkjufell Mountain, near the village of Grundarfjordur. Also called "Church Mountain," Kirkjufell stands at 1,519 feet (463 meters). A serene lake at its base perfectly reflects the mountain on clear days, making it an ideal photo opportunity before dark.

On this serene lake, you can take a kayaking tour with the Kirkjufell and the midnight sun as your background. 

Afterward, you’ll drive to the westernmost tip of the peninsula to find Djupalonssandur Black Pebble Beach and Londrangar Basalt Cliffs. 

Djupalonssandur is a striking black pebble beach once home to a historic fishing village. A short drive away, the Londrangar Basalt Cliffs rise dramatically from the sea, resembling the ruins of an ancient castle. 

After wrapping up the first part of your Snaefellsnes adventure, you’ll spend the night in the area, resting up for another exciting day ahead.
 

The tenth day of your self-drive tour in Iceland is part two of your Snaefellsnes Peninsula adventure.

The stratovolcano Snaefellsjokull in Snaefellsjokull National Park is on the peninsula’s tip. It stands at 4,744 feet (1,446 meters) and offers majestic views of Reykjavik from across the bay.

Aside from being one of Iceland’s most beautiful glaciers, Snaefellsjokull has a rich folklore. Superstitious Icelanders used to believe that the Snaefellsjokull Glacier was an ancient energy source. They also said the glacier’s rock formations were trolls petrified by sunlight. 

Today, you can take an ATV tour of the Snaefellsjokull Glacier from Grundarfjordur. 

On the coast of the peninsula, you can also visit  Djupalonssandur Beach if you didn’t have the time to explore it yesterday. You’ll find Dritvik Cove here, which used to be a valuable fishing center from 1650 to 1950. 

Like the Snaefellsjokull Glacier, the cove is rich in folklore. According to the Icelandic saga “Bardar Saga Snaefellsass,” Bardur Snaefellsas, Dritvik’s first settler, was half-human and half-troll. 

From Djupalonssandur 3.5 miles (5.7 kilometers) east is the 8,000-year-old lava tube cave of Vatnshellir. Lava caving is possible in Vatnshellir throughout the summer with a guided tour, making it the perfect addition to your summer road trip in Iceland.

After exploring a maze of lava tubes, you’ll drive east to the charming hamlets of Hellnar, Arnarstapi, and Budir. If you haven’t seen seals yet during your 10 days in Iceland, this is the perfect chance. Just 12 miles (20 kilometers) from Budir, you’ll find Ytri Tunga Beach, the most reliable spot for seal-watching.

Seals can be seen here year-round, with one or two often resting on the shore. However, since you're visiting in summer, this is the best time to spot them in larger numbers.

After a thrilling day, you’ll spend another night in West Iceland.

On Day 11 of your Iceland road trip, you'll explore the highlights of West Iceland. Among them are the Icelandic Settlement Center in Borgarnes, which delves into the nation’s early history, and Deildartunguhver, Europe’s largest hot spring.

At the Settlement Center, you’ll find two fascinating exhibitions. One explores the Age of Settlement, detailing how Iceland’s first settlers arrived and established their communities. The other focuses on Egil Skallagrimsson, the legendary Viking and poet from Egil’s Saga. Interactive displays bring these stories to life, offering a glimpse into Iceland’s early days.

Next, you’ll visit Deildartunguhver, the biggest hot spring in Europe, which boasts a rapid flow rate of 380 pints (180 liters) per second. Just 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) away, consider stopping at Snorrastofa, a medieval research institute in Reykholt. 

This historic site was home to Snorri Sturluson, the influential 13th-century writer who wrote Heimskringla, a saga about the kings of Norway, and Edda, the cornerstone of Norse mythology.

Your journey continues to the breathtaking Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfalls. Hraunfossar is a series of waterfalls that emerge from the Hallmundarhraun lava field, creating a mesmerizing flow of water that cascades into the Hvita River. Just 50 feet (15 meters) away, you’ll find Barnafoss, a fast-moving waterfall with a dramatic and powerful current.

You can take one of two different cave tours on this day. You can go down the more traditional route and explore the lava tube Vidgelmir. Otherwise, you can travel to Langjokull and explore the glacier from the inside, down some incredible man-made channels.

On your way back to Reykjavik, consider taking the scenic route along Hvalfjordur Fjord instead of the toll tunnel. This detour offers the chance to hike to Glymur, Iceland’s tallest waterfall, on a two-hour trail through stunning landscapes.

Another top attraction of Hvalfjordur is Hvammsvik hot springs. Here you can soak in geothermally heated pools right by the ocean, surrounded by dramatic mountains and calm coastal views.

If you have extra time, consider an unforgettable adventure inside a dormant volcano. You'll descend into the magma chamber of Thrihnukagigur, where vibrant rock formations reveal its fiery past.

After enjoying your last full day in Iceland, you'll spend the night in the capital.