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

Day two brings you to some of the best-known natural phenomena in Iceland on the Golden Circle route.

The first main stop is at the Thingvellir National Park. This incredible location is in the rift valley between two continental plates that let 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, ongoing representative parliament here. You may opt for a snorkeling tour in the park, within the crystal-clear Silfra ravine. Participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

The water of the ravine originates through the porous lava fields from the Langjokull glacier, about 37 miles (60 kilometers) north. Interestingly, the water can take a century before reaching the ravine, 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 amongst the many hot pools and steaming vents, you'll see Strokkur blast water 66 to 131 feet (20 to 40 meters) high every few minutes.

About six miles (9.7 kilometers) away is the mighty waterfall Gullfoss, Iceland's most famous attraction and the final stop on the Golden Circle. Translated "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 Langjokull glacier from the Gullfoss waterfall. Alternatively, you can book a two-hour-long horse ride.

At the end of another thrilling day, you can head south for the night to your accommodation in Southwest Iceland.

Day three starts your Ring Road drive as you head to 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) fronting a rocky enclave. If you visit during summer, you can walk behind the Seljalandsfoss waterfall.

Meanwhile, around 18 miles (29.3 kilometers) away is the Skogafoss waterfall. It’s one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland, cascading 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 seven miles (11 kilometers) from Skogafoss. It’s an outlet glacier of the Myrdalsjokull ice cap and measures about eight miles (13 kilometers) long and about 1.2 miles (two kilometers) wide.

Here, you can stop to take a fascinating glacier hike or exhilarating snowmobiling tour, and whichever you choose, you won’t be disappointed. If you decide to go on a glacier hike, a guide will provide a safety briefing and all the essential hiking gear you need. Once you reach the top of the glacier, you’ll be treated to uninterrupted views of the majestic landscape.

If you don’t feel like hiking, you can head straight to the village of Vik for an optional ice cave tour of Myrdalsjokull glacier.

Take a slight detour to stop and admire the black volcanic beach Reynisfjara along the coast near Vik. Be careful, however, as the waves here are unpredictable and dangerous. You can see the dramatic promontory of Dyrholaey and Reynisdrangar rock formations from the shore. 

At the peak of summer, watch out for puffins and other seabirds, which nest in the area. After enjoying these sights, you’ll spend the night in South Iceland.

Spend the day enjoying the many sights and optional activities in the beautiful Skaftafell area of the Vatnajokull National Park, Iceland's largest national park.

Established in 2008, the park has grown extensively, covering around 5,460 square miles (14,141 square kilometers) of land. Interestingly, that park covers about 14% of Iceland's total land area. It's also Europe's second-largest national park on top of being one of the country's three UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The park is also 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).

Furthermore, the Vatnajokull glacier covers Hvannadalshnjukur. Standing 7,218 feet (2,200 meters) tall, Hvannadalshnjukur is Iceland's tallest mountain.

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

The waterfall 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. 

Alternatively, you can go on a guided glacier hike on the nearby Skaftafellsjokull glacier. It's a glacier tongue in the Skaftafell Nature Reserve. You'll hike on a five-mile (eight-kilometer) trail of 1,280 feet (390 meters) until you reach the Svartifoss waterfall.

Soon after the national park, you'll reach one of Iceland's most famous attractions and top photo opportunities, the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. It's also Iceland's deepest lagoon, with a maximum depth of 814 feet (248 meters). It is likewise the country's largest lagoon, with a surface area of 11.2 square miles (18 square kilometers).

Here, you can watch the mesmerizing icebergs break 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. 

Be sure to check out Diamond Beach after, where these icebergs wash up on the black sands. In the evening, you'll spend the night in Southeast Iceland.

Spend your fifth day on a zigzagging journey along the Eastfjords, passing by tranquil fishing villages and sweeping coastal landscapes. 

The Eastfjords are incredibly beautiful, so keep your eye out when driving for puffins and seals. The region is also home to herds of wild reindeer and boasts the sunniest weather in Iceland.

One of the first stops to consider is Vestrahorn mountain. Located on the Stokknes peninsula, this mountain stands 1,490 feet (454 meters) tall and sits close to the ocean.

Throughout summer, the mountain casts huge shadows and reflections against its backdrop. As you explore 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.

Next, you'll drive 61 miles (98 kilometers) to Djupivogur, a coastal fishing town. 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.

The East is also home 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. You may hike in Snaefell through a trail that begins near a hut called Snaefellsskali.

Another fishing village worth visiting is Faskrudsfjordur, about 66 miles (106 kilometers) from Djupivogur. Faskrudsfjordur was a fishing village wherein French seamen built a harbor and a hospital. Though most of its settlers left during World War I, the French's influence can still be seen today.

You'll see street 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.

You'll also find Lake Logurinn or Lake Lagarfljot and its milky waters filled with folklore and mystery. The lake is believed to be the home of the Lagarfjlot Wyrm, a cousin of the legendary Loch Ness monster.

You may also want to visit Iceland's largest national forest, Hallormsstadaskogur, for hiking and bird-watching. The trees in Hallormsstadaskogur cover an area of 286 square miles (740 square kilometers).

After exploring various attractions of East Iceland, you'll spend the night in the area.

Day six takes you north to the Lake Myvatn area, known for its geothermal landscapes and famous hot spring area, the Namaskard hot springs. 

Lake Myvatn is considered the fourth-largest lake in the country. It measures close to six miles (9.5 kilometers) long and four miles (6.5 kilometers) wide. 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.

When exploring the area, visit Krafla with its crater lake, Víti, about 15 miles (24 kilometers) from the lake. Krafla is a caldera part of a large volcanic system, making it one of Iceland's most explosive volcanoes. Note that there's another crater in Iceland named "Viti," so make sure you don't confuse the two.

Meanwhile, about 6 miles (9.6 kilometers) from Krafla is the Namfjall geothermal area. You'll see fumaroles, boiling mud pots, and sulfur crystals. Take a closer look at crystals in green, blue, yellow, and white.

Make sure to visit Dimmuborgir. Named "the Dark Fortress" because of the dramatic formations and the resemblance to a medieval castle the lava takes, Dimmuborgir is a unique visual wonder. Folklore notes that trolls live in the Dimmuborgir rock structure and its surrounding lava caves.

The hot spring lava cave of Grjotagja, about four miles (6.4 kilometers) from Dimmuborgir, is also very much worth a visit. The highest temperatures recorded were in 1984 when the temperature topped 122 F (50 C).

Since then, the temperature has steadily dropped but is still incredibly warm. Interestingly, you can test its waters if you like.

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

By nightfall, you'll spend the evening in Northeast Iceland.

On your ninth day, aim to reach the charming village of Stykkisholmur on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. 

On the way, you can detour and visit the sea stack Hvitserkur, near the town of Blonduos. Also called the "Troll of Northwest Iceland," the Hvitserkur monolith is a basalt rock stack resembling a troll's shape.

It measures 49 feet (15 meters) tall, and you'll see it protruding from Hunafloi Bay. Interestingly, the Hvitserkur rock stack is a favorite nesting ground for seagulls, fulmars, and shags.

Next, you'll head 134 miles (216 kilometers) toward the iconic mountain of Kirkjufell, near the village of Grundarfjordur. The mountain offers truly impressive photo ops you should take advantage of, as it's situated by a stunning lake and picturesque waterfall.

Also called "Church Mountain," Kirkjufell measures 1,519 feet (463 meters) tall and is one of the most popular visual landmarks in the area. At the base of the mountain is a lake that reflects Kirkjufell's mirror image during clear days.

About 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Kirkjufell is Stykkisholmur, your final stop for the day. It's a charming fishing town that portrayed Greenland in the film "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty." 

The place also boasts a beautiful natural harbor. Moreover, its proximity to the fertile fishing grounds of Breidafjordur is significantly helping the locals. Despite being smaller than other towns in the area, Stykkisholmur still developed into a notable cultural hub.

It is home to the Norwegian House, Snaefellsnes's regional museum, and Iceland's oldest two-story building. Interestingly, the museum carries the name "Norwegian" because it features a special kind of wood that the builders had to import from Norway.

The first floor contains rotating exhibitions and a shop selling handicrafts, sweets, and other local products. The second floor works as the museum's open storage.

You can also visit Iceland's oldest weather station, built in 1845. Incidentally, Arni Thorlacius, the first person to operate the weather station, also built the Norwegian House.

Together, Hvitserkur, Kirkjufell, and Stykkisholmur make a portrait of Iceland that can't be beaten.

After ending the first part of your adventure in the peninsula, you'll spend the night in the Snaefellsnes area.

On day eleven, explore West Iceland with its diverse attractions. These include the Icelandic Settlement Center in Borgarnes, which explores the history of the beginning of this nation, and Deildartunguhver, the largest hot spring in Europe.

The settlement center is a museum featuring two essential exhibitions. The first is about the Age of Settlement, while the other one is all about the life of Egil Skallagrimsson, the Viking and poet from the Egils Saga.

Visiting the museum will teach you about Iceland's discovery. You'll see how the first settlers arrived and lived through interactive displays.

After spending time in the museum, visit the captivating Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, about 35 miles (57 kilometers) from Borgarnes. Hraunfossar features a series of waterfalls that flow from the Hallmundarhraun lava field. Check out how the waters stream from the rock ledges in the lava field, eventually pouring into the Hvita river.

Next, you'll walk 50 feet (15 meters) toward the Barnafoss waterfall. Seeing and feeling this rapid waterfall is quite an experience.

If you're a history buff, consider visiting Snorrastofa, 11 miles (18 kilometers) from Barnafoss. Snorrastofa is a medieval research institute in Reykholt, where the early settler Snorri Sturluson wrote Saga Heimskringla in the 13th century. He also wrote the bible of old Norse mythology, Edda.

Next, you'll head to Deildartunguhver, about four miles (6.4 kilometers) from Snorrastofa. Boasting a rapid flow rate of 380 pints (180 liters) per second, Deildartunguhver is Europe's largest hot spring.

You can also take one of two radically 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.

The third option on this day is to take an Into the Volcano tour. You descend into a sleeping volcano's spectacular magma chamber on this trip.

On the way back to Reykjavik, you can drive along the scenic Hvalfjordur fjord instead of taking the toll tunnel. At the bottom of the fjord, you can stretch your legs on a two-hour hike to Iceland's tallest waterfall, Glymur.

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