Ultimate 19-Day Self-Drive Tour Around Iceland

You will begin your Ring Road adventure on the second day of your Icelandic self-drive vacation, starting with West Iceland. West Iceland is a fantastic place to start your travels, as it boasts beautiful natural attractions and a wealth of culture. Furthermore, there are three options for a tour you can take today.

After you leave Reykjavik, you will either pass under the Hvalfjordur tunnel to reach the significant sites more quickly or encircle the beautiful fjord for the scenic route. 

Nestled in Hvalfjordur is Glymur waterfall, Iceland's second-tallest waterfall, which you can hike through a beautiful valley of wildflowers and birch trees.

You will then come to Borgarnes, a charming coastal town that boasts the Settlement Centre Exhibition. If you want to learn how Old Norse Vikings discovered and settled this land over a millennium ago and how they survived under harsh conditions, be sure to pay a visit.

The next significant sites in the area are two waterfalls, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. Though just a few minutes walk away from each other, they are very different. 

Hraunfossar waterfall pours through petrified lava, more a series of tiny waterfalls than one distinct one. Barnafoss waterfall, meanwhile, is a furious waterfall that surges through a narrow valley.

Following your time here, you'll head to Deildartunghver hot spring, Europe's highest-flowing hot spring. Not only is it a beautiful site, but it fuels the nearby Krauma geothermal spa. You can bask in the therapeutic waters here to break up your day of sightseeing.

Those who would rather embark on an adventure than enjoy a spa visit have two enticing alternatives. 

The first of these is a classic lava-caving adventure. Vidgelmir lava cave is a fascinating underground tunnel with unexpectedly vivid colors and unusual features formed by a volcanic eruption over a thousand years ago.

Otherwise, you could take an ice tunnel tour. On this excursion, which you can't take anywhere else on earth, you'll take a super jeep up the magnificent slopes of Langjokull glacier. 

You'll find a gleaming tunnel carved into its depths at its summit, which your guide will lead you through. The chambers and corridors are mesmerizing and provide insight into the workings of the ice caps.

Reykholt, home to legendary medieval chieftain Snorri Sturluson, is worth a visit for those interested in history, whereas Eldborg Crater provides beautiful views over the landscapes of the west.

You'll finish your day at a hotel on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, ready to explore it in depth tomorrow.

On the third day of your 19-day self-drive tour of Iceland, you'll explore the magnificent shores of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Nicknamed 'Iceland in Miniature,' this region has a diverse range of unforgettable sites.

As you travel along the southern shore, you'll first see a strange phenomenon on the cliffs of Gerduberg. They are lined with hexagonal columns, so perfect it almost appears as if they have been carved. 

Turning to the coast a little further down the road, you will likely see plenty of seals playing and resting, part of the colony on Ytri Tunga beach. 

Next, you will find the abandoned village of Budir, of which just a beautiful black church remains.

You will then come to the highlight of the peninsula, Snaefellsjokull National Park. This area is named after the subglacial volcano of Snaefellsjokull, a monumental feature with two peaks topped with white ice.

The glacier is one of many attractions in the national park. It also has the charming fishing village of Arnarstapi, which boasts stunning coastal geology, such as the Gatklettur rock arch. Meanwhile, the deserted settlement of Hellnar has a mystical air of abandonment.

The black sand beach of Djupalonssandur is home to the four 'lifting stones,' which historically were used by fishermen to test their strength. Londrangar is an enormous basalt plug that is home to thousands of nesting seabirds in summer.

Once you leave the national park and travel along the northern shore, you'll have spectacular views over Breidafjordur bay to the Westfjords. 

You'll find plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the villages, such as Bjarnahofn, home to the Icelandic Shark Museum. Here, you can learn how Icelanders create the delicacy of hakarl or fermented shark.

The highlight of this part of the Snaefellesnes Peninsula is Kirkjufell mountain, a church-shaped mountain featured in Game of Thrones. Incredibly statuesque, you can admire the feature from all angles, including the sea, if you book a kayaking tour today. 

Kayaking around Kirkjufell mountain is not just a unique experience but also provides you with a chance to have an incredible wildlife experience with seabirds and seals.

After you have explored the magnificent Snaefellsnes Peninsula, you'll return to your hotel in the region for the night.

On the eighth day of your self-drive vacation in Iceland, you'll continue to explore the region of North Iceland by visiting some of the magnificent Diamond Circle sightseeing route sites. 

This route is often done in one day, but you will have two days to explore to spend plenty of time at each place.

Your first stop is the town of Husavik. There are two tours you can take from here. You could embark on a whale-watching excursion, as this settlement is often nicknamed the whale-watching capital of Europe. 

The waters outside Husavik boast many humpback whales throughout summer, and other species, such as orcas, blue whales, and fin whales, are occasionally seen. On this trip, there will also be plenty of chances to see puffins.

The second tour in Husavik is a trip to the GeoSea Geothermal Baths. This seaside spa is fantastic for admiring the sea from its geothermally heated waters. You will bathe in saltwater here, which is said to have many healing properties for the mind, body, and soul.

You can book both a whale-watching tour and entry to the GeoSea Baths today, but travelers who take this option may not have time to drive to the following two attractions today comfortably.

The next sights today are the Dettifoss waterfall and the Asybyrgi canyon. The former is Europe's most powerful waterfall, which thunders into the canyon below. Two more impressive falls, Selfoss Waterfall and Hafragilsfoss waterfall, are just downriver from this magnificent sight.

Asybyrgi is a dramatic canyon shaped like a horseshoe, which is said to be the imprint of the hoof of the steed of Odin. Within it is an enormous forest of birch trees and a spectacular island of rock, making it a magnificent place to hike.

After you have enjoyed these sites, you'll head to the Lake Myvatn area, where you will spend the next day exploring. 

Your day ends with a relaxing time in your accommodation in Northeast Iceland.

On day nine of your self-drive tour of Iceland, you have two options for how to spend your day. 

You could explore the incredible Lake Myvatn area in-depth, alongside some other northern attractions, or you could embark on a super jeep and hiking tour in the untouched Icelandic Highlands.

The Lake Myvatn area is packed with attractions. As its name suggests, it has a series of beautiful lakes teeming with fauna and flora in summer, including an abundance of birds. 

The geology is fascinating here, with basalt lava columns towering from the waters and pseudocraters lining the shores.

The Dimmuborgir lava fortress sits adjacent to the lakes, a marvelous place used as a filming location in Game of Thrones. It is also steeped in folklore and is said to be the home of the Icelandic Christmas trolls or Yule Lads.

It is not just geological wonders that the area holds. There are also geothermal marvels. 

Namaskard Pass is a prime example. Contrasting dramatically with the bursting life around the lakes, this barren stretch is lined with steaming fumaroles and hissing vents. The earth is dyed different colors by the rising elements.

A more relaxing place to enjoy North Iceland's geothermal phenomena is the Myvatn Nature Baths, a spa immersed in the beautiful landscapes. You can arrange your trip here when booking.

If you choose to visit the Highlands instead, you will be picked up early in the morning by an experienced guide who will take you on a thrilling adventure to the Askja caldera. 

This tour begins with an epic super jeep ride into the spectacular interior of the caldera, where you'll get views of mountains, glaciers, craters, and volcanoes far from any crowds.

When you begin to hike, you'll see even more incredible landscapes. The Askja caldera is part of the rugged Dyngjufjoll mountain range and is renowned for its crater lakes. The most impressive of these is the Viti explosion crater, the waters of which are geothermally heated, so make sure you bring your swimsuit for a hot spring bath like no other.

However you spend your day, it will be filled with adventure. You'll return to your accommodation in Northeast Iceland for the night.

On day 11 of your 19-day self-drive tour of Iceland, you'll have an opportunity to explore the Eastfjords of Iceland in-depth, visiting incredible places far off the beaten track for most travelers. 

While you can make your own plans, spending the day at either Borgarfjordur Eystri or Seydisfjordur village is the most highly recommended option.

Borgarfjordur Eystri is a spectacular coastal wilderness with black sand beaches, dramatic fjords, and abundant wildlife. Reindeer, foxes, seals, dolphins, and whales are occasionally seen. 

There are also several hiking routes in the area, the most picturesque of which is Storund. This moderate-level hike offers outdoor enthusiasts a unique opportunity to explore the rugged beauty of the remote Icelandic wilderness. 

The trail winds through picturesque valleys, traverses moss-covered lava fields, and meanders alongside babbling streams. Hikers are rewarded with awe-inspiring views of majestic mountains, cascading waterfalls, and expansive fjords along the way. 

Those interested in folklore will find several points on this route, particularly of note due to the area's association with the Hidden People, or elves, who are said to inhabit Iceland's landscapes.

Seydisfjordur, meanwhile, is a tiny village nestled in the crook of a narrow, steep-sloped fjord of the same name, allowing for some of the region's most picturesque vistas. 

This is a wonderfully relaxing place to spend a few hours connecting with the authentic local culture.

You can visit both sites within a day, although doing so would be a little rushed. In the region, alternative sights you could head to include Iceland's tallest freestanding mountain, Snaefell, and the Holmanes Nature Reserve.

This coastal reserve boasts diverse ecosystems, including sandy beaches, grassy meadows, and rocky cliffs. 

Visitors can enjoy scenic hikes, birdwatching, and the opportunity to spot seals basking on the shores. The reserve offers a peaceful retreat amidst Iceland's natural beauty.

You'll return to your accommodation in East Iceland for the night.

On day 12 of your self-drive tour around Iceland, you will travel along the coast as you explore the rest of the magnificent Eastfjords on one of the most incredible road trips imaginable. 

This region is less well-traveled than other spots in Iceland, so you can enjoy the mountains and fjords in peace without hordes of tourists.

As you travel, you will visit countless fishing villages in the most beautiful spots along the coastline. Eskifjordur, Reydarfjordur, and Djupivogur are all examples of stunning settlements, each with its unique character. 

Djupivogur is particularly of note for its coastal hot pools and famous public artwork, the Eggs of Merry Bay. This captivating installation, created by renowned artist Sigurdur Gudmundsson, features thirty-four colossal granite eggs scattered across the picturesque bay. 

Each egg replicates the egg of a different bird species in the area, celebrating the region's rich biodiversity. The meticulously carved and polished eggs glisten under the Icelandic sun, creating a stunning visual spectacle. 

You will likely see a wealth of wildlife as you travel the Eastfjords. The region is home to various seabirds nesting along the shore. Seal colonies relax on the beach, whales and dolphins feed in the waters, and reindeer roam inland. 

East Iceland is the only part of the country where herds of these beautiful creatures can be found in the wild. Reindeers are known for their antlers and sturdy hooves and have the adaptability to survive in these Arctic conditions.

The last significant sites of the Eastfjords are the dramatic mountains of Eystrahorn and Vestrahorn, which are unique for their dark composition of gabbro rock. Photographers often find these a favorite subject due to their distinct contours.

Once you've finished your exploration of the Eastfjords, you'll head to your accommodation for the night in Southeast Iceland.

To mark the end of your second week in Iceland, you will explore the stunning Skaftafell Nature Reserve on the 14th day of your self-drive road trip. 

This area is part of the great Vatnajokull National Park and is shaped by the forces of ice and fire. Glacier tongues pour from the mountains, lava fields spill through the valley, and birch forests bloom throughout the summer.

Because of these natural features, hiking is incredibly popular in the area. There are plenty of trails, but the most renowned leads to the Svartifoss waterfall. This stunning feature is surrounded by hexagonal basalt columns, contrasting with the foaming white water.

Glacier hiking on the ice cap of Svinafellsjokull glacier is another popular activity. Svinafellsjokull glacier is famous for its fang-like ridges. 

Today, you have two optional excursions, exploring the surrounding area further. One is three hours long, whereas the more adventurous can embark on one over five hours long.

After enjoying the many sites of the Skaftafell Nature Reserve, you will begin your journey along the South Coast of Iceland. 

Along the way, you’ll see a beautiful black sand shoreline that hugs the road to the left while a constantly changing scenery of glaciers, mountains, and lava fields passes to your right.

During the journey, take a detour to Fjadrargjufur canyon, a stunning ravine around 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) long and approximately 328 feet (100 meters) deep. 

Hiking here is a beautiful way to break up the journey, and it is possible to do so both above and within the canyon. Those taking the latter route should bring sandals or waterproof shoes, as a shallow river flows through the valley.

As you continue towards Vik, you will find plenty of other sightseeing stops to enjoy. The beautiful village is surrounded by stunning coastal views and inland attractions you can explore tomorrow.

You will spend your night in a charming accommodation in South Iceland.

On day 15 of your 19-day self-drive tour of Iceland, you will explore the sights of the South Coast, including ice caves, beaches, and glaciers.

Begin your day with a thrilling tour of the Katla ice cave. From Vik, you'll travel by super jeep to the summit of Myrdalsjokull glacier, the third largest glacier in the country, famous for sitting above the notorious volcano of Katla. 

Once dressed in your safety gear, you'll have the rare opportunity to explore a magical ice cave and its glacial features.

After being escorted back to Vik, visit Reynisfjara beach. This black sand stretch of the coast is renowned for its incredible geology, boasting the sea stacks of Reynisfjara, which tower above the sea offshore. 

According to folklore, these were once two fighting trolls caught in the sunlight and turned to stone.

By the beach is the incredible rock arch of Dyrholaey, which is so vast that ships can easily sail through. The cliffs here are a fantastic puffin-watching spot, with thousands of nesting pairs seen throughout summer.

As you continue along the South Coast, you will see glimpses of Myrdalsjokull and Eyjafjallajokull glaciers through the mountains. You can explore the surface of Myrdalsjokull glacier with an alternate tour today by glacier hiking on the tongue of Solheimajokull glacier. 

The final significant attractions of this afternoon are all beautiful waterfalls. Skogafoss waterfall is the most well-known. It is around 197 feet (60 meters) tall and thunderously powerful, casting spray as it collides with the rocks below. 

Seljalandsfoss waterfall shares its great height but is much more gentle and tumbles before a dramatic canyon.

Gljufrabui waterfall, meanwhile, pours into a hidden grotto that requires you to wade through a stream to reach, creating a mystical ambiance.

At the end of your day of sightseeing, you'll spend the night in one of the countryside towns of Southwest Iceland

On day 17 of your 19-day summer self-drive vacation in Iceland, you will tour the incredible sites of the Golden Circle sightseeing route. This sightseeing route boasts three famous attractions and plenty of lesser-known ones just off the beaten track.

The first of the main features on the Golden Circle sightseeing route is the two-tier waterfall of Gullfoss, which you can see tumbling into a valley with enormous force. In summer, you can stand on a platform to watch the waterfall and feel its spray on your face. 

The second stop today is the Geysir geothermal area, a valley where you can watch the Strokkur geyser erupt over 66 feet (20 meters) every five minutes.

Finally, you will visit the Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site between two visible tectonic plates. 

The Thingvellir National Park is filled with forests, lava fields, and springs leading to an enormous lake. It is steeped in fascinating history that dates back over a millennium.

You can take an optional tour from the Gullfoss waterfall or the Thingvellir National Park. 

From Gullfoss waterfall, you can take a snowmobiling excursion that whisks you across the slopes of Langjokull glacier, giving you unbelievable views on an adrenaline-pumping adventure. 

Within the Silfra ravine, one of the springs at the Thingvellir National Park, you can snorkel between the continents, with visibility up to 328 feet (100 meters). Participants on the optional snorkeling excursion need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

After enjoying the sights of the Golden Circle, you can visit some of the lesser-known sights in the area. These include the red-rocked crater lake of Kerid, the Secret Lagoon at Fludir, and the Fontana Spa at Laugavatn. 

You will end your day in Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik, where you can find a restaurant or bar and toast to the end of your thrilling road trip around all of Iceland’s most fantastic attractions. You’ll spend tonight at your accommodation in the city.