Exciting 6-Day Guided Adventure Around Iceland via Ring Road from Reykjavik

Day two of your exciting Icelandic adventure continues along the South Coast toward Vatnajokull National Park. Covering approximately 5,460 square miles (14,141 square kilometers), the park is named after Vatnajokull, Europe's largest glacier by volume.

The park encompasses a variety of landscapes, from vast ice caps and active volcanoes to lush valleys and rugged highlands. Moreover, Vatnajokull National Park offers various outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts.

The region has hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, which provide access to spectacular viewpoints, cascading waterfalls, and serene glacial lakes. The park is also home to Skaftafell Nature Reserve, known for its diverse landscapes and scenic beauty.

If you visit during summer, you'll go for a guided glacier hike on Vatnajokull glacier. On the other hand, booking this tour in winter will let you join a guided exploration of a crystal ice cave.

After getting up close and personal with Vatnajokull glacier, you'll head to Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. The lagoon covers approximately seven miles (18 square kilometers) and reaches depths of up to 813 feet (248 meters), making it Iceland's deepest lake.

As the glacier recedes, it releases icebergs into the lagoon, creating a landscape of floating ice. These icebergs range in size from small chunks to blocks taller than multistorey buildings. They also display a stunning array of colors, from pristine white to deep blue, often streaked with volcanic ash from past eruptions.

If you get lucky, you may see some seals playing around the area.

Beside Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is Diamond Beach, known for its striking black volcanic sand. The beach gets its name from the countless icebergs that have drifted ashore from the nearby Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. As you explore Diamond Beach, the icebergs sparkle like diamonds in the sunlight.

In the evening, you'll head to your accommodation in Iceland's Southeast, where you'll rest and recharge for another adventurous day ahead.

On the third day of your six-day Icelandic adventure, you’ll head to the coastline of the Eastfjords to reach Egilsstadir. But before you reach this picturesque town, you’ll first go on a scenic drive, passing beautiful fjords and mountains. One of the most notable sights along the way is Mount Vestrahorn.

Standing an impressive 1,490 feet (454 meters) tall, Mount Vestrahorn is famous for its two distinctive peaks. Moreover, Mount Vestrahorn creates a striking contrast against the flat, black sand beaches that surround it.

However, your first big activity for the day is a three-hour hike to Hengifoss waterfall. At 420 feet (128 meters), Hengifoss is one of Iceland's tallest waterfalls.

Arriving at Hengifoss, you’ll be greeted by the thundering cascade, which creates a veil of mist that enhances the surrounding vibrant colors of the cliffs. The contrast between the red layers, green vegetation, and white water is a sight to behold.

The hike to Hengifoss is as much a part of the experience as the waterfall. You’ll embark on a picturesque trail that winds through a scenic gorge. As you reach the area, you’ll see layers of rock made of red clay. These rocks are sandwiched between layers of basalt, creating fascinating red strata patterns.

After enjoying the waterfall’s beauty, you’ll head to Litlanesfoss, another waterfall with its own unique charm located a few meters from Hengifoss. Standing around 98 feet (30 meters) tall, Litlanesfoss waterfall is surrounded by basalt columns, formed by rapidly cooling lava from volcanic eruptions.

Finally, you’ll proceed to the picturesque town of Egilsstadir, the largest in East Iceland. Nestled on the banks of Lagarfljot lake, Egilsstadir is a hub for locals and travelers exploring the region’s stunning landscapes.

Despite its relatively small size, Egilsstadir boasts a range of amenities such as hotels, restaurants serving local cuisine, and shops. You’ll find plenty of stores offering Icelandic handicrafts and souvenirs. The town's cultural scene thrives with events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating local traditions and arts.

However, Egilsstadir’s most notable attraction is Lagarfljot lake. The lake is famous for its folklore about a mythical sea serpent that is said to reside in its depths. You can enjoy scenic walks along the lake's shores.

In the evening, you’ll head to accommodation in Egilsstadir for some much-needed rest.

On the morning of day four, you'll leave the charming town of Egilsstadir and head to the Lake Myvatn area. The area is known for its diverse landscapes, volcanic formations, and abundant birdlife.

At the heart of the region lies Lake Myvatn, a serene lake dotted with small islands formed by volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago. The lake's surroundings are characterized by volcanic craters, lava fields, and pseudocraters.

Your first stop is the Namaskard geothermal area, famous for its steaming vents, boiling mud pools, and vibrant mineral deposits. Furthermore, you'll notice the ground's colorful hues of red, yellow, and orange. This mix of colors reflects the presence of sulfur, iron, and other minerals, creating a contrast against the surrounding dark lava fields.

After appreciating the different geothermal wonders, the guide will take you to the Myvatn Nature Baths to experience the soothing effects of hot geothermal bathing. Often referred to as the "Blue Lagoon of the North," these baths offer a unique opportunity to relax and unwind amid breathtaking natural surroundings.

The Myvatn Nature Baths feature a geothermically heated pool with temperatures ranging from 36-40° Celsius (97-100° Fahrenheit). The pool also features a unique blend of minerals and geothermal microorganisms, which are said to help relieve aching muscles and rejuvenate the skin.

Please note that admission is not included in the price but can be added while booking.

After an energizing time at the Myvatn Nature Baths, the guide will take you to Dimmuborgir, a geological formation full of intriguing folklore. Translating to "dark castles" in Icelandic, Dimmuborgir is a labyrinth of towering lava pillars and caves formed around 2,300 years ago during a volcanic eruption.

Interestingly, Dimmuborgir's eerie appearance has inspired Icelandic folklore, with tales of trolls and other mythical creatures inhabiting the caves and rocks. According to legend, Dimmuborgir is the home of the Yule Lads, mischievous Icelandic trolls who visit children in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Your final stop for the day is Godafoss, one of Iceland's most celebrated waterfalls. Godafoss waterfall spans approximately 100 feet (30 meters) across and drops around 39 feet (12 meters) into a horseshoe-shaped canyon. As you head toward the viewing platforms, you'll see the waterfall's majestic beauty from different vantage points.

In the evening, the guide will take you to Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland. You'll explore this vibrant town before heading to a country hotel to rest for the night.

On the morning of day five, you'll head to the fishing town of Dalvik for a three-hour whale-watching adventure. On the way to Dalvik, you'll pass through the scenic Eyjafjordur fjord. 

Stretching over 37 miles (60 kilometers), Eyjafjordur is Iceland's longest fjord. The fjord's surrounding landscape is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. The road winds through verdant hills and offer panoramic views of the fjord and its striking mountains.

Upon reaching Dalvik, you'll ride a whale-watching boat from the town's traditional working harbor. As the boat heads to the water, you'll see some of Iceland's most beautiful marine life. You can expect humpback whales, minke whales, and white-beaked dolphins to greet you.

After enjoying the waters of Dalvik, you'll step ashore and head toward the Trollaskagi peninsula. This rugged peninsula is known for its dramatic landscapes dominated by steep, jagged mountains.

Many of these mountains rise over 3,281 feet (1,000 meters), making the Trollaskagi peninsula a favorite spot for mountaineers and hikers. Apart from its breathtaking landscapes, the Trollaskagi peninsula is also home to fishing hamlets, which you will visit today. Furthermore, Trollaskagi is known for its charming fishing villages like Siglufjordur.

Siglufjordur was once the herring fishing capital of the world. Today, it's a quaint town with a rich history. Once the center of Iceland's herring industry, Siglufjordur played a pivotal role in the country's economy during the early 20th century. After exploring the cozy village of Siglufjordur, you'll head to West Iceland. This is where you'll spend the night in a small but comfortable hotel.

On the final day of your six-day adventure, you'll go deeper into West Iceland and discover its many wonders. Your first stop is Borgarfjordur, a fjord known for its charming towns and natural attractions.

You'll visit one of Borgarfjordur's most famous attractions: Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring. With a flow rate of 180 liters (47 gallons) per second, the hot spring supplies hot water to neighboring towns. However, unlike other hot springs in Iceland, Deildartunguhver's waters are unsafe for bathing due to its constant temperature of 97° Celsius (207° Fahrenheit).

Your next stop in your West Iceland exploration is Barnafoss, a rapid waterfall with a dark folklore history. Known as the "Children's Falls," Barnafoss derives its name from a tragic tale about two children from a nearby farm who disappeared while their parents were at church. The grieving mother was said to have demanded the destruction of the natural stone bridge that spanned the river.

Another ending claimed that the mother placed a rune on the bridge, making anyone who crossed it fall to their deaths like what her two children suffered.

As you view Barnafoss waterfall from above, you'll see it twisting and turning as it quickly flows down a narrow valley. Meanwhile, a short walk away from Barnafoss waterfall is your next destination: Hraunfossar waterfall. This waterfall features an unusual formation and striking appearance.

Unlike traditional waterfalls that cascade from heights or cliffs, Hraunfossar emerges from beneath the Hallmundarhraun lava field as a series of countless streams that flow over a distance of almost 3000 feet (900 meters).

After enjoying these two neighboring waterfalls, the guide will take you to the picturesque village of Reykholt. Reykholt is primarily known for its historical importance as the home of Snorri Sturluson, a 13th-century Icelandic scholar, politician, and author of some of the Icelandic Sagas.

One of the most interesting sights you'll see in Reykholt is the Snorralaug geothermal pool. Believed to be Iceland's oldest geothermal pool used for bathing, Snorralaug draws its name from Snorri Sturluson, who used to bathe in it. You'll then travel back to Reykjavik, and along the way, you'll drive around the scenic Hvalfjordur fjord.

Upon your arrival back in the capital, you can enjoy your evening with a camera full of photos and many unforgettable memories.