Express 6-Day Summer Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland

Start your road trip on day two by heading north towards Akureyri, the "Capital of the North."

Although you'll be driving longer today than any other day, you can take many little side tours. For example, it's only a short detour to the impressive Hvitserkur rock, which rises 50 feet (15 meters) from the ocean in the shape of an elephant (if you're looking at the right angle). 

The charming town of Akureyri has plenty of attractions, such as an impressive church, a vibrant main street, a botanical garden, and a great swimming pool.

The Akureyrarkirkja, or the Church of Akureyri, is one of the town's most distinctive landmarks. Gudjon Samuelsson, the same architect behind the Hallgrimskirkja church in Reykjavík, designed this Lutheran church. Check the church's bas-reliefs by Asmundur Sveinsson and its large pipe organ.

Meanwhile, the Akureyri Botanical Gardens are about 2,460 feet (750 meters) from the church. Established in 1957, the botanical gardens have grown to an area covering 3.6 hectares. You'll be treated to over 7,000 plant species, with over 400 considered native. 

Next, you can go to the Akureyri swimming pool. It has two 25-meter outdoor pools, three water slides, and a splash pool, among other features.

After relaxing in the pool, you'll continue towards Lake Myvatn. You'll see the mighty Godafoss waterfall and some impressive geothermal areas on your way.

In Godafoss, you'll experience nature's beauty and raw power at the same time. The water in Godafoss falls from a height of 39 feet (12 meters) and has a width of 98 feet (30 meters). As you marvel at the Godafoss waterfall, you'll notice the cascading water splitting into two, resembling the shape of a horseshoe.

As you reach the Lake Myvatn area, immerse yourself in its impressive beauty. The lake covers an area of 14 square miles (36.5 square kilometers), making it the country's fourth-largest body of water. Moreover, the area is rich in flora, fauna, and impressive geological features.

If you have the opportunity, it's highly recommended you look at Dimmuborgir lava fields or the "Dark Fortress." Located east of Lake Myvatn, the Dimmuborgir area is filled with columns, ridges, and caves made of lava rocks. These exciting features are the reasons why many liken Dimmuborgir to a castle.

You can also visit the hot spring cave of Grjotagja. Considered one of Iceland's hidden gems, the cave can sometimes be hard to spot. However, finding the hot springs inside the cave is like locating a hidden treasure.

You can also soak in the Myvatn Nature Baths if you feel like doing something relaxing in the late evening. The time is no problem; they stay open until midnight in the summertime.

You'll then spend the night in North Iceland.

Spend the first part of your day exploring the gorgeous area around Lake Myvatn. 

Your first stop is the Namaskard Pass, a geothermal area around 8.6 miles (14 kilometers) from Lake Myvatn. Going around Namaskard, you'll notice slopes without vegetation because of the heat and acidity affecting the soil. What makes the area notable are the colorful streaks around the springs and on the ground.

From Namaskard Pass, you'll drive 40 miles (64 kilometers) to the magnificent Dettifoss waterfall before continuing towards Egilsstadir, the capital of the East. Dettifoss is a large, powerful waterfall measuring 328 feet (100 meters) wide.

Moreover, it drops 141 feet (43 meters) and has an average flow rate of 50,985 gallons (193 cubic meters) per second. Stand next to Dettifoss and feel its magnificent raw power.

Next, continue driving until you reach the magnificent Vatnajokull National Park, with many spectacular vistas. The national park is home to the Vatnajokull glacier, Europe's largest. You'll see some of the most beautiful diverse landscapes resulting from the fascinating combination of glaciers and volcanic activity in the area.

Before reaching Egilsstadir, you'll stop at Hallormsstadaskogur, Iceland's largest national forest. The area is famous for its hiking trails, tree species, and abundant wildlife.

If you visit in June, you may join the Skogardagurinn, or "The Great Forest Day." This annual festival is a celebration of the forest, with lots of activities for guests of all ages. You can join logging competitions and mini-marathons or enjoy art exhibits and grilled lamb cooked by local farmers.

Visiting the lush and popular camping spot, Atlavik is also recommended, a must-stop location for avid birdwatchers. The campsite is located on the shores of the serene Lake Lagarfljot and is surrounded by lush trees.

Interestingly, the lake is believed to be the home of Iceland's most famous monster, the Wyrm of Lagarfljot. It's also been said that the monster is a much older cousin to Nessie in Scotland's Loch Ness.

After enjoying these areas, drive to a quaint village in Southeast Iceland, where you will spend the night.

Begin day four by heading south to Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon from your accommodation. 

Enjoy the views en route of the stark Mount Vestrahorn on the Stokknes Peninsula. Standing 1,490 feet (454 meters) tall, Vestrahorn mountain can be seen separated from the other mountains near the Vatnajokull National Park.

Upon reaching the mountain, you’ll notice its jagged and dark appearance. It is caused by the mountain’s gabbro rocks, rich in iron and magnesium. You’ll also see its sandy coastline, a favorite spot for seals.

Next, you’ll head to the glistening Vatnajokull glacier, the largest glacier in Europe. It has a surface area of around 3,127 square miles (8,100 square kilometers), roughly covering eight percent of the country’s landmass.

When you reach the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon nestled into the south side of Vatnajokull, you’ll see why it’s such a popular attraction. The icebergs breaking from the glacier and sailing across the water are stunning.

Take many photos of the icebergs, as some can be several stories tall. You’ll also notice their unique coloration of dyed electric blue, white, and some black ash streaks dating back several centuries.

Take your time exploring the lagoon and the nearby Diamond Beach. Here, you’ll see huge pieces of crystal clear ice floating on the black volcanic sand and sparkling in the sunlight like jewels. If you like, you can go on an optional boat tour of the lagoon before continuing your journey along the south coast of Iceland.

You can jump on a zodiac or an amphibious vessel and get closer views of the glacier lagoon. Also, stop at Skaftafell Nature Reserve and try out their numerous hiking trails.

If you feel energized, take the longer trail to the impressive waterfall Svartifoss, which rushes down unique, hexagonal basalt columns. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also take a glacier hike here.

Continue to drive to the stunning canyon Fjadrargljufur and have dinner in the charming town of Kirkjubaejarklaustur. From there, you’ll keep driving through an impressive, diverse landscape toward the village of Vik.

As you get closer to Vik, you’ll encounter the Reynisdrangar basalt sea stacks. These unique rock formations protrude out of the ocean under the cliffs of  Mt. Reynisfjall, adding to the area’s appeal.

After another day of enjoying majestic sights, you’ll settle in South Iceland.

Your last full day in Iceland will be packed with more must-see attractions as you drive from Vik to  Reykjavik.

About 12 miles (19 kilometers) from Vik are the Dyrholaey peninsula and Reynisfjara beach. These two places boast an impressive view of long stretches of black sand down the coast towards the nearby glacier Myrdalsjokull. You can join an ice cave tour to Myrdalsjokull glacier that departs from Vik.

While at Reynisfjara beach, you'll be treated to many interesting geological features. It's also a popular place for watching puffins. Be cautious of the waves here, as they are unpredictable and dangerous.

After enjoying the beach, keep going west along the South Coast. Admire the beauty of Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls before driving to Iceland's most popular tourist attractions.

The Skogafoss waterfall has an impressive width of 82 feet (25 meters) and a drop of 197 feet (60 meters). It also has flat land underneath, allowing you to walk toward its water wall.

Meanwhile, the Seljalandsfoss waterfall has a drop of 200 feet (60 meters) and offers majestic views from behind the water. Be sure to walk around the waterfall to appreciate it fully.

You'll then visit the Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir geothermal area, and Thingvellir National Park, collectively called the Golden Circle. Each site is world-famous for a reason, and none of them should be missed. 

The Gullfoss waterfall is one of the most powerful waterfalls in Iceland. It features two cascades, measuring 36 feet (11 meters) tall and about 69 feet (21 meters) tall, respectively.

You'll then drive toward the Geysir geothermal area. Here, you'll see several hot springs and fumaroles, including the explosive geyser Strokkur.

Your next stop is the Thingvellir National Park, about 34 miles (55 kilometers) from Geysir. The Thingvellir National Park is where the first parliament was formed around 930 AD, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Listed site.

You'll see views of distant mountain peaks, cliff faces, and lava rocks with Icelandic moss. It's also home to the Silfra fissure, a body of water in the middle of two tectonic plates. Interestingly, these plates separate the Eurasian and North American regions.

Another stop to consider is the Secret Lagoon in Fludir, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) from Thingvellir National Park. You can soak in a warm pool and relax your tired muscles here. Alternatively, you could bask in the warm waters of the Fontana Spa at Laugarvatn. 

There are three different tours you can do on this day. Another glacier hike, a snowmobiling tour on Solheimajokull, and a tandem paragliding flight are excellent options.

After an eventful day, you'll return to Reykjavik to spend your last night in Iceland.