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

Welcome to Iceland! After arriving at Keflavik International Airport, pick up your car and begin your Iceland road trip by heading to Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital.

On your way there, you can stop at the Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most iconic attractions. Set in a mossy lava field, this geothermal spa is famous for its milky-blue waters and relaxing atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to soak and take in your first taste of Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes.

If you add the Blue Lagoon to your itinerary today, it will be scheduled to fit the arrival time of your flight. If today doesn’t work, your travel agent can schedule your Blue Lagoon visit for day five or six.

You could also explore the Reykjanes Peninsula today if time allows. See the fresh eruption sites from 2021-2024 and admire the new geothermal landscapes shaped by recent volcanic activity. Or, take a visit to the geothermal areas of Gunnuhver and Seltun.

Just outside of Reykjavik, you’ll find the Sky Lagoon. This serene geothermal spa is known for its stunning ocean views and calming atmosphere. Experience the Skjol bathing ritual, a rejuvenating seven-step wellness experience unique to the Sky Lagoon. 

Once you arrive in Reykjavik, settle into your accommodation and head out to explore the city. Start with the cultural landmarks like the Harpa Concert Hall. Harpa is one of Reykjavik’s most iconic examples of modern architecture, known for its striking glass facade inspired by Icelandic basalt formations.

Next, head to the Perlan Museum and Observation Deck to get the best views of Reykjavik. Perlan is known for its hemispherical rotating glass dome that doubles as a viewing deck. Take the opportunity to learn about Iceland’s nature through interactive exhibits.

Another must-see is Hallgrimskirkja, Iceland’s tallest church, standing 245 feet (74.5 meters) high. Its striking design was inspired by the basalt lava columns found in Iceland’s landscape. It’s one of Reykjavik’s most recognizable landmarks and a favorite photo spot.

You can also spend the first day shopping along the famous Laugavegur Main Street. Browse a variety of small boutiques and local shops offering great finds, from Nordic design to handmade souvenirs.

When you get hungry, stop by one of the nearby restaurants or cafés to sample Icelandic cuisine, like fresh fish, free-range lamb, or hearty local stews made with seasonal ingredients.

After an eventful day, you'll get a good night's sleep at a comfortable hotel in Reykjavik.

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

If you prefer a fun start to your day, join a horse-riding tour before leaving Reykjavik. Icelandic horses are known for their sure-footedness and unique tolt gait, making for a smooth and enjoyable ride through the scenic countryside.

Although you'll be driving longer today than on any other day, you can take some fun side tours. About halfway between Reykjavik and Akureyri, you can visit Hvitserkur, a 50-foot (15-meter) sea stack rising from the ocean. Its unique shape is often compared to a drinking dragon or an elephant, depending on the angle you’re viewing it from.

Once you arrive in Akureyri, there’s so much to discover. Start with Akureyri Church, one of the town’s most distinctive landmarks. Designed by Gudjon Samuelsson, the same architect behind Reykjavik’s Hallgrimskirkja, the church features stunning carvings by Asmundur Sveinsson and a grand pipe organ.

A short walk from the church, you’ll find the Akureyri Botanical Gardens, established in 1957. Spanning 9 acres (3.6 hectares), the gardens are home to over 7,000 plant species, with more than 400 native to Iceland.

From Akureyri, continue driving towards Lake Myvatn. On the way, don’t miss the Godafoss Waterfall. With its 39-foot (12-meter) drop and 98-foot (30-meter) width, Godafoss is an incredible sight. The way the water splits into two, resembling a horseshoe, is mesmerizing

24 miles (40 kilometers) from Godafoss, the Lake Myvatn area will welcome you with 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. 

Use the long daylight hours of summer to the fullest and visit Dimmuborgir, the "Dark Fortress." Its lava columns and caves form a dramatic, castle-like landscape unlike anywhere else in Iceland.

Since you’ve come a long way from Reykjavik, a soak in the Myvatn Nature Baths is the perfect way to relax and recharge after the journey. It stays open until 10 PM in the summer, making it an ideal evening stop before settling in for the night.

Tonight, recharge in your accommodation in North Iceland to get ready for more adventures tomorrow. 

Day three of your summer self-drive tour in Iceland allows you to explore the best of two regions, Northeast and East Iceland. By the end of the day, you’ll reach Southeast Iceland.

To begin the day, you can spend more time exploring the Lake Myvatn area or drive 34 miles (56 kilometers) north to Husavik, Iceland’s whale-watching capital.

If you're visiting between June and August, this is the best time for whale watching in Husavik. Local tour operators report an impressive 100% sighting success rate during the peak season, making the detour well worth it. Join a traditional wooden boat tour and keep an eye out for orcas, minke whales, and humpbacks in their natural habitat.

If you choose to stay in Myvatn, your first stop is the Namaskard Pass, a geothermal area around 8.6 miles (14 kilometers) from the lake. 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.

Next, you’ll go on a slight detour to Dettifoss, one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls, located within Vatnajokull National Park. It’s about 40 miles (64 kilometers) from Namaskard and proves to be worth the drive.

The waterfall spans 328 feet (100 meters) across and drops an impressive 141 feet (43 meters), with water flowing so forcefully you can feel the mist in the air. It’s a stunning display of nature's raw power, and it’s hard not to be awestruck as you stand next to it.

After taking in Dettifoss, you’ll continue towards Egilsstadir, the capital of East Iceland. You can make a stop at Hallormsstadaskogur, Iceland's largest national forest. It’s a peaceful place, with over 50 species of trees and lovely hiking trails that let you fully immerse yourself in nature.

If you’re traveling in June, you’ll even have the chance to join in the Skogardagurinn or "The Great Forest Day.” It’s a celebration where you can enjoy everything from art exhibits to mini marathons and grilled lamb.

You’ll also want to check out Atlavik, a quiet lakeside campsite by Lake Lagarfljot. The area is perfect for bird-watching and has a bit of folklore, too. Locals say the Wyrm of Lagarfljot, Iceland’s own version of the Loch Ness Monster, lives in the lake.

As you drive towards your accommodation in Southeast Iceland, you’ll pass by the striking Mount Vestrahorn on the Stokksnes Peninsula, rising 1,490 feet (454 meters) above the landscape. Its jagged silhouette stands out against the surrounding mountains, with a rugged coastline where you’ll find colonies of seals.
When you get closer to Vestrahorn, you’ll notice the mountain’s dark, dramatic look. This is thanks to the gabbro rocks, rich in iron and magnesium, that make up the mountain’s surface. 

After all these amazing sights, you’ll arrive in a picturesque village in Southeast Iceland, where you’ll rest up for another day of exploration tomorrow.
 

Start day four of your self-drive tour around the Ring Road by heading towards the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon found within Vatnajokull National Park. 
Vatnajokull National Park is one of Iceland’s three official national parks. The highlight of the area is Vatnajokull Glacier, the largest in Europe, covering over 3,127 square miles (8,100 square kilometers).

As you arrive at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon,  you’ll be greeted by a surreal scene: shimmering icebergs drifting through the lagoon, freshly calved from the nearby glacier. Their brilliant blue hues and towering shapes, some as tall as buildings, create an unforgettable, almost otherworldly landscape.

Here, you can take an optional boat tour, either in a zodiac for a close-up experience or an amphibious boat for a more relaxed ride. Keep your camera ready, as seals are often spotted resting on the ice or swimming nearby.

Close to the lagoon, you’ll find Diamond Beach. Here, chunks of crystal-clear ice sit scattered across the black volcanic sand, sparkling like jewels in the sunlight. 
Next, make a stop at Skaftafell Nature Reserve, known for its scenic hiking trails. If you’re feeling up for it, hike the longer trail to the Svartifoss Waterfall, a striking cascade flowing over distinctive hexagonal basalt columns. For an extra adventure, consider adding a glacier hike to your day to experience the glacier up close.

On your way to the charming town of Kirkjubaejarklaustur, you can take a detour to Fjadrargljufur Canyon. The canyon’s moss-covered walls rise up to 300 feet (90 meters), and the river winding through it creates an enchanting scene. After dinner, continue your journey through South Iceland’s impressive landscapes, making your way towards Vik.

As you get closer, you'll see the Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks rising dramatically from the ocean under the cliffs of Mount Reynisfjall. These distinctive rock formations have become one of Iceland’s most iconic landmarks.

After an exciting day of exploration, you’ll settle into your South Iceland accommodation.

Day five of your Ring Road self-drive tour is packed with must-see sights as you make your way from Vik to Reykjavik.

Start your morning in Vik with a tour of the Katla Ice Cave, located beneath the Myrdalsjokull Glacier. This striking natural cave is formed by centuries of volcanic and glacial activity, offering a rare chance to explore blue ice tunnels beneath one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes.

After your tour, visit Reynisfjara Beach, one of Iceland’s most iconic black sand beaches. Admire the towering basalt columns, crashing Atlantic waves, and the nearby Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising from the ocean just offshore. From there, you can detour to Dyrholaey, a cliffside viewpoint known for sweeping coastal views and, in summer, puffin nesting sites.

As you continue west, stop at two of the South Coast’s most famous waterfalls. Skogafoss is a powerful cascade you can walk right up to, with mist rising from its base.
Then visit Seljalandsfoss, where a path leads behind the waterfall for a unique view from inside the curtain of water. Bring waterproof clothing for this one—you’ll get wet, but it’s worth it.

In the afternoon, enter the Golden Circle, Iceland’s most popular sightseeing route. First up is Gullfoss, a two-tiered waterfall that thunders through a deep canyon and is one of the country's most dramatic natural sights.

Next is the Geysir Geothermal Area, home to steaming vents and bubbling pools. Watch Strokkur Geyser erupt every few minutes, shooting water high into the air.
End your day at Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Iceland’s first parliament was founded in 930 AD. Located between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, it features dramatic rift valleys, rocky cliffs, and the crystal-clear Silfra Fissure.

After an action-packed day, return to Reykjavik for your final night in Iceland.