7 Day Budget Self Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland with Waterfalls & Myvatn

Before you set out on your adventures today, you have an incredible opportunity that will forever define your impression of Iceland: a 1-hour helicopter tour over the Geldinadalur volcanic eruption. You’ll depart from Reykjavik Domestic Airport, and after admiring the colourful capital and barren Reykjanes Peninsula from above, make your way to this breathtaking phenomenon. Few adventures can compare to witnessing fire and lava rupture from the earth from such an all-encompassing perspective, and this one even includes a short landing by the site!

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Otherwise, your second day in Iceland will see you making the journey towards the northern capital, Akureyri. Along the way, you could stop for some ice cream in Borgarnes (perfect for a summer’s day) before taking a short hike up Grábrók tuff volcano further inland in Borgarfjörður. From the top of the crater, you will have incredible views over the region.

Other attractions en route include the historical site Reykholt, the hot spring Deildartunguhver and the sublime and beautiful waterfall, Hraunfossar (“Lava Falls”). Whilst in the area, it is also highly recommended to inspect Hvítserkur rock formation, found just near Hvammstangi.

It takes a few hours to drive from Reykjavík to Akureyri without making any stops, so be ready for a day filled with driving. Fear not, however, for the scenery along the way makes for a pleasant journey.

If you are not in a hurry to get to Akureyri, you could add on a tour where you'll visit the man-made ice cave tunnel inside Langjökull glacier or descend into the lava cave Víðgelmir which was formed in an eruption over a thousand years ago.

When you finally arrive in Akureyri, it's recommended to grab a meal in town and enjoy the city’s nightlife.

On the third day of your trip, you will have ample time to enjoy the sights and sounds of Akureyri; the city boasts a botanical garden, boat trips, beautiful scenery and excellent shopping possibilities. When you have finished in Akureyri, you will head towards Lake Mývatn.

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Whilst on your journey, it is recommended that you stop off at the stunning Goðafoss waterfall, the Námaskarð geothermal area and the dark volcanic fortress known as Dimmuborgir. Though naturally formed, the lava formations at Dimmuborgir make it appear like some fantastical spooky castle.

After exploring Dimmuborgir and Lake Mývatn, you should end your day at the Mývatn Nature Baths. These warming baths are open until midnight during the summer, but make sure to leave enough time for the two-hour drive to Egilsstaðir, the capital of the East. If you would rather skip the baths, you could make a diversion to Iceland’s most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss.

You will then continue over the Möðrudalsöræfi heights to reach your accommodation for tonight, in the town of Egilsstaðir by the Lögurinn Lake.

From your overnight base at Egilsstaðir, it is only a short drive to Hallormsstaðaskógur, Iceland’s largest forest and a perfect stop off on your way to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Whilst driving through East Iceland, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for reindeer as this is the only part of the country where they can be found roaming wild.

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The main highlight of your day, however, is inarguably the glacier lagoon, Jökulsárlón, and the nearby Diamond Beach. Visitors here cannot help but be captivated by the enormous glittering icebergs floating down from the glacial tongue out toward the ocean.

From the lagoon, it is a short stroll down to the black beach nearby, called Diamond Beach due to the many icebergs scattered along it. With the Atlantic Ocean's waves crashing on them, you can expect an incredible view.

You will be staying in accommodation in the near area overnight.

On your fifth day, you can spend further time checking out the glacial lagoon, given the fact that its beauty is transient and ever changing depending on the weather. You could also fit in a boat trip here, but photography and nature enthusiasts will want to take special care looking for the playful seal colonies. You can book a place on a Zodiac boat trip or on an amphibian boat here to get a closer look. When your time at the lagoon is finished, you will your drive towards Skaftafell Nature Reserve.

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This is the day when we highly recommend the glacial hike as it adds an entirely new level of adrenaline and adventure to your trip. It is also the best way to experience a glacier up close in all its glory. From the summits of Vatnajökull, you will have truly magnificent views over the surrounding area.

You will continue to drive along the South Coast enjoying the views of Vatnajökull, finally arriving at the charming town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. From here, you can also explore the picturesque Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon.

Next along the Ring Road is the fishing village of Vík, which in turn is very close to Reynisdrangar rocks and the black sand beach, Reynisfjara. Be careful whilst exploring this beach, however, as the waves here are strong and unpredictable.

On the final part of your days’ journey, you will stop off at two of the South Coast’s most gorgeous waterfalls, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, the latter of which can be walked behind to view the landscape around through a veil of falling spring water. Here is just one other location where the Icelandic nature is sure to take your breath away. You will be spending the night in either the town of Hella or the village of Hvolsvöllur.

One option for starting your sixth day is by partaking in an ice cave tour at Mýrdalsjökull glacier that departs from Vík, where you can actually venture into the frozen, subterranean world of the glacier itself. If you’d rather not, you will continue westward to the famous Golden Circle route where you are able to catch three of Iceland’s most popular spots in one sweep. On your way to the Golden Circle, there is the option for stopping at the town of Flúðir for a spot of bathing in the Secret Lagoon.

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Where you decide to go first on the Golden Circle is up to you entirely. You could choose to see Gullfoss first, a mighty waterfall that demonstrates the sheer power of Iceland’s nature by cascading glacial water 30 metres into the gorge below. Snowmobiling tours are also available from this location, where you travel via superjeep to the Langjökull glacier for an unforgettable ride.

Next along the route is the geothermal valley Haukadalur, home to Iceland’s famous geysers. Though the most famous geyser, Geysir, now lies dormant, its neighbour Strokkur erupts every five minutes or so, guaranteeing you’ll see this spectacle in action.

You will finish your Golden Circle tour with a visit to Iceland’s largest national park, the UNESCO protected Þingvellir. This is not only the location where the first Icelandic parliament was formed in 930 AD, but it is also where you can see both the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates exposed from the earth.

In between these plates is the world-famous Silfra Fissure, one of the most breathtaking snorkelling and scuba diving location in the world, and you can end your journey around Iceland with a tour where you swim between the continents on a snorkelling tour.

When your time in the park is over, you will drive forty-five minutes back to Reykjavík.

While it may seem that you have packed your holiday with all you can by the evening of your last full day in Iceland, no trip to the country would be complete right now without a visit to the currently erupting Fagradalsfjall volcano. Thankfully, there is a guided hiking trip to the site you’ll be able to make it in time for! This breathtaking phenomenon provides a once-in-a-lifetime window into the incredible forces that define Iceland, and there is no greater final impression of the Land of Ice and Fire than this experience!

It’s your final day in Iceland. For those who have a later flight and choose to visit the Blue Lagoon today, you will finish off your stay unwinding before you head to the airport. This is the perfect place to relax as you bathe in the warm, mineral-rich waters as you look back on the incredible adventure you have just taken in the land of fire and ice. If your flight is later there are plenty of things to do in Reykjavik. If you have an early flight back home, we wish you a pleasant journey.