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

On your second day in Iceland, prepare for a scenic journey toward the charming northern capital, Akureyri. Treat yourself to some delicious ice cream in Borgarnes, a perfect way to cool down on a sunny summer's day.

To add some adventure to your trip, take a short hike up Grabrok tuff volcano in Borgarfjordur. From the top of the crater, you'll be rewarded with incredible panoramic views of the surrounding region, a sight that will take your breath away.

As you continue your journey, you'll come across several noteworthy attractions. Explore the historical site of Reykholt, where medieval sagas were written, and marvel at the power of Deildartunguhver, the largest hot spring in Europe.

Don't miss the sublime beauty of Hraunfossar, a series of waterfalls that cascade over a lava field, creating an enchanting spectacle. Further along the route, consider taking a detour to witness the striking Hvitserkur rock formation located near Hvammstangi. This unique landmark is shaped like a dragon drinking from the sea and is truly a sight to behold.

The drive from Reykjavik to Akureyri takes a few hours, but fear not! The ever-changing scenery along the way makes the journey itself a delightful experience.

If you have some extra time and wish to enrich your adventure further, you can add an exciting tour option. Explore the enchanting artificial ice cave tunnel inside Langjokull glacier or descend into the ancient lava cave of Vidgelmir, formed by a volcanic eruption over a thousand years ago. These extraordinary experiences will allow you to delve into Iceland's geological wonders.

Upon reaching Akureyri, take the opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal in town, sampling local cuisine and savoring the atmosphere. If you're in the mood, explore the city's vibrant nightlife, where you can discover cozy bars, live music venues, and friendly locals.

After a day filled with exploration and driving, you can relax and unwind, knowing that you've made the most of your journey through the captivating landscapes of Iceland.

Get ready for an unforgettable third day in Akureyri, where you'll have plenty of time to savor the city's vibrant atmosphere. Akureyri offers a range of captivating activities and attractions, such as strolling through its charming botanical garden, embarking on boat trips to explore the surrounding fjords, admiring breathtaking scenery, and indulging in excellent shopping opportunities.

Once you've soaked up the delights of Akureyri, your journey continues toward Lake Myvatn, a place of remarkable natural beauty. On the way, witness the magnificent Godafoss waterfall, known as the "Waterfall of the Gods."

This majestic cascade, with its powerful rush of water, is surrounded by awe-inspiring landscapes, creating a truly impressive sight.

As you venture further, make sure to explore the Namaskard geothermal area. Here, you'll witness otherworldly landscapes dominated by bubbling mud pots, hissing steam vents, and vibrant mineral deposits. It's a surreal and fascinating place where you can experience the raw power of Iceland's geothermal energy.

Another must-see attraction in the area is Dimmuborgir, a dark volcanic fortress adorned with lava formations. The intricate shapes and structures of Dimmuborgir create an eerie and mystical ambiance, making it feel like a fantastical spooky castle from another realm.

This unique site offers endless opportunities for exploration and enchanting photography.

To relax and unwind after a day of adventure, treat yourself to a visit to the Myvatn Nature Baths. These geothermal hot springs provide a rejuvenating experience. Open until midnight during the summer, the baths offer a serene atmosphere where you can soak in warm, mineral-rich waters while admiring the surrounding natural beauty.

If you would rather skip the baths, you could make a diversion to Iceland’s most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss.

As the day draws to a close, you'll embark on a scenic drive to Egilsstadir, the charming capital of the East. Along the way, you'll traverse the Modrudalsoraefi highlands, a rugged and majestic landscape that showcases Iceland's untamed beauty.

Tonight, you'll find comfortable accommodation in the town of Egilsstadir, nestled by the tranquil Logurinn Lake. Rest up and prepare for more incredible experiences that await you on this remarkable self-drive tour.

As you wake up in Egilsstadir, prepare for another exciting day of exploration.

A short drive from your overnight base will lead you to Hallormsstadaskogur, Iceland's largest forest. This lush green oasis starkly contrasts the rest of the country's barren landscapes, offering a unique experience. Take a stroll through the forest, breathe in the fresh air, and feel the tranquility of nature.

Continuing your journey, you'll venture into the Eastfjords, a region renowned for its awe-inspiring vistas. The mountains here are enormous, the bays are beautiful, and the crowds are much smaller due to the area's distance from Reykjavik.

Keep a keen eye out for reindeer as you drive through East Iceland. This is the only part of the country where these majestic creatures roam freely, adding a touch of wilderness to your scenic drive.

Undoubtedly, the highlight of your day awaits at the iconic Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. Prepare to be captivated by the sight of enormous glittering icebergs gracefully floating from the glacial tongue towards the vast ocean. The lagoon's serene beauty and the play of light on the icebergs create a magical atmosphere.

From the glacier lagoon, take a short stroll down to the nearby black sand shore known as Diamond Beach. This extraordinary stretch of coastline derives its name from the multitude of icebergs scattered along the shore, glistening like diamonds in the sunlight. As the mighty waves of the Atlantic Ocean crash against the icebergs, you'll be treated to a truly breathtaking and unforgettable view.

After a day filled with natural wonders, you'll find comfortable accommodation in the area, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the magical surroundings. Rest well, knowing you have experienced some of Iceland's most incredible landscapes and created memories that will last a lifetime.

Tomorrow, more wonders await as you continue your self-drive adventure through this land of breathtaking beauty.

As you embark on your fifth day, take advantage of the opportunity to spend additional time at the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon. The beauty of this enchanting location is transient and ever-changing, depending on the weather and the movement of the icebergs.

Immerse yourself in its ethereal atmosphere and consider taking a boat trip to fully appreciate its grandeur. Nature and photography enthusiasts should keep a keen eye out for the playful seal colonies that call this place home. You can even book a spot on a thrilling Zodiac boat trip or an amphibian boat excursion for a unique perspective.

After bidding farewell to the glacial lagoon, your journey continues toward the remarkable Skaftafell Nature Reserve.

Here, you have an incredible opportunity to elevate your adventure by booking a glacial hike. This exhilarating experience will bring you up close and personal with the icy wonders of an ice cap, offering an adrenaline rush like no other. Standing atop the summits of Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Europe, you'll be rewarded with truly magnificent views over the surrounding area.

Continuing along the picturesque South Coast, you'll soon arrive in the charming town of Kirkjubaejarklaustur. Here, in the vicinity, lies the Fjadrargljufur canyon, a true haven for hikers. Embark on a scenic hike through this natural wonder and be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views and a sense of serenity in the midst of Iceland's awe-inspiring landscapes.

The journey continues to the coastal village of Vik, nestled near the dramatic Reynisdrangar basalt pillars and the world-famous black sand beach, Reynisfjara. Be cautious while exploring this beach, as the waves here can be unpredictable. Marvel at the unique basalt formations rising from the sea, creating an otherworldly scene that will leave you in awe.

Before reaching your final destination of Selfoss, make sure to stop at two of the South Coast's most spectacular waterfalls. Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss are natural wonders that will leave you spellbound. Feel the power of the cascading water and take the opportunity to fully encircle the majestic Seljalandsfoss waterfall, allowing for a truly immersive experience.

As the day draws to a close, you'll find your accommodation in the town of Selfoss, providing a comfortable and convenient base for relaxation and reflection on the incredible sights and experiences you've encountered throughout your journey. Rest well, knowing that there are still more wonders to discover as you continue your adventure along the enchanting Ring Road of Iceland.

As you embark on your sixth day, you have the option to kick off the day with an ice cave tour at Myrdalsjokull glacier, departing from the charming village of Vik. Venture into the frozen subterranean world of the ice cap itself, where you'll be fascinated by the shimmering ice formations and surreal atmosphere.

Alternatively, if you opt not to explore the ice cave, your journey will continue westward to embark on the renowned Golden Circle route. Here, you'll have the opportunity to visit three of Iceland's most popular attractions in one sweeping adventure.

The first stop is Gullfoss, a mighty waterfall that showcases the sheer power of Iceland's nature. Watch in awe as glacial water cascades 105 feet (32 meters) into the dramatic gorge below, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. For an extra dose of excitement, consider joining a snowmobiling tour that takes you to Langjokull glacier for an exhilarating ride, accessed via a super jeep.

Next along the Golden Circle route is the geothermal valley of Haukadalur, home to Iceland's famous geysers. Although the renowned Geysir itself now rests dormant, its neighbor Strokkur steals the show by erupting approximately every five minutes or so. Prepare to be amazed as scalding hot water shoots high into the air, displaying the raw power and beauty of these geothermal wonders.

Conclude your Golden Circle tour with a visit to Thingvellir, Iceland's largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This historic location not only marks the formation of the world's first parliament in 930 AD but also offers a unique geological marvel.

Witness the majestic sight of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates exposed from the earth's crust, forming a dramatic rift valley. Amongst these plates lies the renowned Silfra Fissure, a world-famous destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters and swim between two continents, a truly extraordinary and once-in-a-lifetime experience. Participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

As your time in Thingvellir comes to an end, you'll make the approximately forty-five-minute drive back to Reykjavik, where you’ll rest for the night. Reflect on the incredible sights and adventures you've encountered along the way, knowing that you have truly experienced the best of Iceland's natural wonders.