8-Day Self-Drive Tour of Iceland's Ring Road with In-Depth South Coast Exploration

Your plane will touch down at Keflavik International Airport on the rugged Reykjanes Peninsula. This picturesque region is rich in natural marvels, hot springs, and geological features. The black lava landscapes here provide the perfect introduction to Iceland's dramatic scenery.

Upon arrival in Iceland, you can pick up your rental car and begin your journey. On your way to Reykjavik, you could stop by the Blue Lagoon, a highlight of the Reykjanes Peninsula and one of Iceland's most popular attractions. Located in a moss-covered lava field, this iconic spa boasts healing waters, vivid azure colors, and luxurious treatments.

If you include a trip to the Blue Lagoon, your visit will be scheduled based on your flight arrival time. However, if there isn't enough time to visit the lagoon on your arrival day, your travel consultant can seamlessly arrange it for another day in your itinerary.

You'll still have other attractions on the Reykjanes Peninsula to stop by on your way to Reykjavik. There's the Viking World Museum, where you can explore Viking history, and the Icelandic Museum of Rock and Roll for an engaging look at Icelandic music history.

If you want a geothermal spa experience but prefer something closer to Reykjavik, visit the Sky Lagoon. Just outside the city center, this oceanfront spa offers the sky ritual, a seven-step wellness experience inspired by Icelandic bathing traditions. You can choose between standard entry or a premium option with a private changing room.

At the end of the day, you'll check into your comfortable Reykjavik hotel. Make sure you get a good night's sleep, as the next seven days will be packed with amazing adventures and incredible landscapes.

Today, you'll explore Iceland's iconic Golden Circle route, a must-do journey showcasing the country's most stunning natural and historical landmarks.

The Golden Circle includes the Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Thingvellir National Park. After leaving your accommodation in Reykjavik, you can head straight out of town or check out other attractions in the capital area.

You can visit Raudavatn Lake, a serene and picturesque destination offering a tranquil backdrop for a horseback ride amidst lava fields and scenic hills. Another excellent option is Hafrafell, a mountain with rugged terrain ideal for off-road adventures.

If you don't want to take a detour, head to UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park. The area boasts cliff faces, lava rocks covered in Icelandic moss, and views of distant mountains. Early settlers formed the world's first parliament here around 930 A.D.

The national park is home to the Silfra Fissure. This body of water sits at the point where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates drift apart. Silfra's waters have been filtered through lava rock for over a century, making them crystal clear.

On a snorkeling tour, you can see incredible underwater canyons with visibility of up to 328 feet (100 meters). The exceptional clarity and underwater scenery offer the opportunity to see unique rock formations.

Another must-visit Golden Circle attraction is one of Iceland's iconic waterfalls, Gullfoss. Its name means "Golden Falls," and it sits below the Hvita River Canyon, rushing over the rocks in a dramatic two-tiered cascade.

The waterfall is a great starting point for exploring Langjokull Glacier. As Iceland's second-largest glacier, Langjokull offers a unique chance to experience Iceland's icy terrain with snowmobiling and ice tunnel tours.

One more Golden Circle highlight is the Geysir Geothermal Area. The main attraction is the Strokkur Geyser, which erupts in a towering column of boiling water and steam every few minutes.

For a relaxing experience along the Golden Circle, you can soak in the geothermal waters of the luxurious Laugarvatn Fontana Spa or the peaceful Secret Lagoon. At Fontana Spa, you can also taste rye bread baked underground with the natural heat from the hot springs.

If you want to visit another attraction on the Golden Circle, check out the Kerid Crater. Its bright red rocks contrast beautifully with the deep, azure waters at the bottom.

Southwest Iceland is an excellent horseback riding destination, offering scenic trails through diverse landscapes. You'll have the chance to explore a range of terrains, from lush valleys to rugged lava fields amidst Iceland's natural beauty.

The Icelandic horse is a hardy breed recognized for its strength and adaptability to rocky terrain. Known for its distinctive gaits and friendly temperament, this horse offers a comfortable and smooth riding experience.

You will finish your day by checking in to your accommodation in Southwest Iceland. Tomorrow, another day of adventure awaits, promising even more thrilling experiences as you continue exploring Iceland.

Today, you will continue your adventure along the Ring Road as you head south. The South Coast of Iceland is known for its incredible mountains, glaciers, black sand beaches, waterfalls, and abundant birdlife.

A worthwhile first stop is Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. This waterfall is popular due to its fascinating structure. Its stream drops from a steep height, creating a curtain of water you can walk behind for a unique perspective.

Next, you'll visit Skogafoss Waterfall. This impressive cascade is one of Iceland's largest and most majestic waterfalls and is well worth a visit for some photos. The stream falls onto almost flat ground, creating a terrific mist that produces double rainbows on some days.

As you continue along the Ring Road, you'll pass the Solheimajokull Outlet Glacier of Iceland's fourth-largest glacier, Myrdalsjokull. Both areas feature icy crevasses, glacial lagoons, and striking blue and black hues, perfect natural settings for outdoor explorations.

If you want a thrilling adventure, you can embark on a glacier hike, ATV tour, or snowmobile ride. These activities offer an exciting way to experience the breathtaking landscapes of these natural attractions.

Nearby, you could also visit the famous DC-3 Plane Wreck, an American Navy plane that crash-landed in the Solheimasandur Black Sand Desert in 1973. Skip the hour-long hike and take a shuttle to the wreckage to save time.

The next stop is the Dyrholaey Peninsula, the southernmost part of mainland Iceland. This small peninsula is famous for its cliff formations and abundance of birdlife. Here, you can often spot puffins, especially during their summer nesting months.

Not far from the Dyrholaey Peninsula is the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. This part of the Icelandic shore is known for its incredible waves crashing against black volcanic sand. 

Just offshore from Reynisfjara Beach are the Reynisdrangar Rock Formations. These basalt sea stacks point skyward from the sea, shaped by relentless erosion.

Further along is Vik, the southernmost village in Iceland, a common stopover for travelers. You might want to visit Vikurkirkja Church on the hilltop for breathtaking views or take a horseback ride on the black sand beach.

Vik town also presents a chance to visit the nearby Katla Ice Cave, a unique attraction in Iceland. Ice caves form during the recurring glacier melt and freeze cycles. They disappear and reform each year, meaning no two ice caves are the same. 

Inside an ice cave, you will witness what can sometimes look like a crystal palace. Curves and layers of ice marbled with blues, greys, whites, and black volcanic ash create a time capsule hundreds, if not thousands, of years into the past.

You can take the ice cave tour in the afternoon for a magical end to your day. Alternatively, if you enjoy starting your day with an adventure, consider scheduling the tour in the morning the next day.

After an incredible day of sightseeing and exploration, you will retire to your accommodation in South Iceland. Tomorrow, you'll continue navigating through Iceland's magnificent landscapes.

Before leaving the South Coast of Iceland, you'll have a final chance to visit the Katla Ice Cave if you haven't explored it yet. This must-try experience offers a surreal walk through glacial formations with a mesmerizing contrast of blue ice and volcanic ash.

In fact, if you haven't tried horseback riding on the black sand beach, visiting the famous DC-3 Plane Wreck, or glacier snowmobiling on the Myrdalsjokull Ice Cap, this is your last chance. Your South Coast adventure will end once you head towards Southeast Iceland.

Southeast Iceland is a breathtaking region dominated by the vast Vatnajokull ice cap. This area has beautiful glacier lagoons, charming coastal villages, and a unique blend of rugged nature and local culture.

Your first stop will be Skaftafell Nature Reserve in Vatnajokull National Park. This stunning area is home to diverse plant life and the striking Svartifoss Waterfall. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, this is a popular destination for a guided glacier hike.  

Skaftafell Nature Reserve has diverse scenic hiking trails suitable for various skill levels. Additionally, it's an excellent starting point for an ice climbing tour, where you can scale the majestic glaciers under expert guidance.

You will then head to the crown jewel of South Iceland, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. The glacier lagoon fills with meltwater from the Breidamerkurjokull Outlet Glacier. In a process called ice calving, the frigid waters are filled with icebergs that have broken off the glacier. The massive icebergs glow in whites and blues as they travel through the lagoon.

You can take a boat trip into the glacier lagoon to witness floating icebergs up close. Alternatively, you can take a Zodiac boat tour. The smaller vessel is well suited for speed and even closer encounters with the ever-changing ice formations. With some luck, you might spot seals playfully swimming in the lagoon or sunbathing on the ice.

The lagoon also serves as a great starting point for a tour of the Crystal Ice Cave. This cave offers a unique opportunity to explore stunning blue ice formations and admire the breathtaking beauty of glacial structures.

Adjacent to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is Diamond Beach, a short stretch of shoreline where the lagoon's waters meet the sea. As icebergs are pushed around and melted by saltwater, some wash up on the beach's black sands, giving the shore a jeweled appearance, hence the name.

You can head to the eastern town of Hofn next. This fishing town is famous for its langoustine, a small and tasty lobster. It could be the perfect place to stop for dinner. Many restaurants in town offer menu items featuring the town's signature seafood.

You will then spend the night in Southeast Iceland. Get some well-deserved rest and recharge for the exciting experiences that await you in the days ahead.

Today, you will begin your journey along the Eastfjords, a coastline renowned for its beauty and untouched nature. Here, you can explore rugged mountains, towering cliffs, and picturesque coastal vistas while discovering charming towns in the fjords.

The first stop is Vestrahorn Mountain, an impressive and photogenic natural attraction close to the ocean. It casts incredible shadows and reflections in the shallow waters throughout the summer.

Next, you can go to Djupivogur, a fishing town located beneath the pyramid-shaped Bulandstindur Mountain. If you are lucky enough to visit the town during the summer solstice—the longest day of the year—Bulandstindur Mountain is said to grant wishes.

Then, you can head to the former French fishing town of Faskrudsfjordur. In the early days, French fishermen established a hospital here, which remains a part of the town. This historic building has been restored and repurposed as a hotel, with an attached museum commemorating the village's French roots.

After exploring these coastal towns, you'll arrive at Egilsstadir, the largest town in the Eastfjords. It's a great place to stop, refuel, and grab a bite. The town has many options for dining, groceries, and tourist services.

Before heading to your next destination, consider a walking tour of Egilsstadir, where you can delve into local history and folklore. This experience provides insight into ancient traditions, guardian spirits, and pivotal moments that have shaped the community.

From there, you could also visit the Vok Baths. This geothermal spa is only three miles (five kilometers) northwest of Egilsstadir and boasts incredible naturally warm pools amid enchanting scenery.

To the east of Egilsstadir is Seydisfjordur. This harbor town looks like it came out of a fantasy film, surrounded by mountains and waterfalls. The old Norwegian architecture that established the town still stands today. The town's eye-catching rainbow street is worth a visit and leads to the Seydisfjordur Church, an iconic blue-painted wooden building.

To the west of Egilsstadir is Lagarfljot Lake, said to be the home of a mythical serpentine creature. Further along is Hallormsstadarskogur, the largest forest in Iceland. Another worthwhile destination is the Hengifoss Waterfall, one of the tallest in the country.

After a day of exploring the Eastfjords, you will spend the night at your accommodation in East Iceland. This evening provides the perfect opportunity to unwind and prepare for another day of adventure.

On day six, you'll journey through the northern part of Iceland, a region celebrated for its dramatic landscapes and geothermal wonders. This area features waterfalls cascading into deep canyons, plains dotted with volcanic craters, and steaming hot springs for relaxation.

On the way north, stop by the mighty Dettifoss Waterfall. Here, the powerful cascade is so impressive that director Ridley Scott used it in the opening scene of his 2012 film Prometheus.

Then, head to the Myvatn Region and enjoy its geothermal wonders. This region is home to Iceland's fourth-largest lake, Myvatn.

If you visit the area, you might want to take a break at the Myvatn Nature Baths. This geothermal spa is often called "The Blue Lagoon of the North," offering a more intimate and secluded alternative to its famous counterpart on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Krafla Caldera is another attraction near Myvatn Lake. One of the country's most explosive volcanoes, it's part of an extensive volcanic system formed by powerful basaltic lava eruptions. It's known for its vivid green crater lake and surrounding lava fields.

In the Namfjall Geothermal Area, you will see boiling mud pots, active steam vents, and sulfur crystals in blues, greens, yellows, and whites. This surreal landscape, often likened to an alien world, lacks vegetation due to acidic soil and toxic fumes.

Another attraction is the Dimmuborgir Rock Structure. It's sometimes called "The Black Fortress" because it resembles a medieval castle. In Icelandic folklore, the spot is said to be home to trolls, particularly Gryla, the mother of the 13 Icelandic Yule Lads.

If you are more inclined to explore the coast, you could head further north towards Husavik. This seaside village is often called the "whale-watching capital of Europe," so if you're keen to catch a glimpse of these gentle giants of the sea, Husavik is the perfect place to join a whale-watching tour. 

On a classic Husavik whale-watching tour, you'll board a traditional oak boat and sail out to find whales. You could also choose a RIB boat tour, where the smaller, swifter vessel allows you to cover more distance and get closer to marine life.

Husavik also offers a unique geothermal spa experience. Unlike most hot pools in the country, the Husavik Geosea Baths are filled with naturally heated seawater, providing a rejuvenating bathing experience with enchanting ocean views.

Continuing north, you can see the Godafoss Waterfall, which holds a special place in Iceland's history. Around 1000 A.D., the lawspeaker Thorgeir Ljosvetningagodi threw his pagan idols down this waterfall to symbolically show that Iceland had adopted Christianity.

Towards the end of your day, you can unwind in the Forest Lagoon, a serene geothermal pool in the Vadlaskogur Forest, or visit Bjorbodin Beer Spa for a unique beer bathing experience.

After a full day of adventure, you will arrive in the northern town of Akureyri and check in to your accommodations. This concludes today's journey, and you'll be set for further exploration in the coming days.

This is your last official travel day. You can head directly to Reykjavik or enjoy more sightseeing in North Iceland before heading south.

Consider embarking on a scenic horseback riding experience from Gasir Farm, just outside Akureyri. If you haven't been to the Forest Lagoon, a geothermal spa in the Vadlaskogur Forest, you can visit in the morning for a refreshing start to the day.

On your drive south, you can stop by Siglufjordur, home to the Herring Era Museum, the largest maritime museum in Iceland. Here, you'll learn about the country's history of herring fishery and processing.

If you’re up for a detour, you can visit Hvitserkur, a striking basalt sea stack that resembles a dragon drinking from the sea. It’s an incredible photo stop before heading towards Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, two waterfalls well worth a short detour.

Hraunfossar's name translates to "lava falls" and bears a striking beauty reminiscent of fantasy films. The stream trickles through a lava field formed by the eruption of a volcano beneath Langjokull Glacier. Lava fields are also known for having hidden cave formations.

Barnafoss is just a short walk away, and unlike Hraunfossar, Barnafoss rushes through its rocky canyon, creating powerful rapids.

If you missed the Sky Lagoon on your first day, now is your chance to experience this oceanfront geothermal spa just minutes from Reykjavik. Relax in its warm waters, enjoy breathtaking views, and experience the rejuvenating seven-step bathing ritual.

After your day of traveling, you can rest at your accommodation in Reykjavik or go out and enjoy the unique experiences the capital has to offer. Head to FlyOver Iceland for a virtual flight over Iceland's landscapes or discover Iceland's natural wonders at the Perlan Museum.

Alternatively, you might enjoy a visit to the quirky Phallological Museum, which offers a fascinating and humorous look at a rather unusual collection. You could also embark on a Viking walking tour highlighting Icelandic history and folklore.

Experience the best of Iceland by indulging in Reykjavik's vibrant food and drink scene. Late autumn and winter offer the best chances to witness the northern lights on guided tours just outside the city, so you might want to head out tonight for one last adventure.