Stunning 8-Day Self-Drive Camping Tour of the Ring Road

On day two of your self-drive camping tour, you embark on the famous Golden Circle sightseeing route before reaching the South Coast. 

Begin with a visit to the Thingvellir National Park. The Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet here, and you can walk over the symbolic Bridge Between Continents. 

You can discover the original site of the world's longest-running representative parliament, established here in 930 AD.

You can also opt for a snorkeling tour here, in the crystal clear waters of the Silfra ravine, one of the best snorkeling spots in the world.

Next is the Haukadalur geothermal valley, home to the great Geysir—the original "geyser." 

Although the geyser is now dormant, its more active neighbor, Strokkur, erupts every ten minutes or so, sending boiling water up to 66 feet (20 meters) high, and the area is dotted with bubbling hot springs and steaming fumaroles.

End your Golden Circle sightseeing tour with a visit to the mighty Gullfoss waterfall. You can walk to its edge to observe its incredible scale and power. 

From here, you can go on a snowmobiling tour of Langjokull glacier. 

If that does not appeal, look into booking a horse-riding tour. Icelandic horses are known for their friendly nature and unique gait called the tolt, which helps them move across Iceland's rugged terrain.

Following this, head to the South Coast and visit one of Iceland's most beautiful waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss, which you can walk all the way around. 

The towering Skogafoss waterfall is also nearby and is well worth a visit. 

Further, along the coast, stop to admire the black volcanic beach at Reynisfjara and the dramatic Dyrholaey rock formations and cliffs where Atlantic puffins nest. Other sights along the route include the Myrdalsjokull glacier, which will be on your left-hand side.

Spend the night at a campsite on the South Coast of Iceland.

Day three of your self-drive tour of Iceland's Ring Road should be spent traveling to and marveling over the many sights of the beautiful Skaftafell Nature Reserve in Vatnajokull National Park. 

Before you depart in the morning, however, you can opt for an ice cave tour to explore a dazzling cave in Myrdalsjokull glacier. 

Myrdalsjokull glacier, located in South Iceland, is a captivating natural wonder that leaves visitors in awe of its icy grandeur. It is Iceland's fourth-largest glacier, covering an area of approximately 370 square miles (596 square kilometers). 

Myrdalsjokull glacier is nestled atop the active Katla volcano, adding an element of excitement and intrigue to its already impressive presence. 

Adventurers can embark on glacier hiking tours to explore the icy terrain, marvel at ice caves, and witness breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

At Skaftafell Nature Reserve, hiking enthusiasts will indeed be in their element. There are plenty of challenging tracks and trails, including one that leads to the beautiful Svartifoss waterfall. 

Translating to "Black Falls," Svartifoss Waterfall is renowned for its striking basalt column formations surrounding the cascading water. 

These hexagonal black basalt columns create an otherworldly and dramatic backdrop, resembling a natural organ or cathedral, and are said to have inspired the design of Reykjavik's Hallgrimskirkja church. The contrast between the dark columns and the white water creates a visually stunning scene. 

Hiking through the scenic park to reach Svartifoss waterfall allows visitors to immerse themselves in the enchanting Icelandic wilderness and witness nature's awe-inspiring power and elegance.

Skaftafell Nature Reserve is also an ideal place to go glacier hiking, allowing you to see incredible views. It's an unforgettable experience, which comes highly recommended.

Backtrack to a campsite near the town of Kirkjubaejarklaustur on the South Coast, where you will spend the night.

On the fourth day of your camping tour in Iceland, you'll explore one of Iceland's most beautiful attractions, the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. 

After breakfast at the campsite, drive eastward to one of Iceland's most famous photo spots, the Jokulsarlon Glacier lagoon. 

The lagoon stretches over 11 square miles (18 square kilometers) and is situated at the edge of Vatnajokull National Park, Europe's largest glacier. This mesmerizing lagoon is formed by the melting icebergs from the Breidamerkurjokull glacier, which break off and float peacefully in the serene turquoise waters. 

The sight is magical, with massive ice sculptures floating along the water and shimmering under the sunlight. 

Here, you can choose to take a boat trip on the lagoon. There are zodiac and amphibious boats to choose from. Even if you decide not to take either, you'll still have incredible views from the shore.

A trip in a zodiac boat will offer a high-speed adrenaline ride as these boats are used for water sports. They are perfect for lagoons as they can navigate shallow waters with ease.

Choose an amphibious boat if you prefer to take it slightly slower. These boats can operate on both land and water and have unique features which allow them to switch between the two easily.

Take advantage of its proximity to take a walk down to Diamond Beach. Diamond Beach is a stunning coastal destination that gets its name from the glistening icebergs that wash ashore, resembling diamonds scattered on a black sand beach. 

The juxtaposition of ice against the volcanic landscape creates a surreal and captivating sight. Also, keep a keen eye out for the seals that call the lagoon and beach home.

After exploring this beautiful area, continue your journey to the Eastfjords. The Eastfjords is a gorgeous area of jagged mountains, tranquil villages, and a stunning coastline. Spend the night at a campsite in one of those charming towns of the Eastfjords.

On the fifth day of your eight-day camping tour of Iceland, you'll explore the Lake Myvatn area and the incredible natural attractions here.

Start the day early and drive to the Lake Myvatn area. Lake Myvatn, in North Iceland, is a captivating natural wonder renowned for its breathtaking beauty and diverse ecosystems. 

Spanning an area of approximately 23 square miles (37 square kilometers), it is the fourth-largest lake in Iceland. Volcanic activity, geothermal features, and a wide variety of birdlife characterize the region surrounding Lake Myvatn. 

Visitors can witness surreal landscapes with pseudocraters, lava formations, and bubbling mud pots. The lake is a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts, hosting many bird species, including ducks, geese, and waders. 

Nature lovers can explore the numerous hiking trails, relax in the geothermal baths, or marvel at the unique geological formations that make Lake Myvatn a truly enchanting destination.

Take a trip across Namaskard Pass. The pass is situated between Lake Myvatn and the town of Reykjahlid, offering a unique experience for visitors. 

As you venture through the Namaskard Pass, you'll see steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, and rich mineral deposits, creating a landscape reminiscent of an alien planet. 

The area's high levels of geothermal activity result in the release of sulfuric gases, infusing the air with a distinct odor.

Stop at Dimmuborgir, a lava field known for its unique rock formations. It is sometimes called the 'Dark Fortress' because the lava in the area twists into strange and unreal shapes that resemble a crumbling castle, complete with towers, pillars, arches, and turrets.

After a long day on the road, dip in the soothing geothermal waters of the Myvatn Nature Baths, where you can relax in the milky blue waters while enjoying the surrounding scenery.

You'll spend the night at a campsite in North Iceland.

You should spend the seventh day of your multi-day camping trip in Iceland exploring the best that West Iceland offers. It is a relatively long drive from Northwest Iceland to Reykjavik, but there is much to see. 

Be sure to visit the Icelandic stone citadel at Borgarviki. Borgarviki is a beautiful coastal area in West Iceland, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and historical significance. 

Situated along the shores of Hunafloi bay, Borgarviki offers sweeping views of the ocean, rugged cliffs, and expansive lava fields. 

The area is rich in Viking history, with the remains of an ancient settlement and a burial site dating back to the ninth century. Explorers can wander through the ruins, imagining the lives of the Viking settlers who once called this place home. 

Borgarviki is a place of tranquility and natural beauty where visitors can immerse themselves in Iceland's fascinating past, surrounded by stunning coastal vistas.

You could also stop at Deildartunguhver, a geothermal wonder known for being the largest hot spring in Europe. 

Located near Reykholt, Deildartunguhver hot spring releases a staggering 317 pints (180 liters) of boiling water per second, making it an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon. 

The steaming water emerges from the depths of the Earth, is heated by volcanic activity, and is harnessed for various purposes, such as heating nearby towns and greenhouses. 

Deildartunguhver's visitors can witness the hot spring's incredible force and intensity, surrounded by a geothermal area with bubbling mud pools and steam vents. 

Along the coast, stop to admire the mesmerizing Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls or visit the Settlement Centre in Borganes.

There are two very different caving tours you can opt for on this day. You can enter the artificial tunnels carved into the side of Langjokull Glacier or the natural lava tubes of Vidgelmir.

At the end of the day, make your way to the town of Akranes or a nearby settlement in West Iceland, where you'll find your last campsite on this tour.

On the eighth and final day of your camping tour of Iceland, it’s time to head home.

If you have an early flight, you can go straight to the airport when ready. For those who have a later flight and choose to visit the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa today, you will finish your stay unwinding before heading to the airport. 

The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is the perfect place to relax as you bathe in the warm, mineral-rich waters and reflect on the incredible adventure you have just taken in the land of fire and ice. 

If you have a later flight, there are plenty of things to do in Reykjavik. Visit Laugavegur, the main shopping street in the city. Here, you’ll find shops, restaurants, and bars.

It is one of the oldest streets in Reykjavik, and its name roughly translates to ‘the water road’ as this was where people used to bring their laundry to be washed in hot pools.

Now, it is home to boutiques filled with high-end products. Lots of items found here are designed and produced in Iceland. You’ll also be able to pick up any last-minute souvenirs you need here.

When it’s time to head to the airport, be sure to drop your car back at the airport in plenty of time to check your bags and catch your flight home.