9-Day Summer Self-Drive Tour of Iceland’s Ring Road with South Coast Highlights

Your 9-day self-drive adventure in Iceland begins at Keflavik Airport, where your rental car will be ready and waiting. On your way to Reykjavik, you'll drive through the Reykjanes Peninsula, a dramatic landscape of moss-covered lava fields.

If your flight arrives early, you can begin your adventure by exploring highlights of the peninsula. Consider visiting Reykjanesviti Lighthouse, the Bridge Between Continents, or the Viking World Museum.

If you’re looking to unwind after your flight, there’s no better place than the Blue Lagoon. This world-famous geothermal spa is known for its warm, mineral-rich waters that contain silica, known to nourish the skin. The steamy, tranquil atmosphere is perfect for melting away travel fatigue.

With temperatures averaging 98 to 102 F (37 to 39 C), it’s an ideal way to relax before continuing your drive to Reykjavik. If you add the Blue Lagoon to your itinerary, your visit will be scheduled based on your flight arrival. If there’s not enough time today, your travel consultant can move it to another day that suits you.

If you’re looking for an alternative to the Blue Lagoon, you can visit the Sky Lagoon near Reykjavik. This luxurious spa offers incredible views of the North Atlantic and surrounding cliffs. The warm waters of the infinity pool blend seamlessly with the ocean, creating a sense of floating at the world’s edge. 

Enjoy the Skjol bathing ritual with the standard "Saman" ticket or experience extra comfort with the "Ser" ticket, which includes private changing facilities.

Once in Reykjavik, take some time to explore the city’s welcoming atmosphere. Wander through Laugavegur and Skolavordustigur, Reykjavik’s most vibrant shopping streets. Admire the iconic Hallgrimskirkja Church, visit the glassy Harpa Concert Hall, and stroll along the waterfront to see the striking Sun Voyager Sculpture.

Downtown Reykjavik is full of cozy cafes, local bars, and restaurants serving everything from traditional Icelandic dishes to international cuisine. It’s the perfect way to settle in before your road trip truly begins.

You’ll spend the first night of your self-drive tour in Reykjavik.

On day two of your 9-day Ring Road itinerary, you’ll head to a place full of wonder, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Often called “Iceland in Miniature,” this region captures many of the country’s diverse landscapes in one scenic area.

Your first stop could be Ytri Tunga Beach, a quiet shoreline known for its thriving seal colony. It also stands out for its golden sand, a rare sight in a country famous for its black beaches.

Continue driving toward Snaefellsjokull National Park. Along the way, you’ll pass through the charming hamlet of Budir, home to the famous black church, Budakirkja. 

Once inside the national park, you’ll be treated to views of the majestic Snaefellsjokull Glacier, a glacier-capped volcano that towers over the peninsula. This site has long been considered a place of spiritual energy and was famously chosen as the entrance to the Earth’s core in Jules Verne’s “Journey to the Center of the Earth.”

On a clear day, you can even enjoy sweeping views of Reykjavik across the bay from Snaefellsjokull.

Within the park, you can also join a tour to explore Vatnshellir, an 8,000-year-old lava cave formed by an ancient eruption. As you descend into this underground tunnel, you’ll follow the path of molten lava and see the incredible shapes it left behind.

Just 6.2 miles (10 kilometers) away, you’ll arrive at Djupalonssandur Beach, a dramatic black-sand bay. Here, traditional lifting stones once used to test sailors’ strength still lie scattered along the shore. You’ll also find the remains of the English trawler Epine GY 7, which was wrecked here in 1948.

Not far away, the towering Londrangar basalt cliffs rise from the coast like the ruins of an ancient fortress sculpted by centuries of pounding waves.

Continue your self-drive tour 35 miles (56.8 kilometers) northeast to one of Iceland’s most photogenic landmarks, Kirkjufell Mountain. This striking cone-shaped peak stands 1,519 feet (463 meters) tall beside a serene waterfall and a mirror-like lake. On clear days, the reflection creates a stunning photo opportunity. If Kirkjufell looks familiar, it’s because it was featured in HBO’s Game of Thrones as Arrowhead Mountain.

For a unique culinary experience, consider adding a Viking Sushi Boat adventure. Departing from Stykkisholmur, this tour sails through the rich waters of Breidafjordur Bay, where a shellfish plow pulls up fresh seafood. Onboard, you’ll enjoy raw shellfish served with soy sauce and wasabi, one of the freshest seafood tastings imaginable.

Other popular tours and activities you could join on this day in Snaefellsnes are kayaking and whale watching.

After a full day of unforgettable sights, you’ll settle in for the night at your accommodation on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

On day three of your self-drive tour in Iceland, you'll say goodbye to Snaefellsnes and make your way north.

As you leave the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, consider stopping at Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, two nearby waterfalls with very different features. Hraunfossar flows gently through a lava field in countless small streams, while Barnafoss rushes through narrow rock formations with powerful force.

From the waterfalls, the drive north is a bit long, but there’s a great way to break up the journey. One worthwhile stop along the way is Borgarvirki, a natural basalt fortress that rises above the surrounding countryside. Once used as a defensive stronghold, this imposing rock formation offers sweeping views from the top and is a perfect place to stretch your legs.

You can also take a short detour to Hvitserkur, one of Iceland’s most photographed landmarks. This 49-foot (15-meter) basalt sea stack rises dramatically from the sea, with a jagged shape said to resemble a mythical creature or even an elephant drinking from the ocean.

Further along, the charming town of Siglufjordur welcomes you as the northernmost town on mainland Iceland. It's a peaceful place to take a break and enjoy the scenery. While you're here, stop by the Herring Era Museum to learn about the town's maritime heritage and its role in Iceland’s once-thriving herring industry.

There are several exciting options for travelers looking to add more experiences to their day. If you're in the mood to relax, visit the Bjorbodin Beer Spa and soak in warm, beer-infused water while enjoying a drink from your personal tap.

Later in the day, you’ll arrive in Akureyri, the capital of the North. If you're up for a final adventure, consider joining a whale-watching tour. Some departures are available in the evening, offering a great end to your day.

Northern Iceland’s waters are rich in marine life, and you may spot humpback whales, minke whales, or dolphins. Many tour companies boast a 100% success rate during the summer season, so your chances of seeing these incredible animals up close are very high.

If you still have time, explore Akureyri’s church, botanical garden, or one of its small museums. You’ll spend the night in this scenic and vibrant part of North Iceland.

Today, on your self-drive tour of Iceland, you’ll travel through northeastern Iceland, a region famous for its surreal landscapes and rich natural wonders. With so many incredible sights to choose from, it's best to pick your stops based on your interests and pace.

21 miles (35 kilometers) east of Akureyri, visit Godafoss, the legendary “Waterfall of the Gods.” This stunning cascade spans 98 feet (30 meters) wide and drops 39 feet (12 meters). In 1000 AD, a chieftain marked Iceland’s conversion to Christianity by casting Norse gods’ statues into the falls.

From one powerful waterfall to another, you can continue to Dettifoss, often called the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Standing before this 144-foot (44-meter) giant, you’ll feel its sheer force as it crashes into the canyon below. The dramatic setting even caught the attention of director Ridley Scott, who featured Dettifoss in the opening scene of “Prometheus”.

Before continuing from Godafoss to Dettifoss, you can detour to Husavik, especially if you didn’t get a chance to join a whale-watching tour in Akureyri yesterday.

As the whale-watching capital of Europe, the waters off Husavik’s coast are home to several whale species, and many tour operators boast a 100 percent sighting success rate. If you’d like to join a tour, you have two options: a traditional boat cruise for a relaxed viewing experience or a RIB boat tour for a faster, closer encounter with these gentle giants.

Husavik is also home to GeoSea Baths, a unique geothermal spa that differs from traditional Icelandic hot springs. Instead of mineral-rich freshwater, GeoSea’s warm pools are filled with naturally heated seawater. Relaxing in the soothing, salty waters while gazing out at the ocean is an experience unlike any other.

If you skip Husavik, you’ll head straight to Lake Myvatn, a hotbed of geothermal activity and a landscape shaped by volcanic eruptions and shifting tectonic plates. Fun fact: "Myvatn" means "fly" in Icelandic, named after the tiny swarms of midges that thrive in the area’s wetlands.

Just 15 miles (25 kilometers) north of Myvatn lies Krafla, a caldera within an active volcanic system. It’s one of Iceland’s most explosive volcanoes, having gone off approximately 29 times since the country’s settlement. On the way, you’ll pass Namafjall, a steaming geothermal area where bubbling mud pots, hissing steam vents, and colorful sulfur deposits create an otherworldly scene.

Nearby, you’ll find the Dimmuborgir lava fields, often called "The Black Fortress" because of their twisting rock formations and castle-like structures. According to Icelandic folklore, this eerie landscape is home to Gryla, the mother of Iceland’s 13 Yule Lads (Santa-like trolls).

If you’re in the mood for relaxation but skipped GeoSea Baths in Husavik, you can still indulge at Myvatn Nature Baths, known as "The Blue Lagoon of the North." This luxurious geothermal spa is the perfect place to soak in warm, mineral-rich waters while admiring the rugged volcanic surroundings.

You'll rest in your accommodation in East Iceland to end day 4 of your Iceland summer road trip.

Day five of your summer self-drive tour of Iceland takes you through the wild and beautiful Eastfjords, one of the country's least-traveled and most rewarding regions.

Start your morning in Egilsstadir, the largest town in East Iceland and a convenient base for the day’s adventures. If you’d like a relaxing start, visit Vok Baths, just 3 miles (5 kilometers) northwest of town. These modern geothermal pools float on a peaceful lake, offering a soothing experience surrounded by nature.

Next, head southwest along Lake Lagarfljot, a glacier-fed lake known for the legend of the Lagarfljot Worm, Iceland’s own version of the Loch Ness Monster. The lake stretches for miles and offers scenic viewpoints along the drive.

Continue to Hallormsstadarskogur, Iceland’s largest forest. This rare woodland covers around 286 square miles (740 square kilometers) and features walking trails among 80 different tree species. It’s a great spot to stretch your legs and enjoy the shade.

A short drive farther brings you to Hengifoss, one of the country’s tallest waterfalls. The trail to the falls winds through a canyon with another waterfall, Litlanesfoss, framed by striking basalt columns. The full hike takes 1.5–2 hours round trip and rewards you with stunning views of Hengifoss cascading in front of colorful red and black cliff layers.

After returning to Egilsstadir, take a scenic detour east to the coastal town of Seydisfjordur. Surrounded by waterfalls and steep mountains, the town is known for its charming wooden houses, artistic vibe, and the iconic rainbow street that leads to its blue church. It’s an ideal spot for lunch and a walk by the harbor.

In the afternoon, continue south through picturesque fjord landscapes and pass through Faskrudsfjordur, a historic fishing town with French roots. Bilingual signs reflect its heritage, and the former French hospital now serves as a museum and hotel.

Your final stop of the day is the Stokksnes Peninsula, offering incredible views of Vestrahorn Mountain, a dramatic peak rising 1,490 feet (454 meters) above the black sand coast. Its jagged silhouette and ever-changing light make it one of Iceland’s most photographed mountains.

You’ll stay overnight in Southeast Iceland, with more incredible sights waiting on the next leg of your journey.

Day six of your self-drive tour in Iceland takes you along the spectacular South Coast, home to many of the country’s most iconic natural attractions.

Begin your morning at the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, one of the most famous natural attractions in Iceland. This deep glacial lake, reaching 660 feet (200 meters), is filled with meltwater from the Breidamerkurjokull glacier, one of the outlet glaciers of Vatnajokull. 

Massive icebergs drift through its icy waters, creating a surreal and ever-changing scene that draws visitors from around the world. To experience Jokulsarlon up close, you can join an amphibian boat tour for panoramic views or a zodiac tour to get closer to the icebergs. Keep an eye out for seals swimming around in the lagoon.

Just across the road, visit Diamond Beach, where waves wash ashore chunks of glacial ice. Scattered across the black sand, these ice pieces shimmer like gems, offering one of the most photogenic spots in Iceland.

Continue west for about 34 miles (56 kilometers) to Skaftafell Nature Reserve, part of Vatnajokull National Park and one of the best places in Iceland for hiking and glacier adventures.

If hiking is on your list, follow the trail to Svartifoss, a striking waterfall framed by hexagonal basalt columns. The hike takes about 1.5 hours round trip and offers views of lush landscapes shaped by glaciers and volcanic forces.

For an unforgettable afternoon, join a guided glacier hike starting at Skaftafell’s base camp. After a safety briefing and gear fitting, you'll step onto the ice and explore crevasses, ice ridges, and sweeping glacier views, an experience that feels like walking through another world.

End your day at your accommodation in one of the scenic South Coast villages, rested and ready for the next leg of your Iceland road trip.
 

Day seven of your summer road trip in Iceland begins in Vik, a charming coastal village known for its black-sand beaches.

You can start today with a thrilling ice cave tour of Katla, departing from Vik. Stepping inside the cave feels like entering a crystal palace, where shimmering blue and white ice forms ever-changing shapes. No two ice caves are alike; each one eventually melts, making this a true once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Next, head to the famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, a powerful reminder of Iceland’s volcanic past. Towering basalt columns line the shore, sculpted by cooling lava over thousands of years. The dramatic setting feels almost otherworldly, with black sands, crashing waves, and sea spray in the air.

Just offshore, the Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks rise sharply from the ocean. According to local folklore, these dramatic rock formations were once trolls, turned to stone by the morning sun.

Nearby, you can visit the wreckage of a U.S. Navy plane that crash-landed on Solheimasandur in 1973. It’s a hauntingly beautiful site set against the stark black sands and can be reached via a hike or guided ATV tour. Alternatively, consider exploring the area on horseback riding across the beaches and trails offers a peaceful and memorable way to take in the South Coast scenery.

As you continue west, detour to Dyrholaey, a rocky promontory offering panoramic views of the coastline and cliffs. In summer, this is also one of the best places in Iceland to see puffins nesting on the grassy ledges.

Next, drive 15 miles (24 kilometers) to Solheimajokull Glacier, an outlet of the massive Myrdalsjokull. If you're up for more adventure, join an optional glacier hike to walk across the ice, guided by experts with all necessary equipment provided.

The day continues with two of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. First is Skogafoss, a majestic 197-foot (60-meter) cascade that crashes down onto the rocks below, often creating rainbows in the mist. Then visit Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the curtain of water for a rare and refreshing perspective; just be sure to bring waterproof clothing.

After an action-packed day, you’ll spend the night in Southwest Iceland, ready to explore more wonders on the final day of your trip.

On day eight of your summer road trip in Iceland, you’ll explore the famous Golden Circle, a perfect way to mark your full circle around the country.

If you have an early flight home tomorrow, it’s a good idea to start early and focus on the main sights. This will get you back to Reykjavik in the afternoon, giving you more time to enjoy the capital.

Your first stop on the Golden Circle is Gullfoss Waterfall, whose name translates to “The Golden Falls.” The name comes from the way its mist glows golden in the sunlight as the water plunges down two tiers from a height of 105 feet (32 meters). Its power and sheer size make it an unforgettable stop.

If you’re after an adrenaline rush, consider joining a snowmobiling tour that departs from Gullfoss. On this tour, you'll ride across the icy expanse of Langjokull Glacier, soaking in sweeping views as you zip over snow and ice.

Next, visit the Geysir Geothermal Area, a dramatic reminder of the volcanic forces that shaped Iceland. Here, hot pools bubble, and steam rises from vents scattered across the landscape.

Strokkur, the area’s most active geyser, erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, shooting steaming water up to 66 feet (20 meters) into the air. Each eruption is almost always followed by an impressed gasp from nearby visitors.

Before moving on to your next main stop, consider a relaxing detour to Laugarvatn Spa. Soak in its warm geothermal waters while enjoying beautiful lakeside views.

Another highlight of the Golden Circle is Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of both natural beauty and cultural importance. It’s home to the world’s oldest democratic parliament and sits between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.

For a one-of-a-kind experience, you can go snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure. This lets you glide between two continents in some of the clearest waters on Earth. The water, filtered through lava rock for up to a century, is so pure it's even drinkable. All you need to enjoy this unforgettable adventure is swimming skills and a sense of adventure.

After seeing the Golden Circle’s highlights, return to Reykjavik, where you can enjoy a walking tour or explore one of the city’s many museums.

Spend your final evening in Reykjavik, bringing your memorable 9-day summer road trip in Iceland to a close.