9-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road with Waterfalls & Hot Springs

On day two, you'll traverse Iceland's most explored trail, The Golden Circle. This scenic route spans 190 miles (300 kilometers) and features three of the most visited attractions in the country.

Your first stop is Thingvellir National Park, one of the most popular destinations in the country. Thingvellir is a place of stunning beauty between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. It's home to the world's oldest parliament and featured in HBO's Game Of Thrones as the Bloody Gate.

Your next stop is the Geysir geothermal area in the Haukadalur valley. Unique rock formations and geysers dot this vast geothermal field. The most popular geyser is Strokkur, which erupts every 5-10 minutes, pushing powerful jets of hot water 66 feet (20 meters) into the air.

The third attraction in the Golden Circle is the Gullfoss waterfall, one of the most beautiful and photographed waterfalls in Iceland. Its magnificent force and enormous size are nothing short of awe-inspiring.

If you want to add fun activities on this day, you can snorkel at Silfra fissure in the Thingvellir National Park. Protected by a dry suit, you can gently float between two continents in the cold yet crystal-clear water. Participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

Alternatively, you can join a guided snowmobile trip on the Langjokull glacier. You'll be equipped with overalls and a helmet before speeding across the icy wonders of a glacier. 

If you're an animal lover, you can go horse riding in one of the valleys in the Golden Circle. Icelandic horses are well known for their small yet sturdy size and pleasant disposition. Nothing compares to a ride through the winter fields on an Icelandic horse.

The day's final optional add-on is an entrance ticket to the Laugarvatn Fontana spa. Relaxing at this idyllic lakefront spa could be the perfect relaxing finish to your day.

After a jam-packed day, you will relax at your hotel near the Golden Circle. If the sky is clear of clouds, you can go out in the evening searching for the elusive northern lights.

The third day of this winter trip will begin with an introduction to the picturesque South Coast. This incredible part of Iceland has many waterfalls, long stretches of black sands, glaciers, and stunning landscapes. 

The first stop is Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall with a 197-foot (60-meter) drop. Seljalandsfoss is an incredible photo opportunity because it looks spectacular when adorned in its snowy winter coat.

Another waterfall in the region is Skogafoss, with the same drop as Seljalandsfoss waterfall but a wider width of 82 feet (25 meters). The fast-flowing water creates a mist as it hits the flat ground of its base. Some days, sunlight flowing through this mist produces a rare double rainbow.

Next, you'll witness the marvelous vistas of the Reynisfjara coast. The landscape of this black sand beach is unlike any other place on earth. Black sand separates the mainland of Iceland from the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean. 

The cliffs surrounding the area are home to abundant species of native wildlife, particularly birds who hunt and nest in the area as the waves crash on the shore. Most leave during winter, but the site isn't any less beautiful.

You can choose to get up close and personal with Solheimajokull glacier today. As you hike over the rugged glacier terrain, the boundless sheets of ice crunching under your feet is a thrilling experience you shouldn't miss.

The view from the top of Solheimajokull will provide incredible photo opportunities as you learn about the tectonic and volcanic activity that shaped Iceland's landscape. This is a guided tour, so an experienced tour leader can assist you regardless of whether it's your first time or not.

Your other optional add-on for today is a Caves of Hella guided tour. On this explorative journey, you'll delve deep into the underground wonders of Iceland, navigating through the intricate labyrinthine systems that snake beneath the surface.

You'll end the day at your cozy accommodation in South Iceland.

Day four will bring you to the peaceful frozen landscapes of the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. This is the deepest lake in Iceland at 660 feet (200 meters), situated inside the Vatnajokull National Park. 

This area is a popular destination due to the blue icebergs that seem to glow as they float through these frigid waters. The glacier lagoon has also been the setting of many Hollywood films, including Die Another Day, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, and Batman Begins.

Some visitors here might even be lucky enough to see seals having a snooze on an iceberg or gracefully swimming through the water. This area is also the location of the black sand coast called Diamond beach. This name comes from the many icebergs that wash ashore, creating a landscape filled with jewel-like ice.

If you're traveling here in September, you can get closer to the icy monoliths by hopping on board an amphibious vehicle or a zodiac boat. Some of the icebergs tower overhead, even bigger than two-story buildings.

If you're here between October and March, you can add the extra experience of stepping inside an ice cave. Ice caves are rare, naturally occurring phenomena found in a few places on Earth. In the Vatnajokull glacier, they melt and freeze with the changing seasons.

This winter season, two beautiful ice caves have been discovered in the Vatnajokull National Park: the Western Ice Cave and the Eastern Ice Cave. Choose to add this amazing adventure to your trip and visit the best ice cave accessible on the day, taking into account the weather conditions and visibility to ensure the ultimate ice-caving experience.

The day's final optional add-on activity is a black beach buggy tour. This heart-pumping adventure offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and adrenaline-fueled fun, providing a unique perspective of Iceland's renowned coastal vistas.

After a day digesting the sights of this breathtaking region, you'll retire to your accommodation in Southeast Iceland. It's the perfect place to search for the northern lights if the sky is clear.

Day five of this winter adventure is the perfect time to explore the East Fjords, the farthest region from the Icelandic capital. The drive might be long, but it is full of exciting stops in some of the most charming villages in the country.

As you drive out of Hofn, the Stokksnes Peninsula and its distinct peaks by the coasts will bid you farewell. The Vestrahorn mountain is most notable here for its impressive height of 1490 feet (454 meters), covered by snow during winter.

The East Fjords region boasts steep mountains, ocean vistas, and an abundance of wildlife. Birds, seals, and reindeer are found in this part of the country. During winter, herds of wild reindeer migrate into the valleys, allowing you to see them near the Ring Road.

The East Fjords are even more incredible because very few visitors make it to this part of the country. The abundance of natural landscapes, void of people or modern development, makes this remote region of the country an idyllic location for peace and tranquillity.

You can stop in quaint local villages and areas rich in Icelandic folklore as you travel. For example, Djupivogur, Eskifjordur, and Seydisfjordur settlements make excellent pitstops for your drive. Each stop in these villages is your chance to learn more about the local culture by strolling through the scenic streets and meeting friendly locals.

While in Djupivogur, don't forget to visit its harbor to see the local artwork called Eggs of Merry Bay, featuring 34 egg sculptures in honor of the nesting birds in the vicinity of the village.

Your destination for the day is Egilsstadir. Upon arriving in Egilsstadir, you'll be greeted by a picturesque setting nestled by the banks of the Lagarfljot river, where verdant landscapes meet modern amenities, offering a serene yet vibrant atmosphere. This hub of East Iceland serves as a gateway to numerous scenic trails and historic sites, inviting travelers to delve into the region's rich culture, folklore, and stunning natural beauty.

During the booking process, you can add an entrance ticket to the Vok Baths, a rejuvenating lakeside spa. It could be the perfect finish to your day before you retire to your East Iceland accommodation.

On day six of your winter holiday, you'll travel to North Iceland to explore one of its most notable features, Lake Myvatn. This area is a hotbed of geological and geothermal activity, and the sightseeing opportunities are incredibly diverse.

Lake Myvatn is one of the largest lakes in Iceland and is nestled in a volcanic landscape known as the Myvatn region. The lake has serene waters, which reflect the surrounding volcanic peaks, dramatic lava formations, and snowy landscapes during winter.

Lake Myvatn during winter offers a different but equally mesmerizing experience compared to other seasons. For example, the pseudo-craters in the lake become more prominent when snow covers them. They make an excellent backdrop for photography and short hikes.

Another site to witness in the Myvatn area is the Dimmuborgir lava field, sometimes nicknamed 'The Dark Fortress' because of the lava rocks' color and composition. A volcanic eruption some 2300 years ago created this unique formation in North Iceland. 

Nearby, you can also explore the geothermal Namaskard Pass, where natural hot springs and fumaroles dot the landscape. As you approach Namaskard Pass, you'll be greeted by a striking panorama of steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pools, and colorful mineral deposits. 

The landscape is dominated by shades of white, with patches of steam rising from the ground, creating an ethereal atmosphere.

After a satisfying day of sightseeing, you can enjoy a visit to the Myvatn Nature Baths. Often referred to as the Blue Lagoon of the North, these mineral-rich, warm waters are the perfect place to unwind at the end of the day. Amidst the scenic backdrop, soak in the rejuvenating waters as the sky transitions into a canvas of pastel hues, offering a tranquil retreat and possibly granting you a glimpse of the elusive northern lights dancing in the evening sky.

Your accommodation for the evening will be in comfortable accommodation in North Iceland. 

On day eight, you'll fully encircle Iceland via the Ring Road or Route 1 as you drive back to Reykjavik. Before returning to the Icelandic capital, you'll have chances to explore some of the hidden gems of Northwest and West Iceland.

After you've soaked up the sights and sounds of the North, it's time to leave Akureyri and hit the road again. 

The road trip south will show you even more untold beauty. You'll likely want to make many stops to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Watch as the enigmatic landscape of Iceland twists and transforms over the horizon from the comfort of your car.

In Northwest Iceland, you can sneak quick stops in Blonduous town and the Hvitserkur rock formation. While Blonduous offers a serene environment surrounded by snowcapped peaks, Hvitserkur is an awe-inspiring feature standing at 49 feet (15 meters).

As you leave North Iceland and approach the western region, you'll drive through more busy towns like Reykholt and Borgarnes. Both locales lie near the scenic Borgarfjordur fjord and some beautiful natural attractions in West Iceland.

Like the rest of Iceland, this area has plenty of waterfalls. Two of the most prominent here are Barnafoss and Hraunfossar, known for their dramatic cascades and unique cliffs. 

The gentle cascade of Hraunfossar and the mighty plunge of Barnafoss, surrounded by lava fields, are picturesque scenes that nature lovers and photographers will enjoy.

Once you reach Reykjavik and check into your accommodation, you can tick off some exclusive city sites from your bucket list. Find a cozy bar to have a drink as you reflect on the past days of your adventure. If not, grab an authentic Icelandic dish from one of the many incredible restaurants in the city.