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

Your winter self-drive tour begins when you arrive in Iceland. After picking up your rental car at Keflavik International Airport, you’re set for an unforgettable 9-day road trip around the Ring Road.

From Keflavik International Airport, you'll travel across the moon-like terrain of the Reykjanes Peninsula en route to Reykjavik. On your way to the capital city, you can add several stops to discover Iceland's rich geological features and volcanic history.

You can also ease your travel fatigue with a visit to the Blue Lagoon, a world-renowned spa. Relax in its mineral-rich, milky blue waters surrounded by moss-covered lava fields.

If you add the Blue Lagoon to your itinerary, it will be arranged to fit your arrival. If it’s not possible to visit on this day, your travel consultant can arrange it for another day.

Once you arrive in Reykjavik, settle into your accommodation. You can have an early night or spend the rest of the day exploring the city. Admire the glistening glass exterior of Harpa Concert Hall, the architectural wonders of Hallgrimskirkja Church, and Laugavegur Street’s restaurants and shops.

If you didn't book the Blue Lagoon, the Sky Lagoon near Reykjavik is a fantastic alternative. This geothermal spa features the seven-step “Skjol bathing ritual” for relaxation and rejuvenation.

After a day of travel, it’s time to relax in your comfortable accommodation in Reykjavik and prepare for the adventures ahead!

On day two, you'll traverse Iceland's most popular route, the Golden Circle. This scenic 190-mile (300-kilometer) trail features three of the most visited attractions in the country.

Your first stop is Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO-listed site where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates drift apart. It's home to the world's oldest parliament and featured in HBO's “Game of Thrones” as the Bloody Gate.

For something adventurous, join a snorkeling tour at the Silfra Fissure in 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.

Next, drive to Geysir Geothermal Area in Haukadalur Valley. Unique rock formations and geysers dot this vast geothermal field. The most active geyser, Strokkur, erupts every 5-10 minutes, shooting water 66 feet (20 meters) into the air.

The third stop on your Golden Circle adventure is the mighty Gullfoss Waterfall, one of the most photographed waterfalls in Iceland. Watch as the roaring waters create a two-tiered cascade into a rugged canyon.

From Gullfoss, you can join a guided snowmobile trip on the Langjokull Glacier. You'll be equipped with overalls and a helmet before speeding across the expansive icy terrain.

Those seeking a more peaceful experience can choose to ride an Icelandic horse through the snow-covered valleys of the Icelandic countryside. These small but sturdy horses are famous for their gentle nature.

Before returning to your accommodation, you have the option to soak in the warm waters of the Laugarvatn Fontana Spa. Taking a dip in this peaceful lakefront setting is the perfect way to end your day.

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

Day three of this winter self-drive tour in Iceland takes you to the stunning South Coast. This region is packed with majestic waterfalls, black sand beaches, towering glaciers, and dramatic landscapes.

Your first stop is the mighty Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, where you can walk behind the 197-foot (60-meter) cascade. In winter, the waterfall is more magical with its snowy winter coat, making it one of the best photo spots in Iceland.

Next, head to Skogafoss, an 82-foot (25-meter) wide waterfall in the region. Watch the mist form as the fast-flowing water hits the ground. If you’re lucky, you might catch a rare double rainbow arching across the sky.

Afterward, head to Reynisfjara Beach, a surreal stretch of black sand framed by towering basalt cliffs. Here, you’ll witness powerful Atlantic waves crashing against the shore, a sight unique to Iceland. Marvel at the Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks, rising dramatically from the sea near the beach.

For those seeking adventure, you can hike the Solheimajokull Glacier. As you traverse the rugged terrain, the crunching of boundless sheets of ice under your feet is a thrilling experience you shouldn't miss.

The view from the top of Solheimajokull offers incredible photo opportunities as you learn about the tectonic and volcanic activity that shaped Iceland's landscape. Don’t worry if you’ve never hiked on a glacier before, your guide will assist you every step of the way.

You can also join a guided tour to explore the Caves of Hella for a unique and exciting experience. This underground exploration reveals ancient human-made tunnels and the hidden wonders of Iceland.

If a thrilling ice-caving tour interests you, you can explore Katla Ice Cave today or save it for tomorrow's trip.

After a day of adventure, you'll settle into your accommodation in South Iceland. If the skies are clear, step outside to chase the northern lights before settling in for the night.

On day four, you’ll explore the frozen landscapes of Vatnajokull National Park. Vatnajokull National Park is famous for its glowing blue icebergs, and popular sites, like Skaftafell Nature Reserve, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, and Diamond Beach.

You can start your day with a fun activity by joining a guided glacier hike in Skaftafell. Trek across stunning ice formations and marvel at panoramic views of Iceland’s snowy landscapes.

If you prefer to stay off the glacier, you could also take a short hike to see Svartifoss Waterfall. This waterfall, surrounded by basalt column pillars, actually inspired the architects of Reykjavik’s most famous landmark, Hallgrimskirkja Church.

When you’re ready to leave Skaftafell behind, continue your drive to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. This stunning lagoon is Iceland’s deepest lake, reaching 660 feet (200 meters).

As you explore Jokulsarlon, you might also recognize the area from Hollywood blockbusters like “Die Another Day,” “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider,” and “Batman Begins.” Keep an eye out for seals having a snooze on an iceberg or gracefully swimming through the water.

If you're traveling here in September, hop on an amphibious vehicle or a zodiac boat to get closer to the towering icebergs. Some icebergs rise as tall as two-story buildings, offering an incredible experience.

Nearby, the black sands of Diamond Beach sparkle with icebergs that have washed ashore, turning the coastline into a scene of jewel-like formations. This striking contrast makes it one of Iceland’s most beautiful sights.

Add some excitement to your day by including a glacier snowmobiling tour on your itinerary. With tours offered on both Myrdalsjokull and Vatnajokull, you have several options to choose from.

If you want to enjoy more of Vatnajokull, note that some activities are only available in certain months or seasons of the year.

From October to March, you can explore naturally occurring ice caves in the Vatnajokull Glacier. Ice caves are rare, naturally occurring phenomena found in a few places on Earth, like Iceland.

Vatnajokull has two ice caves that are accessible this winter: the Western Ice Cave and the Eastern Ice Cave. Depending on the weather and visibility, your guide will choose the best cave on the day to ensure the ultimate ice-caving experience.

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

On day five, get ready to explore the Eastfjords, one of Iceland’s most remote and scenic regions. While the drive is long, it offers exciting stops in some of the country’s most charming villages.

As you leave Hofn, the Stokksnes Peninsula and its distinct coastal peaks will bid you farewell. The Vestrahorn Mountain, standing at 1,490 feet (454 meters), is especially stunning under its winter snow. Make a quick stop for some photos.

Driving through the Eastfjords, the scenery intensifies with steep mountains and sweeping ocean views. Winter visitors are often lucky to spot herds of wild reindeer, seals, and various birdlife roaming freely near the Ring Road.

One of the Eastfjords' hidden charms is its peaceful, unspoiled nature. With fewer visitors, you'll witness Iceland’s pristine landscapes free from modern development, making it the ideal escape for those seeking solitude.

Along the way, you can stop in picturesque local villages like Djupivogur, Eskifjordur, and Seydisfjordur. Each stop offers a glimpse of Icelandic folklore and local culture, where you can stroll through scenic streets and meet friendly locals.

In Djupivogur, visit the harbor to see the Eggs of Merry Bay, a local artwork featuring 34 egg sculptures honoring the nesting birds around the village.

After exploring Djupivogur, drive to the mountain-framed village of Eskifjordur, known for its fishing heritage. Then, head to Seydisfjordur, a colorful town bursting with artsy charm, breathtaking fjord views, and the iconic rainbow street leading to its blue church.

From the small villages of East Iceland, drive north, and you’ll pass by Hallormsstadaskogur Forest, the largest of its kind in Iceland. Continue driving and make a stop at Egilsstadir, a town by the banks of the Lagarfljot River. Surrounded by lush scenery, this hub of East Iceland offers plenty of hiking trails, historic sites, and rich local culture to explore.

After a long day on the road, you might want to unwind at the lakeside spa of Vok Baths. Soak in geothermal waters while taking in the stunning surroundings, a perfect end to your day.

Later at night, as you settle into your accommodation in East Iceland, keep an eye on the sky for a chance to witness the elusive aurora borealis.

On day six of your winter self-drive tour, from the east, you'll travel to North Iceland to explore Lake Myvatn and its surroundings. This area is a hotspot of geothermal wonders and diverse sightseeing opportunities.

Lake Myvatn, one of Iceland’s largest lakes, is surrounded by towering peaks, dramatic lava formations, and pseudo-craters. The scenery becomes more stunning in winter as the region is blanketed with snow. This mesmerizing view makes an excellent backdrop for photography and short hikes.

Nearby, the Dimmuborgir Lava Field, nicknamed “The Dark Fortress,” will take you back 2300 years to the volcanic eruption that created its unique lava formations. Its towering, dark rocks stand out against the white winter landscape.

The geothermal Namaskard Pass is another must-see. Expect shades of red, blue, greens, and yellow scattered throughout the landscapes of steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and mineral deposits. The patches of steam rising from the snow-covered ground create a stunning sight.

After a satisfying day of sightseeing, unwind at the Myvatn Nature Baths, often called the “Blue Lagoon of the North.” Soak in its warm, mineral-rich waters as the sky shifts into pastel hues, and if you’re lucky, catch the northern lights in the evening.

You’ll spend the night in comfortable accommodation in North Iceland. Step outside at night and watch the sky, as you might be lucky to catch the dazzling northern lights.

On the seventh day of this winter adventure, you'll drive to Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland. The drive for today can be short or long, depending on how many stops you want to make.

On the way to the town, visit the iconic Godafoss, the “waterfall of the gods.” This 39-foot (12-meter) cascade, where a chieftain once tossed Norse god statues, creates an epic, icy spectacle as it plunges over the cliffs.

Before reaching Akureyri, you can spend some time in Kjarnaskogur, Iceland’s largest recreational forest with over one million trees. Even in winter, this 800-hectare forest offers plenty of outdoor activities.

Once in Akureyri, you can spend a relaxing day with the locals downtown. The town is filled with boutiques, cafes, and bars. Akureyri also has a vibrant arts and music scene, with many events occurring throughout the year.

While you're in Akureyri, you can hop on a whale-watching tour. The Eyjafjordur Fjord, where Akureyri nestles, is known for its abundance of humpback whales. Experienced guides know the best places to search for whales, dolphins, and porpoises, and tours in the area have high success rates for seeing these gentle giants.

If you have time, drive 30 minutes further north to visit the Bjorbodin Beer Spa in Arskogssandur. This facility offers a unique experience of bathing in beer and enjoying a drink simultaneously! It’s a one-of-a-kind way to end the day.

You'll wind down at your cozy North Iceland accommodation, but keep an eye on the sky! You might catch the mesmerizing northern lights dancing above before resting for the night.

On day eight, you’ll complete your journey around 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 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 pass by snowcapped peaks, quiet towns, and striking rock formations, perfect for spontaneous stops along the way.

In Northwest Iceland, you can take a detour to Holar i Hjaltadal, a historic site with a rich medieval history. Continue your drive along the Ring Road to Blonduos, a peaceful town surrounded by beautiful snow-covered mountains.

Another worthwhile stop is Borgarvirki, a unique basalt fortress and ruins offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Not far away, you can visit Hvitserkur, a 49-foot-high rock formation that rises dramatically from the sea.

As you leave North Iceland and head west, pass through the lively towns of Reykholt and Borgarnes, both near the scenic Borgarfjordur Fjord. Take a side trip to Borg a Myrum, home to a charming, historic church and farm.

Like the rest of Iceland, this area has plenty of waterfalls. Two nearby waterfalls, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, are worth visiting. The gentle cascade of Hraunfossar and the mighty plunge of Barnafoss, surrounded by lava fields, are picturesque scenes to 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.

For a magical evening, you can join a northern lights tour from Reykjavik. A local guide will take you to clearer skies for the best views. Alternatively, drive to Grotta Lighthouse for ideal northern lights views. For a local experience, grab ice cream on the way. Locals love it even in the freezing winter!