11-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Holiday of the Complete Ring Road & Snaefellsnes Peninsula

On the second day of this winter self-drive tour of Iceland, you'll journey to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, often nicknamed “Iceland in Miniature” for its diverse landscapes. Along its 56-mile (90-kilometer) coastline, you’ll encounter towering mountains and picturesque coastal villages.

Your first stop is Ytri Tunga Beach, for its golden sand and playful seals basking along the shore. Next, head to Budir and its famous black church. Its striking black exterior stands against a backdrop of the Snaefellsjokull Glacier and endless green fields. This iconic landmark is a photographer’s dream.

Continuing your drive, you’ll approach Snaefellsjokull, a 700,000-year-old glacier-capped volcano. Besides its prominent height of 4,744 feet (1,446 meters), it’s a famous inspiration for Jules Verne's novel "Journey to the Center of the Earth."

Not far from the Snaefellsnes glacier volcano is Djupalonssandur, a hauntingly beautiful black sand beach sculpted by the relentless waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Walk along the shore, past shipwreck remains and unique rock formations.

A short drive brings you to Mount Kirkjufell, one of Iceland's most photographed mountains and a familiar sight for "Game of Thrones" fans. Its pointed peak and surrounding waterfalls create a perfect stop to admire Iceland’s raw beauty.

While on the peninsula, you can join an exciting underground adventure in the Vatnshellir Cave, an ancient lava tube. Inside, you’ll find bizarre lava formations, glittering walls, and complete darkness when your guide turns off the lights.

If you'd rather spend time exploring the region's wildlife, you can join a whale-watching tour from the town of Olafsvik. Home to orcas, humpback whales, and dolphins, this area offers some of the best opportunities to get up close to Iceland’s incredible marine life.

After a day filled with diverse sights, settle into your accommodation in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Watch out for the northern lights in the evening before capping off an unforgettable day.

On day three, get behind the wheel to rejoin the Ring Road as you head to Akureyri, the “capital of the North.” You’ll pass through the stunning Skagafjordur region, known for its dramatic landscapes and open fields where Icelandic horses roam freely.

Your first stop is the striking Hvitserkur Rock Stack, a unique sight standing at 49 feet (15 meters) on Iceland's northern coast. It resembles some kind of animal, like an elephant or even a dinosaur, bending down to drink.

Next, visit the quiet village of Hvammstangi, a peaceful settlement perfect for scenic walks by the coast. Look for seals and birds along the shoreline, or try local Icelandic food at one of the village’s cozy cafes.

After a few hours on the road, you'll reach the beautiful town of Akureyri. If you want to explore the area, visit the Akureyri Church, see the Hof Cultural Center, or unwind in the town’s geothermal pool to relax after a day of travel.

For a unique experience, you can head to the Forest Lagoon, a hidden gem surrounded by birch and pine trees. Soak in the geothermal waters while taking in panoramic views of Eyjafjordur and the peaceful embrace of the forest.

One of the most prominent features of Akureyri and the region is the picturesque Eyjafjordur Fjord, one of Iceland’s longest fjords. Its 47-mile stretch of snowcapped mountains and dramatic cliffs will leave you in awe.

The benefit of being so far north is that you have even more hours of darkness to see the northern lights.

After another fantastic day, you'll settle into your North Iceland accommodation.

On day five, you'll leave the Myvatn area and journey to East Iceland, one of the most remote regions in the country.

Before you set off, you can enjoy an authentic Arctic experience and take a dog-sledding tour around the beautiful Lake Myvatn. Zoom across the snow behind a team of adorable huskies and reward these hardworking pups with a belly rub.

If you want to explore places unreachable by regular cars, hop into a super jeep and conquer Iceland’s rugged terrain to reach Dettifoss. Let the experts handle the wild ride while you soak in the stunning views.

This stunning natural wonder is considered the most powerful waterfall in Europe and was featured in Ridley Scott's sci-fi movie “Prometheus.” Its 328-foot (100-meter)-wide cascade is even more breathtaking in winter’s ice and snow.

Alternatively, you could head straight for the Eastfjords to explore Egilsstadir, the capital of East Iceland. Stroll around the streets to learn more about the local culture and talk with the friendly locals to complete your experience. For a hidden gem, visit the nearby Hengifoss Waterfall, with its striking red clay layers and dramatic cliffs.

Next, drive to Seydisfjordur, a scenic fishing town known for its rainbow-colored streets and charming blue church. Take time to explore its peaceful harbor and artistic vibe.

After a day of exploring, settle into your accommodation in East Iceland. Before turning in for the night, step outside. You may glimpse the northern lights lighting up the sky, adding a magical touch to your adventure.

On day 6, you have a whole day to explore more of the Eastfjords, a beautiful region with charming fjords and coastal villages. Few tourists venture here in winter, so you can expect a more peaceful experience exploring attractions.

The Eastfjords of Iceland during winter offer a breathtakingly beautiful and unique experience. Nestled along the country's eastern coast, this region is known for its rugged landscapes, dramatic fjords, and serene beauty. You also have the best opportunity to see wild reindeer here when they go down the valleys to graze.

Just outside Egilsstadir stands Iceland's largest forest, Hallormsstadaskogur. Stroll among the towering trees, and then stop by Lagarfljot Lake, where legend has it a giant serpent has lived for centuries, an Icelandic mystery that predates the Loch Ness monster.

As you continue driving, stop in picturesque fishing villages like Faskrudsfjordur and Djupivogur, where the wintery landscapes create a peaceful atmosphere.

When you reach the southeast, you could go to the stunning Stokksnes Peninsula to see the jagged Vestrahorn Mountain—nicknamed "Batman Mountain" for its striking peaks.

End your day in Hofn, a charming town known for its delicious langoustine lobster and proximity to Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Europe.

Head to your Southeast Iceland accommodation when you're ready. Watch for the northern lights across the beautiful bay before calling it a night.

On day seven of your winter self-drive tour on the Ring Road, you’ll see the “Crown Jewel of Iceland,” Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.

The lagoon is where small and massive icebergs break away from the Breidamerkurjokull Glacier of Vatnajokull and drift slowly toward the sea. Their bright blue and white colors, streaked with black ash from ancient volcanoes, make them look like stunning natural sculptures.

If you’re lucky, you might spot playful seals resting on the ice or swimming around. For a closer look, hop on a boat tour and weave through the icebergs for an unforgettable up-close view of this glacial wonder.

Just a short walk away, Diamond Beach awaits. The same icebergs from the lagoon wash ashore and glisten in the sunlight on the black volcanic sand. It's a photographer’s dream and a magical sight not to be missed.

But your adventure doesn't stop there! If you're up for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, step inside one of Vatnajokull's ice caves and marvel at the crystal-blue walls, with millions of tiny air bubbles trapped in the frozen walls over centuries.

Two stunning caves, the Western Ice Cave and the Eastern Ice Cave, have been discovered this winter season. Choose to add this fantastic 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.

Before the day ends, you can detour to the Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon, a hidden gem where you can soak in Iceland’s untouched beauty without the crowds.

After a day of exploring Iceland’s glacial wonders, you will spend the night in Southeast Iceland. Before turning in, you can step outside to look for the aurora borealis if the skies are clear.

On day nine, your journey takes you along the famous South Coast, one of the most visited areas in Iceland. In just one day, you’ll witness powerful waterfalls, mighty glaciers, black sand beaches, and dramatic mountains of the region.

Start by strolling through the charming village of Vik. Walk through its picturesque streets and check out Vik i Myrdal Church, where you’ll see the Myrdalsjokull Glacier and the North Atlantic Ocean.

Next, head to the stunning Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, known for its jet-black sand, impressive basalt columns, and otherworldly sea stacks. Although the beach is beautiful to see up close, swimming here is prohibited due to the massive Atlantic waves. So don't forget to explore the beach with caution.

To the west of the beach is the impressive sea arch of Dyrholaey, a picturesque area to stop and take photos.

After exploring Vik’s wonders, you’ll continue along the Ring Road. Stop at the Solheimajokull Glacier, where you can hike and enjoy the mountain views beyond the icy lagoon.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can explore the intriguing Katla ice cave inside Myrdalsjokull, Iceland's fourth largest glacier. Marvel at the stunning contrast of white ice streaked with black ash from past eruptions of the mighty Katla volcano.

The adventure doesn't stop there. Before returning to Reykjavik, you should stop at two of Iceland's most beautiful waterfalls, Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss. Both are around 197 feet (60 meters) tall, making for an impressive sight, especially in the winter landscape.

If you’re up for some hidden gems, take a short walk to Kvernufoss Waterfall, not far from Skogafoss, or Gljufrabui, a lesser-known waterfall near Seljalandsfoss.

On your drive back, stop by The Old Dairy Food Hall in Selfoss for a bite to eat before completing the last leg of today’s drive.

Before the day ends, you'll return to Reykjavik, where you can unwind in the comfort of your accommodation.

Wake up in Reykjavik and get on the road for Iceland's best-loved route, the Golden Circle.

Your first stop is Thingvellir National Park, where Viking settlers created Iceland’s first parliament, Althingi. Today, this institution continues in Reykjavik, making it the world’s oldest continuous parliament.

Thingvellir also sits on the Mid-Atlantic rift, where you can walk between the Eurasian and North American plates. It’s an experience you won’t find anywhere else.

To experience an Iceland-only adventure, join a snorkeling tour in the Silfra Fissure in Thingvellir. The glacial waters are so clear that you can see deep underwater, exploring rock formations between the continents. You need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

The next stop is the Geysir Geothermal Area, home to steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and hot springs. The area's highlight is Strokkur, an active geyser that erupts impressive water sprays every 5 to 10 minutes up to 66 feet (20 meters) in the air.

From here, it’s a short drive to the magnificent Gullfoss Waterfall. Watch the sheer power of nature as the waterfall drops into a deep canyon.

For some icy adventure, you can snowmobile across Langjokull, Iceland’s second largest glacier. Feel the thrill of speeding across the ice, surrounded by stunning mountain views.

If you'd rather lie back and relax, visit the Secret Lagoon, a natural geothermal pool near Fludir. Soak in the warm waters and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before returning to Reykjavik for the night.