Express 6 Day Summer Self Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland

Start your road trip by heading north towards Akureyri, the capital of the North.

Although you will be driving for longer today than on any other day, there are many little side tours you can take en route. For example, it is only a short detour to the impressive Hvítserkur rock, which rises 50 ft (15 m) tall from the ocean in the shape of an elephant (if you're looking at the right angle). 

The charming town of Akureyri has plenty of things to check out, such as an impressive church, a vibrant main street, a botanical garden featuring over 700 species, and a great swimming pool. After spending some time exploring, continue towards Lake Mývatn. On your way, you'll see the mighty Goðafoss waterfall and some impressive geothermal areas.

You'll want plenty of time at Lake Mývatn, as it is known for its impressive beauty. If you have the opportunity, it is highly recommended you look at Dimmuborgir lava fields, also known as the Dark Fortress, and the hot spring cave of Grjótagjá. 

You can also soak in the Mývatn Nature Baths if you feel like doing something relaxing in the late evening. The time is no problem; they stay open until midnight in the summertime. 

Spend your night in Lake Mývatn or the town of Akureyri.

PLEASE NOTE: Today consists of approximately 6 hours of driving.

Spend the first part of your day exploring the gorgeous area around Lake Mývatn, the Námaskarð geothermal area, and the magnificent Dettifoss waterfall before continuing towards Egilsstaðir, the capital of the East. This drive will take you through the magnificent Vatnajökull National Park, which has many spectacular vistas.

Near Egilsstaðir is Iceland's largest forest, Hallormsstaðaskógur, and the lush and popular camping spot Atlavík, both of which are must-stop locations for avid birdwatchers. There is also a serene lake that contains Iceland's most famous monster, the Wyrm of Lagarfljót, a much older cousin to Nessie in Scotland's Loch Ness.

After enjoying these areas, drive to a quaint village in southeast Iceland, such as Höfn, where you will spend the night.

PLEASE NOTE: Today consists of approximately 5 hours of driving.

Begin your day by heading south to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon from your accommodation. Be sure to enjoy the views en route of the stark Mt. Vestrahorn and the glistening Vatnajökull glacier, the largest glacier in Europe.

When you reach the glacier lagoon nestled into the south side of Vatnajökull, you will see why it is such a popular attraction. The icebergs, breaking from the glacier and sailing across the water, are incredibly beautiful. Take your time exploring the lagoon and the nearby Diamond Beach, where huge pieces of crystal clear ice strand on the black, volcanic sand, sparkling in the sunlight like jewels. 

If you like, you can go on an optional boat tour of the lagoon before continuing your journey along the south coast of Iceland. You can jump on a zodiac or an amphibious vessel. 

Make sure you stop at Skaftafell Nature Reserve and try out their numerous hiking trails. If you feel energized, take the longer trail to the impressive waterfall Svartifoss, which rushes down unique, hexagonal basalt columns. If you are feeling adventurous, you can also opt for a glacier hike here.

Continue to drive to the stunning canyon Fjaðrárgljúfur, perhaps with a stop for dinner at the charming town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. From there, you will keep driving through an impressive diversity of landscape towards Vík, where you'll have a view of the sea stacks Reynisdrangar and where you will spend the night.

PLEASE NOTE: Today consists of approximately 4.5 hours of driving.

A little further on from Vík, you'll reach Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara beach, where you'll have an impressive view of long stretches of black sand, all the way down the coast towards the nearby glacier Mýrdalsjökull. You can opt for an ice cave tour to Mýrdalsjökull glacier that departs from Vík.

There are many interesting geological features along Reynisfjara beach. It is a popular place for watching puffins. Be cautious of the waves here, as they are notoriously unpredictable and dangerous.

After you have enjoyed the beach, keep going west along the South Coast. Admire the beauty of Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls before driving to Iceland's most popular tourist attractions, Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir geothermal area, and Þingvellir National Park, otherwise known as the Golden Circle. Each of these sites is world-famous for a reason, and none of them should be missed.

If you want to soak in a warm pool as well, you will want to stop by the Secret Lagoon in the town of Flúðir. Alternatively, you could bask in the warm waters of the Fontana Spa at Laugarvatn. 

There are three different tours you can opt into on this day. Another glacier hike or a snowmobiling tour on Sólheimajökull, and even a tandem paragliding flight.

After an eventful day, head back to Reykjavík, where you'll spend your last night.

PLEASE NOTE: Today consists of approximately 4 hours of driving!

Unwind in Reykjavík after a long but incredibly satisfying road trip.

For those who have a later flight and choose to visit the Blue Lagoon today, you will finish off your stay unwinding before you head to the airport. This is the perfect place to relax as you bathe in the warm, mineral-rich waters as you look back on the incredible adventure you have just taken in the land of fire and ice. If your flight is later, there are plenty of things to do in Reykjavik.

You may choose to go on an optional whale watching tour if you'd like one last glimpse of Iceland's incredible environment. If you have an early flight back home, we wish you a pleasant journey.

Return your car at Keflavík International Airport and have a great flight back home, full of memories of Iceland.