Recently updated on June 25th, 2024 at 09:21 am
We first took interest in Iceland way back when thanks to the Mighty Ducks sequel. And then when Walter Mitty took his secret life to the land of fire and ice back in 2013 we knew it was a place we needed to travel. The issue was there wasn’t a whole lot of information on the best route to go. We didn’t think a whole week in Reykjavik would cut it. So began a lot of research and map scouring. Ultimately, Iceland’s Ring Road seemed like the best choice.
We ended up having one of the best trips that we have ever taken and want to share how we did it so you can start planning your amazing adventure. Iceland’s Ring Road is becoming more and more popular as a road trip route, so get there while it’s still magical and pristine.
A Full 8-Day Itinerary for Iceland’s Ring Road
Day 1 – Arrival, Reykjanes Peninsula & Reykjavik
Many flights from the United States arrive early in the morning. It will take a little time to grab luggage and get through customs. You’ll pick up your rental car (we used Sixt) and hit the road. The Reykjanes Peninsula is a great introduction to Iceland. You will find a few small coastal towns with colorful lighthouses, lots of horses and a whole new landscape.
Stop at the Bridge between the Continents for a little leg stretch. There is literally a bridge that walks between the two continental plates. We didn’t see any other people there and it was a beautiful walk.
The Blue Lagoon will be your next stop. After flying overnight, this is a traveler’s treat. It is quiet first thing in the morning. It is definitely one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland, but going in the morning will give you a better experience with fewer people. They have many packages available on their website, so pick whatever fits your budget. You can grab a decent breakfast/lunch there as well. If you want to plan a full day there, you can stay at the hotel located onsite. We only spent a few hours there, so I don’t think that is necessary.
Once you’re done and relaxed, head to Reykjavik to catch up on some rest and have a great dinner. The best way to get your bearings on the city is to take the elevator to the top of Hallgrimskirkja and get 360-degree views of the colorful city.
Hotel Info for Reykjavik
Stay at the Reykjavik Marina Berjaya. We loved this hotel. It was clean and comfortable, and the bar downstairs was a great place to unwind after a long day. You are right on the water and have great views of the Marina.
For a more homelike feel, we have also stayed at Kvosin, right in the center of town. Get info here. Some of the rooms have a kitchenette and sitting area. This would be a great spot for a longer stay in town. There was a lovely bar downstairs and tons of eating options just a few steps from the front door.
Day 2 – Golden Circle Highlights & South Coast
If you are adjusting to the time change, you may find yourself up super early. Grab some breakfast and hit the road. The Golden Circle is a popular loop off of Iceland’s Ring Road. The earlier you head out, the quieter you will find some of the Golden Circle’s most popular sites.
Þingvellir Historial Site
The first stop is Þingvellir Historial Site and National Park. There are a lot of hiking trails here and beautiful views in every direction. You can sit on the shores of Iceland’s largest lake. If you are interested in a crazy kind of scuba diving, you can dive between the two continental plates in this area.
Geysir
This next stop on the tour will remind you of Yellowstone National Park. In the 1950’s, tourists threw rocks into the large geyser blocking it but the smaller one still shoots in the air every ten minutes or so. The area around the geyser is beautiful with steam and crazy colors.
Gullfoss
This last stop on the Golden Circle is a 70-meter-high waterfall that plunges into a canyon. It’s gorgeous and pictures do not do it justice. At a point in history, investors wanted to take control of the land, and the landowner’s daughter threatened to throw herself into the waterfall if the government allowed this to happen. She is known as one of the world’s first extreme environmentalists. Luckily, now, people can appreciate the natural beauty of Gullfoss, and it is safe for generations to come. Waterfalls are a must-have Iceland experience, and this is one of the best.
The Golden Circle area is one of the most visited by tourists and there are several buses that frequent the area. These are the 3 main attractions, but there are lots of turn offs and hiking trails that will take you to places that you’ll have all to yourself.
Other Famous South Coast Stops
Once you venture towards the east, you are more on your own. The road quiets down the further from Reykjavik you get. Some of the best waterfalls are on this south coast.
Seljalandsfoss – A tall waterfall with a trail that takes you behind the roaring water. You can see this beauty from the road, but it’s worth a quick stop.
The Hidden Pool – Seljavallalaug – If you want to do a little more soaking in a more natural and quiet pool, you can hike back to this one.
Skogarfoss – This waterfall has a long set of stairs that will allow you to climb to the top. You can also walk to the bottom if you are good with getting a little wet. There is a great restaurant near this waterfall as well if you are hungry.
Your day will end in the town of Vik on the south coast. There are a few restaurants in town, so you’ll have a little variety to choose from.
Hotel Info for Vik
We stayed at this property in town, and it was comfortable and convenient. There wasn’t as much in the area when we were there a couple of years ago, but it looks like there is more now.
If you want to be a little more remote, you can book one of these camping pods near the town of Vik.
Day 3 – Vik, Waterfalls & the Glacial Lagoon
After a couple of long days, I recommend sleeping in a bit on day 3. Once up, grab your coffee and head to the Black Sand Beach right in Vik.
Vatnajökull National Park
This is a great place to get out and do some hiking. It’s a huge park with a few paths. My favorite leads up the hill and back towards the Svartifoss waterfall surrounded by basalt columns. You can easily spend two hours there hiking with views of the surrounding glaciers
Jökulsárlón Glacial Lake
Jökulsárlón is a favorite of everyone I know who has visited Iceland. It is a glacial lake with floating icebergs. You can take boat tours most months of the year to get up close and personal with the ice and the wildlife that calls this lake home. The beach where the ice flows out to sea is breathtaking.
The Town of Höfn
It isn’t too much further to drive to Höfn from here, so you’ll have some time to relax. I recommend heading into town for dinner and ordering the Langoustine. They are smaller Lobsters that are caught right off the east coast of Iceland. Kaffi Hornid is a laid-back spot that’s perfect after a day of exploring.
Hotel Info for Höfn
This is one of the most beautiful locations we have ever stayed in. This remote hotel linked here has some breathtaking views of the glaciers and mountains. It offers on-site dining, but you are also not too far from town.
Day 4 – Wild East Coast & Highlands
One of amazing thing about Iceland’s Ring Road is the amount of stuff there is to see from about anywhere. This is is great here because day four is mostly driving. You will take the most scenic routes up the east coast through small colorful towns and for miles without seeing another car. You’ll eventually head inland and up into the highlands to get to the northern part of the island.
Depending on the time of year, there may be a lot of snow, but the roads are cleared frequently. Just give yourself enough time to make this drive safely during daylight.
You can take a detour to the town of Seydisfjordur. We couldn’t because the road up and over the hill to get there was very slippery, but I’ve heard it’s amazing.
Hotel info for Mývatn
There are some great farmstays and hotels in this region. We stayed at this beautiful property, which has views and comfortable rooms. This hotel is another gorgeous option with a lower price tag, but it doesn’t skimp on the scenery.
Day 5 – Mývatn, Husavik & Godafoss
This adventure area in the northern part of Iceland has a lot of different activities to check out. Mývatn is a volcanic lake. There is a smaller version of the Blue Lagoon called the Mývatn Nature Baths. It is a much more budget-friendly option, but it is just as great.
This is also a great place to view the Northern Lights if you are visiting during the winter months.
Husavik
Husavik is a town north of Mývatn, one of the best places to take a whale-watching tour. It was the closest we got to the Arctic Circle. The town has a museum all about whales and some small cafes for a good lunch stop.
Northern Waterfalls
If you haven’t gotten enough of Iceland’s waterfalls yet, check out Godafoss and Dettifoss. Godafoss is the waterfall of the Gods and has quite the history with Iceland’s conversion to Christianity. Dettifoss is the most powerful waterfall on the island.
Hotel in Akureyri
Get to the next major town and check in for a 2-night stay. We chose to stay at the Icelandair Hotel in town and were not disappointed. Click here for rates and availability. This spot is another great option right in the city.
Day 6 – Akureyri
Take the day to explore Iceland’s second-largest city and the north’s capital. It is located at the base of a fjord. You can walk everywhere in town, and there is a great variety of unique shops and restaurants to entertain you.
Places near Akureyri for a quick trip
Skjaldarvik Guest House is located on the fjord just north of town, and it offers horseback riding. We took a few hours to ride on a few Icelandic horses with views of the surrounding fjord and mountains. It was a great experience led by students staying in the area. I would definitely recommend checking it out while in town.
This Guest House is temporarily closed, but here is another highly-rated horseback riding activity with a similar path to ours.
The Christmas House can only be classified as an amazing road trip find. I call it Santa’s Summer Getaway, but it is really just a well-themed store. You’ll find Santa’s clothes hanging on the line outside and a yard filled with Christmas photo ops. It is easy to get there and a fun place to just stop and see for yourself.
Head back to Akureyri to explore a little more before you hit the road the next day.
Day 7 – Snæfellsnes Peninsula – A Detour from Iceland’s Ring Road
It’s the last long drive day. Leave town in the morning and head down highway 1 back towards Reykjavik. If you aren’t up for the 8 1/2 hour drive, just head straight back to the city without the peninsula and save 4 hours.
This is your chance to take a detour off Iceland’s Ring Road to explore the famous Snæfellsjökull National Park. You take a right off the main highway and follow a loop out to the end of the peninsula and then back on the south side. It is a beautiful drive with a few small harbor towns to stop and enjoy lunch.
Once you return to Reykjavik, take the afternoon and evening to soak in the last of this amazing place. The street art is colorful and everywhere you look. If you want to toast to the land of ice and fire, I would suggest knocking back one shot of Brennivín, Iceland’s signature beverage. You could also check out some of the great bars in Reykjavik like the Lebowski Bar or the Laundramat Cafe.
Check into the same hotel you used the first night or try a different one.
Day 8 – Reykjavik & Home
Enjoy your final breakfast of cheese, smoked fish, yogurt, bread, and eggs—a staple at most hotels and breakfast spots. Wander the streets to use up any stored energy before making the quick 40-minute drive to the airport.
Final Thoughts
This country delivers in every aspect, and Iceland’s Ring Road is a road tripper’s dream. Long stretches of empty highways surrounded by the beautiful landscapes as far as you can see. It takes you through so many of the country’s best natural attractions.
Leave any questions or additional thoughts in the comments below.
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