This self-drive favorite explores Iceland's rich natural treasures, including national parks, beautiful waterfalls, striking glaciers, magnificent volcanoes and hot springs.

Highlights

Plenty of time to cover all the major stunning attractions Iceland has to offer on the Ring Road

Enjoy a leisurely holiday combining driving with plenty time to enjoy sightseeing and activities

Explore all Iceland's main attractions in the Golden Circle and along the South Shore

Take advantage of countryside hotel locations to scout for northern lights (mid-September – October and early–mid April-- (Please note: The northern lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings, therefore, cannot be guaranteed.) )

Itinerary

Geothermal Lagoon – Flower village – Geothermal Greenhouses

Approximate mileage: ca. 100 km / 62 miles

Pick up the car at the airport and start your Iceland experience.

From Keflavík International Airport we recommend driving the southern coast of the Reykjanes peninsula towards your first overnight stay in the charming village of Hveragerði. The village is one of the few sites in the world located directly on top of a geothermal area and because of its many greenhouses heated by hot water from nearby springs it is often called the flower village.

Depending on your arrival time in Iceland it is ideal to visit the renowned Blue Lagoon to relax in the geothermal water.

Greenhouses – Exploding Geysers – National Park with Geological Wonders (UNESCO) – Massive Waterfall

Approximate distance: ca310km / 193miles

Drive to the legendary waterfall Gullfoss and the hot springs at Geysir. Visit Thingvellir National Park, site of the ancient Icelandic parliament, before driving through Hvalfjordur fjord to the historic and scenic Borgarfjordur region.

Mid-June through Mid-September: If you have a 4WD vehicle, you can also take the scenic highland wilderness Kaldidalur track alongside Langjokull glacier to Borgarfjordur. The road generally is open between mid-June and mid-September.

Overnight in Borgarfjordur area

Optional: Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths - Entrance fee

Fertile Farmlands – Glacial Rivers – Iceland's Second Largest City – Viking Horses

Approximate mileage: ca. 280 km / 174 miles

Drive north through Borgarfjörður to the shores of Húnaflói bay and the towering mountains and horse-breeding valley of Skagafjörður. Continue to Akureyri, the capital of the north.

Botanical Garden – Museums – Waterfall "Of the Gods"

Approximate mileage: ca. 100 km / 62 miles

Spend the morning exploring the town of Akureyri. Continue your journey to the unique Lake Myvatn area. Stop en route to Myvatn to view the beautiful Godafoss waterfalls, which have a unique connection to Iceland‘s Viking Age.

Overnight in North Iceland

Exploring the natural wonders of Lake Myvatn and the surrounding area, including fantastic lava formations. Visit to the volcanic area of Krafla along with the colorful sulfurous slopes of Namaskaro pass

Whale Watching – Glacier Carved Gorge – Europe's Most Powerful Waterfall

Approximate mileage: ca. 310 km / 193 miles

Remember to make sure you have a full tank of gas and some snacks to eat, as travel services are more limited on today’s route. Drive north to the fishing port of Husavik, where you might stop to enjoy a whale watching boat tour (available Mar- Nov). The Whale Museum and the new Explorers’ Museum are both worth a look. Head around the fossil-rich Tjornes* peninsula on the edge of the Arctic Circle to the northern entrance of Vatnajökull National Park. Here you can visit Ásbyrgi, a magnificent horseshoes-caped canyon Proceed to the mighty Dettifoss* waterfall, the most powerful ones in Europe*. Continue across the vast highland plateau to Egilsstadir in the east.

*If you are traveling between May and September, roads would be open for visiting Dettifoss, the Europe’s most powerful waterfall. Please note that it is not possible to visit Dettifoss in October and April, as the roads to the waterfall are not safe for winter travel.

October and April: We recommend following the famous Ring Road 1 from Mývatn to Egilsstaðir, perhaps taking a detour to visit charming Husavik village.

Overnight in East Iceland.

Optional: Whale Watching in traditional Oak Boat (from Husavik)

Narrow Fjords - Steep Mountains - Picturesque Coastline - Mineral Collection

Approximate mileage: ca. 300 km / 186 miles

Drive south through the spectacular East Fjords, where towering mountains plunge vertically into the ocean. Leave yourself plenty time, both for safe driving and for amazing views of the coast and Vatnajokull glacier. The journey continues to the town of Hofn in Hornafjordur, also known as the lobster capital of northern Europe.

Overnight in Southeast Iceland

Europe's Largest Glacier – Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs – Europe's Largest National Park

Approximate mileage: ca. 200 km / 124 miles

Drive to the shimmering icebergs and still, milky waters of Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon before continuing to Skaftafell National Park where a nature hike is recommended. On to the picturesque village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

Optional: Amphibian Boat Tour on Glacial Lagoon (from the lagoon)

Lava Fields – Black Sand Beaches of the South Shore – Puffin Colony – Thundering Waterfalls

Approximate mileage: ca. 260 km / 162miles

Drive along the spectacular south coast, a sweeping landscape of sandy deserts, rocky shores and rolling farmlands sandwiched between snow-capped glaciers, mountains and the ocean. Stop to admire the black sand beaches and cliffs at Dyrholaey*. There are also vast bird colonies here, including puffins (generally seen mid May to early August). Also visit the beautiful waterfalls of Skogar and Seljalands, each with its own character. You will also see the mighty Eyjafjallajokull volcano, famous for its 2010 eruption. An interesting volcano center at the base of the mountain tells the story of this event. Return to Reykjavík in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Reykjavik

*Dyrholaey is closed for the bird nesting season between mid-May and 25 June

Optional: Snowmobiling on Myrdalsjokull Glacier (from Basecamp)

Arrangements end after breakfast.

Drive back to Keflavik International Airport and even stop at Blue Lagoon as it is on your way to the airport, if you did not have time to do it on your arrival day.*

*Please note that the package price is based on 9 x 24-hour rental days starting at the time of rental. If your flight arrives early on day 1 and departs late on day 10 an additional supplement will be necessary unless you choose to return the car in Reykjavik when the 9 day rental is up and use the Flybus departure transfer.

Notes