Categories Summer Tours Iceland Self Drive Vacations Adventure & Eco Travel Self Drive Tours Independent Tours

This classic circular route of Iceland gives travellers both flexibility and time to spend at each of Iceland’s most popular attractions.

Apart from experiencing all the natural treasures accessed via the Ring Road such as Geysir, Seljalandsfoss, and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, this tour dedicates two whole days to the wonders of South West Iceland, including the Borgarfjordur fjord and the mystic Snaefellsnes Glacier.

Highlights:

This tour is very similar to Iceland Travel's “Around Iceland” tour, but the Odyssey tour additionally includes two days in West Iceland, where you can explore the magical Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

This tour covers the whole of Iceland, except the Westfjords. With 12 days of traveling, you are sure to have plenty of time to cover all the major stunning attractions that Iceland has to offer along the Ring Road.

The nature plays the biggest role in this unforgettable tour. Geysers and hot springs, glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, National Parks, and more – this one has it all.

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.

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

Approximate mileage: ca. 170 km / 106 miles

Drive to Thingvellir National Park, site of the ancient Icelandic parliament and a jewel of nature. Continue to the famous Geysir hot-spring area and don't miss the mighty Gullfoss waterfall.

OPTIONALS:

Meet Us at Gullfoss / Basecamp Snowmobiling

Gullfoss Canyon Rafting – From Drumbó Base

Silfra Snorkeling (Meet on Location)

Fontana Nature Bath

Secret Lagoon

Hekla Volcano – Thundering Waterfalls – Puffin Colony – Black Sand Beaches – Lava Fields

Approximate mileage: ca. 300 km / 186 miles

Drive along the spectacular south coast and view highlights along the way such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, Mýrdalsjökull glacier, Dyrhólaey* and the black sand beaches of Vík. Continue towards Kirkjubæjarklaustur, a picturesque village known for fabulous trout fishing and is the former site of a 12th-century Catholic convent.

*Please note that Dyrhólaey is closed during nesting season in spring, from ca. middle May until June 23rd

OPTIONALS:

Snowmobiling on Myrdalsjokull Glacier (from Basecamp)

Black Sand ATV tour

Kayaking by Solheimajokull glacier

Glacier Discovery

Zipline Adventure at Vik

Approximate distance: ca380km / 236miles

Europe's Largest National Park - Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs - Europe's Largest Glacier - Narrow Fjords - Steep Mountains - Mineral Collection

Today you will be in the area of Vatnajokull National Park, named after Europe’s largest glacier. Visit the park’s awe-inspiring Skaftafell area, which is set between glaciers and offers many hiking possibilities. Continue to the shimmering icebergs of Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon. Wind your way through the spectacular East Fjords, with towering mountains and charming fishing villages, to the fertile Egilsstadir area. You might opt to take a boat tour to Papey Island where thousands of puffins nest in the summer or visit Petra‘s famous stone collection at Stodvarfjordur (Note: best time for viewing puffins is mid May to early August).

You can either drive straight through Fagridalur to Egilsstadir or head along the East Fjords, one of the oldest regions in Iceland, shaped by glaciers during the Ice Age. Although many are uninhabited, each fjord has its own grandeur. The natural harbours in the fjords led to the development of fishing villages that have still hung on to a degree of old-world charm.

Overnight in the Egilsstadir area

OPTIONALS:

Amphibian Boat Tour on Glacial Lagoon (from the lagoon)

Zodiac tour on Fjallsarlon Ice Lagoon

Glaciers Wonders, glacier hike at Skaftafell

Distance is variable

East Fjords - Legendary Lake Monster - Largest Forest in Iceland- Wilderness Heritage

Explore Egilsstadir and surrounding area, one of the oldest regions in Iceland, shaped by glaciers during the Ice Age. Although many are uninhabited, each fjord has its own grandeur. The natural harbors in the fjords led to the development of fishing villages that have still hung on to a degree of old-world charm.

Explore the quaint village of Seydisfjordur, where multi-coloured wooden houses are sheltered by a jaw-dropping backdrop of snow-capped mountains and tumbling waterfalls.

Visit Hallormsstadur the largest forest in Iceland set along Lake Lagarfljot, which according to legend contains a monster. Visit the new Wilderness Center located at the edge of the hauntingly beautiful eastern highlands. Here you can discover Iceland’s pioneer history and highland nature in a clever interactive way.

Overnight in the Egilsstadir area

OPTIONALS:

Petra's Icelandic Mineral Museum

Vok Geothermal Bath

Approximate Distance:

280 km / 174 miles

Europe’s Most Powerful Waterfall – Glacier-Carved Gorge – Whale Watching

Today you will be in the northern area of Vatnajokull National Park, which actually covers 14% of Iceland’s landscape. This region of the park has its own distinctive character. Less visited than the southern area, this area shows Iceland’s wild side to its fullest.

Travel across the vast Modrudalsoraefi highlands and into the wilderness, passing the historical farm of the same name. The route takes you to the mighty Dettifoss waterfall. A few moments here listening to the heavy thundering water against a surreal landscape is one of Iceland’s most amazing experiences.

Head through the park and its amazing canyon areas carved by the Jokulsar river. Explore the impressive horse-shoe-shaped Asbyrgi canyon, said to be formed by the god Odin’s stallion. Several walking trails lead to beautiful viewing areas.

Drive around the fossil rich Tjornes Peninsula to the Husavik area. Husavik is known as the whale watching capital of Iceland, and we recommend taking a whale watching tour if time permits. Most recently Husavik became well-known as a filming location in the 2020 Netflix film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. There is now even a Eurovision museum in the town! A great way to end your exciting day is with a relaxing swim in the warm sea waters of Husavik’s GeoSea Baths.

Important: Please note Roads 864, 862 and therefore, Road 85 are usually closed during the fall, winter and spring until the end of May (Road opening dates are dependent on the weather conditions). Until these roads are open, please take the scenic Ring Road 1 to Road 87 and on to Husavik.

Please also note that Roads 864 and 862 are gravel roads, and you must heed warning signs in the area if road conditions are not good for driving.

Overnight in the Husavik area or Lake Myvatn area.

OPTIONALS:

Whale watching at Husavik

Big whale safari & puffins (from Husavik)

GeoSea Geothermal bath

Bizarre Lava Formations – Geothermal Activity – Rich Birdlife

Approximate mileage: ca. 100 km / 62 miles

Explore the highlights of Lake Mývatn and surrounding area with unique attractions such as Dimmuborgir, the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir, the colorful sulfurous slopes of Námaskarð and Krafla volcanic area. Make a stop to admire Goðafoss "Of the Gods" waterfall before continuing to the town of Akureyri.

OPTIONALS:

Myvatn Nature Bath

Iceland's Second Largest City – Botanical Gardens – Local Museums – Arctic Circle

Approximate mileage: variable

Spend the day exploring Akureyri the "capital of the North" and its surrounding area. This charming town is small in size but has a vibrant cultural scene. Wander through a street dedicated to art galleries. Visit museums and historical wooden homes. Swim in the magnificent geothermal pool. And take a walk through a beautiful botanical garden on the edge of the Arctic Circle. If you enjoy outdoor recreation, Akureyri is great for whale watching, fishing, horseback riding or hiking in the trails around the fjord.

OPTIONAL:

Whale Watching (from Dalvik)

Approximate Distance:

360 km / 224 miles

Fertile Farmlands – Folk Museum – Viking Horses

Travel to the horse-breeding valley of Skagafjordur fjord. If you are a history buff, we suggest a stop at the manor farm of Glaumbaer. This is a turf home that dates back to the 18th century. Visiting here gives a sense of life in Iceland in the old days. Glaumbaer was an inspiration for Hannah Kent’s famous novel Burial Rites.

This is a great area to try horseback riding, and there are several farms who offer guided tours in the beautiful countryside.

If you prefer a boat paddle to a saddle, you can also enjoy white-water rafting in glacier rivers flowing through the area. Rafting trips are available to suit different skill levels.

Continue to the shores of Hunafloi bay, an area rich in Icelandic history. The interesting medieval Vatnsdaela Saga took place in this area.

An interesting place to visit is Borgarvirki, a natural rock formation that has been used as a citadel since Viking times.

Explore Dalir, the region of Eric the Red and birthplace of his son, the great explorer Leif Eiriksson at a living replica museum before driving to Snaefellsnes peninsula.

Overnight stay in Stykkisholmur, an eco-friendly town with beautiful wooden buildings originally brought over from Norway in the 1800s. Stykkisholmur is a lovely place to take an evening walk, and you will surely enjoy the nice selection of cafes and restaurants available.

Overnight in Stykkisholmur or northern Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Approximate distance: ca240km / 150miles

Magical Glacier Volcano– Sea Cliffs with Birdlife – Volcanic Crater

Circle around the legendary Snaefellsness peninsula passing the small fishing villages of Grundarfjordur and Hellissandur. Make a stop at the rocky beach of Djúpalónssandur. Don't miss the striking columnar basalt rock formations at Arnarstapi. Overall of this beauty is the great glacier-crowned volcano of Snaefellsjokull, said to have magical powers. Pass Eldborg crater en route to the agricultural region of Borgarfjordur.

Overnight stay in the Borgarfjordur area.

OPTIONALS:

Viking Sushi Boat Tour - Short Version (from Stykkishólmur)

Vatnshellir Caving

Whale watching from Olafsvik

Picturesque Waterfalls – Europe's Most Powerful Hot Spring – Blue Lagoon

Approximate mileage: ca. 220 km / 137 miles

In Borgarfjörður visit the beautiful Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, Reykholt and the enormous Deildartunguhver hot spring. Continue via Hvalfjörður fjord to Reykjavík. You may opt to visit the famous Blue Lagoon before heading back to Reykjavík.

OPTIONALS:

Krauma Nature bath

Into the Glacier (from Husafell)

Whale watching from Reykjavik

Sky Lagoon

Arrangements end after breakfast.

Approximate distance: ca52km / 32miles

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 11x24 hour rental days starting at the time of rental. If your flight arrives early on day 1 and departs late on day 12 an additional supplement will be necessary unless you choose to return the car in Reykjavik when the 11 day rental is up and use our Flybus departure transfer.

Notes