7-Day Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland

On day two, you'll drive from Reykjavik to the capital of the North, Akureyri.

On your way, you can take an ice cream stop in Borgarnes town (considered mandatory by many locals) and a short hike (approximately one hour) up Grabrok, the smallest of three craters in a short volcanic fissure.

If you feel like stretching your legs, a marked trail will take you from Route 1 to the very edge of the rim. Once you get up there, you'll see beautiful landscapes across the Borgarfjordur area. 

You can also take a detour and visit the historical site Reykholt. It once served as the residence of the medieval scholar and writer Snorri Sturluson. At Reykholt, you'll find Snorrastofa, a research center dedicated to Snorri and medieval studies. Visitors can see Snorri's pool and the tunnel connecting it to the house.

Nearby is Europe's highest-flowing hot spring, Deildartunguhver. The thermal water emerging from the spring maintains a consistent temperature of 206 F (97 C). It heats the towns of Borgarnes and Akranes, exemplifying Iceland's innovative use of geothermal energy. 

Another sightseeing option for your journey is the 50-foot (15-meter) tall Hvitserkur rock formation near Hvammstangi. Depending on the viewing angle, it's a dramatic formation that resembles a dragon drinking from the sea or a giant petrified troll.

You've got three incredible options for add-on tours today, so think about what you can fit into your day and what most appeals. 

The Vidgelmir lava cave tour takes you on an adventurous journey through one of the largest lava caves in Iceland, where you can marvel at stunning lava formations, ice sculptures, and colorful mineral deposits while learning about the cave's historical and geological significance.

The Langjokull Ice Tunnel tour offers a unique opportunity to journey into the heart of Iceland's second-largest glacier, exploring artificial tunnels that reveal the glacier's blue ice interior, a rare and educational glimpse into the world of glaciers.

Your final tour option for the day is at The Beer Spa north of Akureyri. It offers a unique Icelandic experience where guests can relax in wooden tubs filled with warm beer, water, hops, and yeast, which are reputed to have rejuvenating effects on the skin.

The drive from Reykjavik to Akureyri takes 4.5-5 hours without any stops, so be prepared to drive for a while today. You'll be rewarded with your first view of the charming and lively town of Akureyri.

You will spend the night in a cozy accommodation in North Iceland.

On day three, enjoy Akureyri, then head east towards the stunning area around Lake Myvatn.

Between Akureyri and Myvatn, you'll see the gorgeous Godafoss waterfall. Godafoss earned its name after an event in 1000 AD when Iceland converted to Christianity, and the chieftain threw his statues of the old Norse gods into the falls. It offers a breathtaking view of water cascading over a semi-circular edge, creating a visually striking horseshoe shape.

Make sure you check out the Namaskard geothermal area close to Myvatn. It's dotted with boiling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and sulfur deposits, creating a vivid tapestry of red, orange, and yellow hues. The intense geothermal activity under the thin crust creates a dramatic scene that exemplifies the raw power of nature.

Don't miss Dimmuborgir (the Dark Fortress) and its imposing lava rock formations. This large area of uniquely shaped lava fields east of Myvatn is known for its dramatic formations, caves, and rich mythology, often associated with trolls and elves.

The Myvatn Nature Baths are open until near midnight during the summer, so it's a perfect end to the day to bask and relax here. You can add your entry ticket during the booking process.

If a long soak in a hot spring is not for you, consider a detour to Dettifoss, Iceland's most powerful waterfall. With an impressive width of 330 feet (100 meters) and a drop of 144 feet (44 meters) into the Jokulsargljufur canyon, the thundering spectacle of Dettifoss offers a breathtaking display of nature's raw power.

You'll then head over to Egilsstadir town, the unofficial capital of the East. As an alternative to the Myvatn Nature Baths, you could opt for a ticket to the Vok Baths by the lake near Egilsstadir. The Vok Baths offer a luxurious spa experience with panoramic views over the serene Lake Urridavatn.

Your accommodation for the night is here in the East Iceland region.

Near Egilsstadir is Hallormsstadaskogur forest. As Iceland's largest forest, you may want to explore it before your drive south towards the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

On your way, admire the spectacular beauty of the east, and remember to look out for reindeer. They can only be found in this part of Iceland.

There are several options for stops along the Eastfjords where you can stretch your legs and admire the treasures of this lesser-visited part of the country.

Djupivogur is a charming fishing village, rich in history and traditional Icelandic culture. It's also home to the striking outdoor artwork, 'Eggin i Gledivik,' by Sigurdur Gudmundsson, featuring 34 large-scale egg replicas of local bird species. 

Stokksnes is a captivating headland on the southeastern coast of Iceland, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and dramatic landscapes. It offers incredible mountain and sea views, making it a must-see stop for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

The main highlight of day four is the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and the nearby Diamond Beach. Take your time to explore the intense beauty of the lagoon.

You'll be captivated by the massive chunks of ice floating down from the glacial tongue. The sheer size of the icebergs is mesmerizing, and their vibrant colors of white, blue, and black create a breathtaking setting.

Ensure you keep your eye out for seals. They like to play on the ice and may be curious enough to come closer. They often want to see you just as much as you want to see them.

From the lagoon, it's a short stroll down to the black beach nearby, Diamond beach, named for the many icebergs scattered along it. You can expect an awe-inspiring view with the Atlantic Ocean's waves crashing on them.

Spend your night in comfortable accommodation in Southeast Iceland, near the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

You can return to Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon for one of two optional boat rides on day five. The Amphibian boat tour is perfect for a leisurely journey amid the floating icebergs, providing ample opportunities for photography.

For a more intimate and adventurous experience, the zodiac boat tour takes you on a smaller, faster vessel to get closer to the glacier and navigate through more densely packed icebergs.

Continue your road trip towards Skaftafell Nature Reserve. It's recommended that you enjoy the optional glacier hike in Skaftafell today, taking in the magnificent Vatnajokull glacier and spectacular vistas.

After enjoying the beauty of this reserve, continue driving along the South Coast of Iceland. An interesting stop is at the wreckage of a bridge destroyed in a glacier flood. If you take a moment to rest here, you'll have a great view of the Vatnajokull glacier.

The stunning Fjadrargljufur canyon near the Kirkjubaejarklaustur village is well worth a visit. Fjadrargljufur stretches over 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) long and reaches depths of up to 328 feet (100 meters). It offers a breathtaking view of cascading waterfalls and the serene Fjadra river flowing through its base. 

You'll see the Reynisdrangar sea stacks from the town's black beach at Vik. Nearby, you can explore the gorgeous Dyrholaey cliff, with a view of the glacier, the sea, and the nearby black sands of Reynisfjara. Be extra careful if you go to the beach here because the waves can be hazardous and unpredictable.

Finally, explore the gorgeous waterfalls of Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss. Nature's astonishing power cannot be denied as you watch the water crash from craggy cliffs above into the waiting waters of the river below. You can even fully encircle Seljalandsfoss.

Both waterfalls fall from a cliff of 200 feet (60 meters).

You will spend the night in one of the small towns of Southwest Iceland.

After waking up in Hvolsvollur or Hella in Southwest Iceland, you'll continue your journey west and head to the famous Golden Circle to visit three of the country's most popular and well-known sites. 

On your way to the first stop, Gullfoss, or the Golden Waterfall, you might want to stop by the town of Fludir and soak in the Secret Lagoon geothermal pool. The pool's natural surroundings and steam rising into the air create a mystical ambiance. The water is a luxurious 100-104 F (38-40 C) all year. 

Gullfoss waterfall is incredible, cascading down two drops over 105 feet (32 meters). You can reach a viewing platform right at its edge in good weather to truly appreciate its tremendous power. If you wish, you can opt for a snowmobiling tour across the Langjokull glacier from here. 

After a short drive, you'll reach the Geysir geothermal area, named for 'the Great Geysir,' a world-famous hot spring. Though it does not often erupt these days, its brother, Strokkur, erupts every five to 10 minutes, hurling water up to 98 feet (30 meters) into the air.

Finally, finish your Golden Circle experience with a visit to the Thingvellir National Park. Thingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because the Althingi parliament was founded there in 930 AD. 

You can walk through the magnificent gorge Almannagja, which marks the eastern boundary of the North American tectonic plate and into which the beautiful waterfall Oxararfoss tumbles. The popular HBO series Game of Thrones has filmed here to take advantage of these exquisite surroundings.

For a more intimate experience at Thingvellir, you could go snorkeling in the Silfra fissure. The crystal-clear water fills an underwater gorge where the two tectonic plates meet, so you'll swim between the continents in one of the planet's most celebrated diving and snorkeling spots. Participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

From the national park, there's a short 45-minute drive back to Reykjavik. Spend your last night relaxing in the capital city.