8-Day Ring Road Trip with Highlands Exploration & Snaefellsnes Peninsula starting from Reykjavik

Today’s journey begins once you finish your complimentary breakfast at the hotel. Today will be very active, so be sure to fuel up and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!

You'll be amazed by the vast Vatnjakokull glacier, the largest in Europe. Its immense size and stunning beauty make it a popular destination for glacier hiking. Glacier hiking is a thrilling, year-round activity since the ice at Vatnajokull doesn’t melt in the summer.

You will suit up with all the necessary safety equipment before your certified glacier guide leads you onto one of the outlets of the Vatnajokull glacier. You can expect a magnificent hike over the ice, spending your time exploring crevasses and enjoying endless stunning vistas.

Your experienced guide will be happy to answer any questions as they teach you about the glacier. Bring your camera for this hike because the gorgeous views are endless.

After your bucket list experience on the glacier, it’s time to visit another of Iceland’s magnificent glacial areas. The Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is known as the Crown Jewel of Iceland, and it’s easy to see why!

The Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is an enormous lake filled with floating ancient icebergs. As you walk around the lagoon, keep an eye out for the wildlife that calls Jokulsarlon home, including arctic tern and seals.

Just moments from Jokulsarlon is the beloved Diamond Beach, a popular site for many visitors due to its beauty and photo opportunities. It gets its name from the chunks of ice scattered across the black volcanic sand, which look like diamonds glittering in the sun.

Tonight’s accommodation is in the quaint seaside town of Hofn, known as the lobster capital. You will have plenty of time to explore the village and enjoy a delicious lobster dinner at the restaurant of your choice.

Experience one of the lesser-known regions of Iceland on day three when you make your way to the Eastfjords. This area of stunning natural beauty, extraordinary biodiversity, and endless views isn’t as popular with tourists as some other regions, meaning you’re unlikely to run into many people.

Around each twist and turn of the small Eastfjord roads, you will be amazed by the natural beauty. The region is characterized by towering mountains, twisting rivers, and sparkling seas and has the unique honor of being the only place in Iceland where you can find wild herds of reindeer.

Your first stop in the Eastfjords is the town of Egilsstadir, located on the banks of the Lagarfljot river. The river flows through the narrow Lake Lagarfljot, best known as the home of the legendary monster similar to Scotland’s Loch Ness monster, the Lagarfljot Wyrm.

After this mythical stop, you will make your way to the charming small village of Djupivogur. This seaside fishing town sits along a black sand beach and is known for its friendly and welcoming locals.

Today’s adventure is a three-hour hike to the Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss waterfalls, providing incredible sights without requiring a strenuous hike. The Litlanesfoss waterfall is smaller than its neighbor, but the hexagonal basalt columns that it flows down offer amazing views.

The Hengifoss waterfall is the third-tallest waterfall in Iceland. Dropping down a cliff made of basaltic strata streaked with bright red clay layers, the 420-foot (128-meter) waterfall is a magical sight.

After your hike, you will head back to the town of Egilsstadir for tonight’s hotel. If you are touring in the winter, this is a great chance to do some northern light hunting when you are far from light pollution.

Day four brings you to the wilds of North Iceland, where volcanoes, geothermal fields, roaring waterfalls, and Icelandic horse farms are common sights. As you drive from the Eastfjords north, check out the otherworldly views unique to Iceland.

Your first stop is at the magnificent Dettifoss waterfall, one of Europe’s most powerful. The size of this thundering waterfall is hard to believe until you’ve seen it and watched the water roaring as it drops 150 feet (45 meters) into the canyon below.

The day continues with a stop at the Namaskard geothermal area, which sits atop the Namafjall mountain in North Iceland. The site is fascinating due to the complete lack of vegetation from the intense heat and high soil acidity.

Namaskard is popular with visitors for many reasons, one being the streaks of brightly colored earth in shades of red, orange, yellow, and green surrounding the hot springs. The very active geothermal area is unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

Lake Myvatn is a top attraction in North Iceland, well-loved for its beautiful nature and the relaxing natural hot springs bathing opportunities. This tour allows time for a soak in the hot springs, so be sure to book your spot ahead of time to guarantee availability!

You will stop at the Hverfjall volcanic crater and the Dimmuborgir lava formations. Dimmuborgir, also known as “the dark cities,” was formed when the roof of a massive lava tube collapsed, leaving behind these towering rock formations.

Your day finishes at the Godafoss waterfall, a towering beauty whose name translates to the waterfall of the gods. Your hotel for the night is in the city of Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland.

On day five, you will depart Akureyri after breakfast at the hotel. Heading west, enjoy the coastal scenery as you prepare for your exciting first stop.

Today’s adventure is a whale-watching boat tour from the village of Dalvik. Dalvik is a small but charming village on the Trollaskagi peninsula, and just north of the town is Grimsey island, the northernmost inhabited area in Iceland.

Dalvik is also considered one of the best locations for whale watching tours and gives you a great chance of spotting one of the magnificent giants. Your expert guide will take you to the prime locations where humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoise sightings are common.

While winter travels in Iceland are magical for several reasons, it isn’t possible to go on whale-watching tours in December and January. Your tour guide will make alternate plans in these months.

After your incredible expedition to see Iceland’s whales, the tour continues along the Trollaskagi peninsula. The stunning landscape is dotted with charming villages and quaint farms and is an excellent example of the beauty of North Iceland.

You will stop in the vibrant fishing town of Siglufjordur, the northernmost town on Iceland’s mainland. Siglufjordur was once known as the herring fishing capital of the Atlantic and now boasts several fascinating museums, such as the Herring Era museum and the Folk Music museum.

Upon leaving Siglufjordur, you will make your way through Skagafjordur and Hunavatnassysna, areas that are well known for the number of Icelandic horse farms. This is a great chance to stop for pictures of some iconic Icelandic scenery.

Tonight you will be staying at a country hotel in Laugarbakki village. This tiny community sits on the banks of the Midfjardara river and is a quiet area perfect for a good night’s rest.

The Borgarfjordur region in West Iceland is your first destination on the sixth day of your tour around Iceland’s Ring Road. The area was named one of the top travel destinations of 2016 by Lonely Planet, and when you see this otherworldly landscape, you will understand why!

Your group will stop at the Grabrok volcanic crater for a short hike to the top, providing incredible views over West Iceland. Grabrok is a lovely site, often overlooked by visitors, meaning you aren’t likely to see many other people and can enjoy the peace of the attraction.

The day’s next stop showcases how Iceland harnesses green energy, specifically geothermal energy. Deildartunguhver hot spring is the most powerful hot spring in Europe, and over 90% of the hot water used in the area is created here.

The Hraunfossar waterfall, or “Lava falls,” is a series of waterfalls streaming out of the Hallmundarhraun lava fields, creating a visually stunning image. After visiting Hraunfossar, you will also have the chance to stop at the neighboring Barnafoss waterfall, a powerful waterfall in total contrast to the gentle beauty of Hraunfossar.

Finally, you will visit the small West Iceland village of Reykholt. Reykholt is the hometown of the Icelandic writer, chieftain, and historian, Snorri Sturluson, maybe best known for his work Prose Edda, which compiled Old Norse mythology.

Before Sturluson created this book, this type of mythology was exclusively kept alive through oral tradition. Sturluson’s work is one of the most important texts regarding Norse Mythology and the belief system of Vikings.

Tonight your hotel will be located in Borgarnes, a charming town that connects the Snaefellsnes peninsula with the rest of Iceland. Here you can find numerous restaurants, cafes, and other amenities.

Today will be spent exploring one of the most amazing areas in the country, the Snaefellsnes peninsula. Often referred to as Iceland in miniature, the peninsula contains all the features that are so unique to Iceland.

Home to Snaefellsjokull National Park, the Snaefellsnes peninsula features glacier-capped volcanoes, lava fields, towering mountains, black sand beaches, and even colonies of seals. Snaefellsnes is best known for its incredible natural sights, but there are also a handful of small and quaint villages dotted around the peninsula.

Your first stop of the day is at the lovely neighboring fishing villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar. After exploring the surrounding area, including the natural harbor, rock formations, and basalt caves, you will have the chance to visit a cozy cafe for lunch.

After lunch, it is time to head to the awe-inspiring Snaefellsjokull National Park. Here, you have the opportunity to go on a short hike through the rolling green hills and admire the view of the Snaefellsjokull glacier towering above.

One of the most interesting attractions today is the Londrangar sea stacks, columns jutting 246 feet (75 meters) and 200 feet (61 meters) up from the sea. Legend says these striking monuments belong to the elves.

Next, you will head to one of the most beautiful beaches in Iceland, the Djupalonssandur black sand beach. Featuring dramatic cliffs and interesting lava formations, Djupalonssandur is sure to be one of today's highlights.

Finally, you will stop at the world-famous Kirkjufell mountain before you return to Reykjavik for the night. The cone-shaped Kirkjufell mountain is one of the most photographed spots in Iceland, so you’ll undoubtedly want to capture a shot of this stunning landmark!

Tonight you will be staying in Reykjavik, the vibrant capital of Iceland. You will arrive in plenty of time to go out for dinner or a drink at one of Reykjavik’s many bars or restaurants.

The adventure on the final day of your tour depends on the season you are visiting. From June to October, you will go on an unforgettable guided hike at Landmannalaugar in the Icelandic Highlands. When the Highlands aren’t accessible in the winter, you will take an exhilarating snowmobile tour of the Langjokull glacier.

In summer, you will leave Reykjavik and head deep into the Highlands of Iceland. Landmannalaugar is one of the most popular areas in the Highlands, particularly for hiking and hot spring bathing.

Your hike through the biodiverse nature of Landmannalaugar will be about five to six miles (eight to ten kilometers) and provide endless views. Your first significant site on the hike is the Laugahraun lava field, formed in 1477 during a volcanic eruption.

Next, your experienced guide will lead you through Vondugil canyon and then up to the peak of the colorful Mount Brennisteinsalda. Graenagil gorge and Blahnukur volcano are your final stops as you make your way back towards the trailhead, the perfect ending to an incredible day of hiking.

In winter, get your adrenaline pumping with a snowmobile excursion on the Langjokull glacier. You will be picked up from your hotel in Reykjavik in a Super Jeep and then head out to begin your adventure.

Snowmobiling is a fantastic way to experience the glacier, allowing you to see locations impossible to reach on foot. Langjokull glacier is the second largest in Iceland and features breathtaking panoramic vistas of the snow-covered landscape.

Your amazing eight-day Iceland Ring Road tour is complete, and your driver will drop you off in Reykjavik in the late evening. After checking off so many incredible bucket list attractions, it’s time to treat yourself to a delicious meal and a good night’s rest.