9-Day Summer Self-Drive Tour of Iceland’s Ring Road with South Coast Highlights

Today, you'll head into a place of intrigue and wonder, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. This part of Iceland is affectionately nicknamed 'Iceland in Miniature' since it contains many of Iceland's varied landscapes in a very small area.

Snaefellsnes is home to Snaefellsjokull, a volcano-capped glacier described in Icelandic folklore as a place of great mysticism. It was also the location used at the beginning of the Jules Verne novel 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth.'

While visiting the peninsula, you could explore an 8000-year-old lava cave. This underground tunnel, called Vatnshellir, was formed during a volcanic eruption millennia ago. In this experience, you'll travel underground following the lava path formed during a fiery explosion.

Also on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is the incredibly photogenic Kirkjufell mountain. This cone-shaped giant stands at 1519 feet (463 meters) high and towers over a nearby waterfall and lake, making the surrounding area look as though it belongs in a fairytale.

If you think this mountain seems familiar, it could be because it was used in the hit HBO series Game of Thrones. Kirkjufell represented 'The mountain that looks like an Arrow's Head.'

Snaefellsnes is also home to Ytri-Tunga Beach, a shoreline well-known for its seal colony. Visitors can often see these playful mammals sunning themselves on the coastline.

There are also two charming fishing villages worth checking out, Arnarstapi and Hellnar. These quiet townships are nestled at the foot of mountains, overlooking the ocean. They're unmissable attractions with sweeping plains surrounding them and an abundance of spectacular sea cliffs.

There are also some incredible rock formations around Djupalonssandur beach. This arch-shaped bay is marked with black sand and unusual sea stacks. In 1948, the English trawler Epine GY 7 was wrecked not far from the shore, and its remains are still scattered along the black sands.

While visiting Snaefellsnes, you could also choose to go on a Viking Sushi Boat adventure. You'll head out into the ocean on this tour. A shellfish plow will scour the depths to unlock some seafood treasures. Some of the catch will be prepared for you to enjoy with wasabi and soy sauce, making it the freshest seafood you'll ever taste.

You'll spend the night at your accommodation on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Today, you'll say goodbye to Snaefellsnes and make your way north.

You might want to stop at two incredible waterfalls on your journey, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. Although they're relatively close to each other, each is unique.

Hraunfossar, or 'Lava Falls' in Icelandic, looks like it was taken from the pages of a fantasy novel. The neighboring Barnafoss' name translates to 'Children's Falls' and is the product of a powerful flow of water that pushes through lava rocks, creating rapids.

You can also stop at one of the most photographed sites in Iceland, Hvitserkur. This intriguing rock formation sits in the sea. Local tales tell that it was once a troll who was up to no good. The troll ventured into the waters of the Atlantic to attempt to sink a ship but lost track of time and was turned to stone by the sun's rays. Today, Hvitserkur is a favorite stop for photographers of all levels.

Another stop you might want to make on this adventure to the north is the quaint town of Siglufjordur. This is the most northern part of mainland Iceland. Siglufjordur is home to a Herring Era Museum dedicated to the silver of the sea that once fueled the local area's economy. This is a great chance to stretch your legs and enjoy the sights and sounds of idyllic Icelandic country life.

You could choose to participate in a couple of other activities today.

If you would like relaxation, you could visit the Bjorbodin Beer Spa. This unique concept combines a traditional day spa with the centuries-old tradition of beer brewing.

At Bjorbodin, you can take a warm bath in a live young beer. The composition of this amber liquid is said to have incredible effects on the skin. You'll also have access to a personal beer tap to sip on a cold one as you bathe.

If you'd like some nautical adventure, you could go on a whale-watching tour. In this activity, you'll board a boat and head into the waters of the north to spot the gentle giants of the sea. The ocean around Northern Iceland is well-known for its abundance of whales, dolphins, and other sea mammals as they migrate regularly.

At the end of the day, you'll head to the capital of the north, Akureyri, to unwind and prepare for another day. Your accommodation is around this area of North Iceland.

Today, you'll head through the northeastern part of the country. This area is fascinating, otherworldly, and abundant with attractions. You won't be able to see them all in one day, so you'll need to pick your favorites.

Heading away from Akureyri, you'll come to a waterfall with a special place in Iceland's history. In English, Godafoss, or 'The Waterfall of the Gods,' was where Icelanders officially adopted Christianity in 1000 AD.

Another spectacular waterfall is Dettifoss, which is said to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Its roar can be felt as it dramatically cascades down a drop of 144 feet (44 meters). Dettifoss inspired the director Ridley Scott to include it in the opening scene of his hit 2012 science fiction film, Prometheus.

From here, you could detour to the seaside village of Husavik. This town is credited as the unofficial whale-watching capital of Europe. Several species travel through the waters off the coast of Husavik, and many whale-watching tour companies boast a 100 percent success rate.

If you'd like to take a whale-watching tour from Husavik, there are two different ones you can choose from. You can take a traditional whale-watching trip on a regular boat. You could also opt for a rib boat tour, allowing you to get closer to these gentle giants of the sea.

Husavik is also home to the GeoSea Baths, a spa concept that differs slightly from the traditional geothermal pools in Iceland. The warm waters of GeoSea are from the sea. Here, you can soak in the warm, salty water as you look out at the incredible natural surroundings of the area.

If you skip Husavik, you'll head straight to the Lake Myvatn area. This part of the country is a hotbed of geothermal activity. The name 'Myvatn' means 'fly' and comes from the small flies found around the area.

Krafla is just north of Lake Myvatn. It's a caldera that's part of an extensive volcanic system. In the nearby Namafjall geothermal area, you can witness mud pots as they boil while smoke from fumaroles gently wafts from the landscape, littered with sulfur crystals of greens, blues, yellows, and whites.

There's also a fascinating rock structure in the area called Dimmuborgir. This is often called 'The Black Fortress' because some say it looks like a medieval castle. According to Icelandic folklore, this is the home of Gryla, the mother of the 13 Icelandic Santas.

If you want some relaxation but missed Husavik, you can still treat yourself in Myvatn. The Myvatn Nature Baths are a luxury spa facility known as 'The Blue Lagoon of the North.'

You'll arrive at your accommodation in East Iceland at the end of your day.

Today is a chance to experience one of Iceland's less-traveled areas, the remote Eastfjords. This part of the country is home to incredible seascapes, stunning cliffs, abundant wildlife, and picturesque villages. 

You'll begin your day at your accommodation in Egilsstadir. This is the largest town in the east and a great place to base yourself in the morning. From here, you can travel west and see a few natural gems.

If you haven't had enough of the abundance of geothermal pools in Iceland, you could visit the Vok Baths, only three miles (five kilometers) northwest of here.

To the west of Egilsstadir, there are three major attractions. Lake Lagarfljot is a pristine body of water that is said to be the home of Iceland's version of the Loch Ness Monster, the Lagarfljot Worm.

Not far from here is the beautiful Hengifoss waterfall cascading in front of a beautifully colored basalt rock cliff. There is also Hallormsstadarskogur, the largest forest in Iceland.

To the east of Egisstadir is a town steeped in natural beauty, making for a perfect lunch stop. Seydisfjordur sits at the mouth of a bay, almost entirely surrounded by mountains and waterfalls. Norwegian fishermen established the town, and the architecture of Seydisfjordur still reflects this today with its colorful buildings.

The town is a hub of creativity, with many artists living in the area. Each summer, Seydisfjordur hosts the country's largest youth arts festival, LungA. The name combines the Icelandic words for art, 'lista' and young people, 'unga.'

In Seydisfjordur, you could grab a bite at a local cafe or walk around the pristine harbor. The town has a rainbow street that leads to its iconic blue church, which will undoubtedly make for some impressive holiday snapshots.

Heading further south, you'll come across even more idyllic country towns. Places that were once hubs of the fishing industry today reflect the peace and tranquillity of the east.

Faskrudsfjordur is a coastal village that French sailors initially settled. After the war, many of these Frenchmen left to serve their country. However, their mark is still in the settlement. The original French hospital has been restored and now serves as a hotel with a museum attached. Many of the street signs in Faskrudsfjordur are in both Icelandic and French.

Djupivogur is another fishing village in the east. It sits at the foot of a spectacular pyramid-shaped mountain that plays with the sunlight, casting intricate shadows over the surrounding land. This mountain is called Bulandstindur, and if you are in Djupivogur during the summer solstice, it has been said to grant wishes.

As you continue traveling towards the south, you'll see the impressive Vestrahorn mountain, standing at 1490 feet (454 meters). Vestrahorn faces the sea and paints the landscape with shadows as the sun dapples light over its two distinct peaks.

You will stop at the end of the day in Southeast Iceland, where you can get excited about exploring tomorrow.

Today is all about starting the adventure of exploring Iceland's South Coast. The south is home to many of Iceland's most famous and sought-after landmarks and attractions, and you'll soon understand why taking two days to see them is an absolute bonus.

You'll begin with a visit to 'the crown jewel of Iceland,' Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. This glacial lake is filled with meltwater from one of the tongues of Vatnajokull glacier, called Breidamerkjokull.

Jokulsarlon is the deepest lagoon in the country. At its deepest, it reaches 660 feet (200 meters). The immense icebergs that mystically float through its icy waters bring people from all over the world here.

If you want an immersive and thrilling lagoon experience, you could take a boat tour of it. There are two different kinds you can pick from. An amphibian boat tour will drive you straight into the water, where you can look at the icy monoliths as they float gracefully, almost glowing in blues and whites.

You can also choose to take a smaller zodiac boat. A zodiac tour allows you to get closer to the massive chunks of ice and even the seals in the area.

Next to the lagoon is the famous Diamond Beach. This short stretch of black sand is sometimes the final resting place of icebergs as the ocean's waves have worn them down. The thousands of ice pieces resting on the stark black beach look like jewels, which is how it gets its name.

You'll then head through the rugged landscapes of the Skaftafell Nature Reserve. This area is part of Vatnajokull National Park and is known for its impressive views and native flora.

If you're a hiker, you may want to start your day early to have enough time to hike to Svartifoss, a lovely waterfall framed in hexagonal basalt rock. The hiking trails leading up to this waterfall can easily take you through several enjoyable hours of untouched nature.

If you'd like some extra adventure, you could choose to add a glacier hike to your afternoon. In this activity, you'll meet at the base camp at Skaftafell. Here, your glacier guides will give you a safety briefing and fit you with the necessary safety gear. You'll then head up onto the glacier.

The views surrounding you will be like nothing you've ever seen. The feeling of standing on a glacier, like an Arctic explorer, will create memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.

You'll then go to your accommodation in one of the quaint villages of the South Coast, ready to see more attractions tomorrow.

It's time to visit some of the most iconic locations in Iceland. Vik is an excellent place for incredible photos of the surrounding area. The village has a black sand beach, great restaurants, cafes, and a famous church on a hill overlooking the town and the ocean.

You could visit an ice cave from Vik, a fascinating natural phenomenon. They're created by the regular melt and freeze cycles of glaciers.

Visiting an ice cave is an experience you'll remember forever. It's like being inside a crystal castle, the walls shimmering in shades of blue and white. No two ice caves are ever the same, and the one you visit will eventually disappear, making this a genuinely unique experience.

You could also choose to visit the famous DC-3 plane wreck. In 1973, an American Navy Plane crash-landed on the plains of Solheimasandur. There were no casualties, and the aircraft was abandoned. Today, it has become a significant attraction on the South Coast.

The next point of interest is the Reynisfjara black-sand beach, a great symbol of Iceland's volcanic history. Powerful waves crash against the powder-fine black sand. A steep cliff face of unusual hexagonal basalt rock columns frames the beach. These look like they were carved into the cliff face, but they are, in fact, naturally occurring.

Not far from the shore of Reynisfjara are the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. These rock formations stick out from the ocean's crashing waves, and like many of the large rocks in the country, they are said to be petrified trolls.

A little further along the coast is Dyrholaey. This small rocky peninsula offers beautiful panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding landscapes. Dyrholaey is also a favorite nesting spot for native birds, including the puffin.

You'll then reach the Solheimajokull glacier, an outlet of the larger Myrdalsjokull. While in this area, you could go on a glacier hike, available as an add-on during the booking process.

The next stop is Skogafoss, one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland. This impressive fall drops from 197 feet (60 meters) onto relatively flat ground. On sunny days, many visitors can witness and photograph a double rainbow through the mist created by Skogafoss.

Not far from Skogafoss is another beautiful yet different waterfall called Seljalandsfoss. This waterfall looks like it belongs in Narnia. Its lush green surroundings frame it perfectly. Its water cascades in front of a cave, meaning visitors can walk behind the fast-flowing water curtain if weather conditions are right. If you venture behind the falls, ensure you have waterproof clothing because you'll get wet.

You'll then spend the night in Southwest Iceland.

This is your last official day of travel. To top it all off, you'll take in the most popular sites in the country.

Today, you'll explore the famous Golden Circle driving route. This group of three main attractions is considered a must-see when coming here.

If you have an early flight home tomorrow, starting early and focusing on the main attractions would be a good idea. This will get you back to Reykjavik in the afternoon, providing more time to enjoy the capital.

The first stop on the Golden Circle is the Gullfoss waterfall. Its name translates to 'The Golden Falls,' and it's easy to see why. The waters of Gullfoss tumble town two tiers from a height of 105 feet (32 meters). Its powerful flow and staggering size make it an impressive stop.

If you'd love an adrenaline rush, you could choose to go on a snowmobiling tour departing from Gullfoss. In this experience, you'll zip through the icy landscapes of the Langjokull glacier, driving a snowmobile. You'll get incredible views as you glide across the ice and snow.

The next stop is the Geysir geothermal area. This part of the Golden Circle powerfully represents the volcanic energy that formed Iceland. Hot pools and steam escaping from fumaroles fill the landscape.

Strokkur, Geysir's most active geyser, erupts almost every 5-10 minutes. Steaming hot water explodes into the air, sometimes up to 66 feet (20 meters). An impressed gasp from visitors almost always accompanies this.

The third stop on the Golden Circle is Thingvellir National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed location is a place of extreme beauty and immense cultural significance to Icelanders. Thingvellir is the home of the oldest democratic parliament in the world. It's also where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet.

You could choose to go on a snorkeling tour between these tectonic plates. Participants of this optional tour need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

In this experience, you'll be fitted with a dry suit and guided into the waters of the Silfra Fissure, an opening between the tectonic plates filled with water. Silfra's waters have been filtered through lava rock for up to a century, making it so clean it's drinkable.

After seeing the sights of the Golden Circle, it's time to head back to Reykjavik, where you can spend the evening taking in Iceland's capital one more time.