Ring Road Highlights

Day 1 Reykjavik
Approximate distance: 100km / 62miles

Velkominn! Pick up the car at the airport and start your Iceland experience.
From Keflavik International Airport, we recommend driving the southern coast of the Reykjanes peninsula where you will see unusual and stunning craters, lava cliffs, fissures and the Mid-Atlantic ridge itself. Along the way is the Viking World Museum, famous for its replica Viking ship. Continue to your first overnight stay in the charming village of Hveragerdi. This 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.”

Overnight stay in Hveragerdi area

Day 2 Thingvellir - Gullfoss - Geysir - South Shore
Approximate distance: 395km / 245miles

Today visit the must-see sights known as the Golden Circle. This includes the geologically and historically significant Thingvellir National Park, the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall, and the famous Geysir hot spring area. Drive along the south shore, viewing Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, the black sand beaches around Vik, and Myrdalsjokull glacier. From June - to early August, it is possible to see puffins at Dyrholaey.

*Please note that Dyrholaey is closed during nesting season, from about the middle of May until late June.

Overnight in the Vik area.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3 Kirkjubaejarklaustur - Skaftafell - Jokulsarlon - Hofn
Approximate distance: 285km / 177miles

This morning head through Eldraun, the strange-looking lava field created by one of Iceland’s most devastating volcanic eruptions before reaching the village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur, site of a medieval convent. Explore Skaftafell, a green oasis nestled below the great Vatnajokull glacier. Skaftafell is part of Vatnajokull National Park, the largest of its type in Western Europe. Travel across black sand plains created by glacial activity. Stop at the incredible Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon and Diamond Beach, before continuing to the charming harbour town Hofn, also known as the lobster capital of northern Europe.

Overnight in the Hofn area.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4 Hofn - Djupivogur - Reydarfjordur - Egilsstadir
Approximate distance: 265km / 165miles

Drive along the rugged coastline of the East Fjords, one of the oldest regions in Iceland, shaped by glaciers during the Ice Age. Although many fjords 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. On the way visit Djupivogur to see its unique egg sculptures or stop at Stodvarfjordur to visit Petra's famous collection of local stones and minerals. Depending on your arrival time in Egilsstadir, you may wish to visit nearby Vok Baths.

Overnight in Egilsstadir area
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5 Egilsstadir - Dettifoss - Husavik - Myvatn
Approximate distance: 275km / 171miles

Travel across the Modrudalsoraefi highlands renowned for their stark, untouched beauty towards Dettifoss, Europe's mightiest waterfall. Visit the magnificent horseshoe-shaped canyon Asbyrgi in northern Vatnajokull National Park. Drive onwards to Tjornes peninsula and the friendly fishing port town of Husavik. You can visit the Whale Museum or take a whale watching tour for the chance to see them in real life. Relax at the GeoSea Geothermal Spa which has views towards the Arctic Circle, or continue to Myvatn, your overnight stay, where you can also end your day with a visit to the Nature 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. Also note that Roads 864 and 862 are gravel roads, and you need to pay attention to warning signs in the area if road conditions are not good for driving.

Overnight in Myvatn area
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6 Myvatn - Akureyri/Skagafjordur
Approximate distance: 165km / 103miles

Explore the highlights of the Lake Myvatn area, including the mystical volcanic formations at Dimmuborgir, the pseudo craters at Skutustadir, the colourful sulphurous slopes of Namaskard, and the Hverfjall volcanic crater. If you didn't yesterday, it is also possible to visit to the azure blue Myvatn Nature Baths, where you can enjoy the soothing waters and the natural steam baths and sauna. Drive to Godafoss waterfall en route to Akureyri, the charming “capital” of North Iceland.

Overnight in the Akureyri or Northwest Iceland area
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7 Akureyri - Reykholt - Borgarnes - Hvalfjordur - Reykjavik
Approximate distance: 490km / 305miles

Drive through the historical region of Skagafjordur renowned for horse breeding. You have an option of visiting the old farmstead at Glaumbaer a great example of old Icelandic architecture. Continue to the bay of Hunafloi where there is a Seal Centre and across Holtavorduheidi plateau to enter Borgarfjordur area. Here, you can visit the beautiful Hraunfossar lava falls and Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot springs. Return to Reykjavik in the evening.

Another option is to travel across the barren wasteland on the Kjolur highland road (4WD needed, track open from mid-June through August), to the geothermal wilderness oasis at Hveravellir before driving to Reykjavik.

Overnight in Reykjavik
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8 Reykjavik
Approximate distance: 50 km / 30 miles

Depending on your flight time, enjoy your day in Reykjavik or if you haven't already, visit the Blue Lagoon which is on the way to the airport, before driving back to Keflavik International Airport to return the car and take your onward flight.

Meals included: Breakfast