Iceland’s Ring Road is the place to explore if you’re looking for natural beauty, a vibrant culture, and an adventure of a lifetime. This breathtaking 828-mile road circles the country, offering endless opportunities to witness Iceland’s most scenic landscapes. This road trip is the ultimate adventure you don’t want to miss, from waterfalls glaciers to black sandy beaches. Pack up your bags, grab your camera, and let’s embark on an unforgettable journey along Iceland’s Ring Road!
Day 1-3:
Reykjavik to the Golden Circle, The start of your road trip, will take you from Iceland’s capital city of Reykjavik to the Golden Circle. This tourist route showcases three of Iceland’s most popular attractions: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall. Begin your journey with a visit to the Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where you can witness the fantastic boundary between two tectonic plates. Next, head to the Geysir Geothermal Area to see the eruptions of the famous Strokkur Geysir, shooting hot water up to 65 feet high. Wrap up your day at the stunning Gullfoss waterfall, where you can marvel at the two-tiered waterfall and take in the incredible surrounding views.
Day 4-6:
Southeast Iceland On day four of your journey, head to the beautiful southeast coast of Iceland, where you can stop to admire the stunning views of Vik’s black sand beach. Next, visit the icy Glacier lagoon, Jökulsárlón, where you can take a boat ride through the surrounding icebergs and the views surrounding it. Continue to Skaftafell National Park, a lush oasis surrounded by glaciers where you can hike or try glacier walking. After a long day of adventure, rest your head in the charming fishing town of Höfn. Finish off this section of your trip by witnessing the beauty of the Eastern fjords.
Day 7-9:
Northeast Iceland On day seven, explore the stunning northeastern part of Iceland, where you can take in the beauty of the Dettifoss waterfall, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. From there, head over to the tranquil Mývatn Lake, where you can witness the natural phenomena created in the geothermal area of Námaskarð. Another geothermal location worth a visit is the Krafla volcano area, where you can take a scenic walk and immerse yourself in views of lava craters.
Day 10-14:
North Iceland and Snæfellsnes Peninsula On your last days of the road trip, travel through Iceland’s North and explore its vibrant cultural offerings. One such highlight is the Akureyri, also known as the “Capital of the North,” with botanical gardens, museums, and beautiful views over the fjord. On your way back to Reykjavik, don’t forget to stop at the Snæfellsnes peninsula, known for its rugged lava fields, beaches, and cliff formations.
Iceland’s Ring Road is a once-in-a-lifetime experience with stunning landscapes, natural phenomena, and a vibrant culture. As you take on the journey, the beauty of Iceland will continue to unfold in front of you every step of the way. Take the chance to experience the splendour of Iceland’s Ring Road!