Panoramic view of a glacier with ridged ice patterns and a lagoon in the distance at Vatnajökull
  • 10 Days / 9 Nights
  • Self-Drive
  • Full Ring Road

10 Days Ring Road

A complete self-drive journey around Iceland’s Ring Road, from the Golden Circle and South Coast to the Eastfjords, North Iceland, and Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

Duration10 Days / 9 Nights
PickupNot included
Travel StyleSelf-Drive
DifficultyEasy

Overview

This 10-day self-drive adventure takes you on a complete journey around Iceland’s legendary Ring Road, combining iconic landmarks with hidden natural gems. From vibrant Reykjavík to remote fjords, glaciers, volcanoes, and geothermal landscapes, this carefully designed route offers the perfect balance of sightseeing, comfort, and freedom. With your own vehicle and pre-arranged accommodation, you can explore at your own pace, with a thoughtfully planned route and carefully selected places to stay.

The journey begins in Reykjavík and leads you through the iconic Golden Circle, along the South Coast’s spectacular waterfalls and black sand beaches, and onward to the dramatic landscapes of Skaftafell National Park and the stunning Glacier Lagoon. Continuing east, the route follows rugged coastlines and quiet fishing villages before turning north toward Iceland’s geothermal heartland. Here, the landscapes shift to steaming geothermal areas, powerful waterfalls, lava formations, and soothing natural baths around Lake Mývatn—offering some of the most striking and unforgettable scenery in the country.

In the north, the route takes you through Ásbyrgi Canyon and the whale-watching capital of Húsavík before reaching Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland. From there, you continue through scenic farming regions and volcanic landscapes toward West Iceland and the stunning Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Often called “Iceland in Miniature,” this region showcases glaciers, sea cliffs, lava fields, and picturesque coastal villages—all in one remarkable area.

Your adventure concludes with a return to Reykjavík, where you can enjoy a final evening in the capital before departure. Throughout the journey, optional activities such as glacier hiking, whale watching, geothermal bathing, and snorkeling can be added to enhance your experience. This well-balanced itinerary is ideal for travelers who want to see the very best of Iceland in comfort, with flexibility, and without feeling rushed.

Highlights

  • Þingvellir National Park
  • Gullfoss Waterfall
  • Geysir Geothermal Area
  • South Coast Wonders
  • Glacier Lagoon
  • Skaftafell National Park
  • Stokksnes & Vestrahorn
  • Mývatn Lake
  • Dimmuborgir Lava Fields
  • Ásbyrgi Canyon
  • Snæfellsnes Peninsula
  • Reykjavík Sightseeing

Itinerary

Location: Reykjavík
Highlights: Arrival, city sightseeing, relaxed start
Arrival at Keflavík International Airport
Pick up rental car
Drive to Reykjavík (approx. 45–60 minutes)
Check in at your hotel
Free time to explore the city
Suggested activities:
Walk along Laugavegur shopping street
Visit Hallgrímskirkja and enjoy panoramic views
Explore Harpa Concert Hall and the Old Harbour
Enjoy dinner at one of Reykjavík’s many cafés or restaurants
Overnight: Reykjavík

Location: Golden Circle
Highlights: Geothermal areas, waterfalls, national park, hot springs
Suggested activities:
• Visit Þingvellir National Park
• Explore Geysir Geothermal Area
• Stop at Gullfoss Waterfall
• Relax at the Secret Lagoon
Overnight: Golden Circle area

Location: South Coast
Highlights: Waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers, coastal scenery
Suggested activities:
• Visit Seljalandsfoss picturesque waterfall
• Stop at Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls
• Explore Reynisfjara with its basalt columns and sea stacks
• Optional glacier hike on Sólheimajökull (with certified guides)
• Scenic drive through the farmlands and lava fields of South Iceland
Overnight: Kirkjubæjarklaustur area

Location: Southeast Iceland | Vatnajökull region
Highlights: Glaciers, ice lagoons, national park landscapes, waterfalls
Suggested activities:
Explore Skaftafell, part of Vatnajökull National Park
Walk to Svartifoss waterfall with its distinctive basalt columns
Visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and watch icebergs drift toward the sea
Stroll along Diamond Beach, where ice fragments sparkle on the shore
Optional boat tour on the glacier lagoon (seasonal)
Overnight: Near Glacier Lagoon

Location: Eastfjords
Highlights: Dramatic mountains, fjords, coastal scenery, fishing villages
Suggested activities:
Stop at Vestrahorn at Stokksnes for views of one of Iceland’s most photographed mountains
Enjoy a scenic drive through the winding fjords of East Iceland
Visit Djúpivogur, a charming coastal village with a relaxed atmosphere
Continue to Seyðisfjörður, known for its colourful houses and surrounding waterfalls
Optional stop in Fáskrúðsfjörður or at quiet coastal viewpoints along the way
Overnight: Eastfjords

Location: Mývatn area | North Iceland
Highlights: Waterfalls, geothermal landscapes, lava formations, natural baths
Suggested activities:
Visit Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall
Explore the volcanic scenery around Lake Mývatn
Walk through the lava formations of Dimmuborgir
Discover the bubbling mud pots and steaming vents at Hverir
Relax at Mývatn Nature Baths, often called the “Blue Lagoon of the North”
Overnight: Near Lake Mývatn

Location: Húsavík & Akureyri
Highlights: Canyon landscapes, whale watching, coastal towns, northern capital
Suggested activities:
Explore Ásbyrgi Canyon, a spectacular horseshoe-shaped canyon with walking trails
Drive to Húsavík, known as Iceland’s whale-watching capital
Optional whale watching tour in Skjálfandi Bay (seasonal)
Enjoy lunch and stroll around Húsavík harbour
Continue to Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland
Explore Akureyri’s town centre, harbour area, or botanical garden
Overnight: Akureyri

Location: West Iceland
Highlights: Scenic driving, coastal landscapes, small towns, West Iceland scenery
Suggested activities:
Depart Akureyri and drive south through Skagafjörður and Northwest Iceland
Optional stops in small towns such as Blönduós or along scenic viewpoints
Continue through Borgarfjörður region toward the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Arrive in Stykkishólmur, a charming harbour town overlooking Breiðafjörður
Evening walk along the harbour and town centre
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant by the waterfront
Overnight: Stykkishólmur

Location: Snæfellsnes Peninsula & Reykjavík
Highlights: Glacier volcano, coastal cliffs, waterfalls, black beaches
Suggested activities:
Visit Kirkjufell, one of Iceland’s most photographed mountains
Explore Arnarstapi and walk along the dramatic cliffs
Stop at Djúpalónssandur
Visit Búðir and the surrounding lava fields
Drive through Snæfellsjökull National Park
Return to Reykjavík in the late afternoon or evening
Overnight: Reykjavík

Location: Reykjavík | Keflavík International Airport
Highlights: Easy transfer, final views, smooth departure
Suggested activities:
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
Check out and prepare for departure
Drive from Reykjavík to Keflavík International Airport (approx. 45–60 minutes)
Return your rental car at the airport

  • Rental car for 10 days
  • Accommodation for 9 nights
  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Detailed itinerary & travel tips
  • Taxes & service fees
  • Customer support & 24/7 helpline
  • Warm, layered clothing
  • Waterproof outerwear
  • Headwear, gloves & sunglasses
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Driver’s license
  • Camera or smartphone
  • Daypack for short hikes
  • Swimwear & towels

Route map

Frequently Asked Questions

Flights to and from Iceland, fuel, parking fees, meals and drinks (aside from breakfast), entry fees (unless stated otherwise), personal travel insurance, and anything else that is not specified in the included section in the itinerary.

We handpick all accommodations with an emphasis on comfort, quality and location.

You’ll receive a personalized itinerary with a day-by-day overview, including driving directions, suggested stops, activity options, dining recommendations, and practical tips. It’s designed to guide you smoothly while leaving plenty of room for flexibility and discovery.

Yes. We offer flexibility to adjust routes, overnight stays, or add extra activities. Customization may add an additional cost.

Daily driving times vary, but most days include 2–4 hours driving, broken up by stops, sights, and scenic detours.

We’re happy to assist with booking optional activities, including snorkeling, diving, horseback riding, snowmobiling, river rafting, and others upon request.

We recommend pre-booking activities with limited capacity, such as spa visits, guided tours, or seasonal excursions. Everything essential for your trip — like accommodation and car rental — is included and confirmed before departure.

Driving in Iceland is generally safe and enjoyable, especially during the summer months. This route follows paved highways and well-maintained roads, with clear signage throughout, and your itinerary provides helpful notes for each driving segment.
Before setting out each day, be sure to check the weather forecast at vedur.is, as conditions can change quickly — particularly in spring, autumn, or winter. It’s also important to check road conditions and any alerts at safetravel.is. Support is always available if you have questions along the way.

A 20% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking.
The remaining balance must be paid no later than 6 weeks prior to departure.
Payments made more than 30 days before departure are eligible for a full refund, excluding the deposit.
Payments made between 30 and 15 days before departure are eligible for a 50% refund, excluding the deposit.
Cancellations made within 15 days of departure are non-refundable.

Best price guaranteeNo booking markups
Local expertsGuides who love Iceland
Sustainable toursSupporting local communities
Safe & secureYour booking is protected

We Are Here for You

If you have questions, would like to modify this tour, or create a new one, we’re here to help.

Contact Us