Ring Road Iceland trip

Start your Iceland travel journey in Borgarfjordur, where lava fields and the Grabrok crater set the scene. Continue to Hraunfossar and the thundering Barnafoss for easy walks and dramatic views, then feel the geothermal power at Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring.

End the day in Reykholt, where Iceland’s saga history adds depth to the landscape.

The 90 km Snaefellsnes Peninsula, often called Iceland in miniature, is framed by the Snaefellsjokull glacier volcano and packed with unforgettable stops. Photograph Kirkjufell mountain and its nearby waterfall by Grundarfjordur, walk the black sand shores of Djupalonssandur, and take in the coastal cliffs at Hellnar and Arnarstapi.

Cross the striking Berserkjahraun and Budahraun lava fields, then finish at the iconic black church at Budir.

Discover North West Iceland, a highlight of any Iceland itinerary. Spend time in Akureyri and the Lystigardurinn botanical gardens, photograph Godafoss, and follow the Trollaskagi coast to the colorful fishing village of Siglufjordur. Add a detour to the Vatnsnes peninsula for the Hvitserkur sea stack, the Borgarvirki basalt fortress, and the Seal Centre, with seals often spotted along the shoreline.

Round out the day with experiences that match your style, from Forest Lagoon and a beer spa to whale watching, horse riding, seasonal dog sledding, and summer river rafting or sea kayaking for an authentic local adventure.

Discover the volcanic Lake Myvatn region, from the steaming geothermal fields at Hverir and Leirhnjukur to the lava towers of Dimmuborgir and the pseudo craters at Skutustadagigar. Add the dramatic Viti and Hverfjall craters, then step into the Grjotagja lava cave and hot spring, made famous by Game of Thrones.

For an extra wow factor, take a short detour to Studlagil to see towering basalt columns above a vivid blue glacial river.

Stand before Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, then continue through the 25 km Jokulsargljufur canyon to Vesturdalur’s Hljodaklettar basalt formations and the colorful Raudholar hills. Finish in the horseshoe-shaped Asbyrgi canyon, with its turquoise Botnstjorn pond and peaceful forest trails.

In the fishing town of Husavik, head out on a whale watching cruise, soak at the GeoSea geothermal sea baths, and savor fresh local seafood.

Discover the remote Eastfjords, where quiet roads trace dramatic coastlines and small villages feel worlds away. Drive into narrow Mjoifjordur and tiny Brekkuthorp, then continue to Dalatangi lighthouse for sweeping ocean views.

Wander the timber-lined streets of Seydisfjordur and photograph its iconic blue church, before heading to colorful Borgarfjordur Eystri, known for puffins and local elf lore.

Drive one of the Ring Road’s most scenic stretches, where towering mountains and deep fjords frame photogenic fishing villages like Seydisfjordur and the remote Mjoifjordur. Add tailor-made detours for quiet harbors, local cafes, and coastal viewpoints that match your pace.

Arrive in Egilsstadir on the shores of Lake Lagarfljot, a place of old legends and wide open views. From here, wander Hallormsstadaskogur forest, hike to Hengifoss to see its striking red layered cliffs, or head to Studlagil canyon for dramatic basalt columns and vivid blue glacial water.

Discover Vatnajokull’s glaciers in South East Iceland from Skaftafell in Vatnajokull National Park, one of the best places to visit in Iceland for close-up glacier scenery. Choose an easy walk to Skaftafellsjokull or a short hike to Svartifoss, then pause at the ancient Fjadrargljufur canyon for dramatic viewpoints.

Finish with the iconic Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and Breidamerkurfjara Diamond Beach, where icebergs drift and glitter on the shore. For a quieter alternative, add Fjallsarlon, Heinabergslon, or Hoffellsjokull for more intimate glacier lagoons and up close views.

Experience Iceland’s south coast with classic waterfalls and black sand beaches. Walk behind Seljalandsfoss, photograph Skogafoss as mist and rainbows rise from the falls, then wander Reynisfjara’s black sands beneath the Reynisdrangar sea stacks and the stone arch at Dyrholaey.

Watch for puffins in season and enjoy sweeping views toward Eyjafjallajokull, Hekla, and Katla. For added cultural context, stop at the Skogar Folk Museum.

Enjoy the Golden Circle with Iceland’s most iconic natural sights. Walk through Thingvellir, where the Eurasian and North American plates pull apart, then head to the Geysir geothermal area to watch Strokkur erupt.

Continue to Gullfoss waterfall and the volcanic Kerid crater lake. For a quieter finish, stop in Hveragerdi for hot springs, local cafes, and a taste of small town Iceland.

See Reykjavik at its best. Climb Hallgrimskirkja for sweeping views, then stroll Laugavegur, cozy town squares, and the waterfront by Tjornin and the Old Harbour. Stop at Harpa Concert Hall and the Solfar Sun Voyager sculpture for iconic photos, and choose a museum or head to Perlan for panoramas and immersive exhibits.

Make the most of your final day on the Reykjanes Peninsula before heading to the airport. Visit Gunnuhver’s steaming vents and Krysuvik’s colorful geothermal fields, then stop at the green crater lake Graenavatn and the stark shores of Kleifarvatn along the Mid Atlantic Ridge.

Tailor-made options include short guided walks, photography stops, and local geological insights in Reykjanes UNESCO Geopark. Continue to Reykjanes bird cliffs and sea stacks, cross the Bridge Between the Continents, wander through lava fields, and finish with a relaxing soak at the Blue Lagoon. From here, it’s an easy drive to the airport for your departure.