The Ring Road with Thórsmörk Iceland trip

Start your Iceland trip with the Golden Circle, a classic Iceland travel day featuring Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area to see Strokkur erupt, and powerful Gullfoss waterfall. Add the vivid Kerid crater lake, then end in Hveragerdi, a hot springs town known for its geothermal energy.

Optional experiences include a soak at the Secret Lagoon or Laugarvatn Fontana, a lava cave tour, snowmobiling, horse riding, and Silfra snorkeling.

Explore Thórsmörk Nature Reserve, with panoramic hikes revealing Tindfjallajökull, Eyjafjallajökull, and Mýrdalsjökull, plus the dramatic gorges of Goðaland. Trails wind through one of Iceland’s largest birch forests, mossy valleys, and scenic viewpoints, with route options to suit different fitness levels.

An exhilarating 4x4 ride into the valley adds adventurous river crossings and access to classic trailheads, including the endpoint of the Laugavegur Trail.

Walk behind Seljalandsfoss and photograph the misty spray of Skogafoss, often crowned with rainbows. Continue to Reynisfjara to explore volcanic black sands and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, then visit the Dyrhólaey cliffs, where puffins nest in season. Along the way, enjoy views toward Eyjafjallajökull, Hekla, and Katla, and add an optional stop at the Skógar Folk Museum for a touch of local history.

This day fits seamlessly into your Iceland itinerary, with tailor-made add-ons such as horse riding, ice cave tours, snowmobiling, ATV rides on black sand, glacier hikes, and glacier ice climbing.

Skaftafell National Park and the glacier lagoons of Southeast Iceland reveal Vatnajokull’s dramatic ice tongues at close range. Hike to Svartifoss, explore the ancient Fjadrargljufur canyon, and watch icebergs drift through Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon before strolling Breidamerkurfjara, the black sand “Diamond Beach.”

For quieter glacier scenery, add optional stops at Fjallsarlon, Heinabergslon, or Hoffellsjokull.

The Eastfjords offer one of the most scenic stretches of your Iceland trip, with towering mountains, winding fjords, and postcard-worthy fishing villages such as Seydisfjordur and remote Mjoifjordur.

Pause in Egilsstadir by Lake Lagarfljot, explore the trails of Hallormsstadaskogur forest, and take a short hike to Hengifoss for sweeping, dramatic views.

For an unforgettable detour, visit Studlagil Canyon to see striking basalt columns and a vivid glacial river, one of the best places to visit in Iceland.

Continue exploring the remote Eastfjords. Follow the winding road into narrow Mjoifjordur and the tiny hamlet of Brekkuthorp, take in sweeping coastal views from Dalatangi lighthouse, and stroll Seydisfjordur’s timber streets and iconic blue church. End in colorful Borgarfjordur Eystri to watch puffins in season and soak up the area’s rich local folklore.

Tailor the day with optional experiences such as reindeer tours, a soak at Vok Baths, winter super jeep safaris, summer horse riding, or axe throwing.

Explore the volcanic Lake Mývatn region. Walk through the bubbling geothermal landscapes of Hverir and Leirhnjúkur, then wander Dimmuborgir’s eerie “lava castles.”

Stop at Skútustaðagígar to see the area’s striking pseudo craters, peek into the Grjótagjá lava cave and spring, and finish with dramatic views from Viti and Hverfjall craters.

Explore the Diamond Circle and feel the raw power of Dettifoss. Follow the dramatic landscapes of Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, then discover Vesturdalur for the echoing basalt formations of Hljóðaklettar and the vivid Rauðhólar hills. Pause at Ásbyrgi, the horseshoe-shaped canyon, and relax by the turquoise waters of Botnstjörn.

End in Húsavík, famed for whale watching and the GeoSea geothermal sea baths.

Explore Northwest Iceland from Akureyri to the beauty of Godafoss. Stroll through Lystigardurinn Botanical Garden, then drive the scenic Trollaskagi Peninsula to colorful Siglufjordur. Continue to the Vatnsnes coast to watch for seals and visit two local icons, the Hvitserkur sea stack and the ancient Borgarvirki fortress.

Add immersive experiences to match your style, from Forest Lagoon or a beer spa to whale watching, horse riding, river rafting, kayaking, or winter dog sledding.

Explore Reykjavik’s highlights at an easy pace. Climb Hallgrimskirkja for sweeping views, stroll Laugavegur and the nearby town squares, and unwind by Tjornin and the charming old harbor. Along the waterfront, admire Harpa Concert Hall and the Solfar Sun Voyager sculpture.

Round out the day with museums focused on history, art, or whales, visit Perlan for panoramic views, and finish with curated dining and local design shops.

Make the most of your departure day with a final Reykjanes Peninsula adventure, timed around your flight from Keflavík. Enjoy guided walks through the colorful geothermal areas of Gunnuhver and Krýsuvík, with photo stops at Kleifarvatn and the green hued crater lake Grænavatn.

Continue to the dramatic Reykjanestá bird cliffs and sea stacks, cross the Bridge Between the Continents, and take a last stroll through the lava fields of Reykjanes UNESCO Geopark before heading to the airport.