Home / Multi-Day Tours / Around Iceland / Iceland Ring Road: 9 Day Tour
In this 9-day self-drive holiday, where you will be driving clockwise around the country, you will witness pearls like Lake Mývatn, Þingvellir national park, Gullfoss waterfall, Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, Geyser spouting spring and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, to name a few. This tour also takes you around the Reykjanes peninsula on your last day on the road. There you will find the world famous Blue Lagoon where you can soak up and relax after a week-long adventure around Iceland.
If you are interested in receiving more information about this tour, please click on the “Request a quote” widget on the left side of the page. A quick form will open up where you will provide us with more information about your travel expectations. You will then be connected with your specialized travel agent who will assist you throughout the planning a provide a fully detailed quote.
Please note that this itinerary can be adjusted and customized to meet your travel needs and preferences. The package can also be offered as a privately guided tour if a self-drive option is not what you had in mind for your Iceland experience.
SD-13
May - Sept
Self-Drive
9 days / 8 nights
Iceland
Welcome to Iceland! Once you have arrived and made it through customs at Keflavik International airport, you will be transferred to your accommodation in the heart of Reykjavik.
If you arrive in the early morning or around noon, you are very welcome to visit our office for any last-minute questions regarding your tour or Iceland in general. If you arrive in the afternoon but would still like to stop by and briefly go over your itinerary and documents, you can come over tomorrow morning, after having received your rental car, just before you leave town.
For your first day in Iceland, we recommend exploring some of the major landmarks of Reykjavík, such as the Hallgrímskirkja church tower, the viewing deck of Perlan, Harpa – music and conference center and the famous sculpture Sólfarið by the sea, located close to Harpa. In the evening, you can dine at one of several gourmet restaurants to be found in Reykjavík’s city center and afterward, you will find that most cafes and bars are open till 01:00. For your first night in Iceland, you will be staying at a hotel/guesthouse in downtown Reykjavik, within walking distance from most major attractions and restaurants within the city limits.
Today you will be receiving your rental car and starting your journey around Iceland. In the morning, an employee of our cooperating car rental company will be picking you up at your accommodation. He/she will drive you to their headquarters, where you will sign your rental agreement and receive your car. Now you are ready to leave town! After passing the town of Borgarnes, you have a choice between getting a glimpse of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, visiting sites such as Kirkjufell mountain, the shark museum in Bjarnarhöfn and the town of Stykkishólmur, or joining a guided glacier tour from Húsafell, visiting the man-made ice tunnel of Langjökull glacier and seeing Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls.
Even though your next accommodation is only approx. 190 km from Reykjavík, unfortunately, you would not have time to do both. The glacier tour needs to be booked in advance, so this is a decision that needs to be made beforehand. Either way, for your next night, you will be staying in the Laugarbakki/Hvammstangi area. If you still have some free time in the afternoon, you might want to visit Kolugljúfur canyon, located just a short drive from your accommodation. Other famous attractions to be found on your way are Deildartunguhver hot springs and Hraunfossar, a series of beautiful waterfalls.
Today you will be driving through northern Iceland, all the way to the beautiful Lake Mývatn. Along your way, there are various sights to be seen. Make sure to get an early start though, as today’s drive is pretty long. If you are up for a little detour right away, you should drive north, 40 km up road 711 to Hvítserkur, which is a large basalt stack, along with the eastern shore of Vatnsnes peninsula. This is a popular attraction and photo stop, but the roads are a bit rough, so you probably won’t bump into any large tour buses on your way.
Continue to Varmahlíð where you will find the old turf church of Víðimýri. Further ahead you will reach the charming town of Akureyri, Iceland’s second largest urban area. Here you will find the northernmost botanical garden in the world, the Christmas Garden and a very nice geothermal swimming pool with hot tubs and waterslides for the kids. Finally, it’s time to drive to the Mývatn area where several tourist attractions await, such as the lava fields of Dimmuborgir, Námafjall geothermal area, Krafla powerplant and the pseudo craters of Skútustaðir. In the evening, we recommend visiting the Mývatn Nature Baths and relax under the stars or midnight sun. Stay the night in a hotel/guesthouse nearby.
If you have yet to visit any of the sights in the Mývatn area, you can start your day by doing so. Then, it is time to travel to the tranquil and beautiful East Fjords of Iceland. But first, a detour to witness the most powerful waterfall in Europe; the mesmerizing Dettifoss, with its nearly 45m fall, causing a massive sound and crashing spray all around.
The road to Egilsstaðir, capital of the East, is a straight drive past the black sand desert. However, those who are feeling adventurous will find plenty of other detours to enjoy. On the coastline, there are many small, coastal villages that are worthy of a visit. Enjoy off-the-beaten-path villages such as Vopnafjörður, where you can visit Bustarfell, a folk museum in a well-preserved turf building originally from 1770. You can also make your way to the town of Seyðisfjörður, considered to be one of Iceland’s most picturesque towns – because of its historic wooden buildings and natural scenery. You will also find plenty of hiking trails in this area for you to enjoy at your own leisure. In Egilsstaðir, you can visit Lagarfljót and try to spot Iceland’s version of the Loch Ness monster; Lagarfljótsormurinn. Stay the night in or around Egilsstaðir.
Drive south from Egilstaðir through the rugged East Fjords of Iceland. On your way to Höfn, you will be visiting a handful of small coastal villages. One of them is Fáskrúðsfjörður, which once served as the main station for French fishermen off East Iceland. To this day you can still spot the French heritage by e.g. road signs and their well-manicured French Quarter.
The town of Stöðvarfjörður is famous for its scenery and spectacular mountain peaks. This is also where you’ll find Petra’s Stone Collection – a lifetime collection/display of rocks and minerals, which has become internationally known over time. In this territory, between Egilstaðir and Höfn, there are often reindeer herders in the area. So, if you’re lucky, you might spot a few along your way.
In the charming town of Höfn in Hornafjörður, you will find great lobster restaurants, and because of the reputation and quality of lobster and other seafood around these corners, Höfn is often called the “Lobster capital of Iceland”. In or around Höfn, you will find your accommodation for this evening.
Let´s hope you’re up for an early start because today will be filled with many of Iceland’s biggest highlights. After breakfast, start driving west to your first stop of the day – Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. During summer, you can take a guided amphibian boat ride between the beautiful icebergs rising from the cold waters. For a little more action, you might choose the zodiac boat tour instead. They travel faster and get you a little closer to the icebergs.
Next up, 60 km further west, is Skaftafell National Park. This green oasis, located next to the black Skeiðarársandur desert, and below the white glacier make the contrasts of this area simply breathtaking. We recommend hiking up to Svartifoss, a beautiful waterfall surrounded by dark lava columns. The path there is quite steep, but well worth it, and takes around 40 minutes each way. Now, let’s hope you’re not exhausted already because it’s time to make your way to Kirkjubæjarklaustur village for some more sightseeing.
Just a few minutes west of the village you will find Fjaðrárgljúfur, a massive canyon, 100 meters deep and nearly two km long. There are new walking paths beside the canyon and a couple of excellent viewpoints for taking the perfect photo. Next up is the last stretch of the day, the drive to the beautiful Vík area. Take an evening walk on the black volcanic beach of Reynisfjara and from there, witness the mighty Reynisdrangar ocean cliffs. Stay the night in/around Vík.
Today you will feast your eyes on three of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls and drive around the classic Golden Circle area. If you still have spots to see around Vík, start the day by doing so, and then keep travelling west.
First up is Skógafoss, a picture-perfect waterfall with a 60-meter vertical drop, and next to it, the Skógar folk museum which displays interesting artefacts and turf houses from olden times. A half an hour further, the next waterfall awaits. This one is named Seljalandsfoss, surrounded by cliffs and green slopes, and even has a footpath behind the waterfall for a nice 360° view. You can expect to get a little wet when walking around/behind it.
Now, drive up to the town of Selfoss for a nice lunch before starting the Golden Circle route. The first stop of the circle is Kerið, a volcanic crater partially filled with water. Some choose to take a little detour to the village of Flúðir, where you will find the Secret Lagoon, Iceland’s oldest thermal swimming pool. Next up is the Gullfoss waterfall, which is, in fact, two separate waterfalls, with a combined drop of 32 meters. Close by is the Geysir area, a geothermal field with hot springs and bubbling mud pools. Watch a “performance” by Strokkur geyser, as it spouts water and steams up to 30 meters into the air.
The last official stop of the day will be Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, since 2004. Several crucial events in Icelandic history took place at Þingvellir and its geology is just remarkable. Stay the night in the area.
It’s time for the last leg of your Iceland round tour. Drive south from Selfoss in the direction Eyrarbakki and Stokkseyri, two charming little villages worth visiting. In Stokkseyri you’ll find an excellent seafood restaurant. So, if you’re hungry and craving an early lunch, this is the spot.
Drive along the coast and visit the geothermal areas of Seltún and Krýsuvík and the beautiful lake Kleifarvatn. In this are you will also find Gunnuhver mud pools and steam vents right next to the first lighthouse built in Iceland. If museums are your thing, there are plenty to be found in the area. To name a few, there is the Saltfish museum in Grindavík, the Reykjanes Maritime Center and Icelandic Museum of Rock ’n’ Roll, both located in Reykjanesbær.
In the afternoon, drive towards the Blue Lagoon and have a dip in its milky blue waters. After a week on the road, you deserve a relaxing soak and perhaps a nice cool beverage while you’re at it. Finally, head back to Reykjavík, return your rental car and check into your hotel in downtown Reykjavík. Go out with a bang, and dine at one of Reykjavík’s finest restaurants.
Your day of departure has arrived. If you have an afternoon flight, you still have some time for last minute shopping in town, or perhaps a nice lunch somewhere close to your hotel. You will be transferred to Keflavík International Airport in good time for your scheduled flight. We thank you for traveling with Iceland Unlimited and wish you a safe and enjoyable flight back home.
Budget accommodations include shared facilities in guest houses, country hotels, farmhouses, etc. In some cases, the rooms might be equipped with a TV and a washbasin. The in-room amenities are limited and basic but they all adhere to a high standard of cleanliness.
Breakfast is included.
Comfort accommodations offer access to private facilities (shower and toilet). This type of lodges belongs to the 3-star hotel category. Most of these properties have an in-house restaurant. This section offers an upgrade in comfort and service compared to the budget category. Breakfast is included.
Quality accommodations offer private rooms with en-suite shower/bath and toilet. These rooms are the best available accommodations in 4-star hotels or the highest quality lodges in each region. Luxury accommodations - the highest class of lodges, suites, and penthouses - are available upon request. Breakfast is included.
Luxury accommodations include Suites and high-end rooms in Quality Accommodations. These types of lodges and resorts provide an upscale look and personalized services.
Classy, elegant, and comfortable, luxury accommodations strive to offer a first-class experience and top-quality services to ensure a truly extraordinary and memorable stay.
Type: Compact
Passenger: 5
Luggage: 2
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)
Type: Intermediate Wagon
Passenger: 5
Luggage: 4
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)
Type: SUV Economy
Passenger: 5
Luggage: 3
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)
Type: SUV Full Size Intermediate
Passenger: 5
Luggage: 4
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)
Type: SUV Full Size
Passenger: 5
Luggage: 4
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)
Type: VAN
Passenger: 8
Luggage: 5
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)
Reykjavík is the capital and biggest city of Iceland with a population of approximately 124,000. It is the northernmost capital in the world. Despite its small size, you can find many attractions and museums, making Reykjavik a popular destination.
Perlan Dome is a landmark of Reykjavik, offering magnificent views to the city as it is located on a hill. From 2017, it features an exhibition with a man-made ice cave 100 meters long.
Harpa is the famous concert hall and conference center located in Reykjavik. The building features a distinctive and original colored glass facade inspired by the basalt landscape of Iceland. Its unique architecture makes it one of Reykjavik most loved landmarks.
Hallgrímskirkja Church is most certainly Reykjavík´s best-known landmark. The white concrete Church whose image is printed in many postcards, dominates the city. As a matter of fact its tower can be seen from almost every corner of Reykjavík. Its distinctive and futuristic exterior made the Church one of the most visited spots in Reykjavík.
Solfar Sculpture, also known as the Sun Voyager, is the famous steel sculpture created by artist Jón Gunnar Árnason. The art piece is located next to the Sæbraut road in downtown Reykjavík. Its shape reminds of a ship floating on air, facing the ocean.
Hraunfossar is a series of waterfalls coming from underneath Hallmundarhraun, a lava field formed by an eruption of the volcano situated under the glacier Langjökull. The waterfalls pour into the Hvítá river. Hraunfossar is located near Húsafell and Reykholt.
Deildartunguhver Hot Spring is the largest hot spring in Europe. It provides all hot water for the neighbouring villages.
Kirkjufell is a stunning 463 m high mountain on the north coast of Snæfellsnes peninsula in Iceland. It is located near Grundarfjörður village.
Bjarnarhöfn is the region leading producer of hákarl (fermented shark meat), a traditional Icelandic dish. The Shark Museum at Bjarnarhöfn farm, on the northern side of Snæfellsnes peninsula, is where visitors can get a down-home taste of it.
Stykkishólmur is the largest town in Snæfellsnes Peninsula and also the gateway to the Westfjords via the ferry Baldur. It is a center of services and commerce for this region and it is based on tourism and on the fishing industry.
Hvítserkur is a 15 m high basalt stack on the eastern shore of the Vatnsnes peninsula, in northwest Iceland. The rock has two holes at the base, which give it the appearance of an animal of some sort who is drinking from the ocean.
Akureyri is the main town of northern Iceland. It is located at the base of Eyjafjörður Fjord and is the second largest urban area of Iceland. Akureyri is well known to be an important port and fishing center.
Akureyri botanical garden is located in the southern part of the city, in North Iceland. The garden is exceptional for its extreme northern location. This is also known as a site of scientific research where it has been proven that shrubs, trees and other plants can survive on the edge of the Arctic.
Mývatn is a volcanic lake in northern Iceland. It is located in a geothermal area not far from Krafla volcano. The lake was formed by a volcanic eruption therefore the surrounding area is characterized by lava pillars and craters. The lake is also well known because of the rich waterbirds fauna that populates it.
Dimmuborgir is a field of unusually shaped lava formations located east of Mývatn in Iceland. The area consists of caves and rock formations resembling an ancient collapsed fortress. The lava tubes were formed by a lava lake flowing in from a large eruption in the Þrengslaborgir and Lúdentsborgir crater row to the East. The legend wants Dimmuborgir to be connecting earth with the infernal regions.
Dettifoss is a waterfall in Vatnajökull National Park in Northeast Iceland. It is part of the Diamond Circle and it is the considered the most powerful waterfall in Europe. The water of the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river descends from the nearby Vatnajökull glacier and falls for more than 44 metres, causing a massive, crashing spray. This the largest waterfall in Iceland in terms of volume discharge.
Seyðisfjörður is a fjord located in East Iceland. It is believed to be one of the most beautiful fjords of Iceland, surrounded by steep mountains with small rivers running down the sides. The town Seyðisfjörður is named after the fjord.
Hengifoss Waterfall, located in East Iceland, is the third highest waterfall in Iceland. The waterfall is 128 meters high and it is surrounded by basaltic rocks featuring red layers of clay between the lava strata.
This quiet little town in the area of Hérað is the capital of the east and sits on the banks of the Lagarfljót river with a population of 2300 inhabitants. This is one of the youngest towns in Iceland as urbanization began in the 1940s. Renowned for its warm weather in the summer and gorgeous northern lights in the winter.
Egilsstaðir has grown to become the largest town of East Iceland and its main service, transportation, and administration centre. It has an airport, college, and a hospital.
The Lagarfljót river is a 140 km long glacial river. The river forms a large lake next to the town of Egilsstaðir. The 112-meter lake is home of a local legend of a Wyrm that is said to reside in the deeps of the lake. This serpent is a source of many mythical stories and accounts dating back to the 13th century.
Fáskrúðsfjörður is a fjord located between Vattarnes and Hafnarnes peninsulas on the East of Iceland. The town at the bottom of the fjord is named after it and it has french heritage.
Petra's Stone Collection is a rock museum/ collection in Stöðvarfjörður, East Iceland. Petra was a local lady who collected various natural stones throughout her life, the stones that now make up her stone collection.
Búlandstindur is a mountain in Easter Iceland of 1069 meters above sea level. It is a pyramid-shaped stack of basaltic strata.
Höfn is an Icelandic fishing town located in the southeastern part of the Country. The town, the second largest in the southeastern part of Iceland, offers scenic views of Vatnajökull (the largest ice cap in Europe by volume). The main economic activities in Höfn are fishing and tourism. The location is also well known for its culinary tradition with lobster being the most acclaimed specialty of the area.
Djúpivogur is home to one of the most notable works of art found on the ring road around Iceland. „The Eggs of Merry Bay“ are located on the old harbor and were unveiled in 2009, the artist Sigurður Guðmundsson created 34 eggs out of granite that is identically shaped to the eggs of birds that nest in the area. Another feature of this small fishing town is the majestic mountain Búlandstindur that towers over at 1069 meters and is has been dated to be over 8 million years old.
Jökulsárlón is a large glacial lake located in the Southeast of Iceland on the edge of the Vatnajökull National Park. The Lagoon developed into a lake after the glacier started receding from the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The lake can be seen from Route 1 between Höfn and Skaftafell. The lagoon offers outstanding views of the ice cap and it is one of the most spectacular and loved, natural destinations in all Iceland.
Svartifoss, or the Black Fall, is a beautiful waterfall in Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park. It falls off dark lava columns. The hike to the waterfall takes approximately 45 minutes.
Kirkjubæjarklaustur is home to Iceland’s first monastery, built in 1186. In the area of the village there are many of the South Coast's interesting attractions such as the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon and Kirkjugolf- the church floor.
Reynisfjara is a famous black sand beach in the South of Iceland, just next to the village of Vik. Black sand, lava formations, and basalt columns make it a popular stop for all visitors.
Reynisdrangar cliffs are towering basalt-type rock formations situated near the shore of Reynisfjara black sand beach, on the South Coast of Iceland. The folk legend wants them to be the rocky representation of two trolls turned into stone after being caught by the sunlight after dawn.
Fjaðárgljúfur Canyon is a massive canyon located in South East Iceland and is about 100 meters deep and 2 km long. It is thought to be about two million years old and is crossed by Fjaðrá river, making it a perfect stop for great photos.
Skógafoss is a waterfall located on the Skógá river on the South Coast of Iceland. This picture-perfect waterfall descends 60 meters from the cliffs. Before pouring down the cliffs becoming the famous waterfall, the river flows through the Skógárgil gorge.
Seljalandsfoss is one of the most famous and visited waterfalls in Iceland. It located along the South Coast of the Country right by the road n. 1. The waterfall is part of the Seljalands river that originated from the famous volcano glacier Eyjafjallajökull. The waterfall is approximately 60-meter high and it is famous for its path that leads visitor behind its powerful water flow.
Geysir is the famous hot spring area located in the Haukadalur valley. The main attraction is known as Strokkur, which erupts energetically at regular intervals of 10 minutes or so its boiling waterjets can reach as high as 30 meters.
Þingvellir National Park is the most important historic and geological sites in Iceland. The area is part of a fissure zone running through Iceland, being situated on the tectonic plate boundaries of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Major events in the history of Iceland have taken place at Þingvellir and today the entire area is a protected national treasure.
The Secret Lagoon was created in 1891. This geothermal pool is the oldest one in Iceland! It opened to the public in 2005 and it offers showers, a bar & an eating area. It is conveniently located in the Golden Circle area.
Seltún is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, a highly active geothermal area. Seltún consists of boiling mud pools and colourful mountains.
The Blue Lagoon is a famous geothermal spa located in Reykjanes peninsula nearby the International Airport of Iceland. It was formed during an operation at the nearby geothermal power plant. Reservations in advance are necessary for those who are planning a visit.
The Reykjanes peninsula is located on a drift zone, between two continents, the North American and Eurasian plate. It is a unique area where you can see different elements of the drift zone; very active geothermal energy, lava fields and other natural phenomenon. The Blue Lagoon and Keflavik international airport are also located in the area.
Reykjavík is the capital and biggest city of Iceland with a population of approximately 124,000. It is the northernmost capital in the world. Despite its small size, you can find many attractions and museums, making Reykjavik a popular destination.