Home / Multi-Day Tours / Around Iceland / Iceland Ring Road: 9 Day Tour

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.

Tour Code

SD-13

Season

May - Sept

Travel Style

Self-Drive

Duration

9 days / 8 nights

Location

Iceland

Accessibility

Moderate

Included

  • 8 nights accommodation (budget/comfort/quality) with breakfast
  • Rental car of your choice for 7 days with unlimited mileage, CDW & VAT
  • 1 extra driver for each rental car
  • WiFi hotspot in your rental car for easy internet access
  • Transfer from Keflavík Airport to your accommodation in Reykjavik (private or by bus)
  • Private information meeting with our travel consultant in Reykjavik before your tour starts
  • Big, handwritten, detailed map with route, recommendations and accommodations highlighted
  • Transfer with pickup at your accommodation in Reykjavik upon departure (private or by bus)
  • 24-hour emergency service
  • Taxes and service fee

Not Included

  • Flights to/from Iceland
  • Meals and drinks at restaurants and entrance fees (unless otherwise agreed upon)
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Gasoline
  • Optional Activities
Day 1 | Arrival in Iceland and Free Time in Reykjavik

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.

Day 2 | West Iceland – Snaefellsnes / Into the Glacier

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.

Day starts in

Reykjavík

Day end in

Hvammstangi

Driving distance

~263 km / 164 miles

Day 3 | North Iceland & Lake Myvatn

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.

Day starts in

Hvammstangi

Day ends in

Lake Mývatn area

Driving distance

~299 km / 186 miles

Day 4 | Eastbound and Down

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.

Day starts in

Lake Mývatn

Day ends in

Egilsstaðir

Driving distance

~213 km / 132 miles

Day 5 | The Coastal Spiral

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.

Day starts in

Egilsstaðir

Day end in

Höfn area

Driving distance

~275 km /171 miles

Day 6 | The Crown Jewels

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.

Day starts in

Höfn area

Day ends in

Vík

Driving distance

~243 km / 151 miles

Day 7 | Waterfalls and the Golden Circle

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.

The Famous Golden Circle – an area not to be missed on your Iceland Ring Road Trip

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.

Day starts in

Vík

Day ends in

Golden Circle area

Driving Distance

~300 km / 186 miles

Day 8 | The Reykjanes Peninsula and Blue Lagoon

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.

Day starts in

Golden Circle Area

Day ends in

Reykjavík

Driving distance

~ 176 km / 109 miles

Day 9 | Departure

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.

Highlights:

Budget

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

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

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

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.

Volkswagen Golf


or similiar

Type: Compact
Passenger: 5
Luggage: 2
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)

Kia Ceed Wagon


or similiar

Type: Intermediate Wagon
Passenger: 5
Luggage: 4
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)

4×4 Hyundai Kona


or similiar

Type: SUV Economy
Passenger: 5
Luggage: 3
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)

4×4 Kia Sportage


or similiar

Type: SUV Full Size Intermediate
Passenger: 5
Luggage: 4
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)

4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser


or similiar

Type: SUV Full Size
Passenger: 5
Luggage: 4
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)

Hyundai H1


or similiar

Type: VAN
Passenger: 8
Luggage: 5
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)

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