Ultimate Ring Road & Westfjords Self-Drive Tour - 14 Days

Today you'll discover a culturally and historically rich area. If you didn't collect your camping equipment yesterday, pick it up in Reykjavík after breakfast at your hotel. Once you have your gear loaded, head toward Borgarfjörður. Visit splendid Hraunfossar waterfalls, where water flows from beneath lava fields into the river, creating beautiful cascades. Stop at Reykholt, where 13th-century author Snorri Sturluson lived, and visit Deildartunguhver, Iceland's largest hot spring measured by water production per second. Steam rises dramatically from this powerful geothermal source. 

Continue to Snæfellsnes peninsula, visiting beautiful places scattered around this diverse region: Búðir with its iconic black church, Arnarstapi with dramatic coastal rock formations, and Hellnar, another charming village. Throughout the day, the mystical Snæfellsjökull glacier dominates views. Arrive at your campsite in the Snæfellsnes area. Pitch your tent for the first time on this adventure, set up your camping kitchen, and prepare dinner on your stove. The camping journey begins! Enjoy the long summer evening at your campsite. 

From Stykkishólmur, take the Baldur car ferry across scenic Breiðafjörður Bay to the Westfjords. The approximately three-hour ferry crossing is itself an experience, sailing past countless islands dotting the waters. Watch for seals and seabirds. Today begins your visit to some of Iceland's most secluded places, where steep mountains and deep fjords predominate. After disembarking, explore the southern Westfjords. Visit Látrabjarg, a massive bird cliff where millions of seabirds nest during summer, including the world's largest Atlantic puffin colony. On your return route, stop at Hnjótur folk museum if time permits. The remote Westfjords offer uniquely intimate camping experiences. 

Find your campsite in the Southern Westfjords area and pitch your tent in this isolated region. The sense of remoteness is profound. Cook dinner and enjoy the pristine wilderness surrounding you. Campsite neighbors are likely to be adventurous travelers like yourself. 

Today you continue north along the Westfjords, one of Iceland's most remote and breathtaking regions. The landscape is absolutely spectacular as you cross mountains and heaths, driving along dramatic fjords backed by steep cliffs. Roads wind through valleys offering stunning views. Stop along the route at majestic Dynjandi waterfall, lying in Arnarfjörður fjord's northern arm. This cascade tumbles down the mountainside in multiple tiers, creating a bridal veil effect. Hike the path beside the falls. 

Continue toward the north until reaching Flateyri village, then drive onward to your accommodation near Ísafjörður town. Pitch your tent at a campsite in the northern Westfjords. The town of Ísafjörður is the region's largest settlement, giving you options for restocking supplies or dining out. After days of remote camping, being near town facilities can be welcome. Prepare your meal and enjoy the dramatic fjord scenery surrounding your campsite. 

From Ísafjörður, continue your Westfjords journey, driving along numerous small fjords branching off Ísafjarðardjúp. Pass Vigur Island along the way, known for puffin colonies and traditional eiderdown harvesting. After crossing Steingrímsfjarðarheiði heath, a mountain pass offering expansive views, reach the northwest region. The landscapes here are wild and windswept. Arrive in Hólmavík village, where you can visit an interesting museum dedicated to ancient Icelandic magic and witchcraft, documenting this region's supernatural folklore. 

Continue along Hrútafjörður fjord until arriving at your campsite in the region. Pitch your tent in this remote northwestern area. The isolation and natural beauty create special camping atmosphere. Cook dinner and enjoy the peace of camping in one of Iceland's least-visited corners. The sense of adventure and exploration is strong here. 

Continue your journey along Húnaflói bay and into the Skagafjörður region, known for horse breeding. Many beautiful Icelandic horses can be seen grazing in the valley's fields, creating quintessentially Icelandic scenes. Just before arriving at Varmahlíð village, consider stopping at Víðimýri church, a small traditional turf church that blends into the landscape. Then make your way just north of Varmahlíð to visit Glaumbær museum, one of Iceland's best-preserved turf farmhouses showing how Icelanders lived for centuries. Heading toward Eyjafjörður fjord, the road takes you through deep valleys characteristic of North Iceland before arriving in the Akureyri area for your overnight stay. Find your campsite and pitch your tent. Akureyri's proximity means good facilities and supply options. Prepare dinner and enjoy your campsite, perhaps meeting other travelers and sharing experiences from the Westfjords. 

In the morning, you can spend time exploring Akureyri, Iceland's northern capital, before heading to the Lake Mývatn area. Browse shops for supplies, visit a cafe, or simply enjoy the town atmosphere. Lake Mývatn is undoubtedly one of Iceland's most renowned areas due to its volcanic activity and unique ecosystem. On the way to Mývatn, take the opportunity to see picturesque Goðafoss waterfall, cascading dramatically over its horseshoe drop. 

At Mývatn, there are various exciting places to visit, such as Skútustaðir pseudo-craters and mysterious Dimmuborgir lava formations creating a dark labyrinth. Find your campsite in or near the Mývatn area and set up for two nights at this location. Pitch your tent and prepare for tomorrow's full day of exploration. The campsite near the lake offers a perfect base for thorough Mývatn discovery. 

The whole day is dedicated to marveling at Lake Mývatn Nature Reserve. One main attraction is Námaskarð geothermal area, where you'll find bubbling mud pools and hissing steam vents creating an active volcanic landscape. Don't miss the Krafla area featuring Víti crater and Leirhnjúkur area. This leads you to a small geothermal field and then to a line of craters surrounded by chaotic black lava fields from relatively recent eruptions. The volcanic landscape is otherworldly. 

Later, you can venture up to Hverfjall crater's rim for panoramic views over the region, or dip into the geothermal waters of Earth Lagoon (available as add-on) located east of the lake. Return to your campsite from last night. Cook dinner and enjoy a second evening at the same campsite, giving you the luxury of not having to pack up your tent. Relax and explore more of the area in the extended summer daylight. 

Start your day by driving to charming Húsavík, a fishing village known as Iceland's whale-watching capital. Then drive along Tjörnes peninsula coastline, and if weather conditions are favorable, make a small stop at the extremity to enjoy vistas and spot seabirds on coastal cliffs. Your next stop is Ásbyrgi, a horseshoe-shaped gorge with impressive rock walls and abundant vegetation. This natural amphitheater is beautiful and peaceful. Heading south from Ásbyrgi, the road leads to mighty Dettifoss waterfall, where you'll feel earth tremble beneath the force of glacial water plunging with tremendous power. 

The road continues across Möðrudalur highlands' lunar landscape until reaching Hérað's fertile valley where Egilsstaðir village lies. The contrast between barren highlands and green valley is striking. Arrive at your campsite near Egilsstaðir. Pitch your tent and settle in. The campsite here provides a good base for exploring East Iceland. 

Now it's time to discover the scenic Eastfjords. Start toward Reyðarfjörður fjord, where a small World War II history museum is situated, documenting the Allied presence. In Stöðvarfjörður, there's Petra's stone collection, a remarkable private collection including most Icelandic minerals in a unique home setting. As you continue, consider stopping in Djúpivogur village, located in a charming fjord setting with peaceful atmosphere. Now continue along the fjords toward Southeast Iceland. At times, roads trace higher elevations on mountainsides, offering dramatic views. Each fjord presents its own character. 

Finally, drive through Almannaskarð tunnel to arrive in the Höfn region, where you'll stay for the night. Pitch your tent at a campsite near Höfn. Being near this fishing town gives options for restocking or dining out. After days of remote Westfjords camping, town proximity can be appreciated. 

After passing various outlet glaciers flowing from Vatnajökull, Europe's largest ice cap, arrive at Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon. This exceptional sight sits at the foot of Iceland's highest mountain, Hvannadalshnúkur. Walk along the lagoon banks observing icebergs, or take an optional 30-40 minute boat trip to admire fantastically shaped ice formations up close, floating among them. Cross to Diamond Beach where ice chunks wash ashore on black sand. 

Visit Skaftafell, another area worthy of your attention. This oasis surrounded by glaciers and black sand plains offers many hiking possibilities perfect for camping adventurers. Later, continue driving to Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur for your overnight stay. Find your campsite and pitch your tent. The campsites in this area often have good facilities and beautiful locations. Cook dinner and rest after a day of glacial wonders. 

Today you can start by exploring Reynisfjara black sand beach, famous for Reynisdrangar rock stacks rising from the ocean and impressive basalt columns. The powerful waves and dramatic scenery create an unforgettable coastal experience. Visit Dyrhólaey cape, Iceland's southernmost point. A small road takes you to the top of this 120-meter-high sea cliff where you often can see large numbers of puffins during summer. 

Please note: Dyrhólaey is closed during nesting season from 15 May to 23 June, and from mid-August the puffins will have gone to sea! Continuing westbound, arrive at Skógar and pass Skógafoss waterfall, one of Iceland's highest. As you continue toward Hella, pass Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall behind which you can actually walk! Don't miss this unique opportunity. Find your campsite and set up your tent. After nearly two weeks of camping, you're now an expert at pitching tents and cooking outdoors! 

Now it's time to experience some of Iceland's most interesting and famous areas. Drive through Flúðir village to reach the renowned Geysir geothermal area, where Strokkur hot spring reliably ejects its water column high into the air every 5 to 10 minutes, while numerous smaller springs boil and bubble nearby. Close by sits Gullfoss, the country's most famous waterfall, where massive volumes of water plunge into a deep canyon. 

Continue toward Þingvellir, considered one of the geological wonders of the world. Here you can witness the effects of tectonic plate movements creating various cracks and fissures in the earth's crust. Walk through the rift valley where continents are pulling apart. This is also where Iceland's parliament was founded in the 10th century. After completing the Golden Circle, return your camping equipment in Reykjavík and check into your hotel for your final night. After twelve nights of camping, enjoy the comfort of a hotel room and perhaps celebrate your camping journey with dinner at a restaurant. Your included breakfast tomorrow provides a satisfying conclusion to your adventure. 

Drive to Keflavík Airport for your flight home, or extend your stay by booking an extra night in Reykjavík, Iceland's vibrant capital! If departing today, depending on your flight time, you might have hours for final Reykjavík exploration before returning your rental car at the airport. 

You'll leave carrying memories of sleeping under Iceland's midnight sun for nearly two weeks, cooking countless meals at campsites across the country, meeting adventurers from around the world, exploring the remote Westfjords by tent, and experiencing Iceland's nature more intimately than most visitors ever do. Your camping adventure around the Ring Road and beyond has truly shown you Iceland's wild heart.