Ring Road & Arctic Coast Way Self-Drive Tour - 10 Days

After breakfast in Reykjavík, your road trip to the north begins in earnest. The route takes you through sprawling farmlands and diverse landscapes to your destination, the Skagafjörður region known for its horse-breeding heritage. Before you arrive, take a few worthwhile detours to see fascinating sights along the way. 

In Borgarnes, you can learn about Viking settlement history at the Settlement Center museum. Further along the route is Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring, where massive amounts of boiling water emerge from the ground. Not far from here, discover Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, two dazzling waterfalls where water flows from beneath lava into rivers. Then drive through the Vatnsnes peninsula, known for its adorable seal colonies basking on coastal rocks. The distinctive Hvítserkur sea stack rises from the ocean here. If there's time, visit Glaumbær, an old turf-roofed farmhouse museum showing traditional Icelandic architecture, and take a relaxing dip at Grettislaug geothermal pool with stunning views. Arrive in the Skagafjörður area for the night. 

It's time to join the Arctic Coast Way! Set off from Skagafjörður into the dramatic Tröllaskagi peninsula, aptly named the 'Peninsula of the Trolls'. Get ready to witness towering mountains rising steeply from the sea, valleys plunging dramatically between peaks, and majestic ice caps gleaming on distant summits. The drive continues past otherworldly landscapes unlike anything you've seen so far. Wind through the scenic Hjaltadalur valley, where the historic town of Hólar is nestled. This tiny settlement features a famous cathedral with centuries of history, once serving as one of Iceland's two bishop seats. 

Your next stop is Hofsós, a quaint village with a picturesque harbor and the famous infinity pool offering jaw-dropping views over Skagafjörður fjord. Pass through Siglufjörður, one of Iceland's most northern towns tucked dramatically at the end of a narrow fjord, known for its herring fishing heritage. Continue through the villages of Ólafsfjörður and Dalvík, each offering their own charm and character. Later, you'll arrive in Akureyri, nicknamed the 'Capital of the North,' where colorful houses climb the hillsides. Settle in for the night in this vibrant northern town. 

Head out from Akureyri and make your way to Goðafoss, the magnificent 'Waterfall of the Gods,' where water crashes over a horseshoe-shaped drop. Legend tells of Iceland's conversion to Christianity when pagan idols were thrown into these falls. Continue to Húsavík, a charming fishing village famous for its incredible whale watching opportunities and maritime heritage. This picturesque harbor town offers excellent views across Skjálfandi Bay. 

Get back on the road and head to Lake Mývatn, an area completely dominated by volcanic activity, both past and present. This extraordinary region became so famous for its moon-like terrain that NASA astronauts trained here. Get up close to the Dimmuborgir lava fields, where sky-high rock formations and twisted lava pillars will take your breath away. Then discover the Krafla volcano system with its bubbling mud pools and steaming vents. For a hit of adrenaline, check out Leirhnjúkur, an active volcanic area with recent lava flows. End your day by relaxing at Earth Lagoon Mývatn (optional, not included), soaking in warm geothermal waters overlooking the volcanic landscape. Spend the night near Mývatn. 

Start your morning at thundering Dettifoss, a massive waterfall so powerful you'll feel the ground shaking beneath your feet. Europe's most powerful waterfall plunges 45 meters with incredible force. A little further along is Hljóðaklettar, or 'Echo Rocks,' fascinating basalt formations that create natural acoustic effects. Don't miss Ásbyrgi, a vast horseshoe-shaped canyon steeped in folklore and filled with lush vegetation. 

Spend time discovering Jökulsárgljúfur, a stunning canyon system in Vatnajökull National Park where you'll be rewarded by spectacular waterfalls tumbling into deep ravines. Then hit the road along the Arctic Coast Way, leaving the crowds completely behind. Travel through the flat, windswept Melrakkaslétta peninsula to Raufarhöfn, Iceland's northernmost settlement and one of its most isolated communities. The landscape here is stark and beautiful, with endless horizons. Look out for the Arctic Henge, or Heimskautsgerðið, an awe-inspiring stone monument slowly being constructed in honor of Norse mythology. This modern stone circle aligns with the summer solstice. Spend the night in this remote northern area, far from any light pollution. 

Today your Arctic Coast Way adventure continues with a scenic drive along the remote Langanes peninsula, one of Iceland's least visited regions. You might want to stop and explore a hiking trail through this wild landscape, or wander along a pristine beach with nothing but nature surrounding you. The natural beauty of this area makes it a photographer's dream, with dramatic cliffs, bird colonies, and sweeping ocean vistas. The sense of isolation here is profound. 

Continue your journey south along the eastern coast, passing Selárdalslaug, a geothermal pool where you could take a refreshing dip in naturally heated water. Not far away is Vopnafjörður, a village perched beautifully on a fjord with a jaw-dropping coastline of steep cliffs and narrow inlets. The drive through this region showcases Iceland's remote eastern character. Your destination is Egilsstaðir, the largest town in East Iceland. Despite being the regional hub, it still has a population of less than 3,000 people, giving you a sense of just how sparsely populated this corner of Iceland remains. Arrive in Egilsstaðir for the night. 

It's time to explore Iceland's least-visited region in depth. Set off south from Egilsstaðir toward Reyðarfjörður, a small town featuring a fascinating World War II museum that documents when thousands of Allied soldiers were stationed in these remote fjords. 

Continue on your journey, following the edges of the spectacular fjords on an incredible stretch of winding coastal road. The views are absolutely out of this world, with each bend revealing new vistas of mountains plunging into deep blue waters. If you'd like, make another stop in the adorable harbor village of Djúpivogur, known for its artistic community. Look out for Eggin í Gleðivík, or 'The Eggs of Merry Bay,' an art installation featuring 34 large egg sculptures representing local bird species. Each egg is unique and beautifully crafted. The final part of your journey takes you through the Almannaskarð tunnel, bursting through the mountain to emerge on the other side. Before you lies the Höfn area, with spectacular views of Vatnajökull glacier dominating the horizon. Spend the night near Höfn, Iceland's lobster capital. 

You have plenty of thrilling stops to choose from today as you make your way west through Iceland's stunning southeast. The road takes you around the southern edge of Vatnajökull, Europe's largest ice cap, passing numerous outlet glaciers that flow like frozen rivers toward the sea. 

Reach the surreal Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where enormous icebergs drift serenely before floating out to the Atlantic. The sight of these massive ice sculptures, ranging from brilliant white to deep blue, is absolutely mesmerizing. Cross to Diamond Beach where ice chunks sparkle on black sand. Close by, stop in the Skaftafell nature reserve, a green oasis surrounded by giant glaciers and black sand plains. The hiking opportunities here are excellent, from easy nature walks to challenging mountain trails. Get back on the road and continue westward along the south coast. 

Along your way, stop to explore the picturesque village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur and the nearby Eldhraun lava field, one of the largest lava flows on Earth now covered in soft moss. For one final stop before your destination, discover the vast Mýrdalssandur outwash plain, a black sand desert created by glacial floods. Head to your accommodation in the Vík í Mýrdal area for the night. 

Finish your Iceland adventure with a bang by ticking off the iconic Golden Circle route and returning to Reykjavík. This compact ring of attractions is world-famous for good reason! Begin at Gullfoss, or 'Golden Falls,' a thundering two-tiered waterfall where the glacial river plunges dramatically into a rugged canyon. The sheer volume creates massive mist clouds. Then discover the Geysir geothermal area, the place where the word 'geyser' originated. Witness the powerful Strokkur spray hot water into the air every few minutes, creating excitement with each eruption. 

Next up is Þingvellir National Park and the Mid-Atlantic Rift, where two tectonic plates are slowly drifting apart at a visible rate. Walk through the dramatic rift valley where continents separate. As you head back to Reykjavík, you'll pass by two more amazing waterfalls along the south coast. Stop at Skógafoss, one of Iceland's tallest, and Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the falling water. Arrive in Reykjavík for your final night, celebrating an incredible 10-day journey that took you to Iceland's most remote Arctic reaches. Enjoy a farewell dinner in the capital. 

Your incredible adventure has come to an end! If you've got time before your flight, check out some more of Reykjavík's attractions you might have missed. Browse final shops for souvenirs, grab a last Icelandic coffee, or simply wander the streets one more time. As well as museums, shops, and cafes throughout the city, there are two nearby thermal spas worth considering: Sky Lagoon with its ocean views and the Blue Lagoon set in a lava field. Why not visit one of them to relax and reflect on your journey before heading home? 

Drive to Keflavík Airport to return your rental car and check in for your flight, carrying memories of the remote Arctic Coast Way with its dramatic northern landscapes, endless horizons, and authentic fishing villages, plus all the classic Ring Road highlights from floating icebergs to powerful waterfalls. You've explored regions most tourists never reach. Your next visit is already being planned.