Snæfellsnes & Ring Road Self-Drive Adventure - 12 Days

Today you'll explore the natural wonders of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, often called 'Iceland in Miniature' because it showcases such incredible landscape diversity in one compact region. Begin your exploration at the dramatic Eldborg volcanic crater, a perfectly formed cone rising from the lava fields. Continue to the impressive Gerðuberg basalt columns, where geometric rock formations create a natural wall that seems almost too perfect to be real. Visit the quaint hamlet of Búðir, where the iconic black church stands alone against a backdrop of lava fields and ocean, creating one of Iceland's most photographed scenes. Explore Djúpalónssandur beach, a striking black pebble beach where you can test your strength on ancient lifting stones and see historical shipwreck remains scattered across the shore. 

Throughout the day, don't miss the views of the majestic Snæfellsjökull volcano and its surrounding glacier. This mystical ice-capped peak inspired Jules Verne's 'Journey to the Center of the Earth' and dominates the peninsula's skyline. Explore charming coastal villages and dramatic sea cliffs carved by Atlantic waves. Drive to Stykkishólmur, a picturesque fishing village, for the night. 

From Stykkishólmur, you'll head southwest toward the fjord of Borgarfjörður, a region characterized by vast lands, sweeping views, and rich cultural heritage. This fertile valley is set against a cultural background straight out of Icelandic sagas, where many of Iceland's most famous stories took place. The area offers spectacular natural beauty with sweeping views of Langjökull glacier gleaming in the distance, its massive ice cap dominating the inland horizon. Stop at magnificent waterfalls where water flows from beneath lava fields into rivers below, creating beautiful cascades. 

Visit Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring in terms of water flow, where massive amounts of boiling water emerge from the ground, creating dramatic clouds of steam. Explore Reykholt, where the famous medieval writer Snorri Sturluson lived and worked, and marvel at Hraunfossar waterfalls, where water flows from beneath a lava field creating a series of delicate cascades that stretch along the river. The nearby Barnafoss waterfall is just a short walk away and equally impressive, with water rushing through a narrow rocky gorge. The combination of flowing water and ancient lava creates beautiful natural contrasts throughout the region. Spend the night in the Borgarfjörður area, surrounded by this landscape rich in both natural beauty and cultural significance. 

Today's itinerary takes you north through Iceland's agricultural heartland as you make your way to Akureyri. Drive through farm fields and the Skagafjörður region, known throughout Iceland for its exceptional horse breeding heritage. The landscape is dotted with beautiful Icelandic horses grazing in fields, their thick manes blowing in the wind and their sturdy builds distinctive against the green valleys. This picturesque agricultural region contrasts beautifully with the dramatic coastal and highland landscapes you've experienced. These friendly animals are unique to Iceland and have remained pure-bred for over a thousand years since Viking settlement. 

You can take a detour along the way to the Vatnsnes peninsula, where you could spot seals in their natural habitat along the coastline. Several seal-watching spots provide excellent opportunities to observe these charming marine mammals lounging on rocks or swimming in the waters of Húnaflói bay. The distinctive Hvítserkur sea stack, rising from the ocean like a petrified dragon drinking from the sea, is another highlight of this peninsula. Continue your journey to Akureyri, Iceland's charming northern capital, nestled beautifully at the head of Eyjafjörður fjord. This delightful town offers colorful houses climbing the hillsides, excellent restaurants, shops, and a surprisingly cosmopolitan atmosphere for its size. Spend the night in Akureyri. 

Lake Mývatn is rightfully one of the most visited spots in Iceland, home to some truly awe-inspiring sights that showcase the region's intense volcanic activity and unique geology. Today is dedicated to exploring this extraordinary area in depth. You could visit the mesmerizing lava field labyrinth of Dimmuborgir, often called 'Dark Castles,' where twisted rock formations create an otherworldly maze of pillars, caves, and arches. Walk among the dramatic rock sculptures and through natural formations created when a lava lake once drained away, leaving these haunting structures behind. Witness the ancient pseudo-craters of Skútustaðir, unique geological formations that are over 2,300 years old, created when hot lava flowed over wetlands causing violent steam explosions. Here you'll also find one of Iceland's largest sulfurous hot spring areas, the Námaskarð geothermal field, where you can walk among hissing steam vents and bubbling mud pools. The ground is painted in vivid shades of yellow, orange, and red from mineral deposits, creating an alien landscape. 

Don't miss the impressive Goðafoss waterfall, known as the 'Waterfall of the Gods,' where water cascades dramatically over a 12-meter horseshoe-shaped drop. According to legend, this is where Iceland's lawspeaker threw his pagan idols when the country converted to Christianity around the year 1000. Consider a relaxing soak in the Earth Lagoon Mývatn (available as an add-on) with views over the volcanic landscape. Spend the night in the Lake Mývatn area. 

You have the full day to explore the north of Iceland further, with numerous spectacular options available in this remarkable region. Venture to the Tjörnes peninsula, as it offers some amazing experiences and dramatic coastal scenery. Start in Húsavík, a charming seaside village known as the whale-watching capital of Iceland, where humpback whales, minke whales, and other species are frequently spotted in Skjálfandi Bay during summer months. The colorful houses and picturesque harbor create a quintessentially Icelandic scene. 

Take in the beauty of the lush, horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon, where towering rock walls up to 100 meters high surround a green oasis filled with birch and willow woodland. According to Norse mythology, this formation was created when Odin's eight-legged horse Sleipnir touched down with one enormous hoof. 

Finally, don't miss the thundering power of Dettifoss waterfall, Iceland's and Europe's most powerful waterfall by volume. The sheer volume of glacial water plunging over the 45-meter drop creates a deafening roar, and you can literally feel the ground shake beneath your feet as 193 cubic meters of water per second crashes into the canyon below. The mist rises like smoke, and the raw power of nature is truly awe-inspiring. Spend the night in the Mývatn or Húsavík area, ready for tomorrow's journey east. 

Today your journey continues eastward toward the Egilsstaðir region, traveling through remote and beautiful landscapes. If you have extra time this morning, consider detouring through Möðrudalur's highland area, where the lunar-like landscape feels like driving on another planet. This barren highland region, one of Iceland's highest inhabited areas, creates a stark contrast to the green valleys and offers a glimpse of Iceland's interior wilderness. The route takes you through increasingly remote terrain as you head toward East Iceland. The landscape transitions from volcanic north to the mountainous east, with vast open spaces and dramatic geological formations. Drive through areas where the sense of isolation is profound, passing occasional farms that demonstrate the resilience required to live in these remote locations. 

The journey offers excellent opportunities to spot wildlife, including Arctic foxes and various bird species. As you approach the Egilsstaðir area, you'll notice the landscape becoming more forested, with birch woodlands more common here than in many other parts of Iceland. Egilsstaðir serves as the largest town in East Iceland and the gateway to the beautiful Eastfjords region. Arrive in the Egilsstaðir area for the night, where you can enjoy local restaurants and prepare for tomorrow's exploration of the dramatic fjord coastlines. 

It is now time to explore the picturesque east coast with its charming small villages nestled in the arms of narrow and dramatic fjord coastlines. Start the day by driving south through Reyðarfjörður, where you'll find the local World War II museum documenting the significant Allied military presence in these remote fjords during the war, when thousands of troops were stationed here. 

Continue heading southeast along one of Iceland's most scenic coastal drives. The road winds along the shoreline and lower mountainsides, sometimes climbing high on steep slopes with dizzying views hundreds of meters down to the water below. Each fjord has its own unique character and charm, from narrow and dramatic inlets to broader, more serene waters. Pass through tiny fishing villages where colorful houses cluster around small harbors, and locals still make their living from the sea as they have for generations. The Eastfjords are home to Iceland's only wild reindeer population, descendants of animals imported from Norway in the 18th century, and you might be lucky enough to spot these magnificent creatures grazing on mountain slopes or wandering across highland areas. Finally, you'll drive through the Almannaskarð tunnel, bursting through the mountain to emerge with spectacular views of Vatnajökull glacier dominating the western horizon. Arrive in the Höfn region, known as Iceland's lobster capital, where you'll spend the night. 

Your next stop is Iceland's scenic southeast, one of the most visually spectacular regions in the entire country. You'll first pass by various outlet glaciers belonging to Vatnajökull, Europe's largest ice cap covering roughly eight percent of Iceland's total land area. These massive rivers of ice flowing down from the main ice cap create a landscape unlike anywhere else on Earth, with glacial tongues descending between mountains toward the coastal plain. 

Arrive at the stunning Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, famous for its enormous floating icebergs that create one of Iceland's most iconic scenes. Watch these massive ice chunks that have calved from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier drift slowly and majestically through the deep blue water toward the ocean outlet. This exceptional sight sits at the foot of Iceland's highest mountain, Hvannadalshnúkur, creating a dramatic backdrop. The icebergs range from brilliant white to stunning shades of blue, some streaked with black volcanic ash layers. You could even book an optional boat tour onto the lagoon for a closer look at these magnificent ice sculptures and to learn about glacial processes from expert guides. Cross the road to Diamond Beach, where ice chunks wash up on black volcanic sand, sparkling like giant diamonds as waves wash around them. 

Visit Skaftafell, another must-see area and green oasis surrounded by glaciers and black sand plains. This region offers a broad range of options for impressive hikes through birch forests with stunning views of glacial landscapes and waterfalls. Later, continue your drive west to the Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur area for your overnight stay. 

Today you'll continue west to see some of the top highlights of the south coast before completing the famous Golden Circle route. Start the morning by admiring the powerful south coast waterfalls that have become icons of Icelandic tourism. Begin at Skógafoss, one of Iceland's largest and most impressive waterfalls at 60 meters high, where you can climb stairs beside the falls for incredible aerial views and feel the spray on your face. The sheer volume of water creates constant rainbows on sunny days. 

Continue to Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the curtain of falling water for a unique perspective, though waterproof clothing is advisable as spray is inevitable. Don't miss the nearby hidden Gljúfrabúi waterfall, partially concealed within a narrow canyon. Later, marvel at the attractions of the famous Golden Circle. First stop is the imposing Gullfoss waterfall, where the powerful Hvítá river plunges in two dramatic stages into a rugged canyon. The thundering water creates massive clouds of mist, and the sheer power is awe-inspiring. 

Continue to the Geysir geothermal area, where you can witness Strokkur geyser reliably propel boiling water high into the air every 5 to 10 minutes. The anticipation before each eruption creates excitement that never diminishes. Last but not least, visit Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates visibly meet and diverge. Walk through the dramatic Almannagjá rift valley between towering rock walls and stand where Iceland's ancient parliament, the Alþingi, was founded in 930 AD, making it one of the world's oldest parliamentary sites. Later, you'll reach Reykjavík for the night, beginning your two-day stay in the capital. 

Take the time to discover more of Reykjavík and its stunning surroundings today with a full free day to explore at your own pace. Sleep in and enjoy a relaxed breakfast before heading out to discover the city's many attractions without any rush. In the city center, there are fascinating museums and art galleries showcasing Icelandic culture, history, and creativity. Visit the National Museum to learn about Iceland's story from Viking settlement to modern times, explore the Reykjavík Art Museum with its collections spread across three locations, or browse smaller galleries featuring contemporary Icelandic artists. There are plenty of shops along Laugavegur and the surrounding streets to pick up souvenirs, from traditional Icelandic wool sweaters and design items to local delicacies and unique handicrafts. Enjoy incredible restaurants and cozy cafes to savor Icelandic specialties, perhaps trying traditional dishes like lamb or fresh seafood straight from the harbor. 

You may also like to go on a whale-watching tour from Reykjavík harbor, where humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises are frequently spotted in Faxaflói Bay. Take a stroll along Nauthólsvík geothermal beach, visit the Perlan museum with its observation deck offering 360-degree views, or relax in one of the city's many geothermal swimming pools, a favorite Icelandic pastime where locals gather to socialize. Consider visiting the modern Harpa concert hall with its stunning glass facade, the historic harbor area, or simply wandering through the colorful streets discovering hidden cafes, street art, and unique shops. This free day gives you complete flexibility to choose your own adventure in the capital. Spend your second night in Reykjavík. 

It is now time to head back home after an amazing 12-day journey through one of the world's most picturesque and geologically fascinating landscapes. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few hours to enjoy a final morning in Reykjavík. Take a leisurely breakfast at one of the city's excellent cafes, perhaps trying traditional Icelandic pastries like kleinur or a hearty meal to fuel your journey home. Do some last-minute souvenir shopping for items you may have missed, or take one more walk through the colorful streets, soaking in the unique atmosphere of this charming northern capital. 

If your flight is later in the day, you might want to enjoy a last stroll around Reykjavík's harbor area, visit one last museum or attraction in the city you didn't have time for yesterday, or simply relax at a favorite cafe reflecting on your incredible 12-day adventure. Consider stopping at sites you may have missed or revisiting a favorite spot one last time. Drive back to Keflavík Airport to return your rental car and check in for your flight home, carrying memories of the magical Snæfellsnes peninsula with its glacier-capped volcano, the complete Ring Road circuit showcasing Iceland's incredible diversity, dramatic volcanic landscapes at Lake Mývatn, the remote and picturesque Eastfjords with their tiny villages, floating icebergs at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, powerful waterfalls that took your breath away, and the warm hospitality of Iceland and its people. With the relaxed pacing and full free day in Reykjavík, you've experienced Iceland thoroughly and authentically, creating deep connections with each region. You're already planning your return visit.