Iceland Ring Road & Snæfellsnes Adventure

Your memorable Icelandic adventure begins the very moment you arrive at Keflavík Airport. After picking up your rental car, you’ll drive to the capital, Reykjavík, for your first night in the Land of Fire and Ice.

If you have an early arrival you might like to begin your journey with a visit to Iceland’s world-famous Blue Lagoon. Enjoy the geothermal blue, warm and soothing waters of the lagoon before heading to your hotel. Be sure to pack your swimsuit!

Today, you explore the natural wonders of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. They include the Eldborg volcanic crater, the Gerðuberg basalt columns, the quaint hamlet of Búðir, and Djúpalónssandur beach, with its historical shipwreck remains. Don’t miss the view up the majestic Snæfell volcano and surrounding glacier.

From Stykkishólmur, you will head south-west toward the fjord of Borgarfjörður. This area is characterized by vast lands, sweeping views of the Langjökull glacier, and magnificent waterfalls. All set against a rich cultural background straight out of an Icelandic saga.

Today’s itinerary takes you to North Iceland. You’ll drive through farm fields and the Skagafjörður region known for Icelandic horse breeding. The landscape is dotted with the beautiful Icelandic horses. This will contrast well with yesterday’s experience.

You can take a detour along the way to the Vatnsnes peninsula, where you could spot seals in their natural habitat along the black sand beaches.

Mývatn is rightfully one of the most visited spot in Iceland. It is home to some truly awe-inspiring sights. You could visit the mesmerizing lava field labyrinth of Dimmuborgir, or witness the 2300-year-old pseudo-craters of Skútustaðir. Here, you’ll also find one of Iceland´s largest sulphurous hot spring areas, the solfataras of Námaskarð. And don’t miss out on the impressive Goðafoss waterfall, known as “the waterfall of the gods”!

You have the day to explore the north of Iceland further. Venture to the Tjörnes peninsula as it offers some amazing experiences. Start in Húsavík, a seaside village known as the whale-watching capital of Iceland. You can then take in the beauty of the lush, horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon. Finally, don’t miss the thundering power of Dettifoss waterfall, which can make the ground shake beneath your feet.

It is now time to explore the east coast! Drive across the Möðrudalur highlands desert to experience its lunar landscape before reaching the fertile valley of Hérað where lies the village of Egilsstaðir. This town is home to the largest Icelandic forest where reindeer roam free. You might be lucky and spot one!

The East Fjords region is utterly picturesque, with its small villages nestled in the arms of narrow and dramatic fjord coastlines. Start the day by driving through Reyðarfjörður, where you’ll find the local World War II museum, before heading south-east.

Your drive down the east coast will take you through rugged landscape, at times, on high-perched roads on the mountains delivering breathtaking views down below. Finally, you’ll drive through the tunnel of Almannaskarð to arrive in the Höfn region.

Your next stop is Iceland’s scenic south-east. You’ll first pass by various outlet glaciers belonging to Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap. You’ll then arrive at the stunning Jökulsárlón, a lagoon famous for its bogging icebergs. This exceptional sight sits at the foot of Iceland’s highest mountain, Hvannadalshnúkur, and you could even book an optional boat tour onto the lagoon.

The Skaftafell National Park is another must-see area. This oasis, surrounded by glaciers and black sand plains, offers a broad range of options for impressive hikes. Continue through the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, the Eldhraun lava field, and the Mýrdalssandur plain before arriving in the Vík area.

Today, you will continue west to see some of the top highlights of the South Coast. Start the morning by admiring the powerful Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls.

Later, marvel at the attractions of the famous Golden Circle. First, the imposing Gullfoss waterfall, followed by the steaming power of Geysir. Here you can witness the Strokkur geyser propel warm water columns in the air every 5-10 minutes. Last but not least, the Þingvellir National Park. This is where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, creating this impressive landscape.

Later, you’ll reach Reykjavík.

Take the time to discover more of Reykjavík and its stunning surroundings today. In the city center, there are museums and art galleries, plenty of shops to pick up souvenirs, and incredible restaurants and cafés to savor Icelandic specialties. You may also like to go on a whale-watching tour or take a stroll along Nauthólsvík beach.

It is now time to head back home after an amazing journey through one of the world’s most picturesque landscapes. Drive back to Keflavík Airport and return your rental car. If your flight is later in the day, you might want to enjoy a last stroll around Reykjavík, visit one last museum, or even book a time to relax at the Blue Lagoon on your way to the airport.

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Hike to the Meradalir Eruption Site

If you have time before you leave Iceland, you can hike to the latest volcano eruption site at Meradalir on the Reykjanes peninsula. In August 2022, new fissures opened close to the site of the 2021 Fagradalsfjall eruption. Why not take this rare chance to see a fresh caldera and newly solidified lava?

On this self-guided hike, you can see the lava fields produced by both eruptions. You might also be lucky enough to glimpse fountains of molten lava gushing from the ground. No matter how active the volcano is that day, you’ll be able to witness the incredible power of the natural forces that produced the lava.

A volcanic eruption is a natural phenomenon and activity levels vary from day to day, so sightings of molten lava cannot be guaranteed. It’s also worth bearing in mind that the eruption site may be closed for your safety during periods of bad weather.

This hiking tour is only recommended for people with a good level of fitness, used to walking over rough terrain in poor weather. Marked paths are only available for part of the route.

For more information, check out this Volcano Eruption Update.

Tour: Hike to the Meradalir Eruption Site (no extra cost)
Duration: 9 hours, including driving time
Hiking duration: 4–5 hours (2–2.5 hours each way)
Total distance: 14 kilometers (8 miles)
Total elevation gain: 300 meters (990 feet)
Required equipment: Hiking shoes, warm and waterproof clothing, packed lunch, drinking water
Parking: There’s a parking lot near the start of the trail. The entry cost is ISK 1,000. Parking along road 427 is prohibited
Minimum age: 12 years