Complete Iceland Ring Road Scenic Road Trip - 12 Days

You start the day by exploring the culturally and historically rich Borgarfjörður area, a region characterized by vast fields and natural beauty. This fertile valley was the setting for many of Iceland's ancient sagas. The landscape features spectacular waterfalls where water flows from beneath lava fields into rivers below, creating beautiful cascades. Stop to admire these natural wonders before continuing to the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Many exciting sites await you along the way, beginning with Gerðuberg, an impressive wall of basalt columns where geometric rock formations create a natural masterpiece. Visit Arnarstapi, a charming coastal village where dramatic rock arches have been carved by Atlantic waves. Explore Djúpalónssandur and its famous pebble beach, where you can test your strength on ancient lifting stones and see rusted shipwreck remains. 

Continue to Hellnar, another picturesque village, and discover many more fascinating stops on the way to your accommodation in the Snæfellsnes area. Throughout the day, the mystical Snæfellsjökull glacier dominates the skyline, its ice-capped peak inspiring Jules Verne's 'Journey to the Center of the Earth.' Settle into your accommodation on the peninsula for the night. 

Your day begins with a scenic three-hour ferry ride from Stykkishólmur across Breiðafjörður Bay to reach the south coast of the Westfjords. The Baldur ferry journey itself is an experience, sailing past countless small islands that dot the water like jewels scattered across the bay. Keep your eyes open for seals lounging on rocky outcrops, seabirds wheeling overhead, and occasionally even whales in the distance. The ferry offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and coastline. 

After disembarking, you'll immediately enter Iceland's most remote wilderness. Today you'll visit Rauðisandur, among other spectacular sites. This beautiful and unique beach features reddish and golden sand that contrasts dramatically with the landscape around, creating a surreal scene quite different from Iceland's typical black sand beaches. The colors of the sand combined with the surrounding mountains and ocean create an unforgettable vista. Explore more of the southern Westfjords, where steep mountains and deep fjords dominate the landscape. The sense of remoteness and pristine nature is palpable in this isolated region. Spend the night in the Southern Westfjords area, surrounded by dramatic coastal scenery. 

Today you continue north along the Westfjords, one of the most remote and breathtaking regions in all of Iceland. The landscape is absolutely spectacular as you cross mountains and heaths, driving along the dramatic fjords at the foot of steep cliffs. The narrow roads wind through valleys and along shorelines, with stunning views at every turn.

Stop along the way at the majestic Dynjandi waterfall that lies in the northern arm of Arnarfjörður fjord. This magnificent cascade tumbles down the mountainside in seven distinct tiers, creating a bridal veil effect that's absolutely stunning. The main falls are 100 meters high, and the thunder of water gives the falls its name, which means 'the thunderous one.' Hike up the path alongside the waterfall, passing several smaller but equally beautiful cascades along the way. 

Continue your route toward the north through increasingly remote landscapes where signs of human habitation are few and far between. Drive through the tiny village of Flateyri, nestled at the head of a fjord, before continuing onwards to reach your accommodation near Ísafjörður, the largest town in the Westfjords. This charming town serves as the regional capital and offers restaurants and shops. 

Today your journey through the most remote places in Iceland continues as you explore Strandir, the eastern shore of the Westfjords. This isolated region offers some of Iceland's most spectacular and untouched landscapes. You'll experience breathtaking scenery while driving along the numerous small fjords of Ísafjarðardjúp, the massive fjord system that nearly cuts the Westfjords peninsula in half. The route follows dramatic coastlines where mountains plunge steeply into deep blue waters. Pass by Vigur Island along the way, a small island known for its puffin colonies and traditional eiderdown harvesting that has continued for centuries. The landscape here feels wild and pristine, with few signs of human habitation. Watch for Arctic wildlife including seals and various seabird species nesting on coastal cliffs. The sense of isolation in this part of Iceland is profound, giving you a true appreciation for how remote and rugged this region truly is. 

Continue your journey as you gradually leave the Westfjords behind, traveling southeast through increasingly varied terrain. The landscape transitions as you approach the Hrútafjörður area, where you'll spend the night on the border between the remote Westfjords and the more populated regions of North Iceland. 

From the Hrútafjörður area, your journey continues toward Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland. The route takes you through increasingly populated agricultural landscapes, showcasing a different side of Iceland from the remote wilderness you've experienced in recent days. Pass through the Skagafjörður region, an area renowned throughout Iceland for exceptional horse breeding heritage. You might see many beautiful Icelandic horses along the way in the farmlands during your drive, their stocky builds and thick manes distinctive against the green fields. This fertile valley has produced champion horses for generations, and the equestrian tradition runs deep in this community. The landscape features rolling hills, prosperous farms, and a sense of rural prosperity. 

Continue your journey north toward Akureyri, Iceland's second-largest urban area. This charming northern town sits beautifully at the head of Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord, with colorful houses climbing the hillsides and a vibrant cultural scene. Arrive in Akureyri for the night, where you can explore the town's excellent shops, cozy cafes, and restaurants. The botanical gardens are particularly worth visiting, showcasing how Arctic and sub-Arctic plants can surprisingly thrive this far north. 

In the morning, you can spend some time exploring Akureyri before heading toward the Lake Mývatn area. Browse the downtown shops, enjoy a coffee overlooking the fjord, or simply soak in the atmosphere of this vibrant northern capital before continuing your journey. Lake Mývatn is undoubtedly one of Iceland's most renowned areas due to its intense volcanic activity and amazing bird life. The lake sits in an active volcanic zone, creating a unique ecosystem unlike anywhere else in Iceland. 

On the way to Mývatn, we recommend visiting the impressive Goðafoss waterfall, known as the 'Waterfall of the Gods,' where water cascades dramatically over a horseshoe-shaped drop. Legend tells that Iceland's lawspeaker threw his pagan idols into these falls when the country converted to Christianity around the year 1000. At Lake Mývatn, there are various exciting places of interest you can visit. Explore the Skútustaðir pseudo-craters and the mysterious lava formations of Dimmuborgir, often called 'Dark Castles.' Visit the Námaskarð geothermal area with its bubbling mud pools and steaming vents painted in vivid colors. The contrast between the serene lake and the raw volcanic features is striking. Spend the night in the Mývatn area. 

Your day starts with a visit to the charming fishing village of Húsavík, known as Iceland's whale-watching capital. This picturesque town sits on a beautiful bay where humpback whales, minke whales, and other species are frequently spotted during summer months. The colorful wooden houses and harbor create a quintessentially Icelandic scene. 

After exploring Húsavík, you'll drive along the coastline of the Tjörnes Peninsula, where dramatic cliffs meet the sea. You might like to make a quick stop at the extremity of the peninsula to enjoy the spectacular view and spot some seabirds nesting on the cliff faces. The area is also known for its fossil-rich sedimentary layers visible in the cliffs, documenting Iceland's geological history. The journey then continues to the eastern part of Iceland, traveling through increasingly remote terrain. The route takes you through highland areas and along river valleys, where vast open landscapes create a profound sense of wilderness. This transition from the volcanic north to the mountainous east showcases Iceland's remarkable geographic diversity. Arrive in the Egilsstaðir area for your next evening's stay, gateway to the beautiful Eastfjords region. 

Today is the day to discover the beautiful Eastfjords, where steep mountains rise dramatically above deep blue fjords. Start your journey toward Reyðarfjörður, where you'll find a small but fascinating World War II history museum documenting the significant Allied military presence in these remote fjords during the war. Continue along the fjords toward Southeast Iceland, driving through spectacular coastal scenery that ranks among Iceland's most dramatic. At times, the road hangs precariously high on the mountain slopes, offering spectacular views across the water hundreds of meters 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, their economies still dependent on the sea as they have been for centuries. Watch for reindeer, which roam freely in the mountains of East Iceland and are found nowhere else in the country. 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 will spend the night. 

Your next stop is Iceland's scenic southeast, one of the most visually spectacular regions in the entire country. After passing various outlet glaciers belonging to Vatnajökull, Europe's largest ice cap, you'll arrive at the stunningly surreal beauty of Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Watch enormous icebergs 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. Seals often swim gracefully between the ice chunks, curious about visitors along the shore. Cross the road to Diamond Beach, where ice fragments wash up on black volcanic sand, sparkling like giant diamonds as waves wash around them. Each piece is unique, sculpted by the sea into temporary art. 

Visit Skaftafell, another area definitely worth exploring. This green oasis surrounded by glaciers and black sand plains offers a broad range of options for great hiking through birch woodlands with stunning views. Continue through Kirkjubæjarklaustur village, across the vast Eldhraun lava field covered in soft moss, and over the Mýrdalssandur glacial outwash plain before you arrive in the Vík area for the night. 

Continue westbound along the south coast of Iceland before exploring the world-famous Golden Circle, which takes you to the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. On your way, you'll pass the magnificent south coast waterfalls that have become icons of Icelandic tourism. Stop 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. The sheer power and beauty are breathtaking. 

Continue to Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the curtain of falling water for a unique and unforgettable perspective. Don't miss the nearby hidden Gljúfrabúi waterfall tucked into a narrow canyon. Drive inland to explore the Golden Circle route, beginning with Gullfoss, the powerful 'Golden Waterfall,' where the Hvítá river plunges in two dramatic stages into a rugged canyon. The thundering water creates massive clouds of mist. Continue to the Geysir geothermal area, home to numerous hot springs, bubbling mud pools, and the famous Strokkur geyser, which erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, shooting water high into the air. Finally, visit Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are visibly pulling apart. Walk through the dramatic Almannagjá rift valley and stand where Iceland's ancient parliament was founded in 930 AD, making it one of the world's oldest democratic assemblies. 

Your day will end in Reykjavík, where you'll spend your last night in Iceland, perhaps celebrating your incredible 12-day journey with dinner at one of the capital's excellent restaurants. 

It seems as if your journey to fabulous Iceland only began a moment ago, but now it is time to head back home. 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 or a hearty meal to fuel your journey home. Do some last-minute souvenir shopping for Icelandic wool sweaters, local chocolate, or unique Nordic design items, or take one more walk through the colorful streets, soaking in the unique atmosphere of this charming northern capital. If time permits before your flight, you may be able to squeeze in a last activity or visit any Reykjavík attractions you might have missed, experiencing more of the amazing things that the city has to offer. Visit a museum, browse more shops, or simply relax at a cafe reflecting on your incredible adventure. 

Drive back to Keflavík Airport to drop off your rental car and check in for your flight home, carrying memories of the remote Westfjords with their dramatic cliffs and pristine fjords, the magical Snæfellsnes peninsula, the complete Ring Road circuit with its volcanic landscapes and glacial wonders, floating icebergs at Jökulsárlón, powerful waterfalls, and the incredible diversity you've experienced across every corner of this remarkable country. You're already dreaming of your return to Iceland.