Iceland Ring Road Epic Adventure

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

If your flight arrives early in the day, you may wish to add on a visit to the Blue Lagoon spa to your day‘s program. Be sure to pack your swimsuit, so you can take a relaxing dip in the Lagoon’s soothing, geothermal waters, before heading to your hotel.

Today you start your journey around the island. You’ll first make your way to Akureyri, also known as the capital of the north. In Borgarfjörður we recommend stopping by the magnificent Hraunfossar waterfalls, where the water seems to magically flow from the lava bed into the river below. You’ll then pass through Skagafjörður, known for exceptional horse breeding, so keep an eye out for the fluffy and sturdy Icelandic horses.

You can spend the day relaxing or exploring more of Akureyri and its surroundings or you can opt to drive around the Tröllaskagi peninsula. Here you’ll spot charming fishing villages hidden away in bays below rocky mountains. You could visit interesting historical sites such as the former episcopal Hólar and the open-air museum turf house in Glaumbær. And don’t miss a stop at one of the most amazing swimming pools of the country at Hofsós. The view over the fjord here is absolutely incredible.

Your whole day is dedicated to the marvels of the Lake Mývatn Nature Reserve, renowned as one of Iceland’s most inspiring, natural sites. You’ll have plenty to admire and do, with waterfalls, lava formations, pseudo-craters, geothermal activities and many other wonders on the program!

And why not finish the day relaxing in the warm waters of the geothermal bath of Mývatn, with fantastic views over the lake? Be prepared for a full day of adventure!

Today you may take the opportunity to take it easy in the Mývatn area or go around the Tjörnes peninsula. The detour is worth it to experience Iceland’s most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss, which thunders down from its 44 meters high creating a deafening sound around you. You could also stop by the Ásbyrgi canyon where mythology meets nature. Or you could opt to book a whale-watching tour from Húsavík, the whale-watching capital of Iceland.

Your itinerary now takes you towards the east coast of Iceland all the way to Egilsstaðir. On the way you might want to drive through Möðrudalur. Here you’ll find the highest farm of the country (469 meters above sea level) located, like an oasis, amidst the highland, lunar landscape.

Egilsstaðir has so much to offer! You could explore the largest forest in Iceland, where you’ll find numerous hiking paths leading you through the home of wild reindeers. You could also visit the Hengifoss waterfall, drive to Seyðisfjörður, renowned as the most beautiful of the east fjords, and much more!

Today, you drive down the east coast where the rugged landscape will take you, at times, on high-perched roads on the mountains delivering breathtaking views down below. You could stop on the way at various locations such as Reyðarfjörður, where you‘ll find the local World War II museum.

Tonight you stay in Höfn, also known as the lobster capital of Iceland. Don’t miss your chance to try ones of their specialties!

You get to pick what you want to do today, relax or take on an adventurous excursion. The lowlands of the vast Vatnajökull glacier offer numerous opportunities for interesting stops and further exploration. You could also opt to add a jeep or snowmobile tour on the vast ice cap to complement your itinerary.

Your next stop is Iceland’s scenic south-east. You’ll first drive past a splendid panorama of outlet glaciers belonging to Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap. You’ll then arrive at the mesmerizing beauty of Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. This exceptional sight sits at the foot of Iceland’s highest mountain, Hvannadalshnúkur.

The Skaftafell National Park is another area worth the visit. This oasis, surrounded by glaciers and black sand plains, offers great options for hikers, from easy walks to challenging hikes.

Have a leisurely day exploring the South Coast. We recommend a visit to the Folk Museum in Skógar. You could also take the opportunity to experience one of Iceland’s best kept secret, the volcanic island of Heimaey in the Westman Islands archipelago.

Today, you will take in some of the top highlights of the South Coast of Iceland. This morning, stop to admire 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 the Geysir geothermal area. Here you can witness the Strokkur geyser propel warm water 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 landform.

You’ll end the day in Reykjavík for your last night in Iceland.

It is now time for you to say goodbye to Iceland and fly home after an amazing journey through some of the world’s most spectacular 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 or visit one last museum or attraction in the city.

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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