Iceland Ring Road Winter Adventure

8 days / 7 nights
windy road up a snowy hill
The Hraunfossar waterfall in winter
A woman relaxing in Mývatn Nature Baths
The Goðafoss waterfall during the winter surrounded by snow
Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon at sunrise with a pink sky
Winter scene in Reyðarfjörður, East Iceland, with a cottage and snowy mountain
Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon at sunrise with a pink sky
Winter scene in Reyðarfjörður, East Iceland, with a cottage and snowy mountain
windy road up a snowy hill
The Hraunfossar waterfall in winter
A woman relaxing in Mývatn Nature Baths

Be magnetized by Iceland’s winter charm

This week-long winter self-drive is one of our most popular itineraries. Follow the famous Ring Road through Iceland’s spellbinding snow-covered scenery and experience true winter magic.

This tour also includes the Golden Circle route, where you can see a live geyser erupt. Before heading home, why not spend some time exploring buzzing Reykjavík or taking a dip in the Blue Lagoon? On this trip, you’ll do it all!

Travel styleSelf-drive
Trip length8 days / 7 nights
VibeDream trip
SeasonWinter
(1 Nov–31 Mar)
TransportRental car
Starts fromReykjavík
Tour codeSD14

On this tour you will...

  • See steaming hot springs and bubbling mud pools

  • Wind through the spectacular Eastfjords

  • Watch as freshly calved icebergs float out to sea

  • Roam black sand beaches on the south coast

  • Walk below towering waterfalls

  • Visit charming country villages and towns

View the summer version of this tour

Top attractions

The skyline of Akureyri, North Iceland

Akureyri

The Hraunfossar waterfall in winter covered in ice

Hraunfossar and Barnafoss

Water coming out of colorful rocks at Deildartunguhver hot spring

Deildartunguhver

Lake Mývatn in its autumn colors

Lake Mývatn

The Goðafoss waterfall in summer

Goðafoss

The Dimmuborgir lava formations in North Iceland

Dimmuborgir

The village of Djúpivogur seen from a distance

Djúpivogur

Vik Church with Reynisdrangar sea stacks in the distance

Vík í Mýrdal

Skaftafellsjökull glacier in Vatnajökull National Park

Skaftafell

The edge of the Vatnajökull glacier

Vatnajökull Glacier & National Park

Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon at sunrise with a pink sky

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Þingvellir National Park, Iceland, in autumn colors

Þingvellir National Park

The Strokkur geyser erupting in winter against a sunset

Geysir and Strokkur

The Gullfoss waterfall in summertime

Gullfoss

The Tjörnin pond in Reykjavík in summer

Downtown Reykjavík

Why book a self-drive trip with Iceland Tours?

  • Start your tour on the date that suits you

  • 24/7 emergency helpline in Iceland

  • Secure your booking with just a 5% deposit

  • New rental cars with 2 drivers as standard

  • Handpicked local accommodation options

  • Best Price Guarantee

Your 8-day self-drive itinerary

Your 8-day self-drive itinerary
Staying inReykjavík
Driving distance50 km (31 mi)

Your memorable Icelandic adventure begins the very moment you arrive at Keflavík Airport. After having picked up your rental vehicle, you drive to the capital for your first night in “the land of fire and ice.”

Highlights

The Tjörnin pond in Reykjavík in summer

Downtown Reykjavík

Extra activities

Riders on FlyOver Iceland above a virtual waterfallExtra

FlyOver Iceland

The Sky Lagoon at sunsetExtra

Sky Lagoon Saman Pass

Staying inAkureyri area
Driving distance460 km (286 mi)

You travel today towards the northern part of Iceland to reach Akureyri, the north’s capital. As you head toward Borgarfjörður, we recommend stopping by the magnificent Hraunfossar waterfalls where the water seems to magically flows from the lava bed into the river below. You then continue your journey driving through Skagafjörður which is known for exceptional horse breeding.

Staying inMývatn area
Driving distance120 km (75 mi)

The whole day is dedicated to the marvels of Lake Mývatn Nature Reserve. On the way to Mývatn you might like to make a stop at the impressive waterfall Goðafoss “The fall of the gods”. Then continue to the Mývatn area where you spend the day exploring the wonders around the lake which is one of Iceland’s most interesting regions with fantastic volcanic formations, geothermal activity and the lake itself, teeming with bird life, particularly ducks. Later on you can venture a walk up to the top of Hverfjall crater or dip into the geothermal water of the natural baths located east of the lake.

Staying inEgilsstaðir area
Driving distance180 km (112 mi)

Now you continue your journey to the east of Iceland. You can start your day by taking a walk at the Dimmuborgir lava formations and visit the Skútustaðir pseudo craters. You continue the exploration of the area by visiting the amazing boiling mud pools and steam vents of Námaskarð, and then the Krafla area where a series of volcanic eruptions took place from 1975-1984. You continue your trip to the village of Egilsstaðir. If you are lucky you might see the reindeers or an Arctic fox!

Staying inHöfn area
Driving distance270 km (168 mi)

You discover today the Eastfjords starting with the fjord Reyðarfjörður where a small but interesting World War II history museum is located. You continue the drive to reach Fáskrúðsfjörður where its French heritage is reflected by the names of the street being in French! You make your way towards the south east of Iceland driving by the coast to finally reach Höfn where you spend the night.

Staying inVík area
Driving distance285 km (177 mi)

Your next stop is Iceland’s scenic southeast. After passing various outlet glaciers belonging to Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap, you’ll arrive at the stunningly surreal beauty of Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon. This exceptional sight sits at the foot of Iceland’s highest mountain, Hvannadalshnúkur. Skaftafell is another area definitely worth a visit. This oasis surrounded by glaciers and black sand plains offers a broad range of options for great hiking. Continue through Kirkjubæjarklaustur village, the Eldhraun lava field and the Mýrdalssandur plain before you arrive in the Vík area.

Staying inReykjavík
Driving distance290 km (180 mi)

Continue westbound to the south coast of Iceland and explore the Golden Circle which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland: Gullfoss, Geysir, and Þingvellir National Park. On your way back to Reykjavík you drive pass the waterfalls Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. Your day ends in Reykjavík where you spend your last night in Iceland.

Driving distance50 km (31 mi)

It seems as if your journey to fabulous Iceland only began a moment ago but now it is time to head back home driving back to Keflavík Airport for your flight. Depending on your flight’s time, you may be able to visit a little more Reykjavík and take advantage of the many amazing things that the city has to offer.

What’s included?

Detailed itinerary

Budget, Comfort, or Quality accommodation every night

Continental breakfast every day

Rental car of your choice for 7 days

2 authorized drivers as standard

Unlimited mileage

Unlimited in-car Wi-Fi

Collision damage waiver

24/7 emergency helpline when you’re in Iceland

VAT, taxes & service fees

Flights to Iceland

Fuel & parking charges

Food & drink, unless otherwise stated

Attraction entrance fees, unless otherwise stated

Personal travel insurance

Customer reviews

Read what real customers had to say about Iceland Ring Road Winter Adventure.

Overall rating for this trip
4.8
based on 13 reviews
S
Steve - United Kingdom
March 29, 2024 - Verified booking
Great tour, loads to see, pace just about right with choices every day. Clear instructions and options.
C
Christopher - United States
March 23, 2024 - Verified booking
Simple. Easy. Affordable.
N
Nanda - Netherlands
March 17, 2024 - Verified booking
Our tour of Iceland was absolutely spectacular! Every kilometre, every view and every activity was breathtakingly beautiful. The way Iceland Tours arranged the programme is perfect - it provides structure and the security of set accommodation, but allows the flexibility to add your own activities.

FAQs about our self-drive trips

On a self-drive trip with Iceland Tours, you’ll be at the wheel of the rental car of your choice and free to go pretty much where you want, whenever you want.

We provide a detailed itinerary to help you plan your route and where you want to stop along the way. But it’s up to you whether you want to stick to it or go your own way. If you do take detours, make sure that you aren’t too far from your accommodation on any given night.

That said, it’s a good idea to stick to the suggested itinerary if you’ve never visited Iceland before. Created by our Reykjavík-based travel experts, it contains plenty of things for you to and see and do on each leg of your trip. One thing’s for sure: you won’t be short on ideas!

You also get unlimited in-car Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected and use maps on your phone for navigation.

You have to be at least 20 years old to rent a car in Iceland, or 23 years old for larger vehicles like jeeps and vans. You’ll need to have held a valid driver’s license for at least 1 year and present a credit card when you collect your car.

You don’t need an International Driving Permit unless your license is not in Latin script (for example, Arabic or Chinese).

Find out more about car rental in Iceland.

Yes! It’s possible to add extra activities or extend your trip with additional nights in Reykjavík or the countryside. Check the itinerary above to see what activities are available on what day.

Once you’ve paid your deposit for your trip, we’ll finalize bookings for your accommodation, rental car, and any activities. As soon as we receive confirmation of everything, we’ll email your travel documents to you.

We aim to finalize everything within a few weeks of receiving your booking request, but in busy periods this might take longer. That said, you’ll always receive all of your documents before your departure date.

You’ll be able to pick up your rental car at Keflavík International Airport from the arrivals hall. Before your trip, we’ll send you information about where to go in the terminal to collect your keys.

Make sure you have your driver’s license and credit card ready when you collect your vehicle.

If you land late at night, you can use the out-of-hours phone at the pick-up desk to contact someone who will be able to help you.

You also have the option to collect your rental car in Reykjavík, if you’re planning to spend some extra days in the city before your trip starts. If you’d like to do this, please let us know in the ‘Special requests’ box at checkout.

Although Iceland’s weather can sometimes get in the way, it’s perfectly possible to have a safe self-drive trip in winter. The main roads are cleared regularly and there is good 4G coverage in most of the countryside if you need it.

That said, roads can sometimes close in winter if there are storms or heavy snowfall. When you book with Iceland Tours, you’ll get access to a 24/7 helpline while you’re in Iceland. Rest assured that help is at the end of the phone when you need it.

We’ll often contact you proactively if we think your trip will be affected by bad weather and adjust your plans accordingly. This means you’ll always stay safe and get the most out of your trip, no matter the weather.

Adults

Ages 12+

2

Children

Ages 2-11

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Infants

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