Iceland Ring Road: Best of the Best

Your memorable, Iceland adventure begins the very moment you arrive at Keflavík Airport. Once you pick up your rental vehicle, you’ll head directly for Reykjavík and your exciting, first night in Iceland.

If your flight arrives early enough, we have a great suggestion for starting your trip off the right way: Plan a visit to Iceland’s world-famous Blue Lagoon. 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.

Your next day’s journey continues toward the northern part of Iceland, ending in the north’s capital, Akureyri. 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’ll then continue your journey toward Akureyri, passing through Skagafjörður, known for exceptional horse breeding; in fact, many stunning, Icelandic horses can be seen on your drive.

Your whole day is dedicated to the marvels of the Lake Mývatn Nature Reserve, renowned as one of Iceland’s most inspiring, natural wonders. Of particular interest are two steam baths built for superb relaxation that sit straight on top of a geothermal area; the sulphur-free steam rises up through holes in the floor. Typically the temperature is around 50°C and the humidity is close to 100%. Guests can take a few turns in the steam baths and cool down in the outdoor shower in between.

On the way to Mývatn, plan to stop at the impressive, Godafoss waterfall, known as “the waterfall of the gods”. At day’s end, you will return to Akureyri for a second, overnight stay.

Your day starts in the charming fishing village of Húsavík. After Húsavík, you will drive the Tjörnes Peninsula coastline, where you can make a quick stop on the way at the extremity of the peninsula to enjoy the view and spot some seabirds. The journey then continues to the eastern part of Iceland, with a few stops on the way, for your next evening’s stay.

Today is the day to discover the East Fjords. Starting toward the fjord Reyðarfjörður, where a small-but-fascinating, World War II history museum is located, you continue along the fjords toward Southeast Iceland. At times, the road hangs precariously high on the mountain slopes. Finally, you drive through the tunnel of Almannaskarð to arrive in the Höfn region, where you will spend that night.

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 glacier lagoon. This exceptional sight sits at the foot of Iceland’s highest mountain, Hvannadalshnúkur.

Skaftafell National Park 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.

Continue westbound to the south coast of Iceland and explore the Golden Circle, which takes you to the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland: Gullfoss, Geysir and Thingvellir National Park. On your way back to Reykjavik you will pass the magnificent waterfalls, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss.
Your day will end in Reykjavík where you will spend your last night in Iceland.

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 squeeze in a last day in Reykjavík or an extra night in there to experience all the amazing things that the city has to offer.