Iceland Ring Road: An Epic Road Trip + Map 🚗🇮🇸

Day 1 – Reykjavik (0–1 hour driving)

Kick things off in Iceland’s quirky capital. Wander around colourful streets, check out Hallgrímskirkja church, browse the harbour for street food, and maybe grab a soak at Sky Lagoon to get into full holiday mode.

Overnight: Reykjavik

Day 2 – Golden Circle (Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss) (~3 hours driving)

Yes, it’s touristy… but for good reason. Stand between two tectonic plates at Thingvellir, watch Strokkur geyser erupt every few minutes, and finish with the mighty Gullfoss waterfall roaring in your face.
Overnight: Selfoss/Hella area

Day 3 – South Coast (Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara) (~3 hours driving)

The road east is just one showstopper after another. Walk behind Seljalandsfoss, climb the stairs at Skógafoss for epic views, and feel tiny on Reynisfjara’s black sand beach (just watch those sneaky waves).

Overnight: Vik

Day 4 – Skaftafell & Jökulsárlón (~4 hours driving)

Hike a glacier tongue at Skaftafell National Park or wander easy trails to glacier viewpoints. Then head to Jökulsárlón lagoon to watch icebergs float lazily by before drifting over to the Diamond Beach glittering with ice chunks.

Overnight: Höfn (don’t miss the lobster soup here)

Day 5 – East Fjords (~4 hours driving)

Take the slower coastal route and you’ll be rewarded with quiet fishing villages, zig-zag mountain roads, and maybe even reindeer. It’s Iceland without the crowds.

Overnight: Egilsstaðir or Seyðisfjörður (the prettiest little town you’ll see all trip)

Day 6 – North Iceland (Dettifoss, Lake Mývatn) (~3 hours driving)

Feel the power at Dettifoss (Europe’s most powerful waterfall), then explore the volcanic playground of Mývatn — think bubbling mud pools, lava fields, and the heavenly Mývatn Nature Baths.

Overnight: Mývatn area or Húsavík (whale watching central)

Day 7 – Akureyri & Trollaskagi Peninsula (~3 hours driving)

Stroll the cute streets of Akureyri (Iceland’s “second city”), then head along the Trollaskagi Peninsula for dramatic sea cliffs, turf houses, and fjord views you’ll want to frame.

Overnight: Akureyri or Siglufjörður

Day 8 – West Iceland (Hraunfossar & Borgarfjörður) (~4 hours driving)

Swing by Hraunfossar, where dozens of mini waterfalls pour out of a lava field, and Barnafoss, a wild, foaming rapid. This area’s also big on hot springs if you fancy another dip.

Overnight: Borgarnes area

Day 9 – Snæfellsnes Peninsula (Optional Detour) (~4 hours driving)

If you’ve got an extra day, add this “Iceland in Miniature” to your trip. You’ll get a volcano, glacier, sea stacks, tiny fishing villages, and more puffin-spotting opportunities.

Day 10 – Back to Reykjavik (0–1 hour driving)

Wrap it up with a final wander through Reykjavik’s shops, a coffee in one of its artsy cafés, or a last Blue Lagoon soak before your flight.

🚗 Total Distance: Around 820 miles (1,320 km) without detours
🕰️ Recommended Time: 7–10 days, depending on how much hiking, soaking, and photo-snapping you do.
📸 Perfect For: Nature lovers, adventure seekers, road trip junkies, and anyone who wants a little bit of every Icelandic landscape in one unforgettable loop.