The Iceland Ring Road journey is one I’ll never forget. Recently, I ventured to this stunning Scandinavian island with my family, and it was an adventure like no other. This route, known as the Iceland Ring Road, is perfect for anyone with even a passing interest in breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, and the beauty of simple living.
In this post, I’ll walk you through my exact itinerary—routes, accommodations, and the activities we enjoyed along the way. I hope to inspire you to plan your own adventure on the Iceland Ring Road because it’s truly an experience not to be missed.
We visited in early September 2024, which meant we avoided the dangers of icy roads and snowed-in towns. If you’re planning a winter road trip, be sure to research the conditions!
Day 1: Fly into Keflavík
Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend the 6 am flight from London Luton to Keflavík International Airport—it made for one of the longest days I’ve ever had. But flying into Iceland is likely the most practical option for visitors coming from abroad, given Iceland’s geographic isolation.
Once you land at Keflavík, getting around the island on your own is essential if you plan to fully explore the Iceland Ring Road. While bus tours are available, I highly recommend renting a car to give yourself the freedom to travel at your own pace.
Car Rental
There are plenty of car rental services at Keflavík Airport, each offering different pros and cons. My family chose to rent from City Car Rental, which provided us with an older Suzuki S-Cross. I was added as an additional driver along with my mum, making it easy to share the driving.
At the time, City Car Rental offered us the best value for money. However, given how competitive these companies can be, I recommend comparing prices and reviews from multiple providers before you go. The airport’s official site for car rental recommendations is a good place to start, but a quick Google search will also show other companies to consider.
Flúðir
After arriving, we kept things easy on the first day. There was a small volcanic eruption happening near the capital, which gave us an opportunity to take some dramatic photos. After stopping at a local shop for essentials, we arrived at our accommodation for the next two nights: Mosas Cottage (look out for my mum Rona’s reviews!).
The cottage was the perfect place to unwind, complete with a hot tub and clear skies that would be ideal for viewing the Northern Lights, though we weren’t lucky enough to spot them during our stay.
Day 2: The Golden Circle
Our charming accommodation in Flúðir put us in the perfect spot to explore one of Iceland’s most famous tourist routes: the Golden Circle. This route is a highlight of any Iceland Ring Road trip, showcasing some of the country’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Here are the stops we made.
Gullfoss
Our first stop of the day was the stunning Gullfoss waterfall, and wow—what a welcome to Iceland. The mist from the powerful falls hit us as soon as we arrived, and the sheer force of the cascading water immediately struck us. There’s something special about this place that makes it feel like a natural cathedral. Though they had closed the path leading right up to the waterfall during our visit, we still captured some fantastic photos.
If you’re visiting in cooler months, be prepared for wind, which can really add to the experience. The nearby café and gift shop are good spots for warming up with a coffee before hitting the road again.
Geysir
Next, we visited Geysir, the namesake for all geysers worldwide. Although Geysir itself is currently dormant, its sibling, Strokkur, erupts reliably every few minutes. Watching this natural phenomenon never gets old—you can feel the ground rumble slightly before the burst of steaming water shoots into the sky. It’s quite the spectacle and draws a crowd every time.
There are plenty of smaller geysers dotting the landscape as well, each with its own unique quirks. We spent around an hour wandering the area, snapping photos of the bubbling pools and feeling the earth’s heat beneath our feet.
Þingvellir (Pronounced Thingvellir)
For the Game of Thrones fans (or geology buffs), Thingvellir is a must-see. This historic site is where two tectonic plates meet, creating a dramatic rift valley. Walking between the North American and Eurasian plates felt surreal—like stepping into another world. The jagged cliffs, crystal-clear streams, and wide-open spaces make it a great place for a leisurely stroll and some Instagram shots.
Secret Lagoon
To round off our sightseeing, we headed to the Secret Lagoon, Iceland’s oldest swimming pool, dating back to 1891. The natural hot spring feeds into the lagoon, keeping the water at a warm, comfortable temperature. We dipped in just as the crowds began to thin out, and it was the perfect way to unwind after a busy day of exploring. I recommend aiming for the early afternoon to avoid the after-work rush.
Northern Lights
That evening, my brother and I set out near our accommodation, hoping to catch the Northern Lights. Unfortunately, the lights didn’t show up for us, but the stargazing was spectacular thanks to the clear skies and minimal light pollution. Even without the aurora, it was a peaceful way to end the day.
Day 3: Drive to Höfn
Day 3 took us on the longest drive of our entire Iceland Ring Road trip. We were up early to make the journey all the way to Höfn, stopping at some of the most iconic locations along the way. The drive is over 400 km, but with the stunning scenery and frequent stops, the journey never felt tiresome.
Seljalandsfoss
Our first stop was the famous Seljalandsfoss waterfall, one of the few in Iceland where you can actually walk behind the falls. As we got closer, the roar of the water grew louder, and the cool mist hit us before we even stepped onto the path. Walking around the waterfall, you get a unique perspective, almost as if you’re standing inside the landscape itself.
Be prepared to get wet if you plan to do the full loop behind the falls—having a towel ready in the car is a good idea! It’s a quick stop, but it’s an absolute must for any Iceland Ring Road itinerary.
Rútshellir
This stop was unplanned, but I’m so glad we stumbled upon Rútshellir. Known as Iceland’s largest man-made cave, it’s one of those hidden gems that aren’t always on everyone’s itinerary. The cave itself is pretty barren, but it carries a sense of mystery and history that makes it worth a short visit. If you’re a fan of unusual historical sites, you’ll appreciate this stop.
Skógafoss
Just a short drive down the road, we arrived at Skógafoss, another of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. This one is a beast, with water tumbling 60 metres from the cliffs above. The constant spray creates rainbows in the sunshine, making it a photographer’s dream. My brother and I couldn’t resist hiking up to the top, which provided even more breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Víkurfjara Black Sand Beach
This next stop was an absolute highlight of the day. The Víkurfjara Black Sand Beach is a surreal sight—the jet-black sand, framed by towering cliffs with unique basalt columns, and the relentless crash of the waves against the shore. It’s an experience like no other.
We spent a bit of time wandering along the beach, marvelling at the unusual beauty of the place. Be cautious of the waves, though. The winds were strong during our visit, and there were amber warnings in place, reminding us to be careful.
Jökulsárlón Ice Lagoon
If there’s one place that takes your breath away, it’s the Jökulsárlón Ice Lagoon. This lagoon, filled with floating icebergs that break off from the nearby glacier, is absolutely stunning. The stillness of the water, broken only by the occasional movement of an iceberg or the sight of seals playing, makes it a surreal experience. If you’re lucky, you might even see the icebergs drifting out to sea.
While we didn’t take the boat tour, I highly recommend it based on reviews—it’s a chance to get up close and personal with the icebergs and seals. Whether you take the tour or not, this is one of the most memorable stops along the Iceland Ring Road.
Höfn
After a long day of exploring, we finally reached Höfn, our home for the night. We opted to stay in Höfn because accommodations closer to the Vatnajökull glacier were notably more expensive. The drive may have been long, but it was worth it for the savings!
We stayed at a cosy guesthouse called Guesthouse Hvammur—you can find the Expedia listing here. It wasn’t anything extravagant, but it was clean, comfortable and gave us a perfect base for the night. For dinner, we enjoyed a meal at Íshúsið Pizzeria, which was a great way to end the day after all that driving.
While Höfn itself is a quiet fishing town, it served as an ideal stop before heading into the more expensive areas near the Vatnajökull glacier. This strategic stop allowed us to stick to our budget while still making the most of the Iceland Ring Road trip.
Day 4: Up the Eastern Coast
After a busy few days, Day 4 was a welcome change of pace. We left Höfn and continued driving along the Iceland Ring Road, heading up the eastern coast. The scenery changed dramatically—winding roads, narrow fjords, and mountains flanking us as we drove through some of the more remote parts of Iceland.
Petra’s Stone Collection
Along the way, we stopped for a break at the café next to Petra’s Stone Collection. While we didn’t go inside the museum, it’s worth mentioning for those with an interest in Iceland’s geological history.
Petra’s Stone Collection is a private collection of thousands of stones and minerals from all over Iceland, gathered by Petra Sveinsdóttir throughout her life. It’s a hidden gem for those who love geology and provides a unique look into Iceland’s rich natural resources.
Bakkagerði
Our destination for the night was the small town of Bakkagerði. With only around 100 residents, this charming town is one of the quietest stops we made on our trip, but it provided a beautiful respite after the long drive.
We stayed at Blabjorg Resort, a cosy accommodation with the option to book a soak in their hot tubs—a perfect way to relax after a day on the road. The resort also has an excellent restaurant where we enjoyed a laid-back dinner, soaking in the peacefulness of this remote corner of Iceland.
Bakkagerði is also known for its folklore about elves, or “huldufólk,” as the locals call them. It’s said that these mystical beings live in the surrounding hills, which adds a charming touch to this otherwise quiet town.
And now, onto the highlight of the day: the best burger I’ve ever had. Yes, in this tiny town of 100 residents, I found a burger that blew me away. It was from a small local joint tucked away in Bakkagerði, and I couldn’t believe how perfect it was—juicy, flavourful, and just the right amount of toppings. If you find yourself in this remote village, don’t skip the opportunity to grab a bite here. It was honestly one of the most unexpected culinary highlights of the trip!
As the sun set, we were treated to a beautiful display of colours in the sky—pinks, purples, and oranges that reflected off the nearby fjords. While it wasn’t quite the Northern Lights, it was still a magical end to a quieter day on the Iceland Ring Road.
Day 5: Onward to Húsavík
After enjoying the peacefulness of Bakkagerði, we set out westward along the Iceland Ring Road towards our next destination: Húsavík, the whale-watching capital of Iceland. This day was packed with some of the trip’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders.
Dettifoss
Our first stop of the day was the mighty Dettifoss waterfall. Known as the second most powerful waterfall in Europe, the sheer force of this natural wonder is awe-inspiring. If you’ve ever seen the movie Prometheus, you’ll recognise it from one of the film’s iconic scenes. Dettifoss is a breathtaking sight, with a near-constant rainbow forming from the powerful mist.
We opted to view the waterfall from the west side, which is said to offer the best vantage point for seeing its full majesty. If you’re visiting Iceland, this is a must-see—it’s truly one of the country’s standout sights.
Lake Viti
Next up was Lake Viti, a striking emerald-green lake formed in the crater of a volcano that last erupted almost 150 years ago. The vivid colours of the water, contrasted with the surrounding rocky landscape, make for an incredible sight.
If you’re willing to take a short walk, you can reach the crater’s edge for even more impressive views of the lake and the surrounding area.
Hverir
Just before reaching Lake Viti, we passed Hverir, a bubbling geothermal area that feels like something out of a science fiction movie.
The boiling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and barren, otherworldly landscape make it a fascinating stop, despite the strong smell of sulphur. While it’s a short visit, it’s an unforgettable one and adds to the diversity of Iceland’s natural wonders.
Húsavík
We arrived in Húsavík in the late afternoon, just in time to catch the town’s peaceful evening atmosphere. Known as the whale-watching capital of Iceland, this port town is also the oldest settlement on the island. With its colourful wooden houses and scenic harbour, Húsavík instantly felt welcoming.
Our accommodation for the night was Bjarnabúð, a charming apartment overlooking the harbour and the iconic Húsavíkurkirkja, a beautiful wooden church built in 1907. The apartment was comfortable and perfectly situated, making it easy to explore the town.
We spent the evening strolling along the harbour and grabbing a bite at one of the local restaurants. The laid-back vibe of Húsavík was a nice change of pace, and it was the perfect place to recharge before tomorrow’s whale-watching adventure.
Day 6: Whale Watching!
No trip to Iceland is complete without a whale-watching experience, and Húsavík is the best place on the island to do it. Known as Iceland’s whale-watching capital, the town offers numerous tours, giving you a high chance of spotting these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
We chose to go with this Viator listing, and I can’t recommend them enough. The crew was knowledgeable, ethical, and passionate about marine life. They didn’t use sonar or any intrusive techniques to track the whales, which made the experience feel all the more natural and respectful. We were lucky enough to see a Minke Whale during our trip!
The tour lasted about three hours, giving us plenty of time to marvel at the whales, snap photos, and soak in the surroundings. Be prepared for the cold, though! I recommend warm clothes but the company did provide overalls and a rain jacket to keep extra warm!
The calm waters and perfect weather made the morning truly special. Plus, as part of the tour, we were treated to delicious cinnamon buns and hot chocolate, which was a lovely touch.
If you’re thinking of going whale watching in Húsavík, be sure to book in advance, as tours can fill up quickly. Trust me—it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.
Lake Svínavatn
After the whale-watching adventure, we set off towards our next stop: the peaceful Lake Svínavatn, a hidden gem nestled in the Icelandic countryside. We stayed at a charming guesthouse that overlooked the lake, offering a perfect retreat after the excitement of the day.
This guesthouse was by far my favourite lodging of the trip. The setting was idyllic—surrounded by hills, with the glassy surface of the lake reflecting the fading sunlight as we settled in for the evening. The quiet here is unmatched, and it’s perfect for anyone looking to truly unwind in nature. You can find the accommodation here.
Though the lake itself doesn’t offer any major tourist attractions, its beauty and tranquillity make it well worth the stop. It’s a perfect place for stargazing and—if you’re lucky—catching a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights.
While my brother and I stayed up late in hopes of seeing them again, we weren’t lucky this time. But stargazing under Iceland’s clear night sky is magical in itself.
Day 7: East Iceland
Leaving the peaceful Lake Svínavatn behind, we set out on a scenic drive, deviating slightly from the main route of the Iceland Ring Road to explore the eastern regions of Iceland. This part of the country felt more remote, with fewer stops compared to previous days, but it’s this isolation that makes the East so special.
Grabok Crater
We hadn’t planned to stop here, but the number of parked cars made us curious, and I’m so glad we pulled over. Grabok Crater is a dormant volcanic crater, and the walk to the top takes only around 20 minutes.
Once you reach the top, you’re treated to a stunning 360-degree view of the surrounding lava fields and distant mountains. It’s one of those places that reminds you of the sheer volcanic power that shaped Iceland’s unique landscape.
If you’re passing through, definitely make time for this short detour—it’s well worth the climb for the view alone.
Snæfellsnes National Park
Next, we headed towards Snæfellsnes National Park, which is often referred to as “Iceland in miniature” because it contains many of the country’s diverse natural features—volcanoes, glaciers, black sand beaches, and rugged cliffs. The park is home to Snæfellsjökull, an active volcano capped by a glacier that hasn’t erupted for nearly 1,800 years. It’s also the setting for Jules Verne’s classic novel, Journey to the Centre of the Earth.
We spent a good amount of time exploring the black sand beach of Djúpalónssandur, which still has rusted remains from a British trawler shipwreck that occurred in 1948. The eerie combination of black sand and twisted metal fragments creates a fascinating, almost surreal, landscape.
The park is filled with hidden gems, so if you have more time, consider doing one of the hiking trails to fully appreciate the area’s volcanic features and stunning coastlines.
Kirkjufell
From the national park, we made our way towards our guesthouse for the evening near Kirkjufell, one of Iceland’s most photographed mountains. The guesthouse was functional, if a little basic compared to some of the others we stayed at, but it served its purpose as a budget-friendly stop for the night. You can find the listing on Expedia and Booking.com.
The surrounding area is beautiful, and despite the thin walls and noisy neighbours, the location more than made up for it. Even if the accommodation wasn’t anything to write home about, waking up to the sight of Kirkjufell in the distance is something I won’t soon forget.
Day 8: Hraunfossar & Glymur Waterfall
By Day 8, we were winding down from the wild landscapes and heading closer to the city. But before returning to an urban environment, we visited two final stunning natural landmarks.
Hraunfossar
Hraunfossar was our first stop—a series of beautiful waterfalls that seemed straight out of a fantasy novel. The water flowed through cracks in the lava field, creating delicate streams that carved their way down into the Hvítá River.
It felt surreal like something out of a movie, with the unique rock formations making the entire area feel otherworldly.
Glymur
Next, we decided to stretch our legs on the Glymur waterfall hike. At nearly 200 meters, Glymur is one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, and the hike to get there is well worth it. You’ll navigate rugged but manageable terrain, and nearly every turn rewards you with incredible views as you follow the river.
Halfway through the hike, I couldn’t resist taking a drink straight from the river. Pure Icelandic water, right from the source!
Although we didn’t make it all the way to the top, the hike itself is a wonderful experience, offering a quiet moment with nature in one of the most untouched parts of Iceland. For those who plan to hike the whole way, bring proper hiking gear and a lot of water—it’s a bit of a trek but worth every step.
Kópavogur
Finally, we arrived at our accommodation for the next two nights, Hotel Kriunes in Kópavogur, just outside of Reykjavík. The hotel sits right next to Lake Ellidavatn, and the peaceful view of the water is a stark contrast to the rugged landscape we had been driving through for days.
And let’s not forget the welcoming dog who greeted us at the hotel—a small but memorable moment! The hotel had everything we needed to rest and recharge before our last day in Iceland.
Day 9: Reykjavík – The Capital
A Modern City
After many days spent enjoying Iceland’s natural wonders, we finally made it to Reykjavík, the capital. This modern city is renowned for being one of the safest, cleanest, and greenest cities in the world.
We spent much of the day simply strolling the streets, exploring local shops, and soaking in the urban vibe after so much time in the countryside.
The city’s appreciation for the arts is clear, with vibrant murals, art installations, and galleries throughout. Even though the arts scene isn’t personally my main focus, it’s clear that Reykjavík has a strong cultural heart.
Hallgrimskirkja Church
One of the highlights of Reykjavík is Hallgrimskirkja Church, a striking and towering structure that is one of the tallest buildings in Iceland.
Many recommend exploring the inside of this iconic church for its architectural beauty and stunning views from the top, though we didn’t do so ourselves.
The Evening
We wrapped up the day with a relaxed evening at the hotel, making use of the hot tub and other amenities. If you’re looking for some evening fun, Reykjavík has plenty of bars, restaurants, and night tours you can explore, making it an ideal place to cap off your Iceland Ring Road adventure.
Tourist centres are very useful and usually provide a good tourist map!
Day 10: Heading Home
Our final day in Iceland started bright and early, with a 9 am flight out of Keflavík International Airport. As we packed up our things and left the hotel, there was a bittersweet feeling in the air. It felt strange to think that after 10 days of driving the Iceland Ring Road, soaking in those otherworldly landscapes, and chasing down every hidden gem, it was time to head home.
Driving back to Keflavík, my thoughts were already racing through all the memories we’d made—waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers, and even the elusive Northern Lights (which sadly never showed up for us!). Iceland offered magic in every corner, and it was a trip that truly hit the spot in a way few others have.
I have to give full credit to my mum, Rona, for planning this entire adventure. Her attention to detail made the journey smooth and stress-free, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in everything Iceland had to offer. It’s the kind of trip you don’t forget easily.
As I mentioned earlier, we visited in early September, just before the snow started to hit the roads. If you’re planning to do the Iceland Ring Road during winter, you’ll want to take extra precautions. Snowy roads and icy conditions add a layer of complexity to the journey, so make sure you do your research if you’re visiting at a different time of year.
If you’re looking for a warmer adventure, I also recommend taking a look at my Egypt Itinerary post, which covers an entirely different type of adventure but with just as many incredible moments.
Anyway, thanks for reading.
Safe Travels!
