Iceland Ring Road Epic Adventure

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13 days / 12 nights
An Icelandic road passing water and mountains
The harbor in the small town of Húsavík
View over Dyrholaey beach
Town of Borgarnes from above
Skaftafellsjökull glacier in Vatnajökull National Park
Town of Borgarnes from above
Skaftafellsjökull glacier in Vatnajökull National Park
An Icelandic road passing water and mountains
The harbor in the small town of Húsavík

Two weeks of road tripping on the famous Route 1

This tour offers an amazing variety of sights to see in Iceland, with glaciers, waterfalls and hot springs galore. You’ll also enjoy views of mighty volcanoes including the famous Eyjafjallajökull.

With this itinerary, you’ll visit unique places such as Lake Mývatn, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Skaftafell, the Golden Circle, with the possibility to relax at the Blue Lagoon, and much more.

Travel styleSelf-drive
Trip length13 days / 12 nights
VibeIn depth
SeasonSummer
(1 Apr–31 Oct)
TransportRental car
Starts fromReykjavík
Tour codeSD24

On this tour you will...

  • Have time to explore each region of Iceland in depth

  • Stop for 2 nights in each location around the country

  • Witness jaw-dropping waterfalls, glaciers, and hot springs

  • Explore the much-loved Golden Circle route

  • Sail to the Westman Islands, where you can spot puffins

  • Get the chance to go whale watching in North Iceland

Top attractions

Elephant Rock cliff in the Westman Islands

Westman Islands

Lake Mývatn in its autumn colors

Lake Mývatn

The Dettifoss waterfall in autumn

Dettifoss

The Goðafoss waterfall in summer

Goðafoss

Trees in the lush Ásbyrgi canyon

Ásbyrgi

The harbor in the fishing village of Húsavík

Húsavík

The skyline of Akureyri, North Iceland

Akureyri

View over the Fellabær neighborhood of Egilsstaðir

Egilsstaðir

The village of Djúpivogur seen from a distance

Djúpivogur

The edge of the Vatnajökull glacier

Vatnajökull Glacier & National Park

Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon at sunrise with a pink sky

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Skaftafellsjökull glacier in Vatnajökull National Park

Skaftafell

The Gullfoss waterfall in summertime

Gullfoss

The Strokkur geyser erupting in winter against a sunset

Geysir and Strokkur

Þingvellir National Park, Iceland, in autumn colors

Þingvellir National Park

The Seljalandsfoss waterfall covered in icicles

Seljalandsfoss

A rainbow over the Skógafoss waterfall on a sunny day

Skógafoss

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 13-day self-drive itinerary

Your 13-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 collecting your rental car, you’ll drive to the capital, Reykjavík, 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

whale breaching in front of orange and yellow sunsetExtra

Classic Whale Watching from Reykjavík

An Atlantic puffin perched on a cliff in IcelandExtra

Puffin Watching

Close up of a hand holding a hot dogExtra

The Reykjavík Food Walk

Group on a horse riding tourExtra

Horse Riding from Reykjavík

A group of people being lowered into a lava cave © Inside the VolcanoExtra

Inside the Volcano tour from Bláfjöll

Staying inAkureyri area
Driving distance460 km (286 mi)

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.

Staying inAkureyri area
Driving distance300 km (186 mi)

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.

Staying inMývatn / Húsavík area
Driving distance125 km (78 mi)

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 experience the area’s geothermal activity with a dip in the Mývatn Nature Baths? You could soak in the milky blue geothermal waters overlooking the rugged volcanic landscape. Be prepared for a full day of adventure!

Staying inMývatn / Húsavík area
Driving distance240 km (149 mi)

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.

Staying inEgilsstaðir area
Driving distance200 km (124 mi)

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.

Staying inEgilsstaðir area
Driving distance80 km (50 mi)

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 Eastfjords, and much more!

Staying inHöfn area
Driving distance260 km (162 mi)

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!

Staying inHöfn area
Driving distance60 km (37 mi)

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.

Staying inVík area
Driving distance270 km (168 mi)

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.

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

Staying inVík area
Driving distance100 km (62 mi)

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.

Staying inReykjavík
Driving distance300 km (186 mi)

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.

Driving distance50 km (31 mi)

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.

What’s included?

Detailed itinerary

Budget, Comfort, or Quality accommodation every night

Continental breakfast every day

Rental car of your choice for 12 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 Epic Adventure.

Overall rating for this trip
4.9
based on 11 reviews
J
Julie - Australia
October 4, 2023 - Verified booking
We did a self drive circle road tour of 13 days and we loved it all. The car was ready when we arrived at the airport and our accommodation was ready at each location. We chose comfort level for accommodation and it was comfortable.
D
Daniel - United States
September 5, 2023 - Verified booking
Took the Ring Road tour with a detour to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Rental car process was easy and all of the places we stayed were very nice. Lots of driving overall (around 3200 km) but we thoroughly enjoyed our "bucket list" trip.
K
Karen - Canada
September 1, 2023 - Verified booking
Superb service and an absolutely Sensational experience in every way. All of the accommodations were exactly as described. The itinerary was wonderful and easy to follow. We had a fantastic time.

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.

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