10-Day Self-Rive

Please think of this as a starting point, a taste of what’s possible. We understand that every traveler is unique, and your dream trip should reflect your interests and preferences. That’s why this itinerary is completely customizable!

Whether you want to adjust the pace, focus on specific activities like hiking or photography, choose different types of accommodation, or select a particular rental car to suit your needs, we can tailor every detail to create your perfect Icelandic experience.

Let’s explore the possibilities together!

10-Day Iceland Ring Road Highlights – Self-Drive

Day 1: Arrival & Reykjavik Area

• Arrive at KEF Airport, pick up the rental car.
• Optional: Visit the Blue Lagoon on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
• Drive to Reykjavik, check into accommodation.
• Explore Reykjavik’s city center.
• Overnight in Reykjavik.

Day 2: Golden Circle

• Drive the Golden Circle route.
• Visit Þingvellir National Park (tectonic plates, history).
• See the Geysir geothermal area (Strokkur geyser).
• Admire Gullfoss waterfall.
• Optional: Kerið crater.
• Drive towards the South Coast.
• Overnight near Hella/Hvolsvöllur.

Day 3: South Coast Waterfalls & Beaches

• Visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall (walk behind it).
• See Skógafoss waterfall.
• Explore the black sand beach Reynisfjara (caution with waves).
• See the Reynisdrangar basalt columns.
• Overnight in the Vík area or Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

Day 4: Towards Glacier Lagoon

• Drive east through volcanic landscapes.
• Visit the Skaftafell area (part of Vatnajökull National Park).
• Optional short hike (e.g., to Svartifoss waterfall).
• See Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
• Overnight near Skaftafell or Höfn.

Day 5: Glacier Lagoon & East Fjords

• Visit the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon (icebergs).
• Walk along Diamond Beach.
• Begin driving the scenic East Fjords coastal roads.
• Pass through charming fishing villages.
• Overnight in the East Fjords area (e.g., Egilsstaðir).

Day 6: East Iceland & Towards Mývatn

• Drive north from the East Fjords.
• Experience the changing landscapes.
• Optional: Visit Stuðlagil Canyon (requires a detour).
• Arrive in the Lake Mývatn area.
• Overnight near Lake Mývatn.

Day 7: Lake Mývatn Exploration

• Explore the geothermal area of Námaskarð Hverir (mud pots, hot springs).
• Walk among the lava formations at Dimmuborgir.
• See the pseudocraters at Skútustaðagígar.
• Optional: Relax at the Mývatn Nature Baths.
• Overnight near Lake Mývatn.

Day 8: Northern Highlights & Akureyri

• Visit Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall.
• See the Selfoss waterfall nearby.
• Stop at Goðafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods.”
• Drive to Akureyri, the capital of the North.
• Overnight in Akureyri.

Day 9: Towards West Iceland or Snaefellsnes

• Drive west from Akureyri.
• Option A: Continue west along the Ring Road towards Borgarnes.
• Option B: Drive towards the Snaefellsnes Peninsula (“Iceland in Miniature”).
• Overnight in Borgarnes or on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Day 10: Snaefellsnes or Return & Departure

• If on Snaefellsnes (Option B): Explore key sites like Kirkjufell, Arnarstapi/Hellnar cliffs, and black beaches.
• Drive back towards Reykjavik/KEF Airport (approx. 2-3 hours from Snaefellsnes).
• If near Borgarnes (Option A): Explore West Iceland highlights like Hraunfossar/Barnafossar or Grabrok crater if time permits.
• Drive back towards Reykjavik/KEF Airport (approx. 1-2 hours from Borgarnes).
• Depart