Ultimate Iceland Ring Road Itinerary: The Complete Guide for Your Adventure

Join us for an unforgettable 12-day journey around Iceland’s iconic Ring Road! Discover stunning landscapes, from cascading waterfalls to towering glaciers. In this Iceland Ring Road Itinerary, you’ll find insider tips on the best places to stay, delicious local restaurants to try, and thrilling hikes to embark on. Let’s explore Iceland together, one incredible experience at a time!

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Clockwise or Counter Clockwise

The direction you choose to take is entirely a matter of personal preference. This itinerary goes counter-clockwise, but you can easily reverse it if you prefer. Personally, I recommend going counter-clockwise because the Golden Circle might feel underwhelming if you see the rest of Iceland first and end there.

Iceland Ring Road Itinerary- Overview

If you’re wondering how much we spent during our two weeks in Iceland, checkout this price breakdown! Also be sure to read over these 10 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Iceland.

We’ll dive into the specifics below, but here is a brief overview of what location we stayed be staying at during our trip.

Day	Location
1-3	Hveragerði
4	Vik
5-6	Jökulsárlón Region
7-8	Egilsstaðir
8	Akureyri
10-11	Snæfellsnes Peninsula
12	Reykjavik

Rental Car

Before you can hit the road you’ll need to pick up your rental car! We rented an automatic, AWD Suzuki Vitara through Go Rental Cars. You can opt for contactless pickup, meaning you’ll just take a short walk from the airport and your car keys will be waiting for you in a lock box! You would technically be fine with a 2WD for this itinerary as we didn’t go into the highlands. However we felt more comfortable going down the gravel roads in an AWD that was a little higher off the ground.

If plan on booking through Go Rental Cars, be sure to use my code Caitlyn5 for 5% off your car!

Days 1-3: Stay in Hveragerði

The first three nights will be spent in Hveragerði, a perfect home base for exploring the Golden Circle! Hveragerði has a few options for accommodations, including hotels and Airbnbs.

Where to Stay: Home in Hveragerði this place sleep 4 guest, has a full kitchen and laundry room.

Restaurants:

• Gróðurhúsið Foodhall– located at the Greenhouse Hotel. This food hall has a wide range of options for everyone. We personally had the fish and chips at Hipstur and a burger chicken sandwich from Yuzu. Both were delicious!
• Almar Bakari– located right next to the Bonus, Almar has a delicious assortment of pastries and baked goods!

Day 1- Arriving in Iceland

This day is going to be a lighter day to help you recover from jet lag!

After picking up your rental car, stop by the town of Keflavik for a bite to eat. If you arrive early, stop in Kökulist bakery for a pastry or breakfast sandwich and coffee. If you land a little later and need lunch, head to Oriento for some delicious kabobs and wraps.

Bridge Between Continents

Located around 20 minutes from the town of Keflavik, the Bridge Between Continents is a foot bridge that runs over the fissure between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. You can follow side trails down into the fissure as well.

Reykjanesfólkvangur

Day 2- Thingvellir National Park

Þórufoss

This hidden gem is just a quick detour from Thingvellir National Park. There’s a small parking lot, but no restrooms. You can view the waterfall from the edge of the canyon, but for the best view, hike the short trail down to the base of the waterfall.

Thingvellir National Park

I recommend parking at the visitor’s center (P1), then walking the loop. Take the path next to the overlook to walk through Almannagjá, a long rift that is the Eastern side of the North-American tectonic plate.

Continue down this path until you reach Öxarárfoss, a 42 foot waterfall! From here you can head back the way you came to reach the car, or make the trail a loop by heading to the Thingvellir church. By the church you’ll also be able to see the houses that are used by the Prime Minister in the summer. Continue on this path, veering to the left and following the road to view the Silfra Fissure.

Here you can watch people snorkeling between the tectonic plates. After this, follow the path back up to the visitor center, where you can grab a light snack and cup of coffee before heading to your next location. 

Kerid Crater

Before heading back to your Airbnb, stop by Kerid Crater, a 40 minute drive from Thingvellir. The crater is around 180 feet deep and 557 feet wide and is filled with turquoise water. You can walk the 0.62 mile trail around the top of the crater or follow the stairs down to the water. The hike does consist of a lot of stairs but it is worth it if you have the time.  There are no bathrooms here and there is a small entrance fee of 600 Isk or around $4.31 per person. 

Day 3

Faxafoss

Start day three at Faxafoss, where you can enjoy views from an overlook or take a short hike to the base of the falls. On the left of the waterfall you’ll notice a salmon ladder and might see a few salmon if you get lucky! One thing to note is if you visit early in the morning (before 9am) the gate might be closed. You can technically walk around it, but we just came back later and it was open.

Gullfoss

Once you’re done admiring the Geysir, continue to Gullfoss. Parking is free, and bathrooms are available in the gift shop. Follow the paved trail to the upper observation deck for a stunning view of the Gullfoss gorge. Then, take the stairs down for a closer view of the waterfall, but be cautious as the trail can be slippery. The final viewing platform requires a bit of a rock scramble, but you can still enjoy great views from the rest of the trail.

Fagradalsfjall Volcano

Back in Hveragerði, grab some food and rest up before heading out to the Fagradalsfjall Volcano, about 40 minutes away. Before visiting, check the Safe.Is app for any safety advisories. The volcano offers multiple trails; for a shorter hike, head to the Natthagi viewpoint, which is a 1-hour round trip from P1.

Day 4: Stay in Vik

Where to Stay: Central Cottages this cabin sleeps 3 guest and has a small kitchen, with the basics. It was perfect for one night stay but it would be a little too small to stay any longer.

Restaurants:

• The Soup Company– You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu here! We tried two soups, a quinoa salad, and the chocolate banana cake and they all were delicious. They also offer refills on the soup, which was great since the soups were super tasty!
• Black Crust Pizzeria– I didn’t personally get to eat here because they were closed during my stay, however they are highly rated and known for there black crust pizza.
• Skool Beans– The perfect place for a cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate! If stopping in for breakfast, I definitely recommend grabbing a bagel with Icelandic cream cheese too!

Day 4

We checked out of our Hveragerði accommodations and hit the road towards Vik! The drive takes around 2 hours, but there are plenty of stops to enjoy along the way.

Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is a popular waterfall in Iceland, so it’s best to arrive early. There’s a small parking fee, and nearby amenities include bathrooms, a gift shop, and a cafe. The waterfall, though narrow, drops 200 feet and offers a unique experience as you can walk behind it from one side to the other. It’s a short walk from the parking lot, and if you plan to go behind the falls, be sure to wear a raincoat or poncho to stay dry.

Gljufrabui

About half a mile from Seljalandsfoss is Gljufrabui, a waterfall inside a canyon. Although less popular, it can still get crowded. Follow the trail from Seljalandsfoss until you reach a small river and canyon opening. You’ll get glimpses of the waterfall from here, but for a better view, enter the canyon by staying to the right side and walking along the rocks.

Kvernufoss

Though often skipped, this waterfall is worth a visit! Located less than 5 minutes from Skógafoss, the trail begins at the Skogar Museum, where there’s a small parking fee. You can pay inside the museum or online. The 15-minute, easy hike starts beyond a gate and offers great views of the waterfall and gorge. You can even walk behind the falls for a different perspective of it!

Dyrhólaey

Dyrhólaey is a small peninsula visible from Vik and the ring road, featuring a striking natural arch carved by waves. From the top, enjoy views of black sand beaches and glaciers. It’s a popular birdwatching spot, especially for puffins from April to September. In May and June, visit between 9:00am-7:00pm, as gates are closed outside these hours to protect nesting Eider ducks and puffins.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Reynisfjara is a popular black pebble beach known for its stunning basalt columns and Hálsanefshellir Cave. For a true black sand experience, visit Víkurfjara Black Sand Beach instead. From Reynisfjara, you also get a great view of Dyrhólaey. There’s a small parking fee, payable via the Parka app. Check the flags and posted guidelines before heading to the beach, as powerful sneaker waves can be dangerous. Avoid getting too close to the ocean and never turn your back on it.

Day 5 & 6: Stay in the Jökulsárlón Region

Vatnajökull National Park isn’t surrounded by large cities or towns, making it a bit challenging to find accommodations nearby. Before reaching the park, you’ll come across the small town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, where you’ll find a few restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, and gas stations. There are hotels available here, but it’s about an hour’s drive from the park. Another nearby town is Höfn, located about an hour from Jökulsárlón, just past the glacier. I recommend booking an Airbnb in the area to stay closer to everything. Be sure to stock up on groceries beforehand, as there are limited dining and shopping options in the vicinity.

Where to Stay: Lower apartment 2. 28km from the Glacier Lagoon

Day 5

Katla Ice Cave

The next morning, we checked out of our Airbnb, but before leaving Vik, we took a tour to see the Katla Ice Caves. You’ll need to plan this ahead of time and book tickets in advance; we booked using Artic Adventures. We choose the 10:00am tour so we would be finished around 1:00pm and head to our next Airbnb. The tour takes you onto the Kötlujökull glacier that is on top of the Katla volcano. The glacier is covered in volcanic sand, making it a pretty unique glacier to visit. You’ll go through 2-3 natural ice caves during your tour, where the tour guide explains how these natural wonders come about. 

Day 6

Jökulsárlón Lagoon

Start the day off with a boat tour on Jökulsárlón Lagoon. This large lagoon is renowned for its icebergs that break off the glacier and drift in its waters, with some being quite massive. It’s also home to around 200 seals, which you might spot lounging on icebergs or swimming. Boat tours include kayaking, zodiac boats, and larger amphibian boats, each offering a unique view of the icebergs and wildlife. You’ll want to book these ahead of time to make sure you get a spot at the time you want. We also booked this tour with Artic Adventures.

Nearby, you’ll find bathrooms, a small cafe, a gift shop, and food trucks. We enjoyed delicious crepes from one of the food trucks and highly recommend trying them.

Múlagljúfur Canyon

This 4-mile round trip trail is moderately challenging and offers beautiful views of the glacier and canyon. To reach the trailhead, follow your GPS off the main road onto a gravel road for about 10 minutes. The parking lot, which holds 20-30 cars, fills up quickly in summer, so arrive early.

The trail is mostly uphill with some narrow, steep sections. You’ll cross a small river on rocks, so you shouldn’t get wet. After 1.5 miles, you’ll reach a popular viewing area of the canyon and waterfall. If you’re up for more, continue uphill for even more stunning views of the canyon and glacier. The remaining trail is steep, so take your time and enjoy the hike.

Hundafoss

We personally weren’t able to fit this one in, but if you have extra time and energy, definitely checkout this hike! The trail to Hundafoss starts at the Skaftafell visitor center parking lot and is part of the route to the famous Svartifoss waterfall. If you visit only Hundafoss and turn back, the round trip is about 1.2 miles. The well-marked trail offers stunning views and is relatively easy, making it ideal for families or those with limited time.

Day 7 & 8: Stay in Egilsstaðir

Where to Stay: Lakeside Apartments

Day 7

You’ll travel from the Jökulsárlón Region to Egilsstaðir, which is about a 3 and a half hour drive. There are several stops along the route, so the drive shouldn’t feel too long. One thing to keep in mind is that your GPS may suggest taking a shortcut off the ring road via road 939 and road 95, which are gravel roads that pass through the mountains. I would advise against taking this route unless you are experienced with driving on such road conditions and have a large vehicle. If you’d rather not take this route, there are signs stating you are about to leave the ring road so when you see that, just continue on the main road.

Skútafoss

A hidden gem right off the ring road. From the parking lot follow the short trail along the river to reach the waterfall. You can enjoy the views from the rocks or head to the right side where there’s a small cave. From there, you can even hike up the rocky area to get closer and go behind the waterfall!

Djúpivogur

If you need gas or lunch, make a pit stop in Djúpivogur, a charming small town just off the ring road. Grab a bite at Matarvagninn á Djúpavogi, a local food truck offering hotdogs, salmon rolls, and ice cream. For a more relaxed dining experience, check out Hafið bistro right across the street from the food truck. There’s also a public bathroom conveniently located down the street from the food truck.

Borgarfjörður eystri

Borgarfjörður is a small village on a fjord in Eastern Iceland. This area is most known for being one of the best places in Iceland to see puffins! The puffins are in the area around mid-April to mid-August to nest on the cliffs. The area has viewing platforms that allow you to get pretty close to the birds without disturbing them. Hafnarhus Café is near by, serving coffee and pastries in the summer months.

Day 8

Hengifoss/Litlanesfoss

Hengifoss near Egilsstaðir is Iceland’s third tallest waterfall at 420 feet, known for its striking red and black hues from basalt columns and red clay. Nearby, Litlanesfoss, a smaller waterfall surrounded by basalt columns, adds to the scenic trail. The 2.7-mile hike to Hengifoss is moderately challenging with uphill sections and can be slippery when wet. Wear sturdy boots and bring plenty of water for a safe hike.

Stuðlagil Canyon

Just up from Rjúkandafoss lies Stuðlagil Canyon, celebrated for its turquoise waters and stunning basalt columns. The canyon offers views from both its east and west sides. The west side features a viewing platform and facilities, with a short stairway leading to a quick canyon overlook, perfect for time-constrained visitors. On the east side, hikers with more time can descend to the canyon floor via a moderate-rated trail that takes about an hour. Caution is advised on the basalt column descent into the gorge.

Vök Baths

Just a few minutes from the main town of Egilsstaðir, Vok Baths offer a unique geothermal experience with pools floating on Lake Urriðavatn. The main pool features a swim-up bar, and two additional floating pools offer progressively warmer waters. Inside, you’ll find a restaurant and tea bar, the tea bar is included with your admission. Your ticket grants access to all the pools, a sauna, and a cool mist area. For the adventurous, there are stairs leading into the lake for a refreshing cold plunge.

Day 8: Stay in Akureyri

Where to stay- North Apartments Suites

Restaurants:

• Taste, serves hamburgers, sandwiches and shakes.
• Bláa Kannan Cafe– serves a variety of wraps, sandwiches, coffees and pastries.

Today you’ll leave Egilsstaðir and head to Akureyri, with lots of fun stops along the way!

Dettifoss

Dettifoss is renowned as one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe due to its immense volume of water cascading down. There are two viewpoints to admire Dettifoss: from the east and west sides. The west side is considered the main viewpoint, as it offers paved roads and restroom facilities. In contrast, reaching the east side requires navigating an unpaved road, which typically doesn’t open until late May or June.  From the parking lot, it’s about a 0.5-mile walk to the Dettifoss viewpoint. For a view of Selfoss, follow the signs off the main trail. This part of the trail is rocky and can be slippery, so watch your step and take your time.

Hverir

Hverir, near Lake Myvatn, is a highly active geothermal area known for its otherworldly landscapes. You’ll find fumaroles, boiling mud pools, and other geothermal features along a designated trail. Stay on the path, as some areas are fragile or dangerously hot. The strong sulfur smell intensifies as you explore, but Hverir offers a unique experience despite the odor.

Day 9 & 10: Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Where to stay- Smàhraun, Hraunháls this place has incredible views! Situated on a farm, you’ll likely see plenty of sheep with mountains as the back drop and a beautiful view of the ocean too. The Airbnb sleeps 4 guest, has a full kitchen and a washer and drying rack.

Getting around the peninsula is relatively easy, it is mainly just a loop. However some of road 54 can be gravel. If you are coming into the Snæfellsnes Peninsula from the North, you will be taking more gravel roads. If you come in to Snæfellsnes Peninsula from Reykjavik, most, if not all, of the road there will be paved.

Day 9

Whale Watching

The tour departs right from the heart of Akureyri, so you won’t have to travel far to get on board. The cruise lasts between 2.5 to 3.5 hours, and you’re guaranteed to see a whale or you can rebook for free. On our tour, we saw multiple minke whales and humpback whales that came right up to the boat. We booked through Whale Watching Akureyri, and tickets were around $100. They provided hot beverages and warm overalls if needed, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Day 10

Bæjarfoss

Bæjarfoss, a breathtaking 130-foot waterfall in Ólafsvík, has a large parking lot. Park on the right side for easy access to the short trail to the waterfall, which crosses the river using rocks. To get closer, follow the trail up the river. Across the road is Ólafsvíkurkirkja church with a rainbow road, reachable by walking or driving and parking on the street.

Saxhóll Crater

This Crater is around 3000-4000 years old and is located right after the park’s entrance. You can walk up to the top of the cater by taking the stairs that wind its way up the side of the crater. On a clear day you’ll be able to see the ocean, Snæfellsjökull glacier, and the surrounding lava fields. 

Djúpalónssandur

Djúpalónssandur is a captivating black sand beach, renowned for its unique rock formations, including sea stacks, basalt columns, and arches. Parking can be limited and tight, so I recommend arriving early if possible. From the parking lot, you have a few trail options. I suggest taking the short trail to the beach overlook first, then following the other trail down to the beach. The path down is magical, winding between fascinating rock formations. Along the trail, you’ll also find three lifting stones, each heavier than the last, historically used by fishermen to test their strength before heading out to sea. At the beach, you might spot remnants from the 1948 shipwreck. The trail does loop around so you don’t have to take the same path back up. 

Lóndrangar

Another spectacular coastal spot is Lóndrangar, featuring two dramatic rock formations that stand 246 feet and 200 feet tall. These are remnants of the once large crater that has eroded over the years. You can admire these impressive structures from the road or get a closer look by exploring the walking trails in the area. The trails offer various viewpoints and allow you to experience the rugged beauty of the coastline up close.

Arnarstapi

Arnarstapi is a charming fishing village turned popular tourist destination, offering scenic coastal trails with multiple viewing points. Along the coast, you can spot numerous Arctic terns nesting on the cliffs. A highlight is the Gatklettur arch, resembling two animals kissing. The village has gift shops, cafes, and restaurants, mostly open seasonally from June. However, some restaurants were open in mid-May when we visited.

Day 11: Stay in Reykjavik

Where to stay: Center Hotels, there are nine different locations around the city. Each location varies slightly in price, but they tend to be more affordable. We personally stayed at Center Hotels Laugavegur & enjoyed our stay!

Restaurants:

• Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur- famous Icelandic Hotdog stand
• Hlemmur Food Hall– located in the heart of downtown, with around 8 vendors to choose from. I recommend trying Flatey Pizza.
• Grandi Mathöll– located near the harbor, with around 7 different vendors. At this food hall, I recommend trying Ristorante Piccolo, the pasta was delicious and the portion size was very generous.
• Omnom- a local chocolate factory and ice cream shop.
• DEIG Workshop- they are known for their crème brûlée donuts but also serve a variety of other donuts and bagels.
• Eldur og Ís- serves a variety of sweet and savory crepes as well as delicious ice cream, located right off the Rainbow Road.
• Braud & Co. -there are a few locations across the city but they are all usually very busy! Don’t worry though, there lines do usually move pretty quickly. They are most known for their cinnamon rolls but they have all kinds of pastries that are equally as delicious! 

Puffin Boat Tour

If you weren’t able to see puffins anywhere else in Iceland, you can take a short boat ride to Lundy Island, also known as “Puffin Island ”. This is available from May- August as this is the nesting season for puffins. The Puffin boat tour departs for the Reykjavík harbor, it is around 1 hour long and costs around $55 Usd.

Hallgrimskirkja

Hallgrimskirkja, completed in 1986, is a striking Lutheran church designed to resemble Iceland’s volcanic basalt columns. Entry to the church is free, allowing you to marvel at its stunning architecture. For around $10 USD, you can take an elevator to the top, where you’ll be treated to a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the area. With windows on all sides, you can see in every direction! However, be aware that the bells ring every 15 minutes and are quite loud from the top. It’s best to avoid this part of the visit if you have young children or sensitive hearing.

Shopping

If you find yourself with extra time, be sure to checkout a few shops in the city. Reykjavik has plenty of small businesses and souvenir shops to browse when you’re in the city! I won’t spend too much time on this though, as most shops offer similar items. However, you might find some unique local crafts and Icelandic specialties if you take the time to explore a bit deeper.

Day 12

Time to head back home! Our flight wasn’t until 5:00pm, so we still had some time in the morning to see a few things. If you live earlier, you can easy add these things into the day before.

Sun Voyager

Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre

Just down the street from the Sun Voager is the Harpa, a striking concert hall and an iconic symbol of Reykjavik. The Harpa is known for its stunning architecture and hosts a wide range of events, including conferences, exhibitions, and festivals. Even if you’re not attending an event, you can still explore the beautiful interior. Take a guided tour, experience Iceland from above in the Saga VR room, or check out Cir­culeight, an innovative and interactive experience.

Iceland Ring Road Itinerary

This two-week itinerary is packed with highlights, taking you from the iconic Golden Circle to the enchanting landscapes of Northern Iceland. Remember, Iceland is a country that invites exploration. Feel free to customize this itinerary based on your interests, whether you’re a thrill-seeker drawn to its glaciers and volcanoes or a nature lover captivated by its waterfalls and hot springs.

No matter what path you choose, one thing is certain: Iceland will leave an enduring imprint on your heart and soul. So, pack your bags, embrace the unexpected, and get ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime!