Embark on an unforgettable 8-day self-drive journey around Iceland’s Ring Road, exploring majestic waterfalls, active volcanoes, serene lakes, black sand beaches, and charming towns. This adventure combines spectacular natural sights, geothermal experiences, and cultural encounters, while giving you the freedom of a self-drive itinerary. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, a rental car with unlimited mileage, and expert guidance throughout the trip.
Your Icelandic adventure kicks off the moment you land at Keflavík Airport. After collecting your rental car, you'll drive through Iceland's dramatic lava fields toward Reykjavík, getting your first taste of the otherworldly landscapes that await. The 50-kilometer journey to the capital is the perfect introduction to the Land of Fire and Ice.Your Icelandic adventure kicks off the moment you land at Keflavík Airport. After collecting your rental car, you'll drive through Iceland's dramatic lava fields toward Reykjavík, getting your first taste of the otherworldly landscapes that await. The 50-kilometer journey to the capital is the perfect introduction to the Land of Fire and Ice.
Leave Reykjavík behind as you head north toward Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland. This scenic drive takes you through diverse landscapes, starting with the beautiful Borgarfjörður region. Make sure to stop at the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls, where water flows from beneath a lava field directly into the river below, creating a series of delicate cascades. The interplay of water against black lava creates a memorable sight. Continue through Skagafjörður, Iceland's renowned horse-breeding region, where you'll spot herds of beautiful Icelandic horses grazing in the fields. These sturdy, friendly animals are a quintessential part of Icelandic culture. As you wind through mountain passes and alongside fjords, you'll understand why this route is considered one of Iceland's most scenic drives. Arrive in the Akureyri area, where you'll spend the night in the charming capital of North Iceland or the surrounding countryside.
Today is entirely dedicated to exploring the extraordinary Lake Mývatn Nature Reserve, one of Iceland's most geologically active and visually stunning regions. Start your day with a stop at Goðafoss, the magnificent 'Waterfall of the Gods,' where water cascades dramatically over a 12-meter drop. Continue to Lake Mývatn, where a full day of exploration awaits. Wander through the haunting lava formations of Dimmuborgir, often called 'Dark Castles,' where twisted rock sculptures create an otherworldly maze. Visit the Krafla volcano system to witness the raw power of geothermal activity, with bubbling mud pools, hissing steam vents, and colorful mineral deposits painting the landscape. The Námaskarð geothermal area offers more steaming fumaroles and sulfur deposits in shades of yellow and orange. End your day with a relaxing soak in the geothermal waters of Earth Lagoon (available as an add-on), a spa with stunning views over the lake and surrounding lava fields. The warm, mineral-rich waters are the perfect way to unwind after a day of geological wonders.
Begin your morning in the Lake Mývatn area before heading to Húsavík, Iceland's charming whale-watching capital. This picturesque fishing village offers stunning coastal views and a glimpse into traditional Icelandic maritime life. Drive along the scenic Tjörnes peninsula, where dramatic cliffs meet the sea and countless seabirds nest during summer months. Stop at viewpoints along the way to take in the rugged coastline and watch for whales in the distance. As you continue toward East Iceland, the landscape transforms yet again.The route takes you through remote highland areas and along river valleys, giving you a true sense of Iceland's wild, untamed beauty. The vast, open landscapes and distant mountain peaks create a profound sense of space and solitude. Today's drive showcases Iceland's raw natural beauty as you make your way to your accommodation in the eastern region for a well-deserved rest.
The Eastfjords are among Iceland's most underrated treasures, offering dramatic scenery and rich history. Begin your journey toward Reyðarfjörður, where you can visit a fascinating World War II museum that tells the story of the Allied presence in Iceland during the war. Continue along the fjords, where the road winds along the shoreline and lower mountainsides, offering beautiful views across the water at every turn. The eastern fjords are characterized by steep mountains rising above deep blue waters, with tiny fishing villages nestled along the shore. Each fjord has its own character and charm. Watch for reindeer, which roam freely in this region and are found nowhere else in Iceland. As you drive, you'll pass through tunnels carved through mountains, connecting one fjord to the next. The journey culminates as you pass through the Almannaskarð tunnel, emerging in the Höfn region with views of Vatnajökull glacier looming in the distance. Tonight, you'll stay near Höfn, known as Iceland's lobster capital.
Prepare for one of the most spectacular days of your entire journey as you explore Iceland's stunning southeast. Drive past numerous outlet glaciers that flow down from Vatnajökull, Europe's largest ice cap, creating a landscape of ice and black sand. Your main destination is Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where massive icebergs break off from the glacier and float serenely in the deep blue water before drifting out to sea. Watch seals pop up between the ice chunks and listen to the ice crack and groan. Walk across the road to Diamond Beach, where ice chunks wash up on the black sand, sparkling like jewels in the sunlight. Visit Skaftafell, a green oasis surrounded by glaciers and black sand deserts, offering excellent hiking trails with views of waterfalls and ice caps. Continue through Kirkjubæjarklaustur village and across the vast Eldhraun lava field, one of the largest lava flows on Earth, now covered in soft green moss. End your day in the Vík or Skógar area, near Iceland's famous black sand beaches.
Drive inland to begin the Golden Circle route at the Geysir geothermal area, where you'll watch Strokkur geyser erupt every few minutes, shooting boiling water up to 20 meters into the air. The anticipation before each eruption creates excitement that never gets old. Continue to Gullfoss, the 'Golden Waterfall,' as it plunges in two dramatic stages into a rugged canyon, creating massive clouds of mist. Finally, visit Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are visibly pulling apart. Walk through the Almannagjá rift and stand in the historic spot where Iceland's ancient parliament was founded over a thousand years ago. Return to Reykjavík for your final night, perhaps celebrating your incredible journey with dinner at one of the city's excellent restaurants.
Your unforgettable 8-day journey around Iceland's Ring Road comes to an end today. Depending on your flight time, you might have a few hours to enjoy a final morning in Reykjavík. Perhaps grab a last Icelandic coffee and pastry, pick up some souvenirs, or take one more walk through the colorful streets of the capital. If your flight is later in the day, consider visiting attractions you might have missed, like the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church or the Harpa concert hall. For those with evening flights, you could even add a relaxing visit to one of Iceland's geothermal spas on your way to the airport, soaking in warm waters one last time before departure. Drive to Keflavík Airport with a camera full of photos and memories that will last a lifetime, already planning your return to this magical island of fire and ice.
If you wish to prepone or postpone your travel dates, we kindly request that you notify us at least 15 days prior to the scheduled journey date via email or SMS.
Customers are allowed to prepone or postpone their tour once without incurring any additional charges, provided the request is made in writing at least 15 days in advance. Any subsequent changes will attract additional charges.
Please be aware that some service providers (such as hoteliers, transporters, etc.) may impose prepone/postpone charges, even if our 15-day notice requirement is met. In such cases, these charges will be deducted from the advance payment.
All preponement or postponement requests are subject to availability of services (e.g., hotel rooms, Volvo buses) and may vary depending on the season (peak/off-peak).
We do not accept any plan changes within 15 days of the travel date. However, in rare situations such as adverse weather conditions or strikes, postponement may be permitted. In such cases, we will notify you accordingly.
The validity for utilizing your advance payment in case of a prepone/postpone request is six months from the date of payment.
Your advance payment and invoice number are transferable, meaning you may pass your booking on to a friend or relative.
If you Cancel your Holiday
30 days or more before date of departure : 25% of total cost
29 - 20 days before date of departure : 50% of total cost
19 days or less before date of departure : 100% of total cost