Self-Drive Highlights of Iceland's Ring Road - 16 Days

Day 2: Drive to Vík via South Coast Waterfalls & Sea Cliffs

Rise and shine! Hit the road again this morning as you continue to the southern end of Iceland. You'll continue south along the Ring Road to Vík, the southernmost village in the country. The drive takes a couple of hours, but you'll stop at plenty of dazzling landmarks. One example is Seljalandsfoss, a romantic waterfall that plunges 200 feet (60 m) into a lagoon. A real highlight is the hiking trail leading behind these falls.

Next up is Skógarfoss. Located a mile outside the town of Skógar, this thundering waterfall cascades 200 feet (60 m) over a cliff into the Skógá River. According to local legend, a Viking hid a treasure chest behind these falls. Many have searched for it over the years, but it remains elusive—perhaps you'll be the lucky one to find it. Closer to Vík, you'll stop on the coast at Reynisfjara. This beach is famous for its Reynisdrangar sea stacks—huge basalt hexagonal formations rising up out of the sand.

Also near Vík is Dyrhólaey, a massive rock promontory and natural arch home to colonies of puffins. You can stop to admire the panoramic clifftop views looking out to the ocean, plus the arch is one of the most Instagrammable coastal features in Iceland. Afterward, continue to nearby Vík, where you'll overnight. Feel free to spend the rest of the day exploring the town on your own.

Day 3: Drive to Höfn via Glaciers, Beaches & Ice Caves

Leave Vík early and head east on the Ring Road to Skaftafell Nature Reserve, home to Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier at 3,130 square miles (8,100 sq km). Here, you can embark on a scenic 3-mile (5 km) hike up to Svartifoss. This awe-inspiring waterfall plunges 65 feet (20 m) over towering basalt cliffs. You can also stop to admire the rock formations of the Fjaðrárgljúfur river canyon and visit other impressive waterfalls.

Later, you'll arrive at Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon on the coast. At 656 feet (200 m), this is the deepest lake in Iceland. The icebergs floating on its surface are over 1,000 years old, and pieces of them break off and wash up on the adjacent Diamond Beach. A stop at this black-sand beach reveals iceberg fragments that gleam like diamonds in the sunlight.

The ice theme continues later in the day with a three-hour tour of Crystal Blue Ice Cave, located in Vatnajökull. This is Iceland's largest glacier, which flows down from the mountains and actually feeds the Jökulsárlón lagoon. Inside the cave, you'll be led by an expert guide for about an hour on an unforgettable exploration of shimmering walls and chasms of ice. Afterward, you'll drive to your hotel in Höfn, a charming fishing village on a narrow peninsula.

Day 4: Drive to Egilsstaðir via Villages & Waterfalls

The road trip continues this morning as you leave Vík and travel up and around the south of Iceland to the wild and remote Eastfjords region. There will be plenty of stops along the way, first at Stokksnes, a scenic headland on the southeastern Icelandic coast. Part of Vatnajökull National Park, the area is known for its remote black-sand beaches and coastal mountains. You'll also find cultural heritage here in the form of an ancient Viking village with traditional turf buildings.

Continue up the coast into the Eastfjords region and Djúpivogur. This idyllic small town sits on a fjord and, like Stokksnes, offers great photo opportunities. While here, you can take a short walk along the shore to an old lighthouse on the rocks. You can also travel to the glacier-carved Breiðdalur Valley. Backed by soaring mountains, this coastal area features plenty of natural wonders, from romantic waterfalls to salmon-filled rivers. There are also pleasant villages worth visiting, like Breiðdalsvík and Fáskrúðsfjörður, the latter of which was settled by French and Belgian sailors

Feel free to stop at other landmarks, like Lake Lagarfljót and Hengifoss (Iceland's third-tallest waterfall), on your way to Egilsstaðir, the capital of the Eastfjords. Here, you'll transfer into your accommodation and will have the rest of the day free.

Day 5: Day Trip Around Egilsstaðir & Vök Baths

Set off on a day trip from Egilsstaðir to visit a few more marvels of the gorgeous Eastfjords. First, stop at Borgarfjörður Eystri, located near the settlement of Bakkagerdi. This fjord has a human population of just 130 people but a much larger population of puffins, Iceland's most famous avian species. You can also head just outside Egilsstaðir to relax at the famous Vök Baths. These geothermal springs are the only "natural infinity pools" in Iceland. Later, back in town, you can indulge in Egilsstaðir's food scene—try the locally brewed beer.

Day 6: Drive to Lake Mývatn via Dettifoss, Afternoon at the Nature Baths

Today's drive takes you to the north of Iceland and Lake Mývatn. This is one of the stops on the Diamond Circle, a 155-mile (250-km) circuit that passes the most incredible geothermal sites on this side of the country. Head first to Stuðlagil Canyon, where a stunning blue glacial river flows between sheer walls of polygonal basalt columns. Nearby is Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful cascade. You can drive between the two waterfalls or hike atop the ravine.

Upon arrival in Lake Mývatn, you'll check in to your hotel and will have the rest of the day free. Another great activity you can enjoy is a nice long soak in the Mývatn Nature Baths, a hot-spring lagoon. The soothing waters here remain at ideal temps between 97-104°F (36-40°C). There's even an on-site café where you can relax with a light lunch or dinner.

Day 7: Day Trip to Hverir Geothermal Area, Grjótagjá Cave & Pseudocraters

Leave this morning on a full-day tour of some of the alien landscapes around Lake Mývatn. First up are the mud pools and steaming sulfuric vents at Hverir. Another can't-miss landmark is the Grjótagjá cave, filled with a crystal-clear hot spring featured in the HBO series "Game of Thrones." Then, hike amid the jumbled lava-rock formations of nearby Dimmuborgir before heading to the south end of Lake Mývatn to the bizarre Skútustaðagígar "pseudocraters." These dimple-like cones were formed 2,300 years ago when superheated steam trapped beneath the surface bubbled up in gaseous explosions.

Day 8: Drive to Akureyri via Whale Watching in Húsavik

This morning, you'll continue driving a couple of hours northeast to the colorful fishing village of Húsavik. On the way, you'll stop at Goðafoss waterfall, known as the "Waterfall of the Gods." Located on the right side of Route 1, this natural wonder spans a width of 98 feet (30 m) and plunges 12 m (39 feet) into a river gorge. There are different vantage points around the falls from which you can take great photos, so don't be shy about hiking around.

Later, continue to Húsavik. Not only is this a lovely harbor town, but it's also the whale watching capital of Iceland. Here, you'll hop in a carbon-neutral boat for a quick cruise, during which you might spot humpback and sperm whales as well as harbor porpoises and dolphins. Get lucky, and you might even glimpse an orca or two.

Afterward, drive to Akureyri, Iceland's second-largest city, known as the "Capital of the North." Here, you can visit city highlights. Perhaps take in the art and history scene with a visit to the Church of Akureyri and the Akureyri Art Museum. You can also visit its botanical garden, which is filled with almost every species of plant native to Iceland. Then, head just outside the city to Forest Lagoon, a geothermal spa nestled in the green wilderness. Here, you can relax in natural hot springs, plus swim in its two infinity pools with swim-up bars. Later, you'll return to Akureyri and your hotel.

Day 9: Drive to Laugarbakki via Fishing Villages & Turf Houses

Today is all about Icelandic culture and communities. First up is a drive north to the edge of Iceland and Siglufjordur. This colorful town has been steeped in the fishing industry since its founding in the 17th century. During a stop, you can learn more about its rich maritime heritage at its fine museum. Beyond the exhibits, it features old boats and historic machinery used in the fishing trade.

Afterward, return south to Glaumbær, a historic farm and open-air museum. It's an excellent opportunity to view historic Icelandic architecture through its turf houses—traditional dwellings that date to the 18th century and feature turf walls, timber framework, and wooden roofs. On a guided tour of this open-air museum, you'll step back in time, strolling amid homes, barns, and other farm buildings. You'll also see the different artifacts, tools, and historical items used in the daily lives of the Icelanders who once farmed these lands.

When the tour is over, continue to Kolugljúfur, a rugged gorge famous for its network of impressive waterfalls. After admiring them from an observation platform, you'll drive west to the town of Laugarbakki, where you'll overnight. 

Day 15: Drive to Reykjavík, Downtown Food Tour

At last, your road trip comes full circle as this morning you make the hour's drive south to Iceland's capital of Reykjavík. Upon arrival, head to the colorful downtown area to discover the joys of Iceland's dining scene on a small-group food tour. Highlights include browsing the Fiskmarkaðurinn (Fish Market), followed by dinner at one of the city's famous restaurants. You can opt for gourmet cuisine at a chic eatery, try traditional Icelandic seafood, or stop at a family-run gem for rustic dishes like lamb soup and pancakes rolled with sugar. There are also plenty of vegan options, so dive in! 

Day 16: Visit Reykjanes Peninsula & Blue Lagoon, Depart Iceland

Squeeze in a few more adventures before your trip home. Wake up early and drive 45 minutes toward the airport and the Reykjanes Peninsula. The geothermal fields here are the site of Iceland's most famous destination: the Blue Lagoon. During a visit, you'll soak in its milky blue waters, which hover around a luxurious 98-104°F (37-40°C). The water is rich in mineral content and, combined with its algae and silica, offers myriad health benefits, including as a psoriasis treatment.

After the Blue Lagoon, if there's still time, you can visit other locales in the area, like the Krýsuvík and Gunnuhver geothermal fields or the Bridge Between Continents, a footbridge over a fissure separating the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. A walk across it means you're taking a stroll between two continents. Later, continue to the airport, drop off your car, and catch your flight home. Safe travels!

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