Self-Drive Trips of Iceland's Ring Road

work with local specialists to plan your custom itinerary

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Iceland is best enjoyed at your own pace, and a self-driving tour lets you spend the time where you want. With 1 week or more you can tackle the full Iceland Ring road, or spend some time focusing on the highlights in a few regions, such as the West, South Coast, remote Westfjords, Snaefellsnes Peninsula, or Interior. 

Summer brings large crowds to the south coast, and we recommend spending your time exploring more remote regions and small villages far from the crowds where you can enjoy Iceland on your own terms. 

Our local specialists will help you put together the perfect plan for your interests, arranging all details and crafting a detailed driving itinerary for each day of your trip.

Want to explore the best that Iceland has to offer? Get started by describing your ideal trip and we'll connect you with a local specialist to plan out the details.

Iceland Travel Insights

Explore Iceland on a road trip of a lifetime
Map of 2-Week Ring Road Self-Drive Itinerary: Highlights of Iceland & the Remote Westfjords
2-Week Ring Road Self-Drive Itinerary: Highlights of Iceland & the Remote Westfjords

With two weeks in Iceland, you can complete the entire Ring Road and add incredible detours. This grand tour will take you to all the best places giving you plenty of time to hike, explore, and soak it all in. This 14-day itinerary covers all the major regions except the highlands, which you can see with a couple more days or by spending less time in some of the areas below.

Where To Go in Iceland: the Best Sights and Activities Region by Region
Map of Where To Go in Iceland: the Best Sights and Activities Region by Region
Where To Go in Iceland: the Best Sights and Activities Region by Region

Don’t just stick to the Golden Circle and South Coast. You may see some great sights, but you’ll spend a lot of time in lines and waiting for people to get out of your pictures. To see a side of Iceland fewer travelers see, spend some time in Snaefellsnes, the Westfjords, or the North of the country. You’ll appreciate more of Iceland’s beauty and culture than you can by sticking to the most-visited areas.

Colorful sunset on Reynisfjara black sand beach, Iceland
Map of 1 Week in Iceland - 4 Unique Road Trip Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Iceland - 4 Unique Road Trip Itinerary Ideas

With seven days in Iceland, hit the road and explore the incredible wonders farther afield from Reykjavik. Explore a variety of landscapes: volcanoes and lava fields, green pastures and farmlands, scenic vistas above fjords, beaches of every color, glaciers and ice caves, and the rugged interior. Here are our recommended drives, an option for all travelers and seasons.

Walk behind Seljalandsfoss on the South Coast
Map of 3 Days in Iceland: Blue Lagoon, South Coast, Reykjavik - 3-day itinerary
3 Days in Iceland: Blue Lagoon, South Coast, Reykjavik - 3-day itinerary

If you are short on time, or perhaps you are looking for an extended layover on your way from Europe to North America or vice versa, your options in Iceland are limited to closer to Reykjavik. Here is a 3-day itinerary that will still let you experience some of the spectacular beauty of Iceland.

How it works
Chat with specialist icon Step 1
Tell us what kind of trip you want
Complete our quick travel quiz
Chat icons Step 2
Chat with a local travel specialist
Work out the details together
Credit card icon Step 3
Securely book your trip
100% satisfaction guaranteed

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Iceland
Travel specialist Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
active 4 hours ago

Guðmundur Óli Pálmason

Born in Reykjavík, Iceland in 1978, from a young age I was already travelling all over Iceland with my parents. After a short stint as a driver guide on modified suv's in 2004, I pursued a career...

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Travel specialist Èric Domínguez
active 15 hours ago

Èric Domínguez

A while ago I was lucky enough to get a job in Iceland, and I must admit, I was completely unaware of what was ahead of me when I first set foot in the country. Working in the tourism industry...

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Travel specialist Emanuela Grieco
active 10 hours ago

Emanuela Grieco

I am an Italian Travel Designer mostly based in Iceland. Traveling has been my passion since I was young, being always fascinated by other cultures and people. In 2005, after living and...

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Travel specialist Rinolda J
active 1 day ago

Rinolda J

I've been living in Norway, Sweden, Nepal, Austria and most of my adult life I've spent here in Iceland. Once I met some outdoor people who had so much fun on a glacier that I decided to become...

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Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan

Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

Secure & easy booking

Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.

100% satisfaction guarantee
Kimkim offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not fully satisfied with us, we’ll work with you to make it right.
kimkim trips are 100% climate neutral
A portion of every kimkim trip goes toward the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Learn more
BBB A+ rated

Kimkim is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.

Seller of Travel Registration number: CST #2136279-40.
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

Trip Reviews for Iceland

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Iceland - 5 days
Iceland | Jul 28 - Aug 2, 2024

Lydia
Lydia Y.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Sep 07, 2024
I was looking for help booking a trip to Iceland, and Lisbet was really great to work with. She recommended excursions and attractions that were unique and tailored to our preferences. We made amazing memories that will last a lifetime thanks to her help! We especially loved the thermal hot springs in Hvammsvik, Loki tours whale watching, and the active geothermal areas like Geysir. Lisbet responded very quickly to all messages and questions. All of the arrangements were made for us, which... Read more

I was looking for help booking a trip to Iceland, and Lisbet was really great to work with. She recommended excursions and attractions that were unique and tailored to our preferences. We made amazing memories that will last a lifetime thanks to her help! We especially loved the thermal hot springs in Hvammsvik, Loki tours whale watching, and the active geothermal areas like Geysir. Lisbet responded very quickly to all messages and questions. All of the arrangements were made for us, which made life so much easier. We had no issues with our bookings, including rental car, 3 different hotels, and a few activities. I will definitely use kimkim again.

Hotel Review
Hotel Langaholt
Stadarstadur

I really enjoyed staying at Hotel Langaholt with my Husband this past July. We spent 2 nights there and had an amazing time visiting the different local attractions in Snæfellsnes Peninsula. You can tell that it is a family run operation, and I loved reading about their story on the website. Our host was very helpful and easy to talk to. We loved the buffet dinner. The food was so fresh and there were lots of options. The best part about the hotel is the stunning landscape it is surrounded by. We could see a glacier from our hotel room window! Such a beautiful place to visit.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Beautiful scenery. So many great natural places to visit and take pictures of. It is a remote area, and we had to drive about 30 minutes to get find a gas station.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Lisbet Grönvaldt

Great trip, the Kim Kim team did an excellent...
Iceland | Aug 16 - Aug 21, 2024

Patrick
Patrick M.
Torrance, CA | Reviewed on Sep 03, 2024

Great trip, the Kim Kim team did an excellent job coordinating! Would be glad to use them again.

Local specialist: Preeti Bhide

Outstanding Specialist!
Iceland | Aug 23 - Sep 1, 2024

Sam
Sam O.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Sep 02, 2024
Adam was an outstanding specialist! very proactive, available anytime and well knowledeable of Iceland. We had a great time in Iceland doing the 10 day ring road! Read more

Adam was an outstanding specialist! very proactive, available anytime and well knowledeable of Iceland. We had a great time in Iceland doing the 10 day ring road!

Hotel Review
City Center Hotel
Reykjavik

Front desk service can be bit inconsistent .... Although it is in the center of everything ...very noisy at night to sleep. windows need to be sound proof... partying can go on until 5am. Parking is an hassle, need to 6-7 blocks o find overnight parking. City of Reykjavik parking enforcement is predatory and ticket for even a few minutes of parking to unload luggage (be careful)...

Authenticity & Character
Nice modern hotel with good facilities and close to everything/
Location
Sound proof window, temprary parking for guests to unload... consistentant service at the front desk.
Staff
Some are excellent and others were totally unhelpful and mis-informing.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean hotel...
Local specialist: Adam Warszawski
Adam
Adam Warszawski
Local specialist in Poland / Iceland | Replied on Sep 02, 2024

Thanks Sam! I'm happy that you had a great time in Iceland. Next time I'll try to order the Northern Lights for you :)