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
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Chat with a local travel specialist
Work out the details together
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Securely book your trip
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Iceland
Travel specialist Adam Warszawski
active 7 hours ago

Adam Warszawski

During three years of my Icelandic adventure, I had a chance to visit countless unique places around Iceland, both famous spots and hidden gems. Iceland never ceases to fascinate me! I believe...

read more...
Travel specialist Èric D
active 13 hours ago

Èric D

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...

read more...
Travel specialist Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
active 6 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...

read more...
Travel specialist Othman A
active 13 hours ago

Othman A

I lived in Iceland for a time where I worked as guide. This allowed me to travel all around the country and discover many stunning places, even in the most remote areas. Travelling is, I think, a...

read more...

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

Couldn’t be more pleased
Iceland | Nov 24 - Dec 1, 2024

Isabela
Isabela V.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Dec 12, 2024
Adam listened to what we were looking for and created a great itinerary for us. Loved the fact that he created Google maps itineraries for each day, that made our road tripping so much easier and was such a thoughtful detail. Furthermore he made great suggestions in case we wanted to do more than what had been aalloyed for each day- some of those ended up being extraordinary experiences which we loved. Our trip was beyond delightful, the activities selected and even the hikes he managed to... Read more

Adam listened to what we were looking for and created a great itinerary for us. Loved the fact that he created Google maps itineraries for each day, that made our road tripping so much easier and was such a thoughtful detail. Furthermore he made great suggestions in case we wanted to do more than what had been aalloyed for each day- some of those ended up being extraordinary experiences which we loved. Our trip was beyond delightful, the activities selected and even the hikes he managed to sneak in (it’s late November and quite cold) were extraordinary. Hotels were great as well and were within our budget.
This is my 3rd trip with Kim Kim and I am definitely a fan! Will be consulting them for my next trip without a doubt.

Local specialist: Adam Warszawski
Adam
Adam Warszawski
Local specialist in Poland / Iceland | Replied on Dec 14, 2024

Thank you for the wonderful review and for trusting Kimkim once again, Isabela. I'm glad you had a fantastic time in Iceland, and I'm sure many more adventures await you!

A Spectacular Icelandic Adventure
Iceland | Nov 21 - Nov 28, 2024

B
Brian O.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Dec 06, 2024
Our Icelandic adventure was nothing short of spectacular, despite the elusive Aurora Borealis. Gummi's meticulously planned itinerary was a game-changer, ensuring we made the most of our time. We kicked off our trip in Reykjavik, a vibrant city with a lively atmosphere. The food tour and cultural exploration were highlights, offering a delicious and insightful introduction to Icelandic cuisine and history. Our journey continued to the Golden Circle, where we marveled at the raw power of... Read more

Our Icelandic adventure was nothing short of spectacular, despite the elusive Aurora Borealis. Gummi's meticulously planned itinerary was a game-changer, ensuring we made the most of our time.

We kicked off our trip in Reykjavik, a vibrant city with a lively atmosphere. The food tour and cultural exploration were highlights, offering a delicious and insightful introduction to Icelandic cuisine and history.

Our journey continued to the Golden Circle, where we marveled at the raw power of nature. From the tectonic plates and cascading waterfalls to the geothermal geysers and the serene black church, every stop was breathtaking. We ended the 2 day round trip with a relaxing soak in a geothermal pool, the perfect antidote to the 2 days of intensive driving.

The next leg of our trip took us to the south coast, where we encountered stunning landscapes, including frozen waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and the iconic black sand beach. The highlight was undoubtedly the glacier hike and the crystal caves, unforgettable experiences that allowed us to witness the immense power of nature firsthand.

While we didn't catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, the otherworldly beauty of Iceland more than made up for it. The crystal ice caves, the diamond beach, and the glacier lagoon were truly awe-inspiring.

We wrapped up our trip in Reykjavik, visiting the fascinating Museum of Iceland before heading home. Though exhausted, we were filled with a sense of wonder and exhilaration. Iceland is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a unique and unforgettable travel experience.

Hotel Reviews
Berjaya Hotel Reykjavik Natura
Reykjavík

The Berjaya Hotel Reykjavik Natura was a comfortable stay. Overall, a nice hotel with convenient parking.

Bubble Hotel
Selfoss

The Bubble Hotel offers a unique glamping experience where you can sleep under the stars in a clear plastic bubble. While the view was breathtaking, the lack of furniture besides the bed was slightly inconvenient. It's more about the amazing experience and the view than hotel room comforts.

Hotel Laki
Kirkjubæjarklaustur

Hotel Laki was nice; we stayed there for two nights. Although we spent little time at the hotel due to being out exploring, the restaurant was impressive. The roof deck provided an excellent spot to search for the Northern Lights. Overall, a pleasant stay.

Activity Reviews
Reykjavík Food Walk
Reykjavík Food Walk
Iceland

The Reykjavík Food Walk was an absolute blast! It was a fantastic way to spend the day exploring the city, trying out different restaurants, and getting recommendations for places to eat. The tour was fun and engaging, and I really enjoyed the experience.

Crystal Blue Ice Cave
Crystal Blue Ice Cave
Iceland

Visiting the Crystal Blue Ice Cave was a highlight of the trip! We were lucky to explore a newly discovered cave, which was pristine and breathtaking. The size of the cave allowed us to walk in comfortably, and the beauty of the ice formations was unparalleled.

Solheimajokull  Glacier Hike
Solheimajokull Glacier Hike
Iceland

The Solheimajokull Glacier Hike was a unique and amazing experience. Walking on the glacier with nothing but ice around was surreal. We had an excellent guide who made the experience unforgettable, sharing insights and ensuring we appreciated the incredible glacier landscape.

Lava Cave Explorer Tour
Lava Cave Explorer Tour
Iceland

The Lava Cave Explorer Tour was definitely worth it! It was fascinating to see the inside of a cave where lava flowed hundreds of years ago. Our guide was knowledgeable and enthusiastic, making the experience very engaging.

Journey Through Time & Tectonics – Thingvellir National Park Exploration
Journey Through Time & Tectonics – Thingvellir National Park Exploration
Iceland

The Golden Circle tour was a bit rushed due to limited daylight hours in winter. Although the sites were stunning, driving 400 to 500 kilometers each day felt like a lot, and the final activities of the day were often in the dark, which wasn't ideal for viewing the waterfalls. If there's an option, allow for more time or perhaps an extra day during the winter to fully enjoy the sights.

Local specialist: Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Guðmundur Óli
Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Dec 06, 2024

Hi Brian
Thank you for your kind words.
I am happy that you did at least get a glimpse of the northern lights. They sure can be elusive.

Hoping to see you in Iceland soon again, there's still so much to explore here :)

40th Birthday Trip to Iceland
Iceland | Oct 21 - Oct 26, 2024

Mariam
Mariam M.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Dec 04, 2024
My husband had been wanting to go to Iceland since we first met. We decided to go for his 40th birthday and worked with Rinolda to plan the trip. It was amazing. She took all of our feedback into account and really thought about the details. We had a redeye flight so didn't sleep much and basically started our activities as soon as we landed. The first stop on our itinerary was the Blue Lagoon which was really refreshing and helped to wake us up. We had just the right amount of things to do... Read more

My husband had been wanting to go to Iceland since we first met. We decided to go for his 40th birthday and worked with Rinolda to plan the trip. It was amazing. She took all of our feedback into account and really thought about the details. We had a redeye flight so didn't sleep much and basically started our activities as soon as we landed. The first stop on our itinerary was the Blue Lagoon which was really refreshing and helped to wake us up. We had just the right amount of things to do each day and got to see so many beautiful places and do so many unique things on this trip.

Hotel Review
Comfort Category Accommodation With Private Bathroom
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon
Iceland

The facilities were very nice and it was a nice, relaxing experience overall.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Crystal Blue Ice Cave
Crystal Blue Ice Cave
Iceland

Our guide was very knowledgeable and funny. The experience itself was really cool and definitely something I'd recommend.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Rinolda J
Rinolda
Rinolda J
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Dec 18, 2024

Thanks for the beautiful words, it was my pleasure to be a part of your adventure!