Iceland, the Land of Fire and Ice, offers travelers a surreal landscape of glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and geothermal hot springs. A week-long road trip along the famous Ring Road (Route 1) is the perfect way to explore the country’s breathtaking scenery and unique culture. Here’s your day-by-day guide for an unforgettable 7-day adventure.
Day 1: Reykjavík to Golden Circle
Highlights: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss Waterfall
- Start your journey in Reykjavík, Iceland’s vibrant capital. Stroll through its charming streets, visit Hallgrímskirkja Church, and grab breakfast at a local café.
- Head east to the Golden Circle, beginning at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.
- Visit the Geysir Geothermal Area to watch the Strokkur geyser erupt every few minutes.
- End the day marveling at Gullfoss, a powerful two-tiered waterfall.
- Overnight in the Golden Circle area.
Day 2: Golden Circle to South Coast
Highlights: Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara Beach
- Drive toward Iceland’s scenic South Coast.
- Stop at Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall you can walk behind, and Skógafoss, known for its thunderous cascade and rainbows.
- Explore Reynisfjara, the iconic black sand beach with basalt columns and sea stacks.
- Consider a detour to the Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck, a hauntingly beautiful site of a 1973 plane crash.
- Overnight near Vík.
Day 3: South Coast to Vatnajökull National Park
Highlights: Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Start with a visit to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, a stunning moss-covered canyon.
- Continue to Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe’s largest glacier. Explore the hiking trails in Skaftafell, leading to sights like the Svartifoss Waterfall, framed by basalt columns.
- End the day at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs float serenely. Nearby, visit Diamond Beach, where ice chunks glisten on black sand.
- Overnight near Jökulsárlón.
Day 4: East Fjords
Highlights: Winding coastal roads, charming villages, wildlife
- Drive along the East Fjords, a region of picturesque fishing villages and dramatic fjords.
- Stop in Seyðisfjörður, known for its colorful houses and vibrant art scene.
- Keep an eye out for reindeer and seals along the way.
- Overnight in Egilsstaðir or a nearby village.
Day 5: East Fjords to North Iceland
Highlights: Dettifoss, Mývatn, Húsavík
- Visit Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, located in Vatnajökull National Park.
- Explore the surreal landscapes around Lake Mývatn, including geothermal areas like Námaskarð and lava formations at Dimmuborgir.
- If time allows, enjoy a relaxing dip in the Mývatn Nature Baths, a quieter alternative to the Blue Lagoon.
- For whale watching, head to Húsavík, the whale-watching capital of Iceland.
- Overnight in Akureyri or nearby.
Day 6: North Iceland to West Iceland
Highlights: Goðafoss, Akureyri, Borgarfjörður
- Stop at Goðafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods,” on your way out of Akureyri.
- Explore Iceland’s second-largest city, Akureyri, with its charming cafes and botanical gardens.
- Drive west toward the Borgarfjörður region, visiting Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, two stunning waterfalls.
- Overnight in the Borgarfjörður area or closer to Reykjavík.
Day 7: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Highlights: Kirkjufell, Snæfellsjökull National Park
- Spend your final day exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in Miniature” for its diverse landscapes.
- Visit Kirkjufell, the iconic mountain often photographed with a nearby waterfall.
- Explore Snæfellsjökull National Park, home to a glacier-capped volcano.
- Drive back to Reykjavík, completing the Ring Road adventure.
Tips for Your Road Trip
- Rent a 4×4 vehicle in winter for better control on icy roads.
- Check weather conditions daily, as they can change rapidly.
- Pack layers to stay comfortable in Iceland’s unpredictable climate.
- Use the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (Vegagerðin) website for real-time road conditions.
- Respect nature by sticking to marked paths and avoiding off-road driving.
Embark on this journey with a sense of adventure, and you’ll discover why Iceland is a top destination for road trip enthusiasts. From cascading waterfalls to steaming geothermal fields, every day brings a new marvel. Velkomin til Íslands!
