8 Days / 7 Nights Self Drive Tour | The Ring Road & Golden Circle

The adventure truly begins! You’ll set off on your journey to Iceland’s famous Golden Circle route, home to three spectacular landmarks – Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall. Renowned as the mainland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Listed site, Þingvellir National Park is a melting pot of historical, cultural and geological significance. It is the location where Iceland’s parliament, the oldest parliament in the world, first convened in the year 930 AD. Situated within a rift valley of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, it bears the evidence of thousands of years of continental drift. Fissures may be found throughout the area, of which Silfra is the most well-known. Filled with crystal clear freshwater, it is one of the best places for snorkelling in the world. You can opt to dive here on a guided snorkelling tour for a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Continuing onwards, you’ll head into the Haukadalur valley to Geysir with its many bubbling hot springs, spluttering mud pots and steaming fumaroles. The highlight here is Strokkur, a magnificent fountain geyser which erupts every 5-10 minutes, spewing hot water almost 20 metres high into the air! A short trip away is Gullfoss, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. Cascading over two tiers, this mighty waterfall glistens gold in the sun as it flows into a deep crevasse. There are a number of vantage points from which to view this waterfall, including one which will take you right to the water’s edge. Be prepared to be drenched in spray if you’re game enough to get this close! From Gullfoss, you’ll be able to undertake some adventurous activities, including snowmobiling on Langjökull glacier or horse riding in the Icelandic countryside. Otherwise, you can continue on your journey to the South Coast, making a stop by the Kerið volcanic crater along the way. As you meander along the winding coast, you’ll pass by sprawling lava fields, black sandy outwash plains leftover from glacial floods and charming turf houses nestled into farmland. Very soon, you’ll reach two awe-inspiring waterfalls – Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss – both of which are beautiful in their own right. You’ll then have the chance to stop by the Dyrhólaey cliffs where puffins often nest, before making your way onwards to the Reynisfjara black sand beach. If the tide is low, you’ll be able to wander closer to the Reynisdrangar sea stacks that stand just offshore. Eventually, you’ll reach the small village of Vík, where you will spend the night.

On day three, you’ll make the drive from Vík to the breathtaking surroundings of the Vatnajökull National Park. Your first stop will be at the Skaftafell Nature Reserve, an area teeming with hiking trails that will take you through verdant green forests, mountainous scenery and many hidden waterfalls. If you only have time for one, then be sure to visit Svartifoss waterfall. The tall basalt columns here are truly breathtaking; resembling organ pipes, they inspired the design of the famous Hallgrimskirkja church in Reykjavík. Aside from exploring the nature reserve itself, there are a number of activities that you may choose to undertake from Skaftafell. For a unique adventure, take a guided glacier hike upon an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, which will take you by incredible ice formations, moulins and deep crevasses. Otherwise, descend into the depths of a natural ice cave within Mýrdalsjökull glacier, the only one that is accessible during the summer season. Afterwards, make your way to the famous Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where enormous icebergs float serenely upon a mirror-like surface. Having calved from the nearby Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, these icebergs drift gently with the tides, making excellent resting places for seals and birdlife. If you’d like to get closer to the action, then opt to take a cruise in an amphibious boat or zodiac, which will have you weaving between the icebergs! A short walk away from Jökulsárlón, you’ll find a long stretch of black sand known affectionately in Iceland as the ‘Diamond Beach’. Icebergs that have floated out of the glacier lagoon are soon deposited back ashore here by the ocean waves. The icebergs truly do resemble jewels glistening in the light of the sun! You’ll spend the night in the nearby town of Höfn.

Day four will take you on a breathtaking drive from Vatnajökull National Park to the remote wilderness of the Eastfjords. This part of Iceland is teeming with wildlife and you’ll have many opportunities to spot a variety of birds, Arctic foxes, herds of reindeer and seals bobbing about along the coastline. Meet puffins face-to-face at Borgarfjörður Eystri, visit the charming seaside villages that dot the shores, discover the colourful houses of Seyðisfjörður and make a stop at Hallormsstaðaskógur, the largest forest in Iceland. If you have some time, be sure to visit Mjóifjörður for its enchanting, fairytale atmosphere. Here, you’ll find spectacular waterfalls as well as the oldest lighthouse in Iceland. For those who are keen to do a bit of hiking, venture up to Hengifoss, the third highest waterfall in Iceland. Surrounded by tall grey basalt columns with unusual deep red striations of clay upon the cliff face, this waterfall stands out from the rest and is well worth the hike. Eventually, you’ll arrive at Egilsstaðir, where you will stay overnight.

On day five, you’ll make the journey from the Eastfjords to the incredible Lake Mývatn area in the north. Along the way, take a detour through the northernmost part of Vatnajökull National Park to the magnificent Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. It is here that you will find the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon, swathed in summer wildflowers. A short hike will take you by Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in all of Europe. As you near the geothermal landscapes of Lake Mývatn, you’ll notice the landscape becoming less barren and increasingly more vibrant. Be sure to make some time to visit Námaskarð Pass, where steaming fumaroles and bubbling mud pots rise forth from the ground, painting an ethereal scene. The area bears rich evidence of the region’s volcanic history, with the Dimmuborgir lava field and Krafla volcano looming in the distance. Take a walk around Lake Mývatn, where you’ll find fascinating lava formations amidst a flurry of birdlife. On the southern end of the lake, the Skútustaðagígar pseudo-craters will have you feeling as though you’ve ventured onto another planet. If you’re in need of a little relaxation, head to the Mývatn Nature Baths to bathe in the warm, mineral-rich geothermal waters and unwind with a glass of wine. In the afternoon, head north to Húsavík, the whale-watching capital of Europe. Here, you’ll find a whale museum, turf houses and seaside restaurants. If you have some time for activities, take a RIB boat tour out upon Skjalfandi bay to a puffin island or join a whale-watching safari to catch sight of Humpbacks, dolphins and porpoises! After a full day of adventure, you’ll continue the journey onwards to Akureyri, the second largest city outside of the greater Reykjavík area, where you will spend the night.

On day six, have breakfast at one of the quirky cafés in Akureyri’s old town before spending a leisurely morning exploring the many restaurants, shops and museums. The beautiful Akureyri Botanical Gardens are quiet enough to be an oasis in the centre of the city. This is the northernmost garden of its kind in the world and contains a wealth of Icelandic flora, making it a great place to roam around and relax. As you continue your journey further west along the Tröllaskagi peninsula, you’ll pass by majestic mountains lining age-old fjords while the ocean glimmers upon the horizon. This part of northern Iceland is famous for whale watching and if conditions are favourable, you may spot one or more of these gentle giants frolicking in the waves. You can fit in as many activities as you like today, depending on the number of stops that you want to make. Go horse riding on the back of an Icelandic horse in Skagafjörður, check out the herring museum in Siglufjörður, or take a dip in the scenic thermal eternity pool at the quaint village of Hofsós as you gaze out over the fjord towards the island of Drangey. After a long day exploring the awe-inspiring natural beauty to be found in this part of north Iceland, you’ll spend the night in the vicinity of Blönduós.

There is plenty to see and do in the west of Iceland. From historical villages and sites to stunning waterfalls, this region is as diverse as it is unique. Learn all about Icelandic history with a self-guided tour at the Icelandic Settlement Centre in Borgarnes, where you’ll find yourself surrounded by the rich sagas of yesteryear. The exhibitions here have a focus on the famous Viking and poet, Egill Skalla-Grimson, who was one of the first settlers in Iceland and who lived in Borgarnes. If you’re hungry, then the restaurant onsite serves a delightful lunch buffet and other great food. Thereafter, head back out into nature with a visit to the spectacular Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls. Originating at the Langjökull glacier, Iceland’s second-largest ice cap, these waterfalls are unique in that they flow forth from the porous rock of a lava field. At Hraunfossar, hundreds of gorgeous rivulets trickle down from a mossy lava rock face into the Hvítá river below. Meanwhile, its neighbour Barnafoss has a little more power, churning electric blue water into a swirl. Both make for stunning pictures and a short, easy walk will take you to a number of good vantage points from where you’ll have spectacular views. If you have some time in the afternoon, take a detour to Snorrastofa in Reykholt, a living museum dedicated to Iceland’s greatest poet – Snorri Sturlsson. It’s an enchanting feeling to wander the grounds of this archaeological site that dates back to the 13th century. There is the option today of a few different excursions, which will no doubt satisfy your sense for adventure. Join a snowmobile tour of Langjökull glacier and descend into its fascinating man made ice tunnels, go caving in the Víðgelmir lava tubes, or take the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step inside the magma chamber of the dormant Þríhnúkagígur volcano. Each of these amazing and unique experiences will have you immersed in the geological history of Iceland’s incredible western region. On your way back to Reykjavík, make a short stop at the picturesque Fossatún waterfalls and enjoy the scenery. There are a few hiking trails that will take you along the water and fun things to do, including a tug-o-war game involving trolls! You will spend your last evening in the capital city of Reykjavík.

This will be your final day in Iceland. When you are ready, you will make the journey back to Keflavík International Airport, where you will be able to catch your flight home or onwards to your next destination. Be sure to leave enough time to drop your rental car off at the airport and to check-in for your flight. If your flight is scheduled for later in the day, then there is the possibility of visiting the Blue Lagoon on your way between Reykjavík and the airport. There’s nothing more relaxing than bathing in the sensual, warm geothermal pools at this world-class spa facility. Indulge in a delicious meal at the restaurant onsite or be pampered with a massage treatment. It’s the perfect way to wind down after an action-packed holiday. For those with a little more time up their sleeves, you can spend the day exploring the many landmarks to be found upon the Reykjanes peninsula or do some last-minute souvenir shopping in Reykjavík. We hope you’ll have had a wonderful time in Iceland and wish you a safe trip home!