Trip Overview

Adventure Details
  • Duration: 11 days (July 14-24, 2025)
  • Travelers: You + Heather (joining July 16)
  • Vehicle: Suzuki Vitara (Automatic 4WD)
  • Route: Complete Ring Road (clockwise direction)
  • Total Distance: 1400 km (870 miles)
Arrival & Blue Lagoon
Route: Keflavík International AirportReykjavík (1 hour 15 minutes)

Begin your Icelandic adventure with a rejuvenating soak in the Blue Lagoon's mineral-rich waters before exploring Reykjavík's colorful streets and iconic landmarks.

Key Highlights:

  • Soaking in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon
  • First glimpse of Iceland's unique volcanic landscape
  • Exploring Reykjavík's iconic architecture
Stay at:Hotel Fron
Golden Circle & Hot Springs
Route: ReykjavíkSelfoss (3 hours 40 minutes)

Explore Iceland's Golden Circle featuring the historic Þingvellir National Park, erupting Strokkur geyser, and thundering Gullfoss waterfall, ending with a natural hot spring river hike.

Key Highlights:

  • Witnessing Strokkur geyser erupt
  • The thundering cascade of Gullfoss waterfall
  • Bathing in the natural hot river at Reykjadalur
Stay at:Country Dream guesthouse
South Coast Wonders
Route: SelfossNorðurfoss (2 hours 35 minutes)

Journey along Iceland's dramatic South Coast with Heather, discovering waterfalls you can walk behind, impressive black sand beaches, and coastal rock formations.

Key Highlights:

  • Walking behind the curtain of Seljalandsfoss waterfall
  • Climbing to the top of Skógafoss for panoramic views
  • Experiencing the unique black sand beaches of Iceland's south coast
Stay at:The Barn
Glacier Experiences
Route: NorðurfossHöfn (4 hours 35 minutes)

Experience Iceland's glacier country with a hike to the basalt-framed Svartifoss waterfall, an up-close boat tour among icebergs at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and the crystal ice chunks at Diamond Beach.

Key Highlights:

  • Zodiac boat tour among floating icebergs at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
  • Walking among 'diamonds' on Diamond Beach
  • Hiking to the unique basalt column waterfall Svartifoss
Stay at:Airbnb in Jökulsárlón/Höfn
East Fjords
Route: HöfnBorgarfjörður Eystri (6 hours)

Wind through Iceland's East Fjords with their dramatic coastal roads, picturesque fishing villages, and hidden waterfalls, experiencing a more authentic side of Iceland away from the crowds.

Key Highlights:

  • Photographing the dramatic peaks of Vestrahorn mountain
  • The scenic coastal drive through the East Fjords with numerous quick stops
  • The striking orange Hvalnes Lighthouse against black beaches
Stay at:Alfheimar Hotel
Borgarfjörður Eystri Exploration
Route: Borgarfjörður EystriEidar (2 hours 35 minutes)

Immerse yourself in the remote beauty of Borgarfjörður Eystri with a stunning coastal hike to Brúnavík Beach, exploration of an isolated mountain road, and close encounters with puffins at one of Iceland's best viewing sites.

Key Highlights:

  • Hiking to the stunning and secluded Brúnavík Beach
  • Exploring the turquoise pools and massive boulders at Stórurð Basin
  • Getting up close with puffins at Hafnarhólmi
Stay at:Ásgeirsstaðir Cottages
North Iceland
Route: EidarAkureyri (4 hours 45 minutes)

Journey across Northeast Iceland from coastal cliffs to Europe's most powerful waterfall, a colorful volcanic crater, and end with a relaxing soak in geothermal waters near Lake Mývatn.

Key Highlights:

  • Witnessing the raw power of Europe's mightiest waterfall, Dettifoss
  • Hiking along the dramatic Ker Cliffs with panoramic ocean views
  • Exploring the colorful Viti Crater in the active Krafla volcanic area
Stay at:Airbnb - Hildur
Akureyri & Troll Peninsula
Route: AkureyriSiglufjörður (2 hours 30 minutes)

Discover Akureyri, Iceland's northern capital, before exploring the dramatic Tröllaskagi Peninsula with its fjord-side infinity pool, unique beer spa experience, and towering mountains plunging into the sea.

Key Highlights:

  • Horseback riding through the stunning Troll Peninsula landscapes
  • The unique beer bath experience at Bjórböðin Beer Spa
  • Swimming with infinity views at Hofsós Swimming Pool
Stay at:Airbnb - The Painter's house
Troll Peninsula to Snæfellsnes
Route: SiglufjörðurGrundarfjörður (5 hours 30 minutes)

Travel from North Iceland's remote Troll Peninsula to the dramatic Snæfellsnes Peninsula, stopping at historical sites, dramatic sea stacks, and ending at the iconic Kirkjufell mountain.

Key Highlights:

  • Photographing the iconic Kirkjufell mountain
  • The dramatic dragon-shaped Hvítserkur sea stack
  • The secluded beauty of Bergárfoss waterfall
Stay at:The Old Post Office
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Route: GrundarfjörðurAkranes (5 hours)

Circle the magical Snæfellsnes Peninsula with its black pebble beaches, coastal hiking paths, ancient lava caves, and seal colonies, showcasing Iceland's diverse landscapes in one area.

Key Highlights:

  • SnowCat tour of the snuffleupagus glacier
  • The dramatic black pebble beach at Djúpalónssandur
  • Hiking the spectacular coastal path from Hellnar to Arnarstapi
Stay at:Airbnb - Patrycja
Return & Departure
Route: AkranesKeflavík International Airport (1 hour 30 minutes)

Conclude your Ring Road adventure with a morning in Akranes before returning to Reykjavík for last-minute shopping and a farewell lunch, reflecting on your incredible Icelandic journey.

Key Highlights:

  • Final shopping for Icelandic souvenirs in Reykjavík
  • Coastal views and lighthouse at Seltjarnarnes Peninsula
  • One last authentic Icelandic meal
Stay at:N/A - Departure Day

Trip Overview Map

Essential Resources

Practical Resources

Mobile Apps

  • 112 Iceland: Emergency app with location tracking
  • Veður: Icelandic weather forecasts
  • Wapp: Hiking trails and routes
  • Icelandic Road Guide: Offline maps and points of interest
  • Iceland Northern Lights: Aurora forecast and viewing advice
  • Park4Night: For finding campsites and rest areas

Grocery & Fuel Planning

  • Grocery Stores: Stock up in larger towns
    • Reykjavík: Bonus, Krónan, Nettó: best prices
    • Selfoss: Krónan, Nettó: important stop for South Coast
    • Egilsstaðir: Bonus, Nettó: last major shopping before East Fjords
    • Akureyri: Bonus, Nettó, Hagkaup: stock up for North Iceland
    • Stykkishólmur: Bonus: for Snæfellsnes Peninsula
  • Fuel Stations:
    • N1, Orkan, and ÓB are common chains
    • Self-service pumps are common: credit card with PIN required
    • Fill up whenever below half tank