All itineraries
7–10 DaysSelf-drive loop
Ring Road Explorer
The ultimate road trip — circle the entire island for the complete Iceland experience, from glaciers and volcanoes to northern fjords and waterfalls.
Duration
7–10 Days
Difficulty
Moderate
Best season
June – September
Est. budget
$1,800 – $3,500 per person
Day by day
Days 1–2
Reykjavík & the South Coast
Begin in the capital, then head east past the south's waterfalls and black beaches.
- Explore Reykjavík & pick up the rental
- Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss & Reynisfjara
- Overnight in Vík
Days 3–4
Glaciers of the Southeast
Reach Vatnajökull, Iceland's largest glacier, and its icy lagoons.
- Skaftafell & glacier hike
- Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon boat tour
- Diamond Beach
- Overnight in Höfn
Days 5–6
Eastfjords & the North
Wind through quiet fjords toward Lake Mývatn and Dettifoss.
- Scenic Eastfjords drive
- Dettifoss — Europe's most powerful waterfall
- Lake Mývatn geothermal area & nature baths
Days 7–10
North & West Back to Reykjavík
Finish through Akureyri, Goðafoss, and optionally the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
- Akureyri & Goðafoss waterfall
- Whale watching (optional)
- Snæfellsnes peninsula detour (optional)
- Return to Reykjavík