A 10 day Iceland ring road itinerary off the beaten track

Day one: Start driving East

Raufarhólshellir 

The Lava Tunnel is a tangible result of the Leitahraun eruption, which occurred east of the Bláfjöll Mountains about 5200 years ago. Today, it’s a popular tourist destination and is easily reached from Reykjavik in around 40 minutes, so you can do this as an excursion from the city. Standard guided tours of this magnificent place take about an hour, but it’s worth upgrading to their Lava Falls Adventure Tour to see more of the cave system. Fill out your day with some sights in Reykjavik.

Selfoss and Stokkseyri

Foodies will love Iceland’s food halls, and beyond the capital, Selfoss is home to the Old Dairy, which also contains the Skyrland Museum telling the story of the country’s most iconic dairy product. It’s worth detouring south to the village of Stokkseyri, a beautiful drive through the hills to the coast. But the main reason people come here is to dine at Fjöruborðið, renowned for its langoustine dishes. You’re also well placed today to tackle sights south of the Golden Circle, such as Kerið Crater.

Day 3: Keldur or Gljúfrabúi

Keldur 

Reached from the ring road by a gravel road, this cluster of turf houses was once a farm and from it you’ll have a lovely view of Mount Hekla volcano on a fine day. Its hall is thought to be the oldest in the country, while a wooden door tucked up against the hillside indicates the presence of an underground passage. The buildings you see today were rebuilt over a century ago after earthquakes hit the area. Combine a visit here with a more famous destination off the road – the Sólheimasandur plane wreck. 

Gljúfrabúi and Kvernufoss

Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss grab the headlines when it comes to south coast waterfalls, but their neighbors are sometimes overlooked by visitors keen to hit the road. With more time on your hands, you can see all four. Don wellies and waterproofs to be able to fully appreciate Gljúfrabúi; tucked into a cleft into the rock, it’s accessed directly from the river. Kvernufoss is easily reached following a short hike from Skógafoss. If you’re keen to stretch your legs some more, you can hike inland along the river from the top of Skógafoss along a verdant trail. 

Day 4: Gígjagjá, Fjallsárlón and Múlagljúfur

The southeast of Iceland contains many popular visitor attractions, such as Reynisfjara Beach just outside Vik, which is also the place from where tours up onto Mýrdalsjökull glacier depart. Just after departing Vik, make time for a quick pitstop at Gígjagjá, better known as the Yoda cave. Of course, this region is also a magnet for roadtrippers keen to see the icebergs that litter Jökulsárlón and nearby Diamond Beach. Get an early start so you can also visit the more tranquil Fjallsárlón, another breathtaking glacier lagoon, and the relatively unknown Múlagljúfur, a gorgeous moss-covered canyon.

Day 5: Lækjavik

You shouldn’t drive through this region without calling in at striking Stokknes, where grassy dunes combine with the craggy shape of Vestrahorn to make this one of the most photographed spots in the country. No wonder so many roadtrippers make an overnight stop in the nearby port of Höfn. Continue along the ring road, and you’ll soon reach another lovely coastal spot. Serene Lækjavik, a delightful stretch of black sand, is remarkable both for its beauty and its relative lack of visitors. 

Day 6: Hengifoss

East Iceland contains a wealth of beauty spots, from its isolated fjords to headline grabbers such as Stuðlagil Canyon, whose rusty basalt columns and vivid turquoise water have made this once-hidden gem a magnet for travelers. Instead, make the half-hour detour to the trailhead for Hengifoss. Surrounded by hilly terrain, the hike is short but fairly steep, so as with Stuðlagil, you’ll need to allow a few hours. But the rocks, with their horizontal red stripes and plunging water make this a firm favorite with those who make an effort.

Day 7: Skútustaðagígar and Dimmuborgir 

Beyond Hverir’s steaming fumaroles and the glorious Mývatn Nature Baths geothermal spa, you can detour around Lake Mývatn to immerse yourself in a variety of unusual and captivating landscapes. These include the pseudocraters of Skútustaðagígar, created during an ancient lava flow. Craggy Dimmuborgir is another unspoiled hiker’s paradise, thanks to a multitude of gnarly rock formations in all kinds of weird shapes. For nature lovers, the area’s abundant birdlife is another draw. 

Day 8: Ystafell Transportation Museum

Leaving East Iceland behind, you reach some of the north’s most extraordinary sights. Even if it wasn’t right on the ring road, Goðafoss waterfall would still be impressive enough to draw a crowd, and of course, the Diamond Circle scenic drive lures road trippers to combine it with Dettifoss, Húsavík and Ásbyrgi Canyon. For something entirely different, call into the Ystafell Transportation Museum to admire its extensive collection of vintage cars and other vehicles. Petrol heads should time their trip between May and September as it operates seasonally.

Day 9: Kakalaskáli

Close to Varmahlíð, through a series of art installations and exhibits, Kakalaskáli commemorates the conflicts that took place in 13th-century Iceland, such as the bloody Battle of Haugsnes in 1246. It’s a powerful way of getting an insight into the events told in the Icelandic Sagas. Also in this area are opportunities to explore quiet parts of the countryside on horseback, or on a river rafting excursion. You’ll also want to travel up one of North Iceland’s peninsulas to visit pretty Siglufjörður or the seals that haul out north of Hvammstangi. They’re well established as visitor destinations but, even so, receive far fewer tourists than places along the south coast.

Day 10: Grábrók, Glanni and Deildartunguhver

Working your way back to the capital region is easy from here, whether you’re making the drive in one go or plan to stop off on the way. If you’re looking for a diversion, try Grábrók, a volcanic crater east of Lake Hreðavatn. Glanni waterfall is similarly close to the ring road on the opposite side. The boiling hot water spring of Deildartunguhver is fifteen minutes from the main road – but don’t be tempted to bathe in it as it will scald your skin.

Whether you’ve returned for a second loop of the route or simply prefer not to follow the pack, this 10-day self-drive ring road itinerary will surely be an attractive proposition. Take a look at the rental vehicles on our website, and you’ll be one step closer to seeing these wonderful places with your own eyes.

Ring Road Self Drive FAQ

Is 10 days enough for Iceland Ring Road?

Yes, 10 days is a perfect amount of time to explore the Ring Road at a comfortable pace, with plenty of opportunities to see both popular attractions and hidden gems.

Is 10 days in Iceland too long?

Not at all! With so much to see, 10 days allows you to fully enjoy Iceland’s diverse landscapes without feeling rushed.

How many days for the Iceland Ring Road trip?

You can technically drive the Ring Road in 7 days, but 10 days is ideal for a more relaxed trip with extra time for detours and sightseeing.

What is the best time of year to do the Ring Road in Iceland?

Summer (June to August) is best for long days, mild weather, and easy driving. Spring and autumn are also great for fewer crowds and stunning seasonal scenery.

Do you need a 4x4 to drive the Ring Road in Iceland?

A 4x4 isn’t necessary for the Ring Road itself, as it’s paved. However, if you plan to explore F-roads or rougher areas, a 4x4 is a must. During the winter, a 4x4 is safer and makes driving easier.

Is it better to go clockwise or counterclockwise in Iceland?

Either works! Clockwise is popular for hitting the South Coast’s highlights ear