Check out this Iceland ring road itinerary for 7 days
You might be lucky enough to have secured a fortnight off work for your Iceland holiday, but if you’re keen to see as much of the country as possible, you’ll still have to plan carefully. By the time you’ve allowed for your arrival and departure days, reserved a few days for Reykjavik or the Westfjords, and planned days out in the Golden Circle and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, you’ll be left with about a week. The good news is that it’s enough time to loop the ring road and even make a few short detours. If you’re excited about the prospect of exploring some of the Icelandic countryside, then check out this Iceland ring road itinerary for 7 days.
Day 1 Reykjavik to Akureyri
On this clockwise ring road itinerary, you’ll head north through picturesque West Iceland today. Though you might be keen to get some miles under your belt, you’d be passing up the chance to enjoy the rustic-chic Hvammsvik Hot Springs beside tranquil Hvalfjörður if you did. Continue on to Borgarnes, where the Settlement Center and Egils Saga Exhibition will be of interest to anyone who’s keen on history.
In the northwest of Iceland, the ring road passes temptingly close to Hvammstangi, where you’ll find the Icelandic Seal Center, and also to Glaumbær, an old farm that’s home to some exceptionally well-preserved turf houses. Akureyri is today’s overnight stop. Don’t leave it too late to get there: strung out along gorgeous Eyjafjördur, it’s a super place to take a walk after being in the car most of the day. Alternatively, aim to reach Akureyri early enough in the afternoon to join a whale-watching tour.
Day 2 Akureyri to Akureyri
Today, we’d recommend you drive one of Iceland’s scenic routes: the Diamond Circle. This lovely loop encompasses Iceland’s whale-watching capital, Húsavík, and the waterfalls Dettisfoss and Goðafoss, both magnificent landforms that will have you reaching for your camera.
The Diamond Circle also features Ásbyrgi Canyon, which bears a distinctive horseshoe shape that gives rise to an often-shared legend that Odin’s horse left a giant hoof print behind. Verdant and replete with trees, this place is a dream of a stop. Closer to Akureyri, there are other places you might consider calling in, like the Christmas House, ten minutes south of the town center and Forest Lagoon, a stylish geothermal spa shrouded by trees.
Day 3 Akureyri to Egilsstaðir
It’s time today to explore northeast Iceland. In summer, with plenty of daylight at your disposal, you might consider a long detour to see Arctic Henge, but closer to the ring road is the Myvatn area which has plenty to detain you as you’re passing through. Among the many possibilities, today are the Dimmuborgir lava fields (home to Iceland’s naughty Yule Lads), the pseudocraters of Krafla, the Hverir geothermal area, and Grjótagjá Cave, which featured in Game of Thrones.
Make your last stop of the day Vök Baths. There are many geothermal baths across Iceland but this one boasts floating pools that extend out over the lake, making this a relaxing proposition after a day’s sightseeing. When you’re done, it’s only a short drive to Egilsstaðir, the ideal overnight base for travelers on this leg of their ring road itinerary.
Day 4 Egilsstaðir to Höfn
After breakfast in Egilsstaðir, drive to the jaw-droppingly beautiful Stuðlagil Canyon; it takes about an hour. Flanked by basalt columns and characterized by vivid turquoise water for much of the year, this dramatic gorge was revealed after water levels dropped when a power plant opened upstream. You can view it from both sides of the river, either via a flight of steps or a clifftop trail that drops down to the water’s edge.
An alternative detour from Egilsstaðir is to follow the shore of Lagarfljót as far as Hallormsstaðaskógur. It’s Iceland’s largest forest, with plenty of birch and larch trees as well as a plethora of other species. The hike to Ljósárfoss is a great way to experience this hidden gem. Back on the road, follow Route 1 to Höfn, Iceland’s langoustine capital. Even if you’re not here for the annual Lobster Festival (held each June), it’s still a good place to chow down on seafood.
Day 5 Höfn to Vik
Depart Höfn for nearby Vestrahorn. This iconic East Iceland mountain is a highlight, particularly on a calm day when reflected in the still water. But even the wind can’t spoil how photogenic this place is, leaving ripples in the wet sand. Equally striking is Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, about an hour’s drive west. This iceberg-strewn lagoon is firmly on the tourist trail, offering boat trips throughout the year.
While you’re parked up, be sure to stroll over to Diamond Beach, where you’ll see chunks of ice of all shapes and sizes washed up on the black sand. If Jökulsárlón is a little busy, consider its smaller and quieter neighbor, Fjallsárlón instead. If you’ve made a reasonably early start, there’ll most likely be time to make a pitstop at Skaftafell, where you can hike to beautiful Svartifoss. The name of this waterfall means Black Falls, as it is flanked by dark basalt columns. Round off the day by driving through the Eldhraun lava field to your overnight destination, the pretty village of Vik.
Day 6 Vik to Vik
It’s worth planning to hang around in this area today and make it your base for some shorter jaunts in the car or activities on the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, such as snowmobile, super jeep, and ATV rides, as well as glacier hikes and ice cave tours. It’s easy to drive over the headland to Reynisfjara Beach. This volcanic black sand beach is remarkable not only for its scenery but also for the dramatic waves that sometimes pound the shore.
In summer, puffins nest on the cliffs above its basalt cave. You’ll also find them at nearby Dyrhólaey, a nature reserve on a craggy promontory just up the road. Another interesting local landmark is Gígjagjá. The opening to this cave bears an uncanny resemblance to a popular character from Star Wars, giving it the nickname Yoda Cave.
Day 7 Vik to Reykjavik
Today, it’s time to travel back to Reykjavik from Vik, but there are still plenty of places to visit along the way. Sólheimasandur makes an unusual detour – five decades ago, a US cargo plane came down in bad weather and the weathered shell of the aircraft is a popular focus for ATV tours or guided hikes. It’s also hard to drive past waterfalls such as Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss without stopping for a closer look; they are among the most famous waterfalls in the country, after all. Closer to the capital, you might be keen to spend a bit of time exploring the geology of the Reykjanes peninsula before hanging up your car keys for the night.
What not to miss!
Iceland’s magical countryside is brimming with endless possibilities for road trippers and this Iceland ring road itinerary over 7 days is the ideal length if you’re hoping to get a feel for its landscapes and landmarks. Get in touch and choose a vehicle – Iceland awaits.
What not to miss out on:
Hvammsvik Hot Springs
Diamond Circle (including Dettifoss and Goðafoss)
Myvatn geothermal area and Dimmuborgir lava fields
Stuðlagil Canyon
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss Waterfalls
