A complete self-drive tour of Iceland

Thingvellir P1 - Geysir - Gullfoss

Day 1: The Golden Circle

Start your Iceland adventure with a full day exploring the sights of the Golden Circle. This is one of Iceland's most famous sightseeing routes and it’s within easy distance of Reykjavik.

The Golden Circle is a trio of incredible sights -Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss Waterfall.

Thingvellir is a historically significant site, located in the rift valley between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.

The Strokkur geyser, which erupts 30 meters up into the air every 8-10 minutes, is the highlight of the Geysir Geothermal Area.

Gullfoss, the golden falls, is one of Iceland's most impressive waterfalls.

In addition to these famous sights, there are several options for less-visited local gems, including the Kerid Crater Lake and the hot springs town of Hveragerdi.

Seljalandsfoss - Skogafoss - Reynisfjara

Day 2: Waterfalls & black sand beaches

The scenic south coast is home to many of Iceland's most famous attractions and some offbeat ones too. As you head east along the Ring Road you'll be able to stop and explore some of them at your leisure.

Seljalandsfoss is a unique waterfall in Iceland which has a path running around behind it. Here visitors can walk behind the rushing curtain of water and look out at the landscape beyond.

Picture-perfect Skogafoss Waterfall is often accompanied by rainbows and is a favourite among photographers and filmmakers.

The black sand beaches of Reynisfjara offer fantastic views of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks and the Dyrholaey cliff.

Fjadrargljufur - Skaftafell Visitor - Jokulsarlon

Day 3: Mighty Vatnajokull Glacier

The landscape of Southeast Iceland is dominated by Vatnajokull - Europe’s largest glacier.

Nestled between its glacier tongues is the beautiful Skaftafell Nature Reserve which offers a variety of hiking options, including the easy walk to the Skaftafellsjokull glacier tongue and a short hike to the picturesque Svartifoss Waterfall.

Jokulsarlon is the most famous glacier lagoon in Iceland, dotted with icebergs that flow down to the sea and are then washed up on the gorgeous Diamond Beach.

If you visit during the winter you could try glacier hiking, climbing or a visit to an ice cave, and in summer boat trips across the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon are a great option.

Seydisfjordur - Hengifoss - Studlagil

Day 4: The Eastfjords

The Eastfjords are home to one of the most dramatic stretches of the Iceland Ring Road with towering mountains and beautiful fjords dotted with charming fishing villages, each with a special character.

Egilsstadir, the capital of the Eastfjords, is set on the banks of Lake Lagarfljot, which is rumoured to host an aquatic monster! The drive around the lake takes you through the largest forest in Iceland and hikers can take a short hike up to the Hengifoss Waterfall if they like. The Studlagil Canyon features some of the most impressive basalt column formations in Iceland.

Hverir - Dimmuborgir Parking - Skutustadagigar

Day 5: Lovely Lake Myvatn

The volcanic Lake Myvatn area is surrounded by diverse natural wonders – including fascinating rock formations at the Dimmuborgir lava park, the unusual craters at Skutustadagigar, bubbling geothermal areas and the Viti and Hverfjall craters. Fans of the Game of Thrones TV series might recognise the Grjotagja lava cave and spring which featured in the show. There are some fantastic natural hot springs to enjoy too, both at the Myvatn Nature Baths and the ocean-front GeoSea Baths. With your own transport, you’ll be able to explore the whole area spending more time at your favourite spots.

There are plenty of options for extra activities, such as horseriding or a super jeep tour of the Askja volcano complex.

Dettifoss - Asbyrgi - Husavik

Day 6: The Diamond Circle of the North

The Diamond Circle route takes in the impressive Dettifoss Waterfall before heading further north to the equally spectacular Vesturdalur Valley and Asbyrgi Canyon.

Dettifoss is Europe's most powerful waterfall and is an incredible place to wonder at the power of nature.

The remote Vesturdalur Valley features fascinating geological wonders such as the Hljodaklettar basalt formations and colourful Raudholar hills. The basin of the horseshoe-shaped Asbyrgi has an incredibly beautiful pool and a serene forest area.

The fishing village of Husavik is best known as the whale-watching capital of Iceland and is also home to the GeoSea geothermal sea baths.

Godafoss - Akureyri - Kolugljufur

Day 7: Around Akureyri

The city of Akureyri is the heart of North Iceland with a charming downtown area, several architectural sites, interesting museums and the beautiful Lystigardurinn Botanical Gardens.

Nicknamed "The Beauty", the Godafoss Waterfall is one of the most magnificent waterfalls in Iceland and well worth a visit.

The North West of Iceland is an often-overlooked region with several options for lesser-visited detours to the Vatnsnes and Trollaskagi peninsulas - the colourful fishing village of Siglufjordur, the Hvitserkur sea stack and Borgarvirki fort amongst others.

Hvitanes - Sudavik - Isafjordur

Day 8: Into the Westfjords

The Isafjordur Bay leading up to the Northern Westfjords is where you can best experience the stunning beauty of Iceland's fjord landscape.

The scenic drive offers plenty of stops - get up close and personal with curious seals at the Hvitanes Cape, enjoy the best waffles in Iceland at the charming Litlibaer turf-roofed house, spot the shy arctic fox in Sudavik or take a hike in the Valagil Gorge.

The picturesque town of Isafjordur is the largest settlement in the region, with a rich maritime history and a well-preserved town centre.

Onundarfjordur Pier - Thingeyri - Dynjandi Nparking

Day 9: Dynjandi Waterfall

The road between the northern and southern Westfjords goes through some of the most beautiful fjords in Iceland, charming fishing villages and steep mountain passes. The drive through the fjords of Arnarfjordur, Dyrafjordur and Onundarfjordur is very scenic. The highlight of this route is the majestic Dynjandi Waterfall, one of Iceland’s prettiest waterfalls and an icon of the Westfjords. There are also some lovely hiking and horseriding routes to enjoy in the region.

Raudasandur - Breidavik - Látrabjarg

Day 10: Coast of the Southern Westfjords

The Southern Westfjords are famous for some of the most stunning light-coloured beaches in Iceland. The most popular of these is the red-hued Raudasandur Beach, also home to a colony of seals. The Latrabjarg Cliffs are the westernmost point of Iceland. In the summer, they offer fantastic opportunities for bird watching and are considered the best place in Iceland to photograph puffins up close.

Kirkjufell - Djupalonssandur - Arnarstapi

Day 11: Snaefellsnes Peninsula

The 90-km long Snaefellsnes Peninsula is often referred to as ‘Iceland in miniature.

Dominated by the majestic Snaefellsjokull glacier volcano, it offers an incredible variety of sights and hidden treasures - desolate lava fields and fascinating rock formations, windswept beaches with inspiring coastal views, orca whales and bird colonies.

The beautiful Kirkjufell Mountain and waterfall just outside of the town of Grundarfjordur is a very popular icon of the region.

This is another of Iceland’s landscapes featured in Game of Thrones and it is highly photogenic.

Grabrok - Hraunfossar - Reykholt

Day 12: Secrets of the West

The lava landscape of West Iceland is home to several lesser-known sights, such as the Grabrok Crater and Glanni Waterfall, just off the Ring Road.

A detour into the Borgarfjordur area will take you to the unique Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls and Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring.

The village of Reykholt on the way is steeped in saga history with a medieval centre and the oldest hot spring in Iceland.

Hikers must take the road into the Hvalfjordur Fjord for the exhilarating hike along a canyon and through caves to the 198-m- tall Glymur Waterfall.

Reykjavik

Day 13: Return to Reykjavik

Your adventure comes to a close in Reykjavik, the world's northernmost capital and one of the cleanest and greenest cities in the world. Spend the day exploring its charming downtown area, discovering its impressive landmarks, and visiting a variety of museums. Depending on your interests, the city has much to offer. There’s a vibrant cultural and music scene, great design shops, art galleries, and world-class restaurants.