Iceland Ring Road & Highlands Explorer
A comprehensive 9-day loop of Iceland including the Ring Road, Westfjords, and high-altitude geothermal valleys.
Reykjavík → Golden Circle → Landmannalaugar → South Coast → Jökulsárlón → Egilsstaðir → Lake Mývatn → Akureyri → Ísafjörður → Borgarnes → Kerlingarfjöll → Keflavík.
- Golden Circle
- Landmannalaugar
- South Coast Waterfalls
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Dettifoss
- Lake Mývatn
- Westfjords
- Kerlingarfjöll
The Golden Circle Essentials
Begin your Icelandic adventure by heading east from the capital. This day focuses on the foundational geological wonders of the southwest.
Reykjavík City Center
depart the city heading toward the volcanic fields.
Kerid Crater
walk the rim of this neon-blue lake nestled in a red volcanic caldera.
Gullfoss Falls
witness the power of the "Golden Falls" where the Hvítá river plunges into a deep canyon.
Flúðir
relax in this quiet village, home to the Secret Lagoon and geothermal greenhouses.
The Painted Mountains of Landmannalaugar
Today requires a high-clearance 4x4 for the F-roads leading into the Highlands.
Sigöldugljúfur
marvel at the "Valley of Tears," a stunning canyon filled with countless waterfalls.
Landmannalaugar
explore the rhyolite mountains, hike the Laugavegur trailheads, and soak in the natural hot river.
Hella
return to the lowlands to settle in for the night.
Waterfalls and Black Sands
Follow the southern coastline where the glaciers meet the Atlantic.
Seljalandsfoss
walk behind the curtain of water at this iconic 60-meter falls.
Skógafoss
climb the stairs for a view from the top of one of Iceland's biggest waterfalls.
Dyrhólaey
look for puffins on the massive stone arch overlooking the black sand beaches.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Viewpoint
peer into the ancient, mossy serpentine canyon.
Glaciers and the Eastfjords
A longer driving day moving from the ice fields to the rugged eastern coastline.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
watch blue icebergs drift toward the sea and visit the nearby Diamond Beach.
Stuðlagil Canyon
hike down to the basalt column canyon (access via the East bank parking).
Egilsstaðir
reach the capital of the East, located on the banks of Lake Lagarfljót.
The Martian Landscapes of Mývatn
Head into the volcanic North, where the earth is still steaming.
Dettifoss
feel the vibration of Europe's most powerful waterfall from the West bank.
Hverir Geothermal Area
walk through bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles.
Krafla Viti Crater
visit the emerald green lake inside this volcanic caldera.
Reykjahlíð
Reykjahlíð
Waterfalls of the Gods and Akureyri
Continue west through the lush valleys of the north toward the "Capital of the North."
Goðafoss Waterfall
visit the "Waterfall of the Gods," shaped like a massive horseshoe.
Aldeyjarfoss
take the detour to see this hidden gem framed by perfect basalt columns.
Akureyri City Center
explore the botanical gardens and the vibrant harbor of Iceland's second city.
The Journey to the Westfjords
A long transfer day to reach the most remote and untouched region of Iceland.
Glaumbær Farm
visit the historic turf houses to see how Icelanders lived for centuries.
Hólmavík
stop in this small village known for its history of sorcery and witchcraft.
Ísafjörður
arrive at the largest town in the Westfjords, nestled between towering mountains.
The Jewel of the Westfjords
Experience the sheer scale of the western coastline and the massive Dynjandi.
Dynjandi Waterfall
witness the "Mountain Bridal Veil," a tiered waterfall of immense scale.
Patreksfjörður
lunch in this fishing village before the long drive south.
Borgarnes
cross back into the mainland region to shorten tomorrow's final leg.
The Highland Heart and Departure
One final foray into the interior before heading to the airport.
Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Range
explore the orange-hued rhyolite mountains of the central Highlands.
Hveradalir Geothermal Area
walk through one of the world's most active geothermal valleys.
Keflavík
arrive at the airport area for your evening departure.
- Se requiere un vehículo 4x4 (categoría F-Road) para acceder a Landmannalaugar y Kerlingarfjöll.
- Verifique las condiciones de las carreteras en road.is y el clima en vedur.is diariamente.
- Reserve con antelación las entradas para la Laguna Azul y los alojamientos en zonas remotas.
- A 4x4 vehicle is mandatory for the Highland segments (Landmannalaugar/Kerlingarfjöll).
- Check road.is daily for F-road openings, especially in May/June.
- F-roads (Day 2 & 9) require a 4x4 vehicle; check road.is for daily closures.
- Gas stations are sparse in the Westfjords and Highlands; fuel up whenever you are at half a tank.