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Iceland Ring Road Loop

The ultimate 8-day expedition covering the entire 1,332km Ring Road. From the thundering waterfalls of the South to the volcanic deserts of the North, this route captures the raw, unbridled spirit of the Land of Ice and Fire.

8days
32stops
1212km
DAY01

Þingvellir National Park → Seljalandsfoss

185 km · 2h 35m driving · Overnight in Seljalandsfoss
  1. 09:00
    Þingvellir National Park· start
  2. 60 km · 50m
  3. 11:30
    Geysir Hot Springs
  4. 10 km · 15m
  5. 13:30
    Gullfoss Falls
  6. 115 km · 1h 30m
  7. 16:30
    Seljalandsfoss· overnight
Accommodation
Hvolsvöllur
Food
  • Friðheimar · Famous tomato soup served inside a greenhouse heated by geothermal energy.
  • Efstidalur II · Farm-to-table ice cream and burgers with a view of the cows.
Costs
Lodging
$250
Food
$80
Gas
$60
DAY02

Skógafoss → Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

108 km · 1h 45m driving · Overnight in Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
  1. 09:00
    Skógafoss· start
  2. 28 km · 30m
  3. 11:30
    Dyrhólaey
  4. 10 km · 15m
  5. 13:30
    Reynisfjara Beach
  6. 70 km · 1h
  7. 16:30
    Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon· overnight
Accommodation
Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Food
  • The Soup Company · Try the Red Lava soup served in a black bread bowl in Vík.
  • Smiðjan Brugghús · Craft beer and juicy burgers in the heart of Vík village.
Costs
Lodging
$220
Food
$70
Gas
$50
DAY03

Skaftafell → Diamond Beach

67 km · 1h 5m driving · Overnight in Diamond Beach
  1. 09:30
    Skaftafell· start
  2. 55 km · 45m
  3. 13:00
    Fjallsárlón
  4. 11 km · 15m
  5. 14:30
    Jökulsárlón Lagoon
  6. 1 km · 5m
  7. 16:30
    Diamond Beach· overnight
Accommodation
Höfn
Food
  • Naustid · Fresh seafood and traditional Icelandic fish stew in Höfn.
  • Pakkhús Restaurant · Famous for local langoustine (Icelandic lobster) by the harbor.
Costs
Lodging
$280
Food
$110
Gas
$45
DAY04

Vestrahorn → Seyðisfjörður

260 km · 4h driving · Overnight in Seyðisfjörður
  1. 09:00
    Vestrahorn· start
  2. 100 km · 1h 30m
  3. 12:00
    Djúpivogur
  4. 65 km · 1h
  5. 14:30
    Petra's Stone Collection
  6. 95 km · 1h 30m
  7. 17:00
    Seyðisfjörður· overnight
Accommodation
Seyðisfjörður
Food
  • Skaftfell Bistro · Cozy spot in Seyðisfjörður for pizza and local beer.
  • Kaffi Lára · Famous for their 'El Grillo' beer and BBQ ribs.
Costs
Lodging
$200
Food
$65
Gas
$60
DAY05

Dettifoss → Mývatn Nature Baths

80 km · 1h 15m driving · Overnight in Mývatn Nature Baths
  1. 11:00
    Dettifoss· start
  2. 70 km · 1h
  3. 13:30
    Hverir
  4. 6 km · 10m
  5. 15:00
    Grjótagjá Cave
  6. 4 km · 5m
  7. 16:30
    Mývatn Nature Baths· overnight
Accommodation
Lake Mývatn
Food
  • Vogafjós Farm Resort · Dine in a cowshed and try the Geysir bread baked in the ground.
  • Daddi's Pizza · Great local pizza spot near the lake shore.
Costs
Lodging
$260
Food
$85
Tickets
$50
DAY06

Goðafoss → Akureyrarkirkja

122 km · 1h 45m driving · Overnight in Akureyrarkirkja
  1. 09:30
    Goðafoss· start
  2. 45 km · 40m
  3. 11:30
    Húsavík Harbor
  4. 75 km · 1h
  5. 15:30
    Akureyri Botanical Garden
  6. 2 km · 5m
  7. 17:00
    Akureyrarkirkja· overnight
Accommodation
Akureyri
Food
  • Fish and Chips Húsavík · Freshly caught fish served in a casual harbor setting.
  • Rub 23 · Upscale sushi and steakhouse in Akureyri.
Costs
Lodging
$210
Whale Tour
$90
Food
$75
DAY07

Glaumbær Farm → Kolugljúfur Canyon

190 km · 3h 15m driving · Overnight in Kolugljúfur Canyon
  1. 10:00
    Glaumbær Farm· start
  2. 110 km · 1h 45m
  3. 13:30
    Hvítserkur
  4. 35 km · 45m
  5. 15:30
    Illugastaðir
  6. 45 km · 45m
  7. 17:00
    Kolugljúfur Canyon· overnight
Accommodation
Hvammstangi
Food
  • Sjávarborg · Harbor-view restaurant in Hvammstangi specializing in local lamb.
  • Kaffi Krókur · Traditional Icelandic cafe in Sauðárkrókur.
Costs
Lodging
$170
Food
$60
Gas
$55
DAY08

Deildartunguhver → Blue Lagoon

200 km · 2h 50m driving
  1. 10:00
    Deildartunguhver· start
  2. 25 km · 20m
  3. 11:30
    Hraunfossar
  4. 125 km · 1h 45m
  5. 14:30
    Reykjavík Old Harbor
  6. 50 km · 45m
  7. 16:30
    Blue Lagoon
Accommodation
Reykjavík Center
Food
  • Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur · The famous hot dog stand in Reykjavík. Order 'eina með öllu'.
  • Old Iceland Restaurant · Traditional recipes with a modern twist in downtown Reykjavík.
Costs
Lodging
$300
Blue Lagoon
$95
Food
$100
Heads Up
  • Weather can change in minutes; always have layers
  • Gas stations are sparse in the East; fill up at half-tank
  • F-roads (highlands) are off-limits for standard rentals
  • Day 2: hotel change (Hvolsvöllur → Kirkjubæjarklaustur) — allow 1-2h check-out + transfer
  • Day 3: hotel change (Kirkjubæjarklaustur → Höfn) — allow 1-2h check-out + transfer
  • Day 4: hotel change (Höfn → Seyðisfjörður) — allow 1-2h check-out + transfer
  • Day 5: hotel change (Seyðisfjörður → Lake Mývatn) — allow 1-2h check-out + transfer
  • Day 6: hotel change (Lake Mývatn → Akureyri) — allow 1-2h check-out + transfer
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