Iceland
Iceland - Ring Road Driving Tour
Iceland - Ring Road Driving Tour
Duration
8 days
Start/End
Keflavik
Tour type
Individual
Level
Easy
Accommodation
Hotel / Guesthouse
Overview
On this fully planned self-drive tour along the Ring Road you experience Iceland's best-known natural highlights, such as the geyser area, the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Lake Mývatn. You drive yourself, set your own pace and stay in typical hotels, country inns and on farms.
The ideal trip to Iceland for first-time visitors: In just over a week, you'll discover the island's most iconic natural sites, such as the geyser region, the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, and Lake Mývatn, on a perfectly organized circular route along the Ring Road. Accommodation will be primarily in traditional Icelandic hotels and inns, as well as farms, summer hotels, and guesthouses.
Tour Code
Tour language
GermanItinerary
Day 1
Arrival – Blue Lagoon – Reykjavik
Accommodation in Reykjavik (if you arrive late, you will spend the first night near Keflavik).
Fly to Keflavik, Iceland, and pick up your rental car at the airport. Depending on your arrival time, the unique Blue Lagoon is worth a visit. Spend the night in Reykjavik (if you arrive late, you'll spend your first night near Keflavik).
Arrival – Blue Lagoon – Reykjavik
Day 1
Accommodation in Reykjavik (if you arrive late, you will spend the first night near Keflavik).
Fly to Keflavik, Iceland, and pick up your rental car at the airport. Depending on your arrival time, the unique Blue Lagoon is worth a visit. Spend the night in Reykjavik (if you arrive late, you'll spend your first night near Keflavik).
Day 2
Reykjavik – Thingvellir – Cascada Gullfoss – Géiseres
Accommodation in the Golden Circle/South Iceland region
Spend the morning exploring the historically significant Thingvellir National Park, home to the Althing, the ancient parliament on the shores of Lake Thingvallavatn. It was here that the world's first democratic parliament was established. You will visit the famous Gullfoss waterfall and the Haukadalur geothermal valley, with its powerful geyser and its active counterpart, Strokkur. Overnight in the Golden Circle region of southern Iceland.
Reykjavik – Thingvellir – Cascada Gullfoss – Géiseres
Day 2
Accommodation in the Golden Circle/South Iceland region
Spend the morning exploring the historically significant Thingvellir National Park, home to the Althing, the ancient parliament on the shores of Lake Thingvallavatn. It was here that the world's first democratic parliament was established. You will visit the famous Gullfoss waterfall and the Haukadalur geothermal valley, with its powerful geyser and its active counterpart, Strokkur. Overnight in the Golden Circle region of southern Iceland.
Day 3
Thjorsardalur – Vik – Kirkjubaejarklaustur
At the foot of Hekla volcano, it's worth taking a detour to the Thjorsa River valley, where the Viking farm Stöng and the small but imposing Hjalparfoss waterfall (meaning "Waterfall of Help") are sure to impress. On the way to Vík, Iceland's southernmost city, you'll stop at the stunning Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. Here you'll be very close to the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, whose 2010 eruption made world news. After crossing the sandy plains of Mýrdals and the Eldhraun lava field, you'll arrive at your next accommodation in southeastern Iceland.
Thjorsardalur – Vik – Kirkjubaejarklaustur
Day 3
At the foot of Hekla volcano, it's worth taking a detour to the Thjorsa River valley, where the Viking farm Stöng and the small but imposing Hjalparfoss waterfall (meaning "Waterfall of Help") are sure to impress. On the way to Vík, Iceland's southernmost city, you'll stop at the stunning Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. Here you'll be very close to the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, whose 2010 eruption made world news. After crossing the sandy plains of Mýrdals and the Eldhraun lava field, you'll arrive at your next accommodation in southeastern Iceland.
Day 4
Skaftafell National Park – Höfn – Eastern Fjords
Located directly on the Ring Road is Skaftafell National Park, with its Svartifoss waterfall framed by basalt columns. Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier, and the stunning Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon are the day's main attractions. From the fishing village of Höfn, you'll travel to the East Fjords, Iceland's oldest geological region.
Skaftafell National Park – Höfn – Eastern Fjords
Day 4
Located directly on the Ring Road is Skaftafell National Park, with its Svartifoss waterfall framed by basalt columns. Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier, and the stunning Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon are the day's main attractions. From the fishing village of Höfn, you'll travel to the East Fjords, Iceland's oldest geological region.
Day 5
Egilsstadir – Lake Myvatn
From Egilsstaðir, your journey will take you through the uninhabited, semi-desert regions of Mödrudalsöraefi. Explore Mývatn (Lake Mývatn), an active volcanic area with pseudocraters, sulfur springs, unusual lava formations, and fertile plains with lush vegetation and diverse birdlife. A visit to the Lagoon of the Earth, the Blue Lagoon of the North, is also highly recommended.
Egilsstadir – Lake Myvatn
Day 5
From Egilsstaðir, your journey will take you through the uninhabited, semi-desert regions of Mödrudalsöraefi. Explore Mývatn (Lake Mývatn), an active volcanic area with pseudocraters, sulfur springs, unusual lava formations, and fertile plains with lush vegetation and diverse birdlife. A visit to the Lagoon of the Earth, the Blue Lagoon of the North, is also highly recommended.
Day 6
Akureyri – Skagafjord Fjord – Borgar Fjord
Accommodation in the Borgarfjord area
The impressive Godafoss waterfall, known as the "Waterfall of the Gods," is located on the way to Akureyri, the largest city in the north. You might want to take a detour to the fishing village of Húsavík for whale watching in Skjalfandi Bay. Skagafjörður is famous for breeding Icelandic horses. Overnight in the Borgarfjörður area.
Akureyri – Skagafjord Fjord – Borgar Fjord
Day 6
Accommodation in the Borgarfjord area
The impressive Godafoss waterfall, known as the "Waterfall of the Gods," is located on the way to Akureyri, the largest city in the north. You might want to take a detour to the fishing village of Húsavík for whale watching in Skjalfandi Bay. Skagafjörður is famous for breeding Icelandic horses. Overnight in the Borgarfjörður area.
Day 7
Borgarfjordur – Reykjavik
In the Borgarfjörður district, you'll find the Hraunfossar lava waterfalls and Deildartunguhver, the world's largest hot spring. You'll return to Reykjavík in the early afternoon via the Hvalfjörður fjord. Explore Iceland's capital and immerse yourself in its Nordic atmosphere.
Borgarfjordur – Reykjavik
Day 7
In the Borgarfjörður district, you'll find the Hraunfossar lava waterfalls and Deildartunguhver, the world's largest hot spring. You'll return to Reykjavík in the early afternoon via the Hvalfjörður fjord. Explore Iceland's capital and immerse yourself in its Nordic atmosphere.
Day 8
Reykjavik – Departure
Depending on your flight schedule, you'll have the day free. Return your rental car at Keflavík Airport and fly back. Advice: More comfortable rental car categories and electric vehicles. Treat yourself to a superior and comfortable car: for example, a Category II Toyota Landcruiser 4x4 for an additional €465 per person (based on the gross vehicle weight of the category for 2 people). You can also enjoy the comfortable ride in an electric car. Don't hesitate to contact us.
Reykjavik – Departure
Day 8
Depending on your flight schedule, you'll have the day free. Return your rental car at Keflavík Airport and fly back. Advice: More comfortable rental car categories and electric vehicles. Treat yourself to a superior and comfortable car: for example, a Category II Toyota Landcruiser 4x4 for an additional €465 per person (based on the gross vehicle weight of the category for 2 people). You can also enjoy the comfortable ride in an electric car. Don't hesitate to contact us.
Price from
€2,040.00
Services
What's included
Non-stop flight with Icelandair from several German airports to Keflavik.
Car rental for 7 days of the corresponding category with unlimited mileage and CDW insurance.
7 nights in a double room with shower/WC in typical local accommodation.
7 x breakfast
1 piece of hand luggage and 1 piece of checked baggage per person.
Route information and travel guide or audio guide.
Street map
What's not included
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
personal equipment
Visa and vaccinations, if required
Advice
Additional car insurance to waive the deductible.
Optional excursions/tickets
Additional flight surcharges may apply.
Mileage tax for rental cars of approximately €0.06 per kilometer traveled.
Prices for 3 or 4 people and other vehicle categories available upon request.
Character of the trip
Fitness
Easy
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Nature-led
This road trip is completely self-guided: you drive, set your own pace, and choose where to stop. No special fitness level is required; you can include walks and excursions to waterfalls, viewpoints, and natural attractions as you wish. The ring road is well-maintained, but some secondary roads and access roads are gravel. Drive carefully and defensively, and be prepared for changeable weather conditions. Your accommodation along the route has been booked in advance.
Dates and prices
Individual dates
Notes on the trip
Notes
Subject to change. This trip is also available as an 11-day winter tour along the Ring Road. For 3 people, accommodation is in a double room with an extra bed (which may be a bit cramped). Please also see our general information about our road trips.
Route
aprox. 1.800 km