Iceland Relaxed Ring Road Adventure - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavík, Explore Downtown

Welcome to Iceland! Located at the rim of the Arctic Circle, this "Land of Fire and Ice" is a geological marvel forged by volcanoes. It contains some of the most ruggedly beautiful landscapes in the world, as well as a rich Viking heritage and a must-visit metropolis in the form of its capital, Reykjavík. 

After arriving at Keflavík Airport, pick up your rental car and drive 45 minutes east to Reykjavík. Here, you'll check in to your hotel and have the rest of the day free to explore. Despite being a relatively small capital, Reykjavík is home to more than 60 museums and galleries. Top options include the National Museum, the Settlement Exhibition (focusing on the settlement of Reykjavík), the Maritime Museum, the Northern Lights Center, the Saga Museum, and the Whales of Iceland Exhibition.

On the waterfront, you can take photos of the impressive Sun Voyager dreamboat sculpture and perhaps tour the Harpa Concert Hall. The northern lights actually inspired the shimmering glass facade of northern Europe's most impressive concert venue. You certainly don't want to miss Hallgrimskirkja, Iceland's tallest church, which sits on a hill overlooking downtown.

Day 3: Drive to Northern Iceland & Akureyri

After a relaxing morning visiting more sights on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, you'll get back on the Ring Road, heading clockwise up to the top of Iceland to the city of Akureyri. The scenic drive takes four to five hours and there will be plenty of opportunities to stop along the way. Be sure to keep your camera close, as the north coast of Iceland may be the country's best-kept secret.

Just off the main highway, you'll find the village of Hvammstangi and the Icelandic Seal Center, a museum that also offers tours to view seals. A drive up the Vatnsnes Peninsula will take you to Hvítserkur, a gargantuan rock formation rising out of the water off the coast. According to legend, the rock is actually a troll that was caught in the sun and turned into stone. This area is also home to one of the largest seal colonies in Iceland.

Eventually, you'll arrive in Akureyri. Home to 18,000 people, this is the second-largest city in Iceland. It's a popular spot for those traveling through the north due to its privileged location on Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord. After checking in to your hotel, you can take a walk on the waterfront or head to the city center to see the Swiss-inspired Akureyrarkirkja, a twin-steepled Lutheran church. In the evening, take advantage of the city's bourgeoning dining and nightlife scene.

Day 4: Drive to Mývatn, Whale Watching & Waterfalls

Today, you'll drive to Lake Mývatn, one of the highlights of the Ring Road (the north's version of the Golden Circle). This 155-mile (250 km) circuit passes the most incredible geothermal sites in the north. The first stop on today's journey is about 40 minutes outside of Akureyri is Goðafoss waterfall, known as the "Waterfall of the Gods." Located on the right side of Route 1, this landmark spans a width of 98 feet (30 m) and plunges 12 m (39 feet) into a river gorge. There are different vantage points around the falls from which you can take great photos, so don't be shy about hiking around.

Next, you'll visit Húsavík, a lovely harbor town and the whale watching capital of Iceland. Here, you'll hop in a boat for a quick cruise, during which you might spot humpback and sperm whales as well as harbor porpoises and dolphins. Get lucky, and you might even glimpse an orca or two. Afterward, you can check out the Whale Museum and the church by the harbor before continuing on the drive. If you like, you can stop at Dettifoss, another powerful waterfall.

Upon arrival in Lake Mývatn, you'll check in to your hotel and have the rest of the day free. Another great activity you can enjoy is a nice long soak in the Mývatn Nature Baths, a hot-spring lagoon known as the "Blue Lagoon of the north." The soothing waters remain at ideal temperatures between 97-104°F (36-40°C). There's also an on-site café where you can relax with a light lunch or dinner.

Day 5: Geological Wonders of Lake Mývatn

The area surrounding Lake Mývatn has the highest concentration of volcanic and geothermal sights in Iceland. You'll discover many of these natural wonders on a full-day self-drive tour. First up is a visit to the Skútustaðir Pseudocraters, which were formed when lava flowed over marshland. On an easy one-hour hike around these almost alien landscapes, you'll enjoy nice views across the lake and witness steam rising from the geothermal areas and volcanic craters in the distance.

Next, embark on another walk around the Dimmuborgir pillars—fascinating rock formations created after a lava flow. You can hike a 2-mile (3 km) loop trail here that will also take you to Kirkja (The Church), an impressive lava formation that resembles a vaulted church apse. A little ways past Dimmuborgir, you can make another stop at Hofdi. Wooded hiking trails lead to these dramatic volcanic formations, which rise out of the lake. Another major landmark in the area is the Hverfjall ring volcano. Climb up its slopes for panoramic views of the surrounding area. 

To see more incredible volcanoes and geothermal areas, continue driving a few minutes to the Viti. This recently-active crater features a turquoise lagoon (you can bathe in it if conditions permit). You can also embark on a loop hike around Leirhnjúkur, a dried lava field whose lunar landscapes and steaming fumaroles are like something out of science fiction. At the end of the afternoon, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 6: Drive to Iceland's Remote Eastfjords

This morning, you'll take a drive to Iceland's remote east side. Many visitors skip this region, which is a shame because they don't know what they're missing. The route from Mývatn will take you past some of the most scenic and wild coastlines in Iceland on your way to the charming town of Seyðisfjörður.

There will be plenty of opportunities for hikes along the way. For example, the drive there will take you through the largest forest in Iceland, and you can stop for a short hike up to Hengifoss. At 419 feet (128 m), it's the third-highest waterfall in Iceland. Framed by huge basalt columns, these falls are nothing short of majestic. Also, during summer, you'll likely spot puffins in the area.

Continuing to Seyðisfjörður on a route that includes a 30-minute drive over a mountain pass. When you come down on the other side, you'll be treated to incredible views of the coastal fjord below. Once in town, you'll check into your accommodation and can spend the rest of the day enjoying more hikes. There are short trails leading to waterfalls, as well as landmarks in town like colorful churches. 

Day 8: South Coast Waterfalls & Beaches

After breakfast, hop on the Ring Road heading west, spending the day enjoying popular highlights along the south coast. The area between Vík and the town of Selfoss is full of cool sites, including beaches, waterfalls, and glaciers. Speaking of which, near Vík, along Route 1, you'll see a turnoff for Reynisfjara. This volcanic beach is famous for its Reynisdrangar sea stacks—huge basalt hexagonal formations rising up out of the black sand. You can hike around the cliffs here, enjoy ocean views, and explore a couple of large caves.

Farther along the route is Dyrholaey, a massive rock promontory and natural arch home to colonies of puffins. You can stop to admire the panoramic clifftop views over the ocean, plus the arch is one of the most Instagrammable coastal features in Iceland. During summer, it's common to spot whales and dolphins frolicking in the ocean below. 

Next is Skógarfoss, a thundering waterfall cascading 196 feet (60 m) over a cliff into the Skógá River. Continue west to Seljalandsfoss, another impressive waterfall that also plunges 196 feet (60 m) into a lagoon and features a hidden trail behind the cascade. After hiking around the falls, get back on the road and continue on the highway until it becomes the Golden Circle, a 190-mile (300 km) circuit route around some of the most scenic landscapes in the country. You'll overnight at a roadside hotel.

Day 9: Drive the Golden Circle to Reykjavík

It's time to make your way back to the capital of Reykjavík. Luckily, the route you'll follow runs along the Golden Circle, perhaps the most famous loop in Iceland. There'll be time for stops to hike around incredible landscapes and landmarks, especially once you arrive in the Geysir geothermal area. This is one of the country's most active geothermal sites, evidenced by the bubbling mud pits, steam vents, and erupting geysers. 

The star here is the Strokkur Geyser, which erupts like clockwork every five to 10 minutes, reaching up to 130 feet (40 m) high. You'll also stop to marvel at Gullfoss, a two-tiered waterfall that plunges 104 feet (32 m) into a river canyon. End the tour with a visit to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to Iceland's largest lake, Thingvallavatn, an excellent picnic stop. And if you're feeling adventurous, try diving/snorkeling between the continental plates in the crystal clear waters of Silfra Fissure, where visibility is up to 400 feet (120 m).

Continue west along Route 1 toward Reykjavík. If you like, make one last optional stop at Kerid Crater. This 3,000-year-old volcanic caldera is a popular stop due to the deep blue crater lake. Hike down the red and green slopes of the caldera to the waterfront, where you can take some truly captivating photos. Afterward, get back in the car, make your way into Reykjavík, and transfer to your hotel. 

Day 10: Visit Reykjanes Peninsula & Blue Lagoon, Depart

This may be your last morning in Iceland, but the fun isn't over yet. In the morning, you'll return to the Reykjanes Peninsula for a self-guided tour until it's time for your flight. Highlights include lava fields, fishing villages, and the UNESCO World Heritage Reykjanes Geopark. This hotbed of geological activity is the only place on Earth where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is visible above sea level.

The most famous destination on this peninsula is the Blue Lagoon. If there's time, stop for a soak in its milky blue waters, which hover around a luxurious 98-104°F (37-40°C). The experience is heightened by the sheer blanket of steam and mist perpetually hovering above the water. Speaking of that water, its rich mineral content, combined with its algae and silica, offers many health benefits. It's even a proven treatment for psoriasis.

Other locales you may want to visit include Reykjanesviti, the oldest lighthouse in Iceland, which was built in 1878. Nearby is a footbridge over a fissure separating the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. A walk across it means you're taking a stroll between two continents. Afterward, drive to the airport, where you'll drop off your rental car and catch your flight home. Bless!

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