Iceland Ring Road Tour: Self-Drive

The first stop on your Iceland Ring Road Tour is the nation's capital, Reykjavík. Home to two thirds of the country's population, this is by far the most urbanized part of the country. Yet, it still has a quaint, small-town feel, with welcoming locals, small boutiques and galleries, and cosy bars. The town also has some excellent restaurants and museums, such as the National Museum, and the Maritime Museum. Ask your Tourlane Travel Expert for insider tips and recommendations.

Next, you'll drive towards the Þingvellir National Park, which will fascinate you with its extraordinary geological and historical sights. The impressive Gullfoss waterfall, which is perhaps the most famous and recognizable Icelandic attraction, is also only a short drive away. Next, you will follow the glacial river Þjórsá to the valley Þjórsárdalur, where the beautiful Hjálparfoss waterfall is located. The Stöng Farm is also worth seeing. It was buried under ashes during the volcanic eruption of Hekla in 1104 and has been completely reconstructed. A must-see on your road trip is the Gjáin gorge. On foot, continue along the Hekla volcano through a desert-like pumice stone landscape. 

The next stop on your Iceland Ring Road Tour is the impressive Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, where it's possible to follow a hiking trail behind the wall of water. Not far away is the next waterfall, which is equally impressive: Skógafoss. This is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland and is more than 200 feet high. Next, walk along the black, atmospheric beach of Reynisfjara, with its dramatic rock formations and the Dyrhólaey Nature Reserve. Visit the charming town of Vík, the lava landscapes of Eldhraun, and spend the night in the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. 

Your journey continues to the Vatnajökulsþjóðgarður National Park. Take an easy hike to Svartifoss Waterfall in Skaftafell, which is surrounded by monumental basalt columns. A drive along the foot of the massive ice cap of Vatnajökull, past the highest peak in Iceland, Hvannadalshnjúkur, will take you to the famous Jöklulsárlón glacier lagoon. Explore this extraordinary landform and keep an eye out for seals in the Arctic waters. Take a boat trip to get close to the massive ice blocks and enjoy spectacular views. Continue your journey to Höfn, where you'll spend the night. We recommend ordering the delicious lobster here!

The east of Iceland will impress with as much breathtaking natural beauty as the southern part of the volcanic island. The landscape is characterized by dramatic cliffs and narrow coastlines, and is home to an immense array of birds. Visit the "The Eggs of Merry Bay" sculptures, and the large mineral collection in Petra's Stone Museum. Continue on to Egilsstaðir, the largest town on the east of the island. Here, you will also find Lögurinn, a large lake, which according to legend is the home of a sea monster named Lagarfljótwurm. The popular and easy hike to the Hengifoss waterfall rounds off the day perfectly.

Continue your journey to the north of Iceland towards the magnificent Lake Mývatn. Take a tour to the remote fjord Borgarfjörður Eystri via the Vatnsskarð mountain pass, the Bay of Njarðvík, and along the impressively steep mountain flank of Njarðvíkurskriður to the village of Bakkagerði. The Seyðisfjörður or Mjóifjörður fjords are also worth a visit. You'll also find Dettifoss here, the most powerful waterfall in Europe, and you'll pass Námaskarð, a turbulent area full of hissing and bubbling mudholes, hot springs, and steaming solfatars. Travel onto one of Iceland's most popular natural attractions: the Skútustaðir craters and take a relaxing bath in the natural swimming pools.

Continue onto the traditional fishing village of Húsavík, the current capital of whale watching in Iceland. Whale watching trips are offered from the harbour and there is a whale museum in the village. From Húsavík, continue along the Tjörnes peninsula to the Ásbyrgi National Park. Ásbyrgi is a horseshoe shaped canyon with a small pond at the bottom.

Drive north to the Borgafjördur area, where the world's largest hot water spring, Deildartunguhver, awaits you. Continue your journey through the impressive landscapes of Iceland and visit Goðafoss, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls. From Akureyri, drive along the coast of the Tröllaskag peninsula. Before you drive into the area of Borgarfjörður, we recommend a stop in the Kolugljúfur gorge. On the way south, don't miss the walk up the Grábrók crater. Your journey continues on the stunning Snæfellsnes peninsula to Borgarfjörður. Finally, you return to Reykjavík, where your Iceland Ring Road Tour concludes.