A thrilling adventure fly drive around Iceland via the ring road in a clockwise direction.
What you'll do
Day 1: Arrival, Reykjavík
Arrival at Keflavik International Airport. Pick up your rental car at KEF airport and depart for Reykjavík. Enjoy a free day to explore the city. Hotel: Grand Hotel Reykjavik 4* Board basis: Transfers: Keflavik –Reykjavík Distance and journey time: 50 km | 1 hour
Day 2: Laugarbakki
Leave Reykjavik and follow Road Nr 1 taking you north bound. You can explore a few sites on the way, for example Hraunfossar Lava falls, and the historically important Reykholt. Your next destination is Hotel Laugarbakki perfectly located as a stopover between the South and North Hotel: Hotel Laugarbakki 3* Board basis: Transfers: Reykjavík – Laugarbakki Distance and journey time: 190 km | 2,5 hours
Day 3: Hvítserkur and Akureyri
Depart from Laugarbakki and make your way further north towards Akureyri. On the way, stop at Vatnsnes Peninsula, taking a look at the breath taking Hvítserkur Rock Formation. If luck will have it you will also see seals, as the Vatnsnes Peninsula is home to a few seal colonies. Head onwards to Akureyri, the “capital of the North” Hotel: KEA Hotel Akureyri 4*Board basis: Transfers: Laugarbakki – Hvítserkur (optional) – Akureyri Distance and journey time: 245 km | 3,5 hours (if you skip Hvítserkur it is 200 km)
Day 4: Akureyri Whale Watching
Akureyri is a beautiful town and is called the capital of the north, we recommend a stroll around here as well as enjoying a guided Whale Watching tour. Hotel: KEA Hotel Akureyri 4* Board basis: Transfers: N/A Distance and journey time: 3 hours Whale Watching cruise
Day 5: Lake Mývatn
From Akureyri drive to the picturesque Mývatn Lake area. Make a stop at Goðafoss Waterfall on the way. Today explore the breath-taking area of Lake Mývatn. Here you will find pseudo craters, Námaskarð hot springs, Dimmuborgir with its incredible rock formations and several hiking paths. Visit Hverfjall Mountain where we highly recommend to hike the easy path to the top and see the views. To top your day visit the Nature Baths. Hotel: Sel Hotel Myvatn 3* Board basis: Transfers: Mývatn area Distance and journey time: Flexible / depends on your choices
Day 6: Eastfjords
Time to head to the Eastfjords of Iceland, home to our only forest and also the only place where Reindeer live. On your way to the East fjords you may opt to detour to the mighty Dettifoss waterfall, claimed to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe. We highly recommend you take this detour, from the parking lot it is just a short walk to see the waterfall. After exploring, check in to your hotel in Egilsstaðir.Hotel: Lake Hotel Egilsstaðir 3* Board basis: Transfers: Mývatn – Dettifoss - Egilsstaðir Distance and journey time: 245 km | approx. 4 hours (180 km if you skip Dettifoss)
Day 7 Glacier Lagoon
From Egilsstaðir, continue your journey on Iceland’s route 1 and head to the magnificent Vatnajökull Glacier area. Upon arriving at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon you may opt to enjoy a sailing tour between the floating icebergs. We recommend you also visit Diamond Beach, just across the road. Skaftafell is a National Park in the area where you can find several hiking paths Hotel: Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon 4* Board basis: Transfers: Egilsstaðir – Glacier Lagoon area Distance and journey time: 285 km | approx. 4 hours
Day 8: South Coast
Iceland’s South Coast is considered one of the most beautiful parts of the country. On your route to your next accommodation, enjoy the breath-taking scenery filled with waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes and black sandy beaches. We recommend to visit Reynisfjara beach, Dyrholaey rock arch, Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls Hotel: Hotel Grimsborgir 5* Board basis: Transfers: Glacier Lagoon area – South West Distance and journey time: Between 255 – 310 km | approx. 3 - 4 hours
Day 9: Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is one of Iceland’s top excursions, where you get to see 3 of Iceland’s most beautiful natural wonders. Visit Thingvellir National Park, where the world’s first parliament, Althingi, was located. See the majestic Gullfoss Waterfall, and the infamous Geysir hot spring, which no longer erupts but Geyser’s little brother Strokkur erupts every 10-15 minutes. Hotel: Grand Hotel Reykjavik 4* Board basis: Transfers: South West – Golden Circle - Reykjavík Distance and journey time: 205 km | approx. 3 hours
Day 10.Departure
Sadly, it’s time to say goodbye to Iceland Drive to Keflavik airport and return your car. Transfers: Reykjavík – Keflavik airport Distance and journey time: 50 km | 50 min