Iceland Ring Road & Snaefellsnes peninsula

Today you'll visit some of the most interesting and famous sights of Iceland.

You’ll start by exploring the famous Golden Circle and the other main attractions in Iceland’s southern region. You will marvel at the stunning waterfalls Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and Gullfoss and visit the world’s oldest parliament in the Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the geological wonders of the world.

Then, continue on to Vík, the country’s southernmost village, where you will spend the night.

Stay in Vík area.

Driving distance approx. 320 km/199 miles

Highlights

• Thingvellir National Park
• Geysir
• Gullfoss
• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
• Skógarfoss Waterfall

Today you'll drive across the impressive black sand plain of Mýrdalssandur, the beautiful Eldhraun lava field and the immense and remarkable Skeidarársandur outwash plains with lovely views of the outlet glaciers of the great Vatnajökull, Europe's largest ice cap. Stop to enjoy the breathtaking sights of the Skaftafell National Park, an oasis surrounded by glaciers and black sand with many hiking possibilities and see the spectacular Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon. This exceptional sight sits at the foot of Iceland’s highest mountain, Hvannadalshnúkur.

Skaftafell National Park is another “must”visit. This oasis, surrounded by glaciers and black sand plains, offers a huge menu of options for great hiking, from easy-going to challenging.

Stay in the Höfn area.

Driving distance approx. 260 km/162 miles

Highlights

• Eldhraun Lava
• Skaftafell National Park
• Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon
• Vatnajokull

Today's journey takes you south through the sheltered East Fjords and their small fishing villages and high mountains. You drive through the Almannaskarð tunnel to reach the villages of Djúpivogur and Breiðdalsvík. Then you’ll continue your drive along the fjords towards Reydarfjörður where a small but very interesting World War II history museum is located. Finish off in Egilsstaðir, your base for the night.

Stay in the Egilsstadir area.

Driving distance approx. 270 km/168 miles

Highlights

• The East Fjords
• Egilsstadir

In the morning drive through the lunar landscape of the Möðrudalur highlands to the road which leads to the mighty Dettifoss Waterfall - here you'll feel the earth tremble beneath the force of its glacial waters.

On the way to Husavík is the Ásbyrgi Canyon, part of the Vatnajökull National Park. This horseshoe-shaped canyon is around 3.5 kilometres long and over 1 kilometre wide. Icelandic mythology says that the canyon was formed by the hoof print of Odin’s eight-legged horse, Sleipnir. According to legend that is why the canyon is horseshoe-shaped.

Then, follow the picturesque stretch of coastline of Tjörnes Peninsula, until you arrive in the charming fishing village of Húsavík.

Stay in or near the Húsavík/Myvatn area.

Driving distance approx. 270 km/168 miles

Highlights

• Dettifoss Waterfall
• Ásbyrgi Canyon
• Tjörnes Peninsula
• Húsavik

Today you will have time to explore the marvels of the Lake Myvatn Nature Reserve. Myvatn is undoubtedly one of Iceland’s most renowned areas, known for its volcanic activity and wealth of bird life. One of its main attractions is the Námaskarð, a geothermal area with bubbling mud pools and hissing steam vents.

East of Lake Mývatn, Dimmuborgir is a large area of unusually shaped lava fields; it's composed of various volcanic caves and rock formations. The lava tubes were formed by lava flows from the eruption of the Lúdentsborgir and Þrengslaborgir craters some 2,300 years ago. The walking path through Dimmuborgir is about 1 kilometres or about 0.6 miles.

According to legend, 13 Yule lads (elves) live in Dimmuborgir, and 13 days before Christmas Eve, the Yule Lads, one after the other, come to town and put gifts into children shoes that have been placed on their windowsills.

Dimmuborgir means “dark cities” and, according to Icelandic folklore, the area is the connection between earth and hell and is thought to be where Satan landed when cast out from Heaven.

On the way to Akureyri a stop at the waterfall Godafoss (the fall of the gods) is a must.

Stay in the Akureyri Area.

Driving distance approx. 270km / 168 miles

Highlights

• Lake Mývatn
• Skútustadir
• Dimmuborgir
• Godafoss Waterfall
• Akureyri

Today drive through the Skagafjörður in the northeast of Iceland, which is known for horse breeding -Icelandic horses can usually be seen on the way. Take some time to visit the museum at Glaumbær, a beautifully restored turf farmhouse, one of the few that has been properly preserved in Iceland. Continue driving through the Holtavörðuheiði moors to the southwest of Iceland.

You'll discover Borgarfjordur, an interesting area rich with cultural and historical heritage. Pass by the splendid waterfalls of Hraunfossar, where the water flows out of the lava into the river below. Continue and make a stop at Deildartunguhver, Iceland’s largest hot spring (in terms of water production per second).

Stay in the Borgarfjörður area.

Driving distance approx. 350 km/217 miles

Highlights

• Skagafjörður
• Glaumbær Museum
• Hraunfossar Waterfall
• Deildartunguhver

Today you will be exploring the natural wonders of the Snaefellsnes peninsula, which is known for the stunning Snaefellsjökull National Park and the Snaefell Glacier that towers above the region. Drive through the northern part of the peninsula passing through Stykkishólmur, a charming fishing village beautifully situated overlooking Breidafjörður bay. From Stykkishólmur you have the possibility to sightsee among the 'uncountable islands', and explore the unique nature and bird life of Breidafjörður.

Stay in the Snaefellsnes area.

Driving distance approx. 120 km/75 miles

Highlights

• Snaefellsnes Peninsula
• Snaefellsjökull National Park
• Stykkishólmur
• Breidafjördur Bay

Today’s itinerary takes you through lava fields and fertile farming land. Driving around the unique Snaefellsnes peninsula you'll encounter many fabulous sights such as Snaefellsjökull glacier, Hellnar, Djúpalónssandur, and the crater Eldborg. Explore the charming village of Arnastapi where basalt columns have been eroded by the pounding waves. There are also bird cliffs, home of Kittiwakes and Arctic terns. Continue to Reykjavik for your overnight stay.

Driving distance approx. 280 km/174 miles

Highlights

• Snaefellsjökull Glacier
• Hellnar
• Eldborg Crater
• Arnastapi

Drive back to Keflavik airport for your flight back home. Or book an extra night in Reykjavik, the vibrant capital of Iceland!

Driving distance approx. 50 km/30 miles