Iceland full circle

Welcome to Iceland! Your journey begins at Keflavík Airport, where you collect your rental car. The surrounding landscape of the Reykjanes Peninsula offers a striking introduction to the island, with its vast lava fields and the scent of salt from the Atlantic. On your way toward the capital, you have the option to visit the Blue Lagoon (optional). Here, you can relax in the warm, mineral-rich waters surrounded by dark volcanic rock—a calm beginning to your adventure.

After your visit, the drive continues to Reykjavík. While check-in at most hotels is typically available in the early afternoon, you can often drop off your luggage earlier. This is a perfect time to enjoy a quiet lunch at one of the city’s many restaurants. Once settled, take a stroll through the colorful streets, perhaps visiting landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja or the harbor. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace.

Overnight: Reykjavík

Highlights:

• Blue Lagoon (geothermal spa, optional)
• Reykjanes Peninsula (volcanic landscapes)
• Reykjavík

Today, you will explore some of Iceland’s most iconic sights. From Reykjavík, take Road 36 toward Þingvellir National Park, a place where history and geology meet in a quiet valley. From there, continue along Road 365 toward Laugarvatn and follow Road 35 to the Geysir geothermal area. Here, the earth breathes and hot springs bubble, with the geyser Strokkur erupting every few minutes.

Just a short drive further on Road 35, you reach the magnificent Gullfoss, the "Golden Waterfall." On your way back south, consider turning onto Road 31 to visit the historical site of Skálholt. Road 30 then leads you back to the main Ring Road (Road 1), where you follow the coastline east. This stretch offers a change in scenery as you pass the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Before reaching your destination near Vík, a visit to the black sand beach of Reynisfjara and the cliffs of Dyrhólaey offers a chance to see the raw meeting of land and sea.

Overnight: Skógar or Vík area

Highlights:

• Þingvellir National Park (historic rift valley)
• Geysir and Gullfoss (hot springs and waterfalls)
• Secret Lagoon and Friðheimar Farm (optional)
• Skálholt and Lava Centre (historic site and volcano museum, optional)
• Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss (iconic waterfalls)
• Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara (puffin cliffs and black sand beach)

Following Road 1 east, you drive across the vast outwash plains of Mýrdalssandur. The road leads you through Eldhraun, an expansive lava field covered in soft moss that softens the volcanic edges. To the north, the massive Vatnajökull glacier begins to dominate the horizon. You will pass through Skaftafell National Park, where the contrast between the green birch forests and the white glacier tongues is particularly striking.

A highlight of the day is the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Here, ancient icebergs drift slowly toward the ocean, creating a quiet and serene atmosphere. You might also stroll along the nearby Diamond Beach, where ice blocks wash ashore like crystals on the dark sand. The day’s journey ends in the fishing town of Höfn, known for its views of the glacier and its local seafood.

Overnight: Höfn area

Highlights:

• Eldhraun (moss-covered lava field)
• Fjaðrárgljúfur (winding river canyon)
• Skaftafell and Vatnajökull (national park and glacier)
• Jökulsárlón (glacier lagoon with icebergs)

Today's journey takes you north along Road 1 through the sheltered Eastern Fjords. This is a day for slow travel, where the road hugs the coastline between steep mountains and the deep blue sea. The scenery is punctuated by small, quiet fishing villages like Djúpivogur, where the pace of life feels unchanged by time.

As you wind through the fjords, keep an eye out for the dramatic peaks of Vestrahorn and the lighthouse at Hvalsnes. In Stöðvarfjörður, a visit to Petra’s Stone Museum (optional) offers a unique look at a vast collection of local minerals and stones. The day concludes in Egilsstaðir, the main hub of the east, located by the calm banks of the Lagarfljót river.

Overnight: Egilsstaðir area

Highlights:

• Vestrahorn and Hvalsnes (scenic peaks and lighthouse)
• Djúpivogur (quiet coastal village)
• Petra’s Stone Museum (local mineral collection, optional)
• East Fjords (scenic coastal drive)

In the morning, drive along Road 1 through the open and desert-like highlands of East Iceland toward the north. This solitary landscape offers a sense of vastness before you take a turn onto Road 862. This leads you to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, where the water creates a deep, grounding rumble as it falls into the canyon.

After visiting the falls, you can either head directly to Lake Mývatn or continue north along Road 85 around the Tjörnes Peninsula. This route takes you to the charming harbor town of Húsavík, famous for its whale-watching history. Whether you choose the direct route or the coastal drive, the day ends in the Mývatn region, an area where the earth’s inner heat is always visible.

Overnight: Húsavík or Mývatn area

Highlights:

• Möðrudalur (isolated highland farm)
• Dettifoss (powerful highland waterfall)
• Ásbyrgi (horseshoe-shaped canyon)
• Húsavík and GeoSea (harbor town and geothermal baths, optional)

The day is dedicated to the diverse landscapes around Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland’s most fascinating regions. Explore the dark lava formations of Dimmuborgir and the steaming mud pools at Krafla, where the earth still feels young. The area is a tapestry of volcanic shapes and still waters, offering many opportunities for quiet exploration and a soak in the Mývatn Nature Baths (optional).

Heading west on Road 1, you pass the beautiful Goðafoss, the "Waterfall of the Gods." The journey continues to Akureyri, a town of gardens and culture nestled in a deep fjord. Finally, you follow the road into the Skagafjörður region, an area famous for its lush valleys and the sturdy, spirited Icelandic horse.

Overnight: Skagafjörður area

Highlights:

• Krafla and Dimmuborgir (volcanic craters and lava formations)
• Mývatn Nature Baths (geothermal lagoon, optional)
• Goðafoss (historic waterfall)
• Akureyri (the capital of the North)
• Glaumbær (historic turf farm)

Take Road 1 south toward Reykjavík, crossing the Holtavörðuheiði heath. As you reach the Borgarfjörður area, take Road 50 east toward the historic site of Reykholt and the powerful Deildartunguhver hot spring. Here, the water flows directly from the earth, a constant reminder of the island’s energy.

The waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss offer a striking final image of nature, with water emerging from beneath a lava field in countless small streams. On your final stretch to Reykjavík, you have two options: the tunnel under Hvalfjörður for a quicker return, or the scenic road around the fjord, which adds about 45 minutes to the drive but offers peaceful coastal views.

Overnight: Reykjavík

Highlights:

• Grábrók (volcanic crater)
• Deildartunguhver (Europe's most powerful hot spring)
• Reykholt and Hraunfossar (historic site and lava waterfalls)
• Borgarnes (historic coastal town)

For those on the 7-night trip, today is your departure day. You will drive your rental car back to the airport, return it, and board your flight home.

If you are staying for 8 nights, you have a full day to enjoy Reykjavík at a relaxed pace. This is a wonderful opportunity to wander through the city and see where the day takes you. You might visit the landmark Hallgrímskirkja, explore one of the many local museums, or walk down to the harbor to see the Harpa Concert Hall.

The city is filled with cozy cafés where you can enjoy a coffee and watch the world go by, as well as unique design stores and galleries perfect for browsing. For your final evening, you can indulge in a meal at one of Reykjavík’s excellent restaurants, where the focus is often on fresh seafood and creative local ingredients.

If you wish to add an activity to your day, there is a wide range of experiences available, from whale watching and horseback riding to glacier hikes and snorkeling. You will spend one final night at your hotel in Reykjavík.

Overnight: Reykjavík

Highlights:

• Reykjavík city center (culture and shopping)
• Hallgrímskirkja and Harpa (architecture)
• Whale watching or city tours (optional)

Today is the departure day for those who have enjoyed an 8-night stay. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for one last walk through the city or a quiet breakfast before heading out.

Drive your rental car back to Keflavík Airport, which takes about 45 minutes from the city. Make sure to allow enough time to return the vehicle and check in for your flight. As you depart, you take with you the memories of your journey around the island. Safe travels home.