Ultimate Ring Road Adventure: 6 Days Around Iceland

Be ready for pick-up at your designated location in Reykjavík at 8am. Our first day is dedicated to exploring Iceland’s most famous sightseeing route—the Golden Circle. We begin at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Icelanders established Althing, one of the world’s oldest democratic parliaments, in 930 CE. This rift valley marks the divide between the Eurasian and North American plates, creating a dramatic landscape.

Next, we visit Geysir, the namesake of all geysers, and its active neighbor, Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes 20-30 m (65-98 ft) into the air. The surrounding area is alive with bubbling fumaroles and steaming vents. We then witness the Gullfoss waterfall, where glacial waters from the Langjökull glacier plunge into a rugged canyon. Continuing along the scenic south coast, we stop at Seljalandsfoss, where a path lets us walk behind the cascading water, and Skógafoss, a towering 197-ft (60-m) waterfall often framed by rainbows. Reynisfjara’s black sand beach is our final stop, home to striking basalt columns and sea stacks. We’ll spend the night at a cozy country hotel near Kirkjubæjarklaustur—an ideal spot for catching the Northern Lights between September and April!

Accommodation: Adventure Hotel Geirland or similar

Today’s journey focuses on Iceland’s glaciers and dramatic landscapes. We begin by passing Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which hides the Katla volcano beneath its ice, and then cross the vast Eldhraun lava field, covered in thick moss from one of the largest eruptions in history. Our main stop is Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe’s largest glacier. This massive ice cap dominates the landscape, surrounded by deep valleys and green pockets like Skaftafell. Here, we’ll take a guided glacier hike, exploring ice formations, crevasses, and the striking blue ice. In winter, this is replaced by a visit to the Crystal Ice Cave, where natural ice tunnels create an otherworldly experience.

After the glacier adventure, we visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs break off from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and float across the lagoon’s still waters. The icebergs eventually drift to Diamond Beach, where they rest on black volcanic sand, creating a beautiful contrast. This stop is a favorite for photography and taking in the quiet beauty of the area. After a day of exploring Iceland’s icy wonders, we stay in the Southeast, a great location for spotting the Northern Lights from September through April.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Adventure Hotel Hof

Today’s journey takes us through the remote and beautiful Eastfjords, a region known for its towering mountains, quiet fjords, and small fishing villages. The untouched landscapes here are home to wildlife like reindeer and seabirds, creating a peaceful and authentic Icelandic experience. Along the way, we visit Djúpivogur, a small fishing village with a strong focus on nature and sustainability, where outdoor artwork adds character to the scenic surroundings. We also stop in Egilsstaðir, the largest town in East Iceland, located by the Lagarfljót River—home to local legends about a mysterious lake creature.

The highlight of the day is the Wilderness Center, a unique accommodation on the edge of Iceland’s highlands. Designed to feel like a step back in time, the center features carefully restored farmhouses and exhibitions that share stories of the people who once lived in this remote frontier. Guests can explore the museum (free of charge) and enjoy homemade meals in an open kitchen. After exploring, get ready for soaking in the hot spring spa like a real Viking! The bathhouse is built in an authentic style, with a traditional stone hot spring spa, just like the one our ancestors used.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Wilderness Center

Today’s journey takes us from East to North Iceland, passing through some of the country’s most striking natural wonders. We begin at Stuðlagil Canyon, where towering basalt columns rise from the turquoise waters of the Jökla River, creating a dramatic contrast between the dark rock formations and vibrant blue-green water. From there, we head to the Námaskarð geothermal area, a surreal landscape filled with bubbling mud pools, steaming fumaroles, and colorful mineral deposits. The air is thick with the scent of sulfur, adding to the otherworldly atmosphere.

Continuing on, we explore the Lake Mývatn region, known for its volcanic landscapes, diverse birdlife, and over 50 small islands shaped by past eruptions. Next stop—soaking in the Mývatn Nature Baths, a relaxing geothermal lagoon often compared to the Blue Lagoon! Next, we visit Dimmuborgir, an area of towering lava formations that resemble an ancient, crumbling city. The day ends with a stop at Goðafoss, a stunning crescent-shaped waterfall, before reaching Eyjafjörður, a fjord surrounded by high mountains. Our final destination is Akureyri, North Iceland’s largest town, where we settle into a country hotel for the night. From September to April, this is also a great spot for viewing the Northern Lights.

*Please note that during winter, road conditions may restrict access to Stuðlagil. However, we will ensure alternative exciting activities are available for you to enjoy!

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Berjaya Akureyri Hotel

Today, get ready for an exciting whale-watching boat tour in Eyjafjörður Fjord! With a 98% success rate, you’re very likely to spot humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, and other incredible ocean wildlife. Afterward, we head to Siglufjörður, Iceland’s northernmost village, known for its colorful harbor and rich history as the herring capital in the early 20th century.

Next, we travel around Tröllaskagi (the Troll Peninsula), where you’ll enjoy some of Iceland’s most stunning coastal views and pass through small villages that showcase the charm of remote Icelandic life. As we continue, we’ll pass through active farming areas before reaching Laugarbakki, where we’ll explore the rural landscape. We’ll also stop at the picturesque Skagafjörður fjord, dotted with islands and full of hidden treasures. Our accommodation for the night is a cozy hotel in the Laugarbakki area, where, during winter, you can head out in the evening to witness the spectacular Northern Lights painting the sky in shades of green and purple.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Laugarbakki

On our final day, we explore the stunning landscapes of West Iceland, an area praised by Lonely Planet as one of the best travel destinations. Our day begins with a short hike up to the Grábrók volcano crater, offering fantastic views of the surrounding lava fields. After the hike, we visit Reykholt, a significant historical site, where we’ll see Snorralaug, the hot spring pool of the famous Icelandic historian and author, Snorri Sturluson.

Next, we head to Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, which provides geothermal water to heat homes and swimming pools in the Borgarfjörður region. Then, we visit Hraunfossar, a breathtaking waterfall where streams flow from the Hallmundarhraun lava field, followed by Barnafoss, or “Children’s Falls,” steeped in local legend. We’ll also make a stop at Sturlureykir horse farm to interact with the friendly Icelandic horses and learn about their importance in Icelandic culture. On our way back to Reykjavík, we’ll take the scenic route around Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord) and expect to arrive in the capital around 5-6pm, where we’ll drop you off at your original pick-up point.

Meals: Breakfast