Included: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area 6, 7, 8, or 9 days of exploration around Iceland (Ring Road, Golden Circle, South Coast, Glacier Lagoon, and more) Accommodation for 5, 6, 7, or 8 nights at 3-star hotels (private bathrooms, twin rooms) — as listed day-by-day in the itinerary All activities and hikes as listed in the itinerary Activities in Wilderness Center Glacier hike on Vatnajökull Glacier (April through October) Crystal ice cave (October through April) Whale watching in Eyjafjörður Myvatn Nature Baths entrance (closed Jan–Mar 2026, during this time, you’ll visit Forest Lagoon instead) Transportation during the tour Minibus transfers during the tour Pick-up in Reykjavík Drop-off in Reykjavík or Borgarnes Breakfast each morning at hotels Free WiFi on the bus All required safety equipment Add-ons (available at checkout): Equipment rental Single occupancy room Not included: Flights to Iceland Lunches and dinners Guide gratuities — optional Travel and medical insurance — optional

Which Ring Road itinerary is for me?

This really depends on how much time you can spare and if you’d like to take a deeper dive into Iceland. You have a choice between a 6, 7, 8, or 9-day Ring Road itinerary. 6-day Ring Road itinerary Golden Circle tour in Iceland, including Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. From there, you’ll head south to witness the stunning Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, and the glacier lagoon of Jokulsarlon with its floating icebergs. You’ll also have the chance to visit Vatnajokull National Park and embark on a glacier hike or explore the mesmerizing Crystal Ice Cave (seasonal). Continuing along the Eastfjords , you’ll experience remote fishing villages and dramatic coastal cliffs before arriving at the geothermal wonders of the North . Highlights include the steaming landscapes of Namaskard Pass, the volcanic Lake Myvatn area, and the powerful Dettifoss waterfall. In North Iceland, you’ll also visit the charming town of Akureyri and have the option to relax in the Myvatn Nature Baths . As you return to Reykjavik , you’ll explore the unique rock formations of Hvitserkur and pass through scenic landscapes that showcase Iceland’s raw and untamed beauty. 7-day Ring Road itinerary Everything from the 6-day itinerary, plus a stunning day on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula , often called “Iceland in Miniature”. This includes Arnarstapi and Hellnar village, Snæfellsnes National Park , the black pebble beach Djúpalónssandur , and the spectacular Kirkjufell mountain. 8-day Ring Road itinerary Everything from the 6-day itinerary, plus an extra day in Reykjavik —this is perfect for all those who want to explore this bustling town at a leisurely pace. There are a few fabulous museums, galleries, thermal swimming pools, vibrant shopping streets, the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church and so much more! 9-day Ring Road itinerary Everything from the 6-day itinerary , plus three extra days of discovery—making it the perfect all-around Iceland adventure. One day is dedicated to Vestmannaeyjar Islands , including the Stórhöfði Cape, Eldheimar Museum, and Mt. Eldfell Volcano . On the second day, we explore the stunning Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon , the dramatic Laki and Lakagígar craters , and the charming area around Kirkjubæjarklaustur —including Systrafoss Waterfall, Systrastapi Rock , and the unique Kirkjugólf basalt formations. And the third day is all about the Eldgjá Canyon and Landmannalaugar —highlights of the day include Ófærufoss Waterfall, Mt. Brennisteinsalda, Hjálparfoss Waterfall, and Þjórsárdalur Valley .

How fit do I need to be?

This Iceland Ring Road tour is perfect for beginners and anyone aged 8 and up ! A basic level of fitness is all you need , as most activities involve leisurely walks at Iceland’s top sights—you’ll do the Ring Road as well as the Golden Circle tour in Iceland. Glacier hiking or Crystal Ice Cave visit is a part of the itinerary, but no experience is necessary. If you have trouble joining any of the activities on the tour—such as a glacier hike—you’re more than welcome to skip it. In the meantime, you’re free to explore the surrounding area or relax nearby. Our guide can usually drop you off at a nearby spot with available services while the group completes the activity. For more hiking adventures in Iceland powered by local guides , click here !

What's the accommodation like?

The hotels that we’ll be staying at during our Iceland Ring Road tour, generally 3-star hotels , offer a perfect mix of comfort, adventure, and stunning natural surroundings. Nestled in some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes , they provide cozy accommodations with modern amenities like on-site dining, warm lounges, and more. One hotel even has a sauna and a hot pool! Whether located in a remote wilderness setting or a charming town, each hotel serves as a gateway to Iceland’s raw beauty. The price of the adventure is based on two travellers sharing a twin room, but double/triple rooms can be requested at no additional fee (if available)—leave us a note at checkout. Solo travellers will be paired with another traveller of the same gender, but if you’d like to have a room to yourself, a single supplement is also available at checkout! If the suggested hotels are unavailable, your guide will arrange a similar alternative of equal quality.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Day pack large enough to carry everything you might need throughout the day (around a 25-40L bag) Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Hiking poles Lightweight hiking boots Comfortable and warm hiking clothes Spare clothes for layering Waterproof rain jacket Waterproof pants Sunhat Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, tissues, etc.) Headlamp or flashlight Sunglasses Camera — optional (but recommended) Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans. Hiking boots, waterproof jacket, waterproof pants, hiking poles, and crampons can be rented with your guides at checkout. As for the luggage limit on this Iceland Ring Road tour, please stick to one small backpack and one piece of luggage weighing a maximum of 20 kg (44 lbs).

Is seeing northern lights guaranteed?

The hotels you’ll be staying at during this Iceland Ring Road tour are generally in remote locations, making them perfect for northern lights viewing. If the forecast is favorable, there’s a great chance you’ll witness the mesmerizing display of dancing auroras during your trip. Many hotels even offer a northern lights wake-up call upon request if the lights appear. Still, as the northern lights are a natural phenomenon, we can’t guarantee a sighting. Their visibility depends on atmospheric and weather conditions. The best time to see the northern lights is between September and March when the nights are longest and skies are clear—far from city lights, exactly where you’ll be! Find out more about northern lights in Iceland and your chance of seeing them!

How much driving should I expect each day?

On this Iceland Ring Road tour, you’ll be covering around 300 km (186 miles) per day, spending about 4-5 hours on the road. But don’t worry—it’s far from just a long drive! You’ll be stopping regularly for sightseeing, activities, bathroom breaks, and lunch, making every stretch of the journey an adventure in itself.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this Iceland Ring Road tour , the usual client-to-guide ratio is 18 :1. It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 18 participants. A single occupancy room is available if you prefer to have your own room, but it’s entirely optional. If you’re traveling solo and choose not to book a private room, you’ll be paired with another traveler of the same gender. Note that your chosen tour dates are not guaranteed until confirmed by your guide. If availability is limited, your guide may suggest alternative dates a day or two before or after—so just make sure not to make any travel arrangements until confirmed. Iceland Ring Road tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors older than 8 may be permitted to join the Iceland Ring Road Tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to this Iceland Ring Road tour, fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF) , serving Reykjavik. From there, it’s best to hop on a shuttle to Reykjavik, or you can take a taxi. It takes about 45 minutes to reach Reykjavik. It is recommended to arrive at least one day before the tour. If you’re flying in from the U.S. or will be landing early (4-6:30am), you should be able to join the tour, but some risks would follow (i.e., if the flight gets delayed) and could miss out on the tour. This is, therefore, not recommended! Accommodation for the night prior to the tour is at your arrangement. At checkout, you’ll be able to choose one of your preferred pick-up spots. Details on the exact pick-up time are in the itinerary, just note that it can take around 30 minutes to pick everyone up.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection . To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible , simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner ! Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered. Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

Iceland’s Ring Road Tour

If there’s just one adventure in Iceland you need to go on, it’s this one. This is the kind of journey that blurs the line between reality and fantasy, leaving you wondering if you’ve stepped off the map and into a fantasy novel. And at some point, you stop asking, “Where am I?” and start asking, “How is this even real?”

That’s the kind of effect that Iceland’s Ring Road, a scenic loop around the island, has on people. Add to it the surreal Golden Circle, the rugged South Coast, and the vibrant Landmannalaugar—and you’ve got yourself Iceland’s greatest hits, all in a single trip. Six, seven, eight, or nine days, that’s up to you.

Iceland in one go

Everything you’ve been dreaming about, searching for, and saving to your Iceland bucket list, it’s right here. Black sand beaches, sparkling ice caves, lava fields, steaming vents… You want it, you got it.

We’ll hop into a comfy minibus and set off across Iceland’s wilderness, led by a local guide who’s eager to share their passion for this incredible island. Come night, we’ll settle into cozy, handpicked hotels that blend comfort and local charm.

No stress, no fuss, we take care of everything. You’ll be too busy snapping unreal-looking pics anyway. Whether you’re short on time or itching to explore every hidden corner, you can pick the itinerary that fits your pace and curiosity best.

Active volcano zones
Midnight Sun or Aurora
Geothermal hot springs
Whales and puffins
Ice caves / glacier walk

Roadtrip of a lifetime

RING ROAD

This full-circle drive through one of the most geologically alive places on Earth is the biggest part of our journey. We’ll pass landscapes that seem to rewrite the rules of reality—moss-draped lava fields, crystal-speckled black sand beaches, and mountains split by tectonic plates.

Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Reynisfjara black sand beach, Skógafoss Waterfall, Vatnajökull National Park… We’ll tick off many sights that you’ve been googling, but we’ll also get to feel small, wide-eyed, and wonderfully out of sync with the everyday.

Skogafoss and waterfall with person below

GOLDEN CIRCLE

Just outside Reykjavík, the Golden Circle connects three of Iceland’s must-sees: Þingvellir National Park, where tectonic plates drift apart; the steaming Geysir geothermal area; and Gullfoss, a thunderous two-tier waterfall plunging into a rugged canyon. It’s nature, geology, and history—all in one loop.

What makes the Golden Circle so special is how much it packs into such a short drive. In just a few hours, we’ll walk between continents, watch boiling earth erupt into the sky, and feel the spray of one of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls.

AND A FEW EXTRA SPECIALS

The Ring Road and Golden Circle showcase much of Iceland’s iconic beauty, but there’s plenty more to see and experience beyond the main highlights. If you choose longer itineraries, we might explore the Snæfellsnes peninsula (Iceland in Miniature), volcanic Vestmannaeyjar Islands, recently formed Lakagígar craters, the colorful Landmannalaugar, and more!

Iceland offers endless exploration, but this itinerary provides a comprehensive overview of its most remarkable landscapes. These are ideal trips for those seeking a well-rounded Iceland experience, all led by a passionate local guide.

Iceland’s Ring Road Itineraries

6-Day Ring Road Tour

Ring Road, Golden Circle, South Coast —all in one, epic 6-day journey around Iceland! We’ll go from iconic waterfalls and glaciers to volcanic wonders and coastal villages, covering the country’s most iconic sights. All accommodation, breakfasts, and transfers are included, as well as whale watching, glacier hike or exploring ice caves!

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7-Day Ring Road & Snæfellsnes Peninsula

This 7-day adventure is perfect for travelers who want to experience Iceland’s top highlights along with a full day exploring the stunning Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in Miniature.” Spend time discovering iconic spots on the Ring Road, Golden Circle, and South Coast, all while traveling comfortably by minibus.

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8-Day Ring Road & Reykjavik

This 8-day adventure is perfect for travelers who want to experience all of Iceland’s top highlights while also enjoying a day in its vibrant capital, Reykjavik. Spend your first day exploring Reykjavik at your own pace, then set off with us on an unforgettable journey around the Ring Road, Golden Circle, and South Coast.

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9-Day Ring Road, Volcanoes, and Highlands

This 9-day Ring Road includes all of 6-day stops as well as 3 additional days packed with volcanic wonders and adventures in the Highlands. Apart from the Ring Road, Golden Circle, and the South Coast, you’ll explore the Vestmannaeyjar Islands, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Laki, Lakagígar, Eldgjá Canyon, Ófærufoss waterfall, and Landmannalaugar.

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Skip endless planning—follow a local’s lead

Planning a trip to Iceland can be overwhelming, especially with so many remote and hard-to-reach places. But with a seasoned local guide, plus your lodging, transport, breakfasts, and activities sorted, you’re free to focus on what matters: experiencing the country in full.

Whichever itinerary you choose, you’re in for something unforgettable. One day it’s soaking in geothermal pools, the next it’s walking on a glacier or spotting whales offshore. With ever-changing terrain and surreal scenery, each day feels like stepping into a whole new world.

Hike up a volcano
Tour natural ice cave
Soak in hot pools
Explore young craters
Cozy hotel stays

Meet your guides

The Arctic Adventures team is a vibrant community of outdoor enthusiasts from around the globe, united by shared values: professionalism, a passion for the outdoors, and deep respect for nature.

Since its beginnings in 1983, Arctic Adventures has grown to offer a diverse range of experiences, from hiking and kayaking to snorkeling, snowmobiling, and more, each designed to showcase Iceland’s breathtaking beauty.

Sustainability is at the heart of everything they do, striving to work in harmony with nature, local communities, and the people who call them home. No matter the adventure, their mission is simple: to provide unforgettable experiences in a safe, supportive environment.

Fantastic 6-Day Ring Road Tour with Summer Glacier Hike and Winter Ice Caving – As it says on the tin. Fantastic. Did it with my 12yo son who enjoyed it as much as I did. Our guide Sigurður was very knowledgeable and interesting. He was also very quick to find alternatives to replace the sites we couldn’t visit if the weather was too bad, or add some stops if we had more time. We were lucky to be a small group so the mini bus was very comfortable but i can imagine how it would get too much if it was full especially with all the bags and 4 seats at the back that are quite narrow and from where you can not really enjoy the view while on the road. All accomodations were nice and clean. Especially the wilderness centre that is worth the drive. All in all I highly recommend this tour. My son and I had an unforgettable adventure.

I was very fortunate to be in a group of 7 awesome people and our guide Sigi. Weather was a bit problematic but that’s expected in Icelandic winter. But we went to see the geysers, waterfalls, beaches, lagoons, whale watching and a geothermal spa and also went for the largest ice cave .Thanks to our wonderful guide Sigi to keeps our spirits high even in the terrible weather. The hotels and bus was comfortable. Can’t ask for more. I’m very happy with my trip. I wish to go for the other Iceland tours also that arctic adventures arranges

Amazing time around Iceland, I really feel like we’ve seen all the best the country has to offer and it didn’t feel rushed at any point. We were very lucky with the weather which you can never control but we got to see the northern lights and stratospheric clouds which was cool. Highlights were certainly the golden circle and Godafoss waterfall as well as the ice cave and super jeep riding. Iceland is stunning in the winter and even in early January you get enough light from 10-5 each day so it does not feel rushed. Our guide was very informative and I liked learning more about the country, history and people. You never spend more than 1 hour on the bus without a scenic stop somewhere. All the accomodation was comfortable and warm. Breakfasts every morning were filling and a mix of traditional hot English and icelandic foods.

Right around Iceland in winter was such a treat. The dark days delivered secrets and spectacles that will stay with me forever. The bus was warm, the accommodation was beautifully diverse, from comfortable hotels to unique farm stays. All added to the feeling that we were really seeing what life in Iceland is like. Along side the spectacular scenery, our guide Vjeran was an addition that absolutely made our trip. He was passionate about the country, provided us, with stories of trolls and elves, alongside facts and details. Recommendations of not only where, but what to eat, made us feel like we were getting some special secret insights. From the first pick up to the final drop off he had us laughing and learning the whole way. His energy and enthusiasm is endless. This is a must do trip.

It was a wonderful tour with the experienced tour guide, Vignir! Vignir was the replacement guide on the 3rd day as our original tour guide, Magnus who was one of the worst guide I met. Vignir told us many many history of Iceland and many his stories so that we could understand as much as possible the background of every attractions. Vignir was very gentle with very nice smile and patience to all of us. He brought us to many amazing places! I love the tour, especially the 1st sunrise in 2025 and whale watching tour. Unforgettable!

I highly enjoyed my 6-days around Iceland in small group adventure. Driver/guide was LOCAL and awesome, minibus with trailer were in A1 shape, schedule was perfect and it was great to have people from all over the place as fellow travelers. Meeting point in Reyjkavik was across the street from my guesthouse <3

We had an amazing time with Jói on our 6 day ring road tour. He was very knowledgable about the area and had some very funny stories to tell about his and his family’s lives in Iceland. Having dinners with him was so much fun too as we got the relax and have some great conversations. Iceland is a beautiful country to it’s hard to hate anything about the locations. As promised our stays were in some isolated spots that allowed for some perfect viewing opportunities for the northern lights without going far! I only have one complaint and that was for the stay at the Wilderness center where we were forced to separate into different rooms for dinner based on the meal we chose. Literally my husband and I were forced to eat separately and I was stuck on a table with 3 people eating silently as I really didn’t know them. I am all for family style eating but can we just be allowed to sit where we want and have all the meal options available on one table. Great time overall and would definitely recommend to others!

Our small bus guide Vjeran was very efficient and excellent at taking us to extra magnificent places to see on top of our itinerary. Vjeran was kind and knowledgeable about all of the places we visited. Vjeran also knew the sweet spots on taking couples photos.

The tour was everything I hope for and more! The tour guide was very kind and help make the tour a lot better!

Great tour. Saw so many stunning sights including the Northern Lights. Our guide Sindri was fantastic and constantly shared stories to keep us entertained during the drives. The trip was a bit impacted by the weather but overall we had a fantastic time.