Planning your 10-day Iceland Ring Road road trip

If you’re thinking of hitting the wide-open road to enjoy the ultimate Icelandic road trip, lucky you — and you’re in the right place. Here we share everything you need to know about planning your Iceland Ring Road itinerary, with details on when to go, where to stay, and places you’ll want to linger longer in during an epic 10-day vacation you’ll be talking about for years — guaranteed.

Planning your 10-day Iceland Ring Road road trip

Before getting into the daily details of this 10-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary, we’ll share advice on planning your trip, including basics on what the Ring Road is, and when’s the best time to drive it.

Be assured, it’s the best of the best road trips in Iceland, which is really saying something.

Encompassing the entire island and an astounding diversity of landscapes — sparkling black sand beaches, crystal glaciers, otherworldly lava fields, bird-stacked cliffs, and wild waterfalls — there’s nothing quite like it on earth.

Want personal intel on planning? Discover how our content manager planned his trip to Iceland, including invaluable lessons learned.

What is the Iceland Ring Road?

Connecting all major towns, cities and tourist attractions, the Iceland Ring Road is a national highway that runs around the entire country.

Primarily two lanes wide and paved, its super-convenient, and super-scenic. In short, it’s the ideal road trip route to take if you’re looking to maximise your appreciation of Iceland’s jaw-dropping, diverse landscapes — think everything from glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls and fjords, to black sand beaches, hot springs, and traditional fishing villages.

Along the way, you’ll get to see Iceland’s most iconic attractions, including Reykjavík, the Blue Lagoon, Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss and Selfoss, Jökulsárlón, and the Golden Circle. And that's not even the half of it.

How long does it take to drive the Ring Road?

Covering 828 miles (1,332 km), with a 90km/h speed limit, it can take around 15-20 hours to drive the entire road.

It goes without saying, though, that whizzing round the route in less than 24 hours is not the best way to tackle it. In fact, most travelers tend to allow 5-10 days to drive the circuit.

We suggest working to the latter. Through following our Iceland Ring Road itinerary for ten days, you’ll certainly experience the best things to do in Iceland in more immersive style. 

And all the better if you can extend it a little further. For example, if you’re not restricted to ten days in Iceland, you could add the Westman Islands to your itinerary. Or, if you’re into hiking, give yourself a bonus day in Thorsmork Nature Reserve.

When to take a road trip in Iceland

Though it’s a year-round destination, the best time to visit Iceland — especially for road trips — is during the summer months (May-September).

Offering longer days and better weather, navigating Iceland during these months is much easier, more enjoyable — and safer.

If, however, seeing the Northern Lights is top of your travel wish-list, you’ll need to go in colder seasons, with November-March being the prime months.

Want to witness Iceland’s great disco in the sky? Read up on the best places to see the Northern Lights in Iceland.

Which direction to travel the Ring Road 

While the Iceland Ring Road can be driven in either direction, driving it anti-clockwise is recommended.

This means each day of your Icelandic Ring Road trip will become increasingly spectacular as you’ll move from busier areas to more remote wonders. 

How to get to Iceland

If you’ve decided to take the plunge to drive the Ring Road, if goes without saying that you’ll want to consider how to get to Iceland in the first place. 

In good news for travelers from the US, several cities offer direct flights to Iceland.

For example, New York and Boston are both served by direct flights to Iceland with a flight time of around 5 hours.

Several airlines also offer direct flights to Iceland from the D.C. area, with a flight time of around 6 hours.

Traveling from the West Coast? Look into direct flight options from Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

When it comes to airlines, Icelandair offers the most extensive direct flight service between the US and Iceland, with an excellent stopover service enabling US travelers to stay in Iceland for up to 7 days — at no additional cost — before continuing to another European destination.

Also check out Delta Airlines, United Airlines and American Airlines.

How to rent a car in Iceland

Given that this Iceland Ring Road itinerary is entirely based on driving, you’ll want to have peace of mind when it comes to renting a car.

Our advice is to do this in advance, though you can follow in the footsteps of many travelers and get your car sorted when you land at at Keflavík International Airport. Pretty much all the major international car rental companies have offices here.

If you’re ahead of the game when planning your trip to Iceland, be sure to use online comparison sites Rentalcars.com, Kayak, or Discover Cars to compare prices. 

Of course, you can also book direct with companies like Hertz, Avis and Sixt, Europcar, with local rental operators (e.g. Blue Car Rental, Lagoon Car Rental and Geysir Car Rental) also worth checking out.

Read more on getting around Iceland.

Day by day 10-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary

We move now from strictly practical matters to a day-by-day run-down of the sights and experiences that lie in store through our 10-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary. 

Prepare to be inspired (and informed — we’re definitely not abandoning practical advice, including  sharing tips on the best places to stay) as we take you on a journey from Reykjavik and the glorious Golden Circle, to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and beyond. 

Much magic and adventure awaits…

Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavik 

After arriving in Reykjavik and picking up your rental car, we suggest heading straight to the Blue Lagoon to ease yourself into Iceland in fittingly geothermal style.

Hailed one of Iceland’s hottest attractions, you might be wondering, “is the Blue Lagoon really worth a trip?”, considering the likelihood of crowds.

In our view, the answer is yes. For one thing, it opens early and closes late, so you could try to time your visit to avoid peak crowds. It’s also a fabulously relaxing way to start your trip.

Come the late-afternoon and evening, explore the city’s top attractions, a (literal) highlight of which is the Hallgrímskirkja — a huge concrete church that’s an icon of the city.

If you need to pick up supplies, or want to visit a few museums, head to Laugavegur before checking out Harpa Concert Hall and bedding down for a good night’s rest ahead of setting off on your big road trip. 

Where to stay in Reykjavik

Though this Iceland Ring Road itinerary will only see you in the city for a couple of nights, here’s what to expect of different neighborhoods, with more detail in our guide to the best area to stay in Reykjavik.

• Miðborg: best for first-time visitors. Stacked with iconic attractions and lively nightlife, pretty much everything you’ll want to see and do is with reach of Miðborg. Browse accommodation in Miðborg
• Vesturbær: best for luxury. Offering upscale hotels and restaurants and beautiful coastal views, Vesturbær is cool, collected and close to cultural spots. Browse accommodation in Vesturbær.
• Hlíðar: best for families. Close to parks, museums and geothermal pools, with lots of quiet tree-lined residential streets, Hlíðar suits those traveling with kids. Check out accommodation in Hlíðar.
• Laugavegur: best for nightlife. Packed with bars, clubs, and restaurants, Laugavegur is the place to stay if you’re looking to live it large during your night in the city. Browse accommodation in Laugavegur.

Day 2: Golden Circle  

The second day of your vacation will see you drive the Golden Circle — a circuit running east of Reykevik that covers stacks of top attractions, including Thingvellir National Park.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique geology (two tectonic plates meet here — you could dive or snorkel between them), it’s also steeped in Viking history and boasts several hiking trails.

Next, drive to Geysir in the Haukadalur Valley to soak up a series of hot springs and geysers. Strokkur can be relied upon to shoot a powerful jet of boiling water every 5-10 minutes or so.

Another must-see sight is Gullfoss Waterfall in the Hvítá river canyon. The sight — and sound — of its waters pounding and roaring down some 32 meters is something else. 

We also suggest taking a detour to see the Kerid Crater — a water-filled caldera that’s known for its remarkable colors. 

While the walls of its steep sides are rich shades of orange and red, the waters of the lake have a dazzling blue hue.

Then, before you return to Reykjavik for the night, make a last stop at Hvammsvik Hot Springs. 

One of the top hot pools in Iceland, it’s also one of the youngest, and offers eight pools of varying temperatures, and sublime mountain views.

Fired up by the thought of soaking in hot springs? Read up in the dos and don’ts of Icelandic spas. 

Day 3: Snæfellsnes Peninsula 

Day three will be devoted to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula — a place that's loaded with natural wonders and scenic views that make the drive every bit as rewarding as the destinations you’ll stop off in.

Along the way, you’ll get to see the majestic sight of Kirkjufell — Iceland’s most photographed mountain for very obvious reasons, and likely to be recognized by fans of Game of Thrones.

After capturing its symmetrical, conical shape on camera (it looks like a church steeple, hence its name — Kirkjufell means Church Mountain), be sure to explore nearby Kirkjufellsfoss. This small but pretty waterfall boasts three sparkling cascades.

From natural wonders, to a manmade settlement that’s every bit as enchanting as the region’s scenery. Namely, Stykkishólmur — a legend-steeped town of bright harborside buildings. 

Lastly, head along the Arnastapi coastline to Djúpalónssandur beach to soak up more stunning scenery before overnighting in the Snæfellsnes area.

Unsure about committing to a 10-day vacation? No problem! You can do a deep dive into this region on our 7-day North Iceland and Snaefellsnes itinerary.

Where to stay in the Snæfellsnes area

Depending on your preferences, here are a few areas to consider staying in during the Snæfellsnes Peninsula leg of your Iceland Ring Road itinerary. 

• Grundarfjörður: best for Kirkjufell views and nature lovers. Close to Kirkjufell, the small town of Grundarfjörður boasts a pretty harbour, and is also within reach of Snæfellsjökull National Park’s main attractions.
• Stykkishólmur: best for culture vultures. The largest town on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, scenic Stykkishólmur serves as a gateway to the wild Westfjords. Staying here also means having easy access to the likes of boat tours and local life.
• Arnarstapi: best for romantic getaways and hikers. Known for its dramatic scenery — think craggy cliffs and sweeping lava — the tiny village of Arnarstapi has a romantically remote vibe, and offers access to top trails.

Browse a range of accommodation in the Snæfellsnes area.

Day 4: Drive to Akureyri 

Come day four, you’ll make your way to Akureyri. Though this is the second-largest city in Iceland, it exudes an irresistible small-town vibe.

Scenically sited at the base of Iceland’s longest fjord, Eyjafjörður, and presided over by the iconic Akureyri Church (Akureyrarkirkja), Akureyri is also known for its vibrant cultural scene. 

Be sure to check what’s on before traveling — the city hosts several festivals around the year.

Whenever you visit, we suggest visiting  Akureyri’s Botanical Garden and the Akureyri Art Museum before resting up for the night — the next couple of days of this itinerary involves lots of adventure.

Short on time? Our 5-day North Iceland itinerary includes Akureyri. 

Where to stay in Akureyri 

Being Iceland‘s second largest city, it’ll come as no surprise that a range of tastes and budgets are catered for when it comes to accommodation. 

• Akureyri city center: best for convenience and culture lovers. With options for all budgets — from bargain-priced hostels, to family-friendly apartments and cozy guest houses — staying in the heart of Akureyri gives you easy access to the city’s top attractions and lively cultural scene.
• Eyjafjörður: best for boutique stays. Akureyri’s Eyjafjörður waterfront area is more peaceful than staying right in the center, with fine views of the fjord, and more upscale places to stay, though a fair few mid-price options can also be found here.
• Kjarnaskógur forest: best for nature-lovers. A short drive from Akureyri, the Kjarnaskógur forest area is the perfect place for peace-seekers and nature lovers, with its cute cabin and cottage accommodation also a hit with kids and romantics.

Browse places to stay in Akureyri.

Day 5: Akureyri to Húsavík and Mývatn  

Day 5 will see you hit the road to head to Húsavík. Located on the northeast coast of Iceland, on the scenic shores of Skjálfandi bay, Húsavík is oft hailed the whale-watching capital of Europe. 

So, be sure to book your whale-watching excursion ahead of traveling, and time your departure from Akureyri to coincide with your boat trip, while also factoring in a stop at the glorious Goðafoss waterfall.

Reached in around 30 minutes from Akureyri, Goðafoss is one of Iceland’s most must-visit waterfalls, thanks to its tremendously powerful flow and unusual semi-circle shape.

Next, after enjoying your whale watching trip in Húsavík — note that the peak season for seeing whales runs from April to October — visit the town’s Whale Museum and Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths. 

Then continue your drive to the Mývatn area, where you'll overnight.

Where to stay near Mývatn 

Though generally known for attracting nature lovers and hikers, Mývatn has accommodation for all kinds of travelers. Here are a few areas to consider. 

• Reykjahlíð: best for all-round convenience. Reykjahlíð — the main village on Lake Mývat’s eastern shore — serves as the region’s primary hub.  As such, it’s a convenient base, offering access to shops and restaurants, and a fair few family-run guesthouses and small hotels.
• Skútustaðir: best for romantics, bird watchers and nature lovers. Located on Lake Mývatn’s southern shores, Skútustaðir is quieter and more remote than Reykjahlíð, with many accommodation options (think cozy cottages and cabins) offering views of the lake and its unique pseudocraters.  It’s also the perfect place to watch birds, especially during summer.
• Jarðböðin: best for wellness. Statying in Jarðböðin; means you’ll be close Mývatn Nature Baths, which is known as the “Blue Lagoon of the North” for very good reason. Picture yourself taking an early morning or sunset soak close to your accommodation before (or after) a day exploring the region.

Explore places to stay near Lake Mývatn.

Day 6: Dettifoss, Selfoss and Mývatn  

Spend the morning of day six doing a deep dive into some of the region’s most incredible waterfalls. Namely, Dettifoss and Selfoss.

While Selfoss (arguably) sits top of the tree in terms of scenery — it crashes over picture-perfect green cliffs — Dettifoss is the most powerful waterfall in Europe. The sight and sound of its might really is something else.

Come the afternoon, either take a soak in the Mývatn Nature Baths, or explore the Hverir geothermal area before returning to your Mývatn accommodation to rest up ahead of an awe-inspiring drive through the Eastfjords.

Day 7: Eastfjords  

You’ll spend day 7 of this Iceland Ring Road itinerary driving the Eastfjords — a sublimely scenic route that takes in coastal roads and mountain passes.

While the drive can be done in 5-6 hours, you’ll want to set off early to allow time to stop off in charming Seyðisfjörður.

Located right at the end of a fjord, its bright houses and harbor provide a beautiful backdrop for a coffee break. 

Next, jump back in your vehicle and journey to Stöðvarfjörður to see Petra’s Stone Collection — a quirky museum that showcases Icelandic geology — before continuing to the bright orange Hvalnes Lighthouse near the southern edge of the Eastfjords.

A notable site for sea birds, you might also get to see seals assembled around the rocky shore before heading south to the Stokksnes Peninsula. You won’t miss the peaks of Vestrahorn looming large as you make your approach.

Looking to spend a week in Iceland? Our customisable East to West itinerary kicks off in the Eastfjords.

Where to stay in the Eastfjords area

Here are a few areas to consider staying in around Iceland’s Eastfjords area.

• Seyðisfjörður: best for historic charm and convenience. Stay in Seyðisfjörður to soak up old-world charm while having access to plenty of places to eat, drink and hike.
• Djúpivogur: best for budget travelers and authentic village life. Less visited than Seyðisfjörður, with a few affordable guest houses, the fishing village of Djúpivogur is a delight for peace-seekers and bird watchers.
• Fáskrúðsfjörður: best for Francophiles. The small fjord town of Fáskrúðsfjörður has a fascinating French heritage, with street signs in French and its former French hospital now housing a hotel, French-inspired restaurant, and museum dedicated to the French fishermen who populated the area from the late 19h century.

Find places to stay in East Iceland.

Day 8: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach  

Sparkling scenery — and adventure — is in store on day eight when you’ll head to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

Famed for its bright blue icebergs, this one of Iceland’s top natural attractions, so we suggest setting off early to beat the biggest crowds.

Be sure to take a boat tour to see the icebergs up close.

Depending on when you arrive, you might also be able to hike to Múlagljúfur Canyon. 

Somewhat lesser-known, Múlagljúfur exudes undeniably magical vibes — think craggy cliffs, green scenes and cascading water — with the moderate trail covering some 3km.

If you’re short on time, decide which experience you most want to have — either will be unforgettable — before driving to Diamond Beach.

Delivering exactly what its name promises, pieces of ice from the lagoon glitter on the shore, providing an otherworldly contrast with the black volcanic sand.

More magic awaits at Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon, located about six miles west of Diamond Beach. 

Smaller and less-visited than Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Fjallsárlón is known for its shimmering icebergs and population of great skua birds, providing the perfect end to your day, ahead of resting up in Jökulsárlón.

Where to stay in Jökulsárlón

Here are a few recommended places to stay in and around Jökulsárlón.

• Hótel Jökulsárlón: best for romance and luxury. 11 km from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Hótel Jökulsárlón has a sauna, hot tubs and heavenly views. 
• Old Cottage: best for families and fairy tale charm. 12km from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, each unit in Old Cottage features a fully equipped kitchen, and some have terrace or a balcony with mountain or river views. There’s also an on-site restaurant.
• Skyrhusid HI Hostel: best for blissful budget stays. More like a hotel than a hostel, Skyrhusid HI Hostel offers mountain views, and cozy comforts just off the Ring Road.

See more places to stay in Jökulsárlón.

Day 9: South Coast (Vik area)  

The penultimate day of this trip will take you to you to Vik — Iceland’s southernmost village — passing landscapes of sweeping lava fields and glaciers en route to your first stop. Namely, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. 

Best experienced via an easy trail that lays bare a winding river and waterfall, this natural attraction has the feel of a fantasy movie location.

The same is true of Kvernufoss — your next sublime stop. Less-visited than Skógafoss, you can actually walk behind the waterfall at Kvernufoss. Follow the trail through a gorge to experience the magic. 

Come the afternoon, drive to Reynisfjara — a black sand beach framed by rugged sea stacks, with towering basalt columns adding to the brooding atmosphere. 

More drama awaits on your last stop of the day before you chill out in Vik for the evening. 

Not only does Dyrhólaey Arch — a 120-meter (394-foot) high headland — offer the best views of the south coast, but it’s also a top place to see puffins.

Where to stay in Vik

Here are a few recommended places to stay in Vik.

• Puffin Hotel Vik: best for beaches and budget travelers. A mere 10 minutes’ walk from some beautiful black sand beaches, Puffin Hotel Vik is a great good-value option.
• Hótel Dyrhólaey: best for amenities. With wood-furnished rooms – some offering views of the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier — Hótel Dyrhólaey boasts all the benefits of being a big hotel, including buffet breakfasts.

View places to stay in Vik.

Day 10: Return to Reykjavik 

On day ten, it’s time to start making your way back to Reykjavik.

In keeping with the rest of this 10-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary, your drive will be punctuated by several show-stopping stop-offs, beginning with Thingvellir National Park to see anything you missed first time round.

The same applies when you reach Reykjavik. For example, if you didn’t have chance to explore the city when you first arrived, take time to visit the Saga Museum, or how about heading to the Icelandic Phallological Museum?

In addition, you could consider revisiting the Blue Lagoon on the way to Keflavik Airport.

Wondering what else you could do in Reykjavik? Here’s an itinerary for the perfect weekend in Reykjavik. 

Extra tips for planning your 10-day Iceland Ring Road road trip

Tips for driving in Iceland

First up, you drive on the right, drivers, all passengers are required to wear seatbelts, and headlights must be switched on at all times — day or night.

Speed limits in Iceland are generally 90 km/h (56 mph) on paved roads, 80 km/h (50 mph) on gravel roads, and 50 km/h (31 mph) in towns. 

Also be aware that off-road driving is illegal in Iceland, so always stick to marked roads. Even then, you’ll need to watch out for animals.

As Iceland’s weather can change quickly, you’d be wise to check road.is for real-time road conditions.

What to pack for your summer Ring Road road trip

• Clothing tips: even in summer Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, so you’ll want layers and waterproofs as well as shorts and swimwear. You’ll also need waterproof hiking boots, and flip-flops for visiting hot springs.
• Power adapters and chargers: Iceland uses the European plug (Type C, 220V), so you’ll need an adapter if your devices don’t match, and a portable power bank for charging devices on the go.

Want more itinerary ideas? Wise up on other ways to spend 10 days in Iceland, and take inspiration from all our customisable Iceland itineraries.

You might also want to arm yourself with the Rough Guide to Iceland.