Day 1: Reykjavik to Vik — Welcome to Iceland’s Otherworldly Landscape
Your journey begins with a scenic drive along the south coast. But before heading too far, make an early detour to one of Iceland’s geothermal gems.
- Hveragerði Hot Spring River (Reykjadalur Valley): Just 45 minutes from Reykjavik, this geothermal town is famous for its bubbling hot springs and steaming hillsides. A scenic 3 km hike takes you into Reykjadalur Valley where you can soak in a natural hot river. That’s right, this is your chance to swim in a hot river! Surrounded by misty mountains and the scent of sulfur, this is the perfect way to begin your Iceland adventure—relaxed, warm, and immersed in nature.
- Seljalandsfoss: One of the few waterfalls in the world you can walk behind, Seljalandsfoss offers a surreal experience, especially in the golden hour light.
- Skógafoss: A thunderous curtain of water plunging 60 meters straight down. Climb the stairs to view it from above. This is the second spectacular waterfall you will see on your way to Vik.
- Optional: Sólheimajökull Glacier: Book a guided glacier walk to explore this icy giant with its ash-covered crevasses. There are plenty of Icelandic tours available online; if time allows, you can book a 2-hour glacier walk. Speak to your guide in advance regarding the trail and make sure you will also get a glimpse of an ice cave.
- Reynisfjara Beach: Famous for its basalt columns, black sand, and nearby puffin colony on Dyrhólaey cliffs (May–August). You can visit Reynisfjara as a stopover on your way to Vik Or you can check in Vik and then do a beautiful hike up to Dyrholaey and the puffin colony.
Where to Sleep: Vik Hostel — Cozy, social, and near the black sand beach.
Day 2: Vik to Höfn — Glaciers and Diamond Beaches
Wake up in the lovely town of Vik and explore it a bit: walk to the church and take in the views, then descend towards the black beach. Careful, though, this place is known for its unpredictable strong waves. After a lovely home-made breakfast at Vik Hostel, go on with your journey, spectacular sights await.
- Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon: A 2-million-year-old serpentine canyon with panoramic trails. Stopover for a 1-2 hour hike in this canyon, a filming location for Game of Thrones, and various music videos, including Justin Bieber’s “I’ll Show You”.
- Skaftafell National Park: Hike to Svartifoss or explore nearby glacier tongues. You can leave your rented car at the base and embark on a journey uphill. Last time we went, we could see the snowy glaciers in a sweet sunset light, a landscape which resembled a bit with the Himalayas (!).
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: Watch icebergs float and seals swim in the glacial lake. This is also a great spot to see at sunset, allthough it is spectacular all day long.
- Diamond Beach: Marvel at ice chunks glittering on black volcanic sand. This is walking distance from the Glacier Lagoon.
- Höfn: There are some pretty sights in Höfn as well, so make sure you reserve an hour in the evening or the morning after to take a walk around the city and take in its coastal views.
Where to Sleep: Milk Factory Guesthouse, Höfn — A sleek guesthouse in a former dairy.
Day 3: Höfn to Egilsstaðir — East Fjords Discovery
This day is about immersing yourself in the serene charm of Iceland’s East Fjords, where art, nature, and quiet beauty come together. From peaceful fishing villages to dramatic coastlines, cascading waterfalls, and creative local culture, this stretch of Iceland offers an even more intimate, soul-soothing experience.
- Djúpivogur: A peaceful fishing village known for its slow-paced lifestyle and connection to the arts. Stroll along the harbor and explore the Eggin í Gleðivík outdoor sculpture trail, where 34 granite eggs represent the nesting birds of the region, a blend of nature and artistic interpretation.
- East Fjords Coastal Drive: Winding roads between cliffs and ocean, home to wild reindeer.
- Hengifoss: A rewarding hike (about 2.5 hours round-trip) leads to Iceland’s third-highest waterfall, where red and black volcanic layers stripe the cliffside — a geologic marvel and perfect photo opportunity. Pause at the smaller Litlanesfoss, framed by dramatic basalt columns, on your way up.
- Bonus: If you’re visiting in July, don’t miss the LungA Art Festival in Seyðisfjörður, a tiny local festival where young people from Iceland come together. Concerts, open workshops, and a little bit of dynamics.
Where to Sleep: Gistihús Egilsstaðir — Lakeside peace, traditional food, and spa.
Day 4: Egilsstaðir to Mývatn — Geothermal Power and Alien Landscapes
Day 4 of the itinerary. Let’s make this a journey through thundering waterfalls, geothermal wonders, and soothing hot springs. The Mývatn region offers a deep sense of Earth’s primal forces at work.
Dettifoss: Often called Europe’s most powerful waterfall,
Hverir:
Mývatn Nature Baths: End the day with a relaxing soak in these mineral-rich, milky-blue hot springs, often called the North’s answer to the Blue Lagoon — but without the crowds. Enjoy views of volcanic craters and steaming hills as you unwind in the naturally heated pools.
Where to Sleep: Dimmuborgir Guesthouse — Stay in a cozy cabin just steps from the lava fields of Dimmuborgir, a surreal maze of rock formations shaped by ancient eruptions. It’s the perfect base for evening walks, stargazing, or even a glimpse of the northern lights if you’re lucky.
- Dettifoss: Europe’s most powerful waterfall, located in a canyon of basalt rock. Dettifoss crashes into a dramatic basalt canyon with a thunderous roar that you can feel in your chest. Standing at the edge, you’ll witness the sheer force of glacial water shaping ancient rock — a humbling, unforgettable sight.
- Hverir: Just a short drive away lies Hverir, a geothermal field straight out of a sci-fi film. Here, bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and sulfur-stained earth create an alien-like landscape. Walk the wooden pathways carefully, and take in the strange smells and sounds of the Earth venting below.
- Mývatn Nature Baths: End the day with a relaxing soak in these mineral-rich, milky-blue hot springs, often called the North’s answer to the Blue Lagoon, but without the crowds. Enjoy views of volcanic craters and steaming hills as you unwind in the naturally heated pools.
Where to Sleep: Dimmuborgir Guesthouse — Cabin stay near lava formations and volcanic hikes.
Day 5: Mývatn to Akureyri — Waterfalls and Whale Country
- Goðafoss: Just off the Ring Road lies the breathtaking “Waterfall of the Gods,” where turquoise water spills over a curved rock face into a serene glacial river. Legend says that in the year 1000, when Iceland officially adopted Christianity, pagan idols were thrown into the falls — giving the site both its name and historical significance. It’s not just beautiful, it’s sacred.
- Akureyri: Known as the Capital of the North, Akureyri is a cheerful and compact city nestled at the base of a fjord. Spend time exploring its botanical garden, one of the northernmost in the world, or visit the striking Akureyrarkirkja church, which overlooks the town. Wander colorful streets lined with cafés, bookstores, and local design shops — perfect for a relaxed afternoon. Don’t miss the chance to try a slice of cake or a hot chocolate at Kaffi Ilmur or a soak in the local geothermal pool with its hot pots and waterslides.
- Bonus: If you are visiting Akureriri in the winter, prepare for a magnificent light show. Aurora Borealis tends to be way more stronger here than in the south part of the island.
- Optional: If time and weather allow, consider a detour to Dalvik or Húsavík — two nearby towns renowned for whale watching. Húsavík, especially, is often called the whale capital of Iceland, where sightings of humpbacks, minkes, and even blue whales are common in summer months. Several tour operators offer 2–3 hour excursions, and it’s one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife experiences Iceland has to offer.
Where to Sleep: Akureyri Backpackers Hostel — A social hub in the center of town.
Day 6: Akureyri to Snæfellsnes — Journey to the West
This day is about crossing into West Iceland, where wide valleys meet iconic peaks and ancient legends echo beneath glaciers. It’s a day of striking contrasts, from peaceful farm life to volcanic drama, and one of the most photogenic stops of the entire journey. We said *one of…
- Skagafjörður: Welcome to Icelandic horse country, where rolling meadows and traditional farms stretch along a broad glacial valley. Known for breeding the iconic Icelandic horse, this region offers a chance to meet these small but strong animals — famed for their unique tölt gait and gentle temperament. Consider visiting a local farm like Svaðastaðir or Stóra Ásgeirsskáli for a short ride or a guided introduction to the region’s horse heritage.
- Kirkjufell: As you round the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, you’ll spot the sharply pointed Kirkjufell, one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland — and a recognizable landmark from Game of Thrones. Paired with the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, it’s a dreamlike setting, especially at golden hour. Bring your camera (and maybe your drone) — this is one of those moments that truly lives up to the hype.
- Snæfellsjökull National Park: At the tip of the peninsula lies a mystical world of lava fields, coastal cliffs, hidden beaches, and a glacier-capped volcano. This is the legendary setting of Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth, and it’s easy to see why — everything feels a bit magical here. Explore Vatnshellir lava cave (guided tours available), hike to Djúpalónssandur’s black sand beach, or just take in views of the Snæfellsjökull glacier when skies are clear. The park blends geological wonder with folklore and literary adventure.
Where to Sleep: Grundarfjörður HI Hostel — Right at the base of Kirkjufell.
Day 7: Snæfellsnes to Reykjavik — The Return Journey
This is your last day of the tour, a time to reflect, slow down, and take in the wild, rugged beauty of Iceland’s western edge. Today brings coastal cliffs, crashing waves, and quiet villages that feel worlds away from the busy Ring Road. It’s a day for open skies, sea birds, and moments of awe before heading back toward Reykjavík.
- Arnarstapi: Take your time exploring the diverse coastline of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in Miniature” for its wide range of landscapes. Dramatic sea cliffs, craggy lava fields, and hidden pebble beaches appear around each bend. Stop at Arnarstapi, a charming fishing hamlet with basalt arch formations and cliffside walking trails teeming with seabirds.
- Lóndrangar & Djúpalónssandur: Visit the towering Lóndrangar sea stacks, remnants of an ancient volcano that now rise like sentinels from the ocean. A bit farther along, Djúpalónssandur invites you down to a black sand beach scattered with the rusted remains of a shipwreck. Test your strength with the traditional lifting stones used by Icelandic fishermen — a quirky and historic challenge.
- Reykjavik: Wrap up with a night on the town. If you’re here mid-August, catch the Reykjavik Culture Night — a festival of music, food, fireworks, and art.
Where to Sleep: KEX Hostel — Industrial-chic with live music and local beer on tap.
Final Thoughts
This 7-day Ring Road itinerary captures the best of Iceland’s natural wonders, from black beaches to blue glaciers, and hot rivers to cultural festivals. Travel at your own pace, support local businesses, and enjoy the raw, untouched beauty that makes Iceland one of the world’s most magical destinations.
Be sure to check out are latest posts on Iceland:
- This incredible hike from Skogar to Thorsmork, which you can do in two summer days, beginning at Skogafoss waterfall.
- Recommenadations for some lovely hostels in Iceland that “almost match the scenery”.
- More ideas (including local tips) on what to do on the South Coast of Iceland
