8D7N Iceland Ring Road Selfdrive Highlights

8 Days Iceland
DepartureReykjanes Peninsula
ReturnReykjavík
Min. travellers2
Booking periodNow till Sept 2026
Travel period1 May till 30 Sept 2026

Good to know

  • Car Details:
  • VW Golf or similar Automatic Hatchback - Compact 2wd : 2 pax & 3 luggage
  • Skoda Octavia Wagon or similar Automatic Wagon - Intermediate 4wd : 4 pax & 4 luggage
  • VW Caravelle 9 seater or similar Automatic Full Size 4wd Passenger Van : 6 pax & 9 luggage

Tour Highlights

  • Plenty of time to cover all the major stunning attractions that Iceland has to offer along the Ring Road
  • Visit both the southern and northern parts of Vatnajökull National Park
  • Visit “must-see” natural wonders such as the Golden Circle area, the Glacier Lagoon and Mývatn nature reserve
  • Add in the hidden wilderness beauty of Iceland’s highlands with a drive on the historical Kjölur track (generally open mid-Jun through August, 4WD vehicle needed)

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 Arrival and Reykjanes Peninsula

Arrive at Keflavík Airport, collect your rental car, and, if time permits, explore the Reykjanes Peninsula with its volcanic and geothermal attractions, including an optional visit to the Blue Lagoon (advance booking required). Continue to your overnight stay in Hveragerði. Hotel check-in is typically from 14:00 to 16:00.

Day 2 Þingvellir – Gullfoss – Geysir – South Shore

Travel through the Golden Circle, visiting Tingvellir National Park, the historic Viking parliament site and the meeting point of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, followed by Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir geothermal area with the active Strokkur geyser. Continue along Iceland’s south shore to see Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, then visit the black sand beaches near Vík, with an optional ATV experience and a stop at Dyrhólaey for birdwatching when open. Overnight in the Vík area.

breakfast

Day 3 Kirkjubæjarklaustur – Skaftafell – Jökulsárlón – Höfn

Drive through the surreal Eldhraun lava field and the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, then cross black sand plains shaped by glacial activity. Explore Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park, a green oasis beneath Europe’s largest glacier, before visiting Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon and the nearby Diamond Beach. Continue to the harbour town of Höfn, known for its langoustines, and overnight in the Höfn area.

breakfast

Day 4 Höfn – Djúpivogur – Reyðarfjörður – Egilsstaðir

Drive along the scenic Eastfjords, with their narrow fjords, steep mountains, and charming fishing villages. Stop in Djúpivogur to see the seabird egg sculptures, and optionally visit Petra’s Stone Collection in Stöðvarfjörður or Beljandi microbrewery in Breiðdalsvík (summer months). If time allows, relax in the geothermal floating pools at Vök near Egilsstaðir. Overnight in the Eastfjords area.

breakfast

Day 5 Egilsstaðir – Dettifoss – Húsavík – Lake Mývatn

Travel through northern Vatnajökull National Park via the Möðrudalsöræfi highlands to reach the powerful Dettifoss waterfall (seasonal access), then explore the Ásbyrgi canyon with its dramatic horseshoe shape. Continue around the fossil-rich Tjörnes Peninsula to Húsavík, Iceland’s whale-watching capital, with an optional whale tour and a visit to the GeoSea Baths for a relaxing soak. End the day by driving to the Lake Mývatn area for overnight stay.

breakfast

Day 6 Mývatn – Akureyri/Skagafjörður

Explore the Lake Mývatn area, including Dimmuborgir lava formations, Skútustaðir pseudo craters, Námaskarð’s colorful geothermal slopes, and Hverfjall crater, with an optional soak at Mývatn Nature Baths. Continue to Goðafoss waterfall, then drive to Akureyri, North Iceland’s charming “capital,” with an optional visit to the forest-surrounded Skógarböð hot spring. Overnight in Akureyri or the surrounding Northwest Iceland area.

breakfast

Day 7 Akureyri – Borgarfjörður – Reykjavík

Drive through Skagafjörður, known for horse breeding, with an optional visit to Glaumbær turf house museum. Cross the Höltavörðuheiði plateau into Borgarfjörður to see Hraunfossar lava waterfalls and Deildartunguhver hot springs, with an optional soak at Krauma geothermal spa. Continue through the scenic Hvalfjörður fjord to Reykjavík for overnight stay.

breakfast

Day 8 Departure

Check out from Reykjavík and drive approximately 1 hour to Keflavík International Airport, allowing at least 3 hours before your flight for check-in. If you didn’t visit the Blue Lagoon earlier, you can stop there on the way, adding 2–2.5 hours for the visit. Return your rental car at the airport service area, then take the shuttle to the departure hall.

breakfast

What's included

Included

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • Daily breakfast (except arrival day)
  • Rental car for 7 days with unlimited mileage, CDW, theft protection and VAT
  • Free in-car unlimited Wi-Fi to help you navigate with your personal mobile device
  • Car pick-up/drop-off at Keflavík International Airport
  • Authorisation for two people to drive the rental car during your trip
  • 24/7 Customer Care (including weekends and public holidays)
  • Service fee and taxes

Not included

  • International air ticket
  • Travel insurance
  • Petrol/Gasoline
  • Tolls (tunnels, roads, and other route tolls), unless specified. More information here.
  • Parking fees
  • Admissions and activities other than those noted in itinerary
  • Beverages, snacks, lunches, dinners unless otherwise noted in itinerary

Prices & dates

Tap a package to load it into the price calculator.

Your hotels

Hotel Ork

★★★

Hveragerði Breiðumörk 1c, 810 Hveragerði, Iceland

In a rural town off Route 1, this informal hotel with views of the surrounding countryside is 4 minutes' walk from Árnesinga Art Museum and 7 minutes' walk from the Geothermal park Hverasvæðið. Featuring wood furnishings, the unfussy rooms come with Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, plus minifridges, and tea and coffeemakers. Upgraded rooms add sofabeds, and suites also offer balconies. Amenities include a streamlined restaurant/bar, as well as a 9-hole golf course, hot tubs, and a heated outdoor pool with a waterslide. A breakfast buffet and parking are available.

Grímsborgir Hotel

★★★★

Hveragerði Ásborgir 48, 805 Selfoss, Iceland

In a remote, rural area near Sogið river, this polished hotel is 18 km from the Icelandic Horse Park Fákasel and 9 km from scenic Kerið Lake, occupying a volcanic crater. Featuring bright decor, the elegant rooms and suites have flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and terraces with sitting areas, as well as minifridges, and tea and coffeemakers. There are also airy 2- or 4-bedroom apartments with kitchens; some have patios featuring whirlpool tubs. A breakfast buffet and parking are available. Other amenities include hot tubs, a refined restaurant, and a lounge area with a fireplace.

Katla Hotel Dyrhólaey Hotel

★★★

Vik 1, 871 Vík, Iceland

Off Highway 1 with views of Mýrdalsjökull glacier, this relaxed family-run hotel is 9 km from Kirkjufjara Beach along the Atlantic Ocean, 10 km from Dyrhólaey Lighthouse and 170 km from Reykjavík. Featuring countryside views, the bright, unassuming rooms with simple furnishings have complimentary Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Upgraded rooms provide mountain, ocean or glacier views. Kids age 5 and under stay at no charge in a parent’s room. Freebies include parking, and breakfast provided in a cozy wood-lined restaurant/bar with vaulted ceilings and water views. There’s also a terrace with valley views.

Kría Hotel

★★★★

Vik Sléttuvegur, 870 Vík, Iceland

In a valley along Route 1, this modern hotel with a sleek exterior is 11 km from Reynisfjara Beach and a 16-minute walk from paragliding at True Adventure. The contemporary rooms with muted tones feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Some rooms offer views of the landscape. Room service is also available. A breakfast buffet and parking are complimentary. There is also an Icelandic restaurant and a bar, along with occasional Northern Lights views.

Höfn Hotel

★★★

Höfn Víkurbraut 20, 780 Höfn, Iceland

Offering views of Vatnajökull glacier, this informal hotel opposite the coast is a 10-minute walk from Höfn harbor and 16 km from Stokksnes hiking area. Snug, straightforward rooms offer free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, as well as tea and coffeemaking facilities. Amenities include a stylish seafood restaurant and a bar, plus a terrace with sea views. Breakfast is available.

Hallormsstadur Hotel

★★★

Eastfjords Hallormsstadur, 701 Egilsstaðir, Iceland

On a secluded forest hilltop overlooking the Lagarfljót River, this relaxed hotel is 9 km from the towering Hengifoss waterfall, 27 km from the Ring Road highway and 70 km from the Kárahnjúkar Dam. The casual, understated rooms offer flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Rustic cottages with private patios and lake views are also available. The hotel has 2 restaurants, 1 with an outdoor terrace. Other amenities include a sauna and an outdoor hot tub.

Laxá Hotel

★★★

Lake Mývatn Olnbogaás, 660 Mývatn, Iceland

Overlooking Vindbelgjarf mountain and Lake Mývatn, this contemporary wood-and-concrete hotel is 10 km from lava pillars at Hofði, and 21 km from Mývatn Nature Baths' geothermal water springs. It's 85 km from Akureyri Airport. Understated, simply furnished rooms come with flat-screens, complimentary Wi-Fi, and tea and coffeemakers, as well as views of the countryside. Upgraded quarters add lake views. Parking is free. A modern restaurant serves upscale cuisine and locally sourced products; a rustic-chic bar offers light fare.

KEA Hotel

★★★

Northwest Iceland Hafnarstræti 87-89, 600 Akureyri, Iceland

Offering views of Eyjafjörður fjord, this modern hotel is a 2-minute walk from the Church of Akureyri and an 11-minute walk from the Akureyri Botanical Garden. The relaxed rooms come with free Wi-Fi, satellite TV and minibars, plus tea and coffeemaking facilities. Upgraded quarters offer sitting areas. A suite adds a balcony and fjord views. Room service is available. Breakfast is complimentary. There's also a lounge with indoor and outdoor seating, and a laid-back, stylish restaurant with a bar.

Reykjavik Fosshotel

★★★

Reykjavík Þórunnartún 1, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland

From this convenient location in the heart of Reykjavík, you can easily explore Reykjavík's magnificent architecture, captivating history, tasty food scene and rich culture. Fosshotel Reykjavík is the ideal starting point for experiencing the best of everything the city has to offer. Views over the city and sea are unparalleled from this stylish 16-floor hotel. This allows excellent access to the fantastic shopping available in Reykjavík while also being close to Reykjavík harbour for dramatic views across the waterfront. But, of course, location is not all that you should look for in a Reykjavík hotel.
Tags & Interests
#Akureyri #Egilsstadir #Hofn #Kirkubaerklaustur #Myvatn #Reykjavik
From MYR 9,310 Tap for price options

Our Newsletter