Iceland is an excellent choice for an unforgettable 9-day Road Trip, discovering its natural beauties through an easy and comfortable road network. A circular route by car or even better by caravan will allow you to explore all the magical parts of the country with flexibility and comfort. Unfortunately, we rented a car and suffered a lot with the many kilometers we had to travel. But we will not make the same mistake again!
Read also: Travel to Iceland: Everything you need to know!
Road Trip Iceland
Road Trip begins
Below you will read the route we followed on our 9-day Road Trip in beautiful Iceland, as well as detailed information on each natural attraction we chose to see. Of course, there are many more, but rest assured that we have covered the most that deserve your attention!
Ring Road (Hringvegur)
So, after renting a car, you follow the route that covers the entire country of Iceland and is called the “Ring Road” (Hringvegur in Icelandic), with a total length of approximately 1,332 kilometers. It is a circular road that goes around the entire island, connecting towns, villages and natural attractions. First stop and starting point of the Road Trip is the beautiful capital, Reykjavik.
Road Trip Iceland
Days 1-2: Capital Reykjavik
Our trek started with 2 nights in the beautiful Reykjavik. Reykjavik is the capital and largest city of Iceland, with a rich history, culture and natural beauty. Here is some basic information you will need when visiting Reykjavik:
- The center of Reykjavik is full of lively atmosphere, with bustling squares, restaurants, cafes and shops with local products. Here you will find the Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral, one of the symbols of the city. Walk, to the beautiful Laugavegur pedestrian street for shopping and dining.
- Visit the National History Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Reykjavík Art Gallery to feel the Icelandic culture and art.
- From Reykjavik you can easily reach the famous Blue Lagoon hot spring, a natural pool with turquoise warm water, which offers a unique relaxation experience. We won’t tell you that we went crazy, since we found it very touristy. Our impressions were stolen by another hot spring in the north, about which you will read below.
- Check the calendar for any festivals and events taking place during your visit to the country. Icelanders love celebrations and music festivals.
- If you’re a nature lover, plan a trip to the Golden Circle to see the impressive geothermal fields, the impressive Gullfoss waterfall, Thingvellir National Park and many more.
Golden Circle
Leaving Reykjavik behind, we made our way to the three most famous sights of Iceland, which you meet on a small circular route called the Golden Circle. It is a popular tourist route in southern Iceland that includes three points of interest: Geysir, Gullfoss waterfall and Thingvellir National Park. This circular route usually starts from the country’s capital, Reykjavik.
Road Trip Iceland
Days: 3-4-5-6 Exploring the Southern part of Iceland
The 3rd day starts by following the Golden Circle and stopping at various points of interest, while in the evening we returned to rest in an apartment we had booked for €70/night through Agoda, in Selfoss. The hours of driving were long, as a result of which we regretted since the first day, we had not rented a campervan. The points of interest that follow are in the order exactly as you will find them on the map of Iceland.
So our first stop, the historic Thingvellir National Park, where we had a unique experience that we will remember forever.
National Park Thingvellir
Thingvellir is a National Park and historical site where the first Icelandic parliament was established in 930 AD. It is also a crack, which forms the boundary between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, a point where you can dive, experiencing an unrepeatable experience. We had planned to dive with a guide and would do so again. Indescribable feelings and incredible images. This specific activity costs €100/person and we booked it here.
Read more about our rift experience Silfra in Iceland
Crater Kerid
The Kerid Crater is located in Iceland and is one of the most impressive natural formations in the area. Kerid Crater is located in the Golden Circle of Iceland, near the village of Selfoss. Kerid is a crater formed by a waterfall about 3,000 years ago. Visitors can descend to the bottom of the crater to see the lake up close.
The lake inside Kerid creates a striking contrast with the red, green and blue colors of the crater’s rocks. Its unique feature is the lake at its bottom, which has water that vary in color depending on the time of year. It is easily accessible from the main tourist areas of the Golden Circle, such as Gullfoss and Geysir.
Waterfall Gullfoss
The impressive Gullfoss waterfall is a unique sight, where the water of the Hvítá river fall in two steps in a spectacular way. It is one of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland.
Geothermal area Geysir
The Geysir area is known for the Geysir geyser, from which it derives its name, as well as its most active geyser, Strokkur, which spews water and steam into the air approximately every 10 minutes.
Waterfall Seljalandsfoss
It is one of the few waterfalls that you can go all the way behind the fall. Needless to say, when approaching the falls one must wear a raincoat, in order not to end up with an icicle.
Waterfall Gljufrabui
At 300 m. next door is one of the most beautiful waterfalls, in our opinion. Perhaps our favorite, as well as many others. Gljufrabui falling into a cave. Its entrance is through an opening in a rock from which a small stream emerges. Such is the momentum of the waterfall that, combined with the closed space, they make you feel literally shocked by !
Waterfall Skogafoss
Before we got to the Skogafoss waterfall we put on our swimsuits and decided to go for a swim at the Seljavallalaug Zwembad. An artificial pool somewhere in the mountains, which will not take you even half an hour to reach on foot. It was built in 1923 to teach young children how to swim and of course you don’t pay to dive.
Skogafoss is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland and is located on the south coast of the country. With a height of about 60m. and width that reaches about 25m., creates an impressive view. The waterfall is easily accessible from the Ring Road and offers amazing photo opportunities. In addition, there is a path that leads to the top of the waterfall, offering amazing views of the surrounding area.
Solheimasandur Plane Wreck
Plane Wreck offers impressive photos due to the contrasting color of the aircraft with the black sand. The secluded location creates a unique atmosphere. However, it is important to note that you must be prepared to walk for 1.5 hours (+1.5 to go back), as well as to cary water, food and suitable clothing (waterproof, windproof, isothermal).
Dyrholaey
Dyrholaey is a beautiful area on the south coast of Iceland, near the village of Vik. Dyrholaey is a distinctive natural feature, a steep cliff rising out of the sea. The reason it is called “Dyrholaey” (meaning “island of doors”) is because of the natural openings in the rock, which looks like gates.
From Dyrholaey, a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding area is offered. On top of Dyrholaey is a historic lighthouse. The lighthouse provides a great opportunity for sightseeing and also offers amazing view from above. Also, the most famous black beach Reynisfjara, which is worth visiting, is located near Dyrholaey.
Black beach Reynisfjara
Reynisfjara beach is one of the most famous and impressive black beaches on the south coast of Iceland, near the village of Vík. It is known for the strong waves of the Atlantic Ocean that reach the coast. You have to be very careful, because the waves can be dangerous.
Its natural landscape and unique atmosphere make it one of the must-see attractions in Iceland.
Gorge Fjadrargljufur
Fjadrargljufur gorge is located in southern Iceland, near the village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur. Fjadrargljufur was created by the powerful fluid rock that came down from the snow of the nearby Eldgja crater, about 9,000 years ago. The gorge stretches for about 2km. and has a depth that reaches up to 100m. The river Fjadra flows through the gorge, adding to the spectacular beauty of the landscape.
Fjadrargljufur gorge is a popular natural attraction, especially in the summer season, when many travelers visit it to enjoy its natural beauty. There is a hiking trail that crosses the gorge, giving you the opportunity to enjoy amazing panoramic views.
National park Skaftafell
The national park has several hiking trails to choose from. Arriving at the park we took the path that leads to Svartifoss, the basalt hexagon waterfall. Very easy route, especially with such a sunny day we had.
Glacier Svinafellsjokull
Next is the Svinafellsjokull glacier, in Vatnajokull National Park. Svinafellsjokull is located in Skaftafell Park, part of Vatnajokull National Park, on the south side of Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Iceland.
The Svinafellsjokull glacier is easily accessible and offers hiking and climbing opportunities. You can join guided tours to explore the glacier, walk on the ice and enjoy the amazing views of the glacier and its surroundings.
We drove to the glacier, walked a little to get closer to it and were faced with an unprecedented sight.
Diamond beach
Diamond Beach is usually part of the Iceland Golden Circle trip and is an unforgettable stop for travelers. Diamond Beach is known for the small icebergs found in the beach. The icebergs come from Lake Jokulsarlon, which is connected by a channel to the Atlantic Ocean. Lake Jokulsarlon has an infinite number of icebergs of various sizes and shapes, which break off from the Breidamerkurjokull glacier, roll across the lake and end up at Diamond Beach.
When you get there you can walk along the beach and enjoy the amazing view of the shining icebergs on the sand. The “Diamond Beach” beach is also known for the impressive photos it offers, as the icebergs create a magical atmosphere, as well as for the seals you will notice resting there.
Road Trip Iceland
Days: 7-8-9 Exploring the Northern part of Iceland
On the 7th day after many kilometers and hours of driving, we arrived in Iceland’s 2nd largest city in the north, Akureyri.
Akureyri
It is a city located in the northern part of Iceland and is the largest urban center in the region with a population of approximately 20,000 inhabitants. Akureyri is located in the northern bay of Eyjafjordur, which is Iceland’s largest fjord. It is about 100 km. north of the capital Reykjavik. The city has notable architectural buildings such as the Akureyrarkirkja Church and the Listasafnið á Akureyri Art Center. Also, the Lystigarðurinn Akureyrar Garden is a beautiful garden that offers relaxation. Akureyri can be reached by Akureyri International Airport, as well as from the road and sea.
A day in Husavik
We visited another northern city, Husavik, for two reasons. Husavik is a small seaside town on the north coast of Iceland. This town has about 2,300 inhabitants and is located on Skjalfandi Bay. Husavik’s location makes it easy to access areas of the Arctic Circle. There are tours to these areas, offering travelers a chance to see the frozen beauty of the northeastern part of the world.
We were there to visit, a geothermal source similar to the Blue Lagoon, which in our personal opinion is worth more, as it is not touristic at all, it is much more economical and finally, the view simply can easily blow your mind. So, GeoSea uses the thermal springs of the area, which naturally provide warm water. At Geosea you can enjoy a hydromassage and the healing properties of the warm water in an outdoor pool, while enjoying the amazing view of the North Atlantic Ocean.
Whale watching
The second reason we went to Husavik was to go on a whale watching cruise. There are several companies that offer whale watching tours in both Husavik and Reykjavík and many of them have specialized guides and boats designed for comfortable viewing of the marine animals.
As an experience, it didn’t drive us crazy. On the contrary. Even though we were wearing isothermal wetsuits, the cold was unbelievable, the waves were so intense that you needed dramamines, and as for the whales; we were unlucky as we saw few and from a distance.
Road Trip Iceland
Sightseeing on the North
Waterfall Detifoss
Dettifoss is one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland and Europe and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland. Dettifoss is located in the north of Iceland, on the river Jokulsa á Fjollum. It is about 100m. wide and the fall of the waterfall is about 45m height. Dettifoss is known for the impressive flow of water and the admirable momentum it creates during its fall. There are two viewing platforms at Dettifoss that provide stunning views of the waterfall. One is on the north side and the other on the south side of the river.
Waterfall Godafoss
Godafoss is a spectacular waterfall located in northern Iceland, on the river Skjalfandafljot, near the village of Akureyri, which is one of the largest cities in northern Iceland. The name “Godafoss” means “waterfall of the gods” in Icelandic. Godafoss is considered to be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. With its rushing water and impressive panoramic view, it is a destination for ordinary travelers and photographers. Access to Godafoss is easy and there are many hiking trails to enjoy the majesty of the waterfall from different angles.
Myvatn Lake
Lake Myvatn is an extremely beautiful lake in northern Iceland, and is a popular tourist destination. It is close to the village of Reykjahlíð and many attractions in the area. It has a surface of about 37 sq. km. and is one of the largest lakes in Iceland.
Lake Myvatn is known for its diversity of fauna, mainly due to the rich habitats it offers. It is ideal for bird watchers as many species are found in the area. Around Lake Myvatn, there are many geothermal destinations, such as Hverir and the Namaskard. Visitors can enjoy the springs, lava pits and hot springs in this area. The area offers a variety of activities including hiking, bird watching, exploring geothermal fields and fishing.
Road Trip Iceland
If you are looking for a trip full of adventure, surprises and discoveries, Iceland emerges as a destination worth adding to your list. Iceland is a destination that combines unique natural beauty, rich history and vibrant culture. With its spectacular landscapes of waterfalls, geothermal waters and active volcanoes, the country offers an ultimate experience for nature and adventure lovers.
If you found our information useful and you liked our page, remember that by purchasing a service through our links, we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. These earnings help dodyourtravel to operate. We thank you!
