Around Iceland in 7 Days - Ring Road Itinerary

• When you’re renting your car, get gravel protection insurance
• Rent a 4x4 if your traveling in winter time
• Buy some supermarket food that lasts
• Consider whether you need to rent additional camping equipment
• Take care of accomodation in advance
• Always stay on top of weather forecasts and be on the safe side

Spend your first day exploring the streets of Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital. Visit Hallgrímskirkja, the famous church whose architecture was inspired by basalt formations, wander around Laugavegur street with a bunch of cozy coffee shops and local restaurants, admire the sights at the harbour and top it all of with artistic graffiti you can discover all around the city.

The Golden Circle includes three nature monuments people simply flock to, and on your second day you will find out why. Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area and the roaring Gullfoss waterfall are all equally mind blowing. Plus, while in Thingvellir, you have a chance to snorkel or dive in a fissure separating two continents - a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Day 3 is all about exploring the wonders of Iceland’s South. The town of Vík, Foss á Síðu waterfall, Skaftafell Nature Reserve, Svartifoss waterfall, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and the Diamond Beach should all make it into today's itinerary.

As you reach the mid-point of your 7-day trip around Iceland, you begin traveling towards the North. You should start your day by visiting Höfn is Vestrahorn, Iceland’s most photogenic mountains. Then drive past the spectacular East fjords to reach Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss waterfalls and finish strong by visiting Dettifoss, second most powerful waterfall in Europe.

The Mývatn region is rumored to be among the most spectacular sights in Iceland, and day 5 is about finding out for yourself. Námafjall geothermal area will greet you with bubbling pools, whereas Krafla volcanic system with magnificent landscapes and Viti crater that has become an azure lake will leave you at awe. As you leave Mývatn, you should visit Dalvík, which is famous for 99,5% success rate for whale sightings.

You’ll start your day by putting in quite a few miles, but it’s going to be worth it. When you get to Snæfellsness Peninsula, your first stop must be the Kirkjufell mountain and waterfall. Then discover Snaefellsjökull glacier and old shipwrecks on Djúpalónssandur and Dritvík beaches.

Tip for photographers: visit Svörtuloft lighthouse. The contrast between the bright orange building and dark surroundings makes for stunning photographs. 

Wrap up your trip by visiting Arnarstapi village, Gerðuberg cliffs, Landbrotalaug geothermal pool, and Glymur waterfall. Depending on how much time you have, there is always the option of visiting the Blue Lagoon for a relaxing afternoon.