8 Day Ring Road Tour - First & last night in Reykjavík

Today, you get to explore the city of Reykjavík - you make your own exciting itinerary!

Maybe you want to wander around and get your bearings? Strolling along two great Reykjavík shopping streets, the famous Laugavegur and the slightly less well-known Skólavörðustigur, you will really get a feel for the essence of Reykjavík.

For the best view over the city, visit the Hallgrímskirkja church and climb to the top of the tower. The design was inspired by Svartifoss, the black waterfall at Skaftafell. A white church inspired by a black basalt waterfall? Maybe you will believe us when we say Icelanders are quirky folk!

When you're ready for some culture, visit one of the city’s excellent museums, such as the National Museum, Reykjavík Art Museum, or the quirky Icelandic Phallological Museum.

The city´s thermal swimming pools are open from early until late. Outdoor bathing is a popular year-round pastime activity in Iceland, so quite a few thermal pools are dotted around Reykjavík. Their hot tubs are blissful! Laugardalslaug is the largest outdoor pool, but the smaller ones are incredibly charming, too.

Your hotel or guest house will not be far from Reykjavík´s attractions. Strætó runs a regular bus service, connecting all districts with the city center. You will find their timetables and information in English here. Alternatively, head a couple of miles away from downtown and into nature to chase the Northern Lights in winter.

This tour kicks off with Iceland's most iconic sights. After pick-up at your hotel in Reykjavik between 8:00 and 8:30, we head to the first Golden Circle stop, Þingvellir National Park. 

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Þingvellir is where the world’s oldest parliament, Alþing, was established in 930 AD/CE. You'll also see the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the tectonic plates slowly drift apart, creating an epic landscape.

Next, we visit the famous Strokkur geyser at Geysir Hot Springs, which erupts every few minutes, shooting water up to 82 feet (25 meters). The nearby Great Geysir gave its name to all geysers. It's a surreal experience surrounded by steam and bubbling geothermal pools.

The last Golden Circle stop is the powerful Gullfoss waterfall, where the Hvítá River drops in two stages, creating a stunning spectacle with mist and rainbows on sunny days.

Afterward, we journey south to visit two epic 200-foot (60-meter) waterfalls. Seljalandsfoss has a unique path that takes you behind the waterfall, while Skógafoss cascades from the former sea cliffs into the tranquil Skóga River below.

Then, we’ll stop at Reynisfjara black sand beach, famous for its dramatic basalt-column cave and the eerie Reynisdrangar peaks rising from the sea.

Your day ends with a stay at the country hotel in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area. From September to April, if conditions allow, your guide will help you search for the Northern Lights.

Today, we journey through surreal landscapes to reach Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park. On the way, we’ll catch glimpses of Mýrdalsjökull glacier, home to the notorious Katla and the imposing Eyjafjallajökull - volcanoes covered by glaciers. 

Crossing the expansive Eldhraun lava field, we arrive at Skaftafell, a green oasis amidst black volcanic sands. Under the jagged mountain peaks and glaciers, the area is sheltered by a gentler climate than the surrounding area. The scenery is majestic and dramatically contrasting.

If you’ve chosen the Adventure Package, an expert guide will take you on an exhilarating glacier hike across one of Vatnajökull’s outlet glaciers, the largest glacier in Europe. The glacier is stunning, but there is more to this blue-and-white ice than meets the eye! You will learn some incredible glacier facts and see sights that will be treasured memories forever.   

From October to April, the glacier hike is replaced with an extraordinary tour of the crystal ice caves that form each winter within the glacier. Your guide will lead you through these caves to explore the magic of glaciers from the inside! 

Next, we visit the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where massive ice chunks that brief off a glacier float across the shimmering waters. This lagoon, known for James Bond and other movies, is a world-famous destination. Most people are astounded by the incredible shapes, blue tones, and the large size of many of the icebergs. Nearby, we’ll stop by Diamond Beach, where the blue and white icebergs wash ashore and glisten against the black volcanic sands, creating an unforgettable sight.

From September to April, if conditions are right, we’ll chase the Northern Lights. Your accommodation will be in the Southeast, and if the skies are clear, your guide will give tips for spotting the aurora.

Today, we journey through the stunning Eastfjords, a remote region known for its dramatic landscapes. Towering mountains and narrow fjords will fill the horizon, creating views that will keep you captivated the entire day.

Our first stop is Djúpivogur, a quaint fishing village nestled at the edge of the land. Known for its rich birdlife and natural beauty, the village is also home to the famous outdoor sculpture Eggin í Gleðivík, which features 34 large eggs representing the bird species that frequent the area. It’s a lovely tribute to the wild nature that thrives here.

Afterward, we’ll make a brief stop in Egilsstaðir, the largest town in East Iceland, set along the Lagarfljót River. Surrounded by peaceful forests and hills, it’s the perfect spot for a quick break before continuing our journey.

Our day ends at the Wilderness Center, an immersive destination where you’ll experience authentic Icelandic highland life. You can enjoy outdoor activities and access the museum's exhibits on highland living and Icelandic history free of charge. Afterward, relax in the warm pool at the traditional bathhouse and enjoy local cuisine before resting in your accommodation in charming historic buildings.

Tonight, we’ll stay in the unique rooms of the Wilderness Center. If conditions are right, your guide can help you see the Northern Lights (from September to April).

On this tour, but especially today, you will witness the incredibly different sides of Icelandic nature, from the barest Arctic desert lands to the lush fertility. 

Our journey to North Iceland will take us first to Stuðlagil Canyon, one of the world’s most enchanting basalt rock formations. It's famous for its striking columnar basalt formations and the vibrant blue-green waters flowing through the canyon.

Your next attraction is the lunar-like vistas, steaming fumaroles, and boiling multi-colored mud pots at the Námaskarð geothermal area. This place will leave you feeling like you have taken flight and arrived on another planet with starkly barren yet beautiful scenes! 

We continue our journey around Lake Mývatn - a shallow lake formed by volcanic activity around 2,300 years ago. Its landscape is shaped by craters, lava fields, and geothermal areas, making it a fascinating spot to explore. The area is also home to diverse bird species, including more types of ducks than anywhere else in Europe.

As an optional extra, you can visit the naturally heated Earth Lagoon (formerly Myvatn Nature Baths) (optional extra) / Forest Lagoon in Jan–May 2026, also known as the "Blue Lagoon of the North." These geothermal pools are fed by mineral-rich water from deep below the surface, about 8,200 feet (2,500 meters) down. There’s a swim-up bar and steam baths, making it an ideal place to relax in the natural warmth from the earth. From Jan–July 15th 2026, we’ll go to Forest Lagoon instead of Mývatn Nature Baths due to renovations.

Continuing with the unearthly theme, we visit the Dimmuborgir lava formations. Your guide will tell you how these fantastic lava shapes, often called 'the Dark Castles,' were created and the rich mythology linked to them. 

Finally, we’ll stop at Goðafoss, a glorious crescent-shaped waterfall. According to the legend, this is the waterfall into which Iceland's last great Pagan leader is said to have cast his statues of the Pagan Gods when Iceland converted to Christianity. 

Your accommodation for the night will be at a country hotel in Akureyri. If the conditions are favorable, you can hunt for the Northern Lights on winter nights.

* Please note that in winter, road conditions might limit access to Stuðlagil Canyon. If that happens– we’ll have other exciting activities lined up for you. Your safety and enjoyment always come first.

Today is a dream day for lovers of wildlife. From Akureyri, our route follows the western side of stunning Eyjafjörður (the Island Fjord). The views are absolutely eye-candy, with towering mountains and open ocean views. The mountains keep getting steeper as we approach charming villages, which are traditional fishing communities.  

From Eyjafjörður Fjord, we set sail on an exciting whale-watching boat tour, included in the Adventure Package. With a 98% success rate, you’ll have an incredible chance to spot majestic creatures like humpback and minke whales, along with playful white-beaked dolphins and porpoises.

Next, we will make a stop in Siglufjörður, a little town with a fascinating fishing history. It is, perhaps, hard to believe now that this picturesque place was referred to as ‘the herring capital of Europe’ in the first half of the 20th century.

We continue our journey around the stunning Tröllaskagi (Troll Peninsula), passing through charming villages and lush farmlands that offer a glimpse into rural Icelandic life. You'll spot plenty of sturdy Icelandic horses grazing in the fields—this region is known for its horse farms. Before reaching our accommodation, we'll explore the picturesque Skagafjörður, a fjord dotted with islands and brimming with hidden wonders.

You will spend your night at a hotel in the little university-centered community at Laugarbakki. From September to April, ask your guide to direct you toward the Northern Lights at night if the conditions will be good to spot them.

The final day of your fantastic trip around Iceland has a water and history theme! We’ll explore the natural and historic wonders of West Iceland. The day begins with a short hike up Grábrók crater, for superb views over the surrounding lava fields.

Afterward, we’ll visit the historic site of Reykholt, once the home of Snorri Sturluson, one of Iceland’s most famous medieval writers and historians. You’ll see Snorralaug, the ancient geothermal pool where Snorri is said to have bathed, and learn about his remarkable contributions to Icelandic culture and Norse mythology.

Our next stop is at Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe, which releases an incredible volume of hot water that supplies homes and towns in the area. The sight of the bubbling geothermal activity is quite a spectacle.

From there, we’ll head to the unique Hraunfossar, where water cascades out from underneath a lava field, creating a series of delicate, wide falls. Just a short distance away is Barnafoss, or "Children’s Falls," a waterfall with a local legend about the tragic origin of its name.

Before making our way back to Reykjavík, we’ll stop at Sturlureykir horse farm, where you’ll meet the charming Icelandic horses and learn more about their special role in Icelandic life. Our journey concludes as we drive along the scenic Hvalfjörður, arriving in Reykjavík around 5-6 p.m., where you'll be dropped off at your accommodation.

Today, you get a second chance to catch up on any Reykjavík must-see sights and experiences you missed out on before your tour. After breakfast at your hotel, check off anything remaining on your capital city of Iceland bucket list.

If you haven’t tried an outdoor thermal pool yet, consider visiting Laugardalslaug, Iceland's largest pool, or the charming Sundhöllin in central Reykjavík. Walking or cycling paths also connect Reykjavík to beautiful spots like Seltjarnarnes Peninsula or Mosfellsbær, both reachable by bus.

Whether it's relaxing, exploring museums, or taking one last adventure, your day is wide open for discovery!

• On the second day, we’ll pick you up from your hotel in Reykjavik around 8 a.m. Picking everyone up can take up to 30 minutes. 
  
  
• On the seventh day of the tour, we’ll drop you off in Reykjavik at your accommodation in the evening.

• Myvatn Nature Baths are not included in any package and must be paid for separately as an optional extra.
  
  
• During Jan–July 15th 2026, guests will enjoy Forest Lagoon while Mývatn Nature Baths are closed for maintenance.
  
  
• Solo travelers have to choose the single room supplement if they want a private room. Otherwise, they might be accommodated with another solo traveler of the same gender.
  
  
• Sometimes, due to weather conditions, we may need to change the glaciers or glacier outlets on this tour. Glacier outlets might include Svínafellsjökull, Falljökull, and Sólheimajökull, all equally as beautiful.
  
  
• We replace the glacier hike from October to April with a journey through the Crystal Ice Cave.
  
  
• Hotels can change during your trip.
  
  
• During the booking process, you can rent sturdy hiking boots, a waterproof jacket, and pants. Please note that these items must be ordered in advance, as they are not available for rent on-site.

The ice cave’s look cannot be guaranteed to match the photos, as these natural formations change with the seasons, time of day, lighting, and other environmental factors. Thank you for your understanding.