Iceland’s Epic Ring Road

Iceland’s Epic Ring Road: An Unforgettable Journey Around the Land of Fire and Ice

If you're looking for the ultimate road trip that showcases otherworldly landscapes, glacier-fed waterfalls, volcanic craters, black sand beaches, and steaming geothermal wonders, Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) delivers all that—and more.

At Glacial Expeditions, this is our favorite way to explore Iceland. We’ve crafted a detailed day-by-day adventure that balances famous icons with off-the-beaten-path gems. Here's how to do it right.

Day 1: Lava Fields, Lighthouses & Lagoon Luxury

Route: Keflavik → Reykjanes Peninsula → Silica Hotel

Start your adventure by diving into the underrated beauty of the Reykjanes Peninsula. This lava-sculpted coastline is rich in geothermal activity and feels like you’ve landed on another planet. Visit Reykjanesviti, Iceland’s oldest lighthouse perched on dramatic cliffs, and the bubbling Gunnuhver mud pools, said to be haunted by a vengeful ghost. Don't miss Karlinn, an eerie volcanic plug rising from the sea.

After your coastal drive, check in at the serene Silica Hotel, nestled in a moss-covered lava field. Skip the crowds and enjoy their private geothermal lagoon before heading to the famous Blue Lagoon for the full spa experience—think steamy mineral waters, silica mud masks, and serious relaxation.

Day 2: Between Continents & Exploding Geysers

Route: Reykjanes → Thingvellir → Geysir

Today kicks off the iconic Golden Circle route. First stop: Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can literally walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. For an unforgettable thrill, snorkel in the Silfra Fissure, a crystal-clear glacial spring wedged between the continents.

After drying off, head to the Geysir Geothermal Area, where you’ll find bubbling mud pots and the lively Strokkur geyser, which erupts sky-high every few minutes. End the day with a stay at Hotel Geysir, steps from the action and perfectly positioned for tomorrow’s glacier adventure.

Day 3: Gullfoss Thunder & Glacier Thrills

Route: Geysir → Gullfoss → Hveragerði

Start your morning at Gullfoss, the “Golden Falls.” This two-tiered waterfall sends glacial water crashing into a canyon, and you can walk right up to the edge for dramatic views and misty photo ops.

Next up is an exhilarating snowmobile ride across Langjökull Glacier, Iceland’s second largest. Zoom across pristine snowfields with views that go on forever. Then visit the vividly colored Kerid Crater, a volcanic caldera filled with aquamarine water surrounded by red and black rock.

Wrap up with a relaxing hike through Reykjadalur Valley, where a natural hot river invites you to soak amidst steam vents and rolling hills. Overnight at the quirky and sustainable Greenhouse Hotel in the geothermal town of Hveragerði.

Day 4: Chasing Waterfalls & Black Sand Shores

Route: Hveragerði → Vík

The South Coast is full of photo-worthy drama. Your first stop is Seljalandsfoss, a slender waterfall you can walk behind for a magical, misty perspective. Nearby, find the hidden Gljúfrabúi, peeking out from behind a mossy cliff.

Continue to Skógafoss, a massive, thunderous waterfall with stairs leading to panoramic views from above. Then drive to Dyrhólaey, where a lighthouse overlooks sea stacks, cliffs, and puffin nesting grounds (in season). Don’t miss the striking Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, famous for its basalt columns and crashing waves.

Check into Hotel Kría in Vík and enjoy Icelandic cuisine just minutes from the coast.

Day 5: Ice Caves & Alien Landscapes

Route: Vík → Skaftafell

Today’s highlight is a super jeep tour to the Katla Ice Cave, located beneath an active volcano. Walk through shimmering blue and black ice formations in this otherworldly cavern carved by time and volcanic forces.

Next, visit Gígjagjá, also known as the Yoda Cave—yes, it looks just like the wise Jedi's hideout. Then cruise through the mossy Eldhraun Lava Fields, formed by one of the largest lava flows in history.

End the day with a hike in Skaftafell National Park, home to glacial tongues, lush valleys, and Svartifoss, a stunning waterfall framed by jet-black basalt columns. Stay at the modern Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon, perfectly located between glacier and sea.

Day 6: Icebergs & Viking Landscapes

Route: Skaftafell → Höfn → Egilsstaðir

Begin with the peaceful Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon, then make your way to the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where luminous icebergs float serenely. Cross the road to Diamond Beach, where chunks of ice glitter like gems on black volcanic sand.

In the fishing village of Höfn, enjoy a taste of their famous langoustine before continuing to the Stokksnes Peninsula. Snap some photos of the jagged Vestrahorn Mountain and wander the abandoned Viking Village film set.

End the day with a soak at Vök Baths or explore the colorful town of Seyðisfjörður with its rainbow street and artsy vibe. Stay overnight at the charming Lake Hotel Egilsstaðir.

Day 7: Waterfalls & Lava Labyrinths

Route: Egilsstaðir → Lake Mývatn

Drive into the volcanic highlands to see Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Then head toward Lake Mývatn, a geologically rich region of steaming vents, lava pillars, and crater lakes.

Visit the steamy Myvatn Nature Baths, relax in a hot pool, and then explore Grjótagjá Cave, a hidden thermal spring once featured in Game of Thrones. Wander through the eerie Dimmuborgir Lava Field, filled with twisted formations and otherworldly beauty. Stay at the peaceful Laxá Hotel with lake views and Northern Lights potential.

Day 8: From Trolls to Craters

Route: Mývatn → Hvitserkur → Reykjavik

Visit Goðafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods,” before detouring to Hvitserkur, a sea stack that looks like a dragon—or maybe a troll turned to stone by the sunrise. Then stop at Grábrók Crater, an easy climb with panoramic views of the surrounding lava fields.

Arrive back in Reykjavik and check into the Art Deco-style Hotel Borg, located right in the heart of Iceland’s capital.

Day 9: City Strolls & Thermal Spa Serenity

Spend the day exploring Reykjavik on foot. Visit Hallgrímskirkja Church, browse boutiques on Laugavegur Street, and admire murals and sculptures like the Sun Voyager.

In the afternoon, book a session at the Sky Lagoon, a luxurious oceanside geothermal spa with a view of the North Atlantic. Try the signature 7-step ritual and let your body melt into pure bliss.

Day 10: Snæfellsnes Peninsula Road Trip

Cap off your journey with a full-day drive to the mystical Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Highlights include Bjarnarfoss Waterfall, the black church at Búðir, the coastal cliffs of Arnarstapi, the lava towers of Londrangar, and Djúpalónssandur Beach—home to black pebbles and remnants of shipwrecks.

The final stop? The iconic Kirkjufell Mountain, one of the most photographed spots in Iceland and a picture-perfect finale to your epic journey.

Ready to Hit the Road?

This Ring Road itinerary is designed to showcase the best of Iceland in one epic loop. Whether it's your first visit or your fifth, the variety of experiences—ice caves, geothermal springs, towering waterfalls, and cinematic scenery—will leave you in awe.

Want to make this trip your own? Let Glacial Expeditions build a personalized itinerary for your perfect Icelandic road trip. We’ll handle the details so you can focus on the adventure.