Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime journey around Iceland’s full Ring Road—timed perfectly with the 2026 total solar eclipse. Led by expert guides, this 6-day trip combines Iceland’s top highlights with rare celestial magic. From thundering waterfalls and glacier views to volcanic landscapes and coastal cliffs, every day brings a new reason to be amazed.
You’ll travel in a small group, stay in handpicked accommodations, and be in the right place at the right time to witness the eclipse under Icelandic skies!
From
Make the most of your time in Iceland with a once-in-a-lifetime summer journey. This 6-day tour circles the entire Ring Road, taking you to glacier lagoons, black sand beaches, waterfalls, volcanoes, and more—right in the heart of Iceland’s best travel season.
You’ll explore the country’s top highlights and hidden gems with expert guides. And when the day comes, we’ll be in the right region and ready to hunt for the best possible viewing spot for the 2026 total solar eclipse!
Please be ready at your pick-up location in Reykjavík at 08:00 am. The pickup process can take up to 30 minutes, depending on your location in Reykjavik.
We start with the Golden Circle, Iceland’s most famous sightseeing route. At Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll walk through a dramatic rift valley where two tectonic plates slowly drift apart. It’s also where Iceland’s first parliament met over 1,000 years ago—one of the oldest in the world.
Next, we head to the Geysir geothermal area. While the original Geysir is now quiet, Strokkur erupts every few minutes, sending boiling water up to 30 meters (98 feet) into the air. The ground steams and bubbles around you, showing off Iceland’s volcanic power. A short drive away is Gullfoss, the mighty “Golden Falls,” where glacial meltwater crashes in two stages into a rugged canyon—a stunning display of force!
From there, we follow the Ring Road south. First up is Seljalandsfoss, a narrow waterfall with a hidden path behind the cascade—bring rain gear if you want the full experience. A short drive away, Skógafoss roars down from 60 meters (197 feet) high, often lit by rainbows on sunny days.
The day ends at the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, with its towering basalt cliffs, sea caves, and wave-pounded shoreline. Offshore, the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rise from the ocean—legend says they were trolls caught by the morning sun.
You’ll spend the night at a countryside hotel near Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.
Today is all about glaciers and the landscapes they’ve shaped. We begin by passing Mýrdalsjökull, one of Iceland’s great ice caps, hiding the mighty Katla volcano beneath its surface. Then we cross the Eldhraun lava field—a vast, moss-covered plain formed by one of the largest lava flows in recorded history during the 1783 eruption. It’s a surreal and silent landscape, stretching endlessly in every direction.
Next, we head into Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe’s largest glacier. Covering around 14% of Iceland, this region blends dramatic ice formations with green oases like Skaftafell. Towering peaks, glacier tongues, and deep valleys set the scene for the day’s adventure.
Here, you’ll gear up for a guided glacier hike across one of Vatnajökull’s outlet glaciers. With expert guidance, you’ll explore shimmering blue ice, deep crevasses, and the raw textures of the glacier’s surface—a rare chance to walk on ancient ice in the middle of summer!
After the hike, we visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Here, massive icebergs break away and drift across the lagoon, glowing in shades of blue and white. Nearby, at Diamond Beach, those same icebergs wash up on shore, glittering like crystal on the black volcanic sand. It’s one of Iceland’s most photogenic sights.
We end the day at our accommodation in Southeast Iceland, resting up for the adventures ahead.
Today, we venture into the wild beauty of Iceland’s Eastfjords—a region known for dramatic peaks, quiet fjords, and remote coastal villages. This part of the country feels far from the usual tourist routes, where reindeer may roam the hills and puffins nest along the sea cliffs.
Our first stop is Djúpivogur, a peaceful fishing village tucked along the fjord. With just a few hundred residents, life here moves at a slower pace. The village is known for its strong ties to nature, sustainability, and a unique collection of outdoor artwork that adds character to its quiet streets.
We continue to Egilsstaðir, the largest town in East Iceland. Located along the Lagarfljót River and surrounded by forests and rolling hills, it’s a calm and scenic place—also home to local legends, like the mysterious Lagarfljót Worm said to dwell in the nearby lake.
From there, the road leads us into the highlands and to the Wilderness Center—a one-of-a-kind retreat on the edge of Iceland’s untouched interior. Restored farmhouses and historic buildings bring the past to life, offering a glimpse into how people once lived in these remote and rugged conditions.
You’ll cross an old wooden bridge to reach your accommodation, where you can explore the on-site exhibitions free of charge. Meals are served in a cozy open kitchen, made with fresh local ingredients. And for the perfect end to the day, soak in the traditional hot spring spa—built from stone in the style used by Icelanders for generations.
Today’s journey takes us from the remote Eastfjords into the volcanic heart of North Iceland—with one unforgettable stop after another.
First up: Stuðlagil Canyon, a true bucket-list location for many travelers. This canyon is one of the most stunning basalt formations in Iceland, where geometric lava columns rise from the turquoise waters of the Jökla River. The contrast of dark rock and vibrant glacial blue is striking—and yes, it’s just as jaw-dropping in real life as it is in the photos!
From there, we leave the canyon’s quiet power behind and head toward Námaskarð geothermal area—a surreal stretch of steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and vivid mineral colors. The land here hisses, bubbles, and breathes, with clouds of steam drifting across the Martian-like terrain.
Next, we circle the shores of Lake Mývatn, a shallow volcanic lake known for its birdlife and eerie lava formations. With over 50 islands scattered across the water, this region is full of contrasts—calm on the surface, shaped by ancient eruptions below. An optional stop awaits at the Mývatn Nature Baths, often called the “Blue Lagoon of the North.” Fed by water from 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) underground, these warm, mineral-rich pools are the perfect way to relax after a day of exploring.
Before we reach our final destination, we stop at Dimmuborgir, a lava field of towering rock pillars and twisted formations often linked to Icelandic folklore. Its name means “dark castles,” and it really does feel like another world.
The day ends with a visit to Goðafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods.” This sweeping, crescent-shaped cascade is both powerful and peaceful—a fitting final stop before we reach the northern town of Akureyri, where you’ll settle in for the night at a country hotel.
Get ready for an unforgettable morning on the water. Today begins with a whale-watching boat tour from Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord. With a 98% success rate, sightings are likely—keep an eye out for humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, and other marine life. (Included in the Adventure Package.)
After the tour, we head to Siglufjörður, Iceland’s northernmost town. Once a booming herring hub, this colorful harbor village now blends history with quiet charm. Strolling along the docks gives a glimpse into Iceland’s fishing heritage and a slower way of life.
Next, we drive the scenic Tröllaskagi Peninsula, where steep mountains meet the sea. This stretch of coast is home to tiny, character-rich villages and some of Iceland’s most dramatic coastal views. You’ll get a strong sense of the North’s rhythm—quiet, proud, and shaped by nature.
As we continue west, the landscape shifts into active farming country and wide-open plains. We pass through Skagafjörður, a fjord known for its natural beauty and strong horse-breeding traditions, with rolling hills and scattered islands lining the coast.
By evening, we arrive in Laugarbakki, where you’ll stay at a small country hotel—perfect for a quiet night before the final leg of your journey.
Today is the moment we’ve been building toward—the 2026 total solar eclipse. But instead of waiting in one place, you’ve spent the past five days exploring Iceland’s most iconic sights. Now, we shift our focus to the sky.
In the morning, we’ll travel toward West Iceland or the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, depending on conditions. This region sits directly within the path of totality and is considered one of the best places in the country to witness the eclipse. Our guides will scout the ideal viewing spot based on visibility and cloud cover, aiming to give you the best possible experience.
Then comes the main event. For just over two unforgettable minutes, the Moon will completely block the Sun, revealing the glowing solar corona. The sky darkens, the temperature drops, and everything goes still—a once-in-a-lifetime moment under Icelandic skies.
After the eclipse, we’ll take time to celebrate together before beginning the journey back. Depending on weather, traffic, and the chosen viewing location, you’ll return to Reykjavík or Borgarnes in the evening, wrapping up this extraordinary six-day adventure with a sky show few people ever get to witness.
Pick-up starts at 08:00 a.m. from your hotel or a nearby meeting point in Reykjavík. Picking everyone up can take up to 30 minutes. Your patience is much appreciated. Available pick-up points: Arctic Adventures’s pick-up list.
When booking with Arctic Adventures, you are guaranteed an accommodation at a nice country hotel and/or a guesthouse. The hotels we have partnered up with are all of the same standard and offer nice rooms with made-up beds and private bathrooms. The standard room is a twin room but it’s possible to request a double room or a triple room, with no extra charge.
If you are traveling solo, you will have to add the single room fee if you wish to have a single room.
All hotels have free Wi-Fi. Towels, a hairdryer and a kettle are accessible at all of the hotels. Hotel breakfast is included!
A single supplement is available if you want to have your own room, but you are not required to pay a single supplement. If you are a single traveler and do not wish to book a single room, you’ll be roomed with another traveler of the same gender.
If your tour includes accommodation, breakfast is always included during the tour at the hotel/guesthouse restaurant.
Meals and beverages are otherwise not included on your tour. (Unless it’s specifically stated in the description of the tour)
On our multi-day tours, we will be making stops at restaurants and convenience stores where you will be able to purchase all necessities. Cash is not necessary, as credit cards are almost always accepted. Having a small amount of cash doesn’t hurt though.
Breakfast is included at all the hotels we stay in during the tour. The breakfast will be a typical breakfast buffet, offering bread, toppings, cereal, yogurt, fruits, coffee, and tea etc.
Your guide will also find a good place for the group to eat lunch. We always try to choose places that have a wide selection of dishes on the menu, so there will be options available for everyone. The dinner is usually at the hotels we stay at for the night.
For multi-day tours, each participant is allowed to bring a small backpack and 1 piece of luggage weighing a maximum of 20 kg (44 lbs). If you have more or heavier luggage with you, you will need to book storage for the surplus luggage before you arrive, there is a small fee for using this facility. Luggage storage in Reykjavík can be added during the booking process of your order in the extras section.
* The combined dimensions of each bag must not exceed 158 cm (62 in).
We do welcome participants of all ages older than the listed minimum age for each tour. We have people of ages ranging from 8-99 years joining our multi-day tours. Our average group usually consists of participants between the age 20-55 years. We do get a lot of solo travellers joining our tours, as well as families and friends.
If you have difficulties participating in any of the activities included in the tour, for example, a glacier activity, you are more than welcome to skip it. You can explore your surroundings in the meantime or wait elsewhere. Our guide should be able to drop you off at a nearby place where there are some services available.
We drive on average around 300 km (186 miles) per day on our multi-day tours. You will be spending approximately 4-5 hours in the car each day. We do of course stop on multiple locations throughout the tour for sightseeing, activities, bathroom breaks and lunch stops.
If you are not sure that you have suitable gear for your tour, we offer some necessary items for rent. For most of our multi-day tours, we rent out waterproof jackets and pants as well as hiking boots. You can book these items and more under the selection “Extras” in the booking widget when booking your tour on our website.
If you have already booked the tour and wish to add some rental gear to your booking, you can do so at least 24 hours prior to your tour starting by using our customer portal - My Adventures, or contacting our customer care.
Most of the hotels we use during our tours are remotely located and therefore ideal to spot the northern lights. If the forecast is in your favor, then it is more than likely that you will be able to see the magical show put on by the dancing northern lights during your tour with us. Most of the hotels offer a Northern Lights wake-up call up on request if the lights are spotted.
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and therefore we can unfortunately never promise that they will be seen. Their appearance depends upon atmospheric and weather conditions. The best time to see them is between September and March when it’s dark and clear. The sky needs to be as dark as possible, so the best places to see them are well away from city lights (that’s where we are going!).
For more information on the Northern Lights, please have a look at our blog about Northern Lights.
We always recommend booking a multi-day tour starting at least one day after arriving in Iceland. If you’re flying in from the US or will be landing early (4-6:30 am) you should be able to join the tour, but some risks would follow (i.e if the flight gets delayed) and could, therefore, miss out on the tour.
If you're having trouble booking your tour, please note that we accept payments in Canadian Dollars (CAD), American Dollars (USD), British Pounds (GBP), Euros (EUR), and Icelandic Króna (ISK). Start by checking with your credit card provider to ensure they allow payments in your selected currency.
Sometimes, your credit card company may need to pre-authorize the transaction before you can complete your booking online.
If you're still facing issues while trying to book through our website, please reach out to our Customer Care Team. We’re here to help you!