13 Day Self-Drive Ring Road & Westfjords Tour Around Iceland

Once you land, you can pick up your car at the airport or downtown Reykjavik at BSI Bus Terminal. We recommend arriving in Reykjavik as early as possible so you have time to explore all the attractions of day 1. If you have an afternoon flight, your best option is to stay overnight in Reykjavik and start your adventure the next day.

You’ll start your trip around Iceland by exploring one of the most popular attractions, the Golden Circle. The three main draws of the Golden Circle are Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss. 

Thingvellir National Park is of huge historical, cultural, and geological importance to Iceland and is definitely worth a visit. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rift valley piercing it right through the middle. The rift valley marks an abyss between two tectonic plates, the North American and Eurasian, where you can even dive or snorkel. 

Thingvellir National Park is also famous for hosting the first Icelandic parliament on its grounds. Alþingi, the national parliament of Iceland, was established in 930 and also is the oldest surviving parliament in the world. 

Next on the agenda is Geysir, a sleeping hot spring that gave the name geyser to the English language. Geysir hides in Haukadalur Valley, which is said to be Iceland’s hot spring paradise. There are over 40 small hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles in the area. 

Last on the itinerary for today is the famous Gulfoss Waterfall. Gullfoss is known for its “staircase” structure and dropping two-leveled cascade of 105 ft (32 m). The waterfall is fed by the Hvita River, which flows directly from Langjokull Glacier. The waterfall is truly majestic and a sight to witness. Don’t forget waterproof clothes and a camera!

On your way to the hotel in the Hvolsvöllur Area, you can also visit Faxi Waterfall. The waterfall is much more serene than Gullfoss and a popular fishing site due to the abundance of salmon. Also, Kerid Crater, a volcanic crater lake, is another impressive attraction along the Golden Circle.

After a hearty hotel breakfast, get ready for a day filled with the wonders of Iceland’s South Coast. You’ll drive along the southern shores of the island, exploring the mightiest waterfalls, notorious black sand beaches, and Iceland’s biggest glaciers.

You’ll start your day off with a visit to Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss Waterfalls. Both of the waterfalls are easy to reach and located not too far from the Ring Road. It’s best if you start with Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, a short detour from Road 1. The waterfall is famous because you can walk behind it and witness the panorama of Iceland’s South coast through a completely different perspective. If you decide to hike behind the cascade, be careful, as the path might be a bit slippery!

On the way to Skogafoss Waterfall, visit Gljúfrabúi Waterfall, a true hidden gem just behind Seljalandsfoss. Located just a ten-minute walk from Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi Waterfall is hard to notice at first. To reach the falls, you need to walk behind a cliff into a narrow canyon on a slippery path. It may be hard to find, but definitely worth a visit! The waterfall is favored by photographers due to its unique formation and remoteness. 

Next on the agenda is Skogafoss and Kvernufoss Waterfalls. Featured in many sagas, Skogafoss is well-known for a treasure chest hidden behind the cascade by the first Viking settler, Þrasi Þórólfsson. Also, you can count on seeing a double rainbow circling the falls almost all of the time due to the large amount of spray the waterfall produces. Kvernufoss Waterfall is another hidden gem right behind Skogafoss. See if you can spot it!

As you drive away from this waterfall wonderland, you’ll find yourself closer to the southern shores of Iceland and at the foothills of Mýrdalsjökull Glacier. Here, prepare for a guided glacier hiking experience on Solheimajokull, an outlet glacier. Before you settle for the night at your accommodation in Vik, we recommend hiking a-top Dyrhólaey Arch, the southernmost corner of the island, and strolling down Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach in the southern part of Vik.

On day 3 of your 13-day self-drive tour around Iceland, you’ll drive towards Vatnajokull National Park. On your way there, find lesser-known Icelandic wonders that might be worth a stop. For example, we recommend visiting the Church Floor, a flat columnar basalt stone slabs similar to church floor tiles. The slabs look as if they were man-made but history tells that no church ever existed in the area.

Also, Stjórnafoss Waterfall, Dverghamrar Cliffs, and Lómagnúpur Mountain might also be worth a visit. All of the attractions are a small detour from the Ring Road 1, yet all are breathtakingly beautiful.

One of the most prominent sights of the day will be the Svartifoss Waterfall, located in Skaftafell Nature Reserve. Skaftafell is a part of Vatnajokull National Park and hosts many of Iceland’s iconic natural wonders, such as Svínafellsjökull Glacier, Hvannadalshnúkur Mountain, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and the Diamond Beach.

Svartifoss Waterfall, fed by Svinafellsjokull Glacier, is known as the black falls. The cascade drops around 65 ft (20 m) over the edge of towering black basalt walls that look like an organ.

Not too far from the waterfall, you’ll find another hidden gem — Fjallsárlón Lake. It’s a glacial lake at the foothills of Fjallsjökull Glacier. Even though the lake is much smaller than Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, it’s big on the charm and surrounding views!

The final stops of the day are Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and the Diamond Beach. Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is famous for cradling quite a few icebergs that break free from the Vatnajokull Glacier. The icebergs float in the lake and glisten in the sun like diamonds. They end up on the shores of a black sand beach, the Diamond Beach. The lagoon and the beach will be more crowded than Fjallsarlon Lake, yet still worth a visit!

Often overlooked by most of the tourists, the East Fjords are one of the most beautiful corners in Iceland. Serene and sunny, filled with tiny fishing villages and a very small population, this corner of the world is definitely worth the visit.

Start day 4 of your journey around Iceland with a visit to Eystrahorn Mountain.

Eystrahorn Mountain, together with its sister Vestrahorn, mark the easternmost part of South Iceland. These two very steep mountains are connected by a black sand beach where, in 1912, one of the most popular fishing grounds were found. Under the shade of Vestrahorn, you’ll find Stokksnesviti Lighthouse. Built in 1946, the lighthouse is around 65 ft (19 m) tall and approx. 104 ft (32 m) above the sea level. The scenery in the area is breathtaking. 

Djúpivogur Town is next on the agenda. The town’s numerous facilities, accommodation, restaurants, and museums make it a popular spot for tourists. Djúpivogur is a small fishing town with many attractions in the area, including Teigarhorn Farm, built in 1880-82. The farm has been used as a weather observation area but is probably most famous for housing zeolites, minerals of all colors and shapes. 

South of Djúpivogur Town you’ll find Borgargardsvatn Lake. The lake is located between Hamarsjordur and Berufjordur Fjords. Borgargardsvatn is loved by both tourists and locals alike for its abundance of birds nesting around the area. You can often spot many duck and geese species. 

As you drive further along the eastern shore of Iceland, you’ll come across Saxa Cliff. The scenery around the area might seem relatively violent as the cliff is constantly hit by raging waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Saxa in Icelandic means cutting or chopping, and this is exactly what happens here: the ocean waves hit the cliff, cutting and spouting the seaweed and seawater into the air and onto the cliff’s top. 

Our next attraction on the agenda is Gufufoss Waterfall. It’s an impressive waterfall located close to Seydifjordur Fjord. The waterfall is fed by the Fjardara River and named after the mist it produces on a windy day. The river has over 25 waterfalls feeding on it and you might notice more on your way to Seydisfjardarkirkja Church. The church has become an Instagram celebrity because of its rainbow road leading up to its entrance.

The last attraction of the day is on the way to your accommodation. As you drive towards Egilsstadir, visit Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss Waterfalls. Fed by Hengifossa River, Hengifoss Waterfall is the second tallest waterfall in Iceland at 419 ft (128 m). Basalt columns surrounding the waterfall are lined with layers of red clay, creating a multi-layered effect. Litlanesfoss Waterfall is located a bit further down the cliff. 

Your accommodation for the night will be in Egilsstadir.

On day 5 of our 13-day self-drive tour around Iceland, you’ll start driving to the North of Iceland. Myvatn Lake and the geothermal area around it will spoil you with spectacular views, relaxed hikes, thundering waterfalls, and otherworldly lava fields.

The first attraction of the day is Dettifoss Waterfall. Dettifoss Waterfall is the second-biggest waterfall in Europe, discharging around 633 ft³/s (193 m³/s) of water. The cascade falls for 144 ft (44 m) and spreads across 330 ft (100 m). Equally astounding in winter and summer, Dettifoss is definitely worth the visit.

Next, you’re traveling towards a steamy hot spring wonderland. Hverarond is a strip of land containing an abundance of mud pots, hot springs, and fumaroles at the foothills of Namafjall Mountain. The land in and around the area is barren due to the fumes emitted from the ground. All you can see is steam rising from the earth and colorful minerals coloring the terrain, creating a Mars-like scenery.

As you drive further towards Lake Myvatn, stop at Grjótagjá Cave. Located on the eastern side of Lake Myvatn, the cave was used by outlaws in the 18th century. Outlaws used the natural hot spring inside the cave to bathe. After a few volcanic eruptions years later, the hot spring became too hot to bathe and was abandoned. Be careful upon entering the cave — the path is very narrow and has little security. 

One of the most fascinating attractions of the day will be Lake Myvatn. Situated in a highly active volcanic area, the lake was created 2300 years ago by a basaltic lava eruption. It’s a shallow eutrophic lake housing an abundance of waterbirds, especially ducks, in the surrounding wetlands. Due to various minerals in the lake, the smell in the surrounding areas might not be pleasant for some, but it’s definitely safe to breathe in. 

Just before you settle for the night in Akureyri, visit Godafoss Waterfall. Translated from Icelandic, Godafoss means “waterfall of gods” and rightly so. Legend has it that Thorgeir, the law speaker who introduced Christianity to Icelanders, threw all his old statues of Norse gods into the waterfall, turning it into the waterfall of gods. The waterfall is 39 ft (12 m) tall and 98 ft (30 m) wide. It’s one of the most visited places in Northern Iceland. 

You’ll spend the night in a hotel at Akureyri.

Day 6 of your tour will take you across the northern shores of Iceland. Before you take off, explore Akureyri. The small fishing village is considered the most beautiful town in Iceland. Located at the foothills of Eyjafjordur Fjord, the town is the second largest in the country. It’s the center of commerce and services in the North of Iceland and has a lot of activities to offer. In winter you can zoom down the slope in the skiing resort and visit a museum and botanical garden all year long.

Not too far from Akureyri, you’ll find Dalvik, another harbor town loved by locals and tourists alike. From Dalvik, you can also take a ferry to Grimsey Island, straddling the Arctic Circle.

On your way to Kolugljúfur Canyon, stop at the seashore to marvel at Hvitserkur Sea Stack. The sea stack is a peculiar-looking rock that rises from the water for 49 ft (15 m) east of the Vatnsnes Peninsula. Legend has it that an ogre named Hvitserkur couldn’t stand the sound of the local church bells and set out to break them. Unfortunately, he was caught in the sunlight and turned into stone. Some say the rock looks like a rhino, while others see a dragon. 

The final attraction of the day is Kolugljufur Canyon. Located in Vididalur Valley, the canyon is breathtakingly beautiful and has a waterfall right in the middle of it. The best way to see the canyon is from the bridge over the Vididalsa River. The river is considered to be one of the best places to catch salmon. The name of the valley and waterfall comes from a giantess, Kola, who lived nearby and ate salmon she caught in the canyon with her bare hands. 

You’ll spend the night in Iceland’s Northwest area.

On day 7 of your trip around Iceland, you’ll explore the Westfjords, a peninsula in the western part of the country. The peninsula is a sparsely populated natural wonder made of towering fjords, an abundance of hiking trails, and dotted with quirky fishing villages.

One of the first villages you’ll visit is Drangsnes Village. The village has only 67 inhabitants, but it’s big on the charm, wildlife, and attractions. One of the main attractions in the village are the Drangsnes Hot Tubs. They’re located in the middle of the village, overlooking the Steingrimsfjordur Fjord. From the hot tubs, you can see far into the ocean and the shores Grimsey Island. The area is flooded with birds and you can even spot a few whales not too far from the shore. 

To the North of Drangsnes Village, you’ll find another attraction worth a visit — Kaldbakshorn Mountain. The mountain is 1666 ft (508 m) high and towers over a cave. It has a steep cliff and narrow hiking paths, leading up to the top where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views over Hunafloi Bay. Birds and whales frequent the place a lot!

Next on the agenda is Djúpavik Village. It’s a small fishing village, once dedicated to herring fishing. Currently, it hosts seven houses, herring factory ruins, and a hotel. The factory was built in the 1930s and employed local men and women. Between the 1930s and 1940s, the village was thriving but due to a decline in herring, the factory had to close down in the 1950s. Now you’ll find a museum in the factory ruins. During your time there, also visit Djúpavikurfoss Waterfall.

A soak in the Gvendarlaug Natural Thermal Pool is the perfect way to end the day! There are two pools in Gvendarlaug. One of them is a protected archeological site and the other one is free for everyone to use. The pools are believed to have healing, if not miraculous, powers! While you’re there, visit the nearby Icelandic Museum of Sorcery and Witchcraft.

You’ll spend the night in Hólmavik.

On day 8 of the tour, you’ll be driving amongst many fishing villages sheltered by towering fjords. You’ll spend some time in the rebuilt village of Sudavik, explore the Museum of Arctic Fox and drive through many other astounding attractions of the west coast of Iceland.

The first stop you should make is the rebuilt town of Sudavik. The town has experienced a few landslides in 1995, yet rose again like a phoenix to become a main attraction in the west. Following the destructive landslides, the town was rebuilt in a safer location where it still resides to this day. In the following year, Icelanders collected over 300 million ISK to support its reconstruction. You can still visit the old location of the town since the remaining buildings are now used to house travelers during the summer. 

Once you’re in Sudavik, visit the Museum of Arctic Fox on a farm built in 1900. 

On your way to Ìsafjördur, the biggest town in the Westfjords, you’ll find quite a few attractions that are worth the visit. The first attraction you’ll arrive to after you leave Sudavik will be the Arnarnes Point. Arnarnes is an observation point providing breathtaking views of the surrounding fjords, ocean, and Ìsafjördur. Close to Arnarnes is Arnarnesviti Lighthouse. Built in 1921, the lighthouse looks exactly like the two found on Reykjavik’s harbor. 

Next on the agenda are Naustahvilft Valley and Tungudalur Waterfalls. Naustahvilft Valley is a bowl-shaped hanging valley found halfway up the Kirkjubólshlíð Mountain. Legend has it that a giantess lived near the mountain and sat on it to rest after a long journey home. Her bottom left a bowl-shaped indent on the side of the mountain. 

Around 1.15 mi (3 km) from Isafjordur, you’ll stumble upon probably the most easily accessible waterfalls in Iceland, the Tungudalur Waterfalls. A few of the hiking trails lead to the waterfalls from the car park. The views surrounding the waterfalls are astounding and during the winter, the area turns into a ski resort.

You’ll spend the night in Isafjordur Town.

Day 9 of your trip will be further dedicated to the Westfjords. One of the biggest attractions of the day is the Dynjandi Waterfall. On your way there, you’ll pass quite a few mountains, coves, and little fishing villages.

As you set off from Isafjordur and drive towards Bolungarvik Town, you’ll pass Òshyrna Mountain and a Òshólaviti Lighthouse just under the mountain. After approximately 8 mi (14 km) you’ll arrive at Bolungarvik Town. The town is one of the oldest fishing towns in the Westfjords and has sights worth visiting. In the town center, you’ll find a cozy camping ground, a swimming pool, and a National History Museum. The area around the town is popular for hiking and birdwatching.

One of the more popular hiking destinations in the area is Bolafjall Mountain. A gravel road leads to the top of the 2080 ft (634 m) tall mountain, where, on a good day, Greenland’s coast might be visible. 

On your way to Dynjandi Waterfall, you’ll pass two small fishing villages, Flateyri and Thingeyri. Both of the fishing villages are charming and provide services for weary travelers, so it’s a good place to stock up.

Dynjandi Waterfall is the biggest waterfall in the Westfjords and considered the most beautiful in Iceland. It falls for 328 ft (100 m) down a mountainside and is 98 ft (30 m) wide at the top, expanding to 196 ft (60 m) at the bottom. It falls gracefully on the rocks of the mountain like a laced veil. 

Before you settle for the night in Patreksfjördur, it might be worth paying a visit to Bildudalur Village.

Today will be a day dedicated to birdwatching at one of the best birdwatching cliffs in Iceland, Látrabjarg Cliff. On your way to the cliff, you’ll pass Örlygshöfn Cove. It’s located 22 mi (36 km) from Patreksfjordur and is on your way to Latrabjarg Cliff. The cove is a sparsely populated area, although you’ll find many cottages and lodges around the area. That is due to the birdwatching cliff being a popular attraction.

In the cove, see if you can spot Òlafsviti Lighthouse. Built in 1943, the lighthouse is made of concrete, and stands 45 ft (14 m) tall and 85 ft (26 m) above the sea level. 

Our next attraction on the agenda is Breiduvikurkirkja Church. Standing close to the westernmost point in Europe, the church was built in 1964 and, unlike any other church in Iceland, is made of concrete. The church serves the smallest congregation in the country.

And finally, the highlight of the day — Látrabjarg Cliff. The cliff is the westernmost point in Europe and home to many distinct bird species. It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Westfjords because it’s possible to see millions of puffins, northern gannets, guillemots, and razorbills from the cliff. For some species, like razorbill, the cliff is home to half of the world’s population. 

Before you head to your accommodation in Patreksfjördur, soak in the Hellulaug Natural Thermal Pool.

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, get ready to witness one of the most beautiful golden beaches in the country. As you know, Iceland is a volcanic island and most of its beaches are covered in tiny volcanic lava rocks. The Westfjords are famous for the most breathtaking golden sand beaches in the country.

The first beach you’ll explore today is Raudisandur Beach. On the way to the beach, you can also visit Bjargtangaviti Lighthouse, first built in 1913 and rebuilt in 1948. The beach is approximately 6 mi (10 km) long and surrounded by towering cliffs, one of which is the Látrabjarg Cliff. Raudisandur Beach gets its golden reddish color from scallop shells, broken into tiny shards of sand by the waves. On a sunny day, the beach might change its color from dark shades of red into bright yellow.

While you stroll down the beach, see if you can spot Saurbaejarkirkja Church. It’s nestled high upon one of the surrounding cliffs. 

On your way to Reykholár, where your accommodation for the night will be, you might want to spend a few hours exploring Vatnsfjördur and the area around Skipta River. Vatnsfjordur is a nature reserve not too far from Breidafjordur and close to Skipta River. Here, you’ll find an abundance of hiking trails, one of which will lead you to Skiptarfoss Waterfall.

Your accommodation for the night will be at a hotel in Reyholar Town.

Often referred to as Iceland in a nutshell, Snaefellsness Peninsula packs mountains, volcanoes, beaches, waterfalls and many other natural wonders in one place. 

As you make your way around the Snaefellsness Peninsula, the first attractions are going to be Òlafsdalur Valley, Krosshólaborg Hill, and Haukadalsvatn Lake. All located close to each other, the attractions are prominent in Icelandic sagas. The valley is famous for the first agriculture school in Iceland, the hill has a cross built in honor of an Icelandic noblewoman, and the lake is where Erik the Red had his homestead. 

Next on the agenda is Hraunsfjardarvatn Lake. The lake is located near the road leading from the northern part of Snaefellsnes Peninsula to its south. Near the lake, you’ll find plenty of attractions, such as Olkelda Mineral Spring, Gerduberg Cliff, and Ytri-Tunga Farm. To the North of the lake, you’ll find a few fishing towns, one of which is called Grundarfjordur. The town hosts the famous Kirkjufell Mountain and the Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall. 

As you drive further to the west, you’ll discover Snaefellsjökull National Park. Established in 2001, the park protects the unique landscapes, plants, wildlife, and historical relics. Snaefellsjokull National Park is the only park in Iceland connected to ocean coastline. 

One of the most prominent sights in the park is Snaefellsjökull Glacier. The glacier is 4745 ft (1446 m) high and hides a volcano underneath. The entrance to the center of the earth in Jule Verne’s book is located on the glacier. While you’re there, also visit Djúpalónssandur Beach. 

The beach is covered in beautifully polished black pebbles and the remains of a 1948 shipwreck. On the beach, you’ll also find a lifting stones used to measure fishermen’s strength. See if you can lift one of them!

On your way to Arnarstapi, it might be worth stopping at Hellnar Village, where Lóndrangar Cliff is located. Hellnar is an ancient village that used to be the biggest fishing port in Snaefellsnes. Now, you can visit a few farms and 1560s houses there. Londrangar Cliff is located to the west of the village and is home to black-legged kittiwakes and puffins. 

Next on the agenda is Arnarstapi Village, located in the shade of Snaefellsjokull Glacier. The village is a charming fishing village with lots to do and see. Around the area, you’ll find basalt cliffs, ravines, tiny islets, and grottos. The village is great for restocking and refueling. 

Just before you head to your accommodation for the night, visit Ytri Tunga. The beach is covered and surrounded by sparkly golden sand dunes and is known to be a resting site for seals. They often stick their heads up from the water or take a nap on the rocks just a few meters off the coast.

On the last day of your tour, you’ll have a chance to visit two breathtaking waterfalls and drive through the Reykjanes Peninsula. Surrounded by an exquisite landscape, you’ll return back to Reykjavik with a bag full of memories.

The first two attractions on your agenda today are Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfalls. Hraunfossar is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country stretching around 3000 ft (900 m) in width. The waterfall is located in the lava field and its water pours through the lava rocks, creating a curtain-like effect. 

Not too far from Hraunfossar, you’ll find Barnafoss Waterfall. Running through a narrow, rocky gorge, the fall gets its name from an unlucky accident. It’s been said that two boys from Hraunsas Farm wandered away from their home and drowned in the waterfall. Both of the waterfalls are stunning and definitely worth a visit!

Next on the agenda is Delidartunguhver Geothermal Area. Delidartunguhver is the most powerful hot spring in Europe, producing 47 gallons (180 liters) of water per second. The water temperature is 207 °F (97 °C) and heats the houses within a 40 mi (64 km) radius. 

As you continue driving south, you’ll stumble upon Kleifarvatn Lake. The lake is the biggest in Reykjanes Peninsula and is located in the fissure zone of the mid-Atlantic ridge.

Cap of your day with a soak in the Blue Lagoon. It is optional but highly recommended.