Ring Road Itinerary- Iceland in 7 Days

Visiting Iceland is the trip of a lifetime, and the best way to see the country’s natural beauty is a road trip around the Ring Road! This route takes you around the entire country, showing the most stunning scenery Iceland has to offer. A 7-Day Ring Road trip is the perfect way to see Iceland’s most famous attractions while being short on time. Below is a detailed 7-Day Ring Road Itinerary and map, highlighting the best places to visit, where to camp, what to pack, and tips to have the best road trip ever.

How do I know this route will work? Because it is almost the exact same route I took when visiting Iceland during the summer Midnight Sun. Some modifications may be needed if visiting Iceland during winter.

Iceland Ring Road Itinerary Map

This 7-day trip will take 2224 kilometers or 1382 miles and 31 hours of driving, with an average of 4 hours and 45 minutes of driving a day.

What is Iceland’s Ring Road?

Iceland’s Ring Road is also known as Iceland’s Route 1. This is the 828-mile-long highway that runs around the entire country. By traveling around the Ring Road with some detours, you can see most of Iceland’s most popular attractions and landmarks including the Golden Circle, Diamond Beach, and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. On this drive, you will see glaciers, waterfalls, and hot springs unlike anywhere else in the world.

It is easiest to travel the Ring Road in summer, but it is usually open year-round. It does sometimes become impassible in winter due to snow and harsh conditions. Driving the Ring Road is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and the best way to see Iceland!

Is 7 Days Enough to Drive the Ring Road?

7 Days is just enough time to road trip around the entirety of the Ring Road of Iceland. If you are short on time, this is a great option to see the highlights with a packed schedule. However, it does not leave a lot of extra room if there is an area of the island you want to spend more time in, or if you want to travel slower, so most people would prefer a 10 or more–day trip to Iceland.

Do You Need 4WD for the Ring Road?

No, you do not need 4WD to drive the main part of the ring road in Iceland. We did not rent a 4WD van to keep help keep costs down and allow us to travel through Iceland on a budget. All of the attractions and landmarks listed below can be accessed without 4WD.

That being said, it is a lot easier to get around Iceland with 4×4 and you can access more remote places. We encountered several gravel and dirt roads, and while we could drive down them with just 2WD it would have been a lot more comfortable with 4WD. In particular, the section of road on 939 is a lot of uphill and gravel, but we were able to manage with 2WD.

Tips for Driving in Iceland

While driving in Iceland is not too different from the United States or most of Europe, there are some things to be aware of before hitting the roads.

• Go slow and watch out for sheep and wildlife on the roads. Sheep in particular are everywhere in Iceland and often near the roads. They are accustomed to cars, so may not run away when you drive by. Go slow and keep an eye on nearby sheep.
• Always check the road conditions and local weather. In particular, make sure to check the wind forecast along the route you will be driving for the day. The average wind speed in Iceland is over 11 mph and can reach up to 40 mph. A great website is vedur.is for wind, temperature, and precipitation forecast
• Expect each day of driving to take a little bit longer than planned. Iceland has plenty of beautiful sites right from the roadways, so you may want to stop at various pull-offs for photos.
• Iceland drives on the right side of the road. This is the same as most of Europe and North America where many visitors come from.

How to Camp in Iceland

If you are visiting from the United States, you will find camping in Iceland to be a very different experience. Below are a few key things to know about camping in Iceland

Campgrounds in Iceland do not have specific sites but are large grassy or sometimes gravel areas. This means that you do not reserve a site ahead of time, but instead find an empty area to park or set up your tent. There is also no electricity, picnic tables, or campfire rings near where you will camp. Instead, most campgrounds have a communal kitchen area with water, electricity, and usually a small stove or hot plate.

When arriving at a campground, usually you will go to the front office to pay the fee (averaging around $10-$20 per person) or someone will come around to collect payment.

It used to be fairly common to camp almost anywhere in Iceland, which has led to more restrictions and now it is highly encouraged to only camp in campgrounds, and illegal to camp in most other places.

Tent vs Campervan Camping in Iceland

You can either tent camp or camp in a campervan in Iceland campgrounds. While tent camping is cheaper, especially if you can bring your own tent, there are some distinct advantages to renting a campervan in Iceland.

Iceland is known for its strong winds and often has cold temperatures and rain even in summer, so a van gives you hard walls to protect against the elements. We also used the heater in our campervan frequently, even when camping in late June. Some campgrounds also have primarily gravel spots, which would be more uncomfortable in a tent.

7-Day Iceland Ring Road Itinerary

Above is a quick summary of 7 Day Iceland Ring Road Itinerary. Day 1 will have you travel from Reykjavik to Vik, hitting stops such as the Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle, and waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Day 2 continues up the Southern Coast of Iceland to famous canyons and glaciers before stopping in Höfn. On Day 3 you will travel through the Eastern Fjords to the picturesque fishing village of Seydisfjordur. Day 4 routes across the Northern part of Iceland, visiting vibrant turquoise waters. Day 5 will lead you from Húsavík over to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, with many stops at waterfalls and hot springs. Day 6 tours the Snæfellsnes Peninsula– including the famous Kirkjufell mountain. Finally, Day 7 will be leaving Iceland with a few final stops and exploring the capital of Reykjavik.

Day 1- Reykjavik to Vik

• Reykjavik to Vik Distance: 345 km (Starting at Blue Lagoon) (214 miles)
• Driving Time: 4 hours 50 minutes

Day 1 of your Iceland road trip is a busy day driving along the Southern Coast! Be ready to start early or hit the ground running as soon as your plane gets in. You will see some of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland as well as tour the Golden Circle.

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular and iconic hot springs in Iceland. The Blue Lagoon is only 23 minutes from Keflavík International Airport and 43 minutes from Reykjavik. This makes it the perfect first stop after arriving in Iceland for your Ring Road Trip! This is a popular spot in Iceland so to avoid peak crowds plan on arriving early in the morning or later in the day. You can book your spot ahead of time online to ensure you can enter the lagoon.

The Blue Lagoon varies in price depending on the time of day and package you select but will usually run around $60 to $100 for the basic package which includes a drink and mud mask. The water is extremely salty so make sure to put your hair up, and the lagoon suggests putting a lot of conditioner in your hair before getting in.

The Golden Circle

After the Blue Lagoon, head off to part of the “Golden Circle” of Iceland. The Golden Circle consists of three main attractions Geysir, Gullfoss, and Thingvellir National Park. You can visit all three of these in one day, although we opted to visit Geysir and Gullfoss on our first day and hit Thingvellir on the last day of the road trip.

Kerid Crater

Kerid Crater is a side stop on the Golden Circle. This crater is the remnants of an ancient collapsed volcano. In the center of the crater, a small lake sits with brilliant blue water. Unlike most of the rest of the Golden Circle, you do have to pay 500 isk per person (approximately $3.50 USD) to visit the crater.

It is about three-quarters of a mile to walk along the rim of the crater, and a quarter of a mile to walk down to the water in the center of the crater. It will take most people half an hour to an hour to visit Kerid Crater.

Geysir

The Geysir Geothermal Area was my favorite stop on the Golden Circle! There are many small geysers and hot springs, with Strokkur being the star. Strokkur geyser is a large 65-foot geyser that erupts every five to ten minutes. Come prepared with a fast shutter to capture the height of this geyser! The largest geyser here is called simply Geysir but it erupts very infrequently and is currently inactive.

Next to the geothermal area is a large parking area and center with a restaurant and gift shop. This makes a great spot for lunch or a quick break.

Gullfoss

Just 10 minutes up the road from Geysir is Gullfoss, a spectacular 100-foot-tall waterfall! Gullfoss translates to Golden Falls due to the way the light can catch the falls to appear “golden”. You may also see a rainbow above the falls depending on the lighting. There is an upper viewpoint as well as a lower viewpoint down at the base of the first waterfall drop.

Seljalandsfoss

After Gullfoss, head away from the Golden Circle and down to the South Coast of Iceland. You will be able to see Seljalandsfoss from the road and can park not far from the waterfall. Seljalandsfoss was my favorite waterfall in Iceland, since it is one of the few you can walk behind, and is a spectacular 200-foot drop.

Arrive at sunset for the best photo opportunities looking behind the waterfall. Expect crowds here since this is one of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland and respect others that may be passing on the trail behind the falls. Wear a raincoat or protect your electronics since you will get wet walking up to the waterfall.

Gljúfrabúi

From the same parking lot, you can access a hidden waterfall- Gljúfrabúi (sometimes called Gljufrafoss). There is a trail that runs to the left of the parking lot and it is a half a mile walk to the entrance of a small gorge. Peek in the gorge and you will see Gljúfrabúi pouring down. You have to walk through the water a little bit, but you can then walk to the base of this raging waterfall.

Wear some waterproof shoes and a raincoat because you will get soaked!

Skógafoss

Skógafoss is another one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland, only a 30-minute drive from Seljalandsfoss. From the parking lot, you can walk right to the base of the falls or climb up the 500 steps to view the waterfall from the top.

There is a campground here if this is where you end your day. Just down the road is the Skógar Museum which has lots of information on the culture and architectural history of Iceland.

Kvernufoss

Just behind the museum is parking for Kvernufoss. This hike is an easy mile walk back into a gorge to the 100-foot tall, hidden waterfall. This hike has spectacular views and is well worth the added stop if you have time on your Ring Road Trip.

Where to Stay Near Vik

End your day in or near the small town of Vik.

Hotels Near Vik

• Hotel Vík í Mýrdali– A hotel in Vik near the campground and Skool Beans
• Hotel Kria– A hotel located close to the beach with a restaurant in Vik.

Campgrounds Near Vik

• Skógar Campsite– A campsite right near the base of Skógafoss. Camp here and you can wake up to epic views steps from your tent or van.
• Vik Campground– This campsite is in the center of town and right next to Skool Beans for breakfast in the morning.
• Þakgil Campsite- This campsite is a 45-minute drive from Vik. It is worth the drive to stay at this campsite in a canyon. There are also cottages here available for rent.

Airbnbs Near Vik

• Cottage in Vik– Cute cottages located in the center of Vik
• Cabins by Reynisfjara– These cottages are near Reynisfjara with porches overlooking the black sand beach.

Day 2: Vik to Höfn

• Vik to Höfn Distance: 333 km (207 miles)
• Driving Time: 4 hours 50 minutes

Day 2 of your Iceland Ring Road trip features some of the best black sand beaches and canyons in Iceland!

In Vik visit Vík í Mýrdal Church. This cute church on a hill has a bright red roof and is hard to miss when in the town of Vik. In the summer, purple lupines surround the church, making a picturesque scene. For the best photo spot, climb the small hill behind the church.

Dyrhólaey

Before leaving the town of Vik, stop by Skool Beans for morning coffee. Skool Beans is a cafe operated out of an old school bus and it is so cozy, and has the absolute best mocha ever!

The first stop of the day is Dyrhólaey. Dyrhólaey is a peninsula famous for being a common spot to spot puffins! You will have to backtrack a bit from Vik, as it is about 20 km (12 miles) to the East of Vik, so if you have time, you can also add this to Day 1 before arriving in Vik.

Dyrhólaey is up on a hill and sometimes engulfed in clouds. When we visited, unfortunately, the peninsula was entirely fogged out and we couldn’t see any of the puffins. If there are no puffins, the lighthouse here is still worth a visit, and when the day is clear, there is an outstanding view of Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach.

Reynisfjara Beach

Reynisfjara is only minutes from Vik and one of the most scenic spots on the South Iceland Coast. When you think of “Iceland”, black sand beaches come to mind and this is the most famous black sand beach in Iceland and possibly the world.

It is only a short walk from the parking lot to the beach. Stunning black basalt columns jut out from the sand and you can climb or sit on them for a great photo opportunity. Just to the West of Reynisfjara Parking is a shallow basalt cave, Hálsanefshellir Cave, that you can walk back into. If you look out to the West, Reynisdrangar, a jagged rock formation sticks out of the sea.

Enjoy your time at the beach but watch out for sneaker waves! These can overwhelm the unprepared and have been known to kill people. Do your research and know how to avoid them.

At the parking area, there is also the Black Beach Restaurant where you can grab some lunch or coffee or use the restroom for a fee.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is a must-see on your Iceland Road Trip. This was one of my most anticipated spots in Iceland and it did not let me down! You will have to turn off the Ring Road and travel for a couple of miles down a road that will turn to gravel to get to the parking. This road is fairly well maintained and should be drivable for most cars.

From the parking area, walk up the path and there are several viewing areas along the canyon. The whole trail is about 1 mile each way, and you should plan about 45 minutes to an hour depending on how long you want to stop and take photos. Of the viewing platforms, the third was my favorite. You can look directly into the canyon and view the waterfall Mögáfoss across the canyon.

Svínafellsjökull Glacier

There is a little over an hour’s drive to the next stop on your 1 week Iceland Itinerary- Svínafellsjökull Glacier. Take the Ring Road West to F Road Svínafellsjökull Glacier as it is labeled on Google. Unlike most F Roads in Iceland, this one is not overly rough and we were able to travel down it with a 2WD van.

From the parking lot, it is about a 1.5-mile round trip hike to view the glacier. I wasn’t sure what to expect here, but was blown away by the sheer size of this glacier!

If you want to see a glacier even closer, book a glacier hiking tour!

Múlagljúfur Canyon

If you want to add some hiking to your vacation, make sure to check out the trail to Múlagljúfur Canyon and Hangandifoss. This is one of the best hikes in Iceland! Where else can you see mountains, the ocean, a glacier, and a waterfall all from one location?

AllTrails has this listed as a 3.6-mile hike round trip, but I thought the best views were around 1.4 miles in, making it 2.8 miles. After that, the trail gets significantly steeper without much of a change in view and you can no longer see into the canyon.

This trail is moderate but well worth the effort! The road to the trailhead is an unmarked, nondescript gravel road so make sure to have your map downloaded and keep a lookout for it!

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

The Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon was my absolute favorite spot in Iceland. There are several spots where you can park and walk up to the lagoon so it is easy to spread out and be alone. We visited during the twilight hours of the Midnight sun so the whole sky was lit up in orange and the blue glaciers drifted serenely by.

You can venture out into the lagoon on a zodiac or boat tour and in the winter this is also a spot for ice cave tours!

Diamond Beach

Finish off Day 2 of your Iceland Road Trip at Diamond Beach! This black sand beach is right next to the Jökulsárlón Lagoon, so you could visit here first if you wish. Ice from the lagoon drifts down the channel and out to sea before washing back up on the shore at Diamond Beach. The sea smooths the ice giving it a glass-like “diamond” appearance.

Don’t be too disappointed if there are not many ice pieces on the beach when you visit. I have heard of people visiting and the beach being almost empty and others saw “diamonds” large enough to sit on! There were a fair number of smaller ice pieces when we visited, so I would recommend visiting no matter what and seeing the beach for yourself!

Where to Stay Near Höfn

After Diamond Beach and the Glacier Lagoon, travel up to the town of Höfn to stay for the night.

Hotels Near Höfn

• Hotel Höfn– Hotel Höfn is a casual hotel in the middle of Höfn
• Höfn Hostel– While not an actual hotel, this hostel is a great option for budget travelers.

Campgrounds Near Höfn

• Camping Höfn– This campground is conveniently located inside the town of Höfn and right next to a bay that overlooks the surrounding area.
• Vestrahorn Camping– This campground is small, but we camped here for the convenience of being near the Vestrahorn- the first stop of Iceland Day 3.

Airbnbs Near Höfn

• Guesthouse Near Höfn– This is a guesthouse with several rooms outside of Höfn but with amazing mountain views.
• Small Cabin– These small cabins are also a little outside the town.

Day 3: Höfn to Seydisfjordur

• Höfn to Seydisfjordur Distance 259 km (161 miles)
• Driving Time: 3 hours 45 minutes

Iceland Day 3 is driving through the Eastern Fjords and up to the cutest Iceland town- Seydisfjordur. There are some long stretches of isolated roads on this drive, so make sure to fill up on gas and snacks before leaving Höfn.

Vestrahorn

Vestrahorn is a dramatic mountain just 20 minutes from Höfn. The best view of Vestrahorn is down a private road on a peninsula with a small fee to access it. If you stay at the campground this fee is included in your stay. The café near here is also a great place to stop and warm up on your trip.

The peninsula itself is often windy and the mountain may be covered in clouds, so check conditions and if the mountain is clouded it may be best to visit another day. Conditions can change very quickly though, so if the weather looks good, go right away! When we arrived at the Vestrahorn Campground the mountain was mostly visible but within minutes had become covered in clouds.

Eastern Fjords

A lot of Day 3 is spent road-tripping through the Eastern Fjords. To get to the next stop- Hengifoss, you go over a mountain pass on either Road 939 or 95. Both of these roads are gravel roads but still should be drivable in 2WD cars, it may just be a slower drive.

Look out for reindeer on this drive! We saw some right before going over the mountains! If you want another stop on the drive Djúpavogskörin hot springs is a natural bath you can find about 101 km (63 miles) from Höfn.

Hengifoss

Hengifoss is one of the most unique waterfalls you will find in Iceland. It is well known for its bright red strips of clay in the basalt behind the waterfall.

It is a moderate hike up to the waterfall with 830 feet of elevation gain over 1.5 miles each way. Halfway up the trail is a smaller waterfall- Litlanesfoss that is worth a stop at. Several benches are placed along the trail if you need a rest.

Seydisfjordur

The road to Seydisfjordur, known as the Fjarðarheiði Pass, is one of the most scenic drives in Iceland. Take a leisurely drive and stop at the various viewpoints to take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and fjords.

What To Do in Seydisfjordur

Depending on when you left Höfn and how long you spend driving, you will likely have a bit of extra time in Seydisfjordur. Below are a few of the best things to do in Seydisfjordur.

• Go Hiking– There are a few hiking trails near Seydisfjordur. You can take a short walk to Vestdalsfossar waterfall. Or hike the longer 8-mile hike up to Vestdalsvatn Lake.
• Visit the Blue Church- Seyðisfjarðarkirkja is located in the center of Seydisfjordur. It is iconic for the beautiful blue color, and the rainbow-painted road leading up to the church steps. The church is open to visitors from June through August.
• Enjoy some Icelandic Food– If staying overnight in Seydisfjordur, it is an excellent place for dinner. Skaftfell Bistro is highly rated, or if you want something fast, the Fancy Sheep food truck has delicious fish and chips and lamb burgers!
• Explore the Fjords– The fjords surrounding Seydisfjordur are some of the most beautiful in Iceland. Continue driving on the roads past the town into the fjords and enjoy the sites. We continued some ways on the Southern road, stopping to admire the fields of lupines on the way. It is worth noting, however, that this road does turn to gravel.

Where to Stay Near Seydisfjordur

Hotels Near Seydisfjordur

• Hotel Aldan– This is a cozy hotel in the center of town, right next to the water.
• Hafaldan Hostel– To save some money, you can also book a hostel in Seydisfjordur.

Campgrounds Near Seydisfjordur

• Seydisfjordur Campground– There is only one campground in Seydisfjordur, but it is conveniently located close to the center of town, making it a great place to park and walk.

Airbnbs Near Seydisfjordur

• Cottage with Mountain View– A cute cabin with a hot tub and views of the fjord.
• Studio by the Sea-A studio near Seydisfjordur overlooking the sea.

Day 4: Seydisfjordur to Húsavík

• Seydisfjordur to Húsavík Distance: 376 km (234 miles)
• Driving Time: 5 hours 10 minutes

Day 4 of your Iceland Ring Road Trip travels along the North side of Iceland to the famous Stuðlagil Canyon, through some of the most remote areas of Iceland, and to the most powerful waterfall in Europe!

If you did not get to fully explore Seydisfjordur the day before, spend some time there in the morning, grabbing breakfast before heading onwards.

Stuðlagil Canyon

Stuðlagil Canyon is one of the most famous and iconic spots in Iceland. The vibrant blue water flows through a black basalt canyon, making for a striking photography spot. There are two ways to see the canyon- on the West side and the East side.

East Side of Stuðlagil Canyon

The East side of the canyon is a longer hike but has a better view and is the only way to get down into the canyon. If you do not have 4WD, you will need to park in a lot (labeled Stuðlagil (East side parking) in Google) and hike quite a bit down to the viewpoint (3 miles one way). If you do have 4WD you can continue over the bridge and down a rough road to a parking lot only 1.5 miles from the canyon viewpoint. You will pass Stuðlafoss waterfall, and reach a good spot to photograph and view the canyon. You can descend into the canyon, but it is steep and we opted not to do it in the rain.

West Side of Stuðlagil Canyon

If you are short on time or do not want to hike, you can also view the canyon from the West side and it is a much shorter walk. Keep driving on the West side of the canyon, past the bridge, and to a turn-off that leads to a parking lot and campground. From here you can walk down a set of metal stairs and view the canyon. This view is not quite as good in my opinion, but worth it if you are short on time! There are also some conveniently located restrooms near the parking lot.

Viti Crater

The next stop on Day 4 of your Iceland Road Trip is Viti Crater. It is an almost 2-hour drive from Stuðlagil, but one of the most scenic drives in Iceland! Don’t be afraid to pull over and photograph some of the volcanoes and mountains you will drive by. This is also one of the most deserted areas, and we experienced the strongest winds of our trip here.

Viti Crater is down a side road off the Ring Road. You will pass by an interesting geothermal power plant on the drive, and will likely be able to see the steam from the Ring Road.

Make sure you navigate to Viti Crater, or Viti Crater Parking, as there is also a Lake Viti in Iceland that is harder to get to. Viti Crater, sometimes called Krafla Viti Crater, is a vibrant blue crater lake formed by the volcanic caldera. You can view it a few steps from the parking lot or walk to the top of the crater for a better view with a 0.25-mile hike.

We found this to be a very muddy and windy spot when we visited in June so dress appropriately!

Dettifoss

Dettifoss is the most powerful waterfall in Europe and truly a site to see (and feel)! When you get closer to the waterfall you can feel the ground shake beneath your feet!

Dettifoss has both an East and a West Side.  The East side is described as having a better view and better for photography, but it requires a long drive down a rough road that closes seasonally with a small parking lot. We opted to instead visit the West side.

The road leading to the West viewpoint is paved, and from the parking lot, it is a short walk to view the falls from an upper or lower viewpoint. It is possible to visit both but keep in mind it is over an hour to drive between the two viewpoints.

You can add to your hike to visit Selfoss for a 2.2-mile hike. Hafragilsfoss is also visible on the trail 1.4 miles North of Dettifoss.

Where to Stay Near Húsavík

Continue to Húsavík to grab some dinner and as a starting point for your fifth day in Iceland

Hotels Near Húsavík

• Fosshotel Húsavík– A 3-star hotel with a restaurant in Húsavík
• Húsavík Green Hostel– This hostel in Húsavík is a great budget option in the middle of town.

Campgrounds Near Húsavík

• Camping 66.12 North– This campground is about 15 miles outside of Húsavík, but worth the drive for the stunning views of the coastline.
• Húsavík Campground– This campground is closer to Húsavík and conveniently located

Airbnbs Near Húsavík

• Cottage Near Húsavík– This adorable cottage has magnificent views and is surrounded by wildflowers in the summer.
• Villa Near Húsavík– If traveling with a larger group, this is a great rental option near Húsavík.

Day 5: Húsavík to Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Húsavík to Snæfellsnes Peninsula Distance: 513 km (319 miles)
Driving Time: 6 hours 50 minutes

The town of Húsavík is so quaint. It makes a great place to grab breakfast in the morning and dinner the night before. Take a walk along the docks before leaving and don’t forget to try some fresh fish!

Day 5 of this Iceland itinerary is the longest driving day, but incredibly beautiful. While some key stops are highlighted below, you may want to add additional stops to break up the drive.

Geosea

Geosea is not as famous as the Southern hot spring- Blue Lagoon, but it is just as relaxing! It costs about $44, not including a towel or robe. You can also purchase drinks at the swim-up bar. Geosea is smaller and less crowded compared to the Blue Lagoon and with a better view. It also does not have the iconic blue water of the Blue Lagoon but is still a fun and relaxing stop in North Iceland.

Goðafoss

Goðafoss is a horseshoe-shaped waterfall that spans 100 feet and translates to “Waterfall of the Gods”. It is a short walk from the parking lot, and well worth the stop! You can view the waterfall from the East or West side, and there is a bridge, making it easy to visit both sides.

Fosslaug Hot Spring & Reykjafoss Waterfall

The route from Goðafoss to the West side of Iceland is another stretch of beautiful scenery through the mountains. You will pass through a tunnel after the town of Akureyri that has a toll associated with it.

There are several attractions you can detour to while driving toward the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. One stop is Reykjafoss Waterfall and Fosslaug Hot Spring. It is only about a 0.4-mile walk each way from the parking lot to the Reykjafoss waterfall. If you walk a little bit further and cross the small river, you will reach the Fosslaug Hot Spring, a perfect place for a dip.

Guðrúnarlaug Hot Spring

Another attraction near the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is Guðrúnarlaug Hot Spring. This hot spring has been made fairly famous due to Instagram. It is a picturesque hot pool with a rustic changing room, kept warm from the ground.

Spend the night nearby the hot spring, or continue onto the Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Where to Stay Near Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Hotels Near Snæfellsnes Peninsula

• Hotel Langaholt– A 3-star hotel on the Southern coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
• Fosshotel Hellnar- A modern hotel near the Icelandic coastal town of Arnarstapi
• Grundarfordur Hostel– A budget hostel near the Kirkjufell mountain

Campgrounds Near Snæfellsnes Peninsula

• Búðardalur Campground– This campground is a little bit further from the Peninsula but closer to the Guðrúnarlaug Hot Spring, if you don’t want to drive as far.
• Campground Grundarfjörður– The campsite is right next to the main town of Grundarfjörður on the Peninsula.
• Campsite Ólafsvík- A campground near Ólafsvík with amazing views!

Airbnbs Near Snæfellsnes Peninsula

• Guesthouse Hof– Several cabins on the Southern coast of the peninsula with grass roofs.
• Cabin Near Kirkjufell– This cabin has a hot tub with a magnificent view of Kirkjufell!
• Green Cabin Near Grundarfjörður– An adorable green cottage on the Northern coast of the peninsula.

Day 6: Snæfellsnes Peninsula

• Snæfellsnes Peninsula Distance: 105 km (65 miles)
• Driving Time: 1 hour 32 minutes

The second to last day in Iceland will be spent touring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. There is so much to see and do on this drive, and you can add in even more stops if you have time. The destinations below are listed starting on the Southern edge of the Peninsula and working North, but you can also do this road trip in reverse.

Búðakirkja

Búðakirkja is one of the famous black churches in Iceland. It is still used by locals, although it is more often visited by tourists. This is a quick stop on your tour, but a great photo opportunity to see the striking black church against Iceland’s green landscape.

Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge

Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge was one of my favorite stops on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Look out for the gravel drive off Highway 1 that leads to the trailhead. This is a quick 0.6-mile hike up a hill and into the gorge. Like Gljúfrabúi on Day 1, expect to get your feet wet (or wear waterproof boots) as you hike up the stream to see the small waterfall inside the canyon.

Dritvik Djúpalónssandur Black Sand Beach

Hopefully, you are not yet too tired of Iceland’s striking shorelines (and how could you be?), to make a stop at Dritvik Djúpalónssandur, a beautiful black lava sand beach. This beach is at the far West end of the peninsula. It is unique for its dark black sand and rocky lava cliffs that encircle the beach.

Scattered across the beach are shipwreck pieces from the British boat, The Epine GY7. The remains are neat to look at but don’t touch, as they were left in memory of the fisherman who died on the boat.

Svörtuloft Lighthouse

Another example of striking Icelandic architecture is Svörtuloft Lighthouse, found on the Northwest end of the Peninsula. The paved road leading here ends at Skarðsvík Beach, and after that, the road is gravel and bumpy for about 2.5 miles. The stunning orange lighthouse is hard to miss, with a short trail leading up to it.

Kirkjufell & Kirkjufellsfoss

Kirkjufell– which translates to “Church Mountain” is the most photographed mountain in Iceland and is often considered the most beautiful. Kirkjufellsfoss is the name of the waterfall that is often photographed in the foreground of the mountain.

You can see Kirkjufell from almost anywhere in Grundarfjörður, but there is a dedicated parking lot to park and walk to the waterfall and the angle Kirkjufell is most often photographed. It is worth noting that the mountain only has the unique “pointy cone” shape from this particular angle, and is wide and flat if viewed from other angles (but still a site to see!)

There is a small fee at the parking lot, and a trail leading to the waterfall and several viewpoints. This is an extremely popular photography spot, so if visiting during sunrise or sunset, expect other photographers with tripods to be present. Do not leave the trail or bypass the ropes that have been put up, as this ruins the area and future visitors’ experience.

Other Things To Do on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula

If you have more time, here are a few other things to do on the Snaefellssnes Peninsula:

• Ingjaldshóll Church– This is a beautiful red-roofed Icelandic church that is a great photo spot, due to being surrounded by purple lupine flowers in the summer.
• Arnarstapi Cliffs– The Arnarstapi coastline has a 2-mile hike along the cliffs which includes seeing the stone arch of Gatklettur.
• Saxholl Crater– Saxholl is an ancient crater that you can climb with a 0.4-mile walk.
• Vatnishellar Cave– If you are looking for something truly unique to add to your Iceland trip you can take a guided tour of the Vatnishellar Cave– an 8,000-year-old lava cave. Make sure to book ahead of time.
• Lóndrangar Cliffs- For a stunning viewpoint, park and take a look at the Lóndrangar Cliffs on the South West side of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
•  Bjarnafoss– This is a 262-foot-tall waterfall near the town of Búðir. You can view it from a distance, or park and hike closer.

Day 7: Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Reykjavik

• Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Reykjavik Distance: 293 km (182 miles)
• Driving Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

The last day of your Ring Road Trip will take you from the Snæfellsnes Peninsula back to Reykjavik and the airport with a couple of last-minute stops.

Þórufoss

Þórufoss is a great pit stop on the way to Thingvellir. You can either admire the waterfall from the viewpoint above or hike a quarter of a mile down to the falls.

Thingvellir

Thingvellir National Park is a must-see on your Iceland road trip. This is part of the “Golden Circle” that includes Gullfoss and Geysir and can certainly be added to Day 1 of your itinerary instead. However, since it is a little out of the way of those attractions we instead decided to fit it in on our last day.

Thingvellir is one of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Iceland, Surtsey Island, and Vatnajökull National Park being the other two, and is of great historical and ecological importance to Iceland

Things to Do in Thingvellier National Park

• Visit the Visitor Center- The Visitor Center has interactive information about the history and nature of the park and has an amazing overlook.
• Snorkeling the Silfra Fissure- The Silfra Fissure is where the European and North American tectonic plates have been slowly moving apart. While it is neat to see from land, it is infinitely cooler to experience underwater.
• Öxarárfoss Waterfall– Hike 2.6 miles to the manmade Öxarárfoss Waterfall.
• Hike the Tectonic Plate Boundary– This is a 1-mile hike starting at the visitor center, that allows you to pass through the tectonic plate boundary.

Reykjavik

If you have a bit of extra time and you did not yet explore Reykjavik, take some time to experience the city before leaving Iceland.

• Hallgrímskirkja– This is the tallest church in Iceland, dominating the center of Reykjavik. It has a very distinct look and also makes a great area to park near to explore the rest of town.
• The Rainbow Street– Also known as Skólavörðustígur Street, a portion of this street was painted in a vibrant rainbow, and makes for a great photo opportunity in Reykjavik!
• Sky Lagoon– Another alternative (or in addition to) the Blue Lagoon is the Sky Lagoon. Their packages range from $52 to $102 per person, and they offer a seven-step “Ritual” that includes a hot spring, cold dip, sauna, and steam.
•  Brauð & Co– A delicious bakery to stop at for breakfast or a snack.
• The Handknitting Association of Iceland– Iceland is famous for its wool. This shop is the perfect place to pick up a handknitted sweater, hat, or other souvenir
• Grótta Island Lighthouse– On the far North of the peninsula is the Grótta Island Lighthouse. It is accessible during low tide and a great place to view the Northern lights or coastline.

Leaving Iceland

After having your fill of Reykjavik, it is time to head back to the airport. either book a van or car near the airport or see if your rental has a shuttle. If neither option is available, you can also book the Flybus to transport from Reykjavik to the Keflavík airport.

When to Visit Iceland

There really is no wrong time to visit Iceland and when you go will depend on your goals for the trip!

If you want to visit during the Midnight Sun, summer is the time to visit! The Midnight Sun is when Iceland experiences periods of 24-hour light when the sun never sets, the longest days being near the summer solstice on June 21. This is the best time for photography because you can take photos in hours of perpetual sunrise/sunset. Iceland’s warmest months with the longest days are June, July, and August.

Iceland in winter is equally as magical and the best time to see the Northern Lights! It is harder to tour the entire Ring Road in the winter, but there is still plenty to see! The Northern Lights in Iceland have the best chance of being visible from September to April. It also surprises many people to know that the low temperatures in Iceland are fairly mild, with an average low of only 28 deg F in January.

How Much Did We Spend in Iceland?

You have likely heard that Iceland is very expensive, and while it is certainly not cheap if you are willing to make some sacrifices, it is possible to road trip Iceland on a budget.

For 2 people to spend 7 days and 6 nights in Iceland (in June of 2022) we paid around $2800, not including plane tickets. This was with cooking most meals and camping almost every night. Below is a breakdown of each spending category (not including souvenirs).

• Attractions- $353– We visited the Blue Lagoon and Geosea with the cheaper packages and had one drink in each spring. This also includes various parking fees for hikes.
• Van Rental & Gas- $1618- This was the biggest expense since our van rental was also our lodging for most nights.
• Restaurants & Cafes- $270– We ate out at 2 sit-down restaurants and one food truck and visited several cafes for coffee and small breakfast items.
• 1 Cabin Stay- $95- We spent one night in a cabin to break up the van days.
• 5 Campground Stays- $140– We spent almost every night in a campground where we could also get water.
• Groceries- $204– We prioritized cheap groceries and ate a lot of protein bars and ramen or other “add water” meals.
• Misc- $133- Things like showers, a broken stove, etc.

How to Save Money in Iceland

Below are a few tips we used to save money in Iceland and how you too can budget for your Iceland vacation.

• Camp instead of staying at Airbnbs and hotels- This was our biggest money saver in Iceland. Most hotels and rentals average $100-$300 a night, but our campgrounds averaged around $28 a night.
• Bring your own food– Food was probably the one area we could have saved more on. Groceries are cheaper in America than in Iceland, so one way to save money is to pack camping meals in a suitcase rather than buying food upon arrival.
• Don’t buy bottled water- The water in Iceland is very clean and you do not need to buy bottled water. Bring over a water bottle and fill up almost anywhere.
• Minimize tours- Iceland has a lot to see without needing a guided tour. Most hikes are easy to navigate in the summer without a guide, but if I were to go back, I would love to splurge on a glacier walk or ice cave tour.

Iceland Packing List

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Iceland Hiking Clothes to Pack

Below are clothes you will want to consider packing if you plan on doing a lot of hiking in Iceland, like the itinerary above calls for.

• Raincoat- You don’t want to visit Iceland without a rain jacket! This also works as a windbreaker- My Favorite Rain Jacket
• Fleece- A fleece or mid-layer is great to have when hiking so you can easily take it off to cool down- Soft REI Fleece
• Heavy Jacket– A puffy coat is necessary no matter the time of year. Layers are absolutely necessary in Iceland. I would often wear every layer when hiking in June- My absolute favorite puffy coat
• Day Pack– If you plan on doing a decent amount of hiking a day pack is always great to bring- Recommended Osprey Day Pack
• Beanie or Hat- You never know when the wind may pick up, so it is a good idea to always hike with a hat- Warm Beanie
• Waterproof Boots– We encountered a lot of mud in Iceland. Make sure to bring waterproof boots that have good traction- My Favorite Hiking Boots
• Thick Socks–  If you wear boots, make sure to bring good socks to not get blisters. Do not wear hiking boots without proper socks- The best hiking socks
• Moisture-Wicking Shirts- Any shirt will do, but the best hiking shirts are made of natural or synthetic moisture-wicking material that is breathable and dries quickly. I own a lot of these shirts and love them for hiking.
• Moisture-Wicking Pants– While they do not need to be waterproof, you will likely want either moisture-wicking or quick-drying pants if the forecast calls for rain- Comfortable Women’s Hiking Pants
• Sandals– Bring some form of sandal for visiting the hot springs- Teva Sandals
• Water Bottle– Bring a water bottle that you can fill up anywhere- Water Bottle
• Sunscreen– While it may not feel hot in Iceland, on sunny days you should still make sure to wear sunscreen- SPF 50 Sunscreen
• Camp Shoes– You won’t want to wear hiking boots the entire trip, so bring along a more comfortable pair of shoes to change into- My Favorite Camp Shoes
• Camera- Bring a camera to capture your memories!- Beginner Travel Camera
• Toiletry Bag– Don’t forget all the essentials when traveling- Roll Up Toiletry Bag
• Gloves- I was surprised how often I wore my Gloves in Iceland’s summer
• First Aid Kit– A first aid kit is a must in any hiking daypack no matter the trail length!- Day Hike First Aid Kit
• Swimsuit– If you plan on dipping in hot springs, don’t forget a swimsuit!

Iceland Campervan Packing List

Depending on what your campervan provides you may want some or all of the items below. Check with your rental agency to see what they provide vs what you are responsible for bringing.

• Reusable Camp Dishes– Instead of using paper plates, consider reusable bowls to save money and space, as well as reduce trash- Camp Plate and Bowl Set
• Utensils– You really only need a spork for utensils while camping- Spork
• Camp Stove– Plan on cooking with a stove at your campsite. Many National Parks do not allow fires in the summer. You will likely need to buy fuel after arriving in Iceland- Affordable Camp Stove
• Pot– For your stove, you will also need a pot- Camp Pot
• Mugs– Bring a mug for morning coffee!- My Favorite Camping Mug
• Towel– We had planned on buying towels once in Iceland to save packing space but were unable to find any at the stores. Don’t make the same mistake!- Multi Towel
• Sleeping Bags– Kelty makes a great budget but warm sleeping bag for Women and Men. Our campervan did come with a blanket but we were glad to have the extra warmth.
• Headlamp– Depending on when you visit you may want a  Headlamp and batteries. If visiting during the Midnight Sun this may not be necessary.

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