Self Drive
Iceland Ring Road and Hiking Tour
The Iceland Ring Road & Hiking Tour is an exciting 12 day self drive adventure. Guided glacier hike & detailed hiking maps included.
- Trees planted 18
- Available jun, jul, aug, sep
- Duration 12 days / 11 nights
- Departure Keflavík International airport
- Distance driven aprox. 2420 km / 1500 miles
What you'll experience.
The Iceland Ring Road & Hiking Tour is an exciting 12 day self drive adventure. This road trip will take you to all the major attractions of Iceland and includes interesting hikes along the way, both guided and self guided.
Journey around the Iceland ring road and visit some amazing natural attractions. Marvel at stunning waterfalls. See the amazing glacier lagoon. Enjoy awe-inspiring views over majestic glaciers and towering volcanoes. And get in touch with mother nature in the vast, desolate wilderness of Iceland.
The tour includes a guided glacier hike on one of Iceland’s ice cap glaciers. You will also get detailed maps of hiking trails along the way such as: The stunning Stórurð canyon in the magical East fjords, Landmannalaugar highland trails, and more.
Please note
Highlands areas like Landmannalaugar area are often closed during early summer. If the areas are closed during the time that you will be visiting Iceland, we will find suitable hiking option for replacement.
Adding optional activities may change the itinerary slightly. A detailed itinerary will be provided once booking has been confirmed.
To request a price quote for this tour, please fill out the enquiry form, and we will send you a price quote based on your preferences.
Don’t want to drive yourself? Check out our selection of guided multi-day tours here.
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Rental car selection.
If you are planning on driving in Iceland during winter, between September and May, we highly recommend choosing a 4x4 vehicle for your safety and to make your vacation more enjoyable. The weather in Iceland can change suddenly and you could encounter snow or sleet. Some roads are also not accessible for smaller vehicles but can be reached on 4x4´s.
To ensure your safety on our self-drive tours in Iceland, we only provide 4WD cars from 1st of October through March, due to possible snow, slush, and other hazardous road conditions.
Included in rental rate
- Unlimited mileage
- CDW (Collision Damage Waver)
- SCDW (Super Collision Damage Waver)
- GP (Gravel Protection. Includes damages to windscreens, headlights and the car)
- TP (Theft Protection)
- Extra driver option (when suitable)
- 4G WiFi with unlimited data to stay connected during your tour
- VAT 24%
Can be added in the booking process
- Liability waiver for carefree travelling
Small car: ISK 3.590 per day
Medium/Large car: ISK 4.690 per day - SAAP (Sand and Ash Insurance)
Recommended for those travelling the south coast.
Rates depend on the size of the rental car.
ISK 1.650 per day - GPS navigation system
Some cars have free GPS systems on board
1.550 ISK per day - Roadside assistance waiver
ISK 800 per day - Booster seat
Free of charge - Baby seat
0 - 13 kg - ISK 4.000 per rental - Child seat
15 - 36 kg - ISK 4.000 per rental
Accommodations.
You can choose from four main categories of accommodations in the booking request process, Comfort, Quality, Quality+ and Luxury. Breakfast is included in all categories.
Included in final tour price.
Included
- Accommodation for 11 nights with breakfast
- 4x4 rental car of your choice for 12 days including CDW, SCDW, TP, GP, Extra driver, 4G Wifi dongle with unlimited data and VAT 24%
- Detailed personal itinerary
- Carbon offsetting (18 trees planted)
- Taxes and service fees
- Personal and professional service
- Guided glacier hike on one of Iceland's ice cap glaciers
Not included
- Flight to/from Iceland
- Personal travel insurance
- Gasoline/petrol, road tolls and parking fees
- Meals and drinks beside breakfast
- Entrance fees unless otherwise stated
- Optional activities listed in booking request process
Itinerary.
Arrival at Keflavík airport. Pick up your rental car at the airport and start your adventure. Head South towards the town Grindavík on the Reykjanes peninsula. Depending on your arrival time an optional visit to the Blue Lagoon is highly recommended, but please note that you have to book well in advance. We can of course make a reservation on your behalf, please specify in the booking request form. You will drive along the South coast of the peninsula until you reach your first accommodation, which will be in the greater Selfoss area.
Km driven: 110
You will start your day by driving to Reykjadalur valley just north of the village Hveragerði. There you will take a short hike towards the geothermal river running through the valley and take a warm relaxing bath under the open air. Once you return to your car you will embark on the famous Golden Circle tourist route. Your first stop will be at Þingvellir National park a UNESCO World Heritage Site and witness the North-American and Eurasian tectonic plates literally drifting apart creating this beautiful rift valley. Here you can add an optional snorkeling session in Silfra and swim between the two tectonic plates. Next up is the spouting hot spring Strokkur in Haukadalur valley before heading to the picturesque waterfall Gullfoss, where you can take a leisurely walk down to the cascading river and take in the stunning view. Your accommodation for the night will be in the Hella area.
Km driven: 190
After breakfast you will head to Landmannalaugar geothermal area in the highlands, one of the most surreal sights in Iceland. On the way to Landmannalaugar you can make a stop at the beautiful Þjófafoss waterfall. The drive is extremely beautiful and you will drive past colorful mountains and active volcanoes. The majority of your day will be spent hiking the many trails in the area. Afterwards you can relax in the warm river that runs through the valley before heading back yo your accommodation. You will spend the night in the Hella area.
Km driven: 245
After breakfast you will head to the stunning Seljalandsfoss waterfall where you can walk behind the cascading water for a unique photo opportunity. Right next to Seljalandsfoss you will find its neighbor, Gljúfrabúi, which we highly recommend seeing. A short drive away you will find Seljavallalaug, Iceland's first public swimming pool, there you can relax a bit before continuing on. Next you will take a short drive to Skógafoss waterfall and enjoy the amazing view from the top. At Sólheimasandur black sand beach you can take a nice and easy walk to the very famous plane wreck before heading to Reynisfjara beach and marvel at the North Atlantic ocean crashing into huge basalt columns. Your accommodation for the night will be in the Vík area.
Km driven: 170
You will start your day by driving to Þakgil canyon. This remote campsite is located right next to the volcano Katla in Mýrdalsjökull glacier. There you can hike one of the hiking trails in the area and get a fantastic view over the glacier. Afterward you will make your way back to the ring road and head to Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon which has become one of the most popular attractions of the South coast of Iceland. Keep going towards the town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. There you can visit Systrafoss waterfall before making your way toward Skaftafell National park where your accommodation for the night will be. If you still have energy you can hike to the stunning Svartifoss waterfall located nearby.
Km driven: 190
You will start your day by hiking to the stunning Svartifoss waterfall located in the Skaftafell National park. The hike is short and relatively easy but there are other, more challenging trails in the area if you are up for it. Afterwards you will keep driving and make your way to the stunning Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Once you arrive at Jökulsárlón you will go for your guided glacier hike tour on the enormous Vatnajökull ice cap. Afterwards you will proceed to Höfn where your accommodation for the night will be.
Km driven: 200
On this day you will enter the Eastfjords of Iceland and their majestic mountain ranges. You will drive towards the town of Djúpivogur which is a part of the Cittaslow movement (http://www.cittaslow.org/network/djupivogur). There you can walk around town and enjoy a variety of artwork and collections from locals. Around the Djúpivogur area there are many interesting places to stop by and visit. Afterwards you will drive to Breiðdalsvík, a tiny fishing village with just over 100 residents. Whilst there we highly recommend a visit to the local brewery, Beljandi, for a taste of locally made craft beer. You will then drive to Stöðvarfjörður where you can stop and take a look at Petra’s world famous stone & mineral collection. You will continue driving the beautiful fjords onward to Fáskrúðsfjörður where you can enjoy a walk around this charming fishing village and absorb its rich history and culture. You can also take a look at the Auroras Iceland museum that is located in the town. You will then proceed to Reyðarfjörður and then finally Egilsstaðir where you will spend the night.
Km driven: 250
After breakfast you will hit the road again and head North towards Húsavík, the whale watching capital of Iceland. Take the day early and start the day with a visit to the stunning Stuðlagil canyon. Next you will continue over the highlands and make a stop at the awe-inspiring Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe, and the beautiful Ásbyrgi canyon. At Ásbyrgi there are many interesting hiking trails that you can trek. The trails vary in difficulty and time so you should find a suitable trail easily. When you arrive in Húsavík you can choose to add an optional whale watching tour and see these gentle giants in their natural habitat. You can also You will spend the night in Húsavík.
Km driven: 250
After breakfast you will head to Mývatn lake, famed for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife. There are many interesting hiking trails in the area and a visit to the geothermal area by Námafjall is of course highly recommended. At Mývatn you can add a visit to the Mývatn Nature Baths, please specify during the booking process should you want to add this to your itinerary. Afterwards you will head back on the road and head to Akureyri, the the capital of North Iceland. On your way you will make a stop at Goðafoss waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. We highly recommend stretching your legs for a bit in Akureyri and walk around mid-town and of course to the church that skies over town. After your visit in Akureyri you will drive the Tröllaskagi peninsula towards the town of Siglufjörður and eventually to Varmahlíð where you will spend the night. On your way to Varmahlíð we recommend a stop in Hofsós and visit the local swimming pool. The view from the pool is extraordinary and quite the experience.
Km driven: 370
Today you will make your way South. You will head straight to the Borgarfjörður area to see the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls and other beautiful attractions. On your way we recommend stopping at Bifröst and taking a short hike to Mt. Grábrók for an amazing view over the crater and the surrounding area. In Húsafell you can add an exciting excursion to the man made ice cave in Langjökull glacier. An optional caving tour to the lava cave Víðgelmir is also available. You will spend the night in the Húsafell/Reykholt area.
Km driven: 250
After breakfast you will make your way to Reykjavík where you will spend your final night. You will drive the Hvalfjörður fjord where you can go for a hike to Glymur, Iceland’s highest waterfall. You can also make a stop at the old whaling station before heading to Reykjavík. In Reykjavík you can add plenty of activities such as whale watching, brewery tours, museums, walking tours, and exhibitions. You can also just enjoy the day walking around the city soaking in the unique atmosphere.
Km driven: 145
Sadly, today marks the end of your vacation in Iceland. You will head to Keflavík International Airport, return your rental car and depart.
Km driven: 50
734.990 ISK