If there is ONE destination that has been sitting at the top of my bucket list longer than any other, it is Iceland. And let me tell you – after driving the entire Iceland ring road itinerary myself, it delivered on absolutely EVERY expectation. Towering waterfalls, otherworldly lava fields, glacier lagoons filled with floating blue ice, geothermal hot springs, dramatic canyons, and some of the most jaw-dropping photography compositions I have ever experienced as a travel photographer. This country is absolutely unreal.

This 10 day Iceland itinerary takes you on a complete loop of the iconic Route 1 – also known as the Ring Road – hitting the very best highlights Iceland has to offer. I’ve mapped out every single day with exact driving times, where to eat, where to stay, and all my top photography tips so you can make the most of every single moment. Whether you’re a solo adventurer, a photography obsessive, or just someone who wants to experience something truly wild and bucket-list worthy, this guide is for YOU, Roam Free Fam.

Here’s your Quick Start Guide to Iceland

What to Know Before Visiting Iceland

📍Where is Iceland?

Iceland is a Nordic island nation situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, sitting right on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. It’s geographically positioned just below the Arctic Circle, roughly halfway between North America and mainland Europe. The capital city, Reykjavik, is located on the southwestern coast and is where your Iceland adventure begins and ends!

📅 When to Visit Iceland

The honest answer is that every season in Iceland offers something completely different – and magical in its own way. 

• Summer (June through August) is my personal recommendation for a 10 day Iceland ring road itinerary because you’ll experience the famous Midnight Sun, with up to 24 hours of daylight, making it possible to photograph waterfalls and landscapes at golden hour well past midnight. It’s also the time of year that all of the F-roads are fully open, which is important for making it all the way around Iceland!
• Winter (November through February) is the time to visit if seeing the Northern Lights is your primary goal. However, shorter daylight hours mean less driving time between stops, so you’ll want to adjust this itinerary accordingly. 
• Shoulder season – May and September – offers a beautiful middle ground with fewer crowds, lower prices, and real chances for both long days AND potential aurora sightings.

⏱️ How Long to Visit Iceland?

For the full Iceland ring road itinerary, I’d highly recommend a minimum of 10 days, which is exactly what this guide covers. If you have 14 days, even better – you’ll have more flexibility for optional hikes, spontaneous hot spring soaks, and weather delays (which are VERY real in Iceland – the saying goes “if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes”). I would not attempt the ring road in fewer than 7 days unless you’re comfortable with extremely long driving days and missing significant sights.

✈️ How to Get to Iceland?

🚗 How to Get Around Iceland?

My top tip for renting in Iceland – pick up your car directly at the airport on Day 1 and factor the Blue Lagoon as your first stop before even heading into Reykjavik. This saves significant backtracking later!

🗣️ What Language is Spoken in Iceland?

The official language is Icelandic, one of the oldest languages in the world with roots in Old Norse. However, English is virtually universally spoken throughout Iceland, especially in tourist areas, restaurants, hotels, and shops. You will have absolutely zero communication issues as an American traveler – promise!

💰 What is the Currency in Iceland?

The currency is the Icelandic Króna (ISK). Iceland is an almost entirely cashless society, and credit and debit cards are accepted practically everywhere – even at remote farm stays and roadside food trucks. I’d recommend bringing a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card and not worrying about exchanging cash at all. ATMs are available in larger towns if needed.

One heads-up – Iceland is an expensive country. Budget roughly $200–$300+ USD per person per day when factoring in accommodation, food, rental car, fuel, and activities. Planning ahead and cooking some of your own meals at accommodation with kitchen facilities can save significant money.

 🗺️ Want this itinerary as an interactive map and get even more places to see in Iceland?

Check out my complete Iceland guide here!

Day 1: Blue Lagoon & Settle into Reykjavik

Pick up your rental car

Your Iceland adventure officially begins the moment you land at Keflavik International Airport! After clearing customs and collecting your luggage, head straight to the rental car desks (most major companies have counters inside or shuttle buses to off-airport lots). This is the day to pick up your 4WD rental and get comfortable with Icelandic driving before you tackle the full ring road.

Relax in the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is literally 15 minutes from the airport – so you have absolutely no excuse not to make it your very first stop in Iceland before even checking into your hotel. Yes, even with luggage in tow! Do not miss this iconic geothermal spa – it is one of the most recognizable and surreal experiences in all of Europe.

The milky-blue silica-rich waters are heated by volcanic activity to a perfectly comfortable temperature (around 37–40°C / 99–104°F) and the complex is beautifully designed with swim-up bars, silica mud mask stations (a must try!), and floating drinks service. It is as luxurious as it sounds. Tip (especially for women): keep your hair ENTIRELY out of the water; while the mineral-rich water is great for your skin, it WILL wreck havoc on your hair.

💡 My top tip: Book your entry tickets WELL in advance – I’m talking months ahead for summer visits – as they sell out incredibly fast, especially if you want any spa treatment too.

P.S. There IS luggage storage at the Blue Lagoon!: Lockers are available for all guests for a backpack-sized bag and valuables. For larger luggage, there is a storage facility by the car park for ~800 ISK per bag (only ~$6-7) – so you can enjoy your soak without worrying about your gear.

Lunch at the Spa Restaurant

After a good soak, the Spa Restaurant inside the Blue Lagoon complex is a wonderful option for lunch and does NOT require reservations – simply walk in and grab a table. The menu features Icelandic specialties and the setting overlooking the steaming blue water is truly unbeatable. Plan to spend a total of about 2-3 hours at the lagoon between soaking, the mud mask experience, and lunch (or longer if you book a spa treatment!).

Check into Your Reykjavik Accommodation

After the Blue Lagoon, it’s a 50-minute drive into Reykjavik to check into your hotel and finally drop those bags! The city is compact and incredibly walkable, which makes it perfect for exploring on foot for the next day and a half.

Dinner at Forsetinn Café

For your first dinner in Iceland, head to Forsetinn Café – a wonderful Reykjavik bistro and bar with warm, cozy Icelandic vibes. My TOP recommendation here is the lobster soup (technically langoustine, the Icelandic variety of “lobster”) – it is rich, creamy, and something you’ll be talking about for the rest of your trip. Welcome to Iceland, Roam Free Fam!

🛏️ Where to Stay in Reykjavik

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hotel Borg – Reykjavik’s most iconic and historic hotel, located directly on Austurvöllur Square with elegant art deco interiors and impeccable service – pure classic Iceland luxury.

⭐⭐⭐ Kvosin Downtown Hotel – A fantastic mid-range option in a prime downtown location with well-appointed rooms and the convenience of a full kitchen for saving on meals.

Day 2: : Reykjavik City Exploration

Breakfast at Sandholt

Start your Reykjavik morning at Sandholt – one of the most beloved bakeries in the entire country and an absolute institution for locals and visitors alike. Order the brown sugar bun – trust me, it is incredible! Pair it with a strong Icelandic coffee and take in the cozy atmosphere before setting out to explore the city. This spot gets busy, so arrive early!

Explore Hallgrímskirkja

Walk Rainbow Street

Admire the Sun Voyager Boat at the Waterfront

Visit Harpa Concert Hall

Explore the Shopping & Museum Scene

Take an Afternoon Food Tour OR Grab Lunch at Baejarins Beztu Pylsur

Day 3: Day 3: Golden Circle & Hvolsvöllur Valley

Today you leave Reykjavik and begin the ring road in earnest, tackling the world-famous Golden Circle – a collection of incredible natural and geological wonders within easy driving distance of the capital.

Thingvellir National Park

Your first stop is Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, about 43 minutes from Reykjavik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of staggering significance – both geologically and historically. This is the actual site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are visibly pulling apart, creating dramatic rift valleys and crystal-clear glacial fissures (including Silfra, where you can snorkel between two continental plates!). The park was also the home of Iceland’s original parliament, the Althing, established in 930 AD. Allow at least 1.5–2 hours to walk the rift valley and take in the scenery. Tip: If you hike a bit, you can see the Öxarárfoss waterfall here too!

Strokkur Geyser

Gullfoss Waterfall

After your kayak adventure, check out of your accommodation and make your way to Split. The bus journey takes around 4 to 4.5 hours and passes through some genuinely gorgeous coastal scenery — grab a window seat and enjoy the ride. You will briefly cross through Bosnia and Herzegovina, so make sure your passport is handy even if you do not need a visa.

Extra Recommended Stops

If you have time to spare on the Golden Circle, these stops are absolutely worth adding: Kerið crater – a vivid volcanic crater lake with striking red and green walls that looks almost painted; and Flúðir’s Secret Lagoon – a much more rustic and affordable alternative to the Blue Lagoon, set on a working farm with natural geothermal pools dating back to 1891.

Sunset at Seljalandsfoss

After checking into your accommodation near Skógar (about 30 minutes away), head back out for the golden hour for one of the most spectacular waterfall experiences in Iceland – Seljalandsfoss. This is a waterfall you can actually WALK BEHIND, through a cave-like passage that gives you unbelievable photography angles with the evening light streaming through. The path behind the falls can be slippery, so wear proper footwear. With an 8pm sunset in summer, this is an absolutely magical experience – do not miss it!

Finish your evening by heading to your accomodation – I recommend staying near Skógar so you can get an early start there tomorrow!

🛏️ Where to Stay near Skógar

⭐⭐⭐ Fosshotel Hellisholt – A modern and comfortable hotel in the South Iceland countryside with great amenities and an ideal base for exploring the Golden Circle and south coast waterfalls.

Day 4: South Coast & Black Sand Beaches

Sunrise or early morning at Skogafoss Waterfall

Wake up early – I mean it – for one of the most incredible sunrise photography experiences of your entire Iceland ring road itinerary. Skogafoss is a thundering 60-meter waterfall with a perfectly wide, accessible viewing area right at its base – and the morning light hitting the mist creates the most gorgeous rainbow effects. You can also hike the steep staircase to the right of the falls to reach the top and start the famous Fimmvörðuháls trail for views back across the south coast. But if you need a sleep in, don’t worry, it still looks gorgeous later in the morning – there will just be a LOT more crowds.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

About 30 minutes further along the south coast brings you to Reynisfjara – Iceland’s most famous and dramatic black sand beach, framed by extraordinary basalt rock columns (similar to Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway!) and the iconic Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising from the churning Atlantic. Pay to park at the main lot and please take the warning signs about sneaker waves VERY seriously – these waves come from nowhere and have claimed lives. Stay well back from the waterline. The columnar basalt formations and cave at the northern end of the beach are absolutely spectacular for photography.

Lunch at Halldórskaffi in Vik

For lunch in Vik, head straight to Halldórskaffi and order their local lamb and homemade bread sandwich. I cannot recommend this enough – the lamb is sourced locally, the bread is baked fresh daily, and it is honestly one of the BEST things I ate during my entire time in Iceland!

Vik Cemetery & Myrdal Church

The small seaside town of Vik is charming and absolutely worth a stop. The Vik cemetery gives you one of Iceland’s most remarkable and slightly eerie views – the little white church perched on the hilltop with the black sand beach and crashing Atlantic ocean in the background. Drive up to Myrdal Church for an even more elevated perspective and sweeping south coast panoramas. This is prime photography territory!

🛏️ Where to Stay in Vik

⭐⭐⭐ Guesthouse Carina – A well-reviewed and welcoming guesthouse just outside Vik offering comfortable rooms, kitchen access, and a wonderful host who knows the local area inside and out.

Day 5: Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon & Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Today is one of the most EPIC days of the entire trip – a canyon straight out of a fantasy film, a glacier lagoon, and a black diamond beach all in one day (!).

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is one of Iceland’s most surreal and photogenic landscapes – a narrow, winding canyon carved over 9,000 years by glacial meltwater, with moss-covered walls and the serpentine river glittering far below. The access road is an F-road (unpaved), which is why your 4WD vehicle is essential today. There is a well-marked walking trail along the canyon rim offering multiple jaw-dropping viewpoints.

💡 My Top Tip: Rent a 4WD car – by Icelandic law, it’s REQUIRED to drive a 4×4 (four-wheel drive) vehicle on F-roads. Attempting to drive these routes in a 2WD car is ILLEGAL, very dangerous, and will invalidate your rental insurance, potentially leaving you responsible for thousands of dollars in recovery or damage.

Múlagljúfur Canyon Hike

From Fjaðrárgljúfur, it’s about 1.5 hours to Múlagljúfur Canyon – and this hike is for the adventurers in the Roam Free Fam! This is a 3.6-mile, difficult trail with 1,200 feet of elevation gain, steep sections, and a river crossing – but the reward at the top is one of the most dramatic and utterly remote canyon and glacier views in all of Iceland. Very few tourists make it here compared to more accessible sites, which makes it feel like a true discovery. Wear sturdy waterproof hiking boots and bring trekking poles if you have them.

Dinner at the Local Langoustine Truck

Before heading to the glacier lagoon, stop for dinner at Heimahumar “Local Langoustine” Truck – a legendary roadside food truck near the lagoon serving the freshest lobster rolls and hot dogs you have ever tasted in your LIFE. Grab a langoustine roll and eat it by the roadside with a view of the Icelandic wilderness. This is the kind of experience that makes Iceland so special!

Pre-Sunset: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

In the golden pre-sunset light, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is simply one of the most breathtaking sights on Earth. This vast glacial lake is filled with floating icebergs from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, ranging in color from pure white to the deepest electric blue. Amphibious boat tours are available if you want to get out among the ice (book ahead!), but simply walking the shore and photographing the floating giants is absolutely incredible. The light at golden hour on this lagoon will make you and your camera very, very happy.

Sunset at Diamond Beach

Just across the road from the lagoon, Diamond Beach is where the icebergs that come off the glacier float down to the black sand beach and wash ashore, catching the light like scattered diamonds on the dark volcanic sand. At sunset, this place is otherworldly – some of the most dramatic and unique photography conditions I have ever experienced anywhere in the world. This is an absolute DO NOT MISS moment of your Iceland ring road itinerary.

🛏️ Where to Stay near Jökulsárlón

⭐⭐⭐ Glacier View Guesthouse – A cozy and well-located guesthouse very close to the lagoon, offering comfortable rooms and the kind of warm Icelandic hospitality that makes you feel right at home at the edge of the world.

Day 6: East Fjords & Stuðlagil Canyon

Sunrise at Stokksnes

Set that alarm early – this is one of the most photographed landscapes in all of Iceland and sunrise is the time to be there. Stokksnes Peninsula offers the iconic view of Vestrahorn mountain – a dramatic, jagged 454-meter peak reflected in tidal lagoon waters with sweeping black sand dunes in the foreground. It is jaw-dropping at any time of day, but at sunrise with soft pink and golden light? EXTRAORDINARY. Pay at the automatic pay station at the entrance gate and scan your ticket barcode to open the barrier. After shooting sunrise, grab breakfast at the Viking Café on site – it’s rustic, charming, and perfect to warm up after a cool early morning!

Drive to Stuðlagil Canyon via Egilsstaðir

It’s a 3.5-hour drive from Stokksnes up through the East Fjords to Stuðlagil Canyon, and the drive itself is one of the most scenic on the entire ring road – fjords, tiny fishing villages, and incredible coastal views around every bend. Stop for lunch in Egilsstaðir – the largest town in East Iceland and home to the mythic Lagarfljót Wyrm (an Icelandic equivalent of the Loch Ness Monster said to dwell in the nearby lake). I’d highly recommend ordering the reindeer burger at Lyng restaurant to try something new – yes, reindeer! Unique, delicious, and very Icelandic.

A potential detour worth considering is Djúpivogur – a beautifully atmospheric little harbor town on the southernmost point of the East Fjords with charming colorful houses and a famous outdoor egg sculpture installation.

Stuðlagil Canyon Hike

Stuðlagil Canyon is Iceland’s best-kept secret – a narrow, dramatic gorge filled with perfectly hexagonal basalt columns in shades of grey and rust, with a brilliant turquoise glacial river running through the center. It is absolutely otherworldly and feels like you’ve walked into a scene from another planet. The hike to the canyon viewpoints is manageable and well worth every step. You can stop here and enjoy the views – no need to go further! However, if you’re attempting to do the river crossing sections, check the water levels beforehand as the Jökla river can be high depending on conditions. Getting all the way INTO the canyon is very slippery and dangerous (honestly I would not recommend it at this point due to the dangers!).

Dinner at FOSS Bistro

After a big hiking day, dinner at FOSS Bistro at your accommodation (where I stayed anyway!) is the perfect way to recharge before another epic day tomorrow. There’s otherwise not a TON of restaurant options in the area as we’re starting to get quite remote in Iceland.

🛏️ Where to Stay near Stuðlagil

⭐⭐⭐ Guesthouse Stafafell – A welcoming and well-priced guesthouse in the East Iceland countryside with comfortable rooms, kitchen facilities, and a genuinely peaceful atmosphere after days of driving.

Day 7: East Fjords – Dettifoss & Húsavík

Dettifoss & Selfoss Waterfalls

Dettifoss is not just any waterfall – it is the most POWERFUL waterfall in all of Europe, thundering 44 meters down into the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon with a deafening roar and clouds of mist that can be seen from kilometers away. It is an absolutely humbling and awe-inspiring sight.

Park on the west side of the river for the most dramatic viewpoints (about a 2-mile round trip walk from the parking area). From Dettifoss, continue the trail upstream for about 15 minutes to reach Selfoss – a shallower but incredibly beautiful and wide waterfall that most visitors skip in favor of Dettifoss. Do not make that mistake! Selfoss is spectacular in a completely different, more serene way.

Húsavík – Iceland’s Whale Watching Capital

If whale watching is on your bucket list, this is THE place to do it in Iceland, with incredibly high sighting rates for humpback whales, minke whales, and even blue whales. Book a tour with one of the reputable companies in town or this family run tour. While you’re there, the Húsavík Whale Museum is wonderfully done and genuinely educational.

For lunch, head to Gamli Baukur – a gorgeous old wooden warehouse restaurant right on the harbor with an incredible seafood menu and the MOST wonderfully cozy, wood-paneled interior. Order whatever the daily catch is – you won’t be disappointed!

GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths

After lunch and whale watching, treat yourself to the most unique hot spring experience on the north coast – the GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths. These are infinity pools perched right on the edge of the Arctic Sea, filled with naturally warm geothermal seawater, with extraordinary views across Skjálfandi Bay. It is dramatically different from the Blue Lagoon – wilder, more remote, much more of a local-feel, and with that incredible sense of soaking at the very edge of the Arctic – which is truly wild.

🛏️ Where to Stay near Lake Mývatn

⭐⭐⭐ Vogafjós Farm Resort – A wonderfully unique farm resort right beside the lake where you can watch the cows being milked through a window at the on-site cowshed restaurant – quirky, cozy, and genuinely charming.

Day 8: Northern Iceland – Lake Mývatn, Goðafoss & Akureyri

Goðafoss – Waterfall of the Gods

About 30 minutes from Lake Mývatn, right between the lake and the city of Akureyri, sits Goðafoss – one of the most historically significant and photographically stunning waterfalls in all of Iceland. In the year 1000 AD, when Iceland converted from Norse paganism to Christianity, the local chieftain threw his Norse god statues into these falls – giving it the name “Waterfall of the Gods.” The horseshoe-shaped cascade is dramatic and wide, with multiple viewpoints on both sides of the river. 

For photography, the west side catches the best light at sunrise and tends to be less crowded, while the east side is where you can actually get down to the water’s edge and there’s a small store with bathrooms on that side. You can easily walk between both sides or drive the short distance between viewpoints. Do not miss this one!

An optional but wonderful addition if you have time: Fosslaug Hot Spring – a small, natural geothermal pool hidden beside a river just a short walk from the road. It’s free, usually uncrowded, and absolutely magical.

Lake Mývatn – Volcanic Wonderland

Lake Mývatn (meaning “Midge Lake” – bring bug spray in summer!) is one of the most geologically extraordinary places in Iceland and absolutely deserves a few hours of exploration. Start with the Lake Mývatn panoramic viewpoint for a sweeping overview of the entire landscape.

Námaskarð Geothermal Area

Then head to Námaskarð – an absolutely surreal geothermal area where boiling mud pots, steam vents, and sulphurous fumaroles create a landscape that looks like the surface of another planet. Walk carefully on the marked paths here as the ground can be dangerously thin above the thermal activity.

For lunch, grab the locally famous Fish & Chips at Lake Mývatn – simple, fresh, and delicious after a big morning of exploring.

An optional addition before leaving the area: Mývatn Nature Baths – a more accessible and often less crowded alternative to the Blue Lagoon, set dramatically beside a volcanic crater with panoramic lava field views.

Finish in Akureyri – Dinner at Rub 23 

Complete the drive to Akureyri – Iceland’s second-largest city and the “Capital of the North” – with a pay-as-you-go toll tunnel crossing (pay online at tunnel.is – keep your rental car’s license plate number handy). For dinner, head to Rub 23 – one of the best restaurants in all of Iceland and quite possibly the most unexpected find in a small Icelandic city. The sushi here is INCREDIBLE – my personal recommendations are the Crabby Roll, the Surf & Turf Roll, and if you’re feeling adventurous, the sushi pizza and the “Ten Ten Three” roll. Seriously outstanding.

🛏️ Where to Stay in Akureyri

⭐⭐⭐ Guesthouse Akureyri – A welcoming, well-reviewed guesthouse offering a wonderful home-away-from-home atmosphere in a charming residential neighborhood within easy walking distance of the city center. 

Day 9: Akureyri to Kirkjufellsfoss

Breakfast at Ketilkaffi

Today is the biggest driving day of your Iceland ring road itinerary – roughly 5–6 hours total – but it is PACKED with incredible scenery and some truly special stops along the way. Pack snacks, make a playlist, and embrace the drive!

Start your Akureyri morning at Ketilkaffi – a cozy and beloved local café with excellent coffee and homemade pastries. Fuel up properly because today is a long one!

Hvítserkur Sea Stack

En route to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, one optional stop that I absolutely recommend is Hvítserkur – a dramatic 15-meter basalt sea stack rising from the tidal flats of Húnafjörður bay that resembles a drinking dragon or rhinoceros depending on your angle. From the parking lot, there’s a viewing platform for the classic top-down composition, but I’d highly recommend taking the separate trail from the parking area (not from the viewing platform, please ignore the social trails!) that leads down to the beach itself. 

At LOW TIDE, you can actually walk right up to the base of the sea stack and get compositions in the wet sand reflections. Check tide times before you go – this makes a HUGE difference to your photography here. Pack your picnic lunch to enjoy at Hvítserkur with this spectacular view!

Sunset at Kirkjufellsfoss

Check into your accommodation near Grundarfjörður on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, spend a little time exploring the town for dinner, then get back in the car for one of the most iconic photography moments in all of Iceland – Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss at sunset. 

Just 6 minutes east of Grundarfjörður, this is the view that launched a thousand Instagram feeds: a pair of elegant cascading waterfalls with the perfectly conical Kirkjufell mountain rising dramatically behind them, often bathed in the most glorious warm light – you can see why it’s the cover image of this blog post!

If you’re there in winter, the Northern Lights frequently appear above Kirkjufell. In summer, the long golden evenings make for EXTRAORDINARY photography conditions. This is a DO NOT MISS moment of your entire Iceland ring road itinerary.

🛏️ Where to Stay near Grundarfjörður / Snæfellsnes

⭐⭐⭐ Kirkjufell Guesthouse – A cozy and perfectly positioned guesthouse just minutes from Kirkjufellsfoss itself – ideal for photographers who want to be first to the falls at both sunset and sunrise without a long drive.

Day 10: West Iceland & Return to Reykjavik

Your final day on the Iceland ring road itinerary covers the spectacular western tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula before heading back to Reykjavik – and it is a BEAUTIFUL way to end the trip.

Optional Sunrise: Kirkjufell

If you didn’t get enough of this iconic view at sunset last night – and trust me, you might not have – set your alarm for sunrise and head back to Kirkjufellsfoss one more time. The early morning light on the mountain and the falls is an entirely different and equally spectacular experience. Well worth losing a little sleep for!

Svörtuloft Lighthouse

About 49 minutes from Kirkjufellsfoss (or 27 minutes from Svöðufoss), Svörtuloft Lighthouse sits on dramatic black basalt cliffs on the northwest tip of the peninsula with views across the wild North Atlantic that will stop you in your tracks. This is a fantastic photography location and rarely crowded. The road here, however, is EXTREMELY rough, so only do this with a 4WD vehicle and take it SLOW because the potholes are GIANT.

Lóndrangar Basalt Cliffs

Continue south along the coast to Lóndrangar – two towering basalt sea stacks rising from the coastal cliffs, with the surrounding coastline offering dramatic close-up compositions of the raw volcanic rock meeting the crashing Atlantic. The views along this entire stretch of coast are extraordinary.

Arnarstapi Sea Bridge & Coastal Walk

Just 8 minutes further, Arnarstapi is a small harbor village with one of the most rewarding little coastal walks in all of Iceland – a mini walking path that links multiple spectacular viewpoints in a short distance. Walk to Gatklettur – a natural basalt arch right at sea level with water rushing through underneath. Continue to the stone bridge you can literally walk across. Then explore Arnarstapi Harbor with its charming brightly colored house views and photogenic boats. For lunch right here, Samkomuhúsið Arnarstapi serves a wonderful bowl of traditional lamb soup that is perfect fuel for the afternoon drive.

Búðir Church

Just 17 minutes east on Route 54, make one final epic photo stop at the iconic Búðir Church – a tiny, isolated black wooden church sitting alone on the Snæfellsnes lava fields with the glacier-capped volcano visible in the background on clear days. This is one of the most photographed churches in all of Iceland and for very good reason – the stark simplicity of the black structure against the wild Icelandic landscape is absolutely wonderful.

Drive Back to Reykjavik

From Búðir, it’s approximately 2.5 hours back to Reykjavik (or 2.75 hours directly to Keflavik Airport). If you have time before your flight or are spending an extra night in the capital:

Optional: Sky Lagoon

A newer and spectacular geothermal spa right on the outskirts of Reykjavik overlooking the sea, featuring a stunning infinity pool, a traditional Icelandic ritual circuit, and a cave sauna. A wonderful way to close out your Iceland ring road itinerary with one final soak! Get to bed early if you have a morning flight – Keflavik is a busy airport and you’ll want plenty of time.

Tips for Visiting Iceland

Book everything in advance. I cannot stress this enough for summer travel – accommodation, rental cars, the Blue Lagoon, whale watching tours, and popular restaurants fill up months ahead. Do not leave this for a last-minute scramble. Hotels in particular – there just physically AREN’T very many when you start to get more remote on the Ring Road, and you really don’t want to be driving hours away to find a bed.

Carry a debit/credit card everywhere. Iceland is essentially cashless – you can pay by card at virtually every farm stand, parking meter, and rural guesthouse. A card with no foreign transaction fees is your best friend.

Download maps for offline use. Cell service can be spotty in the highlands and remote fjords. Download offline maps for the sections you’ll be driving through on the ring road.

Respect the nature and the signs. Iceland’s landscapes are incredibly fragile. Stick to marked paths, don’t drive off-road outside of designated F-roads, and please do not walk on the moss – it takes DECADES to grow back. The Icelandic Environment Agency takes this seriously and so should we.

Pack layers for every scenario. Icelandic weather changes rapidly and dramatically. Even in summer, you need waterproof outerwear, warm mid-layers, and sun protection. My go-to is a weatherproof shell jacket that I wear in every single destination and Iceland is no exception.

Photograph in the golden hour windows. In summer, the golden hour light lasts for hours due to Iceland’s latitude – use it! Early mornings and late evenings deliver the most extraordinary photography light at waterfalls, sea stacks, and glacier lagoons.

F-roads require 4WD – no exceptions. This is a legal requirement in Iceland and driving a 2WD on an F-road voids your insurance. Check the road conditions on road.is before every driving day for current conditions.

Budget for fuel. Iceland’s fuel prices are significantly higher than in the US. Factor this into your overall trip budget, and fill up whenever you see a gas station in remote areas rather than waiting until your tank is low.

 🗺️ Want this itinerary as an interactive map and get even more places to see in Iceland?

Dreaming of driving the legendary Ring Road? This comprehensive guide is your ultimate companion for the trip of a lifetime. Packed with insider tips & a detailed 12-day itinerary (including a separate itinerary for Reykjavik!), it takes the guesswork out of planning so you can focus on soaking up Iceland’s wild beauty.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Hidden gems not included in this blog post
• The best things to do along the Ring Road, from iconic waterfalls and black sand beaches to hidden hot springs & charming fishing villages
• Day-by-day itinerary designed for 2 weeks of adventure, with options to adjust for shorter or longer trips
• Practical travel tips for driving in Iceland, budgeting, packing, & staying safe
• Bonus recommendations for accommodations, local eats, & can’t-miss photo spots

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, or relaxing in hot springs, this guide makes sure you don’t miss a thing. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, or anyone ready to experience the magic of Iceland at their own pace.

➜ Get my complete Iceland guide here! 

The Iceland ring road itinerary is genuinely one of the most extraordinary road trips in the entire world – and this 10 day Iceland itinerary covers the absolute best of what this incredible country has to offer. From soaking in geothermal lagoons to hiking to hidden canyons, from watching glacial icebergs drift past black sand beaches to photographing waterfalls at golden midnight light, Iceland delivers jaw-dropping moments at every single turn.

I hope this guide takes some of the planning stress off your plate and leaves you free to simply enjoy every incredible moment. If you have any questions about the Iceland ring road, drop them in the comments below – I absolutely love hearing from the Roam Free Fam!

Happy adventuring! 

Plan Your Trip To Iceland

🏠️ Accommodation: Booking.com has the widest selection for Iceland properties.

🚗Car Rental: Book through Discovercars.com to compare 4WD options – book as early as possible for summer.

♨️ Blue Lagoon: Book tickets directly at  bluelagoon.com – sell out months in advance!

🎫 Activities: Pre-book any Iceland tours online to avoid them selling out – I love using GetYourGuide for their 24-hour free cancellation policy.

🌍 Travel Insurance: do not skip travel insurance for Iceland! I always recommend World Nomads for adventure travelers and SafetyWing for digital nomads.

📱 eSIM: Always stay connected by using an eSIM! You’ll have access to data WITHOUT having to spend a ton on your at-home plan, change your number, or buy a physical sim. My favorites are Airalo for affordable plans (save with my code “REBECCA3” for $3 off your first eSIM) and Holafly for unlimited data (use my code “ROAMFREEREBECCA” to save 5% on any plan!).

🗺️ Interactive Map: Full Iceland guide with map here

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