📍 Iceland

ICELAND RING ROAD: GLACIERS, FALLS AND VOLCANIC FIRE

Glaciers calving turquoise icebergs, waterfalls thundering through dizzying canyons. Iceland's Ring Road, between fire and ice.

≈ 14
Days
1956
Km
6
Stops
📖 7 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Enter Reykjavik's vibrant atmosphere before reaching Thingvellir's spectacular rifts. Contemplate Myvatn's steaming lands, follow glaciers near Höfn, then trace Vík's black sand beaches dominated by massive cliffs. Approach Heimaey, a raw volcanic island, where fire and ice shape Iceland's soul.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Reykjavik

capital city glows geothermal warmth

🔍

Discover

1
Exploration of downtown Reykjavik and the shopping streets
2
Visit to Perlan and its panoramic observatory
🎯

Activities

Stroll through the old port and watching the late sunset
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 46 km
Travel time: 45min
2
Day

Thingvellir

continental plates reveal earth's face

🔍

Discover

1
Þingvellir National Park, rift between tectonic plates
2
Gullfoss waterfall, iconic waterfall of Iceland
3
Haukadalur geothermal area and Strokkur geyser
🎯

Activities

Observation of geothermal phenomena and walk in the park
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 380 km
Travel time: 6h
3
Day

Myvatn

thermal waters glow mineral mystery

🔍

Discover

1
Hraunfossar waterfall springing from a lava field
2
Discovery of Lake Mývatn and its volcanic surroundings
🎯

Activities

Photography of volcanic landscapes and waterfalls
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 480 km
Travel time: 6h
4
Day

Myvatn

thermal waters glow mineral mystery

🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the geothermal site of Namafjall Hverir
2
Exploration of the Dimmuborgir lava field
🎯

Activities

Hiking in the volcanic formations of Dimmuborgir
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 150 km
Travel time: 2h
5
Day

Hofn

glacier gateway crowns eastern coast

🔍

Discover

1
Dettifoss waterfall, the most powerful in the country
2
Scenic stops on the road to Höfn
🎯

Activities

Photography and free exploration of isolated waterfalls
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 410 km
Travel time: 6h
6
Day

Vik

black sand beach plunges cliff shadows

🔍

Discover

1
Visit to the glacial lagoon of Jökulsárlón and Zodiac boat trip
2
Discovery of the fishing village of Höfn
3
Iceberg observation on Diamond Beach
🎯

Activities

Free exploration of glaciers and marine wildlife observation
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 270 km
Travel time: 4h
7
Day

Vik

black sand beach plunges cliff shadows

🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of Reynisfjara black sand beach
2
Puffin watching and rock formation observation
🎯

Activities

Photography of coastal landscapes and basaltic caves
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 35 km
Travel time: 30min
8
Day

Heimaey

volcanic island erupts from ocean

🔍

Discover

1
Skogafoss waterfall and climb to the viewpoint
2
Seljalandsfoss waterfall, accessible behind the water curtain
3
Plane wreck at Sólheimasandur
🎯

Activities

Ferry crossing to Heimaey
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 35 km
Travel time: 45min
9
Day

Heimaey

volcanic island erupts from ocean

🔍

Discover

1
Hiking in Heimaey through the lava fields
2
Observation of the island's volcanic landscapes
🎯

Activities

Free exploration of cliffs and seabird watching
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 10 km
Travel time: 15min
10
Day

Reykjavik

capital city glows geothermal warmth

🔍

Discover

1
Volcanic moss field on the return route
2
Return to Reykjavik via Selfoss
🎯

Activities

Return ferry crossing from Heimaey
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 140 km
Travel time: 2h
11
Day

Reykjavik

capital city glows geothermal warmth

🔍

Discover

1
Visit to the National Museum of Iceland
2
Walk along the waterfront to the Sun Voyager sculpture
🎯

Activities

Last evening in downtown cafés and bars

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🛡️ Travel advice - Iceland

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Summer (June-August): Midnight sun, warmest weather, lupine flowers, highland access, peak tourist season, highest prices, advance booking essential.

Winter (December-February): Northern Lights season, ice caves, winter activities, darker days, lowest prices, fewer crowds, magical atmosphere.

Shoulder Season (April-May & September-November): Aurora viewing possible, fewer crowds, moderate prices, transitional weather, excellent value, variable conditions.

Spring (March-May): Lengthening days, awakening nature, moderate temperatures, bird nesting, good weather, fewer tourists, excellent photography.

Fall (September-November): Aurora season begins, autumn colors, comfortable weather, harvest season, good value, stunning landscapes.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 11 and 17 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Iceland?

Nordic island with dramatic landscapes, geothermal wonders, and unique culture. Experience Northern Lights, pristine nature, and authentic Icelandic lifestyle. The country offers natural phenomena with cultural authenticity and progressive values. Iceland provides life-changing natural experiences with cultural depth and environmental leadership.