Day 1: The Golden Circle

Starting at either Keflavik or Reykjavik, the Golden Circle route is where we begin this Iceland ring road itinerary. Technically, it’s a detour, but it’s also Iceland’s premier sightseeing route, a delightful region replete with natural wonders and attractions that celebrate the country’s cultural heritage.

Driving the Golden Circle, there are three must-sees along the route. At Thingvellir National Park stroll along the Almannagjá Gorge to see where the Althing – Iceland’s parliament – once convened. Drive to Geysir Geothermal Area to watch in awe as Strokkur geyser erupts, sending a column of superheated water and steam high into the air. Call in at Gullfoss Waterfall and take a gentle hike along the side of its gorge to see the power of the water close up. On your way south towards Hveragerði, stop by Kerid, a colourful volcanic crater.

Day 2: Hveragerði to Vik

Hveragerði is renowned for its geothermal activity, so devote this morning to a hike with a difference. It’s an uphill walk through Reykjadalur to reach a part of the river where the water’s warm and safe to bathe in. Facilities are a little more rustic than at the country’s luxury lagoons, but if you’re looking for a quintessentially Icelandic activity then this is it. Back at the car, drive east along the ring road via Selfoss, Hella and Hvolsvöllur. Beyond lay two of Iceland’s most magnificent waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Don’t miss either. Further east, you can admire the seabirds at Dyrhólaey – puffins nest here in summer – and keep a close eye on the sneaker waves that push forcefully up Reynisfjara black sand beach. From here it’s a short run down into the charming oceanfront village of Vik.

Day 3: Vik to Höfn

Today continue your journey along Iceland’s scenic south coast. As the glaciers first come into view, you’ll want to pull off the road to safely snap some photos, as will also be the case when you set eyes on the vast Eldhraun lava field. If you’ve made an early start, stretch your legs at Skaftafell, part of Vatnajökull National Park, where you can hike to Svartifoss waterfall. It takes its name from the black basalt columns that flank it. Today’s highlight is likely to be Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, however. This glittering lake is usually full of icebergs that have calved from Breiðamerkurjökull, the outlet glacier that rises behind the lagoon. You’ll have time for a boat trip – watch out for seals – and to wander along famous Diamond Beach, where you’ll see more of those icebergs. Afterwards, drive an hour east to Höfn, a characterful port known for its lobsters.

Day 4: Höfn to Egilsstaðir

Austurland is very different to the well-traveled south but the contrast is part of what makes an Iceland ring road trip so compelling. You’ll have time to take a meandering route that gets you alongside some of the area’s fjords. Each has its own charm. Many visitors make a beeline for Seyðisfjörður, whose rainbow street and pretty blue church are Instagram favourites. Another must-see is Stuðlagil Canyon, particularly if you’re blessed with a sunny day when the turquoise water really pops against the rust-coloured basalt columns on either side of this narrow gorge. Until a dam was constructed upstream, it was totally submerged. Both these stops are an easy drive from Egilsstaðir, the largest town in the region.

Day 5: Egilsstaðir to Akureyri

Moving north, you traverse a desiccated lunar-like landscape. In places, there’s evidence of geothermal energy. It’s what produces the hot springs and steaming fumaroles of Hverir and what makes the water at Mývatn Nature Baths deliciously warm for a restorative soak. If a geothermal lagoon is what you crave, know that there are other options further north, including the clifftop GeoSea at Húsavik – Iceland’s whale watching capital – and stylish Forest Lagoon on the outskirts of Akureyri. Akureyri itself is worthy of attention. Second only to Reykjavik in size, this lovely town has much to detail you including a quaint old town and super botanical garden. Grab an ice cream and take a stroll to see the landmark Lutheran church and its cultural centre.

Day 6: The Tröllaskagi peninsula

If you detour to just one peninsula in the north of Iceland make it Tröllaskagi. It’s easily looped in a day, though many travellers choose to spend the night at Siglufjörður. It doesn’t matter which side of the peninsula you tackle first, though it makes sense to start from Akureyri on the east. If you haven’t already enjoyed a whale watching tour in either Húsavík or Akureyri then know that this can also be arranged in Dalvik.

Likewise a jet ski trip to see Migandifoss is a fun option; tours begin at Ólafsfjörður. The Beer Spa at Litli Árskógssandur makes another unique stop. Save plenty of time for Siglufjordur itself, however. Once this was the herring fishing capital of Iceland, a bustling port that relied on migrant workers from elsewhere in the country to process the catch. One day, the herrings vanished; today, the heritage buildings form a fascinating museum complex which tells the story of what happened.

Day 7: Akureyri to Borgarnes

Moving on today, you’ll continue across the north of Iceland. There are a number of stops worth checking out, including the turf houses at Glaumbaer, some of the best preserved in the country. Depending on the tides, you might also want to turn north to venture beyond Hvammstangi as there are a couple of places on the Vatnsnes peninsula where seals are often sighted, such as Illugastaðir.

Closer to the tip of the peninsula, the Hvitserkur stack are also a popular destination as some say it resembles a dragon or rhino drinking from the water. Save the Westfjords for another trip – they require at least a week to themselves – and instead loop the Silver Circle, where important West Iceland landmarks like Deildartunguhver, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss are located.

Day 8: The Snæfellsnes peninsula

It’s time for another detour and this time the incredible Snæfellsnes peninsula is the focus. Some observers dub this part of the country Iceland in Miniature as it is a microcosm of much of the landscapes you’ll encounter. The coastal scenery around Arnastapi on its south shore is a good starting point; you’ll also be wowed at Djúpalónssandur, where the Gatklettur arch and lifting stones are must-sees.

Later, you might choose to book a lava cave tour at Vatnshellir or admire the lofty scenery of Snæfellsjökull from ground level. On the north coast, Kirkjufell is probably the most iconic mountain in the country as well as a great place to view the Northern Lights if you’re here in season. Stykkishólmur makes a good final stop to see its historic buildings and grab some dinner. If you don’t have 10 days to spare, we recommend an Iceland 8 day self-drive tour​.

Day 9: Reykjavik

Like the Snæfellsnes peninsula, Reykjavik too isn’t on the ring road but to truly say you’ve visited Iceland how could you miss its capital? While downtown is compact, you’ll be glad of your MyCar rental to explore some of the areas further out, such as the collection of sculptures at the Recycled House and adjacent Sigurjón Ólafsson Museum, the innovative exhibits at Perlan and the luxurious Sky Lagoon spa. When you are ready to investigate the centre of the city, pay a visit to Lava Show and Flyover Iceland in the Grandi neighbourhood before parking up beside the Old Harbour to explore further on foot. The rest of central Reykjavik is easily within walking distance, such as the shops of Laugavegur and the instantly recognisable form of Hallgrimskirkja.

Day 10: The Reykjanes peninsula

Before you drop your rental car back at the MyCar Keflavik office, make the most of your wheels to tour the Reykjanes peninsula. This once-overlooked region has hogged the limelight over the last few years thanks to renewed volcanic activity to the east of the peninsula. The plate boundary where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates diverge is marked at Leif the Lucky’s Bridge, where you can stand with each foot in a different continent. The coastline near here is wild and windswept, characterised by rocky bird cliffs, isolated lighthouses, and remote beaches. And of course Reykjanes is also home to the Blue Lagoon, a pioneering geothermal spa that paved the way for many others.

That wraps up our suggestions for your Iceland ring road itinerary in 10 days, though we’d urge you to use it as a rough guide only and carve your own path through the country’s varied and extraordinary landscapes. One of the great advantages of having your MyCar rental is the opportunity it creates to be spontaneous and go with the flow, turning off unexpectedly when a sign catches your eye or to follow a local recommendation. Wherever the road takes you, we know you’ll have a great time.