Day 1: Reykjavík To Vík: The South Coast Experience

The first day is all about setting the right mood. Expect about 3–4 hours in the car, not counting the many stops you'll be making along the way, and trust me, you'll want to stop a lot.

Highlights that you really shouldn't miss:

• Seljalandsfoss: A waterfall that lets you walk behind it - go early morning to avoid the crowds.
• Skógafoss: It's a massive waterfall that's hard to ignore; take the stairs to the top for a breathtaking view.
• Dyrhólaey & Reynisfjara: Black sand beaches with incredible basalt columns. Just be careful, the sea around here can be very unforgiving.

Don't overplan things, some of the most memorable moments can happen when you just pull over and take in the view from a cliffside or watch a rainbow break out over the plains.

Day 2: Vík To Höfn: Glaciers And Coastal Views

Day two is when things start to feel a bit more challenging, around 4-5 hours in the car with plenty of stops. The South Coast is still full of amazing sights but this leg is all about glaciers and the icy landscapes they bring with them.

The places that really stand out:

• Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon: A winding canyon that looks almost unreal; try to get there early morning or late afternoon when the light is magic.
• Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park: Take one of the shorter walks here, and you'll see glacier tongues and vast plains stretching out as far as the eye can see.
• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: Icebergs floating in the water and the occasional curious seal, don't miss the nearby Diamond Beach, where ice chunks lie glinting on black sand.

Tip: It's better to focus on a few high-quality stops, rather than trying to cram in loads of places and end up feeling rushed. Five stops done well beats ten done in a rush.

Day 3: Höfn To Egilsstaðir: A More Peaceful East Fjords

The East Fjords are a lot quieter and slower, the roads wind along fjords and over gentle mountains, past sleepy little villages.

You'll want to take your time here. Driving might take 5-6 hours, but the landscapes make it feel shorter.

Here's a good way to approach it:

• Take your time to stop at any scenic pull-offs you come across. The fishing villages are lovely, even if it's just a quick look.
• If you can, take a moment to watch the early light filtering into the fjords, it's worth hanging around for.
• If you spend the night in Egilsstaðir, you've got the chance to visit nearby hot springs or quiet lakes.

Today is more about soaking up the beauty of the East Fjords than trying to tick off loads of attractions.

Day 4: Egilsstaðir To Akureyri: Northern Highlights

Now we head north, where the landscapes do a 180 from fjords to the hot zones and volcanic formations that Iceland is so famous for.

Must-See Places:

• Dettifoss: That's right, Europe's most powerful waterfall is up ahead. And trust us, it's a jaw-dropper, you'll need to be prepared for a serious wow moment.
• Lake Mývatn: Mud pools, pseudo-craters, and bubbling geothermal activity make this area a real treat. Natural wonders abound, and you'll be glad you stopped.
• Húsavík (optional): Whale watching here is world-renowned, but even taking a leisurely stroll along the shore is a pretty great way to spend the day.

Driving times get longer up here, so get an early start. Remember, the key is to focus on quality over quantity.

And a great place to do that is Akureyri, this little town is a perfect overnight spot, with all sorts of cozy accommodations and more than a little bit of that quirky Icelandic charm that makes Iceland so special.

Day 5: Akureyri To Reykjavík: The Grand Western Finale

The final day is pretty much a loop back to Reykjavík, which should take around 5-6 hours driving time all told, but don't worry, there's plenty to keep you busy along the way.

Highlights:

• Skagafjörður: They call this place the horse capital of Iceland, and it's easy to see why. Even a quick 10-minute stop to look at those gorgeous Icelandic horses is worth it.
• Borgarfjörður: You'll have a chance to visit two of our prettiest waterfalls, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. Easy pull-offs and some seriously cool views, what more could you ask for?
• Optional side trips: Reykholt or Deildartunguhver hot springs, if you've still got some gas in the tank.

Remember, by this stage of the trip, you might be feeling a bit done in, so take it easy, take breaks, and enjoy the little things on the way back.

Some Practical Tips To Help You Get This Trip Underway

• Driving times: Expect to average about 4-6 hours per day of driving time, depending on your stops.
• Stops: Try to hit 3-4 key highlights per day, but if you've got the energy for a bonus stop or two, that's okay too.
• Accommodation: Pre-book your place to stay, especially in the smaller towns, you don't want to be stuck out in the highlands with nowhere to go.
• Flexibility: The weather, the roads, and the light all change in a heartbeat, so be prepared to adapt. And don't stress if things don't go according to plan.
• Packing: Pack for variable weather, don't forget your waterproofs, some snacks, and your camera, because those photo ops are going to pop up out of nowhere.

The Ring Road is a reward for taking it easy and not rushing around. It's a long haul, but sometimes those in-between moments are some of the best.

The Power Of Having Your Own Wheels

A trip like this needs flexibility, big time, you'll want to linger over a view, chase the light on a glacier, or take a side road that looks interesting just for the fun of it.

Having a car hire, especially one that's a trusted local outfit like MyCar means you get to call the shots, not some bus schedule. That's about more than convenience: it's about getting the experiences you really care about.

Bottom Line

Five days along the Ring Road is unlikely to turn you into an Iceland expert, but it will give you a real taste of this incredible country's mix of dramatic landscapes and everyday moments.

Waterfalls and fjords, glaciers and geothermal lakes, each day throws up a new mix of must-sees and hidden gems.

Just remember to drive with purpose, keep things loose, and enjoy the ride. When you least expect it, you'll pull up, take a deep breath, and suddenly be enveloped in the vast, rugged beauty of Iceland.