By Iceland, often referred to as the “Land of Fire and Ice,” offers some of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth. From powerful waterfalls and vast glaciers to black sand beaches and natural hot springs, this unique island is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. A 10-day road trip is the ideal way to experience the country’s diverse beauty, especially along the famed Ring Road, which loops around the island and leads to hidden gems off the beaten path.
Overview
This 10-day Iceland road trip takes you on a journey through some of the country’s most iconic sights, including waterfalls, volcanoes, and geothermal lagoons. Starting and ending in Reykjavik, you’ll drive the Ring Road counterclockwise, covering approximately 1,332 kilometers (828 miles). The route is designed to give you a perfect mix of nature, culture, and adventure while allowing plenty of time to discover lesser-known spots that are often missed by tourists.
- Duration: 10 days
- Starting Point: Reykjavik
- Total Distance: 1,332 km (828 miles)
- Main Route: Ring Road (Route 1)
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavik
Arrive in Iceland’s capital and pick up your rental car. Spend the day exploring Reykjavik’s vibrant streets, visiting landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja Church and the Harpa Concert Hall. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon before dining at one of the city’s cozy seafood restaurants.
- Highlights: Hallgrímskirkja, Laugavegur shopping street, Sky Lagoon
Day 2: The Golden Circle
Explore Iceland’s most popular route, the Golden Circle. Start at Thingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Then, visit the mighty Gullfoss Waterfall and the erupting Geysir Hot Springs.
- Highlights: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Hot Springs, Gullfoss Waterfall
Day 3: South Coast to Vík
Drive along Iceland’s stunning south coast, stopping to visit the famous Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. End your day at the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara, near the picturesque town of Vík.
- Highlights: Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara Beach, Dyrhólaey Cliffs
Day 4: Vík to Skaftafell National Park
Continue eastward, passing through dramatic lava fields and glaciers. Stop at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon for a short hike, then head to Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park, where you’ll find glacier trails and beautiful waterfalls.
- Highlights: Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Skaftafell Glacier Hike, Svartifoss Waterfall
Day 5: Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach
Visit the stunning Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where giant icebergs float toward the sea. Just across the road, Diamond Beach offers a mesmerizing view of ice chunks scattered on the black sand.
- Highlights: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, Höfn town
Day 6: The Eastfjords
Travel through one of Iceland’s most remote and scenic areas. The winding mountain roads lead to charming fishing villages and beautiful fjord views. Take a break in Djúpivogur and Egilsstaðir, where you can relax by the serene Lagarfljót Lake.
- Highlights: Djúpivogur, Egilsstaðir, Lagarfljót Lake
Day 7: North Iceland and Lake Mývatn
Visit Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, then head to the geothermal area around Lake Mývatn. Explore the bubbling hot springs and craters, before heading to Akureyri, Iceland’s second-largest city.
- Highlights: Dettifoss Waterfall, Hverir Geothermal Area, Mývatn Nature Baths, Akureyri
Day 8: Whale Watching in Húsavík
Drive to Húsavík, the whale-watching capital of Iceland. Take a boat tour to spot humpback whales and occasionally blue whales. In the evening, unwind at the GeoSea Thermal Baths with stunning views over the ocean.
- Highlights: Whale watching tour, GeoSea Thermal Baths, Húsavík Harbor
Day 9: West Iceland and Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often referred to as “Iceland in Miniature” due to its diverse landscapes. Visit iconic sights like Kirkjufell Mountain and the Arnarstapi Cliffs. End your day near Borgarnes or Stykkishólmur.
- Highlights: Kirkjufell Mountain, Snæfellsjökull National Park, Arnarstapi Cliffs
Day 10: Return to Reykjavik
On your final day, drive back to Reykjavik, making stops at Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfalls. Enjoy one last evening in the capital, sampling Icelandic cuisine and shopping for souvenirs.
- Highlights: Hraunfossar Waterfall, Barnafoss Waterfall, Reykjavik’s cafés and shops
Hidden Gems of Iceland
While the main route of the Ring Road offers plenty of well-known sites, there are also many hidden gems that provide a quieter, more intimate experience of Iceland’s stunning beauty.
- Stuðlagil Canyon
Tucked away in East Iceland, this hidden canyon features striking basalt columns and a glowing turquoise river. It’s a short detour between Egilsstaðir and Mývatn and well worth the visit. - Hvitserkur Rock
Located on the Vatnsnes Peninsula in North Iceland, Hvitserkur is a unique 15-meter-tall sea stack that resembles a dragon drinking from the ocean. It’s often overlooked by tourists, making it a peaceful stop for photographers. - Rauðisandur Beach
In the remote Westfjords, Rauðisandur is a rare red-sand beach that stretches for nearly 10 kilometers. It offers a peaceful contrast to Iceland’s usual black sand beaches, especially under the glow of a sunset. - Gjáin Valley
Nestled in the Þjórsárdalur Valley, Gjáin is a serene oasis with moss-covered lava fields, crystal-clear pools, and cascading waterfalls. It’s an ideal stop for nature lovers and photographers. - Kvernufoss Waterfall
Located just a short walk from the popular Skógafoss, Kvernufoss is a tranquil waterfall that you can even walk behind. It’s a less crowded alternative for those looking for solitude and great photo opportunities. - Borgarfjörður Eystri
Known for its incredible puffin colonies, Borgarfjörður Eystri is a charming village surrounded by colorful mountains. It’s one of the best places to see puffins up close in summer. - Landmannalaugar
For the adventurous, Landmannalaugar in the Highlands offers surreal landscapes of rainbow-colored mountains and hot springs. It’s a haven for hikers looking to explore Iceland’s rugged terrain. - The Secret Lagoon
Located near the Golden Circle in Flúðir, the Secret Lagoon is Iceland’s oldest hot spring. It’s a quieter and more authentic alternative to the Blue Lagoon, offering a peaceful soak surrounded by natural steam vents.
Best Times to Visit
- Summer (June–August): Ideal for driving the full Ring Road, with long daylight hours and mild weather.
- Spring and Fall (May, September): Fewer tourists and vibrant scenery, though weather can be unpredictable.
- Winter (November–March): Great for experiencing the Northern Lights, ice caves, and snowy landscapes, but some routes may be closed due to snow and ice.
Packing List
- Waterproof jacket and warm layers
- Comfortable hiking boots
- Gloves, hat, and scarf
- Portable phone charger and car adapter
- Swimsuit for hot springs
- Reusable water bottle
- Offline maps (cell service can be limited in remote areas)
Final Thoughts
A 10-day road trip around Iceland is a once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with awe-inspiring landscapes, unique natural wonders, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re exploring glaciers, soaking in hot springs, or spotting whales, Iceland offers an adventure like no other. With this itinerary, you’ll be able to enjoy both the well-known landmarks and the hidden gems that make this country truly special.
