One of the best road trips in the entire world, the Ring Road around Iceland offers unbelievable attractions: gorgeous waterfalls, breathtaking views, stunning glaciers, and adorable puffins. Whether you are trying to decide on your next adventure, or have already decided to visit Iceland and need help planning your Iceland itinerary, this 7 day Iceland itinerary will share everything you need to know for an amazing trip.
This guide will show you the best places to visit, where to stay, and more. With just 7 days to drive the entire Ring Road, this itinerary is jam-packed with activities and you can find plenty of suggestions for how to adjust this Iceland itinerary if you have another few days or want to skip some activities.
For a complete overview of all our posts on Iceland, check out our Iceland Page and see A Complete Iceland Summer Packing List: Everything Your Need.
Looking for more Iceland travel inspiration, see the best waterfalls in Iceland.
Overview of this 7 Day Iceland Itinerary
The Ring Road is 1,332 km (825 miles) long and winds around the entire island of Iceland. The interior of Iceland is a wild, mountainous area partly covered in glaciers and is impossible to cross. The best way to get around Iceland completely is on the Ring Road (route 1).
This itinerary highlights how to drive the Ring Road in a counterclockwise direction. If you are looking for information on driving in a clockwise direction, check out these itineraries by Earthtrekkers and Renee Roaming, or simply reverse this itinerary.
In the summer of 2022, we drove this exact 7-Day Ring Road itinerary with our family of 5. This post was compiled based on our experience as well as suggestions from friends who have done the same Iceland road trip. The final day of this 7 day Iceland Itinerary has several options based on your exact timing.
Get a Printable Ring Road Itinerary
This 17 page ebook shares the best things to do on Iceland’s Ring Road and a complete 7 day Iceland itinerary everything you need to know to help plan your trip. The Iceland travel guide will help you figure out how much time you need, where to stay and where to eat.
Highlights of this Ring Road Itinerary
Below is a quick look at the highlights of this itinerary broken up day by day. Scroll down to see complete details on these attractions. Note that these are very long days, so in the sections below you can see suggestions on what to leave out for a 6 day Iceland Itinerary, or how to make this into an 8-10 day Iceland itinerary.
Day 1: Pick up your rental car or van, stock up on some supplies at the grocery store and head to the Golden Circle. Explore the Golden Circle: Kerid Crater, the Geysir Geothermal Area, Thingvellir National Park, the Secret Lagoon, Gullfoss, and Bruarfoss.
Day 2: Enjoy the waterfalls at Seljandsafoss, Skogafoss and the Fimmvorduhals hike. Stop at Dyrholaey Lighthouse and Reynisjfara Black Sand Beach before staying in Vik.
Day 3: Start your day with a short hike at Fjaorargljufur and then visit Skaftafell. In the afternoon do a Glacier Tour and visit Diamond Beach and the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, stay in Hofn for the night.
Day 4: Drive west and hike to Hengifoss, drive out to see the puffins at Borgarfjörður Eystri then spend the night in Egilsstadir
Day 5: Hike to Studlagil Canyon then drive north and visit the gorgeous waterfalls of Dettifoss, Selfoss, and Godafoss
Day 6: Start the morning with a dip in Fosslaug Hot Springs. There are several options today. If you missed anything on the Golden Circle, head that direction, drive the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, head to the newly active Volcano, soak in the Blue Lagoon, or spend the afternoon in Reykjavik.
Day 7: Hike to the Volcano, visit the Blue Lagoon, or finish your drive to Reykjavic, and head to the airport.
Map of Iceland’s Ring Road
The map below shows the highlights of the best things to do on the Ring Road in Iceland. You can use this map by clicking on it and then saving it to your own google account.
Things to Know About Driving Iceland’s Ring Road
How Long Does it Take to Drive the Ring Road?
The Ring Road around Iceland is 1,332 km (825 miles) long. In order to drive the complete Ring Road and take in the main attractions, I think you need a minimum of 6 days. Ideally, you will drive the Ring Road in 7 days or more.
When is the Best Time of Year to Drive the Ring Road?
While it’s possible to drive the Ring Road in Iceland all year long, this itinerary is best done during the summer months when you have plenty of light. Several of the days described on this itinerary are very long days and are most enjoyable when you have lots of sunlight. This is also the most popular time to visit Iceland, so it will be the most crowded – especially at the popular sites on the Golden Circle and along the Southern Coast.
Below you can find the average temperature, precipitation, and sunlight throughout the year. While the temperature range throughout the year is not much compared to other destinations, Iceland is notoriously windy, so winters can feel much colder with the wind and driving rain.
Which Way Should you Drive the Ring Road?
You can drive the Ring Road in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. If you drive the Ring Road clockwise, you do the longer and less interesting drives at the beginning of your trip and finish with the most exciting activities.
We chose to drive the Ring Road in a counterclockwise direction in our campervan. We made this choice to give ourselves the most flexibility, knowing that we had an ambitious driving plan. After the 3rd day, if we didn’t have enough time to do everything, our plan was to bail on the Ring Road and just tour the Southern Coast of Iceland. This meant we didn’t feel rushed at the beginning of our trip knowing that if we needed more time, we could simply adjust our itinerary. We also liked getting to see some of the most impressive sites at the start of our trip.
Should you Rent a Car or a Campervan
Unless you are going on a guided tour of the Ring Road, you will need to decide whether to rent a car or a campervan to get around Iceland. We decided to rent a campervan, there are several things to consider:
Driving Conditions: Unless you plan to drive into the interior, you don’t need a 4×4 to get around the Ring Road. Since campervans are popular, most attractions have parking for campervans and campgrounds cater to campervans.
Cost: Cost is another huge factor in Iceland as this country is expensive. While the cost of a campervan likely seems much higher upfront than a car, you will likely save money since you don’t need to book lodging each night beside a small campground fee You can also rent a car and camp which is likely the least expensive option.
Flexibility: The real reason we decided to rent a campervan is that it gave us the ultimate flexibility. Campgrounds are plentiful and do not need to be booked in advance so you can simply adjust your itinerary as you drive each day.
Practical Tips for Driving Iceland’s Ring Road
Below are a few tips to help you on the road in Iceland:
- Gas stations are often few and far between – always keep your gas tank above half full.
- Bathrooms are also few and far between – so plan ahead.
- The speed limit is typically 55 mph and you drive on the right side of the road.
- Driving is mostly straightforward, but be aware of changing weather conditions, it’s not uncommon to be fully engulfed in a cloud or face heavy side winds.
Are you traveling to Iceland along? Check out these tips for Solo Iceland Travel.
Ring Road 7 Day Itinerary, Iceland
Day 1 Reykjavik to the Golden Circle
Start your morning by picking up your rental car or van at the airport. Most of the rental companies are right near the airport so pick-up is quick. Head towards Reykjavik and make your first stop to grab some food and supplies. The best place to stop is at one of the Bonus stores right off the highway in town. This basic grocery store has everything you need and since there are plenty of stretches on the Ring Road without places to eat, having a good supply of snacks is essential. You can also stop in Selfoss at Kronan Grocery Store.
From here, head to the Golden Circle for the day. See a Complete Guide to the Golden Circle. With just one day, you won’t have time to see everything on the Golden Circle.
Stop 1: Kerid Crater
Start your Ring Road adventure with this short walk around the top of Kerid Crater. This small crater has a walking trail right around the rim with views down to the beautiful crater lake at the bottom. You can also walk down a series of stairs to get to the base of the crater and walk around the crater lake itself. There is a fee to visit Kerid Crater as it’s on private land.
See more about visiting Kerid Crater
Stop 2: Secret Lagoon
Since you’ve likely been traveling to get to Iceland, a visit to the Secret Lagoon is the perfect way to relax and take a soak at the beginning of your journey. The Secret Lagoon is a hot spring set in a natural environment. You can (and should) reserve your time spot online in advance. Plan to spend up to 2 hours at the lagoon. You will find a small cafe and plenty of changing rooms.
See more about visiting the Secret Lagoon.
Stop 3: Gullfoss
At the farthest point on the Golden Circle, you will find Gullfoss. This large and powerful waterfall sends mist high into the air. From the parking lot, you can take two trails. The lower trail goes right to the top of the waterfall and the upper trail offers a panoramic view of the entire falls. Plan about 45 minutes to visit Gullfoss.
Learn more about visiting Gullfoss.
Stop 4: Geysir Geothermal Area
The geothermal activity in Iceland is one of the main things that makes Iceland an amazing place to visit. Stop at the Geysir Geothermal area to see boiling pools and the Geysir. This is a short drive from Gullfoss and can be visited in just 30 minutes if you are short on time. Stay longer and walk above the Geothermal Geysir for a view.
Learn more at the Geysir Geothermal Area.
Stop 6: Bruarfoss Hike
Most of the sites along the Golden Circle are short walks to see the attraction. Finish your day with a longer hike to stretch your legs. This 4-mile hike follows a shockingly blue river. The final waterfall on the hike is an incredible horseshoe fall, but we also loved the other smaller waterfalls on the way up the trail. The hiking trail can be muddy, so be prepared if it has been raining.
Learn more about the Bruarfoss hike.
Other Options for Day 1: There are several other options of things to see on the Golden Circle. The most popular site not on this itinerary is Thingvellir National Park. You can add this to your Golden Circle visit, or consider a tour of Langjökull Glacier or a visit to Sólheimar.
Logistics for Day 1: Depending on when your day started, you will likely want to stay somewhere on the Golden Circle. This area has some cute little towns, and more facilities than you will find as you get further away from Reykjavik. You can find many small hotels and campgrounds. For dinner, you can stop at Ölverk for beer, pizza, and apps.
Here are 3 spots to consider for the first night.
The following campsites are all excellent options if you are staying in a campervan or tent.
Day 2: South Coast Waterfalls and Coastal Views
This day includes a drive along the South coast with some incredible waterfalls, one of the best hikes in Iceland, and some lovely views right along the coast. This is another long day, so try to get an early start. You can find several places to eat along the way. Some of the best options are the food stands/cafes that are right at the base of the waterfalls.
Most of the sites on day 2 are directly off the Ring Road and are easy to get to. The first two waterfalls in particular are both visible from the main road.
Finish your day in the fun town of Vik.
Stop 1: Stop at Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrafoss
Directly off the Ring Road, the tall and picturesque Seljalandsfoss is an excellent first stop for day 2 of your itinerary. This waterfall is popular and you can walk right up and around the back of the falls. Pack full rain gear if you plan to walk along the backside of the falls as you will absolutely get wet! The trail is easy to follow but can get slippery.
After visiting Seljanlandsfoss, follow the trail to the left of the falls along the base of the cliff. After hiking about 10 minutes you will come to the hidden waterfall cave of Gljufrafoss. To get to the waterfall, you will need to walk up a stream on rock stepping stones into a small open cave. The waterfall plummets through a hole in the rock into the cave. This was one of our favorite waterfalls in Iceland as you can fully experience the power and sound of the falling water.
Learn more about visiting Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrafoss.
Stop 2: Skogafoss and the Fimmvorduhals Trail
The next stop along the Ring Road is the mighty Skogafoss. This incredible waterfall is massive and you can get right up near the base of the falls. You can really feel the power of the falls. Be prepared to be covered in mist when you are standing at the base of the falls. There is a large parking lot with some facilities and food. While you only need a few minutes to visit the base of Skogafoss, you will want to give yourself a few hours to hike up above the waterfall on the Fimmvorduhals Trail.
This trail is part of a much longer one-way trail. From Skogafoss, hike up the stairs to the top of the waterfall. The trail continues uphill from here, basically following the river passing epic waterfall after epic waterfall. You will be hiking this trail as an out and back, so you can simply walk as far as you choose. We walked about 6 miles round trip, and this was easily one of our favorite hikes in Iceland.
See more about visiting Skogafoss and the Fimmvorduhals Trail.
Stop 3: Dyrholaey Lighthouse and Sea Arch
There are several things to see when visiting Dyrholaey Lighthouse. The lighthouse itself is perched right near the edge of the cliff and while this is pretty, the real showstoppers are the sea arch, the expanse of black sand beach along the water below, and the puffins. If you can, try to visit later in the day when the puffins return from fishing at sea. There are several walking trails to explore, so plan to spend about 45 minutes here, or longer if you want to park at the lower parking lot and walk up to the lighthouse.
See more about visiting Dyrholaey Lighthouse.
Stop 4: Reynisfjara Beach
Iceland is known for its Black Sand Beaches, but Renisfjara is also known for the basalt columns, cave, and offshore sea stacks. This beautiful spot is a great way to end the day and can be visited quickly before spending the night in Vik. You should plan about 30-60 minutes to visit the beach.
Be aware that there are sneaker waves on this beach and always follow local safety guidelines.
See more about visiting Reynisfjara.
Day 2 Logistics: Vik is a fun little town with places to stay and some restaurants. If you are camping, you may want to consider looking for a campground to the east of Vik to reduce the driving time the next day, otherwise, there are several options in Vik. Here are 2 places to consider for the night:
Hotel Vík í Mýrdal – beautiful spot with room options for up to 5 people
Vik Apartments – Great location with several different-sized rooms
Day 3: Canyons, Svartifoss and Ice
On the third day of your Iceland 7 day Itinerary of the Ring Road, you will visit the gorgeous Fjaorargljufur Canyon, hike to the Svartifoss Waterfall, take a glacier walk and visit Diamond Beach. This was my favorite day of our Iceland trip, but it does involve several short hikes and is a long day. If you aren’t up for another early morning, you could consider skipping Svartifoss.
Finish your day with a drive out to Hofn. You will likely arrive rather late, so make sure to plan your meals accordingly.
Stop 1: Fjaorargljufur (Fjaðrárgljúfur)
This is a truly beautiful canyon carved from the river that runs between these cliffs. Drive on the dirt road to get to the start of the hiking trail and park at the base of the canyon. The hike goes up the top of the canyon, although it is possible to hike up the river depending on the conditions. There are several viewing platforms, so you don’t need to do the complete hike if you are short on time. We spent about 1.5 hours on this hike.
See more about hiking Fjaorargljufur (Fjaðrárgljúfur)
Stop 2: Svartifoss
The 2-mile hike to Svartifoss is a nice walk in Skaftafell. The trail takes you first past another lovely waterfall and ends at Svartifoss. This waterfall drops from the cliff face over some basalt columns making it a very pretty site. There are several other hiking trails in the area if you want a longer hike.
Learn more about hiking to Svartifoss.
Stop 3: Glacier Hike
Taking a glacier hike is one of the highlights of visiting Iceland. There are many tour companies that offer multi-hour glacier hikes on Vatnajokull Glacier. Some of these tours include ice climbing and depending on the time of year a visit to an ice cave. Here is a link to the glacier tour we did and highly recommend: Extra-Small Group Glacier Hike.
Plan to dress warmly for this hike, although they will provide crampons, a harness, an ice ax, and a helmet.
Stop 4: Diamond Beach and Jokulsaralon Lagoon
At the base of the Vatnajokull Glacier, large chunks of ice break off from the glacier and float through the glacier lagoon. Whether you decide to do a tour through the lagoon, or just walk along the edge of the lagoon, you will have a chance to these large pieces of ice as they make their way out to sea.
Just around the corner, many of these ice chunks float up onto the black sand known as Diamond Beach. The contrast of the ice and the beach is amazing. These two sites are just off Route 1 and absolutely worth visiting.
Learn more about Diamond Beach and Jok Lagoon.
Logistics for Day 3: This is a long day full of activities with several smaller hikes. We were pretty tired out after this day and didn’t arrive to Hofn until late at night. By the time we arrived in town, it was almost too late to get dinner. One of the few places open was Hafnarbuðin. We really enjoyed our dinner at the small restaurant in the harbor.
We stayed at Camp Hofn but you can also check out Guesthouse Dyngja which gets good reviews.
Options for Day 3: This is one day that you may want to add on additional sites based on your timing, or consider slowing down and adding another day in this part of Iceland (making this an 8 day Iceland Itinerary). You could add on a tour of Jokulsarlon Lagoon and more time to explore Skaftafell.
Day 4: More Waterfalls and Puffins
Day 4 of your itinerary involves some long drive to get out to the puffins. If you’ve been tuckered out from walking, the only hike on day is a few miles to Hengifoss.
Stop 1: Litlanesfoss and Hengifoss Hike
The hike to Hengifoss also includes the beautiful Litlanesfoss. Both these waterfalls are beautiful in very different ways with incredible rock formations. Litlanesfoss is surrounded by basalt columns and Hengifoss has striking red layers of clay streaking across the rock. We really enjoyed the open hike in the valley to get to these waterfalls. The drive to these waterfalls is also lovely and while it is a bit off the Ring Road, we highly recommend these waterfalls.
Learn more about hiking to Litlanesfoss and Hengifoss.
Stop 2: Borgarfjörður Eystri Puffins
Seeing puffins up close was high on our bucket list. In our opinion, Borgarfjörður Eystri is the best place to see puffins in Iceland. You can walk right up through the puffin’s nesting holes on a series of stairs and boardwalks, and can safely watch these amazing birds from just a few feet away.
The hardest part of visiting Borgarfjörður Eystri is getting there as it is about a 90-minute drive off the Ring Road. The road to Borgarfjörður Eystri is beautiful as it winds along the coast and up over a mountain pass that is often covered in clouds. Drive past the town to the small marina to see the puffins. There are many other hiking trails in the area.
This is one of the biggest detours on this Ring Road Itinerary – if you are not interested in seeing puffins you may want to skip this part of the itinerary.
Learn more about visiting the Borgarfjörður Eystri Puffins
Logistics of Day 4: This day involves a lot of driving. From Hofn, you have 2 routes to get to Hengifoss. You can stay on Route 1, or take Route 95. We chose to take route 95. This was an awesome drive that goes up over some mountains: although we were in and out of the clouds at times and could only see a few feet in front of us. This road brings you right down to 931. Take a left onto 931 to get to Hengifoss.
After hiking to the waterfall, you will hop back in your car and make the drive to Borgarfjörður Eystri and then return to Egilsstadir for the night.
This is a small town, but has plenty of places to eat and several places to stay. We camped at the Egilsstadir Campground. You can also check out Hotel 1001 Nott.
Options for Day 4: One option is to spend some time in Hofn before leaving in the morning. It was very windy and rainy when we were there, so we didn’t stay long. If you don’t want to make the drive out to Borgarfjordur Eystri to see the puffins, you can also visit Seydisfjordur and see the photogenic Rainbow Road.
Day 5: Studlagil Canyon and the Northern Waterfalls
Stop 1: Studlagil Canyon
This stunning canyon in eastern Iceland is absolutely worth visiting. Only recently discovered after the water level dropped, the striking color of the water against the columnar basalt columns is truly amazing. To get to Studlagil Canyon, you will need to drive about 30 minutes off the Ring Road goes down a dirt road. You don’t need a 4×4 for the road to get to the main viewing area. From this viewing area, you can look down into the canyon.
If you want the view from inside the canyon, you will want to cross the river and hike up to the canyon. There is a small dirt road on the left that takes you across the river. Just across the bridge, there is a parking lot directly on your right. You can park here and walk to the canyon, or follow the rough dirt road on the right to another parking lot. When we visited in the summer of 2022, this dirt road was barely passable in our campervan. From the second parking lot, the obvious trail follows the river upstream to the canyon.
Please note that this side of the canyon is private land.
Learn more about visiting Studlagil Canyon.
Stop 2: Dettifoss and Selfoss
These are two incredibly powerful and beautiful waterfalls. Deffifoss is one of the most powerful waterfalls in all of Europe and the gorgeous Selfoss is truly spectacular. This waterfall is elegant with water pouring over the cliff lip around a wide horseshoe. You can visit the waterfall from either the east or west side. The west side is easy to visit, but may not be open in the winter.
Both waterfalls are easy to visit from the west side parking lot, and you can easily see both falls in about 1 hour. This is a popular stop and can get crowded.
Learn more about visiting Dettifoss and Selfoss.
Stop 3: Godafoss
This gorgeous waterfall is right off the Ring Road and is very easy to visit. You can park almost at the waterfall or walk a short distance to the falls. The total walk if you go up along both sides of the falls is just under 2 miles. Godafoss is called the waterfall of the Gods and is breathtaking.
Learn more about visiting Godafoss.
Logistics of Day 5: After leaving Studlagil Canyon, the next part of the drive is very remote. Make sure you have a full tank of gas. Most of this drive was in the clouds for us and it truly felt like we were in the middle of nowhere. After an hour, you will come across Beitarhúsið – this is a small cafe that pops up out of nowhere and is great stop.
The other important driving item is the Hvalfjarðargöng Tunnel near Akureyri. There is a fee to drive through the tunnel that can be paid online, or you can take route 84 around the tunnel. This adds a little time but avoids the toll.
A few good options for the night are in Akureyri:
Options for Day 5: If you want to get further ahead for the next day, you can visit Fosslaug Hot Spring at the end of the day (see below) and drive further along the route. This gives you more options for the end of your 7 day Iceland itinerary and if you are planning a longer itinerary for the Ring Road (such as such as 8 – 10 days in Iceland), you have more options.
Another option for this day is the visit one of the geothermal area, specifically Hverir and Myvatn Geothermal Area or the Myvatn Hot Baths. These stops are right off Route 1.
Day 6: Hot Springs and Options for Your Final Day
On your final day, visit Fosslaug hot springs and then head south. If you only have 6 days, I suggest you visit Fosslaug on Day 5 and then drive further south. On Day 6 you will want to make your way to the airport.
If you have 7 or more days, you have several options for what to do with your afternoon on day 6 and day 7. Depending on your choice and timing, you will want to use the afternoon of Day 6 to drive towards your final destination.
Stop 1: Fosslaug
This is one of the most off-the-beaten-path activities on this 7 day Iceland itinerary. This natural hot spring sits perched right at the top of a gorgeous waterfall. Take the short hike to the hot spring and enjoy a soak. The hardest part of visiting Fosslaug is finding it! Enter Fosslaug carpark into your map. You will need to drive across the river before getting to the waterfall. The parking lot is down a road on the right after you cross the river. From the car park it is a short walk to the hot spring.
See more about visiting Fosslaug. and exactly how to find the hot spring.
Options for the Afternoon of Day 6 and Day 7 in Iceland: after visiting Fosslaug, you will continue driving south toward Reykjavik. You have several options for how to spend the afternoon of Day 6 and Day 7 of your Iceland itinerary. Your final day of activities depends on whether you have an early flight on the 7th day or if you have a few additional days to explore Iceland. Here are 5 recommendations for how to spend the end of Day 6 and 7 in Iceland:
Visit Snaefellsnes Peninsula: You will need a day to drive around the peninsula and stop at the main attractions. This Peninsula is described as a mini-Iceland. You will find gorgeous views, waterfalls, and black-sand beaches.
See more about visiting Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Finish up the Golden Circle: Since the first-day itinerary doesn’t give you quite enough time to see everything in the Golden Circle, you could also finish up visiting any sites you missed.
Visit the Blue Lagoon: The Blue Lagoon is an Iceland classic and is a great place to relax on your last day in Iceland.
Hike to the Volcano: Just a few weeks after our visit, Iceland’s most recent volcano erupted. Fagradalsfjall Volcano is just a short drive from the airport. There are several hiking trails and they are working to create more established trails All of the hikes are challenging, so you will likely want to drive and stay nearby on the afternoon of Day 6, and hike on day 7.
Learn more about visiting the Volcano.
Explore Reykjavik: If you haven’t had time, use your final day of this 7 day Iceland itinerary to explore Reykjavik. We enjoyed this city, but also felt like the best things to do in Iceland are all the natural wonders. There are some great museums in town that are a good option for a rainy/cold day.
See more about what to do in Reykjavik.
Day 7: Finish up your activities based on Day 6: Hike to the Volcano, explore Snaefellsnes Peninsula, finish your drive to Reykjavic, head back to the Golden Circle – then drive to the airport.
Common Questions About the Ring Road Itinerary, Iceland
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to drop a question in the comments and I’ll continue to update this section of the post to help you plan your Iceland Ring Road Trip.
How is the Driving on the Ring Road?
The complete Ring Road (route 1) can be driven by a basic vehicle. Everything on this itinerary can be reached with a car or campervan. You don’t need a 4×4 unless you plan to drive to another attraction on this itinerary. The speed limit is typically around 55 mph. Always use caution when driving in Iceland, especially based on the changing weather.
Summary of this 7 Day Iceland Itinerary
I hope you’ve found this itinerary helpful to plan your own visit to Iceland! We loved visiting Iceland, and this itinerary truly has what we consider the best sites in Iceland that can be seen in one week in Iceland.