6-Day Ring Road Tour Around Iceland

We will start the day at 8:00 a.m. by collecting all passengers from their pickup locations. Depending on your location, this can take up to 30 minutes. We will then head towards the country's interior and hit the famous tourist route called the Golden Circle. 

Our first stop will be Thingvellir National Park, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historical and geological importance. There, we will see the historical site where Althingi, the world’s oldest democratic parliament, was founded more than a thousand years ago.  

There is no specific parliament building here, as the people of Iceland used to hold their meetings here under the open sky. Lögberg is a rock, and it was the platform from which the law speakers would proclaim new laws with the imperious rift valley at their backs.

Thingvellir is also famous for being the gap between two tectonic plates. There are several cracks between the Eurasian and North American plates lying at the center of the national park. These two plates continue to drift apart, with the gap widening by about 0.78 in. (2 cm) each year. This movement creates the awe-inspiring geology in the area that we will explore when we walk in between the tectonic plates.

Our next stop is the world-renowned Geysir Hot Spring Area. We will walk among bubbling hot springs and mud pots on the restless ground of an active geothermal area, passing by steaming fumaroles surrounded by colorful minerals. We will see the famous Geysir, from which the English word geyser was adopted, and its younger brother, Strokkur. The Great Geysir is dormant today, but Strokkur erupts every 5-8 minutes, so we will be able to see at least a few eruptions for sure! The unearthly scenery will surely inspire us to know Iceland’s geology even better.  

Then, we will move on to the majestic Gullfoss Waterfall (Golden Falls). Gullfoss was named after the golden-brown hue surrounding the cascade on sunny days. If we are lucky, a stunning rainbow will form over the canyon, providing a fantastic opportunity for photos. 

After wrapping up the Golden Circle, we’ll head south to one of Iceland’s must-see regions—the South Coast. This area is home to some of the country’s most dramatic landscapes. Every stretch of road offers something breathtaking, with scenery so striking it feels straight out of a fairytale.

On our way to our accommodation, we’ll stop at two of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. You’ll have plenty of time to explore these stunning natural wonders. At Seljalandsfoss, you can even walk behind the cascading water for a unique view. At Skógafoss, we’ll take the stairs to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

We’ll visit the stunning Reynisfjara black sand beach, known for its dramatic black basalt columns and the iconic Reynisdrangar sea stacks. This place has been ranked among the top ten non-tropical beaches in the world. From here, you’ll also get beautiful views of the sea arches and cliffs at Dyrhólaey. In summer, puffins nest on the cliffs, adding even more charm to this already spectacular spot.

We’ll spend the night at a cozy country hotel near the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. If conditions are just right, this location offers a fantastic chance to witness the Northern Lights from September to April!

Today is all about glaciers. We begin by passing the massive Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which hides the infamous Katla volcano beneath its ice. Then, we journey across the vast Eldhraun lava field, a landscape shaped by one of history's largest lava flows from the 1783 eruption. The moss-covered lava stretches endlessly in every direction.

Next, we enter Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull. Covering 14% of Iceland, it's the country’s biggest protected area, filled with towering ice caps, deep valleys, and contrasting green oases like Skaftafell.

Here, our expert guide will lead us on a glacier hike across one of Vatnajökull’s outlet glaciers. You’ll explore stunning ice formations, deep crevasses, and the glacier’s famous shimmering blue ice. (Part of the Adventure package.)

From October to April, we switch the hike for an incredible journey into the Crystal Ice Cave, where you’ll experience dazzling blue ice formations created by the ever-shifting glacier. Each cave is unique, making the experience truly unforgettable.

After our glacier adventure, we’ll hop back on the bus to continue the journey. Our final stop for the day is the breathtaking Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Iceland’s deepest lake, filled with massive floating icebergs. 

The lagoon connects to the sea, where the icebergs drift slowly toward the ocean. The waves then carry them back to shore, creating a striking scene. The sapphire-blue water contrasts with the coal-black sands, dotted with icebergs and ice chunks that shimmer like gems. This stretch of coastline is called Diamond Beach—a place so surreal it will send shivers down your spine!  

In the evening, we will rest at a comfortable accommodation in the Southeast area. Ask your guide for tips on seeing the Northern Lights at night during winter!

On day three, we will explore the Eastfjords of Iceland. This coastline stretches for about 75 miles (120 kilometers) along Iceland’s eastern coast, from the village of Djúpivogur in the south to Borgarfjörður Eystri in the north. 

With steep mountains plunging into deep fjords, the region feels like a well-kept secret. Small fishing villages line the rugged coastline, and wild reindeer roam the hills. It’s a place where nature takes center stage, far from the busier tourist spots.

Our first stop of the day will be Djúpivogur, a traditional fishing village with centuries-old, colorful houses that will remind us of the village's long history of trading. Djúpivogur has a population of 450 people. A picturesque, pyramid-shaped mountain nearby and a stunning coastline make the views even more interesting.  

We’ll wind through the scenic Eastfjords before heading inland to Lagarfljót, Iceland’s third-largest lake. Known for the legend of the Lagarfljótsormur, a serpent-like creature, the lake adds a touch of mystery to the beautiful landscape. While the monster’s existence remains a tale, some locals still believe it lurks beneath the surface.

Lagarfljót Lake is located near the town of Egilsstaðir, which is often considered the gateway to East Iceland. Egilsstaðir sits along the banks of the Lagarfljót River and is the largest town in the region.

Afterward, we’ll head to the Wilderness Center—one-of-a-kind in Iceland. Sitting right on the edge of the highlands, this place feels like a step back in time. You’ll stay in carefully restored old farmhouses, offering a glimpse of how life used to be for those living in Iceland’s wild and untamed frontier. The stories of the land and its people come to life here.

You’ll have free access to the museum exhibitions during your stay. When you arrive, you’ll cross an old wooden bridge to your historic accommodation. Meals are made fresh in an open kitchen, using local ingredients. And after exploring, get ready to soak like a true Viking in the hot spring bathhouse, built with stones just like the ones our ancestors used.

If the weather's right, you might also see the Northern Lights from September to April.

On day four, we will head toward North Iceland. After leaving Egilsstaðir behind, we will drive through a Highlands area, where the landscape is barren and extraterrestrial. 

First, we will visit Stuðlagil Canyon, one of the world’s most enchanting basalt rock formations.* You’ll see towering basalt columns that rise from the striking turquoise waters of the Jökla River.

Next, we’ll pass through the incredible geothermal area of Námaskarð, one of Iceland’s most active volcanic fields. The landscape is alive with bubbling hot springs and steaming fumaroles, set against vivid, mineral-streaked soil in shades of red, yellow, and orange. The air is thick with the distinct smell of sulfur—similar to rotten eggs—but the dramatic sights more than make up for it!

Then, we will move towards the volcanic wonderworld around Lake Mývatn. Covering an area of 14 mi2 (36.5 km2), Mývatn is the fourth largest lake in Iceland. An incredibly vibrant array of flora and fauna thrives around the lake and on its tiny islands. Myvatn is deservedly one of Iceland’s most valuable protected nature reserves.

During our visit to the region, we'll stop by the renowned Myvatn Nature Baths (optional extra), sometimes referred to as “the Blue Lagoon of the North.” Here, you can unwind in the blue geothermal water, sourced from depths of up to 8,200 feet (2,500 meters) and heated by underground volcanic activity. In addition to the bathing lagoon, you'll also find geothermal steam baths providing a 100% natural experience controlled by the weather.

Afterward, we will go for a short walk in Dimmuborgir, “the Dark Fortress,” a charming garden of lava rock sculptures, huge rock pillars, caves, caverns, tunnels, and lava bridges. These strange lava formations are steeped in mythology. Our friendly tour guide will tell us all about Iceland’s thirteen Santas and the many trolls who live among these peculiar sculptures. 

Our final stop of the day will be at the Goðafoss Waterfall. The “waterfall of the gods” was named when Iceland switched from the Norse religion to Christianity. According to the legends, this was the place where the pagan idols were destroyed when Iceland converted to Christianity. The water cascades from a height of 39 ft. (12 m) over a length of 38 ft. (30 m) and has a unique horseshoe shape, making it highly photogenic.

After our memorable day, we'll make our way to Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland. Despite its small size, with around 19,000 residents, Akureyri is the largest city outside the capital area. Nestled in the heart of Eyjafjörður Bay, this picturesque town boasts stunning views in all directions.

We will spend the night in a hotel in the Akureyri area, where you might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights between September and April.

*In winter, road conditions may limit access to Stuðlagil. But in such case, we'll have plenty of other thrilling activities lined up for you. Your safety and satisfaction are our main concerns. Thank you for your understanding.

On day five, we set off on a whale-watching boat tour from Dalvík (part of the Adventure package). This small fishing village, offers nearly a 100% chance of spotting whales year-round in Eyjafjörður, known as the “island fjord.”

Humpbacks, minke whales, and dolphins are regular visitors here, often swimming right up to the boat. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see these incredible animals up close. In summer, keep an eye out for puffins and other seabirds that make this area even more special.

After our time in Dalvík, we’ll continue to the picturesque village of Siglufjörður, the northernmost town in Iceland. Famous for its vibrant harbor, it was once the bustling center of Iceland’s herring industry during the early 1900s, full of life and activity. Today, it’s a peaceful village with a rich history and rustic charm.

As we make our way around Tröllaskagi, or the Troll Peninsula, you’ll get some of the best coastal views in Iceland, along with a peek at the country’s top ski spots. 

We’ll also cut through active farming regions where you’ll see Iceland’s rural side up close. Before settling in for the night, we’ll swing by Skagafjörður—a fjord dotted with islands and filled with stories waiting to be uncovered.

Finally, we will head to Laugarbakki, where you will spend the evening at the hotel. In winter evenings, if the conditions are right, you can go out of the hotel to view the dazzling Northern Lights, painting the sky with vibrant hues of green, purple, and blue (September-April).

On our sixth day, we will explore West Iceland, which the Lonely Planet voted as one of the best holiday destinations. We will spend most of our time in the Borgarfjörður area, which has many spectacular natural sights and is famed worldwide for its majestic beauty. 

Our day will begin with a short hike up to a highly scenic volcano crater, Grábrók. The red volcanic soil is covered with green moss patches, making it look like a vibrant painting. On a clear day, there are fabulous views over the lava field and the area. 

Next, we’ll visit the historic site of Reykholt, once home to the famous Icelandic writer and politician, Snorri Sturluson. Snorri, who lived here in the 12th and 13th centuries, is best known for his detailed accounts of Nordic mythology. We’ll see Snorralaug, “Snorri’s pool,” a geothermal hot pool dating back to the 10th century.

Our next stop is the bubbling Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring. It pumps out 50 gallons (180 liters) of water per second at a scorching 200°F (97°C). The hot water here supplies towns and farms within a 40- to 45-mile (60 to 70-kilometer) radius, making it an essential resource for the area.

Next, we’ll visit the unique Hraunfossar, or “Lava Falls,” where countless streams flow directly from the ground—a rare phenomenon for a waterfall. The water emerges over a stretch of about 0.55 miles (900 meters), creating a stunning and beloved natural sight for all who visit.

Just a short walk from Hraunfossar is Barnafoss, or “Children’s Waterfall.” According to legend, children tragically fell into its striking cyan waters, and your guide will share more of the story as we explore the area.

Next, get ready to meet the charming Icelandic horses at Sturlureykir horse farm! You’ll have the chance to pet, interact with, and learn all about these incredible creatures that have been an integral part of Icelandic culture for centuries.

On our way back to Reykjavík, we’ll take the scenic route around Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord). We plan to arrive in the capital between 5 and 6 p.m., dropping you off at your original pick-up location.

Sometimes, you simply need another day in Iceland! If you wish to spend a few more days adventuring in Iceland, check out our 7-Day Tour Around Iceland from Reykjavik or the Ultimate 8 Day Iceland Ring Road Tour.