Iceland Ring Road & Wild Westfjords Journey - 9 Days

Reykjavik - The Golden Circle (Thingvellir National Park; Geysir Geothermal Area; Gullfoss Waterfall) - Seljalandsfoss Waterfall - Skogafoss Waterfall - Reynisfjara Beach - Kirkjubaejarklauster.

After morning pick-up in Reykjavik, we head straight for the Golden Circle, Iceland’s best-known sightseeing route. Our first stop is Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where we can walk through a rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

We then continue to the Geysir Geothermal Area, where bubbling hot springs surround Strokkur, Iceland’s most active geyser. The final stop on the Golden Circle is Gullfoss, a powerful two-tiered waterfall that crashes into a deep canyon.

From here, we join Route 1 and continue along the South Coast. We stop at Seljalandsfoss, where there is a path behind the waterfall if conditions allow. We then visit Skogafoss, known for its dramatic 60 metre drop and frequent rainbows in the spray. On clear days, glacier-capped mountains can be seen in the distance.

Before the day ends, we visit Reynisfjara black-sand beach, famous for its basalt columns and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks just offshore. The beach is also known for strong sneaker waves, so extra care is needed near the water.

Please note: We strongly recommend arriving in Reykjavik the day before your tour starts. Please also note that this tour includes a moderate amount of hiking to see attractions such as waterfalls. You should be comfortable hiking a distance of around 5km. Get in touch with our team should you have any concerns.

Kirkjubaejarklauster - Myrdalsjokull Glacier - Eldhraun Lava Field - Vatnajokull National Park - Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon - Diamond Beach - Kirkjubaejarklauster.

Today is all about glaciers. After breakfast, we travel east, passing Myrdalsjokull, the glacier that covers the Katla volcano. On the way, we cross the vast Eldhraun lava field, a moss-covered landscape created by the enormous 1783 eruption.

We continue to Vatnajokull National Park, home to Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Europe. Here, we gear up for a guided glacier hike on one of its outlet glaciers, where we can see crevasses, ice formations and striking blue ice at close range.

Later, we visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs break away from Breidamerkurjokull and drift slowly across the water. Nearby Diamond Beach offers a completely different scene, where chunks of ice wash ashore and glitter against the black sand.

Kirkjubaejarklauster - Djupivogur - Egilsstadir - Wilderness Center.

After breakfast, we continue along the Ring Road into the Eastfjords, a region known for steep mountains, quiet fjords and small fishing communities. It is one of the country’s least-visited areas and feels far removed from the usual tourist trail.

We stop in Djupivogur, a small and peaceful fishing village, before continuing to Egilsstadir, the largest town in East Iceland, set beside the Lagarfljot river. According to local legend, the river is home to the Lagarfljot Worm, a serpent-like creature said to live beneath its waters.

The rest of the day is spent at the Wilderness Center, set on the edge of the largest wilderness area in Northern Europe. Here you have time to explore the museum exhibitions, enjoy meals prepared with fresh local ingredients, and relax in the spa with its geothermal hot spring and Finnish sauna.

Tonight we stay at the Wilderness Center, where rustic interiors add to the peaceful setting.

Wilderness Center - Studlagil Canyon - Namaskard Geothermal Area - Myvatn - Dimmuborgir - Godafoss Waterfall - Akureyri.

Today we travel from East Iceland to the north, with several scenic stops along the way. First is Studlagil Canyon, where striking basalt columns rise above the turquoise waters of the Jokla river. We view the canyon from the rim, taking in its unusual shapes and vivid colours.

We then continue to the Namaskard geothermal area, where steam rises from bubbling mud pools and fumaroles stain the ground with bright mineral colours. From here, we travel through the Myvatn region, a volcanic landscape known for its shallow lake, small islands and rich birdlife.

You may choose to visit Earth Lagoon, formerly known as Myvatn Nature Baths, as an optional extra. This is a chance to unwind in geothermal water surrounded by volcanic scenery.

Later, we visit Dimmuborgir, a dramatic area of lava formations created when a lava tube collapsed, leaving behind tall and irregular rock pillars. We also stop at Godafoss, the crescent-shaped waterfall, before continuing through Eyjafjordur to Akureyri.

Tonight we stay at a country hotel in Akureyri, with time to explore this northern fishing town.

Akureyri - Eyjafjordur - Siglufjordur - Trollaskagi - Skagafjordur - Laugarbakki.

This morning we head out on a whale-watching tour in Eyjafjordur. These waters are one of the best places in Iceland to spot marine life, and common sightings include humpback whales, dolphins and porpoises.

After the boat tour, we continue to Siglufjordur, Iceland’s northernmost town, known for its colourful harbour and strong links to the herring fishing industry in the early 20th century.

We then travel around Trollaskagi, the Troll Peninsula, where small villages and dramatic coastal scenery give a glimpse into daily life in North Iceland. Later, we pass through fertile farming country and stop by Skagafjordur, a broad fjord dotted with islands, before arriving in the Laugarbakki area.

Laugarbakki - Grabrok Crater - Reykholt - Deildartunguhver Hot Spring - Hraunfossar - Barnafoss Waterfall - Sturlureykir Farm - Reykjavik.

Today we return to West Iceland, focusing on the Borgarfjordur area, which is full of natural and historical landmarks. We begin with a short hike up Grabrok crater for wide views over lava fields and the surrounding countryside.

Next, we stop in Reykholt, once home to Snorri Sturluson, one of Iceland’s best-known medieval writers and historians. We then continue to Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe, whose geothermal water heats homes in nearby towns.

Later, we visit Hraunfossar, where countless small streams emerge from the Hallmundarhraun lava field, and nearby Barnafoss, a narrower and more turbulent waterfall with a very different character.

We also stop at Sturlureykir farm, where we can meet Icelandic horses and learn a little more about this unique local breed.

On the way to Reykjavik, we take the scenic route through Hvalfjordur, or Whale Fjord.

Reykjavik - Budardalur - Vatnsfjordur Nature Reserve - Latrabjarg Cliff - Breidavik Beach - Flokalundur.

After breakfast, we leave Reykjavik and head north along Route 1. Our first stop is Eiriksstadir Museum, a reconstructed Viking longhouse linked to Leifur Eiriksson and the early history of Icelandic settlement.

From there, we continue into the Westfjords through Vatnsfjordur Nature Reserve, where the landscape becomes more remote and rugged. We also stop at the Gardar shipwreck, where the remains of the old vessel rest on a black-sand shore backed by green hills.

Later, we reach Latrabjarg, the largest seabird cliffs in Europe, where the Arctic and Atlantic meet. During nesting season, this is one of Iceland’s best places to see puffins.

The day ends at Breidavik, a wide golden beach set between rolling green hills and blue water.

Flokalundur - Raudisandur - Dynjandi Waterfall - Onundarfjordur Pier - Bolafjall Viewing Platform - Isafjordur.

This morning we drive to Raudisandur, a 10 kilometre stretch of red-tinged sand that is unusual in Iceland. Its colour comes from crushed scallop shells that have built up over centuries.

We then continue into Fossfjordur valley to visit Dynjandi, the largest waterfall in the Westfjords. A short walking trail leads to several viewpoints, revealing the waterfall’s broad, stepped shape as it widens towards the base.

Later, we stop at the pier in Onundarfjordur, a simple wooden structure reaching out into the fjord. Surrounded by pale sand, turquoise water and mountains, it is a quiet and memorable place to pause.

Isafjordur - Bolungarvik - Westfjords Seven Fjords Route - Sudavik - Gervidalsa Valley - Grabrok Crater - Reykjavik.

Our final day begins at Osvor Museum, a restored 19th-century fishing station where turf buildings and traditional rowboats offer insight into Iceland’s coastal past. Nearby, we stop at the red-orange Osholar lighthouse, a small but striking landmark.

We then follow the Seven Fjords Route, one of the most scenic drives in the region, with constantly changing views of mountains, shorelines and narrow inlets.

Next, we visit the Arctic Fox Center, dedicated to research and conservation of Iceland’s only native land mammal. We also stop at the Hvitanes seal colony, where seals are often seen resting on the rocks between Hestfjordur and Skotufjordur.

Before leaving the Westfjords, we visit Gervidalsa waterfall, and later make one final stop at Grabrok crater in West Iceland, where a short walk along the rim offers wide views over lava fields and volcanic plains.

We return to Reykjavik in the evening, with drop-off at the original pick-up point.