12-Day Ring Road & Snæfellsnes Self-Drive

Trip at a glance

Best forTravellers who want the whole Ring Road with shorter driving days and time for whale watching, glacier hikes and hot baths

HighlightsKirkjufell, Djúpalónssandur, Glaumbær, Goðafoss, Mývatn, Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi, Húsavík, East Fjords, Jökulsárlón, Skógafoss, Gullfoss

Total drivingAbout 2,450 km in 12 days

Longest dayDay 3: about 300 km, 4–4.5 hours of driving

Start and endKeflavík Airport, any day of the week

What's included with us

Your own trip map, on web and phoneAfter booking you get a private map of your trip on icelandmap.is: each day's route, your hotels, fuel stations, toilets, places to eat and the extra stops below, ready on your phone before you land.

Lesser-known stops picked by localsEach day includes quieter places that most visitors drive past, chosen by our team and marked on your map.

A local team in IcelandWe are a local travel agency in Iceland. Message or call us before and during your trip; we answer in English and help if plans change on the road.

Day-by-day guideDriving times, road and weather notes, and where to stop for fuel and food each day.

One free date changeChange your travel dates once for free up to 30 days before arrival (subject to availability).

No booking feesThe price you see includes hotels, car, breakfast, taxes and card fees.

Day by day

Open a day for stops and tips. Add tours to any day; the price updates in the booking box.

DAY1

Arrival and the road to SnæfellsnesAbout 220 km, 3 hours of driving · 2 optional toursOvernightSnæfellsnesDetails ▾Close ▴

Keflavík Airport – Borgarnes – Gerðuberg – Ytri Tunga – Búðir – Snæfellsnes

Pick up your car at Keflavík Airport and drive north through the Hvalfjörður tunnel to Borgarnes, where the Settlement Centre tells the story of the first Icelanders. Continue onto the Snæfellsnes peninsula, past the basalt wall of Gerðuberg, to the beach at Ytri Tunga, where seals often lie on the rocks. End the day at Búðir and its black church below the lava field. You sleep on the peninsula for two nights.

STOPS ON THE WAY

BorgarnesFuel, supermarket and the Settlement Centre. The last large town before Snæfellsnes.Guide →

Gerðuberg cliffsA row of basalt columns a short walk from the parking area.Guide →

Eldborg crater (optional)About 2.5 hours return on foot from the farm Snorrastaðir.Guide →

Ytri TungaSeals are most often seen from June to August, at low tide.Guide →

BúðirThe black church and a walk through the Búðahraun lava field.Guide →

Local tip: If you land early, have breakfast in Borgarnes; it is the best place to stock up on food before the peninsula.

Local tip: lesser-known stopBjarnarfoss · A tall waterfall a few minutes from Búðir, seen from the road. A short walk takes you closer.

ADD A TOUR THIS DAY (OPTIONAL)

Krauma Geothermal Baths AdmissionA 35-minute detour from Borgarnes to Deildartunguhver.+7,900 ISK pp

Settlement & Egils Saga ExhibitionIn Borgarnes.+3,700 ISK pp

DAY2

Around SnæfellsjökullAbout 200 km, 3 hours of driving · 3 optional toursOvernightSnæfellsnesDetails ▾Close ▴

Arnarstapi – Hellnar – Lóndrangar – Djúpalónssandur – Snæfellsjökull National Park – Kirkjufell – Stykkishólmur

A full loop of the peninsula below the Snæfellsjökull glacier. Walk the cliff path from Arnarstapi to Hellnar, look up at the basalt towers of Lóndrangar, and walk down to Djúpalónssandur, a black pebble beach with the remains of an old shipwreck. On the north coast, stop at Kirkjufell and its waterfall, then spend the evening in the harbour town of Stykkishólmur.

STOPS ON THE WAY

ArnarstapiA 2.5 km coastal path to Hellnar, past sea arches and bird cliffs.Guide →

HellnarA small fishing village with a café by the sea cave Baðstofa.Guide →

Rauðfeldsgjá gorgeA narrow gorge you can walk a short way into. Slippery in winter.Guide →

LóndrangarTwo volcanic plugs by the sea, 10 minutes' walk from the parking area.Guide →

Vatnshellir lava caveGuided visits only; see the add-ons.Guide →

DjúpalónssandurDo not walk close to the water: the waves are strong.Guide →

Snæfellsjökull National ParkVisitor centre at Malarrif with toilets.Guide →

KirkjufellThe view with Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall is a short walk from the parking area. Parking fee.Guide →

StykkishólmurClimb Súgandisey for the view over the harbour and Breiðafjörður.Guide →

Local tip: Fill up with fuel in Ólafsvík, Grundarfjörður or Stykkishólmur; there is no station on the south side of the glacier.

Local tip: lesser-known stopsSvöðufoss · A waterfall over basalt columns near Rif, with Snæfellsjökull behind it. A short, easy walk from the parking area.Súgandisey lighthouse · A short climb from Stykkishólmur harbour to the lighthouse on the islet, with a view over the islands of Breiðafjörður.

ADD A TOUR THIS DAY (OPTIONAL)

Vatnshellir Lava Cave Tour in Snæfellsnes Peninsula+5,900 ISK pp

Kirkjufell Kayaking Tour+14,900 ISK pp

Ólafsvík Whale WatchingFebruary–September+14,000 ISK pp

DAY3

To the north: Hvítserkur and SkagafjörðurAbout 300 km, 4–4.5 hours of drivingOvernightSkagafjörðurDetails ▾Close ▴

Stykkishólmur – Búðardalur – Hvammstangi – (Hvítserkur) – Kolugljúfur – Glaumbær – Skagafjörður

The longest drive of the trip, through the farmland of Dalir to the north coast. In Hvammstangi you can learn about seals at the Seal Centre. In summer, take the gravel road along the Vatnsnes peninsula to Hvítserkur, a rock in the sea shaped like a drinking animal. Further east, the river Víðidalsá runs through the narrow Kolugljúfur canyon. End the day at Glaumbær, a farm with turf houses, before your hotel in Skagafjörður.

STOPS ON THE WAY

HvammstangiFuel, a shop and the Icelandic Seal Centre.Guide →

Hvítserkur (optional)About 30 km of gravel road each way along Vatnsnes; best from May to September.Guide →

Kolugljúfur canyonA short detour from Road 1, with waterfalls in a narrow gorge.Guide →

Glaumbær turf housesA museum farm open in summer; the turf houses can be seen from outside all year.Guide →

Local tip: Leave Snæfellsnes early: this is the longest driving day of the trip.

Local tip: lesser-known stopVíðimýrarkirkja turf church · A turf church from 1834 just outside Varmahlíð, right beside the road.

DAY4

Tröllaskagi and AkureyriAbout 190 km, 2.5–3 hours of driving · 2 optional toursOvernightAkureyriDetails ▾Close ▴

Skagafjörður – Hofsós – Siglufjörður – Ólafsfjörður – Dalvík – Akureyri

Drive around the Tröllaskagi peninsula, where mountains drop straight into the sea. Swim in the infinity pool at Hofsós, which looks out over the fjord, then continue through tunnels to Siglufjörður, once Iceland's herring capital. Pass Ólafsfjörður and Dalvík, where you can join a whale watching tour, before you reach Akureyri, the largest town in the north.

STOPS ON THE WAY

Hofsós swimming poolSmall entry fee. Bring a towel.Guide →

SiglufjörðurThe Herring Era Museum and cafés by the harbour.Guide →

ÓlafsfjörðurA quiet fishing town between two tunnels.Guide →

DalvíkWhale watching departs from the harbour; see the add-ons.Guide →

AkureyriRestaurants, shops, the botanical garden and the town's popular swimming pool.Guide →

Local tip: If the Tröllaskagi road is closed by snow, take Road 1 over Öxnadalsheiði instead: about 120 km and 1.5 hours.

Local tip: lesser-known stopGrafarkirkja · One of the oldest turf churches in Iceland, a tiny 17th-century chapel near Hofsós.

ADD A TOUR THIS DAY (OPTIONAL)

Dalvík Whale Watching+11,990 ISK pp

Express Whale Watching in Dalvík (RIB boat)May–September+20,990 ISK pp

DAY5

Goðafoss and Lake MývatnAbout 110 km, 1.5–2 hours of driving · 3 optional toursOvernightMývatnDetails ▾Close ▴

Akureyri – Goðafoss – Skútustaðagígar – Dimmuborgir – Hverfjall – Grjótagjá – Mývatn

A short driving day with many stops. Goðafoss, the waterfall of the gods, is on the way to Lake Mývatn. Around the lake you walk among pseudo-craters at Skútustaðir, through the lava towers of Dimmuborgir and up to the rim of Hverfjall crater. Look into the warm water of the Grjótagjá cave, and end the day in the Earth Lagoon.

STOPS ON THE WAY

GoðafossViewpoints on both sides of the river.Guide →

SkútustaðagígarA 30-minute walk among the pseudo-craters.Guide →

DimmuborgirMarked paths from 15 minutes to 1 hour. Parking fee.Guide →

Hverfjall craterA steep 20-minute climb to the rim.Guide →

GrjótagjáA small cave with warm water. Bathing is not allowed.Guide →

Lake MývatnMidges in June and July; a head net helps.Guide →

Local tip: The Earth Lagoon (formerly Mývatn Nature Baths) is quieter in the evening. Book a time slot.

Local tip: lesser-known stopLeirhnjúkur · Steaming ground and young lava on a marked trail near Krafla. Summer only; stay on the path. (Summer only (about June–September))

ADD A TOUR THIS DAY (OPTIONAL)

Earth Lagoon Mývatn Essential AdmissionFormerly Mývatn Nature Baths.+7,900 ISK pp

Earth Lagoon Mývatn Signature Admission+9,900 ISK pp

Biking & Hot Spring Tour in Mývatn+18,900 ISK pp

DAY6

Húsavík, Ásbyrgi and DettifossAbout 250 km, 3.5 hours of driving · 2 optional toursOvernightMývatnDetails ▾Close ▴

Mývatn – Húsavík – Ásbyrgi – Dettifoss – Mývatn

A loop north of the lake. In Húsavík, the whale watching capital of Iceland, boats leave the old harbour several times a day. Continue to Ásbyrgi, a horseshoe-shaped canyon with birch woods, and on to Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Walk upstream to Selfoss before you drive back to Mývatn for a second night.

STOPS ON THE WAY

HúsavíkWhale watching from the harbour; see the add-ons.Guide →

Ásbyrgi canyonA short walk from the parking to the pond at the end of the canyon.Guide →

DettifossRoad 862 to the west side is paved.Guide →

Selfoss (waterfall)About 30 minutes' walk from the Dettifoss parking area.Guide →

Local tip: The Earth Lagoon at Mývatn is a good end to the day. Book a time slot.

ADD A TOUR THIS DAY (OPTIONAL)

Húsavík Whale WatchingHúsavík is 1 hour from Mývatn; adds about 5 hours to the day.+14,036 ISK pp

Húsavík Whale Watching & Puffins (RIB boat)May–September+21,990 ISK pp

DAY7

Hverir and the road eastAbout 170 km, 2.5 hours of driving · 1 optional tourOvernightEgilsstaðirDetails ▾Close ▴

Mývatn – Námafjall/Hverir – Möðrudalur – Egilsstaðir

Start at the steaming mud pots and fumaroles of Hverir below Námafjall. The road then crosses the highland desert at Möðrudalur, one of the highest farms in Iceland, and drops down to Egilsstaðir by the lake Lagarfljót. A short day, with time for the Vök Baths in the evening.

STOPS ON THE WAY

Námafjall and HverirStay on the marked paths; the ground is hot.Guide →

MöðrudalurA farm café in the highland desert, about halfway.

EgilsstaðirThe largest town in the east, with shops and restaurants.Guide →

Local tip: The Vök Baths, floating in the lake near Egilsstaðir, are a good end to the day.

Local tip: lesser-known stopFardagafoss · A waterfall above Egilsstaðir, reached by a short uphill walk from the road. (Summer only (about June–September))

ADD A TOUR THIS DAY (OPTIONAL)

Vök Baths AdmissionFloating pools in Lake Urriðavatn, 5 km from Egilsstaðir.+7,690 ISK pp

DAY8

The East FjordsAbout 270 km, 3.5–4 hours of drivingOvernightHöfnDetails ▾Close ▴

Egilsstaðir – Reyðarfjörður – Fáskrúðsfjörður – Stöðvarfjörður – Djúpivogur – Eystrahorn – Stokksnes – Höfn

Follow the coast through the East Fjords, past small fishing villages tucked into deep fjords. In Stöðvarfjörður, see Petra's stone collection; in Djúpivogur, the egg sculptures by the harbour. South of the fjords, the road passes the jagged peaks of Eystrahorn before you reach Stokksnes and the Vestrahorn mountain, just outside Höfn.

STOPS ON THE WAY

ReyðarfjörðurFuel and a supermarket.Guide →

FáskrúðsfjörðurStreet signs in French and Icelandic, from the town's past with French fishermen.Guide →

StöðvarfjörðurPetra's Stone Collection, open in summer.Guide →

DjúpivogurThe egg sculptures 'Eggin í Gleðivík' by the harbour.Guide →

EystrahornParking at Hvalnes lighthouse.Guide →

Stokksnes and VestrahornPrivate land with an entry fee at the Viking Café.Guide →

HöfnKnown for langoustine; several restaurants by the harbour.Guide →

Local tip: Fuel up in Reyðarfjörður or Djúpivogur. Most villages in the fjords have a station, but some close early.

Local tip: lesser-known stopsEggin í Gleðivík · 34 granite eggs along the harbour in Djúpivogur, one for each bird species that nests nearby.Teigarhorn · A protected nature reserve near Djúpivogur known for its zeolite crystals. Look, but leave the stones.

DAY9

Jökulsárlón and SkaftafellAbout 135 km, 2 hours of driving · 3 optional toursOvernightSkaftafell areaDetails ▾Close ▴

Höfn – Jökulsárlón – Diamond Beach – Fjallsárlón – Skaftafell

A day of glaciers without hurry. Jökulsárlón, where icebergs float out to sea, is 80 km from Höfn; across the road is Diamond Beach. In summer you can paddle among the icebergs on a kayak tour. Stop at the quieter Fjallsárlón lagoon, then walk to Svartifoss in Skaftafell, the waterfall framed by basalt columns. You sleep near Skaftafell.

STOPS ON THE WAY

Jökulsárlón glacier lagoonSeals are often seen near the lagoon's mouth. Parking fee.Guide →

Diamond BeachIce on black sand. Keep away from the waves.Guide →

FjallsárlónThe glacier comes down to the water.Guide →

Skaftafell and SvartifossAbout 1.5 hours return from the visitor centre. Parking fee.Guide →

Local tip: With the extra night here, this is the day for a glacier hike at Skaftafell or kayaking on Jökulsárlón.

Local tip: lesser-known stopsMúlagljúfur · A green canyon with waterfalls near Hof in Öræfi. Allow 2–3 hours for the walk; best from June to September. (Summer only (about June–September))Breiðárlón · A quieter glacier lagoon west of Jökulsárlón, reached by a gravel track. Check the track before driving it. (Summer only (about June–September))

ADD A TOUR THIS DAY (OPTIONAL)

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon KayakingMay–September+18,500 ISK pp

Skaftafell Glacier HikeBest with an extra night near Skaftafell.+13,763 ISK pp

Glacier Lagoon Kayaking PremiumMay–October+20,900 ISK pp

DAY10

Fjaðrárgljúfur, Kirkjubæjarklaustur and VíkAbout 140 km, 2 hours of driving · 2 optional toursOvernightVík areaDetails ▾Close ▴

Skaftafell – Kirkjubæjarklaustur – Fjaðrárgljúfur – Vík

Drive west across the black sands and the moss-covered Eldhraun lava field. Stop in Kirkjubæjarklaustur, then walk along the rim of Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon. In Vík, see the Lava Show or walk to the black beach before dinner.

STOPS ON THE WAY

KirkjubæjarklausturFuel and a shop.Guide →

Fjaðrárgljúfur canyonAbout 1 hour return along the rim. It can close in spring.Guide →

Vík í MýrdalSupermarket, restaurants and fuel.Guide →

Local tip: The Lava Show in Vík pours real molten lava in front of you; book a time slot.

Local tip: lesser-known stopsKirkjugólf · Flat-topped basalt columns that look like a church floor, a few minutes' walk from the road in Kirkjubæjarklaustur.Systrafoss · A waterfall right above Kirkjubæjarklaustur. In summer you can walk up beside it to the lake Systravatn.

ADD A TOUR THIS DAY (OPTIONAL)

Katla Ice Cave Tour from Vík+28,847 ISK pp

The Icelandic Lava Show in Vík+6,590 ISK pp

DAY11

The South Coast waterfallsAbout 200 km, 3 hours of driving · 2 optional toursOvernightGolden Circle areaDetails ▾Close ▴

Vík – Reynisfjara – Dyrhólaey – Skógafoss – Seljalandsfoss – Golden Circle area

See the basalt columns of Reynisfjara and the sea arch at Dyrhólaey in the morning light. Drive west to Skógafoss and climb the steps to the top, then walk behind Seljalandsfoss and into the gorge of Gljúfrabúi. In the afternoon, drive inland to the Golden Circle, where you sleep near Gullfoss and Geysir.

STOPS ON THE WAY

Reynisfjara black sand beachSneaker waves are dangerous here: stay well back from the water.Guide →

DyrhólaeyPart of the area can close for nesting birds in May and June.Guide →

SkógafossAbout 500 steps to the viewpoint at the top.Guide →

SeljalandsfossThe path behind the waterfall is wet and closes when icy. Parking fee.Guide →

GljúfrabúiA waterfall hidden in a gorge, 10 minutes' walk from Seljalandsfoss.Guide →

Local tip: The Secret Lagoon in Flúðir and Laugarás Lagoon are on the way to your hotel.

Local tip: lesser-known stopsKvernufoss · A waterfall in a small gorge about 15 minutes on foot from the Skógar museum. You can walk behind it. The path is icy in winter.Loftsalahellir · A cave in the cliffs between Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara, once used for local meetings, with a view along the coast.

ADD A TOUR THIS DAY (OPTIONAL)

Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike+14,424 ISK pp

Laugarás Lagoon: Birki Standard EntryOn the way to the Golden Circle hotel.+8,500 ISK pp

DAY12

The Golden Circle and the airportAbout 200 km, 3 hours of driving · 2 optional toursOvernightEnd of tripDetails ▾Close ▴

Gullfoss – Geysir – Þingvellir – Keflavík Airport

See Gullfoss and the Geysir geothermal area early, before the day tours arrive from Reykjavík. Drive to Þingvellir National Park and walk between the continents, then continue to Keflavík Airport to return the car.

STOPS ON THE WAY

Gullfoss waterfallThe lower path can be icy or closed in winter.Guide →

Geysir geothermal areaStrokkur erupts every 5–10 minutes.Guide →

Þingvellir National ParkWalk through Almannagjá. Parking fee.Guide →

The Blue Lagoon (optional)20 minutes from the airport. Book a time slot.Guide →

Local tip: For an afternoon flight, leave Þingvellir by noon. Allow 2.5 hours at the airport plus time to refuel and return the car.

Local tip: lesser-known stopBrúarhlöð · A narrow canyon where the Hvítá river runs between rock pillars, right beside road 30 between Flúðir and Gullfoss.

ADD A TOUR THIS DAY (OPTIONAL)

Glacier Snowmobile Tour from GullfossTakes about 3.5 hours; only with an evening flight.+33,990 ISK pp

Blue Lagoon: Comfort ticketEntry, silica mud mask, towel and one drink. 20 minutes from the airport; we book a time that fits your flight.+16,990 ISK pp

Driving distances and times are rounded estimates from main-road distances, without stops. Tour prices are per person.

More you can add

These have no fixed price yet. To add one, write it in the wishes box when you book. We add it and confirm the price with you before we charge anything for it.

Whale Watching from AkureyriDay 4

Silfra Snorkeling TourDay 12 · At Þingvellir; only with an evening flight.

Hotels

Hotels as listed or similar. If a listed hotel is full, we book one of the same standard in the same area and tell you before we confirm.

Night 1: Hotel on the Snæfellsnes peninsula or similar
Night 2: Same hotel as night 1
Night 3: Hotel in Skagafjörður or similar
Night 4: Hotel in or near Akureyri or similar
Night 5: Hotel at Lake Mývatn or similar
Night 6: Same hotel as night 5
Night 7: Hotel in or near Egilsstaðir or similar
Night 8: Hotel in or near Höfn or similar
Night 9: Hotel near Skaftafell or similar
Night 10: Hotel in the Vík area or similar
Night 11: Hotel near Gullfoss and Geysir or similar

Double or twin rooms. 1 traveller: a double room for single use. 3 travellers: a triple room or a double with an extra bed, subject to availability. 4 travellers: two double rooms. Breakfast: included every morning.

BudgetGuesthouses and simple hotels, some with shared bathrooms

Comfort3-star hotels with private bathroom

Superior4-star and boutique hotels where available

Your rental car

1–2 travellers: Toyota Yaris automatic or similar (2 large bags). 3–4 travellers: Kia Sportage 4x4 or similar. A 4x4 upgrade for 1–2 is available on request.
Larger 4x4 or a 4x4 in summer at extra cost. 7-seat 4x4 and 9-seat van for groups on request.
Picked up and returned at Keflavík Airport
Unlimited kilometres
CDW, super CDW (SCDW), theft protection (TP) and gravel protection (GP)
Pick-up and return at Keflavík Airport
24% VAT

Included

11 nights in hotels or guesthouses at your chosen level, with breakfast
Rental car for 12 days, picked up and returned at Keflavík Airport
Car insurance as described above
Day-by-day route with stops, driving times and local tips
Trip map on icelandmap.is with fuel stations, toilets, restaurants and stops along the way
Lesser-known stops chosen by our local team, marked on your trip map
Help from our local team before and during your trip

Not included

Flights
Fuel
Parking fees at sights (for example Kirkjufell, Dimmuborgir, Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón, Seljalandsfoss and Þingvellir)
Entry fees (for example Hofsós pool and Stokksnes)
Lunches and dinners
Optional tours and lagoon entry, unless you add them
Travel insurance

How it works

1Choose and bookPick your date, travellers, hotel level, car and tours. You see the full price before you book, and pay a 20% deposit by card.

2We confirmWe book every hotel, the car and your tours, and confirm by email within 24 hours.

3Get your travel packVouchers, your route map and the day-by-day guide, by email and on your phone.

4Drive, with us on callA local is a message away if the weather or your plans change.

Seasons and driving

June to August for the longest days, puffins and whale watching; May and September are quieter and cheaper.

Payment and cancellation

Book at least 14 days before arrival
20% deposit when you book
Balance due 45 days before arrival. Bookings made less than 45 days before arrival are paid in full.

If you cancelCancellation fee

More than 30 days before arrival10% of the total price (you get half of your deposit back)

30 to 15 days before arrival50% of the total price

14 to 8 days before arrival75% of the total price

7 days or less before arrival, or no-show100% of the total price

One free date change up to 30 days before arrival, subject to availability.
We recommend travel insurance that covers cancellation (illness, flight changes).

Good to know

Why 12 days instead of 10?

The extra night at Mývatn gives a full day for Húsavík, Ásbyrgi and Dettifoss, and the extra night near Skaftafell gives time for a glacier hike or kayaking on Jökulsárlón. Most days have 2–3.5 hours of driving.

Do we need a 4x4 in summer?

No. All roads on this route are paved or good gravel roads in summer. Groups of 3–4 get a Kia Sportage 4x4 for the luggage space.

Can we see whales and puffins?

Yes, from May to August. Whale watching leaves from Húsavík (day 6) and Ólafsvík (day 2); puffins nest at Dyrhólaey near Vík.

Which hotels will we stay in?

You choose Budget, Comfort or Superior. Two nights on Snæfellsnes, two at Mývatn, and one each in Skagafjörður, Akureyri, Egilsstaðir, Höfn, near Skaftafell, in the Vík area and near Gullfoss. We send the hotel names with your confirmation.

Can we do this trip in winter?

This version is for summer. In winter we recommend the 10-day Ring Road & Snæfellsnes, with a 4x4 and a winter route.

Want to change something?

Add a night, swap a hotel or fit the trip around your flights. We are a local travel agency in Iceland and plan every self-drive trip by hand.

Ask a local

Ring Road & Snæfellsnes in 12 Days

Trip at a glance

What's included with us

Day by day

More you can add

Hotels

Your rental car

Included

Not included

How it works

Seasons and driving

Payment and cancellation

Good to know

See also

Want to change something?