A realistic guide to driving the full Ring Road with space to explore, rest, and adapt.
Iceland is one of those places that feels vast, raw, and surprisingly intimate all at once. Driving the full Ring Road allows you to experience that contrast firsthand. You see how quickly landscapes change, how quiet some stretches feel, and how small towns anchor life in dramatic terrain.
This itinerary covers 8 days on the Ring Road, traveling August 30 through September 7, with a rental car and a mix of planned excursions and spontaneous stops. It is built for travelers who want structure without rushing and freedom without chaos.
Trip Overview
- Dates: August 30 – September 7
- Total time in Iceland: 8 days
- Route: Full Ring Road loop
- Transportation: Rental car through Hertz
- Lodging: Mix of Airbnbs and hotels
- Flights: Delta
- Outbound: ORD → MSP → KEF
- Return: KEF → JFK → ORD
Late summer is an excellent time to do the Ring Road. Roads are accessible, daylight hours are long, and conditions are generally favorable without peak summer crowds.
Day 1 – Arrival, Blue Lagoon, and Rest
August 30
After landing at Keflavik, we picked up our rental car and headed straight to the Blue Lagoon, which we booked ahead of time. Prebooking is important, especially if you want flexibility with arrival time and access to amenities.
We spent a few relaxed hours soaking, enjoying face masks and drinks, and easing our bodies into the trip. Afterward, we drove toward the outskirts of Reykjavik to grab coffee and shake off the overnight flight fatigue.
Before settling in for the night, we stopped at a local grocery store to stock up on road trip snacks, water, and basics for the coming days. This small step made a big difference later when stretches of driving were long.
We stayed at an Airbnb in Keflavik and called it an early night.
Day 2 – Golden Circle and Southern Iceland
August 31
We woke up refreshed and started our journey by driving toward Thingvellir National Park, where we walked through the rift valley and explored at an unhurried pace.
From there, we continued on to Geysir, where geothermal activity is constant and fascinating, then down to Secret Lagoon Iceland. This was a quieter, more relaxed hot spring experience, and we enjoyed soaking for about an hour and grabbing a light bite at the café.
The drive to Hvolsvollur was scenic and calm. That evening, we found a local restaurant for dinner and returned to our Airbnb. One of the highlights of the night was simply sitting on the porch and watching horses in the pasture as the light faded.
Day 3 – Waterfalls and a Glacier Hike
September 1
This day was all about iconic southern Iceland.
We started with Seljalandsfoss, followed by Skogafoss, both of which are worth the stop. We then continued to Solheimasandur, the site of the plane crash on the beach.
This is one stop I would personally skip. The walk from the road to the beach is much longer than expected, and while the wreck is interesting, it was not worth the time for us.
We ended up jogging much of the way back to make it to our glacier hike with Troll Expeditions, which turned out to be the highlight of the entire trip. Hiking Falljökull Glacier was breathtaking and well organized. I would recommend this experience to anyone visiting Iceland.
That night, we stayed at Adventure Hotel Hof, one of the limited lodging options in the area. Nearby, we visited Hofskirkja, a historic church with a grass-covered roof that feels straight out of another era.
Day 4 – Glacier Lagoons and Diamond Beach
September 2
We continued east on the Ring Road, stopping first at a quiet gravel road that led to a beautiful glacier and lake backdrop.
Next came Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, one of the most striking locations in Iceland. We opted not to kayak or take a boat tour, choosing instead to walk, observe, and enjoy the views at our own pace. We grabbed lunch nearby before continuing on.
As we drove farther east, the landscape shifted to rolling grasslands dotted with sheep. We arrived in Höfn, explored the town on foot, and stayed at Hotel Edda Höfn.
The hotel patio had walking trails and open views. We spent the evening watching the sunset and enjoying cocktails from the bar.
Day 5 – Horses, Cliffs, and Seydisfjordur
September 3
After coffee and pastries in Höfn, we drove one of the most scenic stretches of the trip, with dramatic cliffs and sweeping ocean views.
As a horse person, this day was especially meaningful. We visited a small, privately owned farm in Fell for an Icelandic horse ride with Fell Horse Rental. It was just the two of us and our guide.
We rode through pastures, along trails, and down to the ocean, where we rode the horses in the water on the beach. It was unforgettable and something I would recommend wholeheartedly. https://www.fellhorserental.com/
Afterward, we drove to Seydisfjordur, which requires a detour off the Ring Road but is absolutely worth it. The town is stunning. We walked around, stopped for drinks, had sushi, and walked the rainbow path before checking into Snæfell Hotel by Aldan.
Day 6 – Northern Iceland and Akureyri
September 4
We slept in slightly before heading back up to the Ring Road, passing countless sheep along the way.
The drive through the more remote highland regions felt quiet and expansive. We eventually reached Goðafoss, a powerful and beautiful waterfall that deserves time to explore.
In Akureyri, we parked the car and explored on foot. We visited shops, the botanical gardens, grabbed snacks, and relaxed by the water before checking into Centrum Guesthouse.
That evening, we visited a local hot bath at Hauganes Camping Area, a low key and memorable experience.
Day 7 – Whale Watching and a Slow Evening
September 5
We booked a whale watching tour out of Akureyri, which exceeded expectations. Not only did we see multiple whales, but we also encountered a pod of around 50 bottlenose dolphins, which is rare in Iceland.
After the tour, we continued driving and stayed at Hótel Hamar, a perfect place to slow down. The hotel had a unique hot tub and sauna right outside the room, making it an ideal evening for rest.
Day 8 – Reykjavik
September 6
We spent our final full day in Reykjavik, walking the city and seeing as much as possible. Highlights included:
- Sun Voyager sculpture
- Rainbow Street
- Hallgrimskirkja
- Coffee and pastries
- Shopping
- Sushi at Sushi Social
We stayed our last night at Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, which was comfortable and convenient.
Day 9 – Heading Home
September 7
On the flight home, we flew Delta back to the United States through JFK and then ORD.
If you can, book a window seat on the daytime flight. We were lucky enough to have clear skies and saw Greenland from 30,000 feet, which was absolutely breathtaking.
Final Thoughts
Driving the full Ring Road in Iceland is an experience that rewards flexibility, curiosity, and patience. You do not need to overbook every day. Some of the best moments happen when you let the road guide you.
If you are willing to drive, adapt, and slow down, Iceland offers more than scenery. It offers perspective.
Rooted Wildly 