Iceland

Traveling the Ring Road

A trip to Iceland will check off a few items from your bucket list. The ring road circumnavigates the entire island nation of Iceland. Stretching approximately 828 miles, it connects many of Iceland's most iconic landmarks, including waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, and coastal towns. The road offers stunning views of diverse landscapes, ranging from rugged coastlines to vast lava fields, making it a popular route for travelers seeking to experience Iceland's natural beauty. We traveled Iceland's Ring Road in late June 2023.

The Adventure - We climbed on volcanoes and a glacier, chased whales in a rubber speed boat, and hiked the challenging Glymur Waterfall Trail.

The Ordeal - The weather was cool (50F) and rainy during most of our visit. We were prepared for it, but a little disappointed. We got a flat tire, but found a garage reasonably nearby with the right tire in stock. They fixed it right away and charged the rental company directly!

Tips - Get an internet hot spot at the airport. It was great to have our phones working for navigation and checking reservations, but not pay for an international plan. We cannot emphasize enough the necessity of good rain gear and shoes. Whoever said, "there is no bad weather only bad clothes" - that person is from Iceland!

Our 9-day Itinerary

Fagradalsfjall Volcano

Tectonic Plates

Day 1

Land at Keflavik Airport
Fill up water bottles at the airport and pick up the Rental Car
Drive to Fagradalsfjall Volcano. Park in Lot 2 - need APP to pay for parking
Hike volcano trails (3 hours)
Stop at a grocery store in Arborg to purchase food for breakfasts and lunches
Arrive at Thingvellir Visitor Center, also called Pingvellir
Top attractions:

Walk between the Tectonic Plates

Oxarafoss Waterfall

Thingvellir Church

Althing Assembly Hall

Middalskot Cottages

Gulfoss Waterfall

Reynisfjara black sand beach

Day 2

Geysir Park
Gulfoss waterfall
LAVA Centre
Seljalandsfoss waterfall
Gljúfrabúi waterfall
Skogafoss waterfall
Skogar Muesum
Reynisfjara black sand beach
Top Attractions:

Reynisfjara

Hálsanefshellir Cave

Mid Hvoll Cottages
If not exhausted visit town of Vik

Skaftafell Glacier

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Day 3

Troll Expeditions Skaftafell for a three hour Glacier Tour
Skaftafell Vistor Center

Hike trail XXX

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Diamond Beach
Stafafell Cottages

Djúpivogur quirky Art Studios

Seydisfjordur - church

Day 4

Arrive in Djúpivogur (village)
Top attractions;

Eggin í Gleðivík, Brid Blinds, quirky Art Studios

Sveinsstekksfoss (waterfall) parking at the top
Folaldafoss (waterfall)
Folaldafoss Parking Note that GPS units will often recommend you continue on the 939 if you set your destination as Egilsstaðir.
Petra's Stone Collection
Arrive in Egilsstaðir (village) and stop for groceries
Fardagafoss
Seyðisfjörður
Top Attractions;

Seydisfjordur - church

Gufufoss - waterfall

Tvisongur - hike to concrete igloos

Skalanes - Tour to a Naure reserve

Skaftfell Center for Visual Art

Vestdalseyri

Phone Booth