Imagine cruising Iceland’s Ring Road, where every turn reveals a waterfall thundering down a cliff, a glacier glowing under the midnight sun, or a black sand beach that looks like it’s from another world. The air is crisp, puffins waddle in the distance, and you’re sipping the best coffee of your life from a café in a converted school bus. This isn’t a dream! It’s a 6-day Ring Road Iceland road trip, and it’s everything you’ve ever wanted for adventure travel.
My husband and I tackled this epic journey, dodging blizzards, chasing waterfalls, and soaking in hot springs that felt like pure magic. In this guide, I’ll share our detailed itinerary, from Husavik’s whale-watching shores to Diamond Beach’s icy jewels, with extra tips to make your trip unforgettable. I will tell you everything you need to know about the Ring Road!
Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link or book through an affiliate program, I receive a small commission at no cost to you.
Why the Ring Road Iceland Is a Bucket-List Adventure
First off, let’s talk about why Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) is the road trip of a lifetime. This 1,332 km loop circles the entire country. It weaves through landscapes that feel like they’ve been painted! You’ll see volcanic craters, turquoise waterfalls, and glaciers that shimmer under endless summer skies. In just 6 days, you can hit iconic stops like Godafoss, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, and Seljalandsfoss, all while chasing puffins, whales, or the midnight sun.
Our trip was a rollercoaster if I’m being honest. We had canceled tours, a surprise snowstorm, but so many moments of pure unexplainable beauty. Icelandic weather keeps you on your toes, but that’s what makes it so thrilling. Here is everything you need to know about our Ring Road Iceland adventure.
A Quick Look at Iceland
If you are short on time, here is a quick mini guide to Iceland
Where to stay:
Husavik: A charming fishing town perfect for whale watching.
Hofn: A coastal gem near glaciers and lobster feasts.
Vik: A South Coast hub for black sand beaches.
Reykjavik: A vibrant base for urban vibes and hot springs
When to visit:
-Summer (June–August): Long days, midnight sun, and lush greenery
-Shoulder Season (May, September–October): Fewer crowds, milder Icelandic weather
-Winter (November–March): Snowy roads but prime northern lights season.
Things to Do:
-Hiking- Marvel at waterfalls like Skogafoss and Godafoss.
-Soak in geothermal pools like Blue Lagoon or Myvatn Nature Baths.
-Explore glaciers at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.
-Spot wildlife on whale watching or puffin tours
Our 6-Day Ring Road Iceland Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive, Drive to Husavik, and Unwind in GeoSea Thermal Baths
Our adventure began at Keflavik International Airport, where we picked up our 4×4 rental from Hertz. With the keys in hand, we set off for Husavik, a 5.5-hour drive north through Iceland’s rugged interior. The landscape shifted from lava fields to rolling hills, and we couldn’t resist a detour to a waterfall hot spring we’d found on Instagram. Tucked off Route 1 near Akureyri, this hidden pool was fed by a small cascade, its warm waters a perfect contrast to the chilly air.
By late afternoon, we rolled into Husavik, a picturesque fishing town known as Iceland’s whale-watching capital. We checked into the cozy Fosshotel, a modern spot with harbor views and a warm vibe.
But my favorite part of our day came at 9 p.m., when we visited the GeoSea Thermal Baths. Perched on a cliff, these pools offered steamy relaxation with views of Skjálfandi Bay and the Arctic Ocean. As the sun dipped low, painting the sky pink, we felt like we’d stepped into paradise. Book your GeoSea slot in advance. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Pro Tip: Bring a waterproof phone case for hot spring photos, and pack flip-flops for easy poolside transitions.
Day 2: Husavik to Myvatn – Waterfalls, Volcanic Craters, and a Blizzard Scare
We woke up so excited for our Husavik whale and puffin tour with North Sailing, dreaming of spotting humpbacks and those adorable puffins. But Iceland’s weather had other ideas. Sadly, there were gale-force winds that canceled the tour, leaving us to pivot. So, we bundled up against the blustery chill and set out to explore the North’s natural wonders.
First stop: Godafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods,” a 30-minute drive from Husavik. This horseshoe-shaped cascade, 12 meters high and 30 meters wide, roared with turquoise water. We snapped photos from the viewing platform, marveling at its beauty.
Next, we tackled Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, and nearby Selfoss. The 45-minute hike to Dettifoss was worth it. The thunder of 100,000 liters of water per second was humbling. It has a way of making you feel so small. Selfoss, just a 10-minute walk upstream, offered a gentler but equally stunning flow over basalt cliffs.
By afternoon, we explored Krafla Crater in the Krafla volcanic region, a 45-minute drive from Dettifoss. The vibrant blue Viti Crater, surrounded by steaming geothermal vents, felt like a scene from Mars. We wandered the short loop trail, soaking in the otherworldly vibes. The wind here was UNREAL. I thought it may blow me over the edge.
To unwind, we headed to the Myvatn Nature Baths, a geothermal lagoon nestled in lava fields. Less crowded than the Blue Lagoon, its milky-blue waters and silica-rich steam were pure bliss after a windy day. The sulfur smell was very potent here. Just a disclaimer that this was my least favorite due to that reason alone.
We stayed at Vogafjos Farm Resort, a quirky guesthouse where they milk the cows through a viewing window in the restaurant. Over dinner, we checked road.is and vedur.is for road conditions and Icelandic weather. A snowstorm was forecast, and we debated cutting our North Iceland stay short. After some back-and-forth, we decided to stick it out. I’m honestly not sure that was the greatest idea looking back.
Pro Tip: Pack a thermos for hot drinks on windy waterfall hikes, and download offline maps on Google Maps for spotty signal areas.
Day 3: Myvatn to Hofn – Studlagil Canyon, Stokksnes Beach, and Lobster
We woke to a full-on snow storm. Over a hearty breakfast of fresh bread and farm yogurt, we watched the staff milk the cows. It was such a unique experience.
Despite the road conditions, we hit the Ring Road toward Hofn, a 4.5-hour drive, with a detour to Studlagil Canyon. By the time we reached the east side overlook, the snow had turned to rain. The canyon’s basalt columns, framing a turquoise river, were stunning from above, but we were just not up for the 45-minute hike each way to the riverbed. It was a dream of mine, but the weather was just not cooperative.
The drive to Hofn took us through East Iceland’s dramatic fjords, and we couldn’t resist a stop at Stokksnes Beach, a 15-minute detour off Route 1. This black sand beach, backed by jagged Vestrahorn peaks, was ours alone! It was incredible to have the beach all to ourselves. The stormy skies adding a cinematic vibe. Entry is 900 ISK per person, payable at the nearby café.
Dinner at Pakkhus in Hofn was the trip’s culinary peak. Housed in a historic warehouse, this cozy restaurant served melt-in-your-mouth lamb and lobster tails so fresh they tasted like the sea. Paired with local beer, it was a meal we still rave about. We crashed at Lilja Guesthouse, with views of Vatnajökull glacier from our bedroom window!
Pro Tip: Reserve a table at Pakkhus for peak dinner hours.
Day 4: Hofn to Vik – Diamond Beach, Glacier Lagoons, and Hidden Canyons
We started Day 4 at Diamond Beach, a 10-minute drive from Hofn, where icebergs from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon wash ashore, sparkling like gems on the black sand. At sunrise, the beach was empty, and the interplay of ice, waves, and light felt magical. It felt like we spent forever photographing the ice chunks while we watched a seal play.
Our 10 a.m. Jokulsarlon glacier kayak tour with IceGuide was canceled due to high winds, but we made the most of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, just across the road. This lagoon, filled with floating icebergs and curious seals, is Iceland’s deepest lake at 248 meters. We walked the shoreline trails, marveling at icebergs calving into the water, their cracks echoing like thunder. The nearby café served warm soup, perfect for the chilly morning.
Next, we hiked to Mulagljufur Canyon, a hidden gem an hour west of Hofn. The 2.5 km round-trip trail (moderate, with some steep sections) led to a waterfall plunging into a glacier-carved canyon. This viewpoint is SO EASILY overlooked! You will think you need to keep hiking up, but when you see the roped off section to the right…stop here. Walk around the rope and this is the best view of the valley.
We also stopped at Grofarlaekjarfoss, a lesser-known waterfall off Route 1, and Svinafellsjokull, a glacier tongue you can walk to in 15 minutes. Our final stop was Fjadrargljufur Canyon, a serpentine gorge with mossy walls. The 1 km boardwalk offered stunning views without much effort.
By evening, we checked into Hotel Vik and dined at Smidjan Brugghus. Their hand-cut fries were the best I’ve ever had, paired with juicy burgers and craft beer.
Pro Tip: Wear waterproof hiking boots for muddy trails like Mulagljufur, and pack snacks for long stretches between cafés.
Day 5: Vik to Hella – Black Sand Beaches, Puffins, and Midnight Sun Glory
Morning brought us to Vik’s Black Sand Beach (Reynisfjara East), just steps from our hotel. At dawn, we had this stretch of jet-black sand to ourselves, the waves crashing against Reynisdrangar sea stacks. Next, we visited Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach (west side), famous for its basalt columns and Hálsanefshellir cave. Arriving early kept crowds low, and we climbed the columns for photos.
Coffee at Skool Beans, a café in a converted school bus, was a highlight. Their lattes, brewed with local beans, were rich and velvety, served with a side of quirky charm. Refueled, we headed to Dyrholaey, a cliffside promontory where I finally spotted a puffin! These colorful birds nest here from May to August, and seeing one waddle was a trip highlight.
We continued to Skogafoss, a 60-meter waterfall that’s one of the more famous in Iceland. We did not climb the 527 steps to the top this trip. We had made the trek before and personally didn’t think it was worth the hike. Nearby, we hiked to Kvernufoss, a hidden 30-meter fall you can walk behind (10 minutes from the parking lot). Lunch at the café in the Skogar Museum, near Kvernufoss’ lot, was cozy, with homemade soup and bread.
Our waterfall marathon continued at Seljalandsfoss, where we actually skipped walking behind the 65-meter cascade. The crowds were just insane, even at Gljufrabui, a hidden fall tucked in a canyon, just 10 minutes away. Thankfully we had explored both of those on a previous trip.
My favorite waterfall of the trip was Nauthusagil. You can find it in a narrow gorge with a stream you can wade through (bring waterproof shoes). There’s even a section where you need to grip a chain to climb up a small rock ledge. We had the place to ourselves.
We stayed at Stracta Hotel in Hella, but the night’s magic happened at midnight. We drove back to Seljalandsfoss to see it under the midnight sun. The golden-pink glow, empty trails, and soft roar of the falls felt so romantic! It was a moment we’ll cherish forever.
Pro Tip: Bring a quick-dry towel for waterfall spray, and wear grippy shoes for slippery paths like Gljufrabui.
Day 6: Hella to Reykjavik and Home – Haifoss, Hot Springs, and Blue Lagoon Bliss
Our final day was a whirlwind. We started with Haifoss, Iceland’s third-tallest waterfall at 122 meters, a 1.5-hour drive from Hella. The gravel road was bumpy, but the view of Haifoss and neighboring Granni plunging into a canyon was epic.
We spent 30 minutes soaking in the solitude before heading to Hvammsvik Hot Springs for a 5 p.m. dip. These oceanfront pools, with temperatures from 38–42°C, were the perfect afternoon stop. My favorite part about this hot spring was the ability to cold plunge right in the ocean water. It was such an invigorating feeling! I definitely recommend booking the package that includes the water shoes if you’d like to take a dip in the ocean water.
At 8 p.m., we visited Sky Lagoon, a sleek geothermal spa near Reykjavik. The seven-step ritual, which includes cold plunge, sauna, steam room and more, was rejuvenating, with infinity-edge views of the Atlantic. We watched the sun dip low on the horizon and stayed until it closed. We then made our way to the last hotel of the trip at Reykjavik Marina – Berjaya, a stylish hotel with harbor views.
The next morning, we squeezed in a 4-hour visit to the Blue Lagoon before our flight. Its milky-blue waters, silica masks, and swim-up bar were the ultimate farewell. We soaked up every minute of it before returning our car and catching our flight home. Many people will say the Blue Lagoon is overrated, but I find that the furthest from the truth.
Pro Tip: Book Blue Lagoon entry with a specific time slot, and arrive early to maximize your soak.
Everything You Need to Know About the Blue Lagoon vs. Sky Lagoon in Iceland
Planning Your Ring Road Iceland Trip: Tips for Success
To make your 6-day Ring Road Iceland adventure epic, here are some tips:
Monitor Weather and Road Conditions
Icelandic weather is unpredictable. Check vedur.is for forecasts and road.is for road conditions daily. We have had 2 trips to Iceland, one in March and one in June. Each time with a snow storm scare. It taught us to always have a Plan B.
Rent a 4×4 Car
A 4×4 is essential for gravel roads and wintery road conditions. We loved our Hertz rental, but compare deals on Discover Cars for the best rates. Fill up gas often! Stations are sparse in the East.
Book Tours and Hot Springs Early
Whale watching, puffin tours, glacier kayak trips, and hot springs like GeoSea, Sky Lagoon, and Blue Lagoon book up fast. Reserve via Viator or directly on their sites. Our canceled tours were a bummer, but early bookings boost your chances.
Pack for All Seasons
Even in summer, pack a waterproof jacket, warm layers, gloves, and sturdy boots. The midnight sun means long days, but wind, rain, and glacier chill are common. Sunglasses and sunscreen protect against UV glare.
Time Stops for Fewer Crowds
Visit popular spots like Skogafoss, Diamond Beach, or Seljalandsfoss at dawn or dusk to dodge tour buses. Our early Black Sand Beach stop felt like a private paradise.
Where to Stay on the Ring Road
Here’s where we stayed, all bookable via Booking.com:
• Husavik: Fosshotel – Modern, harbor views.
• Myvatn: Vogafjos Farm Resort – Quirky farm charm.
• Hofn: Lilja Guesthouse – Glacier vistas.
• Vik: Hotel Vik – Sleek and central.
• Hella: Stracta Hotel – South Coast gem.
• Reykjavik: Reykjavik Marina – Berjaya – Stylish, near airport.
Practical Info: Costs and Booking
Here’s a cost breakdown for a 6-day Ring Road Iceland trip (2025 estimates):
• Car Rental: $500–800 for a 4×4.
• Accommodation: $100–250/night for guesthouses or hotels.
• Meals: $15–50 pp (Pakkhus was ~$60 pp).
• Hot Springs: $30–100 pp (Blue Lagoon ~$80–120).
• Tours: $100–200 pp for whale watching or glacier kayak.
• Gas: ~$8/gallon, budget $200–300 for the loop.
Book activities via Viator and accommodations through Booking.com. Iceland’s pricey, but the memories are worth every krona.
Conclusion: Why the Ring Road Iceland Is a Life-Changing Journey
So, there you have it! Our 6-day Ring Road Iceland adventure, bursting with waterfalls, glaciers, and moments that still give me goosebumps. From the steamy GeoSea Thermal Baths to the wild beauty of Stokksnes Beach, and that midnight sun glow at Seljalandsfoss, Iceland delivered magic at every turn. Sure, the Icelandic weather tested us, but that’s what makes adventure travel so unforgettable.
Ready to hit the Ring Road? Book your 4×4, check road.is, and get set for a journey that’ll steal your heart. Want more Iceland inspo? Check out everything Iceland below. So, when are you heading to Iceland? Let’s make your Ring Road Iceland dream come true!
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