What you'll do
UPDATED July 2025 - You will find this updated itinerary to include more details about which activities to book in advance and when, how much driving you will be doing, and a time I recommend you leave your hotel each morning. This itinerary is best suited for travelers driving a rental car, staying at hotels, and eating out at restaurants. It includes some activities and hiking trails not suited for young children. For a trip focused on traveling in a campervan, please check out my 'Ring Road by Campervan' itinerary. For a family-friendly adventure, please check out my 'Ring Road - Family Edition' itinerary.
Traveling the Ring Road is the best way to see the most of Iceland in a short period of time! This itinerary will show you the absolute best spots, all the famous highlights along the south coast, then over to the glaciers, east fjords and finally the north. Along the way you’ll have some amazing experiences, eat delicious food, and stay at lovely accommodations.
Although the Ring Road (Road 1) is open year-round, this itinerary is best suited for trips from March through October. Outside of these months, the days are too short and the weather is too challenging to realistically make it all the way around the Ring Road in only 8 days. For help planning a Winter trip to Iceland, check out my 'Winter - 5 Days South Coast & Reykjavik' itinerary.
Also keep in mind that some of my recommended places to visit may be closed in the fall and spring. If you are traveling in March, April, May, or October, please double check restaurants and businesses for their opening information. You may still absolutely use this itinerary for trips during those months but adjustments may be needed.
Regardless of when you visit Iceland, it is very important that you stay updated on weather, road conditions, and safety concerns. Here are websites you should check every morning and throughout the day to travel safely:
🌬️ Wind Speeds
If my recommended hotels are unavailable for your travel dates, I encourage you to find another accommodation pretty close by. Doing so will allow you to follow this itinerary without making too many adjustments or driving too much. Remember, if you are traveling during peak season (June, July, and August) it is best to make your accommodation bookings at least 6 months in advance!
Enjoy your road trip around Iceland!
Day 1
Welcome to Iceland! This is your first day on the road, heading out on the famous Ring Road of Iceland. You can start today's plan either from Reykjavik or from Keflavík International Airport. However, if you arrive at Keflavík International Airport after 11 am, then I suggest you go to Reykjavik for the rest of the day, explore the city's highlights, spend the night in the city and begin with this day's agenda on your first full day in Iceland.
Start your journey with a relaxing and refreshing soak at a beautiful geothermal spa just outside of Reykjavik! Then drive south towards the coast. Stop in Selfoss, at the food hall for lunch and then visit a beautiful pair of waterfalls before reaching a cool cabin near by.
🗺️Total Driving Time - 2 hours, 15 minutes (add 30 minutes if beginning at Keflavík International Airport)
Booking Suggestion:
Sky Lagoon - book for no later than 1 pm. If you coming to Sky Lagoon immediately after landing at Keflavík International Airport, reserve Sky Lagoon for approximately 2 - 3 hours after you land. As long as your flight is on schedule, this will give you enough time to clear customs, pick-up your luggage, collect your rental car and maybe even get a bite to eat.
Alternate Consideration:
Beginning your trip around Iceland with a soak in a hot spring is 100% awesome! Two other hot springs you can consider are the iconic Blue Lagoon (I usually recommend making it your first stop after you pick-up your rental car). Or, for a less expensive, more natural option, hike alongside Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River. There are no changing rooms nor showers at Reykjadalur but it is a fun, Icelandic experience.
👙 (before 1 pm) Reservations at Sky Lagoon
Sky Lagoon
Heiße Quelle
A beautiful and relaxing lagoon
Sky Lagoon is a fairly new spa in Reykjavik. Built next to the ocean the best time to visit is sunset and see the sun set into to ocean. Don't miss out on their amazing sauna.
I also recommend doing the 7-Step Ritual included in the Pure Entrance pass. The ritual includes:
Main pool (great sunset views)
Cold plunge tub
Finnish sauna (great sunset views)
Cool mist shower
Exfoliating scrub
Steam room
Shower
You may also order drinks while in the main pool and/or grab something to eat at their restaurant or cafe after your visit.
Reservations are recommended but not required - just know that this is a very popular spot and even during off-peak travel season, they may be fully booked.
The changing rooms are separated by gender and do offer individual shower stalls with a door for privacy.
Selfoss Centre
Restaurant
Several dining options in one location
Essentially a "town square", Selfoss Center is a great spot for grabbing a coffee, lunch, or dinner. There are multiple cafes and restaurants in this one area and on a sunny day, there's also great outdoor seating.
🅿️ For Seljalandsfoss & Gljufrabui, you do not need to drive from one waterfall to the other. To get to Gljufrabui, simply continue walking along the path at Seljalandsfoss for another 10 minutes. If you choose to walk behind Seljalandsfoss, you absolutely need waterproof gear. The same is true for going into the ravine to see Gljufrabui.
Seljalandsfoss
Wasserfall
Walk behind this towering waterfall
Together with Skogafoss perhaps the most famous waterfall of Iceland. This is a beast with lots of water and a path that goes all around the back of it. Bring a waterproof jacket, you will get wet.
In the winter the path will become very icy and possibly inaccessible. Be sure to wear crampons so the you can walk around the area.
Seljalandsfoss is a must-see destination for tour groups so expect crowds.
There are two parking lots - paid parking
Toilets and a small cafe/gift shop on site.
After visiting Seljalandsfoss, don't forget to walk up to Gljufrabui.
Gljufrabui
Wasserfall
A waterfall cave
When you're at Seljalandsfoss, don't miss out on this waterfall. It's a short walk away and super cool. Inside of a cave, the water falls from above. Bring a waterproof jacket, you will get wet in here.
Seljalandsfoss Horizons
Hotel
Super Cozy Cabin
Great place to stay at the south coast. There are 8 cabins and each one is super cozy and hosts up to 4 people. Each cabin is equipped with a small kitchen (microwave, dishwasher, & refrigerator).
Prices range from 300 - 700 Euros, depending on season.