Iceland 7-Day Driving Adventure

A detailed 7-day self-guided driving adventure around Iceland, including the Golden Circle and highlights of the Ring Road. 

This itinerary is designed to balance driving with sightseeing and relaxation, providing a comprehensive experience of Iceland's diverse landscapes.

Day 1: Reykjavik to Golden Circle

Stops: Reykjavik → Þingvellir National Park → Geysir → Gullfoss → Selfoss

• Driving Time: Approx. 3-4 hours total

1. Þingvellir National Park
   • Explore the rift valley and the historical site of Iceland's first parliament.
2. Geysir Geothermal Area
   • See the famous Strokkur geyser erupt every few minutes.
3. Gullfoss Waterfall
   • Witness the power of one of Iceland's most iconic waterfalls.
4. Selfoss
   • Overnight in Selfoss.

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Day 2: Selfoss to Vík

Stops: Selfoss → Seljalandsfoss → Skógafoss → Vík

• Driving Time: Approx. 2-3 hours total

1. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
   • Walk behind this picturesque waterfall.
2. Skógafoss Waterfall
   • Climb the steps for a panoramic view from the top.
3. Vík
   • Visit the black sand beach and Reynisfjara with its basalt columns.
   • Overnight in Vík.

Day 3: Vík to Höfn

Stops: Vík → Fjaðrárgljúfur → Skaftafell → Jökulsárlón → Höfn

• Driving Time: Approx. 4-5 hours total

1. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
   • Take a short hike along the canyon.
2. Skaftafell (Vatnajökull National Park)
   • Explore hiking trails, including the one to Svartifoss waterfall.
3. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
   • Admire the floating icebergs and consider a boat tour.
   • Overnight in Höfn.

Day 4: Höfn to Egilsstaðir

Stops: Höfn → Djúpivogur → Stokksnes → Egilsstaðir

• Driving Time: Approx. 4-5 hours total

1. Djúpivogur
   • A quaint fishing village worth a short stop.
2. Stokksnes
   • Visit the Viking village film set and the dramatic coastline.
3. Egilsstaðir
   • Overnight in Egilsstaðir, the largest town in East Iceland.

Day 5: Egilsstaðir to Mývatn

Stops: Egilsstaðir → Dettifoss → Hverir → Mývatn

• Driving Time: Approx. 3-4 hours total

1. Dettifoss Waterfall
   • One of Europe's most powerful waterfalls.
2. Hverir Geothermal Area
   • Explore the bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles.
3. Mývatn
   • Visit Mývatn Nature Baths and explore the lava fields.
   • Overnight in Mývatn area.

Day 6: Mývatn to Akureyri

Stops: Mývatn → Goðafoss → Akureyri

• Driving Time: Approx. 2-3 hours total

1. Goðafoss Waterfall
   • Known as the "Waterfall of the Gods."
2. Akureyri
   • Explore Iceland's second-largest city, visit the botanical gardens, and enjoy local cuisine.
   • Overnight in Akureyri.

Day 7: Akureyri to Reykjavik

Stops: Akureyri → Hraunfossar → Reykjavik

• Driving Time: Approx. 5-6 hours total

1. Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfalls
   • Beautiful and unique waterfalls cascading from the lava field.
2. Reykjavik
   • Return to Reykjavik for your final night, enjoy the city, and relax.

This itinerary covers the key highlights along the Ring Road, including the famous Golden Circle. 

The driving times are kept reasonable to allow for exploration and enjoyment of each stop. 

Make sure to check road conditions and weather forecasts, as Iceland's weather can be unpredictable.

Reykjavik: First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour!