Ultimate 12-Day Iceland Ring Road Itinerary: Rental Car Road Trip with Hotels, Tours, and Insider Tips
- Fokke Baarssen
- Oct 9
- 6 min read
Updated: Oct 20
Are you dreaming of an epic Iceland road trip? Iceland's Ring Road (Route 1) is one of the world's most scenic drives, spanning about 1,300 km (800 miles) of dramatic landscapes including waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and geothermal wonders. This ultimate 12-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary is designed for travelers with limited time who want to experience the best of Iceland without rushing. Starting and ending in Reykjavik after arriving at Keflavík International Airport, we'll focus on a rental car adventure paired with comfortable hotel stays. You'll drive a reliable 4x4 rented through Discover Cars to handle Iceland's varied terrain.
Whether you're seeking the best things to do on Iceland's Ring Road, top tours for glacier hikes and whale watching, or practical tips for driving safety and budgeting, this guide has you covered. We've packed it with hidden gems, must-see attractions. Late summer, August offers long daylight hours and mild weather (5–15°C/41–59°F), but this itinerary works year-round with adjustments for winter driving.
Why Choose a Rental Car and Hotels for Your Iceland Ring Road Trip?
Renting a car gives you ultimate freedom to stop at viewpoints, chase northern lights, or detour to hidden gems. Opt for a 4x4 from Discover Cars to navigate gravel roads safely, especially in the East Fjords. Hotels offer comfort after long drives—think hot showers, Wi-Fi, and included breakfasts—unlike camping in unpredictable weather. Book via Booking.com for options from budget guesthouses to luxury spots.
Best Time to Visit Iceland
Summer, June-August, is ideal for road trips with 24-hour daylight, but expect crowds and higher prices. Book hotels and tours early. Shoulder seasons (May, September) offer fewer tourists, milder weather, and chances to see northern lights. Winter (October-April) brings snow and shorter days, requiring winter tires and caution for icy roads. Check Vedur.is for weather updates.
Essential Packing List for Iceland Road Trip
Iceland's weather changes fast, so pack layers. Essentials include:
- Waterproof jacket and pants (for windy coasts).
- Sturdy hiking boots (for trails like Skaftafell).
- Thermal base layers, hat, gloves, and scarf.
- Swimsuit and towel (for hot springs like Sky Lagoon).
- Reusable water bottle, snacks, and a cooler bag for picnics.
- Power bank, car charger, and offline maps app (e.g., Google Maps downloaded).
- Sunscreen, bug spray (midges at Lake Mývatn), and binoculars for whale watching.
- Travel insurance covering car rentals and adventure activities.
Driving Tips and Safety for Iceland's Roads
Driving the Ring Road is straightforward but demands respect for nature. Key tips:
- Always check the road.is for closures—strong winds can flip cars or blow sand.
- Fill up gas often; stations are sparse in remote areas like the East Fjords.
- Obey speed limits (90 km/h max on paved roads) and watch for sheep on roads.
- Use headlights always; no off-road driving to protect fragile ecosystems.
- In winter, rent studded tires and avoid F-roads without a 4x4.
- Download the 112 Iceland app for emergencies.
Budget Tips for an Affordable Iceland Adventure
Iceland is pricey, but smart planning helps. Expect $200-300/day per person for hotels, food, and gas in 2025. Save by:
- Booking flights early (budget airlines like Play).
- Choosing hotels with free breakfast on
- Packing lunches from Bonus supermarkets.
- Skipping pricey restaurants; try hot dogs or skyr.
- Joining group tours
- Using credit cards with no foreign fees.
Our Detailed 12-Day Ring Road Itinerary
This clockwise itinerary balances driving (3-5 hours/day) with sightseeing. Total distance: ~1,300 km. Adjust for weather or energy levels.
Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavik – Explore the Capital's Vibrant Scene
Drive: 45 minutes from Keflavík Airport. Pick up your 4x4 rental via Discover Cars
Things to See and Do: Start with Hallgrímskirkja church—climb the tower for panoramic views. Wander the colorful Old Town streets, visit Harpa Concert Hall, and relax at Sky Lagoon for geothermal bliss. Hidden gem: The Reykjavik Maritime Museum for Viking history. For foodies, try Icelandic hot dogs at Bæjarins Beztu.
Tours and Tips: Book a Reykjavik walking tour to learn about street art and history. Tip: Jet lag? Start slow with a coffee at a cozy cafe like Reykjavik Roasters.
Stay: Hotel Reykjavik Centrum, Central and charming.
Day 2: Golden Circle – Iconic Waterfalls, Geysers, and History
Drive: 3-4 hours loop from Reykjavik.
Things to See and Do: Hit Thingvellir National Park (UNESCO site where continents drift apart), Geysir geothermal area, watch Strokkur erupt every 5-10 minutes, and Gullfoss waterfall's thundering cascades. Hidden gem: Friðheimar Tomato Farm for greenhouse tours and tomato soup.
Tours and Tips: Opt for a guided Golden Circle tour via Viator, including secret spots and the Blue Lagoon. Tip: Visit early to beat crowds; pack a picnic for lakeside views at Thingvellir.
Stay: Back at Hotel Reykjavik Centrum
Day 3-4: South Coast to Vík – Waterfalls, Black Beaches, and Dramatic Shores
Drive: 2-3 hours to Vík.
Things to See and Do: Marvel at Seljalandsfoss (walk behind it), Skógafoss, and Reynisfjara black sand beach with basalt columns and puffins. Hidden gems: Kvernufoss waterfall (short hike from Skógafoss) and Solheimajökull glacier viewpoint. Explore Vík's lava fields and church hill for views.
Tours and Tips: Book a South Coast tour for puffin spotting and glacier insights. Tip: Beware rogue waves at Reynisfjara; stay back from the water. Photography tip: Sunrise at black beaches for golden light.
Stay: Hotel Vík Ocean views and comfort.
Day 5-6: Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – Ice Adventures and Diamond Beach
Drive: 2-3 hours east.
Things to See and Do: Hike in Skaftafell National Park to Svartifoss waterfall (basalt columns). At Jökulsárlón, watch icebergs float; stroll Diamond Beach where they sparkle on black sand. Hidden gem: Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon for mossy cliffs.
Tours and Tips: Join a glacier hike or ice cave tour. Book a Jökulsárlón boat tour via .Tip: Seals often lounge at the lagoon; bring a zoom lens. In winter, ice caves are magical but require guides.
Stay: Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon Modern and scenic.
Day 7: East Fjords – Winding Roads, Fjords, and Coastal Charm
Drive: 3-4 hours.
Things to See and Do: Drive scenic fjords to Seyðisfjörður village with rainbow streets and an art scene. Hike to Hengifoss (Iceland's third-tallest waterfall) and Studlagil Canyon (basalt columns in turquoise water). Hidden gem: Petra's Stone Collection museum.
Stay: Hotel Aldan– Historic and cozy.
Day 8-9: Lake Mývatn and Húsavík – Geothermal Wonders and Whale Watching
Drive: 3-4 hours north.
Things to See and Do: Explore Lake Mývatn's lava fields, Hverir mud pools, and Dimmuborgir rock formations. Soak in Mývatn Nature Baths. In Húsavík, visit the Whale Museum.
Tours and Tips: Book whale watching via [Viator —spot humpbacks and orcas. Tip: Midges peak in summer; use head nets. Hidden gem: Grjótagjá Cave hot spring (no bathing).
Stay: Fosshotel Mývatn– Lakefront views.
Day 10: Akureyri and Goðafoss – Northern Capital and Waterfall Magic
Drive: 1 hour via Goðafoss.
Things to See and Do: Stop at Goðafoss ("Waterfall of the Gods") for photos. In Akureyri, stroll through the botanical garden, visit Akureyrarkirkja church, and explore cafes.
Tip: Try local beer at Akureyri's microbreweries. Hidden gem: Forest Lagoon spa.
Stay: Hotel Akureyri – Central and conveniently located.
Day 11: Snæfellsnes Peninsula – Iceland in Miniature
Drive: 4-5 hours west.
Things to See and Do: Photograph Kirkjufell mountain and waterfall, walk the Djúpalónssandur black pebble beach, and see seals at Ytri-Tunga. Explore Arnarstapi cliffs and Lóndrangar basalt formations. Hidden gem: Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge hike.
Stay: Fosshotel Hellnar – Coastal serenity.
Day 12: Return to Reykjavik and Departure – Relax and Reflect
Drive: 2-3 hours back.
Things to See and Do: Soak at Blue Lagoon or explore the Reykjanes Peninsula's lava fields. Shop for souvenirs in Reykjavik.
Tours and Tips: Book Blue Lagoon via Viator.
Tip: Return the car at the airport; allow time for check-in.
Stay: Sand Hotel if overnight needed.
Additional Iceland Travel Tips and FAQs
Food Tips: Try lamb soup, rye bread, and fresh fish. Vegetarian options are growing.
Northern Lights Tips: Best September-March; use apps like Aurora Forecast.
Sustainability: Stick to paths; take trash with you.
FAQ: Is 12 days enough? Yes, for highlights—add days for Westfjords.
FAQ: Solo travel? Safe, but join the tours for the company.
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