Iceland in 10 Days: Complete Ring Road Self-Drive
A comprehensive 10-day road trip around Iceland Ring Road (Route 1). Self-catering with groceries from Bónus and staying in guesthouses or campsites keeps this monumental Arctic circle journey achievable on a smart budget.
Intercity route legs
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival & Bónus Grocery Provisioning
ReykjavíkLand at Keflavík Airport, pick up your vehicle, and stock up on self-catering groceries at Bónus in Reykjavík before exploring the Old Harbor.
Golden Circle Wonders
Golden Circle RegionTour Þingvellir National Park, Strokkur geyser, and Gullfoss waterfall, overnighting in Selfoss.
South Coast Waterfalls & Black Sand
Vík & South CoastWalk behind Seljalandsfoss, admire 60-meter Skógafoss, and photograph the basalt columns at Reynisfjara beach.
Skaftafell & Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Vík & South CoastHike to Svartifoss waterfall over basalt columns in Skaftafell, then watch blue icebergs float out to sea at Diamond Beach.
Dramatic East Fjords to Egilsstaðir
Akureyri & North IcelandDrive through the steep winding mountain roads of the East Fjords past fishing villages and reindeer grazing pastures.
Dettifoss & Lake Mývatn Geothermal Area
Akureyri & North IcelandVisit Dettifoss (Europe most powerful waterfall), walk through the bubbling mud pots of Hverir, and explore the lava labyrinth of Dimmuborgir.
Goðafoss & Akureyri Capital of the North
Akureyri & North IcelandAdmire the turquoise falls at Goðafoss, then explore the botanical gardens and cafes of Akureyri on the fjord.
Northwest Horse Country & Tröllaskagi
Akureyri & North IcelandDrive through the rolling valleys of Skagafjörður, famous for Icelandic horses and turf farmsteads.
West Iceland & Hraunfossar
ReykjavíkVisit the cascading waterfalls of Hraunfossar pouring out of a lava field and the geothermal hot springs of Deildartunguhver.
Reykjavík Departure
ReykjavíkReturn to Reykjavík for souvenir shopping and return your vehicle at Keflavík Airport.
✂️ What I Would Cut If Short on Time
If you have fewer than 10 days, do not attempt the full Ring Road loop as driving fatigue becomes dangerous. Instead, focus entirely on the South Coast and Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
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