8 Days in Iceland: The Ring Road
Iceland’s geothermal gems, lava-made landscapes, and wonderful waterfalls will both thrill and delight you on this eight-day tour of the Golden Circle and beyond.
Iceland
8 days / 7 nights
$3,150 /person
$3,150 /person
Your trip at a glance
Top Activities
Hiking along the volcanic craters, lava flows, and waterfall bases around Lake Mývatn
Searching for puffins and whales on a guided wildlife cruise across Iceland’s glacial lakes
Visiting the Golden Circle’s Geyser Geothermal Area, Strokkur Geyser, and Thingvellir National Park
Spelunking in the crevices of hidden lava tubes with a local expert mountaineer
Basking in mineral-rich hot springs, from the remote Secret Lagoon to the famous Blue Lagoon
Velkomin to Iceland!
Dramatic Fjord Landscapes of Hvalfjordur and Skagafjordur
Geothermal Marvels in the Trollaskagi Peninsula and Lake Mývatn
Choose Your Own Lake Mývatn Adventure, With Puffins, Waterfalls, and Lava Fields
Glittering Glaciers and Diamond Beaches of the East Fjords
Geothermal Marvels in the Trollaskagi Peninsula and Lake Mývatn
Overview
After breakfast, make your way around the Trollaskagi Peninsula to Akureyri: Iceland's second-largest city. Regarded as the country’s "little" big city, Akureyri maintains a rich selection of entertainment, arts, and culture, yet remains accessible to nature. With brightly painted wooden houses, cozy bars, and red traffic lights in the shape of hearts, the city serves as a calmer counterpart to Reykjavik. From here, drive to the Godafoss Waterfall, also known as “Waterfall of the gods.” Back when Iceland converted to Christianity, local chieftains would dump pagan symbols and statues down these falls, giving them their name. Marvel at this impressive waterfall, which comes thundering down in a wall of glacial water straight from the fourth-largest river in Iceland. Then, drive toward the Lake Mývatn Geothermal Area, where you’ll find the Skutustadir Pseudo Craters, as well as lava flows and boiling mud pools. Suggested natural sites include the sublime Dimmuborgir Lava Fields, hot mud springs of Namaskard, and tuff ring volcano Hverfjall, which you can hike for fantastic views. As you travel through these timeless landscapes, you’ll encounter backdrops used throughout scenes in Game of Thrones. Note that the area is extremely volcanic, with nine eruptions between 1975-1984, resulting in ample scientific research opportunities. Spend the night exploring this enchanting area of geothermal significance, before heading to your next hotel.
Highlights
Mývatn Nature Baths (optional)
During this add-on experience, you can enjoy a relaxing visit to Mývatn Nature Bath. Located in the heart of Northeast Iceland — just south of the Arctic Circle — Lake Mývatn and its thermal baths are one of Europe's greatest natural treasures. As you soak in these relaxing pools, you’ll simultaneously absorb Mývatn’s delicate beauty.
Krafla Volcanic Viewpoint and Hiking Area (optional)
A volcanic caldera located in the Mývatn region, Krafla sits atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which forms the divergent boundary between the North American and Eurasian plates. Its highest peak reaches about 818 meters and has recorded about 29 eruptions in history. You have the option to stop here and take in the view, or hike the loop along the lava fields.
Grjótagjá (optional)
A small lava cave near Lake Mývatn, Grjótagjá contains a thermal spring. In the early 18th century, the outlaw Jón Markússon lived here and used the cave for bathing. Until the 1970s, Grjótagjá remained a popular bathing site, but after volcanic eruptions between 1975 and 1984, the water’s heat surpassed 122 °F. Since then, the temperature has slowly decreased, but the nearby lava cave of Stóragjá has become a popular, alternative bathing site. Should you choose to stop here, you’ll therefore find a great story, great views, and an even greater connection to Game of Thrones; the show’s third season filmed an episode here, fittingly named “Kissed by Fire."
Glaumbaer Turf Farm and Museum (optional)
Not far from Varmahlid Village, Glaumbaer Turf Farm contains traditional turf buildings that date from the mid-18th century until 1879. On this optional stop, you’ll peek into the everyday lives of a bygone era. The farmhouse may seem small and cramped now, but the buildings were, in their day, considered large dwellings, where local clergymen once resided.
Accommodations
Berjaya Mývatn Hotel
Welcome to Berjaya Mývatn Hotel, where you get to be you in a relaxed and simple environment. Kick off your shoes - and get comfortable after a long day of natural beauty and experiences. Nourish yourself with food made from fresh ingredients. Meet up with other travellers and compare your notes. Indulge and rest well for a new day of adventure. Berjaya Mývatn Hotel is rebuilt on a solid foundation, with 59 rooms and an innovative design. The emphasis here is on simplicity, fun, curious objects, and different spaces. The tradition of receiving and serving travellers in the Myvatn area is long. Berjaya Iceland Hotels are enthusiastic about continuing the legacy. The Hotel's superb location makes it the place to stay when touring the Myvatn area. It is en route to the phenomenal Diamond Circle. The unparalleled nature of the area has charmed tourists, naturalists, and scientists alike. In the Myvatn area, there are many natural pearls - best experienced in person. Visitors will find Dimmuborgir, Skútustaðir, Hverfjall, and Krafla especially alluring.
Location:
Reynihlid, 660 Mývatn, Iceland
Phone:
+3545942000
How it works
Fill out request form
Provide your ideal trip dates and details to be matched with one of our local planning experts.
Meet your expert
Schedule a call with your expert to confirm dates, pricing and any recommended edits to the itinerary.
Book your trip
Once your itinerary is set, it’s time to pay the deposit to secure your trip.
Take-off
Let the journey begin! Your expert will offer real-time support and concierge service while traveling.
Ready to Go?
Let our local experts plan your dream trip.
What's included
Included in the final price
- Roadbook with local tips and expert recommendations
- 24/7 on-the-ground support
- On-trip concierge service
- Personalized trip crafting
- COVID entry and exit information and assistance
- Seven nights of accommodations, with breakfast included
- Eight-day car rental, with a second driver, unlimited km's, SCDW insurance, and airport pick-up and drop-off fee included
- All activities, fees, tours, and meals mentioned in the itinerary
Not included in the final price
- International arrival and departure flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Car fees, including environment fee, add-on rental insurance, GPS, 4G Wi-Fi, baby seat, or other extras not listed as included
- Any meals, activities, tours, and transfers not mentioned in the itinerary
- Parking fees in Reykjavik or national parks
- Anything else listed as optional or not included in the itinerary