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A 12-day road trip circling Iceland from late September to early October, starting and ending at Keflavik. The itinerary focuses on nature sightseeing, including geothermal areas, craters, waterfalls, black sand beaches, ice caves, and local cultural spots.
An Iceland trip expert planned this 12-day route for a real client's September trip: the Full Ring Road. It passed our checks for daily driving, highland roads and season, which is why it is one of the 177 expert-built plans in our Iceland itineraries.
The day-by-day plan below has every stop, with photos and what to see. Duplicate it to set your own dates, change the pace or swap stops; the original stays as the expert wrote it.
Open any day for the full plan — stops, drives, and where to stay.
Arrival at Keflavik and overnight nearby.
Pick up rental car and drive through Reykjanes towards Selfoss.
Exploring the Golden Circle and heading towards Hella.
Driving along the south coast to Vik. Katla ice cave tour requires 4x4 access or tour.
Exhibition in Vik and driving to Skaftafell.
Driving towards East Iceland via the glacier lagoon area.
Exploring the East fjords and ending in Egilsstadir.
Transitioning from East Iceland to North Myvatn region.
Driving from Myvatn towards the Varmahlid area.
Driving through the North towards Husafell area.
Lava cave visit before heading to Reykjavik for city activities and Sky Lagoon.
Departure from Keflavik airport.
Each stop below has a full guide on iceland-trip.com, our sister site written by the same team: how to get there, parking, seasons and what to expect.
Krýsuvík–Seltún Geothermal AreaPlan a visit to Krýsuvík–Seltún on the Reykjanes Peninsula, with advice on access, parking, walking routes, safety, winter conditions, and nearby stops.Reykjanes Peninsula · Read the guide
Lake KleifarvatnVisit Lake Kleifarvatn on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula with practical advice on Road 42, parking, short walks, winter driving, safety and nearby stops.Reykjanes Peninsula · Read the guide
Þingvellir National Park: Parking, Walks & Visiting TipsVisiting Thingvellir National Park? Plan your Golden Circle stop with parking fees, walking routes, winter advice, and tips on how much time to allow.Golden Circle · Read the guide
Kerið Crater: The Golden Circle Volcanic LakeKerið is a 3,000-year-old volcanic crater you can actually walk into. Discover the geology, the vivid turquoise lake, and how to visit this Golden Circle highlight.Golden Circle · Read the guide
Selfoss: What to Do & How Long to Stay?Plan a visit to Selfoss in South Iceland: what to do, how long to stay, whether it works as a Golden Circle base, practical transport tips, and hotels.South Iceland · Read the guide
Gullfoss WaterfallPlan your Gullfoss visit with parking advice, upper and lower viewpoints, winter access, suggested visiting time and nearby Golden Circle stops.Golden Circle · Read the guide
Geysir Geothermal AreaVisit Geysir and Strokkur on Iceland’s Golden Circle: understand the eruption intervals, paid parking, walking routes and nearby stops.Golden Circle · Read the guide
The Secret LagoonThe Secret Lagoon is Iceland's oldest pool (1891) and is naturally replacing its water every 24 hours. a rustic, low-key alternative to the busier Golden Circle spas.Golden Circle · Read the guide
Urriðafoss WaterfallUrriðafoss is Iceland's most powerful waterfall by volume - and one of its best-kept secrets. Discover how to get there, when to visit, and what to expect.South Iceland · Read the guideAlso on iceland-trip.com: Seljalandsfoss Waterfall · Gljúfrabúi · Skógafoss · Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach · Katla Ice Cave · Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon · Skaftafell · Svínafellsjökull · Múlagljúfur Canyon · Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon · Diamond Beach · Höfn · Stokksnes / Vestrahorn · Djúpivogur · Vök Baths · Stuðlagil Canyon · Earth Lagoon – Myvatn · Dimmuborgir · Goðafoss Waterfall in Iceland: Complete Visitor Guide · Things to Do in Akureyri: Attractions, Museums and Local Experiences · Inside the Volcano · Vidgelmir Lava Cave · Hraunfossar and Barnafoss: Visitor guide · Laugavegur Trail · Sky Lagoon · Lake Myvatn
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