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A 12-night road trip starting from Keflavik, covering the South Coast, the Central Highlands (Landmannalaugar and Kerlingarfjoll), the East Fjords, and North Iceland, ending with a return to the Reykjavik/Keflavik area.
An Iceland trip expert planned this 12-day route for a real client's August trip: Ring Road With the Highlands. 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 near airport
Driving to Hella area
Highland route, requires 4x4
Staying in Vik
Two itinerary options provided
Staying in Hofn
Moving towards Egilsstadir
Staying in Myvatn
Whale watching in Husavik
Staying in Varmahlid
Highland route, requires 4x4
Ending with departure
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.
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
HveragerðiThe town of Hveragerði, just 45 minutes away. from Reykjavik you'll find the Reykjadalur hot river hike, and a practical stop between Reykjavík and the Golden Circle.South Iceland · Read the guide
LandmannalaugarDiscover Landmannalaugar with this practical guide: how to get there, top hikes, hot spring tips, safety advice, and where to stay—everything you need for a smart highlands adventure.Highlands · Read the guide
SigöldugljúfurSigöldugljúfur is a highland canyon with waterfalls above turquoise water. Learn about the F-road access, fords and rim viewpoint before a summer visit.Highlands · Read the guide
Seljalandsfoss WaterfallVisit Seljalandsfoss in Iceland. Learn how to walk behind the waterfall, explore nearby Gljúfrabúi, check parking fees and avoid the crowds.South Iceland · Read the guide
SkógafossVisit Skógafoss Waterfall in Iceland. Updated parking fees, the 527-step staircase, Waterfall Way hike, visiting times and tips for avoiding crowds.South Iceland · Read the guide
DyrhólaeyPlan your Dyrhólaey visit: upper and lower viewpoints, the lighthouse, summer puffins, paid parking, walking routes and seasonal access restrictions.South Iceland · Read the guideAlso on iceland-trip.com: Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach · Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon · Skaftafell · Svínafellsjökull · Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon · Diamond Beach · Snowmobile on Vatnajokull · Höfn · Stokksnes / Vestrahorn · Djúpivogur · Hengifoss · Stuðlagil Canyon · Dettifoss · Húsavík · Goðafoss Waterfall in Iceland: Complete Visitor Guide · Things to Do in Akureyri: Attractions, Museums and Local Experiences · Hveravellir Hot Springs Reserve · Kerlingarfjöll: Hveradalir Hikes, Roads & Where to Stay · Geysir Geothermal Area · Gullfoss Waterfall · Þingvellir National Park: Parking, Walks & Visiting Tips · Lake Myvatn · Reykjavik
12 days Expert-builtOvernights in Selfoss, Vík, Egilsstaðir and Akureyri, with Forest Lagoon, Petra's Stone Collection and Rauðhólar on the way. Planned by an Iceland expert for a real June trip.
12 days Expert-builtOvernights in Vík and Akureyri, with Gjáin, Hengifoss and Sky Lagoon on the way. Planned by an Iceland expert for a real August trip.
12 days Expert-builtOvernights in Hella and Vík, with Laugarvatn Fontana, Hjörleifshöfði and Kvernufoss on the way. Planned by an Iceland expert for a real July trip.
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