Like this trip? Copy it in one click
Duplicate and make it yours
A 12-night road trip around Iceland starting and ending near Keflavík airport. The itinerary includes the South Coast, Central Highlands (Landmannalaugar), the East Fjords, and Northern Iceland, focusing on waterfalls, craters, geological sites, and geothermal baths.
An Iceland trip expert planned this 12-day route for a real client's July 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 and overnight at Aurora Keflavik.
Hike to Reykjadalur is 3.5km each way.
Landmannalaugar parking reservation required. Return via F208 north.
Caution at Dyrhólaey/Reynisfjara regarding wildlife and rogue waves.
DAY 5Thakgil canyon hiking. Lava show in Vik.
Skaftafell hiking trails. Museum visit at Hali.
Vok Baths is a highlighted activity.
Dettifoss accessed from east or west side.
Whale watching in Husavik; Mývatn Nature Baths.
Akureyri sightseeing.
Long day in highlands. F35 road.
Golden Circle tour ending in Reykjavik.
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.
Reykjadalur Hot Spring: 2 Hikes to Iceland’s Thermal RiverHike to Reykjadalur's natural hot river. Discover how to find the perfect soak temp, navigate the 3km mountain trail, and bathe safely in Iceland's Steam Valley.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
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 guide
Hella & HvolsvöllurHella and Hvolsvöllur guide: South Iceland towns, the LAVA centre, Njáls saga links and Katla UNESCO Global Geopark.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 guideAlso on iceland-trip.com: Skógafoss · Dyrhólaey · Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach · Þakgil (Thakgil) Canyon · Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon · Skaftafell · Svínafellsjökull · Fjallsárlón · Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon · Höfn · Stokksnes / Vestrahorn · Djúpivogur · Hengifoss · Stuðlagil Canyon · Dettifoss · Húsavík · Dimmuborgir · Goðafoss Waterfall in Iceland: Complete Visitor Guide · Things to Do in Akureyri: Attractions, Museums and Local Experiences · Family Rafting – Varmahlíð · Hveravellir Hot Springs Reserve · Kerlingarfjöll: Hveradalir Hikes, Roads & Where to Stay · Geysir Geothermal Area · Gullfoss Waterfall · Þingvellir National Park: Parking, Walks & Visiting Tips · 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.
Duplicate this itinerary, tell us your dates and travel style — we'll save a personalized version to your account that you can edit freely.