Like this trip? Copy it in one click
Duplicate and make it yours
A 12-night road trip across Iceland, covering the South Coast, Central Highlands (F-roads), East Fjords, and Northern regions, utilizing a 4x4 vehicle to explore varied landscapes including craters, glaciers, canyons, and geothermal areas.
An Iceland trip expert planned this 13-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.
Late night arrival, stay near the airport.
Car rental pickup, drive towards Hella.
Requires 4x4 for F-roads.
Coastal sightseeing.
DAY 5Requires higher clearance vehicle.
Guided tour to Laki.
Glacier hike is a key activity.
Long day driving the east coast.
Route requires careful navigation.
Very busy day in the North.
Visiting the capital of the North.
Cross-highland drive.
Final day, departure from Keflavik.
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 · Lakagígar (Laki Craters) · Svínafellsjökull · Skaftafell · Múlagljúfur Canyon · Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon · Snowmobile on Vatnajokull · Stokksnes / Vestrahorn · Djúpivogur · Vök Baths · Stuðlagil Canyon · Dettifoss · Húsavík · Dimmuborgir · Goðafoss Waterfall in Iceland: Complete Visitor Guide · Things to Do in Akureyri: Attractions, Museums and Local Experiences · Kerlingarfjöll: Hveradalir Hikes, Roads & Where to Stay · Hveravellir Hot Springs Reserve · Geysir Geothermal Area · Gullfoss Waterfall · Þingvellir National Park: Parking, Walks & Visiting Tips · Lake Myvatn · Reykjavik
13 days Expert-builtOvernights in Flúðir, Laugarvatn, Varmahlíð, Akureyri, Egilsstaðir and 2 more, with Petra's Stone Collection, Hveravellir and Kerlingarfjöll on the way. Planned by an Iceland expert for a real September trip.
13 days Expert-builtOvernights in Vík, Seyðisfjörður, Húsavík, Akureyri and Blönduós, with FlyOver Iceland, Mývatn Nature Baths and Sólheimajökull on the way. Planned by an Iceland expert for a real August trip.
13 days Expert-builtOvernights in Selfoss, Vík, Höfn and Akureyri, with Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant, Glymur and Hveravellir on the way. Planned by an Iceland expert for a real August 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.