Ring Road With the Highlands
Overnights 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.
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A 13-night trip around Iceland in August starting from Keflavik, covering Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, Landmannalaugar, the South Coast (Vik, Skogafoss, Jökulsárlón), the East Fjords, Myvatn, Akureyri, and the central highlands (Kerlingarfjöll, Askja). The itinerary focuses on nature, geothermal areas, and hiking.
An Iceland trip expert planned this 13-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 and stay at Aurora Keflavik near the airport.
Shopping for provisions at the start. Sightseeing in Reykjavik, then travel to Kerid crater and end of day in Selfoss.
Visiting a geothermal power plant and hiking in the 'Smoking Valley'.
Full day in Landmannalaugar. Requires 4x4 and caution at water crossings.
Visit multiple famous waterfalls, black beaches, and an ice cave tour near Katla volcano.
Glacier view, canyon hike to Mulagljufur, and exploring Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.
Drive through the East Fjords, hiking to Hengifoss and relaxing at Vok Baths.
Studlagil canyon, visiting volcanic sites at Krafla and Hverir geothermal area.
Visiting Dettifoss waterfall, Asbyrgi canyon, Dimmuborgir lava fields and Myvatn nature baths.
Sightseeing around Myvatn, visiting Akureyri, going whale watching, and ending at Reykjafoss.
Travel into the highlands via F35, visiting Hveravellir hot springs and Kerlingarfjöll.
DAY 12Hiking in Hveradalir and then visiting classic Golden Circle sights.
Hiking to Glymur, visiting Hvammsvik hot springs, dinner in Reykjavik, and return to 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.
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
Hellisheiði Power Plant (Geothermal Exhibition)Visit Hellisheiði Power Plant near Reykjavík. Discover geothermal energy, turbine hall views, opening hours, ticket information and tips for your visit. CopyGolden Circle · Read the guide
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
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 · Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon · Svínafellsjökull · Múlagljúfur Canyon · Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon · Höfn · Stokksnes / Vestrahorn · Djúpivogur · Hengifoss · Vök Baths · Stuðlagil Canyon · Dettifoss · Dimmuborgir · Earth Lagoon – Myvatn · 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 · Gullfoss Waterfall · Geysir Geothermal Area · Þingvellir National Park: Parking, Walks & Visiting Tips · Glymur Waterfall Hike · Hvammsvik Hot Spring · Reykjavík
Overnights 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.
Overnights 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.
Overnights in Akureyri, Blönduós and Húsafell, with Hengifoss, Hvammsvík Hot Springs and Vök Baths on the way. Planned by an Iceland expert for a real July trip.
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