Ring Road With the Highlands
Overnights in Keflavík, Vík and Akureyri, with Gunnuhver Hot Springs, Hveravellir and Kerlingarfjöll on the way. Planned by an Iceland expert for a real July trip.
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A 14-day Iceland road trip spanning the South, Highlands (Landmannalaugar, Laki, Askja), East, North, and finishing in Reykjavik. The itinerary uses 4x4 vehicles to access F-roads and highland areas.
An Iceland trip expert planned this 14-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
Hike to Reykjadalur is 3.5km each way.
Requires 4x4 for F-roads.
Ice cave tour in Katla.
Laki tour options provided.
Boating and kayaking options at lagoons.
Vatnajokull snowmobile tour.
Vok Baths is a thermal experience.
Askja tour involves rugged highland driving.
Dettifoss visit from east or west bank.
Forest Lagoon thermal visit.
Driving F35 highland road.
Buggy adventure in Haukadalur.
Includes Sky Lagoon visit before 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.
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
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 · Lakagígar (Laki Craters) · Svínafellsjökull · Múlagljúfur Canyon · Fjallsárlón · Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon · Snowmobile on Vatnajokull · Höfn · Stokksnes / Vestrahorn · Djúpivogur · Forest Lagoon · Hengifoss · Vök Baths · Stuðlagil Canyon · Askja Caldera · Dettifoss · Dimmuborgir · Aldeyjarfoss Waterfall · Goðafoss Waterfall in Iceland: Complete Visitor Guide · Hveravellir Hot Springs Reserve · Kerlingarfjöll: Hveradalir Hikes, Roads & Where to Stay · Geysir Geothermal Area · Gullfoss Waterfall · Friðheimar Tomato Farm · Þingvellir National Park: Parking, Walks & Visiting Tips · Laugavegur Trail · Perlan · Sky Lagoon · Myvatn
Overnights in Keflavík, Vík and Akureyri, with Gunnuhver Hot Springs, Hveravellir and Kerlingarfjöll on the way. Planned by an Iceland expert for a real July trip.
Overnights in Selfoss, Hella, Vík, Höfn, Egilsstaðir and 4 more, with Snorrastofa, Hvítserkur and Secret Lagoon on the way. Planned by an Iceland expert for a real July trip.
Overnights in Vík, Egilsstaðir, Húsavík, Blönduós and Húsafell, with Glymur, Hverfjall and Reykjafoss on the way. Planned by an Iceland expert for a real June trip.
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