Exploring the majestic landscapes of Iceland in 10 days is a highly achievable and incredibly rewarding adventure, especially when navigating the iconic Ring Road. This comprehensive guide, complementing the detailed itinerary presented in the video above, offers an in-depth look at how a 10-day journey can be planned to maximize exploration, manage costs, and truly experience the island’s unique beauty.
Often considered a land of fire and ice, Iceland presents a diverse landscape that captivates every traveler. With a population of less than half a million, much of the island remains pristine and ready for exploration. A well-planned journey around the Ring Road allows for access to some of Iceland’s most breathtaking sites without the need for extensive backtracking, ensuring a smooth and efficient travel experience.
Planning Your Icelandic Ring Road Adventure
Embarking on a journey across Iceland requires thoughtful planning, particularly regarding transportation and accommodation. The island’s terrain necessitates specific vehicle types for certain routes, and choices in lodging can significantly impact the overall budget. Careful consideration of these elements ensures a comfortable and memorable trip.
Vehicle Rental: Keys to Unrestricted Exploration
Renting a vehicle is widely regarded as the best method for exploring Iceland at your own pace. Options range from standard cars to campervans, each offering different levels of convenience and flexibility. For those seeking adventure without fixed accommodation bookings, a vehicle equipped with a pop-up tent on top, such as an all-wheel drive Jeep, proves to be an excellent choice. Such a setup provides the freedom to adjust plans along the route, eliminating the need to pre-book hotel stays.
The cost associated with this type of rental typically includes not just the vehicle but also a comprehensive camping set. This often comprises sleeping bags, a cook stove, dishes, a table, and chairs, ensuring all basic needs are met for an overland journey. For a 10-day trip, a rental vehicle with a rooftop tent might incur a cost of approximately $794 USD for the Jeep and an additional $1,095 for the tent and camping gear, offering significant savings compared to traditional lodging.
Understanding Iceland’s Road Network
While the main Ring Road offers smooth, paved stretches, venturing off this route requires preparedness for diverse road conditions. Gravel roads are common on many secondary routes, and designated F roads, often leading inland, are typically rough, unpaved, and may involve river crossings. An all-wheel drive vehicle is often recommended, and sometimes legally required, for navigating F roads. It is important to remember that off-road driving is strictly illegal in Iceland, with significant fines imposed to protect the fragile environment. Travelers are always advised to stick to designated roads and campsites.
Budgeting for Your Trip to Iceland
Iceland is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, but it also has a reputation for being an expensive destination. Strategic budgeting, however, can make a 10-day adventure more accessible. Accommodation, food, and transportation are typically the largest expenses, and savvy choices in these areas can lead to considerable savings.
Camping, for example, is a significantly more affordable alternative to hotels. Campsite fees are usually paid per person or per vehicle, and for two people, this can average around $20 per night, totaling approximately $150 USD for an 8-day camping trip. These facilities often offer basic amenities, and some may include showers, for which a small amount of cash might be needed.
Food costs can be managed effectively by prioritizing grocery store visits. Eating at restaurants in Iceland can be quite costly, with a bowl of soup easily priced around $20. By purchasing a week’s worth of groceries for roughly $125 USD, substantial savings can be realized. Treating oneself to a few special meals along the way then becomes a more manageable indulgence. Gas is another considerable expense on the Ring Road, where prices can reach as much as $10 a gallon, potentially totaling around $578 for a full circuit.
The Icelandic Króna is the local currency, but credit cards are widely accepted throughout the island. Nevertheless, carrying some cash for small purchases, particularly for campground showers or honesty boxes at lesser-known hot springs, is a practical suggestion.
A Detailed 10-Day Iceland Ring Road Itinerary
This itinerary focuses on an 8-day drive around the Ring Road, followed by 2 days in Reykjavik. It is designed to provide a comprehensive experience of Iceland’s diverse landscapes and cultural highlights, allowing for both well-known attractions and hidden gems.
Day 1: Arrival and Eastern Journey
Upon arrival, the first order of business involves picking up the rental car and stocking up on groceries. This initial preparation sets the tone for a budget-friendly road trip. The journey then commences east along the Ring Road, bypassing Reykjavik to reach a strategically located first campsite. This positioning ensures a prompt start for exploring the Golden Circle and beyond the following day. For those with less time, the Golden Circle itself, a popular route near Reykjavik, offers a condensed taste of Iceland’s natural wonders.
Day 2: Golden Circle Wonders and Highlands Exploration
An early start is recommended to avoid crowds at popular sites. The day begins at Hrunalaug, a natural hot spring with a charming, Viking-like hut. This privately owned spot, once free, now charges 2,500 Króna (approximately $17 USD) per person, limiting entry to 12-15 people at a time to preserve its tranquil atmosphere. Visitors are allowed to soak for up to 90 minutes, with 45 minutes often proving sufficient. A shower facility is also available on site.
Next, the journey continues to Gullfoss, Iceland’s largest waterfall, a name derived from “waterfall of gold” (Gull meaning gold and foss meaning waterfall). This powerful cascade is a highlight of the Golden Circle. Lunch can be enjoyed at Friðheimar, a unique family-run greenhouse that utilizes geothermal energy to grow tomatoes. Here, an all-you-can-eat soup and bread bar, featuring coffee and fresh tomatoes, is available for about $25 USD per person, offering a distinctive dining experience amidst the tomato plants.
The afternoon is spent exploring the highlands of Landmannalaugar, often accessed via F roads that showcase the need for an all-wheel drive vehicle. A 6.8-mile loop hike through lava fields and up vibrant, mineral-rich mountains offers stunning views. The area also boasts a relaxing hot spring at the campground, providing a perfect end to a day of exploration. While the midge flies can be abundant, the natural beauty of Landmannalaugar is unparalleled.
Day 3: South Coast Waterfalls and Plane Wreck
The day begins with a visit to Seljalandsfoss, a unique waterfall where visitors can walk behind the cascading water. Further along the dramatic coastline, a brief stop at a 9th-century ancient cliffside settlement reveals traditional Icelandic building techniques using stacked stone and turf roofs. Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, follows, standing at an impressive 60 meters (197 feet) tall. Legend speaks of a hidden Viking treasure chest behind its powerful cascade. Nearby, the lesser-known Kvernufoss offers a picturesque scene, accessible via a short, easy hike through a canyon.
Continuing on the South Coast, the Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck, the remains of a US Navy DC-3 aircraft that crash-landed in 1973, provides an eerie yet iconic sight. The walk to the wreck is long and flat, though a shuttle bus service is available for approximately 3,000 Icelandic Króna ($21 USD) per person for a round trip. The day concludes with a stop at the Dyrhólaey Viewpoint, known for its dramatic arch-shaped rock formation and as a prime location to observe puffin colonies. The night is spent camping in the coastal town of Vik, known for its excellent campground facilities.
Day 4: Black Sands, Glaciers, and Diamond Beach
Starting at sunrise, Reynisfjara Beach, with its striking black sand, towering basalt columns, and powerful waves, is best visited early to avoid crowds. Caution is advised here due to unpredictable “sneaker waves.” The journey then passes through the Eldhraun moss field, a surreal landscape formed by an 18th-century volcanic eruption and now covered in a thick layer of green moss. It is crucial not to walk on this delicate moss, as it takes years to regenerate.
Fjadrargljufur Canyon, carved by glacial waters, offers majestic views of Iceland’s rugged terrain. A short hike leads to Svartifoss, a waterfall uniquely framed by basalt columns resembling organ pipes. Nearby, the Svinafellsjokull Glacier, an outlet glacier of Europe’s largest ice cap, Vatnajökull, provides a glimpse into shifting ice formations. Caution is paramount when exploring glaciers due to their dynamic nature.
The day culminates at Diamond Beach, where icebergs from the nearby Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon are washed ashore, resembling glistening jewels on the black sand. This location is also an excellent spot for seal watching. The day concludes at Vestrahorn Mountain, a mystical location with a stunning reflective beach, a lighthouse, a coffee shop, and an abandoned Viking movie set, where camping is available for the night.
Day 5: East Fjords and Studlagil Canyon
Sunrise at Vestrahorn offers a unique opportunity to experience the reflective beach in solitude. A visit to the nearby Viking Village and a stop at the Viking Cafe for heart-shaped Icelandic waffles (vaffla) prepare travelers for the day’s drive. Heading into the East Coast, a detour to the port town of Seydisfjordur, known for its blue church, offers a chance to try local Icelandic lamb and freshly caught cod at a restaurant like Aldan, often with special lunch deals.
The journey continues to the Northeastern part of the island, reaching Studlagil Canyon by late afternoon. This stunning location, known for its vibrant blue river winding through basalt canyons, is a short hike away. While the water may appear brown during high water periods, its natural blue hue is captivating. Camping for the night in a nice campground with rolling hills marks the end of a long driving day.
Day 6: Northern Iceland’s Power and Relaxation
Day 6 begins at Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, standing 44 meters (144 feet) high and 110 meters (330 feet) wide. The Krafla Viti Crater, formed during an 18th-century volcanic eruption, is the next stop, with its lake displaying vibrant coloration due to minerals and gases. This area is also known for its midge flies, which can be quite persistent.
To save on costs and avoid crowds, the Mývatn Nature Baths are visited instead of the Blue Lagoon. These baths, rich in silica and sulfur, offer a relaxing soak for around $98 per person. Free refills for coffee and soup at the cafe are a notable perk. Godafoss, the “waterfall of the gods,” follows, steeped in the legend of chieftain Thorgeir Thorkelsson symbolizing Iceland’s conversion to Christianity. A hidden hot spring on top of a waterfall near Akureyri, overlooking the ocean, offers a unique and less crowded experience. The day concludes with camping in Hofsos, one of Northern Iceland’s oldest trading ports.
Day 7: Historical Sites and More Hot Springs
The day starts early at Grafarkirkja, recognized as the oldest church in Iceland, which has withstood centuries of challenges. Another dip into a natural hot spring awaits at Fosslaug, nestled next to the Reykjafoss Waterfall. This easily accessible spot, with a $5 honesty box for parking, offers a peaceful bathing experience, especially if visited before the crowds arrive. As more tourists gather, it becomes advisable to move on, continuing along the Northwestern Coast.
Day 8: Westfjords Highlights and Return to Civilization
The journey includes a stop at the stunning Kirkjufell mountain, followed by a visit to a beautiful church atop a hill. Driving to the end of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula reveals an orange lighthouse and a beautiful coastline. The famous black church, one of Iceland’s few remaining, is a significant cultural and architectural landmark. The very last stop on the Ring Road is Thingvellir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 25 miles from Reykjavik. This rift valley, formed by the separation of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, holds immense geological and historical significance.
After a week of living out of a Jeep, it is typically time to organize and repack the vehicle before returning it. Choosing public transportation for the remaining days in Reykjavik can offer significant cost savings, despite being less convenient than a private vehicle.
Day 9: Exploring Reykjavik
The compact city center of Reykjavik is easily explored on foot, offering an array of shops, restaurants, cafes, and cultural attractions. Hallgrímskirkja, a towering church inspired by Iceland’s basalt lava flows, is one of Reykjavik’s most iconic landmarks. A self-guided food tour is highly recommended to sample local delicacies. The famous Icelandic hot dogs at Bæjarins Beztu, topped with crispy fried onions, raw onions, ketchup, sweet mustard, and remoulade, are a must-try. Other culinary experiences include skyr, a traditional dairy product resembling soft cheese, and pastries like twisted donuts and cinnamon buns from Braud & Co. Lobster soup at Seabaron by the picturesque harbor offers another taste of local flavor. Rye bread ice cream, with dark rye bread traditionally baked using geothermal heat, can be found at Cafe Loki. While fermented shark is a traditional Icelandic delicacy, its intense taste is often not for the faint of heart.
Day 10: Departure
The final day involves packing and preparing for departure. Utilizing local buses to travel to the airport helps in saving money. This 10-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary provides a balanced mix of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural immersion, all while keeping a watchful eye on the budget.
Understanding Your Iceland Trip Costs
A comprehensive understanding of trip expenses is crucial for budget planning. For a 10-day trip to Iceland in mid-August, excluding international flights, a total cost of approximately $3,957 USD might be expected for two people. This sum covers major categories, allowing travelers to prioritize their spending.
- Accommodation/Camping Gear: The largest expense often relates to the pop-up tent and camping gear rental, which was approximately $1,095. The Jeep rental itself was $794. Additionally, campsite fees and popular parking lots accumulated to about $150.
- Food: Groceries and restaurant meals totaled around $620, reflecting a strategy of self-catering supplemented by occasional restaurant indulgences.
- Transportation: Gas costs can be substantial, especially when driving the full Ring Road, reaching about $578. Local transportation around Reykjavik and to/from the airport added $154.
- Accommodation in Reykjavik: Three nights in an Airbnb in Reykjavik cost approximately $400.
- Activities: Entrance fees to hot springs across the island, including the Mývatn Nature Bath, totaled around $166.
These figures highlight that careful planning, particularly around transportation and food, can significantly influence the overall expenditure for an unforgettable Iceland Ring Road itinerary.
Your Ring Road Queries: Let’s Talk Iceland
What is the Ring Road in Iceland?
The Ring Road is Iceland’s main highway that circles the entire island, allowing travelers to visit many major attractions efficiently without extensive backtracking.
How long is recommended for an Iceland Ring Road trip?
A 10-day trip is suggested, with 8 days typically spent driving the Ring Road and 2 days for exploring the capital city of Reykjavik.
What is the best way to travel around Iceland?
Renting a vehicle, such as a car or campervan, is widely considered the best method for exploring Iceland at your own pace and reaching various sites.
How can I save money on an Iceland trip?
You can save money by choosing camping over hotels for accommodation and by buying groceries to prepare your own meals instead of frequently eating at restaurants.
Do I need a special type of car for Iceland’s roads?
While the main Ring Road is paved, an all-wheel drive vehicle is recommended, and sometimes legally required, for navigating gravel roads and rougher ‘F roads’ that lead inland.