Iceland Ring Road Counter-Clockwise: Our 10-Day DIY Route
Photo note: Unless explicitly credited otherwise, the photos in this Iceland article are our original images from our September 27-October 6, 2024 Ring Road trip.
อ่านบทความนี้เป็นภาษาไทย: เปิดเวอร์ชันภาษาไทย
Gullfoss waterfall during the opening Golden Circle section of our route.
Godafoss waterfall during the North Iceland section of the loop.
We drove Iceland's Ring Road counter-clockwise from September 27 to October 6, starting and finishing near Reykjavik. The route connected the Golden Circle, South Coast, glacier country, Eastfjords, Myvatn, North Iceland, and the west.
Our route by day
| Day | Region | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Keflavik and Reykjavik | Arrival and an easy first night |
| 2 | Golden Circle | Thingvellir, geothermal country, and Gullfoss |
| 3 | South Coast | Waterfalls, black sand, and Vik |
| 4 | Skaftafell and Jokulsarlon | Glaciers and the southeast coast |
| 5 | Southeast and Eastfjords | Coastal driving and mountain scenery |
| 6 | Eastfjords to the northeast | Long scenic roads |
| 7 | Myvatn | Volcanic and geothermal landscapes |
| 8 | North Iceland | Akureyri and the route west |
| 9 | West Iceland | The return toward Reykjavik |
| 10 | Reykjavik and departure | Final morning and airport transfer |
For the vehicle and camping setup, see our Hertz Fiat Benivan 120 camper-van review. Continue with the Golden Circle guide, South Coast guide, Jokulsarlon guide, and Myvatn guide.
What made the route work
We planned by region rather than by isolated attractions. Each day had one main anchor, two secondary stops, and a weather-dependent backup. That kept us from spending the whole trip rushing between pins on a map.
The route is achievable in ten days, but it is not leisurely. If you can add nights, the southeast, Myvatn area, or west Iceland are better places to slow down than adding more time in Reykjavik.
Our practical lessons
Start early on the South Coast, protect time around Jokulsarlon, keep the Eastfjords flexible, and never treat Iceland's weather as a minor detail. The most memorable moments often came from the road between major stops.