So you’re planning a trip around the legendary Ring Road. Congratulations! No matter how you do it - you’re going to have a memorable experience. To help you prepare for that, we’re sharing the itinerary for our camper van honeymoon.

Please - use this itinerary to build out your own plans. Add, subtract, and rearrange how you like to make it yours!

Day 0

Reykjavik

Begin your trip in the wonderful city of Reykjavik. This is where our journey started, and as the capital city, it has a lot going on. Grab yourself a hot dog, stop by the Lebowski Bar, and enjoy a few of the wonderful museums. Stay as long as you’d like! Once you pick up your car or camper van, I’d recommend stopping by the Bonus or another grocery store to load up before you hit the road.

Day 1

The Golden Circle

You’ll want to kick off your Ring Road journey with a day trip the Golden Circle. A perfect day trip consisting of Thingvellir NP, Geysir, Gullfoss and more, are just a short drive from Reykjavik and offer an easy way to experience a taste of Iceland’s natural beauty, especially if you don’t have plans to venture too far from the capital. It’s also a popular route for day tours, so even if you aren’t renting a car you still have the opportunity to see a part of the Icelandic countryside. Check out our full writeup on it here.

Camp in Selfoss overnight

Day 2

Seljalandsfoss

This 60 meter waterfall is accessible all the way around. Exercise caution as the walkway can be slick from the constant mist. In summer, the area is surrounded by rich green grasses.

Eyjafjallajokul

This volcano last erupted in 2010, sending a massive cloud of ash into the atmosphere that grounded flights worldwide. These days it is very quiet. Stop by the museum to learn about it, or take it in as you drive by. We had a big day ahead, so we pulled off safely to observe the area and moved on to our next stop.

Skogafoss and Kvernufoss

This is a pair of waterfalls that’s located in the south of Iceland about two hours away from Reykjavik.

Skogafoss is a popular stop for many tourists because it’s immensely beautiful and easily accessible, and those that are more adventurous are able to climb the steep staircase up to the top to get a birds eye view of the falls. Whether cloudy or sunny, it is a beautiful site. Do wear your rain coat if you’re able. Even at a distance, the wind carries the mist very far.

Kvernufoss, on the other hand, is much less known even though it’s just a couple hundred meters away from Skogafoss. If you park in the parking lot of the Skogar Museum, you’ll see a ladder straddling a fence. Just hop that bad boy, take a short hike, and you’ll be treated to an amazing hidden waterfall. This is where we eloped so it will always have a very special place in our hearts.

Reynisfjara

Reynisfjara is a stunning beach of black sand, formed from the erosion of volcanic rocks, located along the southern coast that is particularly well-known for its towering sea stacks and the iconic wall of basalt columns. This natural beauty combines with the raw power of the sea’s crashing waves to create a surreal experience that you definitely need to experience for yourself.

It can be dangerous though, as sneaker waves have been known to catch people off guard and sweep them out to sea. Mind the signage and do not enter the ocean.

Fjadrargljufur Canyon

Turn off Route 1 to reach the access trail for Fjadrargljufur Canyon. This beautiful landscape is unfortunately a cautionary tale in the dangers of viral travel destinations and influencer impact. If you haven’t heard of Fjadrargljufur, you may have heard what happened. In 2015, Justin Bieber filmed a music video for his song “I’ll Show You.” Following the release of this visit and video was “The Bieber Effect.” Tourists arrived in droves to visit the canyon and stand on the grassy peaks. It wasn’t long before the area was roped off to prevent not only injury to reckless tourists, but also further destruction of this breathtaking landscape.

Do make a stop if you’re able. It is a beautiful canyon. But as with all things in Iceland - travel and visit with care. Practice “Leave No Trace” principles and mind your footsteps.

After a big day of extreme landscapes, camp in the Skaftafell area, near Vatnajökull National Park. Rest up - tomorrow you’ll head up and around toward glacial ice.

Day 3

Diamond Beach

Continuing northeast along Route 1 toward Hofn you’ll come across Diamond Beach and the glacial lagoon that feeds it. As chunks of ice break off from the nearby glacier, they get carried out to sea and many of them get washed back up onto the shore. This crystal clear ice contrasts against the black sand and has the appearance of clear gemstones littering the beach, giving this place its name.

Kayaking in the Glacier Bay

This is a highly recommended activity. Take a tour of icy glacier bay. Large icebergs float slowly toward the sea. Paddle under natural ice bridges and enjoy a small guided hike onto an iceberg. Don’t worry - crampons are provided for the hike and cold-weather jumpsuits are provided to keep you insulated and dry as you enjoy the landscape.

Camp at Egilsstadir and rest those arms!

Day 4

Dettifoss

Depending on who you ask, Dettifoss is either the first or second most powerful waterfall in all of Europe. But regardless of its rank, it’s a beautiful sight to behold.

Hverir

Geothermal area that is known for its bubbling, colorful pools of sulphuric mud and fumaroles that emit stinky clouds of sulfurous steam. While no, it wasn’t the most pleasant smell, it was an otherworldly landscape to take in!

Godafoss

Located just off the main road, Godafoss is said to have gotten its name around the year 1000 when Christianity was made the official religion of Iceland. According to legend, the lawspeaker of the Althing ceremoniously cast the statues of the Norse gods into the falls, however there is no evidence that this event actually occurred. Regardless of how it earned its name, the blue-green water cascading down the fall’s semicircular structure is picturesque and awe inspiring.

Akureyri

Sometimes called the “Capital of the North,” Akureyri is the largest town located outside of Iceland’s capital region. Nestled in a picturesque fjord, Akureyri offers an interesting combination of urban amenities and rugged isolation, which lets it serve as the perfect home base for plenty of outdoor activities. We ditched the van for a night and stayed at a hotel, which allowed us to explore the town a little bit, do some laundry, and prepare ourselves for the second half of Route 1.

Day 5

Kirkjufell, Reykholt

Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Rounding out in the West we have Snaefellsnes Peninsula. It has a raw, dramatic landscape of mountains, ancient moss, and sea-side cliffs. Whether your journey is 5 days or 10 — be sure to come through.

Black chapel - Búðakirkja

Built in 1703, this small chapel sits peacefully in the grasses providing a beautiful contrast to its surroundings.

The Shark Museum

Learn about the traditional Icelandic fermented Greenland shark, called Hákarl. This dish is not for the faint of heart. The ammonia released in the fermentation process give the shark a very distinct taste. I found it downright unpleasant, but I was excited to give it a try. The museum is adorned with artifacts and shark information. Plus - if you head out back you can see the drying process in action. So fascinating!

Kirkufell

Kirkufell aka “Church Mountain”…and as some might call it “That mountain that was featured in Game of Thrones.” Beautiful year-round, Kirkufell is worth stopping by. We loved seeing it on the horizon during the drive.

Svörtuloft Lighthouse

This simple lighthouse made an impression on me. The bright orange stands out strongly against the dark blue sea and muted green moss on the flat volcanic landscape.

Gatklettur

Hellnar Arch - a naturally formed stone arch on rugged coastline. The water beneath is bright blue and crashes against the arch on all sides. Be mindful of the wind here - the coastal breeze is not like you’re used to experiencing during your annual family trip to Myrtle Beach.

The Troll of Arnarstrapi

Bárður Snæfellsás is said to be the descendant of a human mother and a half-giant / half-troll. This sculpture by Ragnar Kjartansson rests on the seaside.

Akraness

If you’re not rushing home, stay in Akraness for the night to rest up and enjoy the suburban pace. This commuter town is 45 minutes outside of Reykjavik and will help you close out your trip.

Day 7

Grindavik

A suburb of Reykjavik, Grindavik is home to the popular Blue Lagoon hot spring complex. It has also been, within the last few years, home to a great deal of volcanic activity. During the 2021 eruption of Fagradalsfjall, there were well-worn paths for hikers. Dozens of tour groups came through each day. We hiked up on our own to view the active eruption event on a popular, neighboring peak. That being said, the volcanic activity as of 2024 has been far more volatile and dangerous. Follow local guidance, always.

Add, subtract, or rearrange how you like as you plan your own Icelandic Adventure. Be sure to tell us all about it! DM or tag us on Instagram @awaywiththemays to show us what a great time you had.

Enjoy the journey!

Iceland’s Ring Road: A 7-Day Itinerary

Featured Collaboration: Patchworked Pod

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