Iceland Ring Road: A 6-Day Adventure Review

Thinking of driving Iceland’s Ring Road? That 6-day trip idea, the one where you’re seeing unbelievable waterfalls and maybe even stepping on a glacier, sounds amazing, too. Iceland, it seems, is very much on many traveler’s bucket lists for, arguably, very good reason. A six-day circuit can sound quite rushed, but actually, it gets you to the highlights. Here’s my breakdown, with, perhaps, a few gotchas and great moments. Is that 6-day Ring Road trip truly worthwhile? I’d say, definitely.

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Day 1: Reykjavík to the South Coast Waterfalls

Reykjavík, right? Well, you likely begin there. After landing, the urge to drive is potent. Heading toward the South Coast makes very good sense; there, you see Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, mighty waterfalls only a short drive apart. Now, Seljalandsfoss, it has that awesome path so you can actually walk behind it—you might want a raincoat! Skógafoss, it’s just powerful. Hike those stairs beside it, for a tremendous view; perhaps you might even see a rainbow. If you have enough time, which you should, very arguably, try to fit in a stop at the Sólheimajökull glacier. Now, do you hike it? If not, taking a guided tour gets you geared up and walking right on the ice; something just a little different! I stayed near Vik i Myrdal that night. Plenty of hotel selections are around.

Day 2: Black Sand Beach and Glacier Lagoon

Vik’s black sand beach, Reynisfjara, really calls for some photos—those basalt columns and the sea stacks are something else. Watch the waves, of course. Sneaker waves do, in fact, happen. Later, so maybe two hours down the road, you’ll discover Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. This location has icebergs floating on their merry way out to sea. The Diamond Beach there has icebergs washed ashore on black sand which sparkle in the sun which is quite a show! You might want to reserve a boat trip on the lagoon if the prospect seems good. Doing that gets you up close to the ice, and, just a little bit different; the guides typically grab chunks of ancient ice for sampling. That day, I made it near Höfn, often known as the lobster capital. Fresh seafood; that is quite the treat, arguably.

Day 3: East Fjords Scenic Drive

The East Fjords are something else: twisting roads that wrap along sheer cliffs; fishing villages are there, nestled in pretty bays. This drive is a slower one, yet, perhaps it’s the prettiest part of the entire Ring Road. Now, stopping at Petra’s Stone Collection, close to Stöðvarfjörður, would probably suit some; you view an individual’s rock and mineral collection, a testament to passion and dedication, so it would appear. I ended my day in Egilsstaðir, the biggest town in the east. Gas and stocking up are, therefore, perhaps quite easy. From Egilsstaðir, Dettifoss, one of the more mighty waterfalls in Europe, is just a short drive away—expect mist.

Day 4: Lake Mývatn Geothermal Wonderland

Lake Mývatn, up north, definitely gives a feel as if it were another planet, due, quite frankly, to the volcanic activity everywhere, of course. So Dimmuborgir’s odd lava formations come first, with pathways snaking throughout. Afterwards, it’s off to the Hverir geothermal location, bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, which makes you feel as if you have actually landed on Mars; the sulfur scent is something else. Do you fancy a soak? The Mývatn Nature Baths could suit, basically the Blue Lagoon, though not quite as huge and with arguably a better view. I stayed right at the lake that evening; numerous guesthouses provide a unique setting.

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Day 5: Goðafoss and Akureyri

First stop, it’s Goðafoss, that striking waterfall which is sometimes called the “Waterfall of the Gods.” I can tell you, photos cannot, I think, really do it credit. You will drive just a bit farther to reach Akureyri, sometimes named Iceland’s northern capital. A stroll around the downtown seems to suit; there are fairly hip cafes and interesting boutiques; arguably. A whale watching tour out of Akureyri might interest some folks as well, though it certainly needs several hours. On my trip, I kept going towards Skagafjörður, renowned for its horse breeding. You will discover some pretty farms and horse ranches which populate this location.

Day 6: Back to Reykjavík

It is now the last stretch! Now, going from the north, the landscape starts switching back to the south’s more recognizable volcanic views. Perhaps the very last big stop is at Deildartunguhver, which is one of Europe’s most strong hot springs—the amount of steam is very something else. Additionally, there is also Reykholt nearby. Snorri Sturluson, one of Iceland’s sagas writers, actually, dwelled there way back when, in medieval times. If you did that 6-day circuit efficiently, and you likely have, now there is definitely ample time to kick around Reykjavík for any missed museums or shops you wanted. Fly out refreshed!.

Okay, so six days—rushed? Perhaps, to a degree. Is it worth doing it anyway? It gets you those main sights and gives, essentially, a taste for more; but plan! Pre-booking places gets easier sleep; looking into excursions saves any day-of disappointments; renting cars way ahead saves some dollars—it just might. Six days around Iceland is really only scratching the surface. However, it is, perhaps, scratching that surface so very well!.