Iceland was absolutely stunning and I am already dying to go back. We spent 12 days in Iceland in mid-October — the weather was not perfect for most of it but it was still one of the most extraordinary trips of my life. We rented a Jeep Super Camper from Camper Iceland and drove the full Ring Road including the Westfjords.
Not everyone has 12 days, so if you need a more concise version the full Iceland road trip guide breaks down every section of the route with more detail on each area. Also check out the campervan packing list before you go — packing right for Iceland makes a huge difference.
Fun Facts About Iceland
Before we get into the itinerary, some Iceland facts that surprised us:
- The majority of the population genuinely believe in elves, trolls and hidden people. Roads have been rerouted so as not to disturb the elves living in certain rocks
- There are no forests in Iceland — a few trees here and there but nothing you could call a forest. You can see for miles on a clear day
- Vatnajökull Glacier is Europe's largest glacier
- Icelandic horses are the purest breed in the world — brought by Vikings over a thousand years ago with no outside breeding since
- The entire country has a smaller population than a medium-sized city
The 12-Day Iceland Ring Road Itinerary
Our actual route for the Iceland road trip
Day 1 — Arrival
Landed at Keflavík at 2.30pm, picked up the Jeep Super Camper from Camper Iceland. From there we did our groceries at Bonus — do this before leaving Reykjavik, it is significantly cheaper than anywhere along the route — and drove out to Þingvellir National Park.
Day 2 — The Golden Circle
Read the full Golden Circle post →
Gullfoss was the high point of the Golden Circle day
We hiked around Þingvellir — walking between the tectonic plates in the rain is still extraordinary. Then to Geysir and Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes, then to Gullfoss which was the highlight of the day. We stopped by the Secret Lagoon but it was so cold and wet we skipped it. Camped at Seljalandsfoss overnight.
Day 3 — Iceland's South Coast
Read the full South Coast post →
Rainy morning at Seljalandsfoss
Another rainy and windy day. We walked Seljalandsfoss (you can walk behind it — get wet, it is worth it), drove through to Skógafoss, stopped at the black sand beaches near Vík and continued towards Skaftafell National Park. The drive despite the weather was extraordinary. Reached Skaftafell around 4pm and hiked to the glacier.
Day 4 — South Coast to Eastern Fjords
Read the full South Coast post → · Eastern Fjords post →
Looking back to Svartifoss at Skaftafell
Hiked to Svartifoss waterfall early to beat the crowds — the hexagonal basalt columns are extraordinary. Then onwards to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Then began the long drive through the Eastern Fjords to Egilsstaðir where we camped for the night.
Jökulsárlón Tip
Park on the far side of the bridge from the main car park — all the tour buses stop at the main car park. The other side is quieter and the iceberg views are just as good.
Day 5 — Eastern Fjords to North Iceland
Read the full Eastern Fjords post → · North Iceland post →
Drove out to Seyðisfjörður in the morning — the rainbow painted road leading to the blue church is one of the most photogenic spots in Iceland. Then the long drive up north to Mývatn.
Crazy views on the drive up North
Day 6 — North Iceland
Read the full North Iceland post →
Waterfall chasing day — from Dettifoss (one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe, you feel it before you see it) through Ásbyrgi Canyon, Húsavík and down to Aldeyjarfoss and Goðafoss. The Mývatn Nature Baths in the evening — better than the Blue Lagoon in every way.
Day 7 — Driving to the Westfjords
Long driving day heading out towards the Westfjords. We stayed at a campsite outside of Laugarhóll Hotel where there was a pool and turf houses.
Hotel Laugerholl hot springs at sunset
Day 8 — Iceland's Westfjords
Read the full Westfjords post →
Hot spring hunting along the best F-road of the trip. Found the most incredible wild hot spring at Reykjafjarðarlaug — sat in it for an hour with wine watching the fjord. Drove to Dynjandi and camped there.
Beautiful fjord views driving to Bildudalur
Day 9 — More Westfjords
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Rainy hike up to Dynjandi — spectacular even in the rain. Drove to Patreksfjörður for lunch. Then boarded the Ferry Baldur and sailed straight into a storm on the way to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Day 10 — Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Read the full Snæfellsnes post →
Main goal was Kirkjufell — the most photographed mountain in Iceland. We managed shots between the clouds and rain. From there to Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls and back into Reykjavik for the evening.
Day 11 — Reykjavik
Read the full Reykjavik section →
Walked around the major sights of the capital. Hallgrímskirkja tower for views across the city. Harpa Concert Hall on the waterfront. Laugavegur shopping street. Fermented shark and brennivín because you have to.
Rainy day view from the top of Hallgrímskirkja
Day 12 — Blue Lagoon and Departure
Blue Lagoon at 8am. Expensive, busy, and genuinely spectacular. Our honest verdict — do it once, but the Mývatn Nature Baths in the north are a better experience for a fraction of the price. Then dropped off the campervan and headed to the airport.
We covered so much in 12 days. If the weather had been better in some places we could have seen more. That only means we will have to go back.
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All Iceland Posts
- Iceland Day 1 — The Golden Circle
- Iceland's South Coast — Waterfalls and Glaciers
- Discovering Iceland's Eastern Fjords
- North Iceland — Volcanoes and Waterfalls
- Iceland's Westfjords — Hot Spring Hunting
- From Snæfellsnes to Reykjavik
- Is Iceland's Blue Lagoon Overrated?
- The Best Hikes in Iceland
- The Ultimate Iceland Road Trip Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
12 days is ideal for a full Ring Road trip including the Westfjords. You can do the Ring Road alone in 7-10 days but rushing it means missing the best parts. If you only have a week, focus on the south coast, Golden Circle and Snæfellsnes rather than trying to do everything.
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