17-Day Complete Iceland Tour: Ring Road, Westfjords & Beyond
From the volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula to the glacial lagoons of the southeast, a full circuit of Iceland's most remarkable landscapes.
This 17-day Iceland self-drive tour covers the entire breadth of the country, taking travelers from the geothermal fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula through the remote Westfjords, across the dramatic Diamond Circle, and down the iconic South Coast. The route is rated easy, making it accessible for those who are comfortable behind the wheel but new to independent travel in Iceland. Every overnight stay is pre-arranged, so the focus remains on the road and the scenery.
Iceland rewards travelers who take their time, and seventeen days is enough to move beyond the well-worn Golden Circle and venture into regions that many visitors never reach. The Westfjords alone account for several days of the itinerary, offering sea cliffs, geothermal hot springs, and waterfall-studded fjords that feel genuinely untouched. The Troll Peninsula and the East Fjords add further variety, blending mountain passes with quiet fishing villages and puffin colonies.
The self-drive format places the pace entirely in the hands of the traveler. Early mornings can be spent at a roadside hot spring before the crowds arrive, and late evenings offer the possibility of Northern Lights viewing from late summer through spring. The itinerary provides a structured framework while leaving room for spontaneous detours and personal discovery.
Accommodations throughout the journey are in private rooms at three-star hotels, providing a comfortable base after each day of exploration. Optional activities at key stops, including boat tours on Jokulsarlon, glacier hikes, and geothermal baths, allow travelers to tailor the experience to their interests and fitness level.
Tour Highlights
Stand at Latrabjarg, Europe's largest bird cliff and Iceland's westernmost point, where puffins, guillemots, and razorbills nest along 14 kilometers of dramatic Atlantic coastline.
Walk beside Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, where ancient icebergs calve into a 200-meter-deep lake before washing ashore as glittering ice sculptures on black sand.
Visit Dynjandi, the crown jewel of the Westfjords, a tiered waterfall cascade that rewards a short hike with one of Iceland's most photographed natural spectacles.
Soak in remote geothermal hot springs throughout the Westfjords, including Hellulaug and Horgshlidarlaug, set directly beside the shoreline with unobstructed fjord views.
Walk the rift valley at Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are visibly pulling apart beneath your feet.
Explore the Diamond Circle in northern Iceland, taking in Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall, the geothermal moonscape of Hverir, and the serene birdlife of Lake Myvatn.
Photograph Kirkjufell mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, consistently ranked among the most iconic natural compositions in Iceland.
Itinerary Overview
Pick up your rental car at Keflavik International Airport and drive across the lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula. Depending on arrival time, visit the Old Akranes Lighthouse, Deildartunguhver hot spring, and Hraunfossar waterfall before settling in near Borgarnes.
Spend the day exploring the western peninsula, stopping at Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss, the Black Church at Budir, the sea cliffs of Arnarstapi, and Ytri Tunga beach where a resident seal colony often gathers on offshore rocks.
Cross into the Westfjords via Stykkisholmur and the Erpsstadir Creamery. The drive itself is a highlight, with stops at Vascofoss, Lambagilseyrar, and the shoreside Hellulaug hot spring before reaching Patreksfjordur for the night.
After several days navigating the Westfjords' waterfalls, hot springs, and fishing villages, the route turns east toward Akureyri and the Diamond Circle. Visit Dettifoss, Lake Myvatn, Hverir, Godafoss, and optional Studlagil Canyon before settling near Egilsstadir.
Drive the East Fjords coastline past reindeer grazing grounds and the granite egg sculptures at Djupivogur before reaching the Stokksnes Peninsula. Continue south to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach for an afternoon beside the floating icebergs.
Follow the South Coast through Vatnajokull National Park, past Svartifoss and Fjadrargljufur Canyon, before reaching Reynisfjara black sand beach, Skogafoss, and Seljalandsfoss. The final touring day completes the Golden Circle with Gullfoss, the Geysir area, Bruarfoss, and Thingvellir before arriving in Reykjavik.
What Is Included
Included
- Rental car for the full 17-day duration
- Private room accommodation at 3-star hotels throughout
- Pre-planned itinerary with daily routing guidance
- Access to all listed natural attractions and viewpoints
- Customisation support via Marina Travel team
Not Included
- Flights to and from Iceland
- Fuel and vehicle insurance excess
- Meals and personal dining expenses
- Optional activities such as boat tours, glacier hikes, and geothermal baths
- Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon entry fees
- Travel insurance
Important Information
Road conditions in Iceland can change rapidly, particularly in the Westfjords and highland areas. Check road.is daily before driving and ensure your rental vehicle is appropriate for the terrain on your chosen route.
Ready to Drive the Full Length of Iceland?
This 17-day self-drive circuit covers Iceland's most celebrated landscapes and its least-visited corners. Secure your place on this complete Iceland journey and let the open road do the rest.
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