Iceland Ring Road: 7-Day Small Group Tour with Glacier Hike

Summary

Circle Iceland’s wild coasts, waterfalls & volcanic wonders in a week

You’ll circle Iceland’s wildest landscapes with a small group—walk behind waterfalls on the Golden Circle, hike glaciers near Jokulsarlon Lagoon, soak in Mývatn Nature Baths (optional), and spot whales in Dalvik. Expect real conversations with locals, hotel breakfasts each morning, and more sheep than you thought possible. It’s less about ticking boxes than feeling Iceland under your skin.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Reykjavik in that early blue light, the kind that makes you feel like you’re sneaking out before the world wakes up. Our guide, Sigrún, had this quiet way of pointing at things from behind the wheel—first the mossy stretches outside Thingvellir, then the steam breathing up from Geysir. I remember Gullfoss roaring so loud it sort of vibrated in my chest. The air smelled faintly metallic near the falls, and my gloves were already damp by Seljalandsfoss but I didn’t care. Walking behind that curtain of water felt like stepping into a secret room.

The next day was all about ice. We strapped on crampons for a short glacier hike in Vatnajokull with Jónas leading us—he kept checking everyone’s boots like a nervous parent. At Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, I just stood there gawking at those blue-white icebergs drifting past seals. The wind off Diamond Beach stung my face but made the coffee at our guesthouse taste even better later. The east fjords were quieter—twisting roads, sheep everywhere (they really do just wander), and Djupivogur fishing village where we tried some dried fish I’m still not sure about.

Mývatn Nature Baths came after a long day bouncing between lava fields and hot springs—the milky water was warm enough to make me forget my toes had been frozen since Akureyri. Someone said you could smell sulfur before you saw the pools; they weren’t kidding. There was laughter echoing off the rocks and steam curling up into that endless northern sky. Whale watching from Dalvik was luckier than I expected—a humpback surfaced right near our boat and everyone went quiet for a second. Even our guide grinned like a kid.

By the time we looped back toward Borgarnes and Snaefellsnes Peninsula, my sense of time was shot—I kept mixing up which waterfall or crater came first. Reykholt felt different though: old stories clinging to the stones, Sigrún telling us about Snorri Sturluson while we peered into his ancient pool (I probably mispronounced everything). Kirkjufell Mountain looked unreal against low clouds. Funny how seven days can stretch and shrink at once—I still think about that moment standing on black sand with cold wind in my teeth.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Golden Circle and South Coast Tour

• Pick up in Reykjavik
• Travel Golden Circle route
• Visit Thingvellir National Park
• See Strokkur geyser at Geysir
• Visit Gullfoss waterfall
• See Seljalandsfoss waterfall
• Visit Skogafoss waterfall
• Explore Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Day 2 — Skaftafell, Glacier Lagoon, Höfn

• Glacier hike at Skaftafell National Park
• Visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
• See Diamond Beach
• Overnight in Höfn area

Day 3 — East Fjords to Egilsstaðir

• Drive East Fjords coast
• Stop at Djúpivogur fishing village
• Overnight in Egilsstaðir area
• Visit Wilderness Center with museum and hot pots

Day 4 — Studlagil, Mývatn, Akureyri

• Visit Namaskard hot springs
• Explore Dimmuborgir lava formations
• See Hverfjall Volcano Crater
• Relax at Mývatn Nature Baths
• Visit Studlagil canyon
• Overnight in Akureyri area

Day 5 — Whale Watching and Siglufjörður

• Drive through Akureyri
• Whale watching tour from Dalvik
• Explore Siglufjörður town
• Travel through farmlands
• Overnight in Borgarnes area

Day 6 — Borgarfjörður and Reykholt

• Visit Borgarfjörður area
• Hike Grábrók volcano crater
• Visit Hraunfossar waterfall
• Visit Reykholt and Snorralaug hot spring
• Overnight in Borgarnes area

Day 7 — Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Reykjavik

• Explore Borgarnes and Snaefellsnes
• Visit Arnarstapi village
• See Mount Kirkjufell
• Visit Deildartunguhver Thermal Spring
• Return to Reykjavik

Top questions

How many days is this Iceland ring road tour?

This is a 7-day tour circling Iceland’s ring road.

Is glacier hiking included on this tour?

Yes, there is a short glacier hike in Vatnajokull with a certified guide; crampons are provided.

Are Mývatn Nature Baths included in the price?

No, admission to Mývatn Nature Baths is not included but can be added as an extra after booking.

What meals are included during the trip?

Breakfast is included each morning at your accommodation.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Reykjavik?

Yes, there is morning pickup from Reykjavik at the start of your journey.

Is accommodation private or shared?

The standard option includes shared hotel rooms; solo travelers can upgrade to single rooms for an extra fee.

What age do you need to be for this tour?

The minimum age is 8 years old for participants.

Are there any physical requirements for activities?

The tour suits all fitness levels but strong hiking boots are required for glacier hiking.

What’s included

Your week includes daily hotel breakfasts, six nights’ accommodation around Iceland’s ring road (shared room unless upgraded), small group transport with free onboard Wi-Fi, Reykjavik pickup on day one, and all scheduled stops from waterfalls to fishing villages—with expert local guides leading hikes and sharing stories along the way. Glacier hike gear is provided; optional extras like Mývatn Nature Baths can be added after booking.