Iceland Ring Road: 8-Day Small Group Tour with Glacier Hike & Ice Cave

Summary

Circle Iceland’s wild coastlines, glaciers, and volcanic wonders in one epic journey

You’ll circle Iceland’s wildest corners with a small group—think waterfalls you can walk behind, glacier hiking with safety gear included, soaking in hot springs after days of exploring lava fields and fishing villages. Expect real moments: Northern Lights over quiet towns, seal-watching on black sand beaches, stories from locals who’ve lived here forever.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I remember is the cold air when we stepped off the minibus at Þingvellir — not sharp, just fresh enough to wake you up. Our guide, Jón, pointed out the spot where two continents actually pull apart. I tried to picture that slow drift under my boots. He had this way of telling stories about old parliaments and sagas that made me forget I was standing in a UNESCO site with a bunch of strangers. The steam at Geysir smelled faintly like eggs (not my favorite), but watching Strokkur blast off every few minutes was weirdly hypnotic. We ended up in Hvolsvöllur that night — far from city lights — and someone yelled for us to come outside. Northern Lights just hanging there, greenish and moving slow. I still think about that.

We got soaked at Seljalandsfoss because you can actually walk behind the waterfall — water everywhere, hair dripping into my eyes (bring a hood). Reynisfjara’s black sand looked unreal against the white surf; I kept picking up stones until Li laughed and said I’d never get them through customs anyway. The glacier hike on Sólheimajökull was tougher than I expected; crampons feel weird at first but after a while it’s just you and this blue-white ice under your feet. The wind there whistles in your ears so you have to shout to hear each other. That night in Vík was quiet except for the sound of waves somewhere out there in the dark.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is colder than it looks in photos — icebergs creaking as they float by, seals popping up like they’re checking on us. The Crystal Ice Cave inside Vatnajökull felt almost fake: blue light everywhere and smooth walls like glass. In the East Fjords we met Helga and Siggi at their farm; their horses are smaller than I thought but stubborn (I tried feeding one an apple, it snorted at me). There’s something peaceful about those tiny fishing villages tucked between mountains — people wave when you drive past even if they don’t know you.

The north felt different: geothermal mud pools bubbling near Lake Mývatn (the smell hits you before you see them), lava fields that look like another planet, then Goðafoss waterfall rumbling so loud it drowns out your thoughts for a second. Akureyri has heart-shaped stoplights which is… oddly sweet? Whale watching from Hauganes was cold but worth it; we saw a humpback breach right near the boat and everyone cheered like little kids. By the time we reached Kirkjufell on Snæfellsnes Peninsula, clouds had rolled in but the mountain still looked dramatic against gray sky — Game of Thrones fans were geeking out quietly.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Golden Circle highlights

• Visit Þingvellir National Park
• Explore Geysir geothermal area
• Travel to accommodation in Hvolsvöllur
• Watch for Northern Lights

Day 2 — South Coast and glacier hike

• See Seljalandsfoss waterfall
• Visit Skógafoss waterfall
• Walk Reynisfjara black sand beach
• Glacier hike on Sólheimajökull
• Stay overnight in Vík village

Day 3 — Glacier lagoon and ice caving

• Visit Diamond Beach
• Explore Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
• Tour Crystal Ice Cave
• View Hvannadalshnjúkur peak

Day 4 — Exploring the East Fjords

• Stop at Djúpivogur village
• See Búlandstindur mountain
• Visit Finnstaðir farm and Icelandic horses
• Explore Lake Lagarfljót area
• Optional relaxation at Vök Baths

Day 5 — Exploring North-East Iceland

• Visit Námafjall geothermal area
• Explore Dimmuborgir lava fields
• See Lake Mývatn surroundings
• Visit Goðafoss waterfall
• Arrive in Akureyri town

Day 6 — Exploring North Iceland

• Explore Akureyri town
• Visit Hauganes harbor and beach
• Whale watching boat ride
• Visit Grábrók volcanic crater

Day 7 — Exploring Snæfellsnes Peninsula

• See Gerðuberg basalt columns
• Visit Ytri-Tunga white sand beach
• Stop at Búðir black wooden church
• Walk coastal cliffs at Arnarstapi
• View Snæfellsjökull Glacier
• See Londrangar Basalt Cliffs
• Explore Djúpalónssandur beach
• Visit Kirkjufell mountain

Day 8 — Exploring West Iceland

• Visit Hraunfossar lava falls
• See Barnafoss waterfall
• Explore Víðgelmir lava cave
• Visit Deildartunguhver hot spring
• Stop at Reykholt village
• Return to Reykjavik

Top questions

How long is the Iceland Ring Road tour?

The tour lasts 8 days and 7 nights, starting and ending in Reykjavik.

Is hotel pickup included for this Iceland tour?

Yes, pickup from designated bus stops in Reykjavik is included.

What activities are included on this 8-day Iceland tour?

The tour includes a guided glacier hike with safety equipment, an ice cave visit inside Vatnajökull Glacier, whale watching from Hauganes, plus sightseeing at major waterfalls and beaches.

Are meals included during the trip?

Breakfast is included each day; other meals are not specified in the inclusions.

Do we stay overnight outside Reykjavik?

Yes, accommodations are provided each night along the route—in places like Hvolsvöllur, Vík, Eastfjords villages, Akureyri, and West Iceland.

Is this small group or private?

This is a small group tour for a more personalized experience.

What’s special about Reynisfjara Beach?

Reynisfjara is famous for its black volcanic sand and dramatic basalt columns along the South Coast.

Can beginners join the glacier hike?

The glacier hike on Sólheimajökull is suitable for all fitness levels; safety equipment is provided.

What’s included

Your trip covers pickup from Reykjavik bus stops each morning by comfortable minibus with WiFi onboard; seven nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast and private bathrooms; guided tours led by an English-speaking driver-guide; entry fees for all main sights; a glacier hike on Sólheimajökull with all necessary safety gear; whale watching from Hauganes; an ice cave tour inside Vatnajökull including equipment—so you really just need to bring yourself (and maybe extra socks).