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

Summary

Circle Iceland’s wild edges with waterfalls glaciers black beaches and locals

You’ll circle Iceland’s dramatic ring road in eight days—standing on glaciers near Skaftafell, feeling spray from Gullfoss waterfall, and sharing quiet moments on black sand beaches or by steaming thermal springs. With local guides and small surprises along the way, this trip leaves you changed in ways you can’t quite explain.

What’s the experience like?

We were already a bit punchy from the wind when our guide, Freyja, handed out crampons near Skaftafell. She grinned at my attempt to pronounce “Skaftafellsjökull”—I gave up halfway through. The ice underfoot made this weird squeaking sound as we started our glacier hike, and honestly, I was more focused on keeping my balance than the view for the first five minutes. But then you look up and there’s this blue light coming through the ice that feels almost fake. Freyja pointed out little lines in the glacier—she called them “summer scars.” I still think about that.

Earlier that week we’d stood at Gullfoss, getting misted by the falls (my jacket still smells a bit like river water). The Golden Circle is busy but somehow it didn’t feel crowded; maybe it’s all that space around you. At Reynisfjara beach, black sand got everywhere—inside my boots, even inside my camera bag—and I remember laughing because a local kid showed us how to skip stones on the waves. He made it look easy. Our group was quiet at Jökulsárlón lagoon though—just watching those icebergs float by with seals popping up now and then. That boat ride felt slower than time.

By the time we reached Akureyri up north, I’d lost track of days but not of how much coffee I’d drunk (Icelandic coffee is strong). We tried Vök Baths one evening—extra cost but worth it just for the steam rising over the lake while someone nearby chatted quietly in Icelandic. There was a moment at Dimmuborgir where our guide told us about trolls hiding in the lava pillars; she winked at me like maybe she believed it herself. And on Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Kirkjufell mountain looked exactly like every photo online—but somehow smaller? Or maybe I was just tired. Either way, standing there with everyone else snapping pictures felt oddly comforting.

This ring road tour covers so much ground—literally circling Iceland in eight days—that you end up sharing snacks with strangers who become friends somewhere between waterfalls and sheep crossings. There are options for extra adventures (like whale watching or horse riding), but honestly just sitting in silence at Deildartunguhver thermal spring was enough for me that afternoon. It’s not perfect travel; sometimes your socks are wet or your hair smells like sulfur from a hot spring—but you’ll remember those bits too.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — The Golden Circle

• Visit Thingvellir National Park
• Visit Geysir Geothermal Area
• Visit Gullfoss Waterfall

Day 2 — The South Coast and Ice Caving

• Visit Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
• Visit Skogafoss Waterfall
• Visit Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
• Enter an ice cave
• Visit Dyrholaey island

Day 3 — The South-East & Glacier Hike

• Glacier hike in Skaftafell National Park
• Visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
• Visit Diamond Beach

Day 4 — The Eastfjords

• Visit the lake in the east
• Go by the forest of the east
• Visit The Eggs outdoor artwork
• Optional horse riding at Egilstadir
• Optional Vok Bath hot spring soak

Day 5 — The North-East of Iceland

• Visit the most powerful waterfall
• Visit Námaskarð Geothermal Area
• Visit Myvatn area
• Visit Dimmuborgir Lava Formations
• Visit Godafoss Waterfalls

Day 6 — North Iceland

• Check the town of Akureyri
• Optional whale watching tour

Day 7 — Snæfellsnes Peninsula In-Depth

• Visit Djupalonssandur beach
• Visit Ytri-Tunga beach for seals
• Visit Black Church at Búðir
• Visit village of Arnarstapi
• Check out Lóndrangar cliffs
• Visit Kirkjufell Mountain
• Visit Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall

Day 8 — West Iceland

• Visit Deildartunguhver Thermal Spring
• See waterfalls in lava landscape
• Visit a small waterfall
• Optional adventure to Vidgelmir Lava Cave

Top questions

How long does the Iceland Ring Road tour take?

The full tour lasts 8 days and circles Iceland via the Ring Road with overnight stays included.

Is hotel pickup included on this 8-day tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from designated bus stops are included in your booking.

What activities are included during the trip?

The tour includes a guided glacier hike with safety equipment, an ice cave visit, a boat ride on Jökulsárlón lagoon, and whale watching near Hauganes.

Are meals provided during the tour?

Breakfast is included each day at your hotel accommodations; other meals are not specified.

Can I add extra activities like horse riding or baths?

Yes, optional extras such as horse riding or Vök Baths can be booked along the route for an additional fee.

What kind of hotels will I stay in?

You’ll stay in 3-star hotels along the route, each with private bathrooms and breakfast included.

Is this trip suitable for all fitness levels?

The itinerary is suitable for all physical fitness levels; some activities like glacier hiking may require moderate mobility but gear is provided.

Which main sights does this tour cover?

You’ll visit Gullfoss waterfall, Thingvellir Park, Reynisfjara black sand beach, Jökulsárlón lagoon, Dimmuborgir lava fields, Akureyri town, Snaefellsnes Peninsula (including Kirkjufell), Deildartunguhver thermal spring and more.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup and drop-off from designated bus stops each day, overnight stays in comfortable 3-star hotels (with private bathrooms and breakfast), a guided glacier hike with all necessary safety equipment provided, an unforgettable boat ride among icebergs at Jökulsárlón lagoon, entry to Katla ice cave with expert guidance throughout—and even whale watching off Hauganes if you want to add that extra thrill before heading back to Reykjavik.