Iceland Ring Road Itinerary

Iceland offers a vast landscape with contrasting climates of fire, lava, snow, and ice. Visiting the shores of this mystical land during the beginning of the summer months of June was such an enriching experience. There really is something so special about being in a place where glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls and black-sand beaches can all exist within the same landscape.

For our Iceland Ring Road itinerary, we took a campervan along the Ring Road to maximize our autonomy over travel and get up close to Iceland’s most fascinating landmarks. Having the campervan meant that we could spend more time in the places we loved, make random stops whenever something caught our attention and experience Iceland without having every hour of the trip completely planned out.

And honestly, some of the best parts of our Iceland Ring Road itinerary happened between the major attractions. You would be driving along and suddenly see sheep, wildflowers, mountains or a waterfall flowing in the distance. The Ring Road was not simply how we travelled around Iceland; it was one of the main experiences of the trip.

Our Iceland Ring Road Itinerary During the Summer

Our Iceland Ring Road itinerary took us through a mixture of dramatic landscapes and adventurous experiences, from hiking on a glacier and kayaking through a glacier lagoon to chasing waterfalls and walking along a volcanic beach.

Going during June gave us incredibly long days to explore. The sun stays out for what feels like forever, so you can fit a surprising amount into one day. At the same time, you should not feel like you have to fill every second. Part of the fun of travelling around Iceland is being able to stop, look around and take in where you actually are.

Travelling in a campervan gave us even more freedom. Rather than having to reach a specific hotel at a specific time, we could adjust our travel plans depending on the weather, the activities we had booked and how long we wanted to spend at each stop.

What Do Iceland’s Summer Months Look Like?

An Ever-Changing Climate

When arriving in Iceland, the most important thing to bring is a good attitude toward ever-changing weather. During most days, you will experience all three climates in one. You have the wind—and do not underestimate it! You have the sun—the sun gods do not disappoint when they come out. Then, you have the rain, and when it rains in Iceland, it pours, especially along the coast.

Dressing in layers is a must because the forecast does not always prepare you for the entire day. Pack a waterproof jacket, rain pants, hiking shoes and warm layers, and embrace the unpredictable weather as part of the experience. Iceland’s dramatic skies are part of what makes the landscape feel so mystical.

Nature Flows Along the Highways

Nothing beats beauty in nature, and Iceland does not fall short. As you drive along the Ring Road, you will find beautiful Nootka lupines (Lupinus nootkatensis), which bring bright shades of purple into the otherwise earthy landscape.

You will also find tons of nature, whether it is the canyons you pass, the mountains in the distance or the herds of sheep grazing in their pastures. Even when you are not at an official attraction, it feels like there is always something to look at.

Make sure to bring a travel buddy so that at least one person can focus on driving while the other is mesmerized by the abundant beauty along the Ring Road. There is a lot to take in, but the driver still needs to keep their eyes on Iceland’s winding roads, changing weather and one-lane bridges.

Campervan Life Along the Iceland Ring Road

The campervan was one of the best decisions we made for this trip! It let us experience Iceland more freely while also giving us a place to sleep, store our hiking gear and prepare for the next adventure.

Of course, campervan living is not always glamorous. You have limited space, wet jackets, hiking shoes, and all your belongings with you, and if you’re like me, you don’t tend to travel light. Organization becomes very important because somehow one or two misplaced bags can make the entire campervan feel chaotic.

You also need to plan around designated campsites, food, showers, fuel and charging your devices. It still requires preparation, but it offers much more flexibility than moving between hotels every night.

Waking up at a campsite surrounded by Iceland’s natural beauty also made the experience feel more immersive. I’ll touch on the campsite options in another blog post. Campsites made it feel like we were amongst the Viking ancestors, travelling along the Ring Road and returning to shelter at night. 

Hiking the Glaciers in Iceland

Being a hiker girlie myself, I saw it best to visit Iceland in the summer to maximize hiking opportunities, and my expectations were blown away, both literally and figuratively. It was the perfect temperature to go hiking, especially on the glaciers, which are incredibly windy the closer you get.

I even remember the tour guide telling us that it was like the sun god had come out on the glacier to greet us since the weather beforehand had been so iffy! The weather finally cleared, and walking across the glacier beneath the sun was such an amazing experience.

Hiking the glacier was a major highlight and my first real exposure to crampons. As a seasoned hiker, typically travelling on trails in Canada, I had not felt the need for crampons before. When the instructor gave us detailed directions for how their tour company positions and uses them, I took detailed notes—with a potential Tour du Mont Blanc adventure sitting in the back of my mind.

The tour guides were incredibly helpful, sharing fun facts about the glacier and its history while showing us how to cross the ice safely. They even taught us how to do a “Viking push-up” to grab a quick drink of glacier water!

If you plan to include glacier hiking in your summer itinerary in Iceland, make sure you go with an experienced tour company. This is one of those adventures where having proper guidance and safety equipment allows you to truly enjoy the experience without falling into a glacial moulin.

Kayaking Through Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

When you visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, there are a few modes of transportation you can try. Since this trip was booked a bit last minute - which I don’t recommend, but I have guides on “how to plan a successful last-minute trip”- I missed the opportunity to reserve the Zodiac boat tour. Happy coincidence in my books! Instead, I found myself booking the kayaking experience and the amphibian boat tour—and boy, did they blow me away! - ironically, the wind wasn’t that bad that day!

Kayaking gave us a calm, fun experience. We were incredibly close to the water and could quietly move around the lagoon without the noise of a motor. We also came much closer to the lagoon seals than any motorboat would have been able to!

We were even able to grab a glacier “baby”—essentially a mini iceberg—and pick it up from the water. The tour guides were incredibly kind and informative, sharing more fun facts about the glacier, the lagoon, and their history.

Afterwards, we went on the amphibian boat tour, which was a family-friendly experience suitable for all ages. In my honest opinion, if you are fit, non-disabled and comfortable on the water, choose kayaking. It felt more intimate and adventurous, while the amphibian boat would be better for families, older folks or anyone looking for a calmer ride. 

Something I did not fully appreciate until visiting was that Jökulsárlón sits within the incredible landscape of Vatnajökull National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Between kayaking beside icebergs and hiking on the glacier, we were experiencing a landscape recognized internationally for the interaction between Iceland’s volcanoes and ice.

Trying the Famous Icelandic Hot Dogs

Between our kayaking and amphibian boat tours, we stopped to try the FAMOUS Icelandic hot dogs. As someone who usually eats only fish and chicken when it comes to meat—along with plant proteins—I still felt I HAD to try one. 

Fun fact: it was worth it! They are not dressed like regular American hot dogs, and the combination of toppings makes them delicious.

Visiting Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and Dyrhólaey

Another highlight along Iceland’s southern coast was visiting Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach near the Dyrhólaey puffin sanctuary. The black volcanic sand looks almost unreal next to the white waves and dark rock formations.

After seeing so many green landscapes, blue glaciers and colourful flowers, walking along a completely black beach felt like entering another world. It is one of those places where Iceland’s volcanic history becomes physically visible beneath your feet.

Dyrhólaey was also such a fun stop because we were visiting during puffin season. The area offers beautiful views over the coast, and seeing puffins in their natural environment made an already special place even more exciting.

One important thing to know about Reynisfjara is that the waves are extremely powerful and unpredictable. Stay well away from the water and pay attention to every warning sign. You can still appreciate the beach without getting dangerously close to the ocean.

Sightseeing at Skógafoss Waterfall

It is impossible to travel through Iceland without becoming completely obsessed with waterfalls. They are everywhere, and each one somehow manages to look different from the last.

Skógafoss was one of the most memorable waterfalls we saw. It has such a powerful, almost perfectly shaped curtain of water, and you can walk close enough to really feel its size—and also get completely covered in mist.

This is definitely a stop where you will want your waterproof jacket. The closer you get, the wetter you become, but the view is completely worth it. When the sunlight hits the mist, you may even catch a rainbow in front of the falls.

For anyone who wants an extra physical challenge, there is also a staircase leading to a viewpoint above the waterfall. Whether you admire it from below or make the climb, Skógafoss is an essential stop along Iceland’s southern Ring Road.

Visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Þingvellir

Þingvellir National Park was one of the coolest stops along our Iceland Ring Road itinerary because it brought Iceland’s nature and history together. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site—one of two we experienced during this trip!

This is where the Alþingi, Iceland’s historic open-air legislative assembly, was established in 930 AD. People gathered here to create laws, settle disputes and make major decisions. Knowing that one of the world’s oldest parliamentary traditions began in the exact landscape we were walking through made it feel even more significant.

Þingvellir is also visually stunning, so you do not have to be a huge history person to appreciate it. Still, learning about its UNESCO designation made me realize that Iceland’s landmarks are not only beautiful photo opportunities—they also tell the story of how the country’s culture and identity developed.

FAQ: Iceland Ring Road Itinerary

How Many Days Do You Need for the Iceland Ring Road?

I would recommend 10 to 12 days for a complete Iceland Ring Road itinerary. Because of our work commitments, we only had six days and focused on Iceland’s southern coast. I would go back in a heartbeat to complete the entire road—potentially during a darker season so we could also catch the Northern Lights! Ten to 12 days would give you time to enjoy the major landmarks without constantly rushing back to the campervan.

Is a Campervan Worth It in Iceland?

Yes, especially if you enjoy flexibility and do not mind living in a smaller space. And trust us, from a couple of luxury-loving travellers, a tight space was a completely new experience. Still, it was exactly that - a fun new mode of transportation that made us appreciate what a hotel stay entails! All seriousness though, a campervan combines your accommodation and transportation, allowing you to experience Iceland at a more spontaneous pace. You will still need to use designated campsites and plan for fuel, food and showers.

What Should You Pack for Iceland During the Summer?

Pack layers, waterproof clothing, comfortable hiking shoes, a hat and gloves. Even in June, the wind and rain can make it feel quite cold. A reusable water bottle, portable charger and waterproof protection for your electronics are also incredibly helpful.

Closing Thoughts: Iceland Ring Road Itinerary

Our Iceland Ring Road itinerary gave us the freedom to hike glaciers, kayak beside icebergs, chase waterfalls, explore historic landscapes and try the famous Icelandic hot dogs—all within one adventure. Iceland’s ever-changing weather and endless natural beauty made every day feel completely different from the last. If you love hiking, road trips and being immersed in nature, travelling the Ring Road is one of those unforgettable experiences that will leave you planning your return before you have even made it home.