Self-Drive Trips of Iceland's Ring Road

We had an action packed itinerary for Iceland and we did all that we could. Some of our favorite memories were just seeing the country's landscape and the horses. We did sadly miss snorkeling the Silfra, the Ice Cave and the helicopter ride but there was plenty to do without those. We did run into some bad weather here and there which caused for a stressful driving day so the weather and road app came in very handy.

We loved all of the Lagoons that we visited but the Sky Lagoon was our favorite.

Our Dog sledding adventure was a little anticlimactic but we are glad we did it. Our favorite waterfall area was Hraunfossar and the Lava Cave was cool. I feel like we could have skipped the peninsula tour and made our way towards Vik a little sooner. We hit bad weather on Day 4 which was very stressful. So by the time we got to the National Park we decided to skip the Silfra Snorkel and all that the park had to offer and opted to go to town and have some adult beverages and chat with some locals.

As far as accommodations, the Bubble hotel and the Panorama Glass Lodges were definitely the highlight for us. However, I would suggest you find the Panorama Glass lodge while it is still daylight. Both of the Center Hotels in Reykjavik had bars outside of our window that played loud music until midnight. I would not suggest people stay here if they have an early day the next morning. We were fine with it but I can see where other travelers might not be. Front desk clerks were very helpful.

The snowmobile tour was such a good time. On day 6, we did not make it to Reynisfjara Beach or to the Reynisdrangar columns due to road closure. By the time we got to day 7, we all agreed that we did not have it in us for a 5 hour drive and a 3-4 hour tour so we took the day off and enjoyed our hotel, a game room at another hotel and the town of Vik. I do wish we had made our way to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach and the Ice Caves. I am not sure what to suggest here as this was a super long day. Maybe have people drive closer to the area and stay the night then wake up and do the tours and drive out. I am sad we missed it.

Day 8, there was 100% chance of rain but we did the ATV tour anyway. We did get soaked to the core and froze our booties off but we really enjoyed it. I think if the weather is bad then it is inevitable that you will get wet and be cold but do it anyway. It is a gorgeous view of the beach and ocean. The tour guides were awesome. As a matter of fact, we liked all of the tour guides we encountered: Dog sledding, snow mobile, all of them.

The weather was bad on day 9 with wind gusts up to 45 mph. So sadly, we missed the helicopter tour. We did go to the Sky Lagoon and loved it.

Gudmundur was a great asset to us every day. I really enjoy conversing with him throughout the entire process from planning to our arrival and our departure. He warned us of weather and roads and helped with cancellations and recommendations of where we could go when we skipped our planned activities. The skipping of activities was for sure my lack of planning rest days for my group. He included everything that I asked from the beginning added in all of the exciting things to do and see.

This is my 3rd trip with Kim Kim and it did not disappoint. Iceland was amazing. I would highly suggest it to my friends and family.

Our 7-day trip through Iceland with Guðmundur (“Gummi”) was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment we arrived, Gummi had everything perfectly organized — every detail, from our lagoon visits and glacier hikes to snowmobiling, diving between tectonic plates, ATV adventures, and chasing waterfalls, flowed seamlessly. His personal touch made all the difference: he was always reachable, responsive to every request, and made sure everyone felt comfortable and cared for.
Traveling in March, we even got to witness the breathtaking northern lights — a moment Gummi somehow timed perfectly. You can tell he truly loves what he does; his enthusiasm and professionalism make the experience feel both easy and unforgettable.
If you want to experience Iceland in the best possible way, with someone who’s genuinely on top of every detail, Gummi is the guide to choose. Highly recommend

I liked the preplanning and the zoom call before departure.
Car rental- there is no longer a shuttle to Blue Car Rental. We were told the airport management discontinued all shuttles to car rentals in January. Blue Car also has no signs in airport to follow while other car rentals do. Thank you for telling us to be sure to get WiFi before we left- we did have to ask to receive.
Reykjavík Marina- Berjaya Hotel- the staff was wonderful and very helpful to give guidance and to assist with city parking.
Northern Lights- the tour was not what we expected but we feel very lucky that we saw a spectacular display! The guide shared very little information about the lights, constellations or how to take a good pictures. The concept is great but was not the best experience.
Dog sledding and Sky Lagoon- fabulous!
We were upgraded for Sky Lagoon and suggest for others in the future. It was nice to have a private changing area.
Hot springs- it does not compare to the Sky Lagoon spa experience.
Loved the cliff walk and black beaches!
We were sorry whale watching was cancelled but certainly understood and you were very quick to offer alternatives and refund our money.
Geothermal Bread experience- It was touristy.
National Park- crazy windy weather. Sorry we did not get to explore more.
Super jeep experience- fantastic! Carlos was terrific, very knowledgeable and even added a cave to the day. Highly recommend!
Hotel Budir, Hotel Rangá and Panorama Glass Lodge- all great!
Hotel Ranga- Their evening observatory cabin with telescopes was a fun experience and guide very knowledgeable.
The Glass Lodge- a unique experience!
Vic- a long ride and not sure worth the travel. The weather was rainy so perhaps would have found more charming on a sunny day!
We had multiple days of snowy weather, white outs, rain, road closures- you did warn us and had us prepared- thank you! But I don’t think you can stress enough.
Your general suggestions on tipping, currency, what to pack, etc- very helpful and accurate.
KimKim and Noga did an excellent job, and it was an amazing trip. Thank you so much! I will recommend you to others.

Hotel Reviews

Panorama Glass Lodge West Iceland

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Very unique location

Hotel Rangá

Hella

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

My favorite hotel for our trip

Hótel Búðir

Búðir

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Rooms very quaint

Reykjavík Marina - Berjaya Iceland Hotels

Reykjavík

Enjoyed the restaurant and many other options near by.

Authenticity & Character

The staff

Location

Great location

Staff

Informative and helpful

Cleanliness & Comfort

Easily accessible free parking

Activity Reviews

Explore Vík

Iceland

It was a rather long drive and our last day. It was raining. There is good shopping! If it was a pretty day, I think a hike would have been a great addition to the day.

Reynisfjara Beach & Reynisdrangar Columns

Iceland

Rainy day- did not visit.

Dyrhólaey Arch and Cliffs

Iceland

Rainy day- did not visit.

Skogafoss Waterfall

Iceland

This was my favorite waterfall that we saw.

Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi Waterfalls

Iceland

Pouring rain! We viewed from car. If you leave in 5 minutes, you do not have to pay to park!

Thórsmörk Super Jeep Experience

Iceland

This was probably my favorite activity. Carlos, our guide, was terrific! The hike up to the view point was great. They did have spikes for us to use. The big tires on jeep allowed us to navigate glacier river beds.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Very knowledgeable, fun personality and accommodating to groups needs

Transport

Loved the super jeep experience!

Gullfoss Waterfall

Golden Circle

It was a long day especially navigating the weather so we omitted this activity. We were concerned about the roads and wanted to get to hotel. Waterfalls are always great to see! We did like our loop drive for the Peninsula from our hotel- Budir Hotel. The road over the mountain was closed.

Geysir Geothermal Area

Golden Circle

An easy walk from the parking lot and great it erupts frequently!

Geothermal Bakery Experience

Golden Circle

Guide did a nice job but compared to other activities we did I’m not sure I would repeat. It was a large group and difficult to hear at times.

Þingvellir National Park

Iceland

The weather was cold, snowy and very windy! On a pretty day, I would have wanted more time than we planned to explore hiking trails and the sites. The exhibit at the visitor center- worthwhile to learn history. Gift shop- some nice souvenirs! We did not but you can drive down to see where the tectonic plates are.

Kirkjufellsfoss

Kirkjufellsfoss

This was our first experience with paying for parking. There are cameras so important to pay! We found the machine in lot much easier to use than app.

Whale Watching Ólafsvík

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Unfortunately cancelled due to high winds, and our schedule did not allow us to rebook. We were sorry to miss.

Djúpalónssandur Black Sand Beach

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

This beach was more black rock vs sand. It was great to compare to other beaches. Easy walk to overlook. Two trails to beach doable.

Cliff Walk from Arnarstapi to Hellnar

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

A beautiful walking trail and easy to navigate. It was a favorite!

Búðir Church

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

The church was locked so could not see the inside. There is a wonderful cemetery to see and a great view of the coast.

Gerðuberg Basalt Cliffs

Iceland

Very snowy day- unable to really experience. The short trails were covered by snow.

Hvammsvík Hot Springs Experience

Iceland

Raw outdoor experience!

Sky Lagoon Experience - Saman

Reykjavík

Northern Lights & Stargazing

Reykjavík

We were very lucky and saw a spectacular display!

Explore Reykjavík

Reykjavík

We accomplished on our own- a great walking city!

Icelandic Dog Sledding

Iceland

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport