Ultimate Iceland Ring Road: 11-Day Private Circle Tour from Reykjavik
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
11 days
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness for short hikes (up to 4 km) and repeated boarding/exiting; mostly driving with light walking.
Overview
Drive the full Ring Road in a private, 11-day circuit from Reykjavik—Blue Lagoon to Jökulsárlón and back—stopping at geysers, glaciers, basalt cliffs and fjord villages. Expect long vistas, short hikes, and a guide who knows the best viewpoints and local stories.
Ultimate Iceland Ring Road: 11-Day Private Circle Tour from Reykjavik
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The tour begins before you even leave Keflavík airport—steam from the Blue Lagoon fogs your goggles and the guide's voice cuts through the warm mist: "We make the ring clockwise." You drive away from Reykjavik as the volcanic highlands peel open the horizon and the Atlantic keeps one eye on you. Over the next eleven days the road will change its mood: black-sand shores will dare you to stand close, glaciers will push icebergs into dim lagoons, and mountain passes will hand you views that take a long breath to process.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress in layers and waterproofs
Weather shifts quickly—windproof shell, insulating mid-layer and waterproof pants mean you’ll stay comfortable on coastal viewpoints and glacier walks.
Protect fragile vegetation
Stay on marked trails and boardwalks—moss and ground plants can take decades to recover from footprints.
Book glacier and boat options early
Summer boat rides at Jökulsárlón and guided ice-cave tours sell out; reserve optional activities before you arrive.
Plan for variable daylight
During summer expect long daylight hours and shorter nights; in shoulder seasons bring a headlamp for dusk photography or short hikes.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Atlantic puffins (summer)
- Seals along Ytri-Tunga and coastal haul-outs
History
Thingvellir hosted Iceland’s Alþingi from 930 AD where law and governance were established; many coastal towns retain fishing traditions going back centuries.
Conservation
Iceland’s fragile moss and volcanic soils recover slowly—stay on marked trails and avoid off-road driving; stick with local operators who follow leave-no-trace practices.
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Adventure Hotspots in Reykjavik
Recommended Gear
Waterproof hiking boots
Provide traction on wet black sand, glacier moraine and rocky paths.
Insulating mid-layer (fleece/down)
Keeps you warm during coastal wind and glacier viewpoints.
Lightweight waterproof shell
Wind and sea spray are constant; a good shell blocks both.
Camera with wide-angle lens and tripod
Wide scenes and long exposures at waterfalls and for aurora/night shots benefit from a tripod.
summer specific