Take an early flight from London to Keflavík Airport; it’s about 3 hours in the air, but with check-in, customs, and baggage you should plan on most of the morning disappearing. On arrival, the usual move is to grab your rental car straight away if you’re driving the ring road—airport pickup is generally smooth, but in August queues can be a bit long, so factor in 30–60 minutes. From Keflavík into the Reykjavík area you’ll be on Route 41, with the Blue Lagoon easiest as your first stop because it sits right off the airport road on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Book the lagoon for late afternoon if you can; it’s about 45 minutes from the airport, and the parking is simple, with lockers, showers, and towel rental all handled on site. Expect around ISK 10,000–14,000 per person depending on package, and keep swimsuits in your carry-on so you’re not rummaging through luggage.
After your soak at Blue Lagoon, head into town and keep things low-key—this first day is really about shaking off the flight rather than “doing” Reykjavík. A quick stop at Harpa Concert Hall on the waterfront is perfect: it’s free to walk inside, and the glass facade catches the evening light beautifully. Give yourselves 30–45 minutes to wander through the lobby, then stroll along the harbor edge toward the center. If you want coffee or a pastry on the way, Reykjavík Roasters on Kárastígur or Brauð & Co near Frakkastígur are both easy, dependable options, though by evening you may be more in the mood just to keep moving and look around.
For dinner, Bryggjan Brugghús in the Grandi harbor area is a good first-night choice: relaxed, unfussy, and close enough to walk or do a short taxi ride from the center. Expect Icelandic seafood, burgers, and house beer, with roughly ISK 5,000–9,000 per person depending on what you order. After dinner, finish with a gentle sunset walk to Sun Voyager on Sæbraut—it’s one of those classic Reykjavík moments that feels bigger than it looks in photos, especially when the light is soft over the bay. If you still have energy, continue a little farther along the waterfront before heading back; otherwise, call it an early night so you’re properly reset for the road trip ahead.
Leave Reykjavík after breakfast and head out via Route 1 and Route 35 so you’re in the Selfoss area by mid-morning; with a rental car, this is a straightforward first driving day and parking at each stop is easy. Your first proper stop is Kerið Crater, where the path around the rim gives you the best view of the blue-green lake below. Plan on about 45 minutes here, and if you want the full effect, walk the short steps down to the water’s edge — there’s a small entry fee, usually around ISK 600–1,000 per person in summer, paid on site.
From there, continue to Skálholt Cathedral, which is one of those calm, under-visited places that makes the whole day feel more balanced. It’s a quiet 30-minute stop rather than a sightseeing marathon, and that’s exactly the point: step inside, look at the modern cathedral and the historic grounds, then move on before the day starts feeling too packed. The drive between the two is easy and scenic, with wide southern fields and a proper “we’re in Iceland now” feeling.
By late morning, aim for Gullfoss, where you’ll want at least an hour to walk both viewing platforms and hear the waterfall properly before the crowds thicken. The upper car park is the best place to start, and in August it can still be breezy and damp even on a sunny day, so keep a layer handy. Lunch is next door-ish at Geysir in the Haukadalur geothermal area, where you can time your meal around Strokkur eruptions; the geyser usually goes off every 5–10 minutes, so you’re never waiting long. If you want a simple, reliable bite, the café by the visitor area works fine, but don’t overthink it — the real attraction is the steam, bubbling mud, and the odd smell of sulphur in the air.
After lunch, head to Friðheimar in the Reykholt area for the tomato greenhouse stop. This is one of the most memorable “only in Iceland” meals: tomato soup, fresh bread, and the warm greenhouse atmosphere, usually around ISK 4,500–7,500 per person depending on what you order. It’s worth booking ahead if you can, especially in August, because tables fill quickly. Even if you only linger for 90 minutes, it’s a great reset after the more exposed outdoor stops.
Back in Selfoss, finish the day with an easy walk along the Skeiðvellir / Selfoss riverside area and a low-key dinner in town. The newer town center has the most practical options for food, with casual restaurants and cafes clustered near Austurvegur, so it’s a good place to settle in without needing to drive again. If you want a simple final stop, just wander the river path for a bit, then pick somewhere relaxed for dinner — after a full Golden Circle day, that slower pace is exactly right.
Leave Selfoss right after breakfast and keep the day moving south on Route 1; this is the kind of drive where the landscape does the heavy lifting, so you’ll want to be on the road early enough to reach the first waterfall before the tour buses. Your first stop is Seljalandsfoss: parking is usually around ISK 1,000, and the path behind the fall is one of Iceland’s classic little thrills, so bring a waterproof jacket and expect your shoes to get misted. Just a few minutes away, duck into Gljúfrabúi—it’s partly hidden in a narrow canyon, so you may need to step over rocks and stay close to the stream, but that’s exactly why it feels special. It’s best to keep this as a short, nimble stop in the morning before the ground gets busier.
Continue east to Skógafoss, where the spray is so heavy you can feel it from the parking area on windy days. If the weather is decent, take the staircase to the top for a completely different view over the coast; it’s a good 20-minute climb each way, so budget a little breathing room. From there, head toward Sólheimajökull for your glacier viewpoint: even if you’re not doing a guided glacier hike, the tongue of ice and the moraine lake are worth the detour, and guided walks usually need pre-booking and cost roughly ISK 12,000–20,000 per person depending on the operator and gear included. For lunch, roll into Black Crust Pizzeria in Vík—this is the easy, no-fuss stop locals use too, with pizzas and salads generally landing around ISK 3,500–6,000 per person. If you’re arriving around midday, it’s a smart place to reset before the afternoon weather turns.
After lunch, head out to Reynisfjara before the wind gets properly sharp. The black sand, basalt columns, and dramatic stacks are why everyone comes here, but the real local advice is simple: never turn your back on the waves and stay well away from the waterline, because sneaker waves can come in fast. Plan on about an hour if you walk the beach edge, photograph the columns, and take in the cliffs; if you have energy left, wander back into Vík for a coffee or a slow look around the small town center rather than trying to cram in more. By late afternoon, this is usually the sweet spot to enjoy the beach with a little less glare and a little more atmosphere.
Stay in Vík for a relaxed evening rather than pushing on anywhere else. If you want a simple dinner, a second round of easy food in town is the right move after a long south-coast day, and then it’s worth going straight to your accommodation before night fully settles in—August still gives you long daylight, but conditions can change quickly once the sun drops. Tomorrow’s drive is another full one, so keep tonight low-key, charge your camera and phone, and let the day end with the sound of the surf instead of more mileage.
Leave Vík early and head east on Route 1 with enough time to make the first stop feel unhurried; this is one of those south-coast days where you want to be on the road while the light is still soft. Start at Fjaðrárgljúfur near Kirkjubæjarklaustur for a scenic canyon walk, about an hour including the viewpoints and the short path along the rim. Parking is straightforward but can get busy in peak summer, and the access road is a little rough in places, so take it slow; there’s usually a parking fee of around ISK 1,000–2,000. After that, keep the pace moving for a quick photo stop at Eldhraun Lava Field, where the moss-covered lava is best appreciated as a short pull-off rather than a full excursion — 20 minutes is plenty.
By late morning, continue to Vatnajökull National Park / Skaftafell, where the air feels noticeably cooler and the landscape starts looking properly glacial. This is the best place in Iceland to stretch your legs without overcommitting, so plan around 2 hours here for a relaxed walk on the marked trails and a coffee or snack if you brought one. The visitor area is easy to navigate, with parking typically around ISK 1,000–2,000 depending on the lot and season, and the main trails are well signposted. If you’re stopping for lunch, keep it simple and eat near the visitor centre or from supplies in the car — there isn’t much in the way of casual sit-down food right on site, so it’s worth not letting this break up the day too much.
Stay in the same area for Svartifoss, which is the signature hike here and absolutely worth the extra effort. The round-trip walk from the Skaftafell visitor area usually takes about 1.5 hours if you’re moving at a comfortable pace, and the basalt columns around the falls are especially striking after you’ve already seen the open glacier landscapes earlier in the day. From there, continue east to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon for a longer late-afternoon stop; give yourself at least 1.5 hours to watch the icebergs drift, walk the shore, and, if you want, grab a boat tour only if it fits your timing and budget. This is one of those places where you can easily lose track of time, so don’t rush it.
Before reaching Höfn, make one final quieter stop at Fjallsárlón Iceberg Lagoon for about 45 minutes. It’s much less crowded than Jökulsárlón, and that makes it a nice contrast after the bigger lagoon — a good place for a final stretch, photos, and a calmer end to the day. From here it’s a straightforward final drive into Höfn for dinner and a slow evening; if you arrive with daylight left, a seafood meal is the move, and then keep tomorrow’s start loose because this east-coast stretch rewards an early night.
Leave Höfn after breakfast and make the short run out to Stokksnes for Vestrahorn while the light is still low and the weather is at its best. This is one of those Iceland stops where you want to linger for the views rather than rush: black sand, the jagged mountain profile, and big open skies if the clouds cooperate. Expect a small access fee for the Viking Café / Stokksnes area, usually around ISK 1,000–1,500 per person, and check the weather before you go — the mountain can disappear completely in mist. The walk to the best viewpoints is easy, but it can be windy enough to make a tripod feel optional, so dress for a proper coastal blast.
Back in Höfn, keep things loose with a waterfront wander around Höfn Harbour and the little harbor roads nearby. It’s a nice reset after the early landscape stop: fishing boats, gulls, and a calm small-town feel that makes the drive east seem even more dramatic. If you want a coffee, this is the moment to grab one and sit by the water for a bit before lunch. Then head to Pakkhús Restaurant at the harbor for a proper seafood meal — this is the place to order the langoustine, which is Höfn’s signature. Expect lunch to run roughly ISK 7,000–12,000 per person, and if you’re arriving near peak lunchtime, it’s worth booking ahead in August.
After lunch, set off on the Route 1 drive toward Egilsstaðir, with a relaxed stop at Djúpivogur Harbour en route. It’s a lovely Eastfjords village pause rather than a big attraction, which is exactly why it works: a quiet harbor, a slower pace, and a chance to stretch your legs without adding stress to the day. From there, continue inland toward Búðarárfoss near Egilsstaðir for a short waterfall break before town — it’s a quick, easy stop, good for a 20–30 minute leg stretch and a few photos before you check in. Then settle into Askur Pizzeria in Egilsstaðir for dinner; it’s casual, reliable, and very welcome after a long driving day, with pizzas usually around ISK 3,500–6,500 per person. The vibe in town is low-key, so don’t overplan the evening — a walk around the center or an early night is the right move before tomorrow’s northbound leg.
Start early from Egilsstaðir and head east up the winding road into Seyðisfjörður; it’s only about 25–30 minutes each way, but the descent is the whole experience, with sheer mountains, waterfalls spilling across the road, and a fjord view that feels properly cinematic in the morning light. Parking in town is straightforward near the harbor and the compact center, and it’s best to arrive before the day-trippers so you can wander without crowds. Give yourselves about 2 hours here to stroll the waterfront, peek into the galleries and craft shops around Austurvegur, and just enjoy how different this town feels from the rest of Iceland.
A short walk brings you to Seyðisfjarðarkirkja, the pastel-blue church that’s basically the town’s postcard shot. It’s a quick stop—20 minutes is plenty—but worth timing for good light if you want photos of the rainbow-painted street leading up to it. If the weather is stable and the road conditions are calm, continue out to Skálanes Nature and Heritage Centre for a more remote feel: expect a rougher access road and check ahead if you can, because this is the sort of place that depends on conditions. When it works, it’s a brilliant 1.5-hour detour for seabirds, open coastal scenery, and a very quiet, almost end-of-the-earth atmosphere. Budget a simple café lunch back in town if you feel like refueling before the drive west.
Leave Seyðisfjörður and head back toward Route 1 for the northbound drive, building in time for Goðafoss as your main scenic stop en route. This is one of those waterfalls that never feels overdone because the river curves beautifully and the viewing paths let you approach from both sides; 45–60 minutes is enough to walk the viewpoints, take photos, and stretch after the road. There’s a café and rest stop nearby in season, but if you’re continuing straight on, it’s also a good place for a quick snack and coffee before the final push to Akureyri. If you’re driving in August, you’ll still have a long evening ahead, so keep the stop efficient rather than trying to make it a half-day.
Roll into Akureyri and give yourself a soft landing with a walk through the Akureyri Botanical Garden; it’s a lovely way to come down from a full driving day, and in August the beds are usually at their best, with late light stretching the visit into a peaceful 45 minutes. The garden is easy to pair with a slow stroll through the center afterward, and parking in town is generally manageable if you’re arriving before dinner. Finish at Rub 23 for dinner—this is one of the better polished spots in town for seafood or sushi, with mains typically around ISK 6,000–10,000 per person, and it’s worth reserving if you want a prime table on a summer Friday night. After dinner, keep the rest of the evening loose; Akureyri is best enjoyed without over-planning, especially after a day that already gave you road drama, fjords, a major waterfall, and a proper first taste of North Iceland.
Leave Akureyri with enough time to reach Goðafoss in the soft morning light; from town it’s an easy drive, and the waterfall parking is straightforward, with the main lot just off Route 1 and a short, well-marked walk to the viewpoints. If you’ve already seen it from the classic side, come around to the north bank for a different angle: the horseshoe shape reads better, and you’ll often get fewer people in frame. Budget about 30–45 minutes here, and if it’s breezy, keep a layer handy because the spray can be surprisingly cold even in August.
Continue toward the Námafjall geothermal area for Hverir, where the ground hisses, bubbles, and smells exactly as volcanic Iceland should. The surface is fragile and hot, so stay on the marked paths and don’t be tempted to wander for a better photo; the best shots are easy from the boardwalks anyway. This is a short stop, around 45 minutes, and it’s one of those places where timing matters less than simply arriving before lunch while the steam is most active against the blue sky. Afterward, head into the Reykjahlíð area for lunch at Gamli Bærinn, a reliable stop for soup, lamb, fish, and a proper sit-down break—expect roughly ISK 4,500–8,000 per person, and service is usually calmer if you arrive before the main lunch rush.
Spend the middle of the day at Dimmuborgir, where the lava formations make the landscape feel almost theatrical. The trails are easy to mix and match, so you don’t need to “do it all”; a gentle loop or two is enough to get the sense of it, and the terrain is ideal for unhurried wandering and photos without much effort. From there, make your way to Mývatn Nature Baths on the east side of the lake for a soak that feels especially good after a long week on the road. Compared with Blue Lagoon, it’s usually quieter and a bit more low-key, with admission generally landing in the ISK 7,000–9,000 range depending on the time and booking. Bring your swimwear, shower before you enter, and plan on about two hours so you can actually relax rather than rush the experience.
As the light softens, finish with Skútustaðagígar on the south side of the lake for a calm pseudocrater walk and a chance to watch birdlife settle in over the water. It’s an easy, atmospheric way to end the day, especially if the wind drops and the lake goes glassy. If you’d rather keep dinner flexible, you can loop back to Reykjahlíð after the walk for a simple second meal or a drink, but the main thing is not to overpack the evening—this part of Mývatn is best when you leave room to just stand still and take it in.
Set out from Mývatn at dawn if you can; this is a proper cross-country day, and the trick is to keep the first half moving so you still have time for the west-coast stops. If the weather is clear, aim for Hvítserkur first as a worthwhile detour on the Vatnsnes Peninsula—it’s best as a quick photo stop rather than a long hike, with the sea stack looking especially dramatic at low tide. Expect a breezy, exposed pull-off with uneven ground, so wear sturdy shoes and budget about 1 hour including the viewpoint walk.
Continue inland to Borgarvirki, a short but worthwhile climb up a volcanic plug that was used as a natural fortress. The walk up is not strenuous, but it can be windy, so bring a shell layer even in August. Once on top, you get a broad view over the surrounding lava fields and farmland, and the whole stop usually takes about 45 minutes. From there, keep heading south toward Reykholt; the road is straightforward, and you’ll feel the landscape change from remote northwestern coast to classic West Iceland valleys.
By early afternoon, arrive at Hraunfossar, where the water seeps out of the lava field in thin blue-white streams instead of one dramatic drop. It’s one of those places that’s better in person than in photos, and the paths are easy enough for a relaxed visit; allow around 1 hour here. Just next door, Barnafoss is a quick but worthwhile contrast, with fast, churning water squeezing through the rock channel—usually 30 minutes is plenty unless you’re lingering for photos. On the way back toward town, factor in a late-afternoon stop at Borgarnes Settlement Center; it’s an easy cultural reset after a long day on the road, with exhibits on the early sagas and settlement history, usually open daily in summer and typically costing around ISK 2,500–3,500 pp depending on what you choose to see.
Finish with dinner at Englendingavík down by Borgarnes harbor, where the fjord views are the whole point. It’s a good place to decompress after driving most of the day, and the menu generally lands in the ISK 5,500–10,000 per person range for a main with drinks extra. If you’re still feeling fresh, take a short walk along the waterfront before turning in—tomorrow is much gentler, and from Borgarnes you’ll have an easy Route 1 run back to Reykjavík.
Leave Borgarnes a little after breakfast and head first to Deildartunguhver, just south of Reykholt. It’s about a 30-minute stop if you’re moving efficiently, and that’s enough time to walk the steaming boardwalks, feel the heat in the air, and get a coffee at the small café nearby if it’s open. It’s one of those places that doesn’t need a long visit to impress you — just give it a few quiet minutes, since the viewing area is compact and can get a bit misty underfoot. Expect roughly ISK 1,000–2,000 for simple snacks or drinks around the area, and wear shoes you don’t mind getting damp from the spray.
From there, continue on the Hvalfjörður Scenic Drive back toward Reykjavík instead of taking the faster tunnel route. This is the prettier way home, with long fjord views, mountain shoulders, and plenty of places to pull over for photos if you’re not in a rush. The full drive with a few short stops is about 1.5 hours, but in practice you’ll probably want closer to 2 hours with viewpoint pauses. It’s a great final road stretch in Iceland because it feels spacious and calm before re-entering the city.
Once you’re in Reykjavík, head straight to Perlan on Öskjuhlíð for lunch and an easy indoor-outdoor break. The building sits above the city, so the views alone are worth the detour, and the exhibits are a nice reset after days of driving around nature. Plan around 1.5 hours here; the observation deck and exhibitions usually hold up well even on windy or cloudy days, and tickets are typically in the ISK 4,500–6,500 range per person depending on what’s included. If you want a simple lunch before or after, the café inside is convenient, but it’s also easy to grab something nearby and keep moving.
After that, make your way down to Hallgrímskirkja in the city center. The tower is the main event — go up if the weather is clear, because the city and bay views are much better from the top than from street level, and the ticket is usually a modest add-on. The church itself doesn’t take long, but give yourself about 45 minutes so you can actually enjoy the square and not just tick it off. From there, it’s a very easy walk into downtown, and that’s where the day starts feeling properly relaxed.
Follow the crowd to Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur for the classic Icelandic hot dog stop — quick, unfussy, and absolutely worth doing once. Expect around ISK 1,200–2,000 per person with a drink, and don’t overthink the ordering; just go for the usual toppings and keep moving. From there, drift into Laugavegur, which is the right place for your last proper wander in Reykjavík: design shops, outdoor stores, cafés, and a few good dinner options if you want to sit down rather than graze. If you’re looking for a solid final meal, the side streets off Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur are usually the best bet for a more atmospheric dinner than the main drag itself.
Keep the evening unhurried and leave room to browse; this is the kind of end-of-trip day where the best moments are often unplanned. If you want to do a little final shopping, Laugavegur is best before 8 pm for the widest choice, while dinner can stretch later depending on the restaurant. After that, you’re in good shape for the short trip back toward London the next day — just keep an eye on your departure time and leave the car and luggage sorted tonight so the last morning in Reykjavík stays easy.
If your flight timing gives you even a small window, start with one last walk along the Reykjavík waterfront to Harpa Concert Hall. It’s the easiest “one more Iceland moment” to fit in before the airport: glassy, quiet in the morning, and right by the water so you get a final look at Faxaflói Bay and the harbour. If you want a coffee, pop into the café inside or just keep it simple and enjoy the exterior and the views from the promenade; budget around ISK 700–1,200 for a coffee, and about 20–45 minutes is plenty unless you’re lingering for photos. After that, head over to Kaffivagninn in Grandi for breakfast or brunch — it’s old-school, no-fuss, and exactly the kind of place locals use when they want a proper plate before a travel day. Expect roughly ISK 2,500–5,000 per person depending on how hungry you are, and if you’re there after the morning rush it’s usually easy to get a table without much waiting.
From Grandi, it’s straightforward to get onto the road back to Keflavík Airport: follow the signed route out of Reykjavík and onto Route 41, then toward the airport via Route 41/41-1 depending on your rental-car return setup. Build in at least 3 hours before departure, not because the drive is long — it’s usually about 45 minutes — but because returning a car, refuelling, and check-in can eat time fast, especially if the airport is busy. If you’re returning the car, fill up close to the airport so you’re not hunting around at the last minute, and keep your boarding passes and passports handy for an easy check-in through Keflavík. On a clear day, the drive out across the Reykjanes lava fields is a last dramatic look at Iceland’s landscape, so don’t rush it if you’ve got the buffer.
If you happen to have a tiny bit of extra time near the airport, there’s usually enough breathing room for a final coffee or snack once you’ve checked in, but otherwise keep the pace relaxed and let the day be the easy end to the trip. The airport is efficient, but queues can still appear at security in peak summer, so the safest move is to arrive with margin rather than assuming you’ll breeze through. Safe travels back to London — and if you’ve done the ring road properly, you’ll be leaving with a very full camera roll and probably a plan to come back in a different season.