00:00Iceland is one of the most otherworldly places on the planet.
00:07Despite being a country smaller than Colorado,
00:09it's packed with colossal mountains, massive glaciers, powerful waterfalls,
00:13and some of Europe's most beautiful and difficult to pronounce landscapes.
00:17So we don't blame anyone who struggles to pick a road trip route.
00:20This seven-day itinerary will show you some of the best places to stop along Iceland's Ring Road,
00:25plus what to know before you go.
00:30Assuming you land in Reykjavík first thing in the morning,
00:34pick up your rental car and grab some road trip snacks in town before setting out.
00:38Many people will tell you to spend day one traveling around the Golden Circle,
00:41but we recommend skipping it for more impressive sights.
00:44Instead, make the three-hour drive from Reykjavík to Vík along the south coast.
00:47You'll start your trip with several quintessential Icelandic landmarks,
00:50including Selyalansfoss, Grufraubi, Skogafoss, and Reynisfiara, Iceland's most famous beach.
00:56For accommodations tonight, head for the Vík campsite,
00:58which lets you sleep in the shadow of mountains that cradle the town,
01:01or the modern Hotel Vík for a more upscale stay.
01:04Day two will take you from Vík to the Stocksnes Peninsula,
01:06about a three-and-a-half-hour drive.
01:08Just off Ring Road, you might consider a two-hour round-trip hike to Muleglufur,
01:12a steep, craggy canyon with a river snaking through it,
01:14and a magnificent 331-foot waterfall hidden at the end of the trail.
01:18Otherwise, you can head to Diamond Beach and Jökulsólun, an impressive glacial lagoon.
01:23You'll end your day on the Stocksnes Peninsula at one of the most incredible sights in Iceland,
01:27Vestrahorn, a jagged, jet-black mountain that juts up dramatically from a black sand beach on the country's east coast.
01:33Just around the corner from Vestrahorn set up camp for the night in the town of Herpen.
01:37There are several basic hotels in town, as well as camping Herpen,
01:40a scenic campground with cottages, RV sites, and views across the Stocksnes mountainscape.
01:45Days three and four will be your longest travel days by far, so stock up on snacks in Herpen.
01:49Leaving town, you'll drive in and out of the fjords along Iceland's east coast.
01:53Along the route, you'll spot impressive landscapes, including Eisterhorn Mountain, Vestrahorn's lesser-known, equally beautiful sibling, just 40 minutes away.
02:00We recommend an overnight stay in Ilstadir, the largest town in eastern Iceland,
02:04where you'll find plenty of lakeside B&Bs and hotels overlooking Lake Lurinn.
02:07About an hour from town, you can see puffins near the village of Borgefjörr Æstri during the summer,
02:12or take a dip at the Våkbats, thermal baths that float on Lake Ørðvatn year-round.
02:17From Ilstadir, travel on to Mívatn, a massive volcanic lake.
02:20Spend the afternoon soaking in the geothermally-heated Mívatn baths before landing in Akureyri, the unofficial capital of northern Iceland.
02:27While there are plenty of hotel options and campsites in and around town, you can't go wrong with the Hotel Akureyri.
02:33At this point, you may want a rest day.
02:35Walk around town, enjoy the laid-back vibes, and look out for Akureyri's famous heart-shaped streetlights.
02:40If you're up for it, there are plenty of day trips nearby.
02:42Make the one-hour drive to Húsavík, the whale-watching capital of Iceland,
02:46or the 30-minute drive to Gothafoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe.
02:50The stretch of ring road between Akureyri and Reykjavík is filled with options,
02:54so here are two recommendations for the last leg of your trip.
02:57You could travel to the Sneifelsnes Peninsula to see the iconic Kirkjufel Mountain.
03:01From there, those who want to extend their trip can take a ferry from nearby Stikisölnir up to the west fjords,
03:06the wildest least-touristed part of Iceland.
03:08Or head back to Reykjavík.
03:09While many people say that the Icelandic capital is a one-day stop at best, we would tend to disagree.
03:14If you know where to look, there's enough to do in the world's northernmost capital city to merit its own guide.
03:19Unique museums, Michelin-starred restaurants, the famous Helgrímskirkja church,
03:23and easy access to geothermal baths like the Sky Lagoon, a less crowded alternative to the Blue Lagoon.
03:28Here are four things to know before you go on an Icelandic road trip.
03:31First, always get the best car insurance your rental company offers.
03:36Iceland's roads are gravelly, windy, and winding, so it's best to be prepared.
03:40Two, remember to check Iceland's leading weather app and website, Vedder IS, for the weather forecast before you drive.
03:46The weather changes fast here, and trust me, you do not want to end up in a rain or snowstorm when you're driving along the fjords.
03:52Three, speaking of weather, you'll want to pack for it all.
03:55You will never regret bringing a few extra warm layers, as well as waterproof boots, pants, and jackets that'll keep you dry as you explore.
04:02And four, stay flexible with your plans.
04:05Between weather, seasonal road closures, volcanic activity, and long driving days, Iceland is a destination best explored slowly and flexibly.
04:13And there you have it. Let us know in the comments if there are any other stops you'd add to this trip.
04:17Thanks for watching and we'll catch you next time.
04:19We'll catch you next time.
04:21We'll catch you next time.
04:23Bye.
04:25Bye.
04:27pi
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