Finally, our dream came true: visiting Iceland in 10 days on the road, the most exciting trip of our lives driving a Suzuki Jimny.

We traveled the Ring Road along fjords and dirt roads, sometimes venturing into the interior, passing mountain passes and encountering various weather conditions.

Km after km you see the landscape gradually change, transporting you from green mountains to the coast, from black beaches to glaciers, volcanoes, geysers, lakes, and waterfalls of every size—2500 km of pure magic.

DAY 1: 333KM
Leaving Reykjavík, where we spent the first night, we set off for the Golden Circle known for 3 main attractions: Thingvellir National Park, where you can walk along two tectonic plates.

Geysir Hot Spring Area, where boiling hot springs are found around every corner and the mighty Strokkur Geysir erupts every few minutes, reaching heights of over 20 meters each time.

Gullfoss Waterfall, one of the most famous waterfalls from which the Golden Circle gets its name (Gullfoss = golden falls).

The day continues towards Skogafoss, surrounded by the green landscape of southern Iceland, not far from the waterfall Seljalandsfoss (in our opinion the most beautiful of all, especially at sunset, which is something truly magical), and finally, before heading to our accommodation, a stop reachable with about a 10-minute walk from the latter, the canyon waterfall Gljufrafoss.

Accommodation: a beautiful isolated cottage at Seljalandsfoss Horizons.

DAY 2: 373KM
Wake up at dawn, engines on, and we set off for a new day.

First stop Crashed DC 3 Plane: a walk of about 45 minutes to reach the wreck; coordinates 63°27’32.8”N, 19°21’53.2″W to input into your GPS to find the right parking.

On November 24, 1973, a Douglas Super DC-3 of the US Navy was forced to make an emergency landing on the remote beach of Sólheimasandur in southwestern Iceland. The entire crew survived the impact and got to safety, but the plane was abandoned there. Needless to say, this place is very evocative.

Dyrholaey: a volcanic peninsula containing a gigantic black lava arch over the sea. The view is majestic, with the Mýrdalsjökull glacier to the north and the Reynisdrangar black lava columns descending into the sea, while to the west the coast extends towards Selfoss. The area is well known among birdwatchers for the important puffin population nesting on the cliffs during the short northern summer.

Reynisfjara: the evocative beach of dark pebbles dominated by towering sea stacks and an impressive cliff of basalt columns.

Glacier Lagoon: the flotilla of icebergs floating in the Jökulsárlón lagoon left us speechless and the intensity of the blue hues reflected by sunlight dazzled us.

The icebergs break off from the glacier wall and can take up to 5 years to reach the lagoon’s end and enter the Atlantic Ocean.

With the “Zodiac Tour” excursion by the Glacier Lagoon agency, we had the chance to get close to the glacier wall and admire its grandeur.

Accommodation: Viking Cafe, a very simple room inside the Stokksnes reserve.

DAY 3: 300KM
We woke up at the Viking Cafe inside the Viking Village, a movie set prepared for a film that was never shot due to financial problems. It allows visitors to wander the beautiful location and imagine the past.

In the same reserve is Stokksnes, a natural wonder; we were very lucky to see it at dawn without a trace of fog.

Mount Vestrahorn on the Stokksnes peninsula in southeastern Iceland is one of the most breathtaking mountains in the country. It reaches 454 meters in height, has steep cliffs over a beautiful lagoon, and black sand beaches all around—a special delight for nature lovers.

We left Höfn, traveling along fjords in warm weather, moving along dirt roads from autumn to winter; here lies the famous church of Seydisfjordur and its Rainbow Street.

Accommodation: we stayed at Blàbjörg Resort, whose highlight is definitely the hot water tubs with ocean views.

DAY 4: 245KM
Studlagil Canyon: upon arrival at Klaustursel farm, leave the car and hike about 45 minutes to one hour from the parking lot to reach this majestic canyon; one of Iceland’s most beautiful and imposing basalt column formations.

Studlagil was almost unknown until recently because the canyon was previously submerged under the Jökla river; when the river level dropped a few years ago, the canyon appeared in all its magnificence.

Hverir: continuing our journey north, we encounter the volcanic area of Krafla, a caldera about 10 km wide; it feels like landing on Mars with boiling mud pools, lava formations, fumaroles, craters, and a strong sulfur smell.

Grjotagja Cave: a small lava cave near Lake Myvatn with hot springs. Part of the third season’s fifth episode of the TV series “Game of Thrones” was filmed here. Bathing is now forbidden due to toxic waters.

Accommodation: for this night, we chose to stay at Vogafjòs Farm House, where you can have breakfast overlooking cows.

DAY 5: 305KM
Dettifoss: one of the most beautiful and famous waterfalls in Iceland, 44 meters high, but with a very powerful water flow. It can be admired from both sides of the canyon with different effects. Its waters are always a rocky gray due to the large amounts of mud and debris carried along.

Husavik: here we went whale watching, one of the most beautiful experiences of our lives. Despite the rough sea caused by strong winds, we managed to spot whales; we trusted North Sailing for their respectful approach to the animals.

Accommodation: the first hotel of our tour was the Siglo Hotel, known for its fjord location and the hot tub on the harbor.

DAY 6: 108KM
Today is a slower day with fewer kilometers, so we enjoyed breakfast calmly.

Siglufjordur: a small fishing town in a narrow fjord of the same name on Iceland’s northern coast; known for its port and herring, the town once hosted 10,000 workers devoted to this fishing.

Grafarkirkia: a real turf church in the northern village of Hofsós. First documented in 1240, the current church dates to the 17th century. It was deconsecrated and used as a storage for farming tools. Its peculiarity is the grass circle surrounding it, visible only from above.

HVarmahlid: a small village of about 140 inhabitants; here we trusted Hestasport Riding, with helmets and rain suits for an hour-long ride on beautiful Icelandic horses.

Accommodation: we stayed in a cottage at Hestasport, unfortunately the accommodation was below expectations and we do not recommend it.

DAY 7: 416KM
Stykkisholmur: proximity to Breiðafjörður fjord, its picturesque harbor, and colorful houses can captivate anyone visiting the beautiful peninsula.

Kirkjufell: the TV series “Game of Thrones” made it one of the most visited places not only by fans but especially by photographers who include it as an iconic location in their itinerary. Its name comes from its shape resembling a church steeple, and its beauty also comes from the surrounding nature of green meadows and the waterfall flowing into a lake.

Ytri-tunga: a popular beach for seal watching; this location is one of the best for observing these friendly mammals. Respect the 50-meter distance rule from the animals.

Djupalonssandur: black sand and rocky formations amaze visitors. A volcanic landscape with moss-covered stones and multiform rocks on the black beach creates a unique scene. Walking here you can see remains of the Epine GY 7, a fishing vessel wrecked on March 13, 1948.

Accommodation: we chose Arnastapi Center on the Arnastapi peninsula, with cute cottages.

DAY 8: 287KM
Gatklettur: near the small fishing village of Arnarstapi is the natural stone arch Gatklettur in basalt; a favorite place for amateur and professional photographers.

Budir Black Church: probably the most photographed church in Iceland, located on the southern side of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Founded in 1703 and built in 1848, it is still used today for religious and musical events.

Freidheimar Tomatoes: an absolute must-see. A unique gastronomic experience in their restaurant, featuring tomato sauce and freshly baked bread, plus other delicacies in a setting surrounded by countless tomato plants. Their Bloody Mary is amazing.

Accommodation: we stayed in a beautiful yurt tent at Natura Yurtel glamping site.

DAY 9: 120KM
Reykjavik: the nation’s commercial and financial capital, and largest city. Home to the National Museum and Saga Museum tracing the Viking past. Hallgrimskirkja church, made of concrete, and Perlan, a building with a rotating glass dome, offer wide views of the sea and nearby hills.

Here a culinary must is the famous hot dog from Baejarins Beztu and a visit to Grandi Matholl, a food market with street food.

Sky Lagoon: last day dedicated to relaxation in the geothermal waters of this fantastic spa with an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. We chose it instead of the Blue Lagoon to try something different from the usual tour and were very satisfied, though the Blue Lagoon also definitely deserves a visit.

Accommodation: last night spent at Hotel Eyja, convenient near downtown with parking.

DAY 10: RETURN HOME!
Last half-day for shopping and souvenir hunting before heading to the airport in the afternoon to return to Italy.

We go home with hearts and eyes full of wonder—an unforgettable trip!

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