I’m excited to start planning a trip to Iceland in September (I hope!).
I’m potentially looking at some self-drive tours, there are a couple of options for either the ring road or the Golden Circle.
It would be cool to drive all the way around Iceland, but looks like quite a lot of driving (I can do 8 days max). All the famous spots seem to be along the south coast and Golden circle, so I;m trying to weigh up whether the extra driving around the ring road is worth it, or whether it might be better to spend a bit more time in the south where I can relax more.
Of course, a huge draw for me is the hope of seeing the Aurora Borealis - so if this is more likely in the North then for me thats worth it as I know they are not guaranteed!
Has anyone driven the full ring road and can let me know what you thought vs just the South/Golden Circle?
I did the whole ring road going clockwise from Reykjavik in May 2017. It took me 10 days and as much as it’s definitely possible in 8 days, I struggle to think what I’d choose to cut out as every day was fantastic. Having said that, I had a 4x4 and got off the ring road a fair bit. You won’t be able to get to some of the places I went without one.
You’ve defo better aurora chances getting north in September.
The Golden Circle sites are great, but often crawling with coach loads of people, and the Blue Lagoon especially is an overpriced tourist trap. There are other enjoyable thermal spa alternatives around the country.
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Great to know @BigAndyC - do you have any highlight stops or must see from the Northern side of the ring road you can recommend?
It kinda depends what floats your boat. If you want thermal pools then they come in all manner of forms - my personal favourites were at Krossnelaug, Hofsos and Myvatn.
For volcanic features, all around the Myvatn area are extraordinary features. The trek to Skútustaðahreppur is worthwhile.
The drive to Seyðisfjörður is also good.