The Ring Road. Driving the Ring Road is one of the best ways to see many of Iceland’s highlights. You will find waterfalls, glaciers, hiking trails, charming towns, and so much more along this road trip.

Tour the Golden Circle. The Golden Circle includes three of Iceland’s most popular spots: Gullfoss, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Thingvellir National Park. You can self-drive the loop or take a tour from Reykjavik.

Explore Landmannalaugar. Landmannalaugar is an area in Iceland that is famous for its colorful rhyolite mountains and epic day hikes. Geothermal hot springs, lava fields, and unique hiking trails attract adventurous travelers all summer long.

See the Northern Lights. From September to April the northern lights are visible over Iceland. For the best viewing experience, see them from the Golden Circle, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, or along the Ring Road.

Skógafoss. Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. This waterfall is massive and to truly appreciate its size, you can stand right in front of it and witness its power.

Fimmvörðuháls Hike. The Fimmvörðuháls hike is Iceland’s best day hike. 26 waterfalls, 1 volcano, 2 glaciers, and 3 unique landscapes all combine for one of the most extraordinary hiking experiences on the planet.

The Blue Lagoon. Jump into Iceland’s natural geothermal spa just outside of Reykjavík. You can also enjoy delicious meals, skin-care treatments, saunas, and massages.

Dettifoss and Selfoss. Dettifoss is one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls. Just a short walk upstream is elegant Selfoss.

Walk on a Glacier. You can walk on Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, or you can walk on Sólheimajökull, a glacier on the south coast that is popular with day trippers from Reykjavík.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula. On the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, photograph Kirkjufell, walk through a lava tube, see nesting birds along dramatic coastal cliffs, visit black sand beaches, drive out to remote lighthouses, visit quaint coastal towns, and see the famous Budir black church.

Kerlingarfjöll and the Hveradalir Geothermal Area. Kerlingarfjöll is a mountain range located in Iceland’s central highlands. Tucked away within this mountain range is Hveradalir, a geothermal wonderland of steaming vents, boiling mud pools, and rainbow-colored hot springs.

It is best to visit Iceland from May through September, when the days are long and the roads are clear of snow. Landmannalaugar and Kerlingarfjoll are only open during this time of year. Just keep in mind that this is also the busiest time to visit Iceland, so make your hotel and rental car reservations well in advance.

If you want good weather and lower crowds, September is a good month to visit Iceland, but some unpaved roads and F-roads can close in mid-September.

It’s possible to drive the Ring Road year-round, but during the winter months, snow and whiteout conditions are likely. You should rent a 4×4 and you should have experience driving in snow and ice.