📸🎒 I really need to return to Iceland, I am in love. 🌋

Almost the minute I returned from my week long first Iceland visit, I began planning a longer, summer (to take advantage of the long hours of light) return. I am still researching and watching for the perfect opportunity, but here is what I have so far in creating my ultimate Icelandic Road Trip. I figure at minimum 11 days, but wish I had three months to take this beautiful country in.

Here is my 11-Day Ring Road Adventure Plan

Day 1: Reykjavík

• Arrive at the airport and take the bus to Blue Lagoon for a morning soak before heading into the capital. It is about an hour from the airport to Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon is along on the way.

• Explore the capital, including Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa, and the old harbor area.

• Make my way downtown to the Laundromat Café for the best chai tea and the quirkiest warm atmosphere ever! https://www.thelaundromatcafe.is/

Day 2: Golden Circle (for a summer view).

We did the Golden Circle on our last trip, but I want to go again, in summer.

• Visit Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss. Relax at the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir.

Day 3: South Coast

• Drive to Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, and then visit the Black Sand Beach at Reynisfjara. Overnight in Vík.

Day 4: Vatnajökull National Park

• Explore Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. Hike to the Svartifoss Waterfall. Overnight near Höfn.

Day 5: East Fjords

• Drive through the picturesque East Fjords, visiting small fishing villages like Djúpivogur. Overnight in Egilsstaðir.

Day 6: Lake Mývatn

• Visit Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall, and explore the geothermal wonders around Lake Mývatn, including the Mývatn Nature Baths. Overnight in Mývatn.

Day 7: North Iceland

• Explore Húsavík, known for whale watching, and visit Goðafoss, the waterfall of the gods. Overnight in Akureyri, Iceland's second-largest city.

Day 8: Westfjords

• Drive to Hólmavík and explore the remote and dramatic landscapes of the Westfjords, including Dynjandi Waterfall. Overnight in Ísafjörður.

Day 9: Snæfellsnes Peninsula

• Discover the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called "Iceland in Miniature," with stops at Kirkjufell, Arnarstapi, and Snæfellsjökull National Park. Overnight in Stykkishólmur.

Day 10: Borgarfjörður

• Visit the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls and explore the historic Reykholt overnight near Borgarnes.

Day 11: Return to Reykjavík

• Return to Reykjavík, with stops at Hvalfjörður fjord for a scenic hike or a visit to Akranes Lighthouse before concluding your journey in the capital.

This 11-day itinerary covers the full spectrum of Iceland's diverse landscapes, ensuring the best the country offers—from waterfalls and glaciers to volcanic landscapes and serene fjords. While I am still working on this and fine-tuning the trip, stops, and hikes, I will include every lagoon I can.